November 17, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 32, 130, 139
Joel 2:28-3:8
James 1:16-27
Luke 16:1-9

II. Selections
Psalm 130:7
O Israel, hope in the LORD!
For with the LORD there is steadfast love,
and with him is great power to redeem.

Joel 2:29
Even on the male and female slaves,
in those days, I will pour out my spirit.

James 1:21
Therefore rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness, and welcome with meekness the implanted word that has the power to save your souls.

Luke 16:3
" ...Then the manager said to himself, 'What will I do, now that my master is taking the position away from me? I am not strong enough to dig, and I am ashamed to beg. ... '" [ Jesus to his disciples, from the parable of the Dishonest Manager]

III. Meditation: What will we do?

The day comes when we lose our advantage,
and we are not strong enough to dig,
and we are ashamed to beg,
and we ask, "What will I do?"

Then at last we must rid ourselves
of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness,
and with meekness welcome the implanted word
that has the power to save our souls.

We must hope in you,
and in your steadfast love,
and in your great power to redeem-
for you pour out your Spirit even on the lowly.