We are the Church of God

Verses: Psalms 122: 1 - 9

Song inspired by the chapter:  Song has been uploaded from YouTube.com and is not my original.

My thoughts about the verses:

Often times when we are reading Psalms we get caught up in the fact that it mentions Jerusalem and the chosen people.  We wonder to ourselves how can this apply to me.  It is especially hard if you are not part of the Jewish community.  It is hard to understand what lessons we are to take from them.  What we need to remember as the songs as well as the law were completed with the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  When you read the Psalms if you keep this is mind you can understand what we are to take from them.

We are the Church of God.  The church is not a building.  The church is not a certain group of people.  The church is those from all over the world that believe in God. 

It is very true when two or more are gathered the presence of the Lord is in their midst.  Jesus wants us all to come to a time of worship with others.  It is in this communal setting that we are able to renew our spirits.  We are able to say that we are happy to be in the presence of our God.

Imagine how much joy this world would have if we would accept others into our church fold.  If we would take away the stereotypes that we have established for a true child of God.  Imagine the growth the church would have if we began affirming those that are different from us.  The joy giver celebrates when we open our hearts and our church to those that others have left out in the cold.

I really feel that as a church whole we have missed the point of spreading the word to all people.  We pick and choose who we think are good enough to be in the presence of God.  We single out people that look different from us, act different from us and love differently from us.  We need to see that God wants all people to be in the presence of God.

We as representatives of the church of God need to put aside our difference.  We need to go out into the community and say all are welcome at our church.  No one needs to be singled out we affirm you just the way you are.  There is nothing like setting in a service and seeing people of different backgrounds, nationalities and sexes and worshiping together.

We need to be proud of our open and affirming churches.  We need to look into our heart and see if we are open to others.  When you come to the decision that all are welcome you will see things change in your life.  You will not be the only one that comes rejoicing in the presence of God.  Instead you will be rejoicing with new brothers and sisters that felt alone yet through your love have found a place they can be free.

Prayer:

We thank you God for your saving power.  We thank you God for accepting us just as we are.  Help us to never turn away someone that wants to be in your presence.  Help us today break down the walls that have barricaded individuals from your presence.  In the name of the Real Joy Giver we pray.  Amen

Questions:

Have you accepted the challenge to love all God’s children?  Have you decided to affirm people in their love of God?  Are you willing today to toss aside your stereotypes of who a true Christian is?  Are you ready to be Jesus for someone today?