August 29, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 28, 54, 99
Job 6:1-4, 8-15, 21
Acts 9:32-43
John 6:60-71

II. Selections
Psalm 28:8
The LORD is the strength of his people;
he is the saving refuge of his anointed.

Job 6:12-13
" ...Is my strength the strength of stones,
or is my flesh bronze?
In truth I have no help in me,
and any resource is driven from me. ... " [ Job]

Acts 9:33
[ In Lydda Peter] found a man named Aeneus, who had been bedridden for eight years, for he was paralyzed. Peter said to him, "Aeneus, Jesus Christ heals you; get up and make your bed!" And immediately he got up.

John 6:65
And [ Jesus] said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father."

III. Meditation: Our strength

Aeneus-eight years paralyzed-
had no strength to leave his bed;
but Peter told him
he was healed by Christ,
and he got up and made his bed.

Job learned what it was like
to be helpless,
to lack all strength-
every resource
driven out.

You are the strength
and saving refuge
of your people.
Grant us strength
to come to Jesus.