The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him,
and he makes his covenant known to them.
If I keep my eyes on God,
I won’t trip over my own feet! – Psalm 25:14-15, NRSV/MSG

The secret [of the sweet, satisfying companionship] of the Lord have they who fear (revere and worship) Him, and He will show them His covenant and reveal to them its [deep, inner] meaning. Psalm 25:14-15, Amplified Bible

I understand that my faith community keeps coming up as a recurring theme in my posts; but it’s such a powerful reality that I can’t help but talk about it, especially the deeper relationships I am privileged to enjoy.

Worship together is powerful, when several hundred people gather for prayer, and praise, and instruction, and fellowship. But it is in small groups and discipleship classes where these deeper bonds are forged.

Between the two men’s groups I’m involved with – plus my Sunday morning adult-education class – I get to be in serious, transformational conversation with close to 50 people. Then there are the many one-on-one meetings for conversation and prayer over lunch or coffee, plus the dinner invitations Rebekah and I value so much.

Wednesday evening was a great example; there is something singularly beautiful about a dozen men sitting around a table, sharing from their hearts, talking about the scriptures, and praying together.

It plays out exactly as the Psalmist describes it: “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear (revere, worship, awe and respect) him.” This sweet and satisfying companionship with God. Additionally, the psalms instruct us, what comes out of this process is a more meaningful grasp of God’s Covenant for each one of us.

We were/are created for the purpose of relationship. It is our relationships – both with God and with one-another – that strengthen our experience of embracing the Jesus-quality of life. This amazing opportunity to “do life together” in the deeply satisfying way that God intended, that God intends, in our creation, and through our ongoing recreation.

This is today’s Coffee and a Verse of Scripture. May God infuse your being with light and life! – DEREK