Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Day 120 - God Is Love

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 161
         
Michael’s book is available through:

Abiding Life Ministries International
Littleton, Colorado
(303) 972-0859       www.abidinglife.com

Notice:  this email is part of a BLOG, called Living Life With a Capital “C”Why a blog?  So that many can receive these thoughts in an easy manner. 


My father was a math teacher and coach.  I learned early as a young boy that “is” means “equals”…2+2 is 4, or 2+2=4.  We can use that truth in every area of life.  Michael uses it to show one of the most exciting and most victorious results of this simple truth of “is.”  Have you been missing out on the magnitude and the power of what happens when we bring “love” into any situation?

(I need to stop and mention once again…I consider Michael to have brought the most helpful Christian discipleship materials to anyone who reads or listens to all he had to say.  Everything from Michael Wells is available @ www.abidinglife.com , and so much of it is of no charge.)



DAY 120

God Is Love

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. --I John 4:7-9

God is love. We are not told that God is understanding and reason, for these two do not bring lasting change at the core of man’s being. We are not told that God is willpower or emotion, for these also leave man unchanged. No, God is love. This simple statement affects every area of life. I have seen bumper stickers, protest posters, and music stating, “All we need is love.” That is true, but if God is love then we are just as correct to say, “All we need is God.It is impossible to bring love into any situation--marriage, world affairs, politics, or relationships--without bringing in God, its source. So often in personal discipling I am made aware of the hatred couples have for each other, man has for himself and others, and families have for its members. It is easy to talk of understanding, false concepts of others, and learning to walk a mile in others’ shoes; however, as I speak of those things I see the strong resolve on the faces of the offended to continue hating. Therefore, God must always be brought into the equation. Where there is no Jehovah there is no love, period! 

I remember getting in on a political discussion with atheistic friends from another country and now living in the U.S. In the middle of the discussion I said that I wanted to tell a story, and I told one about Jesus. When I finished I noticed that their collective countenance had changed; the looks of frustration from concentrating on the inconsistencies of government gave way to peace and contentment, yet they were not believers. If we are created by Him and held together by Him, then the very mention of His name will bring a lift to our being. Doctors tell us that the human body runs best on love and that it cannot flourish in hatred. God is the love that body, soul, and spirit all desperately need. The next time you are in conflict, simply bring God into the discussion and watch the hostilities diminish. Do not bring teaching about God or pet theologies, but bring the living Christ into the equation and watch Him do what understanding cannot.

Yellow – VIP, Very Important Point      Green – IT, Incredible Truth        
Red – GP, Greatest Promises
Turquoise – UR, Unfathomable Riches           Pink – PV, Priceless Victory



The heart of Michael’s writing this day for me is to know and remember I must bring the Living Christ, not some teaching about Him…and, may God forbid, any pet theology or “wisdom” I might possess…into every equation of life.  For years I was taught to get more Bible knowledge, but not more of Him.  Today, I want just Him.

And, today I can relax and disciple more effectively no matter Who I am working with or What they are dealing with…having these two things that come from having Christ:
1. It is impossible for me to bring love into ANY situation without bringing in God, its source.
2. I can bring the Living Christ, Who lives in me and all that He is in me, into ALL situations.

And don’t we know, and say, that all anyone needs is God?  Why do we then give them a thought about Him, a truth about Him, a theology about Him…instead of Him?

A friend named Mark and I were talking with one of Mark’s acquaintances this past Sunday morning.  This person was choked up with worries and fears about an upcoming situation.  But once we talked about them knowing they were “in Christ” and “Christ was in them,” and all that He IS was going to be theirs as they entered the real testing of their faith…they began to glow and walk in His peace, and to say: “I’m not going to say I have God, and then live like I don’t.”  Well, amen.



To access ALL past weekly blogs, go to Living Life With a Capital “C” by logging onto www.leemccm.blogspot.com 

NOTICE: another blog on Michael Wells’ book, Sidetracked In The Wilderness, called Getting Out of the Wilderness.  You can access by logging onto www.leemcchristianministries.blogspot.com


Lee McDowell Christian Ministries
(twitter) @bleemc67    (email) leemccm@gmail.com

P. O. Box 633244    Nacogdoches, Tx 75963                                          936-559-5696

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Day 235 - Returning To The Place We Never Left

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 160
         
Michael’s book is available through:

Abiding Life Ministries International
Littleton, Colorado
(303) 972-0859       www.abidinglife.com

Notice:  this email is part of a BLOG, called Living Life With a Capital “C”Why a blog?  So that many can receive these thoughts in an easy manner. 


One of the greatest promises Jesus ever made to us is His giving of HIS PEACE to us…not the peace the world gives or promises, but HIS!  Is it any wonder the Apostle Paul stated that this is the “peace that passes all understanding”?!? 

Read carefully what Michael tells us about OUR FAULT in not having Christ’s peace.



DAY 235

Returning To The Place We Never Left

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid. --John 14:27

There were two sisters. One left home and never wanted to return because she remembered it as a miserable place. The other left and always mourned for home; she could never return but always wanted to. She had never left home in her heart and therefore never really enjoyed her new family. What was the difference between these two sisters? One, in her heart, kept returning to the place she never left.

The prodigal son went to the pigpen, but actually he had never left it. There was a pigpen in his heart, and so he had only returned to the place that he had never left. We must leave the old place, the pigpen, allowing the Lord to destroy the place. Let me explain. For years I suffered with depression and suicidal thoughts. One day I prayed, "Lord, I am leaving this place of suicidal thoughts; You have destroyed it. I can no longer return there." Since that day, when the enemy brings the thoughts, I just say, "I cannot go there; that place is dead. Satan will have to tempt me with something else. That place I cannot return to." We have places of insecurity, depression, guilt, sin, addiction, and flesh that we must allow Him to destroy. How do we do that? It is simple! Just say, “Jesus, I give you that place. Please destroy it so I can never return there.” Once we pray, from that day forward when we are tempted to go there we can remind ourselves that the place is gone; there is no place to go. The truth is that we too often--like the prodigal son for a time--have not truly grown sick of the place and do not yet want to give it up. Do not worry; life is not supporting that decision, and we will come to a place where we are sick of it and allow Him to destroy it. 

Yellow – VIP, Very Important Point      Green – IT, Incredible Truth        
Red – GP, Greatest Promises
Turquoise – UR, Unfathomable Riches           Pink – PV, Priceless Victory



It would do us well to often go back and read and meditate on God’s Word in Philippians 4:6-9...and find God's simple instructions on how to enjoy Him (God of peace) and His peace (peace which passes all understanding).

But, really, Michael gives us a simple truth that tells us why we are not able to receive and appropriate the truths of Philippians 4…”The truth is that we too often—like the prodigal son for a time—have not truly grown sick of the place and do not yet want to give it up.”  Ouch!!!  How does that feel?

And, yet, Michael gives us great hope…”Do not worry; life is not supporting that decision, and we will come to a place where we are sick of it and allow Him to destroy it.”  Yay!!!

How many are thinking right now:  “Lord, when will I ever get to that place where I am sick of “the place” (the pigpen, the old place, that _____________ ) ?”




To access ALL past weekly blogs, go to Living Life With a Capital “C” by logging onto www.leemccm.blogspot.com 

NOTICE: another blog on Michael Wells’ book, Sidetracked In The Wilderness, called Getting Out of the Wilderness.  You can access by logging onto www.leemcchristianministries.blogspot.com


Lee McDowell Christian Ministries
(twitter) @bleemc67    (email) leemccm@gmail.com

P. O. Box 633244    Nacogdoches, Tx 75963                                  936-559-5696

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Day 221 - Political Comedy

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 159
         
Michael’s book is available through:

Abiding Life Ministries International
Littleton, Colorado
(303) 972-0859       www.abidinglife.com

Notice:  this email is part of a BLOG, called Living Life With a Capital “C”Why a blog?  So that many can receive the weekly thoughts I express on Michael’s writings in an easy manner. 



Today is not much different than any other day…all the politicians are jabbering about their solutions to the world’s problems, and people are barking that their person is smarter than everyone else’s.  Politics is front page and top line in every news source.  And God is never mentioned…  Michael gives us God’s perspective on all this.



DAY 221

Political Comedy

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. --I Corinthians 1:25

Sometimes it is comical to watch the world and its wisdom. Leaders sit in their meetings acting as though the weight of the earth is on their shoulders and it will be their wisdom and cooperation that will make for a better world. They actually, in their pride, believe themselves to be the sharpest knives in the drawer. They never really help people, and the facts have proven it, for the issues haunting man are not addressed. Nothing is said about relationships with God, with family, or with self. Since they have no insight into the important things of life, they try to convince us that what they do know are the real issues of life. It is folly, for the foolishness of God is much greater than the wisdom of man. Jesus has the answer for believers, and we must not allow ourselves to be brainwashed.

Yellow – VIP, Very Important Point      Green – IT, Incredible Truth        
Red – GP, Greatest Promises
Turquoise – UR, Unfathomable Riches           Pink – PV, Priceless Victory



Yes, the issues haunting man are not addressed…they are never enhanced, enlightened, or settled!  It’s the same ole same ole with man all around the world.  Is God laughing or crying???

But praise God, His foolishness IS much greater than the wisdom of man.  God’s wisdom in the Lord Jesus Christ provides the way, the truth, and the life for His kids.  Yes, Michael, thank you…”we must not allow ourselves to be brainwashed.”



To access ALL past weekly blogs, go to Living Life With a Capital “C” by logging onto www.leemccm.blogspot.com 

NOTICE: another blog on Michael Wells’ book, Sidetracked In The Wilderness, called Getting Out of the Wilderness.  You can access by logging onto www.leemcchristianministries.blogspot.com


Lee McDowell Christian Ministries
(twitter) @bleemc67    (email) leemccm@gmail.com

P. O. Box 633244    Nacogdoches, Tx 75963                                       936-559-5696

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Day 104 - Freedom

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 158
         
Michael’s book is available through:

Abiding Life Ministries International
Littleton, Colorado
(303) 972-0859       www.abidinglife.com

Notice:  this email is part of a BLOG, called Living Life With a Capital “C”Why a blog?  So that many can receive the weekly thoughts I express on Michael’s writings in an easy manner. 


“Freedom” is considered a crucial aspect of life that most seek diligently almost all the time.  Michael offers an incredible insight into this most sought after life issue.  How many today are thinking “freedom” equals spirituality???



DAY 104

Freedom

Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. --Philippians 4:11

There are two ways a person is controlled by alcohol; one is the constant thought of getting it; the other is the nagging thought of staying away from it. Either way, alcohol is the focus. This is also true when it comes to material possessions. Many attempt to prove their value through the fancy type of car they drive, while others want to hide what God has graciously given them so they will not be thought of poorly by other believers who own less. In either case, life is lived unto man. I remember visiting a pastor who had been imprisoned many years for his faith. During the incarceration he lost his family, inheritance, and friends. One would think that with such an experience he would have been radiating humility. However, the opposite was true; he was full of pride, almost demanding worship because of the suffering he had undergone. My brother and I made a quick exit from his church. Freedom will not make us any more or less spiritual than imprisonment. Spirituality comes from a simple recognition that we have nothing. In the midst of any situation, we walk with an empty bag, having nothing but what the Lord gives us in the moment. If we walk in humility, we can walk in wealth or in poverty and still find ourselves growing, full of hope and love, and being springs of living water at which others may drink.


Yellow – VIP, Very Important Point      Green – IT, Incredible Truth        
Red – GP, Greatest Promises
Turquoise – UR, Unfathomable Riches           Pink – PV, Priceless Victory


Is it comical, or what, that man can be controlled by “either way,” or “in either case”???  All the while seeking diligently, sometimes desperately, to not be controlled…but to have “freedom.”  Wow!

And all the while, God has told us: He “resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)    And with grace cometh freedom, because God is doing all the doing!

Soak on Michael’s last 4 sentences…



To access ALL past weekly blogs, go to Living Life With a Capital “C” by logging onto www.leemccm.blogspot.com 

NOTICE: another blog on Michael Wells’ book, Sidetracked In The Wilderness, called Getting Out of the Wilderness.  You can access by logging onto www.leemcchristianministries.blogspot.com


Lee McDowell Christian Ministries
(twitter) @bleemc67    (email) leemccm@gmail.com

P. O. Box 633244    Nacogdoches, Tx 75963                                          936-559-5696

Monday, October 5, 2015

Day 87 - Faith

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 157
         
Michael’s book is available through:

Abiding Life Ministries International
Littleton, Colorado
(303) 972-0859       www.abidinglife.com

Notice:  this email is part of a BLOG, called Living Life With a Capital “C”Why a blog?  So that many can receive the weekly thoughts I express on Michael’s writings in an easy manner. 


Unbelieving Believers…a great tragedy of today’s Christianity.  Most are waiting on signs and miracles…and miss Jesus.



DAY 87

Faith


Then He touched their eyes, saying, “It shall be done to you according to your faith. --Matthew 9:29

Many hope to become rich through an inheritance or the lottery. There is another way to become rich: slowly, quietly, wisely, gradually, and faithfully. This way is much better, for it can be repeated over and over again. Similarly, there are two ways to enter into faith. One is through an explosion such as the Apostle Paul’s. The other way is much more difficult but will reap the same results.

Many are waiting for God to perform some miracle before they believe. It is often taught that unbelief is a weakness, and yet we are not told what to do to be strengthened. Unbelief does not have its roots in weakness but in worldliness, self-righteousness, and pride.

Chapter 11 in the Book of Hebrews puts faith people into two categories. The first category belongs to those who because of their faith experienced great miracles. I have known believers who have had the Lord awaken them in the middle of the night and heal a broken bone, those who have actually seen the Lord, and one family who had a child raised from the dead. Their faith did not create the miracles but allowed them to receive them.


Hebrews 11:2, For by it the men of old gained approval.

11:5, By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death.

11:7, By faith Noah, being warned {by God} about things not yet seen, in reverence prepared an ark for the salvation of his household, by which he condemned the world, and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

11:11, By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.

11:29, By faith they passed through the Red Sea as though {they were passing} through dry land . . .

11:30, By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days.

11:32, And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,

11:33, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed {acts of} righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,

11:34, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

11:35, Women received {back} their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, in order that they might obtain a better resurrection.


Yellow – VIP, Very Important Point      Green – IT, Incredible Truth        
Red – GP, Greatest Promises
Turquoise – UR, Unfathomable Riches           Pink – PV, Priceless Victory




The first question Christians must get an answer to: What is biblical faith…and how do I get it?  Why?  Because Jesus said, “…It shall be done to you according to your faith.”  Pretty simple instructions.

Faith is an enabling power of God.  It is a gift from God, and can never be produced  by people.

Therefore, our part becomes “believing” what God has “enabled” within us to believe.  Our believing yields the confidence to trust God.  It is the trusting of God.  All the heroes of the Faith in Hebrews 11 acted because they trusted God.

So, unbelief “does not have its roots in weakness but in worldliness, self-righteousness, and pride.”  It is not trusting God, but self.  How sad.  

Turning to God, and trusting Him, we can receive anything He gives us, including miracles if He desires.

How do we get “faith”?  His Word tells us He gifts us with it…
Ephesians 2:8
Romans 12:3
Romans 10:17

2 Corinthians 12:9 tells us His strength is made perfect in our weakness…which is not unbelief.

Well, amen.



To access ALL past weekly blogs, go to Living Life With a Capital “C” by logging onto www.leemccm.blogspot.com 

NOTICE: another blog on Michael Wells’ book, Sidetracked In The Wilderness, called Getting Out of the Wilderness.  You can access by logging onto www.leemcchristianministries.blogspot.com


Lee McDowell Christian Ministries
(twitter) @bleemc67    (email) leemccm@gmail.com

P. O. Box 633244    Nacogdoches, Tx 75963                                    936-559-5696