Day 294 - The Sharecropper Christian

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength (Vol. 1) - # 304

         

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.  If you are not getting these weekly postings via an email, go to the website: www.leemccm.blogspot.com …in the top right corner there is a place to register to receive each post.

The very first time we were introduced to Michael Wells back in the late 90’s we were given a new term that has been a mainstay of much of our ministry to this day: Unbelieving Believer.  How tragic it is to see this be the position of so many Christians.

Preachers are known for shouting one thing over and over: “Believe God!”  Whatever is it that keeps a Believer from believing God, Michael gives us the uncomplicated step to freedom in today’s writing…

DAY 294

The Sharecropper Christian

Even so consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus. --Romans 6:11

The story is old and well known of slaves who were set free, but because of the previous owners’ manipulation and the slaves’ fear, the slaves remained. These slaves came to be known as sharecroppers. In the end, they worked harder than a slave and were often cheated out of their share.

A sharecropper believer could be defined as one who was set free, no longer is a slave to sin, was purchased with precious blood, and yet he stays in bondage to sin. The problem is not the Master’s voice, it is not fear, not the power of sin, Satan’s oppression, not a stifling past, or anything on earth. The problem is unbelief. Step out and say no to sin, and see if it is not true, see if the state of being set free is not a reality. Make a choice. Today say no to negative living. Say no to self and hug the mate. Say no to bad habits and watch it stick. The person in Christ has been set free, not for someday but for freedom now. Stop being a sharecropper believer.

Yellow – VIP, Very Important Point      Green – IT, Incredible Truth        

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

Turquoise – UR, Unfathomable Riches           Pink – PV, Priceless Victory

Over and over God speaks to Believers words like in Romans 6:11, “consider yourselves,” or “reckon” (as the KJV says it).  It is a term that says the same as  Michael says, “say no,” (when appropriate) or it can be “say yes” (when appropriate, as in Romans 6:11).  But Michael gives us the appropriate confidence and conviction and that is to CHOOSE to speak such and act upon it.  Amen.

It cannot get any better than to consider/reckon ourselves, as Believers in Christ, to have been set free for right NOW, and not just for someday in the future.  Amen!

No more sharecropping…just believing, considering/reckoning, and experiencing all we have been given in Christ.

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

(email) leemccm@gmail.com

(blog) www.leemccmviews.blogspot.com  

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

Day 293 - The Revelation Of The Heart

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength (Vol. 1) - # 303

         

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.  If you are not getting these weekly postings via an email, go to the website: www.leemccm.blogspot.com …in the top right corner there is a place to register to receive each post.

Michael’s writing in this post speaks directly to what all are seeing played out all around the world.  Even though he wrote this years ago, perhaps we are experiencing it in multitudinous ways as never before.

Every day I see someone’s heart revealed in a way that I never expected to see.

DAY 293

The Revelation Of The Heart

But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God. --Romans 2:5 

In these times we are not creating hearts as much as watching them be revealed. It is the time for the revelation of hearts all around us. When someone says, “I cannot believe in a God that allows suffering,” that person’s heart is being revealed. He knows that God did not cause the suffering, but he is taking the occasion to blame Him. If He did take away suffering, do we honestly think that such a person would immediately repent and turn to Jesus? No, the statement or the event is simply a revelation of the heart. We will be surprised in heaven to discover all that God has done for suffering people. Just as the heart of His own Son was revealed in hardship, so have many others’ hearts been. In a place where there has been persecution, that type of suffering accelerates the revelation of the heart and allows us to see men for what they really are. “I see men, for I see them like trees walking around,” said the man being healed from his blindness. Do you know the hearts of those around you? They are not revealed in comfort. One day you might see that those you thought were enemies are friends and those believed to be friends were enemies. It is the time for the revelation of hearts. 

Yellow – VIP, Very Important Point      Green – IT, Incredible Truth        

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

Turquoise – UR, Unfathomable Riches           Pink – PV, Priceless Victory

God tells us in Romans ch.2 that there are folks whose heart is stubborn and unrepentant.  That is a sad, sad state to be in.  For God gives the end result of that heart.

As Believers, we have a New Heart…His…to live by if we choose to allow Him access to our daily life. 

It is quite easy with our New Heart to discern what heart those around us have.  It is really sad to find those we believed to be friends were enemies.  But, how wonderful to discover those we thought were enemies are actually friends.  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

(email) leemccm@gmail.com

(blog) www.leemccmviews.blogspot.com  

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

Day 292 - The Revelation of Self and Then The Revelation of Him

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength (Vol. 1) - # 302

         

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.  If you are not getting these weekly postings via an email, go to the website: www.leemccm.blogspot.com …in the top right corner there is a place to register to receive each post.

It is almost humorous that “revelation” is a ‘scary’ word among many Believers.  How does anyone even/ever become a Believer without revelation of Truth from God?  In fact, THAT is one of the most incredible miracles of all…a being with deep-seated enmity toward God (because of the Fall and the nature of the Unbeliever) that has Truth opened to him, repents, and moves toward God.  REVELATION is a great thing, Christians! 

Michael points out two different “revelations” in this day’s writing.  But the number of mind-boggling truths presented is a miracle in itself!  I count one dozen without straining!

DAY 292

The Revelation Of Self and then The Revelation Of Him

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. --Matthew 6:33

The way of the flesh for the believer is to do what he likes and then hate what he is doing; this cycle can cause depression, which often (not always) has its roots in the desires the flesh is either exercising or wanting to exercise. Depression, then, can have its root in desire when we seek God for what we want (our will), and if we do not get it, we get depressed. If we do get it and then discover that it was not really what we imagined it to be, there also is depression. Could we take time to understand that if we have ever prayed earnestly for, “Thy will,” then “Thy will” is exactly what we are getting? If we are confused, perhaps we thought that “Thy will” would be something spectacular, comfortable, and blessed as defined by the world, including harmony in marriage, obedient children, and more. Let me explain. He is bringing to each of us the revelation of Christ that we NEED, and to prepare us for that revelation--so we will not be exalted and destroyed--He is giving us what we are getting today. The revelation of Christ can completely destroy us if we are not prepared in advance by His will. Paul says so. He explains that a thorn was given him so that in the abundance of revelations, he would not be destroyed. What we are getting today in “average” life is everything we need to precede His revelation. Remember, the purpose of prayer is not to change the will of God, but to give us peace as we come in line with His will. This is the greater time, wherein He is going to use us as lesser (in the view of worldly churches) believers, and this is how we are prepared. We must stand fast and not be discouraged, for today’s hiccups, rejections, conflicts, abuses, and concerns are what are needed to prepare us.

Yellow – VIP, Very Important Point      Green – IT, Incredible Truth        

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

Turquoise – UR, Unfathomable Riches           Pink – PV, Priceless Victory

I wish I had the room to comment on “the dozen” truths I see in this writing, but suffice it to say we must stick with enjoying and highlighting the revelation of Christ we need, and the revelation of our preparation.  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

(email) leemccm@gmail.com

(blog) www.leemccmviews.blogspot.com  

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

Day 289 - The Problem Fixer

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength (Vol. 1) - # 301

         

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.  If you are not getting these weekly postings via an email, go to the website: www.leemccm.blogspot.com …in the top right corner there is a place to register to receive each post.

Christianity suffers too often from Christians looking at the forest and missing the trees.  It really is almost beyond comprehension that plain, uncomplicated Truth is not enough for so many.  “Man” thinks himself into many of his dilemmas.

And then, many will take a scripture out of context, claim it, and be frustrated when “the Word” didn’t come true in their life.  Today’s text is one of those.  Yes, God DOES have a plan for each life, but His plan is not always the same as everyone else’s.  All it takes is one event that differs from “the plan” and people give up on God.

Michael gives us God’s thinking, instead of “man’s” thinking, on this whole idea of “the plan God has for us.”  Soak on Michael’s words of this day’s writing, and see if “the plan” will come true in your life…

DAY 289

The Problem Fixer

“For I know the plan that I have for you,” declares the Lord God, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” --Jeremiah 29:11

What is the plan that God has for us? Many believe that God’s plan is a specific area of service, a place to live, or the right job. The aforementioned are merely the vehicles that help complete the plan, but of themselves they are not the plan. His plan is the expression of Christ’s life through us as described in chapters five through seven of Matthew. Therefore, it really is not of ultimate importance where we move or what vocation we take up, for God is able to use every event of life to complete His plan. Our only responsibility before moving out in any direction is to say, “If the Lord wills I will go to such and such a place.”

           

How often do we find ourselves struggling, stumped by a problem, and then once the answer is discovered, we have a sense of elation. We are made in the image of God; He, too, enjoys fixing a problem. As our loving Father, He fixes every problem that man creates. The first problem that Adam and Eve created was the most severe: They cut themselves off from God. He fixed the problem in a way that we far lesser beings would never have imagined by becoming a man Himself. In our free will we move where we want, work where we want, have as many children as we want, and God does an amazing thing, in that every problem resulting from our decisions is guided by Him to move us deeper into His plan, the expression of His life within us. Is it not amazing that He causes all things to work together for good for those who love Him? 

Yellow – VIP, Very Important Point      Green – IT, Incredible Truth        

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

Turquoise – UR, Unfathomable Riches           Pink – PV, Priceless Victory

I love God’s plan to express Christ’s Life through me as described in chapters five through seven of Matthew.  I see my responsibility before moving out in any direction is to say, “If the Lord wills…”  May the Lord find me faithful to be so abandoned to Him.

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

(email) leemccm@gmail.com

(blog) www.leemccmviews.blogspot.com  

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

Day 288 - The Pine Tree

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength (Vol. 1) - # 300

         

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.  If you are not getting these weekly postings via an email, go to the website: www.leemccm.blogspot.com …in the top right corner there is a place to register to receive each post.

This blog began back on September 5, 2012.  This is the 300^th weekly post (save a couple of misses for one reason or another).  The title for the week is appropriate since we have oround 20 giant pine trees in our yard (almost 2 ½ acres in the country).  I’ve never had to resort to eating the pine needle tips, and the squirrels do a great job munching away!  But the Truth Michael presents is a wonderful illustration of the power of God.

I can relate in one way…  When God called me to be a minister, I asked Him, “How?”  He said, “I will show you Truth, teach you Truth, lead people to share Truth with you.  All I ask is for you to go and share what I bring your way.”  That was almost 40 years ago.

“The Pine Tree” is about Believers being available, and God bringing His fruit to bear through us as Believers.  God is up to more than we can ever imagine day in and day out.

DAY 288

The Pine Tree

So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. –Matthew 7:17

So, my brothers, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit to God. –Romans 7:4

In the spring the tips of the needles on a pine tree are nearly blue and are young and tender. Did you know that you could actually eat those tips? They are quite nice. The giant pine is so strong, so majestic; it can withstand the greatest storm. Yet when it is growing, it is tender enough to offer nourishment to man from a source not normally thought of as nutritious. So is the believer: strong in Christ, but in a place of growth very tender. I have seen others, as well as myself, so gentle in times of growth; in these times we offer others the most nourishment, and from a condition wherein we did not think nourishment could come. Did you ever imagine that our loss, our suffering, and our stress could actually feed the family of God? It does!

Yellow – VIP, Very Important Point      Green – IT, Incredible Truth        

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

Turquoise – UR, Unfathomable Riches           Pink – PV, Priceless Victory

A little pastoral insight: back in 1988 I was at a conference in Dallas, Tx, and went to a cafeteria for supper one evening between the afternoon sessions and the evening one.  The tables were so close together that I could have reached across the “aisle” and taken a bite from the folks’ plate next to me!

It should not come as a surprise that I could hear everything the two people were saying.  Interestingly, one said to the other, “I wish I had some sort of ministry.”  As is often the case with God, He had just brought two verses before me a few days before…2 Corinthians 1:3-4.  I interjected with as much apologizing as I could, “Have you ever been comforted by God in any event in your life?” They said they had.  I said you have a ministry.  And shared the passage with them.  I don’t know all that God did with that intersection of 3 lives, but I have been blessed these 30 years with the memory of how with God “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

2 Corinthians speaks straight to the point Michael mentions in this day’s writing.  So, we can all say without any hesitation, “Every Believer a minister.”  And such is the truth in our being “strong in Christ, but in a place of growth very tender.”  Amen.

With “our loss, our suffering, and our stress” God can “feed the family of God” through us.  That is bearing fruit to God.  Hallelujah!

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

(email) leemccm@gmail.com

(blog) www.leemccmviews.blogspot.com  

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