Thursday, March 14, 2013

at an hour we do not know – v2

like a thief in the night
a whisper in a dream
Christ will return to the earth
in an hour we do not know
a time yet unseen
Keep watch, be ready
your oil lamps full
prepare your heart and mind
serve as you have been gifted
to change all of mankind



edited January 2, 2015
at an hour we do not know – v8
(editing original again)
Edited November 9, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v7”
(edited original again)
Edited October 12, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v6”
(edited original again)
edited April 8, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v5
(editing original again)
Edited March 21, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v4”
(editing original again)
Edited March 19, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v3”
(editing version 2)
edited March 14, 2013
“at an hour we do not know – v2”
March 9, 2013
“at an hour we do not know”
Matthew 24:44
Matthew 24:36-51
“The Day and the Hour Unknown” (NIV)
Sanctuary for Lent for 2013
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 4, 2013
read March 4, 2013
&
Worship Theme: New Year
Ecclesiastes 3:1-12 NIV
Revelation 21:1-6 NIV
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Mystery box
-              tooth brush and dental floss
sermon “A Year in Review
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Prayer of Thanksgiving
we thank you Lord – v7
by Raymond A. Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Epiphany of the Lord Sunday
December 28, 2014


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 34,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Called Into Service – v2



Each of us uniquely
called to service, to worship
as given by the Spirit
gifts for the work
building up the church of God

Called into service
to use the gifts we are given
to teach one another
the love of our God

Caring for the community
those who are our neighbors
the strangers in our midst
that they would come to the table

The saving of Christ’s sacrifice
his victory over death
the narrow gate of heaven
through the blood of the lamb

Yet freely his love given
unmerited, agape
so we must spread the news
Christ paved the way
we are redeemed before our God


Edited March 13, 2013
“Called Into Service – v2”
May 6, 2010
“Called Into Service
Matthew 25:15
Acts 16:9-15, 40

“Notes from Peter”, by Reverend Peter A. Hey,
about his sermon for Mother’s Day, May 9, 2010
“Lydia had the gift of giving.  Her financial support of the early
Christian movement played a significant role in the church. 
My sermon on Mother’s Day will help us appreciate her gifts
and the gifts of leadership that many women bring to the church. 
I believe that loving, listening and learning are essential for leadership. 
I will be preaching this sermon at the evening service, as well as
the morning services.”
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH

&
Acts 16:13-15
Acts 16:9-12
Acts 16:9-15

and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for May 3, 2010 to May 9, 2010,
“God’s Vision for Us”,
by Ken R. Hayden
for May 4, 2010

and
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for May 3, 2010 to May 9, 2010,
“God’s Vision for Us”,
by Ken R. Hayden
for May 3, 2010

&
2 Timothy 1:3-7
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter

&
2 Timothy 1:2

&
1 Corinthians 12:4-11
1 Thessalonians 5:11
1 Corinthians 5:5
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
for February 16, 2010,
 “Thank You!”,
by Allan Baker
read 2/22/2010

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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

the prison of the past

an ungrieved loss
an open sore
lost in the world
the prison of the past
the chains holding us
unable to move ahead
into the future
held by the dust


------
March 12, 2013
March 10, 2013
“Fourth Sunday in Lent”
Luke 15:22-24
Psalm 32:8-11
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
March 4, 2013 to March 10, 2013
“A Forgiving Spirit”
by Dan Moseley
for March 10, 2013
read March 10, 2013

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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

ungrieved loss

bound by our past
ungrieved loss
wallowing in the mud
nowhere but up
a prison of our making
raw wound open
festering anguish
unfound love


------
edited December 2, 2015
ungrieved loss – v2
March 12, 2013
ungrieved loss
March 10, 2013
“Fourth Sunday in Lent”
Luke 15:22-24
Psalm 32:8-11
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
March 4, 2013 to March 10, 2013
“A Forgiving Spirit”
by Dan Moseley
for March 10, 2013
read March 10, 2013


All of my poems and photographs 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 (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 40,270+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

celebrate with the wayward child

a huge weight removed from him
weeping in his father’s arms
all that he had rehearsed in his mind
the words he had repeated
steeling himself for that moment
washed away, release
in his father running to him
welcoming him with open arms
freed of his burden

celebrate with the wayward child
all the prodigals come home
into our father’s arms
safe from all harm
weep tears of joy
held close by our Savior
the Spirit leading us on
into the sheepfold of God



------
March 12, 2013
March 10, 2013
“Fourth Sunday in Lent”
Luke 15:22-24
Psalm 32:8-11
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
March 4, 2013 to March 10, 2013
“A Forgiving Spirit”
by Dan Moseley
for March 10, 2013
read March 10, 2013

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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we must celebrate

gather the whole family
break out the best china
the linens resplendent
slaughter the fatted calf
joy in the heavens
a child has returned
into the sheepfold
the arms of the Lord



------
March 12, 2013
March 10, 2013
“Fourth Sunday in Lent”
Luke 15:22-24
Psalm 32:8-11
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
March 4, 2013 to March 10, 2013
“A Forgiving Spirit”
by Dan Moseley
for March 10, 2013
read March 10, 2013

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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the lost has returned


from the wilderness
another country
from wandering in the world
the lost has returned
the sheep within the arms
the joy of the shepherd
another child come home
more joy in heaven


------
March 11, 2013
March 10, 2013
“Fourth Sunday in Lent”
Luke 15:22-24
Psalm 32:8-11
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
March 4, 2013 to March 10, 2013
“A Forgiving Spirit”
by Dan Moseley
for March 10, 2013
read March 10, 2013


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 27,180+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

bring the fatted calf

don’t delay
It is a celebration
he has returned
the Prodigal home
into the arms of the father
bring the fatted calf
spare no expense
celebrate joyful
he is home with us


------
March 11, 2013
March 10, 2013
“Fourth Sunday in Lent”
Luke 15:22-24
Psalm 32:8-11
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
March 4, 2013 to March 10, 2013
“A Forgiving Spirit”
by Dan Moseley
for March 10, 2013
read March 10, 2013

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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Monday, March 11, 2013

robe him in purple

don’t be stingy
pull out the stops
robe him in purple
he has returned from the lost
one son returning
a sheep to the flock
join in heaven
one child come home
redeemed from the lost


------
March 11, 2013
March 10, 2013
“Fourth Sunday in Lent”
Luke 15:22-24
Psalm 32:8-11
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
March 4, 2013 to March 10, 2013
“A Forgiving Spirit”
by Dan Moseley
for March 10, 2013
read March 10, 2013

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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

celebrate with the father


bringing others the message
the Christ, the good news
celebrate with the father
the harvest of the Lord
those who were lost
those close by all their lives
those who come back to God
a join in God’s heart


------
March 11, 2013
Luke 15:22-24
Psalm 32:8-11
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
March 4, 2013 to March 10, 2013
“A Forgiving Spirit”
by Dan Moseley
for March 10, 2013
read March 10, 2013

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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

join the party

the celebration ongoing
God joyful, happy
each prodigal gathered
another sheep found
join the celebration
the party, rejoicing
another soul redeemed
another sheep for heaven


------
March 10, 2013
Luke 15:22-24
Psalm 32:8-11
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
March 4, 2013 to March 10, 2013
“A Forgiving Spirit”
by Dan Moseley
for March 10, 2013
read March 10, 2013


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 27,390+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

he will be humbled


he will be humbled
those who seek honor
a place of power
in the courts of man
he will be humbled
before God, judgment
those who seek reward
here upon the earth


March 11, 2013
Luke 14:11
Luke 14:7-11
Sanctuary for Lent for 2013
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 10, 2013
read March 10, 2013

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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

take the lowest place


take the lowest place
at the party, the banquet
don’t seek recognition
reward in this life
serve rather than honor
within God’s plan
offering ourselves humbly
as did the Son of Man


March 11, 2013
Luke 14:10
Luke 14:11
Luke 14:7-11
Sanctuary for Lent for 2013
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 10, 2013
read March 10, 2013

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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Saturday, March 09, 2013

pausing in the water


what must it be like
descending into the Jordan
near the spot where  Christ stood
where he entered the water
pausing in the water
the weight of the moment
remembering our baptism
and the one who came before


====
March 9, 2013
video and
Spirit Study
March 3, 2013
&
Mark 1:9-13
Matthew 4:8-10
Chapter 1,
“Baptism and Temptation
The Jordan River and the Wilderness”
third book in a series of books -
“The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus”
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
read 2/23/2012
&        
“Final Words from the Cross”
&
“24 Hours That Changed the World”
&           
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH              
Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH              
February 17, 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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

stepping into the water


watching the journey
stepping into the Jordan
seeing a look of awareness
of what he was doing
joining the pilgrims
Christ before them
this same bit of water
where he was washed as well


====
March 9, 2013
video and
Spirit Study
March 3, 2013
&
Mark 1:9-13
Matthew 4:8-10
Chapter 1,
“Baptism and Temptation
The Jordan River and the Wilderness”
third book in a series of books -
“The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus”
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
read 2/23/2012
&        
“Final Words from the Cross”
&
“24 Hours That Changed the World”
&           
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH              
Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH              
February 17, 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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

different stairs



meaning in the ancient baths
preceding Jesus
different stairs for entering
and for returning
the baths for washing
ritual purity
entering dirty
and exiting clean


====
March 9, 2013
video and
Spirit Study
baths at Qumran
March 3, 2013
&
Mark 1:9-13
Matthew 4:8-10
Chapter 1,
“Baptism and Temptation
The Jordan River and the Wilderness”
third book in a series of books -
“The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus”
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
read 2/23/2012
&        
“Final Words from the Cross”
&
“24 Hours That Changed the World”
&           
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH              
Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH              
February 17, 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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

ritual purification


the understanding of the Jordan
of John’s baptism, the cleaning
better comprehend
in the ritual purification
the cleansing at Qumran
the ancient baths a message
how they were restored


====
March 9, 2013
video and
Spirit Study
March 3, 2013
&
Mark 1:9-13
Matthew 4:8-10
Chapter 1,
“Baptism and Temptation
The Jordan River and the Wilderness”
third book in a series of books -
“The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus”
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
read 2/23/2012
&        
“Final Words from the Cross”
&
“24 Hours That Changed the World”
&           
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH              
Pastor Ruth Foss
A Handmaiden of the Lord
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH              
February 17, 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 22,500+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.