Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

Apply my salvation with fear and trembling to the work that the LORD, God, the Almighty has assigned to me to do for His pleasure. Now that's an assignment that should bring a great deal of satisfaction to me. To think that the LORD of the Universe trusts me, even depends on me to advance His Kingdom.

Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain.

Now here is the way He, the LORD, wants the job done. It's all about attitude. No grumbling, John, dig in an and do the work with an ear to ear grin.

Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. For the same reason you also be glad and rejoice with me.

Here is a 'once in a lifetime' invitation to join the Apostle Paul in his work. It's an invitation to take his messages and use them to promulgate the Gospel to the lost, the least, and the lonely. And while I'm at it, don't forget those in fine houses with all the accouterments who travel to the farthest reaches of the world.

Reading.

Morning Psalm 23, Noon Psalm 119:49-56, Evening Psalm 114