Rock; stumbling block
passive – aggressive, follow
hide, run, walk by faith
January 26, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Superbowl Haiku - 2
Nineteen and zero
Just win one more, Patriots
Team of Destiny!
January 26, 2008
http://www.onlyagame.org/
Just win one more, Patriots
Team of Destiny!
January 26, 2008
http://www.onlyagame.org/
He Called Me
There I was, with my partners, my brother
working, as we had for years, toiling in our boat
on the Sea of Galilee, fishermen,
that is what we were, until that day
He was the one, baptized by John
in the Jordan, or so was the story
about this man, Jesus
He called me, Me,
to follow Him,
to be fishers of men,
no longer in my boat
doing what I had always known
He called Me
And I followed Him
January 26, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
working, as we had for years, toiling in our boat
on the Sea of Galilee, fishermen,
that is what we were, until that day
He was the one, baptized by John
in the Jordan, or so was the story
about this man, Jesus
He called me, Me,
to follow Him,
to be fishers of men,
no longer in my boat
doing what I had always known
He called Me
And I followed Him
January 26, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
The Weight of the Dove
He was forever changed,
the weight of the dove, the spirit of God
resting upon him, still upon him
its impression visible, transforming
as he walked the shore, as he called the brothers,
the brothers in labor, in ministry to come
the fishermen, James and John,
Andrew and Simon, the rock
Before the ministry, before the transfiguration
at the very start, his life changed
with the weight of the dove upon him
January 26, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
the weight of the dove, the spirit of God
resting upon him, still upon him
its impression visible, transforming
as he walked the shore, as he called the brothers,
the brothers in labor, in ministry to come
the fishermen, James and John,
Andrew and Simon, the rock
Before the ministry, before the transfiguration
at the very start, his life changed
with the weight of the dove upon him
January 26, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Following the Master
Before he was known, before he was seen
healing, teaching, he walked the shore
fresh from his cleansing, the anointing by the Spirit
the weight of the dove still upon him
He saw brothers, fishermen
There on the shore, he called them
to follow him, to walk with him,
to fish for men, the hearts of men
to turn them toward God,
a right understanding of love
of heavenly righteousness
He called them, and their lives changed
no longer were they fishermen
on the shore, in the boats, mending nets
hauling their catch
They were called to different work
following the Master
January 26, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
healing, teaching, he walked the shore
fresh from his cleansing, the anointing by the Spirit
the weight of the dove still upon him
He saw brothers, fishermen
There on the shore, he called them
to follow him, to walk with him,
to fish for men, the hearts of men
to turn them toward God,
a right understanding of love
of heavenly righteousness
He called them, and their lives changed
no longer were they fishermen
on the shore, in the boats, mending nets
hauling their catch
They were called to different work
following the Master
January 26, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Just how far have we come?
In this week when we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I am forced to wonder aloud, “Just how far have we come”, as a nation, as a people, in reaching Dr. King’s dream?
I observed a troubling scene this morning. I was just an on-looker. I do not know what was in the hearts of the children. Any conclusion is merely my own, based on how it appeared.
Two young boys, one tow-head white and one ebony-black, likely a refugee child from Africa who may not yet speak English, were waiting in line to go into school. The black boy was ahead of the white boy in line. The white boy was just a few inches taller, heavier. He was facing the other boy. He had his right hand held on the front of the other boy’s throat. It looked to me like the way a pit-bull, or other similar dog or a big-cat grasps its prey, immobilizing it. The other boy, facing me, did not move. I was struck by the scene. It may have been about 10 seconds, at most, before I stepped in to stop it.
The staff moved in at the same moment, moved the attacker, and kept him separated. The teacher was alerted to what happened.
The school did the right thing, as far as I could tell, responding quickly.
But what of the two boys? What lessons have they been taught that led to this assault? What lessons did they learn on the playground this day? What supports will they get? How far have we come as a people, to achieve Dr. King’s dream? How color blind are we?
And, aside from the different colors of the children, there is the disturbing issue of bullying that continues to be seen in schools, even with laws and policies on the subject.
Our society has not become the kind of place Dr. King dreamed of where all would be treated equally.
We can only hope and pray that in small incremental steps, individual lives can be changed for the better, and that we all will act when we see injustice. I hope that both the aggressor and the victim in this incident get the love, care, support, and learning they need so that this never happens again.
&
I observed a troubling scene this morning. I was just an on-looker. I do not know what was in the hearts of the children. Any conclusion is merely my own, based on how it appeared.
Two young boys, one tow-head white and one ebony-black, likely a refugee child from Africa who may not yet speak English, were waiting in line to go into school. The black boy was ahead of the white boy in line. The white boy was just a few inches taller, heavier. He was facing the other boy. He had his right hand held on the front of the other boy’s throat. It looked to me like the way a pit-bull, or other similar dog or a big-cat grasps its prey, immobilizing it. The other boy, facing me, did not move. I was struck by the scene. It may have been about 10 seconds, at most, before I stepped in to stop it.
The staff moved in at the same moment, moved the attacker, and kept him separated. The teacher was alerted to what happened.
The school did the right thing, as far as I could tell, responding quickly.
But what of the two boys? What lessons have they been taught that led to this assault? What lessons did they learn on the playground this day? What supports will they get? How far have we come as a people, to achieve Dr. King’s dream? How color blind are we?
And, aside from the different colors of the children, there is the disturbing issue of bullying that continues to be seen in schools, even with laws and policies on the subject.
Our society has not become the kind of place Dr. King dreamed of where all would be treated equally.
We can only hope and pray that in small incremental steps, individual lives can be changed for the better, and that we all will act when we see injustice. I hope that both the aggressor and the victim in this incident get the love, care, support, and learning they need so that this never happens again.
&
edited
January 19, 2015
Changing
the Wind – v3
(merging
edits to original and version 2)
Edited
July 22, 2013
“changing
the wind – v2”
December 7, 2007
“changing the wind”
Based on the comments of Jim Wallis on
Speaking of Faith, November 29, 2007
He was talking about whether to change politicians
or change the wind, to change the public opinion
which guides politics. He used the example
of President Johnson’s statement to the
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that it would
take 5 years for a voting rights bill but
it actually took 5 months to pass the Voting Rights Act,
after the March in Selma.
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, 2015. All rights
reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 35,260+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
In My Arms
The savior of the world, the one we had hoped for,
the Messiah we prayed for his coming,
held in my arms, falling into the water together
baptized with water,
right next to me, as we came up
out of the water, the Jordan
the Spirit of God shone down from heaven
tearing the curtain, heaven and earth one
Alighting on him, the Spirit of God
Wake the neighbors, the Savior Lives!
January 23, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
the Messiah we prayed for his coming,
held in my arms, falling into the water together
baptized with water,
right next to me, as we came up
out of the water, the Jordan
the Spirit of God shone down from heaven
tearing the curtain, heaven and earth one
Alighting on him, the Spirit of God
Wake the neighbors, the Savior Lives!
January 23, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Ruby Slippers
A pair of ruby slippers
sequined and well-worn
Old friends gingerly placed,
lovingly left for another day
I don’t know their owner;
but I have seen the smiles, the glee
I can imagine, from my own princesses
and their joy in dress-up
time when their wonder, magic
rubs off on me
Oh, I can imagine her so well
and the giggles that erupt
each time she slips them back on
January 22, 2008
sequined and well-worn
Old friends gingerly placed,
lovingly left for another day
I don’t know their owner;
but I have seen the smiles, the glee
I can imagine, from my own princesses
and their joy in dress-up
time when their wonder, magic
rubs off on me
Oh, I can imagine her so well
and the giggles that erupt
each time she slips them back on
January 22, 2008
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, 2015. All rights
reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 39,020+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Casting Their Nets
Casting their nets into the sea
seeking their food, their livelihood
dropping their nets, their lives
at the word of the carpenter
offering them bigger game, bigger stakes
if they would follow him
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:18-20
seeking their food, their livelihood
dropping their nets, their lives
at the word of the carpenter
offering them bigger game, bigger stakes
if they would follow him
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:18-20
Repent – haiku – 7
Repent, confess sin
washed clean in the river
new creatures in Christ
washed clean in the river
new creatures in Christ
January 22, 2008
Repent – haiku – 7
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:18-20
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 32,900+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Repent – haiku – 6
Shed your old skin, self
be a new creation, live
joy in the morning
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
be a new creation, live
joy in the morning
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
Repent – haiku – 5 – v2
Reverse the course, path
follow a new direction
the straight and narrow
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
follow a new direction
the straight and narrow
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
Repent – haiku – 5 – v1
Reverse the course, flow
embark on a new pathway
the straight and narrow
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
embark on a new pathway
the straight and narrow
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
Repent – haiku – 4
Love God, not mammon;
be born anew, adopted
Turn from your old self
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
be born anew, adopted
Turn from your old self
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
Repent – haiku – 3 – v2
Wash with the Spirit
Be made clean in your true heart
set your trust in God
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
Be made clean in your true heart
set your trust in God
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
Repent – haiku – 3 – v1
Wash with the Spirit
Be made clean in your true heart
set your sight on God
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
Be made clean in your true heart
set your sight on God
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
Repent – haiku – 2 – v3
Change your direction
change your ways, your life, your heart
change your steps to God
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
change your ways, your life, your heart
change your steps to God
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
Repent – haiku – 2 – v2
Change your direction
change your ways, your life, your heart
change your sight to God
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
change your ways, your life, your heart
change your sight to God
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
Repent – haiku – 2 – v1
Change your direction
change your ways, your life, your heart
change your path to God
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
change your ways, your life, your heart
change your path to God
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
Repent – haiku – 1
Turn around, reverse
turn away from your past, sin
turn toward the Lord
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
turn away from your past, sin
turn toward the Lord
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Matthew 4:17
They Went With Him
The shoreline, the world
was different in that instance,
a page turned in human history
His ministry truly begun
when the disciples left their nets, their boats
their lives behind to follow the Christ
His earthy journey truly begun
in those acts of faith, that trust
Starting a course that led to the cross,
the grave, the resurrection, to Pentecost;
but even in the sudden purposeful rising
from the shore, their nets
They marked a change in the world
the Messiah had come, and they
they would be his nets
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
was different in that instance,
a page turned in human history
His ministry truly begun
when the disciples left their nets, their boats
their lives behind to follow the Christ
His earthy journey truly begun
in those acts of faith, that trust
Starting a course that led to the cross,
the grave, the resurrection, to Pentecost;
but even in the sudden purposeful rising
from the shore, their nets
They marked a change in the world
the Messiah had come, and they
they would be his nets
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
He Didn’t Ask
They followed
when he said to follow
not a request, not a question.
He didn’t ask, “will you follow me?”
He made a promise, a pledge,
giving purpose to their lives,
lives spent fishing, mending
They would now fish for human hearts
“Follow me,” the Master said
and they left all to follow him
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
when he said to follow
not a request, not a question.
He didn’t ask, “will you follow me?”
He made a promise, a pledge,
giving purpose to their lives,
lives spent fishing, mending
They would now fish for human hearts
“Follow me,” the Master said
and they left all to follow him
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
In the Boat, Left
They left, to follow him
to be his fishers of men;
he and the hired hands
were left behind, in the boat
to carry on without them.
They were called
to another way
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
to be his fishers of men;
he and the hired hands
were left behind, in the boat
to carry on without them.
They were called
to another way
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
They Followed
Seemingly without further thought
without question or doubt
they stood when he called
left their homes, their lives
their nets on the shore
and moved with him
into the countryside
to begin their work
with him; but
all because he called them
to follow him,
to be fishers of men
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
without question or doubt
they stood when he called
left their homes, their lives
their nets on the shore
and moved with him
into the countryside
to begin their work
with him; but
all because he called them
to follow him,
to be fishers of men
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
The Master Called
They were doing their work
sitting by the sea, mending their nets
what they had always done
the task at hand
He came to them, called them
out of their lives, to another calling
to fish for people, for the human heart
to bring us into a relationship
with God. But He didn’t say all of that
Those things would come later
He merely said to follow me
I need you, I have called you
and they left all
and followed him
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
sitting by the sea, mending their nets
what they had always done
the task at hand
He came to them, called them
out of their lives, to another calling
to fish for people, for the human heart
to bring us into a relationship
with God. But He didn’t say all of that
Those things would come later
He merely said to follow me
I need you, I have called you
and they left all
and followed him
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Fishers of Men – haiku - 6
be like they were, then
ready to leave all behind
become fishers too
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
ready to leave all behind
become fishers too
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Fishers of Men – haiku - 5
Nets, family, sea
Left behind, following him
Our story foretold
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Left behind, following him
Our story foretold
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Fishers of Men – haiku - 4
Leaving the shore, the nets
all they had ever known for him
to spread the good news
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
all they had ever known for him
to spread the good news
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Fishers of Men – haiku - 3
followed his call
left all to go with the Christ
believed in him
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
left all to go with the Christ
believed in him
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Fishers of Men – haiku - 2
They were seeking men
to bring us to God, to save
reconcile us all
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
to bring us to God, to save
reconcile us all
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Fishers of Men – haiku - 1
Fishers of humans
casting other nets, waters
messengers of hope
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
casting other nets, waters
messengers of hope
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
Mending Their Nets
They were busy, unproductive,
preparing, mending their nets
on the shore of the lake
waiting, seeking, ready.
He called to them, to step up
to leave all, to go with him
to be fishers for people,
casting different nets
for different quarry,
They left all, to follow him
leaving unmended the nets
that didn’t matter to them any longer
leaving the day to day
for an unknown future
with boldness
they would need later
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
John 1:29-42
preparing, mending their nets
on the shore of the lake
waiting, seeking, ready.
He called to them, to step up
to leave all, to go with him
to be fishers for people,
casting different nets
for different quarry,
They left all, to follow him
leaving unmended the nets
that didn’t matter to them any longer
leaving the day to day
for an unknown future
with boldness
they would need later
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
John 1:29-42
Marking Time - 1
Biding their time, mending their nets,
sitting on the shore of the lake
Fishermen tending to their work,
between fishing, sitting on shore
Marking the turn of the sun, the march of time
waiting for the one, to change the world
Answering the call, immediately,
dropping the day to day, the normalcy
the work-a-day world
Following when they were called
and going another way
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
John 1:29-42
sitting on the shore of the lake
Fishermen tending to their work,
between fishing, sitting on shore
Marking the turn of the sun, the march of time
waiting for the one, to change the world
Answering the call, immediately,
dropping the day to day, the normalcy
the work-a-day world
Following when they were called
and going another way
January 22, 2008
Matthew 4:12-23
John 1:29-42
Fishermen - 2
To be called to be fishers of men
casting nets, casting a single line
out into the sea, the rolling sea
to find the stocks, the untapped harvest
to be the ones bringing them aboard
into the belly of the ship
into the storehouses, the temple,
the synagogue
into the pews,
casting the words
out into the multitude
to reach the urgent ear, the willing heart
to change the life of the faithful
those waiting to be found
hoping for a different, better way
a way out of the darkness
to that way home
gathered in by the fishers of men
to the harvest, to the flock
to the shepherd, the carpenter, the king
January 22, 2008
casting nets, casting a single line
out into the sea, the rolling sea
to find the stocks, the untapped harvest
to be the ones bringing them aboard
into the belly of the ship
into the storehouses, the temple,
the synagogue
into the pews,
casting the words
out into the multitude
to reach the urgent ear, the willing heart
to change the life of the faithful
those waiting to be found
hoping for a different, better way
a way out of the darkness
to that way home
gathered in by the fishers of men
to the harvest, to the flock
to the shepherd, the carpenter, the king
January 22, 2008
Leaving John
The left him in the river
baptizing as he had
to follow the Christ,
the living Messiah,
the fulfillment,
not of the prophesy alone
The fulfillment of the hope of a nation
the embodiment of countless prayers,
of dreams for a better tomorrow,
opening now before them.
Following him, leaving John.
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
baptizing as he had
to follow the Christ,
the living Messiah,
the fulfillment,
not of the prophesy alone
The fulfillment of the hope of a nation
the embodiment of countless prayers,
of dreams for a better tomorrow,
opening now before them.
Following him, leaving John.
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
He has Come
The one, the one foretold
the one for whom I have been called
to make the way clear
Has come!
He is here, in my arms,
walking among us
falling into the water
rising clean, anointed,
prepared for his ministry
right here and now!
The savior came!
January 22, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
the one for whom I have been called
to make the way clear
Has come!
He is here, in my arms,
walking among us
falling into the water
rising clean, anointed,
prepared for his ministry
right here and now!
The savior came!
January 22, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
A Voice Crying
His was the prescient voice,
crying in the wilderness, proclaiming the coming
of the Messiah, coming to baptize
What a wondrous moment
to see the fruit, the living Messiah
there in his arms, falling into the water
the Spirit falling on Him
anointing the king, right there
A ministry fulfilled in that instance
a life changed, ready to be witness
to the miracle, the coming of the Messiah
the Lamb of God, blessed by the dove
Look everyone – It is Him!
January 22, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
crying in the wilderness, proclaiming the coming
of the Messiah, coming to baptize
What a wondrous moment
to see the fruit, the living Messiah
there in his arms, falling into the water
the Spirit falling on Him
anointing the king, right there
A ministry fulfilled in that instance
a life changed, ready to be witness
to the miracle, the coming of the Messiah
the Lamb of God, blessed by the dove
Look everyone – It is Him!
January 22, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
Disciples – haiku – 1
the first disciples
followers of John, Baptist
Follow Jesus now
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
followers of John, Baptist
Follow Jesus now
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
They Followed Him
They belonged to John
watching him in the desert, the wilderness;
But they left him
To follow the Christ,
the Messiah incarnate
Leaving all they knew
for the unknown journey ahead
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
watching him in the desert, the wilderness;
But they left him
To follow the Christ,
the Messiah incarnate
Leaving all they knew
for the unknown journey ahead
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
Witness – haiku – 5
Tell the disciples
the Messiah has come nigh
wade in this water
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
the Messiah has come nigh
wade in this water
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
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 28,960+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Witness – haiku – 4 – v2
Seeing the Spirit
the dove descending on him
tell the nation, world
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
the dove descending on him
tell the nation, world
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
Witness – haiku – 4 – v1
Seeing the Spirit
the dove descending on him
tell all the people!
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
the dove descending on him
tell all the people!
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
Witness – haiku – 3
water – wilderness
cleanse, repent, sins removed
new creation; being
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
cleanse, repent, sins removed
new creation; being
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
Witness – haiku – 2
Stand in the river
baptize with water; witness
anointing spirit
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
baptize with water; witness
anointing spirit
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
Witness – haiku – 1
seeing, testify
speak in details witnessed
Proclaim anointing
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
speak in details witnessed
Proclaim anointing
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
One Who Sees – haiku – 1 – v2
witness to power
fulfillment of prophesy
anointing spirit
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
fulfillment of prophesy
anointing spirit
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
One Who Sees – haiku – 1 - v1
witness to power
fulfillment of prophesy
anointing water
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
fulfillment of prophesy
anointing water
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
Not on the Stand
His testimony, not on the stand,
no court of law.
He stood in the river,
on the riverbank
proclaiming his witness
to the anointing of the Son
by the spirit of God.
Telling all who would hear,
who would stop and listen
that He was here, among them
The anointed one walking
the dusty roads of earth
ready to baptize with the Spirit
the same spirit of God
which rested upon him
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
no court of law.
He stood in the river,
on the riverbank
proclaiming his witness
to the anointing of the Son
by the spirit of God.
Telling all who would hear,
who would stop and listen
that He was here, among them
The anointed one walking
the dusty roads of earth
ready to baptize with the Spirit
the same spirit of God
which rested upon him
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
A Witness
Excited language
a witness to history
a singular moment
the anointing of the new king
by the Holy Spirit
descending like a dove
Proclaiming with shouts,
exclaiming the sudden, good news.
The Messiah has come!
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
a witness to history
a singular moment
the anointing of the new king
by the Holy Spirit
descending like a dove
Proclaiming with shouts,
exclaiming the sudden, good news.
The Messiah has come!
January 21, 2008
John 1:29-42 and sermon,
“Witness”, by Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 1/20/08
Monday, January 21, 2008
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Fall – haiku
Choices bear ripe fruit
good and evil struggle within
free will legacy
January 19, 2008
good and evil struggle within
free will legacy
January 19, 2008
The Garden – haiku
made for our pleasure
with rules, wonders, delights, costs
consequences still
January 19, 2008
with rules, wonders, delights, costs
consequences still
January 19, 2008
On the Cross
While yet on the cross
Christ foregave those killing him –
a model of grace
January 19, 2008
Christ foregave those killing him –
a model of grace
January 19, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Creator – haiku
There before the start
the one who made the heavens
the one who made us
January 19, 2008
the one who made the heavens
the one who made us
January 19, 2008
Born – haiku - 2
Born to save us all
to bring us out of darkness
Hope for the whole world
January 19, 2008
to bring us out of darkness
Hope for the whole world
January 19, 2008
Your Will – haiku
Call me in the night
cut through the haze of today
guide me to your will
January 19, 2008
cut through the haze of today
guide me to your will
January 19, 2008
The Church – haiku – 1
His is the one head
head of our eternal faith
Your disciples here
January 19, 2008
head of our eternal faith
Your disciples here
January 19, 2008
Lost – haiku - 1
I was lost, alone
without your love, your presence
Your love, dear Jesus
January 18, 2008
without your love, your presence
Your love, dear Jesus
January 18, 2008
Friday, January 18, 2008
Moon in the Blue
The sky blue, over the city
the face of the three-quarter moon
turned up and to the left
the roundness plain in the sky
a marble suspended in space
watching down on us,
character and history visible
in its glowing face
reminding me once more
of the words penned earlier this week
the message in the memory
the reflecting of light
we are called to do,
using the moon as our example,
our guide, our templar, avatar
January 18, 2008
the face of the three-quarter moon
turned up and to the left
the roundness plain in the sky
a marble suspended in space
watching down on us,
character and history visible
in its glowing face
reminding me once more
of the words penned earlier this week
the message in the memory
the reflecting of light
we are called to do,
using the moon as our example,
our guide, our templar, avatar
January 18, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Creed – cinquain
Creed
core beliefs
informing our views
something to hold onto
dogma
January 16, 2008
Apostle’s Creed
core beliefs
informing our views
something to hold onto
dogma
January 16, 2008
Apostle’s Creed
Creed - haiku
What we believe
there are our very essence
one faith, simple terms
January 16, 2008
Apostle’s Creed
there are our very essence
one faith, simple terms
January 16, 2008
Apostle’s Creed
Creed
The words of our faith
the boiled down core,
for those who believe
throughout the ages
down to the present day
the words we share
around the world
as believers
January 16, 2008
Apostle’s Creed
the boiled down core,
for those who believe
throughout the ages
down to the present day
the words we share
around the world
as believers
January 16, 2008
Apostle’s Creed
Before I was Born
Called to your grace
your love, your service
before I was born,
so I am Lord, your servant
willfully disobeying,
dragging my feet
relying on the world, self
Turning to you, your knock
your calling to the door
the doorway of my heart
Hearing that long ago calling
nascent within me,
that seed planted in the world
The story of the faithful
growing out of that seed,
your son, example and witness
to your love for the world,
all your willful children
offering open arms,
loving rest in the end
for those who heed
the calling from
before we were born
the calling of our hearts,
your still small voice
speaking from within us
January 16, 2008
Isaiah 49:1-7
your love, your service
before I was born,
so I am Lord, your servant
willfully disobeying,
dragging my feet
relying on the world, self
Turning to you, your knock
your calling to the door
the doorway of my heart
Hearing that long ago calling
nascent within me,
that seed planted in the world
The story of the faithful
growing out of that seed,
your son, example and witness
to your love for the world,
all your willful children
offering open arms,
loving rest in the end
for those who heed
the calling from
before we were born
the calling of our hearts,
your still small voice
speaking from within us
January 16, 2008
Isaiah 49:1-7
Cross – haiku
the wood heavy, rough
his sweat, his blood, his weight hung
dying there for us
January 16, 2008
his sweat, his blood, his weight hung
dying there for us
January 16, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Day Moon – 2
High up in the pure blue sky
clear blue, without clouds
the face of the half moon
reflecting the light of the sun
So must we be, if we are
If we are to be the light to the nations
reflecting God’s light, God’s love
to everyone, everywhere
into the darkest dungeon,
the heart with despair,
offering hope, light
to all the world
January 15, 2008
Isaiah 42:1-9
Matthew 5:14-16
clear blue, without clouds
the face of the half moon
reflecting the light of the sun
So must we be, if we are
If we are to be the light to the nations
reflecting God’s light, God’s love
to everyone, everywhere
into the darkest dungeon,
the heart with despair,
offering hope, light
to all the world
January 15, 2008
Isaiah 42:1-9
Matthew 5:14-16
Led to Your Son
Holy words of love
written for you and me
filling the pages of the book
where we find hope, instruction
our history, their history
the laws, the ordinances, the ways
to You, our Father;
But mostly, the words lead to Your son
to our brother, the Christ
the one who set the example
being born, being love.
In the end, all the words
lead to you Jesus, our savior.
January 15, 2008
written for you and me
filling the pages of the book
where we find hope, instruction
our history, their history
the laws, the ordinances, the ways
to You, our Father;
But mostly, the words lead to Your son
to our brother, the Christ
the one who set the example
being born, being love.
In the end, all the words
lead to you Jesus, our savior.
January 15, 2008
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Sermon, "Beacons of Light", by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, January 13, 2008, Sanbornville, United Methodist Church, Wakefield, NH
Baptism of the Lord Sunday
Matthew 3:13-17/Isaiah 42:6-9
Good Morning…today is the Baptism of the Lord Sunday. What a glorious day it is. It was the day…that…marked the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. It was the day that…marked the beginning of OUR salvation story. What a great day it is indeed!
Matthew 3:13-17/Isaiah 42:6-9
Good Morning…today is the Baptism of the Lord Sunday. What a glorious day it is. It was the day…that…marked the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. It was the day that…marked the beginning of OUR salvation story. What a great day it is indeed!
How many of you remember your baptism? Well…I was baptized twice in my life. Once…when I was an infant so I don’t remember it…but…the second one I remember it well. It was when I was around 37…I was baptized by immersion at the church I belonged to at the time. I remember coming up out of the waters and knowing I was a changed person. I knew that…my life was no longer my own…I knew that I was adopted into a royal priesthood with Christ as my guide. It was an overwhelmingly joyous time in my life and was the beginning of a new life with Christ as the head of it.
Baptism… What is baptism? What happens when we are baptized…do we have to do it every time we sin or is it a “one shot deal”…how can we be truly free…after baptism…what’s next? How should our lives be different? These are questions that many people ask…my prayer is that we will be able to have a better understanding of our baptism, the freedom that is offered us and all the joy that surrounds that time in our lives by taking a look at baptism and what takes place during our baptism as well as how are lives should be after baptism.
Well…in Colossians 2 vs. 11-12…it speaks of baptism as spiritual circumcision and being raised with Christ. The verses state: “11In him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of the sinful nature, not with a circumcision done by the hands of men but with the circumcision done by Christ, 12having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.” It introduces us to sharing in Christ’s suffering and death because we are “buried with Him.” “We are raised with Him through faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.” We believe that…through God’s power…we too are raised from our death but our death is the sin that we cause and live in. We believe we are forgiven of our sins by this same power of God.
Now in verses 13-14…it goes on to say that “13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.” Now before baptism…these Colossian Christians were dead…alienated from God…they mired in sin…but now they are “alive” because God forgave their sins. God canceled the “legal note of debt” and Christ took the note on Himself. This is also the way that we are before our baptism…we are also alienated…dead…miring in the mud of sin. And we too are made alive in Christ. WE are set FREE!
Baptism…this is a five-part process:
Baptism…this is a five-part process:
1. Dying to sin…Baptism represents…an outward sign…of what has taken place inside. We are born sinful because of Adam and Eve’s sin in the garden (I am going to have to have a talk with Eve when I am called home…what was she thinking?). Even an infant that is baptized dies to sin, as I have stated we are all born sinful because of the first sin. We are all descendants of Adam and Eve and are under the same curse.
2. Newness of life…we put away our old life and start living a new life found in Christ Jesus. All things are new. There is no record of our past transgressions. We get a “do over.” But then again…our God is a God of second, third, fourth chance and so on. Look at God’s history with Israel in the Old Testament if you ever doubted that. 2 Cor. 5:17-18a tells us that “if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ (THANK YOU JESUS!)” At baptism we are liberated…freed…from sin! This is God’s action to fulfill the divine promise of salvation. We rise to begin a new life in Christ.
3. Union with Christ…We become Co-heirs with Jesus. As I have sated…we are adopted into the “Royal Family”. We are completely forgiven and we are like the Prodigal Son returning home with our Father seeing us from far off and running to us with his arms wide open welcoming us home!
4. Receiving the Holy Spirit…In 2 Cor. 1-21-22…Paul writes “But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, by putting His seal on us and giving us his spirit in our hearts as a first installment.” God gives us the first installment of the many blessings God wants to bestow upon us at our baptism. We are given the teacher of all knowledge…our guide through life. We are given a spirit of Freedom not of fear.
5. Incorporation into Christ’s Church…we are not just talking about Sanbornville…or any other church we may belong to. Incorporation into Christ’s Church is being incorporated into the church of all believers with Christ being the head. We are part of a “World Wide” church with all of us being brothers and sisters in Christ.
These alone are wonderful gifts…blessings…that are bestowed upon us but there is so much more that God gives us. WE are restored again to God. God puts away His indignation and anger…God shows us steadfast love in “while we still were sinners…Christ died for us.” WE are given God’s salvation and are reconciled to Him. We are Free to receive God’s stead fast love, righteousness and peace…God will give us what is good and our land will yield increase.
What amazing freedom we receive at our baptism! WE are free from the Chains of sin…we are free from the condemnation of sin…we are free from the death that sin causes us (not just physical but Spiritual death). WE are free to serve one another. We are free to love one another as Christ loved…and still loves…us. We are free to share our stories to help others find freedom for themselves. We are free to reach out to those around us…with Christ’s love. The love that nailed His outstretched arms to the cross which are the same outstretched arms that are wide open to accept us …where we are…into the family of God. We are free to believe in the Dream that God has for our lives. We are healed of our brokenness inside by our Lord Jesus Christ and are freed and not held down by it any longer. We are free to be ourselves. We are free to follow our call in life…the call that God will equip us for. True freedom does not mean without bars…true freedom is the indwelling of Christ! If the Son sets you free…you are free through and through.
Soo…what are we to do with our new freedom? Are we to share it with others…shining the light of Jesus? Matthew 5:14-15 tells us that “14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.” We are to be Christ’s light in the world…not to hide the light we have been given but to…pass it on to those who sit in the darkness of sin. Roman’s 13:12 also tells us that 12”The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” And yet again in 1Peter 2:9 that “12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” We are to put on the armor of light…that is Christ Jesus.
The Message Bible…puts a different spin on being a light to the world. In Isaiah 42 vs. 6-9…it talks about being lights as follows: “I have set you among my people to bind them to me, and provided you as a lighthouse to the nations, To make a start at bringing people into the open, into light: opening blind eyes, releasing prisoners from dungeons, emptying the dark prisons.”…A lighthouse…to the nations…what a concept…to be a lighthouse instead of just a light. Just imagine. A light does give brightness to see to those close by…but…a lighthouse’s light…its’ beacon…goes so much further. Did you know that the average lighthouse’s beacon goes out for 21 miles? It only goes that far because at that point…the roundness of the earth comes into play and because of its’ curve the beacon…the light…then goes off into outer space. (Now that light is brighter than any light the Energizer Bunny can make!) This reminds me of a poem by my favorite poet…it is called “Lighthouses”:
Not just a light for the nations,
not just being a light
the Light shining in the world,
in the darkness.
Lighthouses, beacons,
keeping all safe,
away from the shoals,
the rocks, the hidden dangers
dangers hidden in the fog,
the clutter of daily life.
Leading those out on the seas
safely to shore
to a sheltered harbor
home in the arms of our Lord
not just being a light
the Light shining in the world,
in the darkness.
Lighthouses, beacons,
keeping all safe,
away from the shoals,
the rocks, the hidden dangers
dangers hidden in the fog,
the clutter of daily life.
Leading those out on the seas
safely to shore
to a sheltered harbor
home in the arms of our Lord
Lighthouses…I really like that image of being a lighthouse. But…what exactly does a lighthouse do...I mean…what does it really mean to be a lighthouse? Well…
- A lighthouse warns ships and boats about rocks and reefs underneath the sea.
- A lighthouse uses a flashing light directed out towards the sea as a signal.
- Each lighthouse uses a different flashing pattern or speed of flashes.
- A lighthouse warns ships and boats about rocks and reefs underneath the sea.
- A lighthouse uses a flashing light directed out towards the sea as a signal.
- Each lighthouse uses a different flashing pattern or speed of flashes.
So…let’s take each of these definitions and see how they relate to our lives as Christians doing the work of God here on earth…let’s see how well they fit in with our Great Commission we have been given by our Risen Lord Jesus Christ.
OK…a lighthouse warns ships and boats about dangers ahead. We are to be that beacon…that help in the dark…for those of the world who live in darkness of sin in the world. We are to help other traverse the stormy seas of life and bring them into the calm of the shore. A lighthouse uses a light that is directed out towards the sea as a signal. We are to reach out to those around us to shine Light in their lives so that they may see the road home…to lead them safely back to the Harbor Masters safe cove of peace and stability. Each lighthouse has its’ own distinct pattern of light. We are to do whatever it is that we need to do to complete our mission in the world. We may have to change the way that we do things…change our pattern…from time to time but we need to reach out to those around us…where they are…as Christ reached out to us where we were before we came to His saving grace.
Lighthouse…beacon of light…this is what we should be to the world around us. We are to share the light that we have been given…the light of our Lord Jesus Christ. Together…all of us that are part of Christ’s Church…can be that light in this dark world. But…it takes more than one Lighthouse…more than one beacon…to light the world. We must stand together…all of us…as one united church of Christ. Brother and sister…shining our light into the darkness…guiding those who are lost into the glorious light of our Lord Jesus Christ. We may do things a little differently…but…we all have the same light within us.
I would like to end my sermon with another poem by my favorite poet…it is called Missionaries of the Light:
Not merely lights to the nation,
stationary, in the temple,
not merely examples of righteousness,
of piety, or rightness with God
in worship, in clean living
Emissaries of the Lord,
who died and rose for us,
who admonished us
to go out into the world,
being the light to the nations
out there in the darkness
actively bringing the light
to the last, the lost, the least,
the prisons, the homeless,
those seeking his grace
Go into the world
missionaries of the light
of the light of the world
the hope for all mankind
rising out of the darkness
stationary, in the temple,
not merely examples of righteousness,
of piety, or rightness with God
in worship, in clean living
Emissaries of the Lord,
who died and rose for us,
who admonished us
to go out into the world,
being the light to the nations
out there in the darkness
actively bringing the light
to the last, the lost, the least,
the prisons, the homeless,
those seeking his grace
Go into the world
missionaries of the light
of the light of the world
the hope for all mankind
rising out of the darkness
May our light shine ever bright in the darkness as we search out those who are in need of the light within us.
Amen.
1,000 written and posted in last year
With the last poem, I have written and posted 1,000 original poems in the last year.
Abraham – haiku – 2
sacrificing his son,
following where he was led
heed the Master’s call
January 13, 2008
following where he was led
heed the Master’s call
January 13, 2008
Mary – haiku
Mother of the Christ
the virgin-born king on earth;
holy is your name
January 13, 2008
Luke 1
the virgin-born king on earth;
holy is your name
January 13, 2008
Luke 1
Joseph – haiku
Father of our Lord
by dreams he was protected
raising the Christ child
January 13, 2008
Matthew 1:18-24
by dreams he was protected
raising the Christ child
January 13, 2008
Matthew 1:18-24
Spirit – haiku
Fall on me, Spirit
like a dove, descend on me
fill me, all of me
January 13, 2008
Matthew 3:13-17
like a dove, descend on me
fill me, all of me
January 13, 2008
Matthew 3:13-17
Listen – haiku
listen to that voice
that still small voice calling you
out of the stillness
January 13, 2008
1 Kings 19
that still small voice calling you
out of the stillness
January 13, 2008
1 Kings 19
Call – haiku
call me Lord to work
gift me, your servant, Father
Let me walk your way
January 13, 2008
Isaiah 42:1-9
gift me, your servant, Father
Let me walk your way
January 13, 2008
Isaiah 42:1-9
Ears Burning – haiku
Fill my thoughts with you
Speak directly to me Lord
Empower me now
January 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
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 20,750+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Speak directly to me Lord
Empower me now
January 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
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 20,750+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Walk to Emmaus – haiku
Journey with the Christ
hear his call for you, alone;
walk humbly with God
January 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35
hear his call for you, alone;
walk humbly with God
January 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35
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 21,400+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Climb – haiku – 1 – v2
climb above the tree line
up above the dry scrub brush
lichen, moss; vista
January 13, 2008
up above the dry scrub brush
lichen, moss; vista
January 13, 2008
Climb – haiku – 1 – v1
climb above the tree line
up above the dry scrub brush
see the lichen, moss
January 13, 2008
up above the dry scrub brush
see the lichen, moss
January 13, 2008
Up in the Trees
hike the mountain
up in the trees, the cool wood
lose your thoughts in peace
January 13, 2008
up in the trees, the cool wood
lose your thoughts in peace
January 13, 2008
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