QT 29 Feb 16, Isa 12:3, Life with God offers joy and peace

Isaiah 12:3–4 (RSV)

3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. 4 And you will say in that day:

“Give thanks to the Lord,

call upon his name;

make known his deeds among the nations,

proclaim that his name is exalted.

NOTE: Pascal's wager argues that living by faith in God far exceeds the alternative with the prospect of eternity in hell versus eternity in heaven for those who believe. But I find another aspect that is not discussed, and that is, physical life on earth is far better than life without God. Now, that is only a personal opinion and does not have any scientific basis, but neither does the opinion that life without God is better on earth. Yes, I have struggled and suffered, but I do have a joy and peace to my life that I did not have in the days I lived without God. The world does not really offer any satisfying alternative. Its pleasures are empty and short-lived. Love, relationships, peace, meaning to life, and joy are far better living for God than living in rebellion. Another person can argue the complete opposite point, and that is his opinion as well. But I don't feel I have lost anything in Pascal's wager. And if there is no God, I enjoyed life and will end up in nothingness. And if there is a God, which in my mind and with very good evidence is true, I will end up in eternity with him, versus eternity in everlasting agony. I haven't lost a thing, and I gain everything, both now and in eternity.

QT 26 Feb 16, John 9:35-39, Opinions or beliefs do not change truth

John 9:35–39 (RSV)

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and having found him he said, “Do you believe in the Son of man?” 36 He answered, “And who is he, sir, that I may believe in him?” 37 Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who speaks to you.” 38 He said, “Lord, I believe”; and he worshiped him. 39 Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.”

NOTE: The Pharisees threw out the blind man because he gave credit to Jesus for the miracle. The Pharisees wanted him to give credit to God and not to a man. Jesus' words against the blind Pharisees effectively shows that he disagrees with their conclusion, thereby claiming deity for himself. To strengthen this point, when the man then meets Jesus again, he worships him. Matthew's clear point is Jesus' claim of deity. It was well understood by the leadership and by Jews of that time, although somehow argued against by the critics of today. They, like the Pharisees of the time, when they don't like a conclusion, attack the person. They want conformity of opinion. Diversity is not acceptable when it comes to certain opinions of Jesus Christ. And that is not surprisingly. Truth, by nature, is exclusive. It cannot include all opinions, for truth is one thing and one thing only. It does not care what a person believes or how many people believe it. It exists of its own accord and does not change to fit anyone. Rejecting truth or forcing people to change their mind about truth or calling it a lie does not change truth in any way, only our perception of it. The Pharisees tried to eliminate the thought that Jesus was God because it did not fit with what they desired truth to be. But they were fighting a losing battle. Rather than rejecting it than should have been searching for it.

QT 25 Feb 16, Luke 13:1-5, There is no such thing as bad things happening to good people

Luke 13:1–5 (RSV) There were some present at that very time who told him of the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered thus? 3 I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen upon whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

NOTE: These are two very interesting scenarios, both were actual, and not fictional or theoretical. Both describe suffering of "innocents." In the first, evil is done by an "evil" person against the victims.  In the second, a random catastrophe, either caused by natural causes (tremors or earthquake) or poor but innocent engineering on the part of the builders, kills the victims. First, Jesus dismisses the idea of "good" as in the argument, "why do bad things happen to good people?" Jesus says that the individuals were no worse sinners than any other person. In other words, it has nothing to do with degrees of good and bad. But Jesus does not dismiss the idea of sin. He says that we too must repent or we will likewise perish. The thought does not seem to connect at first glance, but it does connect. First of all, we were never intended to die. The world is not as God created it in the garden. We do die because we rebelled in the garden. And all human kind is judged by the seminal heads (Adam and Eve) who represented us in the garden. So we all have a sin problem. And we all will face death, either early or late but we will all die, just like the Galileans in Jesus' examples. Our real problem is not physical death but spiritual death. And unless we repent, and turn to God we will all perish in the same way, without hope or a future. But if we repent, we can avoid one aspect of the two stories, the most terrifying aspect, spiritual death. Jesus offers eternal life to a world that rebelled against his offer in the garden. We may think it unfair to be judged by Adam and Eve, and actually we are not. We are judged by what we do with Jesus. Do we repent and believe, or do we continue in the rebellion to God that started in the garden? The choice is completely and independently ours.

QT 25 Feb 16, Luke 13:1-5, There is no such thing as bad things happening to good people

Luke 13:1–5 (RSV) There were some present at that very time who told him of the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered thus? 3 I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen upon whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

NOTE: These are two very interesting scenarios, both were actual, and not fictional or theoretical. Both describe suffering of "innocents." In the first, evil is done by an "evil" person against the victims.  In the second, a random catastrophe, either caused by natural causes (tremors or earthquake) or poor but innocent engineering on the part of the builders, kills the victims. First, Jesus dismisses the idea of "good" as in the argument, "why do bad things happen to good people?" Jesus says that the individuals were no worse sinners than any other person. In other words, it has nothing to do with degrees of good and bad. But Jesus does not dismiss the idea of sin. He says that we too must repent or we will likewise perish. The thought does not seem to connect at first glance, but it does connect. First of all, we were never intended to die. The world is not as God created it in the garden. We do die because we rebelled in the garden. And all human kind is judged by the seminal heads (Adam and Eve) who represented us in the garden. So we all have a sin problem. And we all will face death, either early or late but we will all die, just like the Galileans in Jesus' examples. Our real problem is not physical death but spiritual death. And unless we repent, and turn to God we will all perish in the same way, without hope or a future. But if we repent, we can avoid one aspect of the two stories, the most terrifying aspect, spiritual death. Jesus offers eternal life to a world that rebelled against his offer in the garden. We may think it unfair to be judged by Adam and Eve, and actually we are not. We are judged by what we do with Jesus. Do we repent and believe, or do we continue in the rebellion to God that started in the garden? The choice is completely and independently ours.

QT 25 Feb 16, Luke 13:1-5, There is no such thing as bad things happening to good people

Luke 13:1–5 (RSV) There were some present at that very time who told him of the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered thus? 3 I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen upon whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish.”

NOTE: These are two very interesting scenarios, both were actual, and not fictional or theoretical. Both describe suffering of "innocents." In the first, evil is done by an "evil" person against the victims.  In the second, a random catastrophe, either caused by natural causes (tremors or earthquake) or poor but innocent engineering on the part of the builders, kills the victims. First, Jesus dismisses the idea of "good" as in the argument, "why do bad things happen to good people?" Jesus says that the individuals were no worse sinners than any other person. In other words, it has nothing to do with degrees of good and bad. But Jesus does not dismiss the idea of sin. He says that we too must repent or we will likewise perish. The thought does not seem to connect at first glance, but it does connect. First of all, we were never intended to die. The world is not as God created it in the garden. We do die because we rebelled in the garden. And all human kind is judged by the seminal heads (Adam and Eve) who represented us in the garden. So we all have a sin problem. And we all will face death, either early or late but we will all die, just like the Galileans in Jesus' examples. Our real problem is not physical death but spiritual death. And unless we repent, and turn to God we will all perish in the same way, without hope or a future. But if we repent, we can avoid one aspect of the two stories, the most terrifying aspect, spiritual death. Jesus offers eternal life to a world that rebelled against his offer in the garden. We may think it unfair to be judged by Adam and Eve, and actually we are not. We are judged by what we do with Jesus. Do we repent and believe, or do we continue in the rebellion to God that started in the garden? The choice is completely and independently ours.

QT 24 Feb 16, 1 Cor 10:6-13, Watch how you live because he has called us to be witnesses

1 Corinthians 10:6–13 (RSV)

6 Now these things are warnings for us, not to desire evil as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters as some of them were; as it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to dance.” 8 We must not indulge in immorality as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in a single day. 9 We must not put the Lord to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor grumble, as some of them did and were destroyed by the Destroyer. 11 Now these things happened to them as a warning, but they were written down for our instruction, upon whom the end of the ages has come. 12 Therefore let any one who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

NOTE: "What is the purpose of the OT law if we are no longer under the law?" This is one of the questions of those who want to believe that we are under the OT law, and one of the reasons for the law is answered in this passage. There are at least 9 reasons for the OT law (that I have found), and Arnold Fruchtenbaum does a great job explaining five in his article (http://www.arielm.org/dcs/pdf/mbs006m.pdf) concerning the OT Law's applicability. In this passage, Paul tells us that the law provides a warning to us. Yes, we are saved, as were the OT saints, but intentional and habitual sin can lead to discipline (the book of Hebrews suggests physical death). We cannot lose our salvation, for then salvation would depend upon works, but we can suffer for our sin. And we can suffer in two ways. The first is the natural consequences of doing something stupid, ie, there are usually reasons you do not engage in certain behaviors. God does not promise to protect us from our stupidity, although I have noticed him do that for me on occasion. Secondly, if our witness is affected by our actions, God has every right as a Father to protect the family name by disciplining us or, in the most extreme circumstances, calling us home, as occurred in the stories in 1 Corinthians 10 above. We live here on earth, not for our enjoyment and pleasure, although that is certainly possible within the will of God, but our primary purpose is to serve God and to glorify Him with our lives.

QT 23 Feb 16, Num 16:26, When is the time for leadership?

Numbers 16:26 (RSV) And he said to the congregation, “Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be swept away with all their sins.”

NOTE: Korah rose up against God's appointed leadership and he and those with him suffered judgment for their sins. I don't believe that the issue was just disagreement with Moses' actions or behavior. I do believe God would want us to stand up for what is right and true. Even Moses' Father-in-law rebukes / challenges Moses in the area of leadership. What is happening here is outright rebellion and corrupt persons who want to have the leadership using human behaviors and strategies. They used religion as a cover for their evil desires. They weren't more sensitive to God than Moses, but they definitely were more greedy for power than Moses. Moses had his share of power growing up. He realized that it was an empty bucket and he ran away from power, responsibility, and his own sin. Moses was a humble man and a reluctant leader, just the kind of person God uses. Moses served the people because God called him to that task. What are our motives in pursuing leadership? Is it to serve? Is it to boast of our power or accomplishments? Only when we care more for God's glory and the growth of others and see leadership as servanthood are we ready to serve in God's kingdom.

QT 22 Feb 16, Ex 3:1-4, God expects us to explore his creation

Exodus 3:1–4 (RSV)

1 Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian; and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush; and he looked, and lo, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.” 4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here am I.”

NOTE: God reaches out to Moses in an unusual manner. Rather than calling him first, he provides a sign that captures Moses' curiosity. Then when Moses comes seeking, he calls Moses by name. I'm not sure if there is a principle here or if this was just a very unique manner in which God worked with a person. If there was a principle, it would be that God works with people who are seekers, truth-seekers. It does matter to us when things are not right. While we walk by faith, we seek to see and to understand God's hand in our universe. We question the things that don't make sense. We seek answers through observation and research. We don't, as we are often accused, accept life at face value. We are curious and we love to explore. There is no dichotomy between science and faith in our minds, only in the minds of the skeptics and of those who mock faith. We desire to understand God and the universe that he created for us. God created us with minds to use.

QT 17 Feb 16, Ps 42:11, Our soul shall not always be cast down

Ps 42:11 (ESV) Why are you cast down, O my soul,

      and why are you in turmoil within me?

      Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,

      my salvation and my God

NOTE: There was a time where this verse was only a hope and a prayer. Life seemed so hard and so painful. It was hard to imagine that good times remained. Of course a lot has happened in the 25 plus years since and most of it has been good. But when we are in pain, we wonder if we will ever be able to cast off the depression and turmoil currently weighing upon us. Pain does help us to appreciate joy, but hopelessness just hurts. It does have some good, because we recognize what others are dealing with and it helps us to be more compassionate. But turmoil to excess is not necessary to experience life. God says he will wipe away every tear in the future kingdom. I often wonder if that means all pain or only the debilitating pain that makes us hopeless. I really don't know but I am sure that whatever God's plan is, it will be the better than anything I might plan. Lord, thank you for the joy of today. I don't know how long it will last, but I want to praise you for it today.

QT 16 Feb 16, Jer 26:10-15, God calls us to obedience not to testing his patience

Jeremiah 26:10–15 (RSV)

10 When the princes of Judah heard these things, they came up from the king’s house to the house of the Lord and took their seat in the entry of the New Gate of the house of the Lord. 11 Then the priests and the prophets said to the princes and to all the people, “This man deserves the sentence of death, because he has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your own ears.”

12 Then Jeremiah spoke to all the princes and all the people, saying, “The Lord sent me to prophesy against this house and this city all the words you have heard. 13 Now therefore amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will repent of the evil which he has pronounced against you. 14 But as for me, behold, I am in your hands. Do with me as seems good and right to you. 15 Only know for certain that if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood upon yourselves and upon this city and its inhabitants, for in truth the Lord sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.”

NOTE: We classically refer to this as "shoot the messenger." And yet, this was the ministry that God call Jeremiah to do his whole life. He was to tell his people that another nation was going to attack them and destroy them for their sin. If they wanted to save their life, they needed to repent of their sins and surrender. They were long past the point of "repent and God would call off the attack." God had already spoken and given them warning. They now needed to accept the consequences of their actions.

Father, we are all so foolish. We don't respond to your warnings or your commands as we should. We rely on your mercy and patience indefinitely. And we are wrong. We know what is right to do and we fail to do it. Forgive us for our sin. Forgive us for abusing your mercy. Give us power to battle our flesh and to turn from sin. I suppose we will always rely on your mercy, but I pray instead we would live in a way that would bring you glory.

QT 11 Feb 16, Heb 4:14-16, Prayer for worries

Hebrews 4:14–16 (RSV)

14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

NOTE: Over the last few months, I have worried over a number of items. At times, I despaired of seeing those worries come to greater fruition. Oftentimes I turned to God in prayer and gave him those worries. My desire was for him to take away those worries (according to my ideas), but my focus was that he would bring about good in the end. I prayed specifically. In one case, I received an answer that was the opposite of my desire, but in actuality closer to what my true desire or end goal really should have been. I didn't realize it until I started to think through the prayer request a little more and saw how selfish my goal was and how God would have to be unjust to the other party to answer "my way." There were 4 or 5 main items of prayer and a number of smaller items all related to the same central event. This week the last of those major items was answered. There is still one smaller item to see answered, but God did take the worries from my attention (my focus) and he did answer them (mostly in his way and time). I know God answers prayer. My problem is that I want to see them answered my way. And so that causes me to hang onto the worry. But this time, I really sought God, not so much for the answer, as to take the worry from my mind. It is a much more peaceful way to live. This note is a reminder to myself. God does take our worries (1 Pet 5:13; Phil 4:6,7) and gives us peace. He also promises to answer for our good, according to his definition of our good (Rom 11:28). Thank you Lord.

QT 10 Feb 16, Isa 59-12-15, Truth, by definition, is not decided by opinion

Isaiah 59:12–15a (RSV)

12 For our transgressions are multiplied before thee,

and our sins testify against us;

for our transgressions are with us,

and we know our iniquities:

13 transgressing, and denying the Lord,

and turning away from following our God,

speaking oppression and revolt,

conceiving and uttering from the heart lying words.

14 Justice is turned back,

and righteousness stands afar off;

for truth has fallen in the public squares,

and uprightness cannot enter.

15 Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.

NOTE: These verses describe my culture today, as they did Judah's before her destruction by Babylon. It is interesting the nation whom God uses to execute justice. The other similarity is that, if this is the end times, he will use Babylon (or something that closely resembles Babylon) to destroy a similar nation. Verses 14-15 stand out to me. I realize that the person who does not believe in God would disagree with the assessment that truth has fallen in the public squares, but that is because we disagree on what truth is. Technically, our agreement or disagreement is inconsequential. Truth is or it is not truth, it does not depend upon another's opinion. If God exists and has revealed himself as he has testified and demonstrated through signs, wonders, and his actual appearance on earth, then what he says is true. Our unbelief does not negate God's truth. So, I believe truth has fallen in the streets. The upright cannot enter but are ridiculed. And if you try to live by the truth of God's word, you make yourself a prey to everyone around you who does not want to believe in God's word. Funny, they can't ignore you, but must attack you. But, I suppose that truth also falls on deaf ears.

QT 9 Feb 16, Luke 18:9-14, Humility is to be honored, not arrogance

Luke 18:9–14 (RSV) He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ 13 But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

NOTE: I read an interesting article the other day about how it was racist to negatively view arrogance or poor sportsmanship. The article made a number of factual errors, but those are beside the point. Since when did poor character qualities become an issue of racism? The individual in question is Cam Newton, but the discussion could also be about Johnny Manziel or Donald Trump. Why are we considered 'killjoys' if we support common decency in behavior? And why is humility no longer a virtue? Jesus explains part of the problem in the first passage. Arrogance goes hand in hand with despising others. The individual wants them to eat dirt because he believes he is so much better than them. They are not equals and his words amplify that message. Paul explains why the trait will become more common as we get closer to the end of time.

Romans 1:28–32 (RSV) And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a base mind and to improper conduct. 29 They were filled with all manner of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity, they are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God’s decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do them but approve those who practice them.

NOTE: We have progressed from shame and guilt to approving of people who practice the very things that at one time shamed us. Another way of saying it is that "we glory in our shame." In the letter to Philippians, Paul says as much:

Philippians 3:19 (RSV) Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

NOTE: We live in a sad time but also a time of great opportunity. We can be different. We can live in a manner that shows the light of Jesus Christ in our life. We can easily be a light in our speech, our attitudes, and our kindness. Church, this is the time to rise up in love. Jesus has changed us and we are different.

QT 8 Feb 16, 2 Sam 24:10, The struggle with the flesh

2 Samuel 24:10 (RSV)

10 But David’s heart smote him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O Lord, I pray thee, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.”

NOTE: Thankfully, we have Jesus' death on the cross as punishment for our sins and do not have to face the choice David faced for his sin. But, we are like David so much, and this verse just amplifies the truth. David knew it was wrong, and it was not until after the conclusion that he admits his sin. It took some amount of time to number the people and he could have stopped it at any time, but he did nothing until the number came back to him. Then, his guilt hit him, and he confessed his sin. On one side, I am comforted that a man, commended by God, could be so bull-headed and stupid. On the other hand, I am dismayed that my actions cost my savior as they did. I am bull-headed and stupid too. I know what is right to do but I fail. And I usually admit my failure after the fact. God, forgive us for our stupidity and our failures to say no to our flesh. Someday we will have new bodies which will free us from the old flesh. I look forward to that day when I can live confidently and unashamed before you.

QT 6 Feb 16, 2 Cor 4:3-4, Never stop searching for truth

2 Corinthians 4:3–4 (RSV)

3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled only to those who are perishing. 4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the likeness of God.

NOTE: If you don't want to believe, God will give you your wish. He will blind your mind to truth so that you don't see the light of the gospel. But you say that is unfair. Well, there are a number of responses to that and I will offer two. One, as creator of each person and everything, God is under no obligation to act in any particular manner toward his creation despite our arguments to the contrary. The owner has the right to do as he pleases. The fact that he does not act in this manner (as I believe) is actually an issue of mercy (as we will see next). Two, I do believe that we are all given an opportunity to recognize God and to believe in Him. Romans chapter 1 says that ever since the creation of the world, his invisible nature, namely, his eternal power and deity has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made, so, they (everyone in the world) are without excuse (for not believing). So having rejected God, many are blinded. God does offer glimpses and proddings (for a variety of reasons), but in the end and individual who does not want to believe gets what he chooses, belief that God cannot exist. My response to my unbelieving friend, if there is any shadow of doubt, pursue it, because God's mercy is great, and he can open up the mind to truth is the person truly seeks to know God.

QT 4 Feb 16, Acts: 1:6-8, I have a job and it's not God's job

QT 1 Feb 16, 1 Cor 9:15-18, Why do we serve?

1 Corinthians 9:15–18 (RSV)

15 But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing this to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have any one deprive me of my ground for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in my preaching I may make the gospel free of charge, not making full use of my right in the gospel.

NOTE: God has provided abundantly for me. It is nice to have "ministry supporters," and I can certainly use prayer, but God has provided financially. Like Paul, I am ecstatic that I can make my teaching of God's word free of charge. And while I certainly have a right to expect remuneration for the effort I put in, I know that my reward is sufficient in that I can serve in this ministry of teaching and discipling others. I have no desire for anything else. I love what I do. I love the people I serve. I love what I learn because it has eternal value. I would do it anyway, with or without an organization to stand behind me. In fact, I feel a certain sense of duty, because God has given so much financially and knowledge-wise to be faithful to the work God gives. If I am not faithful, he will not only not give more, he will take away what he has given. At least, that is the way I feel. So I serve out of a sense of thankfulness for salvation, responsibility for what he has given, and joy for the change I see in people's lives.