leaving home

this time it was final,

well, they tried to kill him

Christ left Nazareth

for a new home in Capernaum

they would not believe him

the words of Isaiah

coming alive in their hearing

to fulfill his destiny

====

March 25, 2013

video and

Spirit Study

March 10, 2013

&

Luke 4:18-21

Chapter 2,

“The Healing Ministry”

third book in a series of books -

“The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus”

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=1104578

by Reverend Adam Hamilton

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827

http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton

https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton

read 2/23/2012

&        

“Final Words from the Cross”

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802

&

“24 Hours That Changed the World”

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=833652

&           

Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://pastorruth.posterous.com

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH              

Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://pastorruth.posterous.com

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH              

March 10, 2013

Lent

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,560+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

out of the nest to bear witness

Christ like a young bird

brought to the edge of a cliff

thrown out of the nest

to bear effective witness

unable to stay at home

his neighbors unbelieving

sent into the world

to share God’s message

====

March 25, 2013

video and

Spirit Study

March 10, 2013

&

Luke 4:18-21

Chapter 2,

“The Healing Ministry”

third book in a series of books -

“The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus”

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=1104578

by Reverend Adam Hamilton

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827

http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton

https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton

read 2/23/2012

&        

“Final Words from the Cross”

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802

&

“24 Hours That Changed the World”

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=833652

&           

Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://pastorruth.posterous.com

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH              

Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://pastorruth.posterous.com

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH              

March 10, 2013

Lent

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 27,530+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

how long had he been away

they knew Jesus

but they didn’t know him

the man standing before them

far more than Joseph’s son

after the Jordan

his time in the desert

sent into ministry

God’s light to the world

====

March 25, 2013

video and

Spirit Study

March 10, 2013

&

Luke 4:18-21

Chapter 2,

“The Healing Ministry”

third book in a series of books -

“The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus”

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=1104578

by Reverend Adam Hamilton

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827

http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton

https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton

read 2/23/2012

&        

“Final Words from the Cross”

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802

&

“24 Hours That Changed the World”

http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=833652

&           

Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://pastorruth.posterous.com

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH              

Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://pastorruth.posterous.com

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH              

March 10, 2013

Lent

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,560+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

What He Could Have Done

The words of the devil,
taunting the Christ-child
alone in the desert
daring him to act

What he could have done
far more than he suggested
able easily to make
the stones into bread

Christ instead faithful
fasting in the desert
preparing himself, humbly
for his ministry

Tempted in all ways
by the devil there in the desert
rejecting it all
holding onto scripture

To be true to his calling
his reason for coming
rejecting the devil
taking on his servanthood


February 12, 2010
Luke 4:1-13
Readings from, “In the Name of Jesus”, by Henri Nouwen
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
on Luke 4:1-11,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 10, 2010
&
Luke 3:21-23
&
Luke 4:14:30
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Luke 4:12-30 for January 30, 2010
&
Isaiah 61:1



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

In the Words of Scripture

At the tip of his lips
ready to use them
the smooth stones of the wadi
carried in his mind
Ready to send them flying
to slay the giant
to stop the devil in his tracks

In the words of the scripture
the power to parry
to turn aside the arguments
to stay true to the king
Stones in his arsenal
more precious than armor
able to stand in the desert
against the temptations of sin


February 12, 2010
Luke 4:1-13
Readings from, “In the Name of Jesus”, by Henri Nouwen
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
on Luke 4:1-11,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 10, 2010
&
Luke 3:21-23
&
1 Samuel 17:1-58
&
Luke 4:14:30
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Luke 4:12-30 for January 30, 2010
&
Isaiah 61:1



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

More than we experience

The temptations of Christ
in the desert alone
more than we experience in life
so hungry, alone

He was confronted
by the devil for forty days
offered temptations
in every single way

No food to strengthen him
the word of God alone
the bulwark, the rock
to stave off the devil’s call

Remaining faithful
in all the trials of man
staying true to God
his calling from above

Going out into the world
to begin his ministry of love
tested by the devil
steeled by rejection of his hometown


February 11, 2010
Luke 4:1-13
Readings from, “In the Name of Jesus”, by Henri Nouwen
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
on Luke 4:1-11,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 10, 2010
&
Luke 3:21-23
&
Luke 4:14:30
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Luke 4:12-30 for January 30, 2010
&
Isaiah 61:1




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Rejected in His Hometown

The prophet unwanted
the change, the news to amazing
Jesus rejected in his hometown
the people could not believe

Surviving the devil
steeled by the desert
he walking right through the mob
to begin his ministry


February 11, 2010
Luke 4:14-30
&
Luke 4:1-13
Readings from, “In the Name of Jesus”, by Henri Nouwen
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
on Luke 4:1-11,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 10, 2010
&
Luke 3:21-23
&
Luke 4:14:30
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Luke 4:12-30 for January 30, 2010
&
Isaiah 61:1




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Exhausted from the desert

In the reading, the story of his ministry
how he came to return
to the home of his youth

Going to the waters, baptized by his cousin
the spirit/dove descending
bodily onto him

Sent by the spirit, straight into the desert
a test, temptation, the devil
conforming him with sin

Fighting with scripture, the word of God
the offerings of Satan
staying true to his call

Traveling home, to Nazareth
telling them of his mission
being sent out on a rail

Exhausted from desert
rejected in his hometown
sent out into the world
to spread his message of love


February 11, 2010
Luke 4:1-13
Readings from, “In the Name of Jesus”, by Henri Nouwen
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
on Luke 4:1-11,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 10, 2010
&
Luke 3:21-23
&
Luke 4:14:30
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Luke 4:12-30 for January 30, 2010
&
Isaiah 61:1




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Not taking the bait

Though he was tempted
hungry, alone in the desert
Jesus stood strong
calling on the word of God

Not taking the bait
the offerings of the devil
faithful to his path
in spite of his hunger

Reading from the scripture
reproving the devil
putting him on his heels
until a more opportune time


February 11, 2010
Mark 14:32-39
Matthew 26:36-42
Luke 22:39-46
&
Luke 4:1-13
Readings from, “In the Name of Jesus”, by Henri Nouwen
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
on Luke 4:1-11,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 10, 2010
&
Luke 3:21-23
&
Luke 4:14:30
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Luke 4:12-30 for January 30, 2010
&
Isaiah 61:1




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

More than we could stand

Trying to imagine
even with the spirit
living in the desert
for forty days without food

In that state, hunger
facing the devil
for forty days alone

Only the scripture
the spirit with him
protected by the hand of God

Able to withstand
his offerings
humble, but with the power
of the holy word of God


February 11, 2010
Luke 4:1-13
Readings from, “In the Name of Jesus”, by Henri Nouwen
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
on Luke 4:1-11,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 10, 2010
&
Luke 3:21-23
&
Luke 4:14:30
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Luke 4:12-30 for January 30, 2010
&
Isaiah 61:1




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Where We Could Not

A lesson for all people
the way he responded in the desert
faithful to his call
from God above

Christ tempted as we are
in the wilderness, desert
the devil seeking all
when they are hungry
suffering thirst

Offering us pleasures
all we can imagine
but unlike us
Christ denied them all

Remaining faithful
alone in the desert
the rock of scripture
like a suit of armor
protecting him
from the devil’s worst


February 11, 2010
Luke 4:1-13
Readings from, “In the Name of Jesus”, by Henri Nouwen
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
on Luke 4:1-11,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 10, 2010
&
Luke 3:21-23
&
Luke 4:14:30
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Luke 4:12-30 for January 30, 2010
&
Isaiah 61:1




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

In His Hunger

When he was hungry
alone in the desert
the tester, the tempter,
trying to change his path

Christ encountering
the devil in his hunger
remaining faithful
to the Lord, his servanthood

Honoring the law,
the teachings of scripture
a lesson in righteousness
for all of us to learn

Even in his hunger
alone in the desert
Christ remaining faithful
for that we give our thanks

Praise to our savior
who remembered his mission
come to the earth
to set us free from our sin


February 11, 2010
Luke 4:1-13
Readings from, “In the Name of Jesus”, by Henri Nouwen
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
on Luke 4:1-11,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 10, 2010
&
Luke 3:21-23
&
Luke 4:14:30
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Luke 4:12-30 for January 30, 2010
&
Isaiah 61:1




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Returning in the Garden

Like in the desert
Christ alone
this time the disciples
had fallen asleep

The devil tempting
once again offering
a way for Christ
to avoid his calling

Christ again
showing his faithfulness,
his servanthood;
accepting the father’s will
taking the cup to his lips


February 11, 2010
Mark 14:32-39
Matthew 26:36-42
Luke 22:39-46
&
Luke 4:1-13
Readings from, “In the Name of Jesus”, by Henri Nouwen
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
on Luke 4:1-11,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 10, 2010
&
Luke 3:21-23
&
Luke 4:14:30
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Luke 4:12-30 for January 30, 2010
&
Isaiah 61:1



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Kicked Out of Nazareth

Called by the Spirit
descending on his life a dove
rising from the waters
baptized by John

Tempted by the devil
starving in the desert
all the earthy pleasures
offered to him

Going home
reading the scripture
the definition of his call
too much for them to bear

Kicked out of Nazareth
out into the countryside
needing another place
to call his earthly home


February 11, 2010
Luke 4:1-13
Readings from, “In the Name of Jesus”, by Henri Nouwen
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
on Luke 4:1-11,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 10, 2010
&
Luke 3:21-23
&
Luke 4:14:30
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Luke 4:12-30 for January 30, 2010
&
Isaiah 61:1




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Stunned by the Words of Isaiah

Forced to open their minds,
to accept the possibility of change
The men of Nazareth, sitting in their synagogue
stunned by the words of Isaiah
the prophet read in their midst

The son of the carpenter
the boy they had known
claiming the prophecy of old
fulfilled in their hearing
too much for them
to them this was blasphemy


January 30, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Luke 4:12-30 for January 30, 2010
Isaiah 61:1

Challenging their Unbelief

Speaking directly, assertively
the ancient words of Isaiah
claiming the coming of the prophecy
all of this fulfilled
The example of the people
ignoring the words of the prophets
like him forced to teach to foreigners


January 30, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for January 25, 2010 to January 31, 2010,
“A Standing Invitation”,
by Ray Waddle
Luke 4:12-30 for January 30, 2010
Isaiah 61:1

Walking with Jesus

Hearing his call,
speaking directly to me
the love in his warm eyes
they mean the world to me

Walking with Jesus
by the shore of Galilee
leaving my life, my home
to walk the lands with him

Looking at my hands
the callous from the nets
my hands softening
as I left the shore, the sea

The dust chokes my throat
the roads a blur
finding the crowds shouting
to get close to our Lord

Seeing his touch of the sick
healing in his words, his eyes
their faith trembling
feeling the love he shared

His word bringing comfort
changing people to their core
walking from town to town
the shore, the roads, the cities
to the city of Jerusalem

Teaching along the way
our group and the crowds as well
the dust, the grit of the road heavy
grime layered on our clothes and sandals
carried everywhere we went


January 16, 2010

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Jaws Dropping

As he sat, the words he had read
these he had proclaimed
stating plainly his divinity
the prophecy fulfilled
that very day revealed.
The Messiah, this man?
This boy they had known?
Jaws dripping the pronouncement
the words of the prophet come to life
from one of them the Messiah come.


July 22, 2009 and July 24, 2009
Luke 4:16-21 and
Isaiah 43:18-21
The scripture readings for
the sermon, “The Power of Vision”
by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
July 26, 2009

Return to the Cross

To understand, the real weight
the gravity of his act, we must return
As we return to Bethlehem,
as we kneel at the manger bed.

We travel, we journey,
our face, with his, set on Jerusalem,
We return to the cross
to his suffering, to his sacrifice

Each Lenten season a pilgrimage
from our comfort, our day to day
Walking beside our savior,
journeying with him, as they did

The first disciples, not fully comprehending
needing too this reminder
these days of reflection
preparing us, our lives to him
as we return to the cross.


March 15, 2009
on posting the poem, “Return to Bethlehem”,
to christianpoetry.org today
-----
Return to Bethlehem

We must return, to Nazareth, to Bethlehem
to the river, the Jordan
to the time of the Christ, with us
before his birth, hopeful, waiting
wondering when the Messiah will come
when the prophecy of old will be fulfilled

Each year, Adventide
journeying with Mary, with Joseph
following His star, traveling far
leaving our fields, listening to the angels

Returning to Bethlehem
to fall to our knees
at his manger bed

December 12 and 13, 2008

Claimed by the Father

By his voice, boldly, clearly
by the awesome voice of God
Jesus of Nazareth,
rising in baptism from the Jordan
Claimed by the Father as his own
the babe no longer a child
his time of learning, of growing done
Ready to fulfill his part in the Master’s plan
coming to John in the Jordan
charting a course long ago written
the steps of the servant numbered
the lamb following the Master’s voice
Marked by the Father,
by the Spirit’s branding
forever would his life now,
be at the Master’s command

January 12, 2009
Mark 1:4-11
Mark 1:12-13
Acts 19:1-7
and sermon, “Child of God”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 11, 2009
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and sermon title, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH