Post by Woody Williams on Aug 20, 2005 17:36:40 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Psalm 87
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On the holy mount stands the city he founded; the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God.
Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; Philistia too, and Tyre, with Ethiopia- 'This one was born there,' they say.
And of Zion it shall be said, 'This one and that one were born in it'; for the Most High himself will establish it.
The LORD records, as he registers the peoples, 'This one was born there.'
Singers and dancers alike say, 'All my springs are in you.'
Devotional
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All the nations of the world streaming toward Zion is an image found throughout the Old Testament. What will be said of those who come seeking to know God? They will be considered as "one was born there," that is, one of God's covenant children. From the beginning God was the God of all nations, even those who did not know their Creator. God's heart, like Zion that welcomes all, is open to the world. God's grace stretches out to register all who seek God as "one who was born there." The church and all its members need to find ways of remembering the critical function of hospitality. Is the heart of your congregation in this welcoming posture? Is your own heart filled with this deep grace that welcomes all?
Prayer
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Open my heart, O God, and let my witness be an invitation to your heart for all I meet. Amen
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On the holy mount stands the city he founded; the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God.
Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; Philistia too, and Tyre, with Ethiopia- 'This one was born there,' they say.
And of Zion it shall be said, 'This one and that one were born in it'; for the Most High himself will establish it.
The LORD records, as he registers the peoples, 'This one was born there.'
Singers and dancers alike say, 'All my springs are in you.'
Devotional
----------
All the nations of the world streaming toward Zion is an image found throughout the Old Testament. What will be said of those who come seeking to know God? They will be considered as "one was born there," that is, one of God's covenant children. From the beginning God was the God of all nations, even those who did not know their Creator. God's heart, like Zion that welcomes all, is open to the world. God's grace stretches out to register all who seek God as "one who was born there." The church and all its members need to find ways of remembering the critical function of hospitality. Is the heart of your congregation in this welcoming posture? Is your own heart filled with this deep grace that welcomes all?
Prayer
---------------
Open my heart, O God, and let my witness be an invitation to your heart for all I meet. Amen