~ Holy Ground ~

by **Lani** » Fri Sep 02, 2011 8:44 pm

Psalm 148:1-14
1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the LORD from the heavens: praise him in the heights.
2 Praise ye him, all his angels: praise ye him, all his hosts.
3 Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light.
4 Praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens.
5 Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created.
6 He hath also stablished them for ever and ever: he hath made a decree which shall not pass.
7 Praise the LORD from the earth, ye dragons, and all deeps:
8 Fire, and hail; snow, and vapour; stormy wind fulfilling his word:
9 Mountains, and all hills; fruitful trees, and all cedars:
10 Beasts, and all cattle; creeping things, and flying fowl:
11 Kings of the earth, and all people; princes, and all judges of the earth:
12 Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children:
13 Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven.
14 He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the LORD.

The Lord said, “Indeed, the whole earth is mine.” Exodus 19:5 (NRSV)

Have you stood on holy ground? Perhaps you've stood inside St. Paul's Cathedral in London, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, or the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. For some people holy ground is a tiny white church in a quaint New England village or a church on the Golf Coast that survived the hurricanes, a struggling downtown church or a rustic chapel.

Moses walked over a large area of holy ground. So did the psalmist who proclaimed the marvel of God's power and creation. The apostle Peter stood on holy ground at the Mount of Transfiguration and when he carried forth the message of Jesus Christ. From birth to death to resurrection, Jesus walked on holy ground.

But holy ground is not limited to places where events have taken place; every place can constitute holy ground. Did astronauts walking on the moon perceive it as holy ground? After all, God has created this marvelous world, the land we walk on, the seas we sail, the skies above us.

Because all that surrounds us is holy, we cannot justify abuse of land or pollution of streams, seas, and skies. Nore can we account for the oppression of people or justify wars.

God calls us to search our souls for how we can treasure and care of all that God has given us. It's up to us to live as if wherever we are is holy ground – Because God is there.

Prayer: Remind us, Lord, that everything you have created is holy. Forgive us when we abuse your creation. Amen.

Prayer Focus of Day: To care for creation

Thought for the Day: To Care for Creation

Story shared by: B. Mitchell (MI)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional: 8/29/11

by **ServeGod** » Sat Sep 03, 2011 2:25 am

May the lord guide and nourish the children of Oasis, May he tame our tongues and replace it with Holy words, for in the Oasis we gather in Holy Ground. Let us take care of his precious creation entering the oasis, with welcoming Love.
Thanks again Lani for sharing, and making me aware of his Holy Grounds. *Cross*