Psalm 139:1-5

First reading: pay attention to text as if reading for the first time.

Second reading: listen for words and phrases that seem to resonate with you. Make a note of these bright spots as you meditate on them.

Wife's favorite chapter! 

Ministering to the Lord. This was on my heart all day today. Full day of ministry: not just preparing for worship and preaching, but also leading a relationships counseling session, meeting with people after service, coordinating a dinner at our place, and emceeing a testimony after service. Not to mention cleaning up the dinner (14 people over for hamburgers hot off the grill!).

Full Day. 

Ministry = service. Worship = ministering to the Lord, serving the Lord. When I serve my brothers and sisters I serve Jesus. 

"Before a word is on my tongue...Lord, you know it" 

"You hem me in, behind and before"

Third reading: Become aware of your emotional response to what you have noted. Contemplate what are you feeling.

I have a God who knows me. 

I feel secure. Sometimes I feel like things are falling apart around me, but knowing this gives me the assurance to not trust my instincts at times. I think about my cat: often I want to help my cat, but his instincts tell him to run from me. If he doesn't trust his instincts, but instead trusts me, I can pick him up and bring him to safety. But if he listens only to his instincts, he will run from me and only make things worse for himself. 

God behind and before me. Nothing can get to me or shake me. I am secure.

I feel worn, but happy knowing this. 

Fourth reading: Reflect upon what God is saying to you through this text? What is God’s invitation to you today?

So thankful for the chance to spend some time with a few folks from church that we don't know as well. Had a blast! What a blessing it is to serve a God who loves it when his children live in unity, feeding each other, having fun with one another, getting to know one another better. 

Am feeling called to begin encouraging other folks in our ministry to invite brothers and sisters over, especially the ones they don't know as well!