“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Philippians 2:12-13

Work out! Two words that, when put together, cause me no joy. Yes, I go to the gym (usually 3 times a week) with my wife. But I don’t ‘LOOK FORWARD’ to the gym… EVER! Lately, due to a nasty sinus thing AND a busy schedule, we hadn’t gone in about 3 weeks. On Christmas Day, we were going by there anyway, so we decided to get back to it!

Having never been “work out ‘gym’” people, we noticed that our bodies were aching, even though we hadn’t DONE anything. It’s like our bodies were screaming to WORK OUT! We did, and as strange as it always sounded before, the lazy ache subsided and was replaced by a muscle ache that indicated some level of accomplishment! We actually felt… BETTER!

Yesterday had me running around with the McCay clan like the old days. My brother’s family was in town from around the world and about 40 of us got together. Someone said, why don’t we play a game of McCay football like we did growing up! Though I cringed… I played. And was glad to do so. Now… I ache. But it’s a GOOD ache!

Working out the Salvation of Christ in my own personal life means that I have to make the effort to take the initiative. I know the parts of my physical body that need improvement. Likewise, God’s Holy Spirit inside me points out the areas where I need special attention. He expects me to GIVE IT… just that! WITH ‘fear and trembling!’

The fear and trembling comes from love. I do not want to let my Lord down. Therefore, if He really IS Lord, I need to be nervous as to how He views my life and progress. I am nervous to let Him down. What happens at the gym, also happens in my spirit and soul. But I gotta show up first. Then, I’m to WORK! WILLINGLY! Do you fearfully do that?

“I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love.” Revelation 2:4

“Oh no… I’m gonna party like Rock Star!” That was the answer from someone I had invited to Christmas Eve Service. They had just confessed to being a Christian… but confessed they were ‘backslidden.’ When I invited them to come to church, the answer came without delay. Nothing I said mattered. Their smile of anticipation was wide and full!

Later, at the service, the service went badly. All the planning was flushed when a technical problem with the computer decided not to work. But regardless… I pressed on to lift up and honor The Savior. A video that worked sent the message by itself. It’s title, “Do you Have Room?” still begs the question a day AFTER Christmas. Here it is.

In Revelation Chapter 2, Jesus isn’t asking us the question of Joseph in Bethlehem… “Do you have room?” In fact, He really doesn’t ask us to try to simply ‘fit Him in.’ When we make Him our Lord and Savior, he looks at our life, and begins the process of ‘CLEARING’ the room for Himself. Each day, month and year, He beacons me to give Him my ALL. Will… and do you?

“But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation.” My God will hear me. Micah 7:7

It’s Christmas Eve Day! A day I look forward to… even more than Christmas Day! That may sound weird, but recalling my growing up years, it has always been that way. The word that describes the feeling and excitement inside me is ‘Anticipation.’ Coming home from shopping, and dinner out last night, I realized that after today, it’s over!

I had my last minute list on my phone, and like Santa, I was checking it twice. Stores close early today and will not be open tomorrow. So If I don’t get the things I need for Christmas celebrations with family and friends, I won’t get them at all. Readiness, planning, figuring, timing, effort and energy all go into the list making… until tonight!

Tonight is our Church’s annual ‘Candlelight Christmas Eve Service.’ It is the highlight of Christmas Worship. Lot’s of planning and effort have gone into it over decades, having been started by my dad. It taps into the anticipation of God toward man and the world. And it PROVES what is most important to most people. Will they show up?

To me, Christmas isn’t Christmas without Christmas Eve. Anticipation is really just another word for ‘Faith’ as proved by ‘Works.’ I believe the most important subject of the Universe is ‘Jesus Christ.’ Therefore, physically worshiping Jesus Christ in His Church on the celebrated Eve of His birth is the literally THE most inspiring work I can do!

Tonight, we will meet at our Church at 6:30pm. I invite as many people as possible to come and join The Church in hearing His story. Especially people who do not know Him. In the candlelight and quiet, it is AWESOME to hear from The Coming King Himself. What will YOU be doing with Jesus tonight? How important is He… really?

“After they had seen the Child, they spread the message they had received about Him. And all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” Luke 2:17-18

At the store, purchasing some propane for an upcoming family gathering, I was in ‘The Christmas Spirit.’ The fellow waiting on me… didn’t seem to be. Knowing how my Boss likes me spreading The Good News, I was fishing for a line to start a conversation. I just knew a standard ‘Jesus’ one wouldn’t work. So I asked, “Ready for Christmas?”

The man quietly answered that he ‘still had some presents to wrap,’ but for the most part… he was. That answer didn’t even equal a nibble! Hoping to use the minutes we had left for some eternal purpose, I asked him if he knew how many wise men there were! He didn’t… and didn’t care. I tried at least 3 more ‘casts,’ but he got away!

The Greatest Story ever told is the one about the Messiah, the Savior of men, taking the form of a man and coming to Earth to rescue us from the evil spell cast by that ol serpent. When Eve fell for satan’s line, it sealed man’s fate for eternal Hell. What we needed was a rescuer! Jesus came! And for those who receive the free gift, It’s HUGE!

Sadly, far too many people have forgotten to keep the main thing… the main thing! Christmas is NOT about mandatory shopping, parties, decorating and holiday cheer! It’s about the Hero who provided rescue for ANY kid willing to go to the back of life’s Bus to escape it’s fiery fate! God came to rescue people… who want to be rescued! Do you?

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:3

I was in shock! Having almost purchased a replacement valve for my pool, I found several sizes available. Not sure of the part number for what I had, I looked up the company and called to see if they could give me the details so I could buy the right one. A very kind gentleman helped by asking me questions about what I had.

Looking carefully at the valve, I answered each question based upon his request. When finished, He told me, “You have valve number 4715!” I thanked him for his help and said, “now I can buy the right valve!” His next words shocked me! “BUY?” he replied. “That valve has a lifetime, forever warranty. Give me your name and address!”

I couldn’t believe my ears. Asking me how long I’d had it, I told him that pump was here when I bought the house 32 years ago! “Lifetime means lifetime,” he replied. “But it may take a week to get this to you. Is that OK?” I laughed. Having had it 32 years, I certainly could wait a week to receive it. Then I thought of Jesus’ guarantee.

The message of Christmas was the start date for the special delivery of eternal life and relationship between God and man. The cross was the finishing touch in the manufacturing of that product. When I agreed to take delivery of His Life and Grace, ‘The Package’ came with the promise in today’s verse. I have it. And I’m waiting.

The problems and pains of this life have not gone unnoticed by The Creator. Even after receiving His ‘Free Gift’ by faith, I am waiting, by that same Faith, for delivery. His Promise, Spirit, Word and Work in my life continue to provide me assurance that what He has promised, He WILL deliver! Knowing HIM is all I need to know.

When prodded to ask what kind of life valve my heart had, I looked carefully, and answered The Manufacturer’s questions honestly. My life was moving along, but had no real quality worth eternity. God asked me to take advantage of His offer and eternal guarantee. I did! And no matter the circumstances, He keeps pumping me full of life.

Do YOU have the confidence and joy of the Christmas, and Easter, promised eternal life? If so… you know the peace of His ‘lifetime forever guarantee!’ Merry Christmas! If not… what are you waiting for?

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” Matthew 24:36

Christmas is coming! In fact, being almost HERE, we are running out of time! The date’s always the same, but there never seems to be enough time to do what needs to be done to PREPARE for it! Work, Church, duties, wants and even rest seem to compete for the remaining seconds until Christmas is here and we will be DONE!

For us, the ‘TIME’S UP’ is late afternoon on Christmas Eve. By then, all the decorations need to be put up and the house cleaned. Church family, folks and friends will be arriving around 7:30 on the 24^th. After that, it’s just a matter of enjoying and appreciating people and things God has blessed us with. Until then.. we work!

But even after Christmas has been celebrated, and the decorations put away, there is another date that looms larger. Jesus lays that out in Matthew 24. After He talks about the destruction of the Temple (wait.. HUH?), Jesus then finishes that long chapter without interruption. He tells them about the END of TIME, with a warning!

I, like the disciples, would LOVE to know when ‘The End’ will come. At least then I could make some plans! I could put off some ‘NO FUN’ projects and throw in some FUN ones. Taking it easier would be easier if I had a time to measure with! But I have a feeling that is EXACTLY why Jesus went on to say that NO one knows.. except our Dad!

I have to face facts. This world is WAR. The battle between God and satan continues to dominate life. I made the choice on whose team I will fight for long ago and read His warrior guide… ‘The Bible.’ In it He tells me things I NEED to know and do, then leaves my ‘DOING THEM’ untimed… with an open ended ‘someday!’

Jesus came from Heaven to Earth with a military assignment. To ‘RESCUE’ His people. And to DEFEAT His enemies. Time and space are simply the battlefield He created to satisfy satan’s challenge to Him… AND to woo a Bride! I am His Bride (or other half)! So are you, if you have chosen Him as your Savior and Lord.

But the clock is ticking! Time is slipping away. Am I ‘READY?’ Do I look forward to His return with anticipated Joy? Or will I be surprised and shamed when I see my life through HIS eyes? THAT is the question I must ask every day. Because TIME is running out! Are YOU prepared?

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:17

My wife is a murderer! The plant, left unwatered, screamed out in dying plant language… “HELP!” O.K. I didn’t HEAR it.. but I SAW it! When I asked Katie what happened to the plant she said, “I’ve been busy!” And she has! This is a crazy time of year for both of us. And neither of us are running at 100% healthwise.

It wasn’t intentional. The plant was in the corner. I don’t look over there and, because she has a million things on her mind, neither did she. Until!!! So she stuck it in the sink and watered it. I came upon it this morning and trimmed all the dead stuff off, and placed it outside saying the words “Hope ya make it!”

My condition was MUCH worse. There was no fault by anyone but me. Sure… I was BORN human and inherited sin by nature. But I’ve PLENTY to be found guilty of WITHOUT any title to my name. Sin, in God’s Kingdom, is forbidden. Dying… I needed a Savior. Thank God He looked into my dark corner… and MOVED!

He didn’t just pat me on the back and say, “Hope ya make it!” There was NO chance of ‘making it’ on my own. The price of sin is eternal death and absence from His Heavenly realm. But He noticed! And He cared FAR too much! So much so in fact, that the remedy for my life, was the price of His blood. And He PAID IT!

Death never saw Him sneak in. The enemy was looking elsewhere. So under a cloak of darkness, the only place left to ‘slip in’ undetected… was a stable. The only place the Son could shine was in a dark place. And He came anyway. The sun brings life to plants. The purpose of the Son.. is to bring life… to ME!

God’s Word, to me, is Living water. And like water to a plant, it is not only important… it is absolutely necessary for LIFE! Are YOU in a dark place. Do YOU need Living water and Light? Jesus invites you to come for both. Because He isn’t a murderer. He’s The Savior! And YOU’RE why He came!

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11

The realization of ‘Two Noel’s’ came while watching a teaching video online. And it wasn’t even about Christmas. It was about the scientific evidence pointing to proof of God’s existence. The word ‘impossible’ came up, as evidence mounts to prove otherwise. I learned there are only 2 things IMPOSSIBLE with God. 2 NO ‘L’s

First, the Bible, God’s written Word about Himself, tells me that God CANNOT ‘L’IE! Because of that fact, and believe me I’ve tested Him out on this, EVERY WORD of God’s Word is 100% reliable… to me. When it says ‘I am a sinner’ unworthy of ‘Salvation’ is written on my heart, but ‘A Savior’ has been BORN to me. I rejoice!

The second ‘L’ came as a marvelous revelation and blessing. I’d just had ‘an incident,’ having several propensities toward sin that come out when my emotions get the better of me. Feeling guilty over ‘blowing it’ yet again, I smiled when I heard, God cannot ‘L’EARN anything. My sin was no surprise to Him, cuz He already knew!

Suddenly, 2 NO ‘L’s popped into my head… which, directed by the Holy Spirit, came in a perfect Season’s Greeting! Going online I looked up ‘NOEL,’ Only to discover that it is a French word that means ‘to be born.’ Looking at HUNDREDS of Images, ‘Joyeux Noel’ showed only ONE image of a manger scene with Jesus!

It appears the French have replaced the celebration of Christ’s Birth with a catchy phrase, much like many Americans have with ‘Happy Holidays!’ Which leaves God’s TWO magnificent promises of 2 NOEL’S… out of their reach! How sad! But knowing the 2 NO ‘L’s brings MY CHRISTmas even MORE Joy! How about YOU?

God does not even HAVE a ‘naughty list.’ YOU put yourself on that list when you refuse to ‘Believe’ and ‘Act’ by Faith in His Son Jesus Christ! Does YOUR life show evidence of 2 Noel’s… 2 births? Do YOU KNOW The Savior?

“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

“I’m going to the store, would you like anything?” I asked. Katie then told me she needed something for the next day. Putting that into my memory bank, I headed off. Little did I know my jaunt would become a marriage lesson for a perfect stranger.

It was at the checkout line when the man at the register made the comment, “OOO my wife loves those.” I responded with, “I know, right? Mine too!! And they’re ON SALE!” “Oh! Now I’ll definitely have to tell her about them.” he said. Then I blurted out… “Dude! Don’t you love your wife?” He looked at me funny!

Knowing I’d already crossed over the line and into Jesus’ territory, I instructed him. “Here’s an idea… since you’re already here, why don’t you just go buy some for your wife, take them home and tell her, “When I saw these, I thought of you!” You might even want to add, “I love you” to cap off the surprise!” I saw the light go on!

I’ve said it for a long time, because I learned it a long time ago… “LOVE is not a feeling… it is an action!” If I truly love someone, I am going to look at them with special interest and see if there is anything I can do to help, encourage or show them by my ACTION! That’s the kind of love Jesus meant when He said the words.

The lesson is so simple it isn’t necessary to blab on a long time about it. The question this Christmas season is… are you acting in love toward those closest to you? And here’s one a step above… what about the others’ in the world Jesus is sending you to? GO SHOW THEM!