Scripture: 
			Luke 12:48b (NRSV) – “From 
			everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and 
			from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be 
			demanded.”
			
			Message: 
			This scripture has been motivating me for many years.  A paraphrase 
			“Much is expected from those to whom much 
			has been given” is imprinted on my personal checks in order to share 
			it with others. Because God has been so good to me, it is my 
			privilege and responsibility to do whatever I can to represent Him. 
			
			Fortunately, 
			my parents took our family to church on a regular basis from early 
			childhood through my teen years.  At a revival in our little country 
			church when I was 11, I answered the altar call and accepted Jesus 
			as my Savior. It was the true beginning of my walk with God.  Also, 
			God blessed me with marriage to my childhood sweetheart, and we had 
			40 wonderful years together before his death. We were blessed with 
			two beautiful daughters who have grown into compassionate and caring 
			young ladies.
			
			The following 
			two quotes are meaningful to me as well.  The first from author Erma 
			Bombeck: “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would 
			hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could 
			say, ‘I used everything You gave me’”.
			
			The second is 
			credited to Leonardo da Vinci: “I have been impressed with the 
			urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Being 
			willing is not enough, we must do”.
			
			Prayer: 
			Father God, it is my prayer that my life will be worthy of the love 
			and grace You have provided.  Amen.
			
			Gerry McDonald