Poetry Where You Live

giving, as faithfulness to God

2012-03-04T17:44:00.001-05:00

sure of our bounty
conscious of the gifts
wanting to return a portion
from the wellspring of our gifts
giving, as faithfulness to God
not for human recognition
all of our giving as worship
acknowledging the Savior
the creator here with us
the Spirit dwelling within
giving from a grateful heart
that others would simply live

March 4, 2012
Matthew 6:1a
Matthew 6:1-4 (NIV)
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 4, 2012
read March 4, 2012

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 16,450+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We gather to bring glory to God

2012-03-04T17:40:00.001-05:00

Coming together as the congregation
in corporate worship, one body
not to be seen by each other
to check our attendance in church

We gather instead for a purpose
to bring glory to God
sharing his mercy, his blessing
to one another together
one body, one people, one love

March 4, 2012
Matthew 6:1a
Matthew 6:1-4 (NIV)
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 4, 2012
read March 4, 2012

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 16,450+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

True worship - 2

2012-03-04T17:35:00.000-05:00

defining our state of heart
where we find our posture
what true worship means
to become aware of God’s presence
that moment in time
in tune with the creator
hearing the Spirit’s call
wanting to shout our praises

March 4, 2012
Matthew 6:1a
Matthew 6:1-4 (NIV)
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 4, 2012
read March 4, 2012

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 16,450+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

only for God

2012-03-04T17:31:00.001-05:00

our worship, our prayers
our giving to our fellow man
all of this only for God
not performance for man
something to be reverent about
not for show, for prestige
from the depth of our relationship with God
doing these only for his glory

March 4, 2012
Matthew 6:1a
Matthew 6:1-4 (NIV)
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 4, 2012
read March 4, 2012

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 16,450+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God loves our enemies

2012-03-04T17:16:00.000-05:00

God loves our enemies
Christ calls us to do likewise
God sends the sun and rain
to fall on all of us
we too have been enemies
estranged from our Father, God
we too need his forgiveness
to come into relationship with him
We are to love, we all need redemption
loving our enemies as God does
all the people on earth

March 4, 2012
Matthew 5:44-45a
Matthew 5:43-48 (The Message)
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 3, 2012
read March 4, 2012

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 16,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Kingdom subjects

2012-03-04T17:12:00.000-05:00

Live as kingdom subjects
children of the living God
model yourselves on the Savior
the guiding of the Lord
the Spirit leading you onward
look to God’s holy word
loving even our enemies
that we would be restored
holding the world loosely
not being guided by this
following the cross of Jesus
that is how we should live

March 4, 2012
Matthew 5:48
Matthew 5:44-45a
Matthew 5:43-48 (The Message)
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 3, 2012
read March 4, 2012

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 16,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Live out your God-created identity

2012-03-04T17:07:00.002-05:00

Live out your faith
who you are meant to be
your gifts, your talents,
live out your God-created identity
sons and daughters of the king
each of us with a legacy
oh let my people live

March 4, 2012
Matthew 5:48
Matthew 5:44-45a
Matthew 5:43-48 (The Message)
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 3, 2012
read March 4, 2012

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 16,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the sweat of my savior, his blood

2012-03-04T15:55:00.004-05:00

not anything I was expecting
spending time in Jerusalem
there as a pilgrim
my children in tow
pulled from the crowd
the Roman authority
calling me to carry his cross
to bear it to the skull
the sweat of my savior,
the dark stain of his blood
falling heavy upon me
as I carried him to that hill
his destiny beyond belief
the Christ, the Son of Man
carrying his cross to Calvary
feeling his shaking hand

March 4, 2012
Introduction and Chapter 1,
“Father Forgive them”
Luke 23:34
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (KJV)
Final Words from the Cross
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=9781426746802
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/bookstore.aspx?contributorid=3827
http://www.facebook.com/RevAdamHamilton
https://twitter.com/#!/RevAdamHamilton
read February 25, 2012
and read February 26, 2012

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 16,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Let your enemies bring out the best in you

2012-03-04T15:48:00.001-05:00

Such hard words to live by
at least for we who are human
to follow the example of God
to love our enemies
Let your enemies bring out your best
the fruits of the Spirit
offering them your own witness
how to walk in the light
offering them love, forgiveness
praying for their souls
following the example of Jesus
the journey worth the effort

March 4, 2012
Matthew 5:44-45a
Matthew 5:43-48 (The Message)
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 3, 2012
read March 4, 2012

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 16,430+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Peter’s Declaration of Christ’s Name – v2

2012-03-04T15:43:00.002-05:00

Jesus’ harsh rebuke of Peter
when he sought to stop the Christ
from submitting to the law
to the hands of mortal men
Christ’s words he would have to die

Too much for him to bear
thinking that the Messiah
would become the sacrifice
Peter’s declaration of Christ’s name
his identity, Messiah
only a few moments

Before this sudden statement
that Christ would have to die
not to lead their revolution
to free them of the yoke of Rome
their evil subjugation

March 4, 2012
Mark 8:29
Mark 8:31-38
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012

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 16,430+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Telling us to love our enemies

2012-03-04T14:55:00.003-05:00

Not what the law had said
certainly not of the world
God telling us to love our enemies
by the words of Christ
for God loves us all
we have all fallen short
pray for your enemies
all whom you meet
as faithful children of God

March 4, 2012
Matthew 5:44-45a
Matthew 5:43-48 (The Message)
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 3, 2012
read March 4, 2012

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 16,440+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Knowing it was opposite

2012-03-04T14:41:00.001-05:00

Christ speaking God’s love
his wisdom, sometimes beyond us
knowing it was opposite
from the ways of the world
telling us something deeper
more profound than just words
how to live our lives more holy
according to God’s plan

March 4, 2012
Matthew 5:44-45a
Matthew 5:43-48 (The Message)
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 3, 2012
read March 4, 2012

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 16,430+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

pray for our enemies

2012-03-04T14:26:00.003-05:00

God loves them
those we call enemies
those who would harm us
who turn from him
we too should love them
if we are to be his children
ask him in prayer
for help in loving them
a doubling of blessings
in God’s perfect love poured out
offering healing, forgiveness
helping us to love

March 4, 2012
Matthew 5:44-45a
Matthew 5:43-48 (The Message)
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 3, 2012
read March 4, 2012
&
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012

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 16,430+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

your foolishness on that cross

2012-03-04T13:58:00.001-05:00

so much of what God has done
in our lives and in the stories
in the truth, our history,
that which was written down
foolishness in the eyes of the word
informed ever by love
your foolishness on that cross
that tree, that hill so long ago
taking on our sins
to let your people go
freed of our chains
nothing more than that
knowing even then we were guilty
sending you to your death

March 4, 2012
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012

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 16,430+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Peter’s Declaration of Christ’s Name

2012-03-04T13:45:00.003-05:00

The harsh rebuke of Peter
what he sought to stop the Christ
from submitting to the law
to the hands of mortal men
Christ’s words he would have to die
too much for him to bear
thinking that the Messiah
would become the sacrifice
Peter’s declaration of Christ’s name
his identity, Messiah
only a few moments
before this sudden statement
that Christ would have to die
not to lead the revolution
to free them of the yoke of Roman
their evil subjugation

March 4, 2012
Mark 8:29
Mark 8:31-38
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012

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 16,430+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Rebuking Peter in public

2012-03-04T13:39:00.000-05:00

Christ calling him up short
his focus on the earth
rebuking Peter in public
before the others
making sure they heard
what Christ had to say
none of us to get in the way
a stumbling block for his submission
his path on the Lord’s way
his journey too important
not wanting to stray
to follow the world’s path
away from the will of God
wanting them to be aware
submissive to God’s plan

March 4, 2012
Mark 8:33
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012

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 16,430+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

our faith was reckoned to us

2012-03-04T13:31:00.001-05:00

Righteous before God
as was our father, Abraham,
our faith was reckoned to us
worthy of God’s praise
holy in his sight,
down to later generations
down to all of us
to the end of time.

March 4, 2012
Romans 4:22-24
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012

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 16,430+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A covenant with our father

2012-03-04T13:25:00.003-05:00

The source of renewed relation
a legacy of their blood
a covenant with our father
with our Father Abraham
endless generations
forever and ever
walking with our God again

March 4, 2012
Genesis 17:1-10
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012

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 16,430+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The sweet juice bitter

2012-03-04T13:20:00.004-05:00

somehow the grapes sour
the sweet juice bitter
almost without words
the cup to our lips
the taste lingering
lasting longer yet
a reminder of the other cup
that Christ took to his lips
submissive to our holy God
drinking that cup of sorrows
taking on our stain
we remember in this meal
the cup from which he drank

March 4, 2012
The Great Thanksgiving for Early in Lent
Worship Theme: promises with a price. . .
Mark 8:31-38
Genesis 17:1-10
Romans 4:16-25
Mark 8:29
Matthew 11:28
John 3:16
Call to Worship (Psalm 105:1-3)
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 8:31-38)
and sermon, “The Foolishness of God”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
Second Sunday in Lent
March 4, 2012

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 16,430+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Love planted with us

2012-03-04T07:46:00.001-05:00

within our core
not our minds per se
more than just our hearts
the Spirit leads the way
within our core
the center of our being
knowledge yes, but wisdom
to see God’s way for us
truth within that Spirit
guiding us in wonder
submission, as our Savior
to God’s holy plan
love planted with us
to lead us to the Father
our hope in the guiding
of leading us home

March 4, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Truth leads to peace

2012-03-04T07:40:00.004-05:00

the wisdom within, the Spirit
Jesus grants us peace
if we will but listen
his peace he gave us
the Spirit with
truth leads to peace
for the victory won
our place secure
we must follow
to reap our reward

March 4, 2012
John 14:27
John 14:26
John 14:25-26
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Knowledge to puff up, wisdom to lift up

2012-03-04T07:32:00.000-05:00

the rigid limits, of black and white
knowledge to impress
to puff up our chests,
to set apart, to define
to limit, characterize

wisdom to expand, to release
to fill our hearts
endless color and hue
open to your love
to lift up, to expand
to the ends of the earth

March 3, 2012
earlier poems, “Only to puff up”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/only-to-puff-up.html
“Like whispers over rice paper”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/like-whispers-over-rice-paper.html
and
“Knowledge just air”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/01/knowledge-just-air.html
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

not analytical

2012-03-04T07:24:00.001-05:00

something hard for me
to believe with my heart
not reasoning our God
a black and white solution
to see and hear
to understand God
not analytical
written in words we understand
finding the boundaries, the limits
of our limitless God

March 3, 2012 and March 4, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a shard in my heart

2012-03-04T07:19:00.004-05:00

not something simple, human
the divine planted within us
Spirit of the living God
sent to grow within us
a shard in my heart
our conscience, the whisper
the guiding of the Spirit, life
seeking to draw us inward
to a relationship with God
a trust in his provision
leading us to the narrow way
turning from the world
a shard in the heart
sharp edges, deep meaning
keeping us on the path
if we would follow its leading

March 4, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a thorn in my heart

2012-03-04T07:17:00.003-05:00

like the story of the lion
a metaphor for the Spirit
a thorn in my heart
something to remind me
a moment of grace
life’s counselor, our guiding
the Spirit planted in our hearts
a way to righteousness
a stumbling block for sin

March 4, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

planted in our hearts - 2

2012-03-04T07:15:00.000-05:00

planted in our hearts
the Spirit of God
the counselor for us
offered in love
that which we cannot comprehend
the fullness of the creator
the Savior, three in one
only with the Spirit
planted in our hearts
peace within our spirit
in the storms of life
only in sensing God
his presence in our clay

March 3, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

open to the musings of truth

2012-03-04T07:09:00.001-05:00

hearts for the kingdom
the Spirit within
open to the musings of truth
the wisdom of the ages
hope eternal
the seeds planted deep within us
God’s love within our hearts
guiding us how to live

March 3, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

listening with the heart

2012-03-04T07:07:00.001-05:00

what the leaders could not do
trying to use our hearts
not to reason out God’s truth
but to listen with the heart
to open up in love
whispers of the Spirit
completing our Savior’s work
the truth we need to hear

March 3, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

believing with our hearts

2012-03-04T06:59:00.001-05:00

believing in God
from deep within our core
believing with our heart
not with our intellect
not with our head,
our human mind
believing with our hearts
that which cannot be told

March 3, 2012 and March 4, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Impossible to reason out the unfathomable

2012-03-04T06:57:00.001-05:00

We seek to chain the eternal
to bind up all of God
to gather the imponderable
to limit our God
within walls of understanding
Impossible to reason out
unfathomable, invisible
unable to figure out
the magnitude of God

March 3, 2012 and March 4, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

from within our core

2012-03-04T06:55:00.000-05:00

the Spirit within us
a voice from within
from deep within our core
our life in God, with him
Truth beyond our consciousness
our feeble comprehension
guiding our every step
life of journey over all
walking safe with him

March 3, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Speaking without words – 2

2012-03-04T06:52:00.001-05:00

the Spirit speaking
deep within us
even without words
God within us
speaking with love
guiding us, our walk
our journey in this life

March 3, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,430+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Applying a human scale to the infinite

2012-03-03T19:57:00.001-05:00

Wanting to understand God
to shrink him down to our size
removing wonder, awe
a righteous fear of God
Apply a human scale to the infinite
making us the image of God
as if we are God’s equals
not creations of his hands

March 3, 2012
earlier poem: “Making God as small as we are”
March 1, 2012
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,420+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Spirit will guide you into all truth

2012-03-03T19:42:00.002-05:00

All that God has to say
to speak to us in love
more than Christ shared with us
much more to give to us
The Spirit will guide you
all of us into all truth
God’s revealing of his blessing
his love for the whole earth

March 3, 2012
John 16:12-13
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,410+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

More to say

2012-03-03T19:38:00.000-05:00

There is more to say
to reveal the holy truth
what Christ said to us
only the start of knowledge
the kingdom drawn near
the Spirit to come to share
more we have to hear

March 3, 2012
John 16:12-13
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,410+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Righteous to return to God

2012-03-03T19:29:00.003-05:00

Humble before my Master
obedient to my Father
Christ explaining to us
why he had to go
Righteous to return to God
submissive to his calling
not straying to the right or left
through the narrow gate

March 3, 2012
John 16:10
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,410+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

My work not done

2012-03-03T19:24:00.001-05:00

My work not done
until I should leave
the plan of the Father
our place in destiny
my work not done
unless I return to him
righteousness in submission
returning unto God

March 3, 2012
John 16:7
John 16:10
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,410+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

It is good that I go

2012-03-03T19:20:00.003-05:00

It is good that I go
it is right that I leave you
to fulfill God’s plan
his time not for me
for you to understand
God’s journey for us
to unfold in his way
I need to lead you
that his will be done

March 3, 2012
John 16:7
John 16:5-16
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,410+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

unless I leave you

2012-03-03T17:22:00.000-05:00

Sadness within us
but a purposefulness in his words
something none of us could comprehend
these words of Christ
unless I leave you,
good for you
a Spirit to guide us
into the truth

March 3, 2012
John 16:5-16
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,410+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Right there before us

2012-03-03T17:15:00.003-05:00

Light come alive
the Word before us
to save us from sin
God in the flesh
Messiah, enter in
why did we fail to believe
why did we sin

March 3, 2012
John 15:22-25
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,410+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Damned under the law

2012-03-03T17:09:00.000-05:00

God before them
all that they needed
the signs, the law
all of the prophets
God before them
the Word made flesh
refusing to believe
damning the rest

March 3, 2012
John 15:22-25
1 Peter 3:19-20
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,410+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Damned under grace

2012-03-03T17:04:00.002-05:00

Offering them all
God’s gift of his grace
the Messiah right before them
offering us love
they who should have seen
no eyes for the truth
leading other, the people
to crucify God
failing to believe
denying his life
damned under grace
no mercy for them

March 3, 2012
John 15:22-25
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,410+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not innocent children

2012-03-03T16:55:00.001-05:00

No excuse, infancy
a lack of knowledge of the law
the prophets’ words written
all that was fulfilled
they who had heard
who should have believed
a willful ignorance
lost for all time
sin within them
leading others away
failing to believe

March 3, 2012
John 15:22-25
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,410+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

His teaching divine

2012-03-03T16:34:00.000-05:00

The should have seen the signs
the words should have been clear
the parables, the stories
what he said to them
they should have seen
they should have believed
He is the Christ
God standing before them
ready to save our lives
his teachings divine
they should have known
they should have been leaders
leading us to him
that we too would believe
the leaders saving God’s people
if they would have seen
because they should have known the Christ
and from the Father he was sent
come to earth to save us
how could they have missed this
how could they have missed the signs
guilty of sin, no longer infants
failing to believe

March 3, 2012
John 15:22-25
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,400+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

They persecuted me

2012-03-03T16:24:00.004-05:00

They persecuted me
more than a wrong
a sin against God
against those who believed
persecuting God
Love come down
the Word alive
walking with us

March 3, 2012
John 15:20
Acts 3 and Acts 4
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,400+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

They hated me without reason

2012-03-03T16:20:00.000-05:00

They hated Christ, with a passion
bringing their world down on him
persecuted, attaching
wanting him crucified
God before them,
yet they refused to believe
they should have known the signs
the fulfillment of God’s holy word
alive right before them
yet they refused to believe

March 3, 2012
John 15:25
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,400+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

They were guilty of sin

2012-03-03T16:12:00.001-05:00

They who led the people
who read the law, the prophets
who studied God’s words
guilty of sin, of failing
to listen to him
of failing to believe
they should have know
Christ right here before them
fulfilling all that was written
the Word made flesh here with us
they should have led us to Him

March 3, 2012
John 15:22-25
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,400+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Killing in God’s Name

2012-03-03T16:04:00.004-05:00

Foretold, on that fateful night
the believers, as the master
killing in God’s name
persecuting the way
The church from the beginning
hunted by the blind,
those who could not hear

March 3, 2012
John 16:1-4
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,400+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Killing the seed of the Way

2012-03-03T15:59:00.002-05:00

before the Damascus Road
the bright light of epiphany
revelation that day
where would we be now
if Saul hadn’t been called

Killing the seed of the Way
the nascent church, arising
sanctioned, for the glory of God
misguided though they were
thinking they were killing
the disciples in God’s name

March 3, 2012
John 16:1-4
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,400+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Practicing Patience

2012-03-03T15:49:00.000-05:00

Deep calm within me
wash over my spirit
Holy Spirit take over
call me deep within

Following the Christ
who forgave us on the cross
knowing my sin
let go of the other
all who set me off

Release what holds us
let go of control
practicing patience ever
our hope within the Lord

March 3, 2012
earlier poem, “Bless those who persecute you”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/02/bless-those-who-persecute-you.html
February 11, 2012
Romans 12:14
&
Romans 12:4-13
1 Samuel 23:16
Upper Room Daily Devotional
for February 11, 2012
“A Gift of Encouragement”,
by Karen M. Sudduth
read February 11, 2012

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 16,400+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

better that you lose part of your body

2012-03-03T13:06:00.001-05:00

fully committed to Christ
to walking with him
focused on this, our star
not straying in sin
better that you lose part of your body
faithful to Christ
rejecting all else

March 3, 2012
Matthew 5:30b
Matthew 5:27-30
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 2, 2012
read March 2, 2012

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 16,400+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Deny yourself and take up your cross

2012-03-03T12:56:00.002-05:00

the call to each believer
to get off our seat
to deny ourselves
our sinful past
to get off our seat
to take up our cross
to go and follow Jesus
none of us special
yet all called for a purpose
God alone can transform us
into useful vessels
holy, for God’s purpose
out in the world

March 3, 2012
Mark 8:34
Mark 8:34-38
Mark 8:31-38
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for March 2, 2012
read March 2, 2012

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 16,400+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Losing my life to gain life

2012-03-03T12:46:00.004-05:00

Letting go of control
free within the yoke
losing my life, completely
to gain life in this walk
Letting go of control
free within the yoke
called to God’s leading
my walk on the earth

March 3, 2012
Mark 8:35
Mark 8:34-38
Mark 8:31-38
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for March 2, 2012
read March 2, 2012

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 16,400+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a glassmith at the glassworks

2012-03-03T12:21:00.002-05:00

the molten skin alive
the breath of God expanding
the bubble within growing
as the spirit fills within

a tool for God’s kingdom
holding the bulb, balanced
the wooden paddles, his gloves
serving our master
the glassmith at the glassworks

March 3, 2012
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,400+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

shards of the glazier

2012-03-03T11:54:00.002-05:00

each of us stones of the builder
shards of color of the glazier
assembled precisely
an imaged revealed
for God’s holy purpose
designed long before
each a part to play
part of the body
gifted for the holy work
to lift up the kingdom
witnesses of love
light in bright colors
to share with the whole earth

March 3, 2012
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the draftsman at the table

2012-03-03T11:44:00.002-05:00

The easel, the pencil,
an eraser for our God
humble, as a servant
an instrument of God
use me my Lord
the draftsman at the table
may I be but paper
may I be the sharpener
a light to illuminate your work
your revealing of the kingdom
the design of your creation
may I be a vessel
fill me, pour me
put me to your work

March 3, 2012
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a smooth stone from the wadi

2012-03-03T11:38:00.001-05:00

to be a pebble for the kingdom
a smooth stone from the wadi
to be of service
a stone for the shepherd
to share his message
seeds for the field
Lord, use me, worthy
a servant for your purpose
light unto the world

March 3, 2012
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the Pen of the Composer

2012-03-03T11:11:00.002-05:00

the scrivener, the ink
the pen of the composer
giving to his touch
the leading of the Spirit
the word revealed
the rhythm, the motion
the melody, the harmony
God’s glorious symphony
in his time alone
only to be the ink,
the pen of the paper
his hand to guide us
the Spirit within

March 3, 2012
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The sculptor at the marble

2012-03-03T11:06:00.002-05:00

His plan in the marble
the creation yet unfolding
God’s design within
his hands to reveal
we are the hammer, the chisel
the plumb line, the vessels
his hands to use us
in his noble service
if we would submit to his touch
let him guide our living
God’s glory our witness
his hands do we need

March 3, 2012
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The master at the plow

2012-03-03T10:54:00.001-05:00

the son with us heads down
our backs to the yoke
the master at the plow
digging up the dirt
the fertile soil giving
to our living hands
the fields ready for planting
our service in the land

March 3, 2012
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The florist in the garden

2012-03-03T10:49:00.004-05:00

Shears for the culling
a vase to hold your love
the florist in the garden
gathering seeds, flowers
blooms to share your love
let be a basket
a common vessel
let me share your love

March 3, 2012
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The artist at the canvas

2012-03-03T10:46:00.003-05:00

Lord use me for your purpose
a brush, a palette knife
the bucket for the stirring
the canvas of your gift
Let me share your message
in bright hues, shades of light
put me to your work, O Lord
share your mercy, your love

March 3, 2012
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The pilot at the tiller

2012-03-03T10:44:00.000-05:00

Let me be a rudder
let me be the keel
the boat on the water
to the will of almighty God
the pilot at the tiller
the master to my course
Lord make me a vessel
a message of your love

March 3, 2012
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The weaver at the loom

2012-03-03T10:41:00.000-05:00

to be the shuttle,
to be the spool of yarn
the bright, vivid colors
the weaver at the loom
a tool in God’s hand
a living testament
may I be useful, O Lord
make me to your work

March 3, 2012
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Fisher casting his nets

2012-03-02T20:35:00.002-05:00

Christ called us to be fishermen
to leave our past, our place in the world
to trust, where he would lead
to fish for men, to seek their hearts
offering love, God’s grace
the Good News, the message
the fount of God’s love
but at the same time
we are the nets, the hope,
the seed cast into the world
the soil out there
of varying kinds
we are the nets
oh let the Fisher
be casting his nets
use me Lord, use even me
for your glory, a simple tool
mend me when I become frayed
but use me Lord, use even me

March 2, 2012
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,370+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

to go and do likewise as God’s servant

2012-03-02T20:08:00.002-05:00

we have been offered love
mercy in our walk
go and do likewise
as God’s servant in this life
not to be quiet
to keep God for ourselves
rise from your ashes and sackcloth
God has made you well
up from your despair
into his arms of love
offering compassion, mercy
so we can share his love

March 2, 2012
Psalm 22:23-26
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for March 1, 2012
read March 1, 2012

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 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

trust in the word of God

2012-03-02T20:05:00.000-05:00

trust in the word of God
not some distant memory
look deep within
in your struggles in life
even in the darkness
God there with you
shining his holy light
offering comfort, mercy
all the days of our life

March 2, 2012
Psalm 22:23-26
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for March 1, 2012
read March 1, 2012

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 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

All you descendants of Jacob, honor him

2012-03-02T19:59:00.001-05:00

The seed of his faithfulness
he who wrestled with God, Jacob
father of the kingdom
of the tribes of Israel
the son of Isaac
the inheritor of the promise
the covenant with Abraham
all you descendants of Jacob
you faithful in the flesh
honor the God of your forefathers
the patriarchs before the law
who walked with the Creator
the maker of all and all

March 2, 2012
Psalm 22:23
Psalm 22:23-26
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for March 1, 2012
read March 1, 2012

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 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Revere him, all you descendants of Israel

2012-03-02T19:55:00.001-05:00

Revere the God of Jacob,
the God of Abraham
revere him, all you descendants of Israel
the legacy of his love
here because God protected
God did not shun us in our trials
providing what we needed
in his gentle arms rest
away from the strife we feared
the chaos of the world
arise ye people of Zion
in him we are restored

March 2, 2012
Psalm 22:23
Psalm 22:23-26
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for March 1, 2012
read March 1, 2012

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 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

You who fear the Lord, praise him

2012-03-02T19:48:00.004-05:00

awed at his presence
the countenance of God
full of wonder
the grace of our living Lord
You who fear the Lord
praise him to the heavens
shout your praise unfettered
by the things of this earth

March 2, 2012
Psalm 22:23
Psalm 22:23-26
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for March 1, 2012
read March 1, 2012

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 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

they who seek the Lord praise him

2012-03-02T19:43:00.002-05:00

shout, sing, dance
do not sit quiet
those who seek the Lord, praise him
in the firmament, the square
in whispers, in worship
our lives to be a testament
to God’s faithfulness
his mercy

March 2, 2012
Psalm 22:26
Psalm 22:23-26
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for March 1, 2012
read March 1, 2012

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 16,370+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the sower in the field

2012-03-02T19:17:00.003-05:00

the soil of our lives
the change within us
the sower in the field
the seed, the word of God
the field human heart
different types of soil
hoping we would be open
the seed finding fertile ground

March 2, 2012
earlier poem today, “Forged for a purpose”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/forged-for-purpose.html
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,370+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the gardener in the vineyard

2012-03-02T19:15:00.000-05:00

the gardener in the vineyard
surveying the vine, the branches
where there is rot,
where the vine in unproductive
the pruning shears, the barrel
the fire for the gleanings
cut for a purpose
to reap a better harvest
to be more fruitful
for our loving Father

March 2, 2012
earlier poem today, “Forged for a purpose”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/forged-for-purpose.html
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,370+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the potter at the wheel

2012-03-02T19:12:00.002-05:00

the potter at the wheel
the clay, dry, sticking
air bubbles, misshapen
needing more love, more water
the tower, the bowl
the vessel to the potter’s touch
pulling up, ever upward
until his work is done

March 2, 2012
earlier poem today, “Forged for a purpose”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/forged-for-purpose.html
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,370+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the smithy at the anvil

2012-03-02T19:07:00.003-05:00

the smithy gathering the wood
stoking the fire burning
red-hot, alive, aglow
the tools grasping the metal
the smithy at the anvil
banging out the imperfections
not a work of art
forming a tool for a purpose
crafted with his skilled hands
for important work

March 2, 2012
earlier poem today, “Forged for a purpose”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/forged-for-purpose.html
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,370+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A simple tool

2012-03-02T19:05:00.001-05:00

not necessarily elegant
for a purpose, important
a simple tool, to be used
not for display, an heirloom
a simple tool in the potter’s hand
the smithy at the bellows,
maybe the worker in the field
turning soil for planting

March 2, 2012
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,370+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

crafted by your hand

2012-03-02T18:53:00.000-05:00

formed from the earth
out of dirt
your breath quickening
giving us life
crafted by your hand
shaped for a purpose
an earthy vessel, a humble tool
formed in your hand
in your hand we are used

March 2, 2012
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,370+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Forged for a purpose

2012-03-02T18:48:00.002-05:00

Out of the fire of God’s love
forged for a purpose
our days numbered
our lives set aright
hammered, shaped
the anvil for our lives
the holy word of God

Out of the fire of God’s love
forged for a purpose
the crucible of our past
the things that shape us
hammered, reshaped
the hands of the potter
the smithy at his work

March 2, 2012
reading “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
Part III, “An Instrument for Noble Purposes”,
pages 115-116
book, Shaped by God,
http://www.christianbook.com/shaped-by-god-max-lucado/9780842355186/pd/55180
by Max Lucado
http://MaxLucado.com
https://twitter.com/#!/MaxLucado

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 16,370+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Living Christ’s Passion

2012-03-02T15:19:00.001-05:00

The time of Lent
a season beginning in ashes
slowing us, thinking,
pondering on Christ’s Passion
what all of this means
what grace truly is about
forgiveness of the Father
while Christ hung on the tree

His steps toward his destiny
his sacrifice for us
turning his face toward Jerusalem
his time here near done
going with Christ into the city
Living Christ’s Passion
walking slowly with our Savior
feeling the clouds closing around us

Living out these days
lingering in holy scripture
picturing ourselves there
feeling the tension building
the air close, too warm
the hush in the upper room
knowing more than they did
of what would soon come to be

March 2, 2012
Worship Theme: New Beginnings
Mark 1:9-15
1 Peter 3:18-22
Call to Worship (Psalm 25:1-2a, 4-5)
Unison Prayer (Genesis 9:8-17)
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 1:9-15)
and sermon, “A Time to Begin”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
First Sunday in Lent
February 26, 2012
&
Worship Theme – “Ash Wednesday”
Prelude
Unison Prayer
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (CEB)
Joel 2:12-17a (CEB)
Prayer of Confession (Psalm 51:3)
Pastoral Prayer
Word of Assurance (GBOD 2012)
Thanksgiving over the ashes
Distribution of the Ashes
hymn, “Sunday’s Palms Are Wednesday’s Ashes” TFWS #2138
and Ash Wednesday Meditation,
“The Math of Lent”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
Ash Wednesday
February 22, 2012

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 16,370+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Living with passion

2012-03-02T15:07:00.001-05:00

Sometimes those nodding
affirming what the preacher is saying
nodding within the congregation
but sitting just in their pews
only on Sunday, passion
alive with the Spirit’s power
needing to be burning on Monday
all the days of the week
sharing God’s holy fire
his message alight, with love
witnessing to his presence
his walk with you in this life
God didn’t mean for you to be holy
from the beginning of the service to the end
only burning brightly on Sunday
when you are surrounded by friends
sharing your light in the world
where there is darkness, sorrow, and doubt
being the light of the Savior
to everyone you meet on the earth
alive with the Spirit’s fire,
passion in all that you do
bringing the light, openly, joyfully
setting the prisoners free

March 2, 2012
Worship Theme: New Beginnings
Mark 1:9-15
1 Peter 3:18-22
Call to Worship (Psalm 25:1-2a, 4-5)
Unison Prayer (Genesis 9:8-17)
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 1:9-15)
and sermon, “A Time to Begin”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
First Sunday in Lent
February 26, 2012
&
Worship Theme – “Ash Wednesday”
Prelude
Unison Prayer
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (CEB)
Joel 2:12-17a (CEB)
Prayer of Confession (Psalm 51:3)
Pastoral Prayer
Word of Assurance (GBOD 2012)
Thanksgiving over the ashes
Distribution of the Ashes
hymn, “Sunday’s Palms Are Wednesday’s Ashes” TFWS #2138
and Ash Wednesday Meditation,
“The Math of Lent”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
Ash Wednesday
February 22, 2012

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 16,370+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Wasting a precious life

2012-03-02T15:00:00.004-05:00

What would we say of our days
what we have done with our time
are we happy where we are
do we wonder how we got here
In this time, reflecting
on our way, our walk in life
a prayer that we would not be thinking
we are wasting a precious life

This gift from God precious
this time here on earth
walking with our Savior
with our loved ones, our neighbors
all here below, this journey
to be shared, this gift of life
treasured, for a purpose
to share God’s message of love

March 2, 2012
Worship Theme: New Beginnings
Mark 1:9-15
1 Peter 3:18-22
Call to Worship (Psalm 25:1-2a, 4-5)
Unison Prayer (Genesis 9:8-17)
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 1:9-15)
and sermon, “A Time to Begin”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
First Sunday in Lent
February 26, 2012
&
Worship Theme – “Ash Wednesday”
Prelude
Unison Prayer
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (CEB)
Joel 2:12-17a (CEB)
Prayer of Confession (Psalm 51:3)
Pastoral Prayer
Word of Assurance (GBOD 2012)
Thanksgiving over the ashes
Distribution of the Ashes
hymn, “Sunday’s Palms Are Wednesday’s Ashes” TFWS #2138
and Ash Wednesday Meditation,
“The Math of Lent”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
Ash Wednesday
February 22, 2012

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 16,370+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

life lost becomes life found

2012-03-02T08:40:00.002-05:00

from sin, depravity
from the pit of our own making
at the bottom of the well
the depths of the waters
life, struggle, thrashing in the miry clay
out hope seemingly gone
God, our Father, hears our desperate cries
life lost becomes life found
rejoicing in salvation
God prepared to save us
from the pit of our own making
the bottom of the pit
to rise with him to glory

March 2, 2012
Psalm 22:23-26
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for March 1, 2012
read March 1, 2012

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 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

back in the land of the living, with hope

2012-03-02T08:37:00.000-05:00

from our despair, from being cast out
wrestling with life alone
reclaimed from the depths
back in the land of the living, with hope
peace within our God
who never left us anyway
there in our struggles, with us
though we had turned away

March 2, 2012
Psalm 22:23-26
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for March 1, 2012
read March 1, 2012

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 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

perfect righteousness

2012-03-02T08:21:00.000-05:00

utterly faithful
not violating a jot
so much as one letter
of God’s law, his commands
all will be lost
kept from God’s kingdom
from the arms of God’s love
follow Christ’s example

March 1, 2012 and March 2, 2012
Matthew 5:20
Matthew 5:17-20
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 1, 2012
read March 1, 2012

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 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

To fulfill, to be faithful

2012-03-02T08:17:00.000-05:00

Christ’ journey, his example
to fulfill, to be faithful
submitting to God’s purpose
fulfilling all law
the promise of the prophets
the perfect life, Messiah
the Word alive before us
come to save the world

March 1, 2012 and March 2, 2012
Matthew 5:19
Matthew 5:20
Matthew 5:17-20
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for March 1, 2012
read March 1, 2012

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 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God’s deliverance

2012-03-02T08:04:00.001-05:00

our sorrow into joy
weeping for a time
rising in God’s comfort
God’s deliverance
from our sorrow
from our times of trial
not in the past
but in our here and now

March 2, 2012
Psalm 22:23-26
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for March 1, 2012
read March 1, 2012

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 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Have we shown Christ

2012-03-02T07:53:00.001-05:00

Have we shown God’s love
Christ in our lives
informing our steps
journeying in light
have we shown Christ
empowered by the Spirit
infused with living waters
God’s love within us
O believer, let it spill out

March 1, 2012 and March 2, 2012
Worship Theme: New Beginnings
Mark 1:9-15
1 Peter 3:18-22
Call to Worship (Psalm 25:1-2a, 4-5)
Unison Prayer (Genesis 9:8-17)
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 1:9-15)
and sermon, “A Time to Begin”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
First Sunday in Lent
February 26, 2012
&
Worship Theme – “Ash Wednesday”
Prelude
Unison Prayer
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (CEB)
Joel 2:12-17a (CEB)
Prayer of Confession (Psalm 51:3)
Pastoral Prayer
Word of Assurance (GBOD 2012)
Thanksgiving over the ashes
Distribution of the Ashes
hymn, “Sunday’s Palms Are Wednesday’s Ashes” TFWS #2138
and Ash Wednesday Meditation,
“The Math of Lent”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
Ash Wednesday
February 22, 2012

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 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Come near, repent and believe

2012-03-02T07:48:00.001-05:00

Come near, oh God
let your kingdom come
repent and believe
in the love of God
preach the Good News
Love come to earth
saving us from ourselves
the legacy of our sin
Come near, oh God;
Let your kingdom come!

March 2, 2012
Worship Theme: New Beginnings
Mark 1:9-15
1 Peter 3:18-22
Call to Worship (Psalm 25:1-2a, 4-5)
Unison Prayer (Genesis 9:8-17)
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 1:9-15)
and sermon, “A Time to Begin”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
First Sunday in Lent
February 26, 2012
&
Worship Theme – “Ash Wednesday”
Prelude
Unison Prayer
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (CEB)
Joel 2:12-17a (CEB)
Prayer of Confession (Psalm 51:3)
Pastoral Prayer
Word of Assurance (GBOD 2012)
Thanksgiving over the ashes
Distribution of the Ashes
hymn, “Sunday’s Palms Are Wednesday’s Ashes” TFWS #2138
and Ash Wednesday Meditation,
“The Math of Lent”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
Ash Wednesday
February 22, 2012

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 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

We must shout

2012-03-02T07:42:00.005-05:00

We must own our call
to proclaim the Good News
We must shout
not to sit by idle
the kingdom too near for that

Are we sharing what we believe
light in our world
Christ’s flame burning bright
do we shout
sharing God’s love
his gift to the whole world

March 1, 2012 and March 2, 2012
Worship Theme: New Beginnings
Mark 1:9-15
1 Peter 3:18-22
Call to Worship (Psalm 25:1-2a, 4-5)
Unison Prayer (Genesis 9:8-17)
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD Mark 1:9-15)
and sermon, “A Time to Begin”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
First Sunday in Lent
February 26, 2012
&
Worship Theme – “Ash Wednesday”
Prelude
Unison Prayer
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 (CEB)
Joel 2:12-17a (CEB)
Prayer of Confession (Psalm 51:3)
Pastoral Prayer
Word of Assurance (GBOD 2012)
Thanksgiving over the ashes
Distribution of the Ashes
hymn, “Sunday’s Palms Are Wednesday’s Ashes” TFWS #2138
and Ash Wednesday Meditation,
“The Math of Lent”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
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
Ash Wednesday
February 22, 2012

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 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live

What they knew about Jesus

2012-03-01T19:54:00.001-05:00

Peter and Andrew
by the seaside
listening to Jesus
his call for their lives
Was this the first time they had seen him
had they already heard his message
what they knew about Jesus
before they were called
Had they felt his passion
seen his power
were they already healed
or did he call them from nothing
to leave all they knew
what they knew about Jesus
everything or nothing at all

March 1, 2012
Matthew 4:19
Matthew 4:18-22
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for February 26, 2012
read February 29, 2012

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 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Something wrong about coffee

2012-03-01T17:43:00.002-05:00

Something wrong about coffee
something wrong but I never knew
probably too late for me
addicted since seventy-four
but I need to share
this bit of odd wisdom
something wrong about coffee
something wrong but I never knew

Taught by our biggest cat
the Siamese hidden in plain sight
wearing a tuxedo suit
but his voice giving him away
something wrong about coffee
something wrong but I never knew
but watching what he does
certainly gives me great pause

You see he doesn’t like coffee
like multi-cat litter box
something wrong about coffee
something wrong but I never knew
the same with fresh coffee
6:00am on the counter
the same with cold coffee
5:00pm on my computer desk

He knows there is something wrong
something pungent, off-putting
scratching the counter, my papers
as if he could cover that smell
something very wrong about coffee
something wrong but I never knew
something smelling bad, at least for him
needing to be covered up

March 1, 2012
Mario, our tuxedo cat
seal-point Siamese

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Dancing in my head

2012-03-01T16:04:00.002-05:00

Laughing backing down our driveway
the snow storm abating
NPR on the radio, talking
Shanequa snapping gum beside me
causing me to smile

She said her things were dancing in her head
I had two she had three, our shopping list,
she had the things for taco night
I had the things for mom

I laughed and asked if the ingredients
were dancing to a mariachi band;
She paused for a minute, thoughtful
and said, yes, they were

Tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream
all that we still needed
for the taco night dinner

Soon to be a whirl of motion
in our kitchen, our “Kitchen Stadium!”. . .
with sous chefs swarming. . .

March 1, 2012

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 16,360+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

planted in his fields

2012-03-01T15:34:00.002-05:00

seeds in rich soil
in the ground of our hearts
open, living
shards of God’s love
his Spirit abiding
planted in his fields
may we grow in faith
may we be light in his world

March 1, 2012
Matthew 13:31
Matthew 13:31-33
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for February 28, 2012
read February 29, 2012

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 16,350+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

planted in our hearts

2012-03-01T14:12:00.000-05:00

a tiny germ of mercy
a seed of faith
a kernel of God’s goodness
planted in our hearts
growing where we allow it
germinated with love
leading to our purpose
God’s call for our lives
planted in our hearts
not to save us
but be a witness
for the whole world
love, God’s holy light
bursting right out of us
pouring out that same message
God’s message of love

March 1, 2012
Matthew 13:31
Matthew 13:31-33
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for February 28, 2012
read February 29, 2012

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 16,350+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Mustard seed growing

2012-03-01T14:08:00.000-05:00

a tiny mustard seed
growing to a tree
a much branch, a purchase
a place of strength, of comfort
the burgeoning of faith
the seeds planted richly
in the fertile soil
fed by our Savior
the living Word of God
healing by the Spirit
as we walk with the Lord

March 1, 2012
Matthew 13:31
Matthew 13:31-33
Sanctuary for Lent for 2012
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?flid=5899
by Robert V. Dodd
scripture and meditation for February 28, 2012
read February 29, 2012

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 16,350+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Shrinking God to our size

2012-03-01T13:10:00.000-05:00

Thinking we have all of this figured out
that we truly understand the infinite
making God as small as we are
shrinking God down to our size
though Christ walked with us
We cannot truly comprehend
not with reason, experience
the unbounded infinite, eternal
the invisible scope of God

We seek to set boundaries
neat, discrete spaces
to capture God within the sanctuary walls
his truth in the pages
believing we only look at the law
The words of scripture
if we don’t look within
counseled by the Spirit
what will we miss of God

What profound truth, all that God is
beyond our comprehension, imagination
so much more to say about love
beyond the time of Jesus, his walk
what was recorded, written down
What God has to say to us
God divine, all powerful
omnipresent, alive
if we try to wall him in

Thinking we have figured all of this out
making God as small as we are
applying a human scale to the infinite
we miss out on such a blessing
the freedom in eternity
Wanting to cage the undefinable
as if our minds could fully grasp this
shrinking God down to our size
and missing so much in the process

March 1, 2012
earlier poem today, “Making God as small as we are”
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/03/making-god-as-small-as-we-are.html
bible study with Jean Anocibar on February 29, 2012
John 15:18-27
Acts 3 and Acts 4
1 Peter 3:19-20
John 1:10-13
John 1:1-13
John 1:1-18
John 16:1-4
John 16:5-16
John 14:25-27
1 Corinthians 8:1-6
1 Corinthians 8:1-13

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 16,350+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ Rebuked Peter

2012-03-01T08:14:00.003-05:00

In terms blunt
foreboding
nothing was going to stop him
to fulfill God’s purpose

“Get behind me, Satan!”
do not hold onto me
submit as I have
follow and believe

March 1, 2012
Mark 8:33
Mark 8:31-33
Mark 8:31-38
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for February 29, 2012
read February 29, 2012

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 16,350+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Peter Rebuked Christ

2012-03-01T08:11:00.004-05:00

Was he spitting fire
the anger, the hurt
what must Peter’s voice have sounded like
as he came to the Christ
Peter rebuked Christ
not wanting him to die
wanting his Master to be exalted
to be king, Lord of all

March 1, 2012
Mark 8:32
Mark 8:31-33
Mark 8:31-38
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for February 29, 2012
read February 29, 2012

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 16,350+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sure of His Death

2012-03-01T08:02:00.003-05:00

teaching of his passion
suffering, rejected
how he would be killed
rising on the third day
teaching of his passion
what was to come
sure of his death
shock to all of them

March 1, 2012
Mark 8:31
Mark 8:31-33
Mark 8:31-38
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for February 29, 2012
read February 29, 2012

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 16,350+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live

our father in God’s sight

2012-03-01T07:56:00.002-05:00

Abraham by faith
not under the law
justified by faith
in covenant, relation
our father in God’s sight
every tribe, every nation
all who would follow
faithful to God’s call

March 1, 2012
Romans 4:13-25
Upper Room Disciplines for 2012
http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm
February 27, 2012 to March, 2012,
“Movement toward Covenant”
by John Indermark
scripture and meditation for February 28, 2012
read February 29, 2012

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 16,350+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live