For a Life of Value--Sept. 27, 2010

I. Readings
Psalms 62, 145, 73, 9
Hosea 2:2-15
Acts 20:17-38
Luke 5:1-11

II. Selections
Psalm 9:18
For the needy shall not always be forgotten,
      nor the hope of the poor perish forever.

Hosea 2:7b
Then [your mother] shall say, “I will go
      and return to my first husband,
      for it was better with me then than now.”
[From the word of the LORD to Hosea]

Acts 20:24
“…But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace. … ” [Paul to the church elders of Ephesus]

Luke 5:5-6
Simon answered [Jesus], “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done this, they caught so many fish that their nets were beginning to break.

III. Meditation

Lord Jesus, though we desert you,
you love us still and call us to return.

You do not forget the needy nor allow
the hope of the poor to perish forever;
and we must not forget them either.

Teach us where to cast our nets
and to expect that you will
provide an abundant harvest.

And help us know and appreciate true value.
Paul did not count his life of value to himself,
except to finish his course and the ministry
he had received, and to testify to your grace.