Day 301 - Three Kingdoms

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength (Vol. 1) - # 308

         

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.

One of the most remarkable things about Christians today is the enormous focus on “the tree of knowledge of good and evil” and very few “looks” at “the Tree of Life.” (from Genesis 2:9)

Enjoy Michael’s clear distinguishing between the two trees, and the impact of each.

DAY 301

Three Kingdoms

Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you that the tax-gatherers and harlots will get into the kingdom of God before you.” --Matthew 21:31

There are three kingdoms to which one can belong, the kingdom of good, the kingdom of evil, and the kingdom of God. The kingdoms of good and evil have much in common. Both are fortresses with folks inside attempting to get out and others outside attempting to get in. Inhabitants are kept inside through threats, punishment, intimidation, and the fear of death. Wars are mounted and men enlisted to expand both. The comparisons are endless, for they come from the same tree. Interestingly, a good kingdom delivered Europe from an evil kingdom, and when it was all over, Europe became post-Christian. Conversely, think of all the pockets of the Kingdom of God that can be found in countries long ruled by evil kingdoms, where no good kingdom stepped in to deliver the people. Both the kingdom of good and the kingdom of evil are enemies of the Kingdom of God. Good is the enemy of the best, and though moralism is an enemy of Christianity, many persist in seeing Christianity merely as the kingdom of good as they exert effort toward changing the world system to agree with it. We are all suffering fatigue from the world’s presentation of what it portrays as compassion. Pictures are shown of some injustice somewhere in the world from dolphins in tuna nets to stolen aid for the hungry. Unfortunately, such images only stir up those who would never do such things to begin with; they do nothing to change the behavior of the people who participate in the atrocities. It could be concluded that “good” people only point out the behavior of bad people to make themselves look and feel better. “Good” people feel they have done something by throwing words at a problem; they want to project to others an image of doing something valuable to resolve the world’s problems, to raise money for the organization that discovered the bad thing, or to blindly assist in the way they think is right.

Is it not interesting that Jesus, in the midst of the Roman system, said nothing about it? In the midst of slavery, abortion, taxation, the annihilation of cultures, and unjust government, He said nothing. Instead, He emphasized the Kingdom of God. He was not fighting evil with good. In fact, He equally resisted evil and good (Pharaseeism) with the Kingdom of God. We must decide how we will live, and that, in turn, will determine that to which we will respond and make our life's goal. We can live in the evil kingdom and return good with evil. We can live in the good kingdom and make sure evil is punished with evil, or we can live in the Kingdom of God, returning evil with good. 

Jesus could see clearly the Invisible Kingdom, and He has given us the capacity to see the same. When we see what He sees, our priorities change. We cannot be bothered by (if it is true) the depleting ozone layer to the extent that it would take us from our mission that has eternal significance. It can be annoying to turn on the television and be told by the unbelieving world what needs to be of utmost significance to us, when their whole outlook revolves around such things as gun control, freedom of speech, freedom from religion, equality, expressions of discrimination, whales, and more. Then there are the methods that are guaranteed to fix all the problems: education, understanding, ribbons, walks, and money. Well, amen. It is said that earth is as close to hell as a believer will ever come and as close to heaven as an unbeliever will ever come. This has caused me to change my attitude and lower my frustration, for this world is all the unbelievers have. If they want to keep it nice, improve it to suit themselves, and throw their lives into working for what is ineffective, they should. I was told of a South American politician who stole one billion dollars. I responded, “Is that all? Since he is going to hell anyway, he really should have taken more!” Jesus is the issue, and everything else is a non-issue, for it will cease to exist on the day that every knee bows. Nothing else will matter. However, we are not to be frustrated with the world when it loves the world; the world loves itself and its own, and that is all the world has, for the world has nothing in Him nor He in it.

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

We can appreciate Michael pointing out the three (3) kingdoms.  Those are important powers we Believers should constantly stay aware of.  And Michael points to a most incredible power that we Believers have…Jesus could see clearly the Invisible Kingdom, and He has given us the capacity to see the same.  Holy Spirit in us is the essence of our participating in the unfathomable riches of God.

Michael gives us the simple Truth: Jesus is the issue.  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 299 - The World

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength (Vol. 1) - # 307

         

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.

I can remember being a “humanist.”  Basically, I believed everything the world had to say.  Finances, religion, lifestyle, business, and social issues.  Wow!  Michael gives us a complete unveiling of the Religion of Humanism and God’s victory over its lies.

DAY 299

The World

When He, the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. --John 16:13

I was asked, “If vegetarians eat vegetables, what do humanists eat?” Humanism, which through such vehicles as the U.N. and EU (European Union) has taken hold of so many developing countries, is an attempt to wrestle moral authority away from the Church. It is nonsense on several levels. First of all, humanists present their objecting messages to people who would not act a certain way anyway. They show pictures of dolphins swimming in industrial waste, which enrages the people who would not be irresponsible with the waste anyway and leaves those who are fouling the water unaffected. Such activities throw words at a problem and accomplish nothing. Second, humanists define a problem that does not exist, set out to fix it, and by so doing create a real problem that is greater than the imaginary one. Third, there is no basis for certain moral statements made. Humanism has a moral foundation vaguely familiar to what is seen in Christianity, and yet it denies Christ and His power. Fourth, it is filled with compromise. One compromises to someone who is already compromised. It is compromise compromised, so loose in the end that it is ridiculous. Yet the humanists push away through the U.N. and other groups in nearly every developing country in which I work to spread their merely man-centered wisdom of the world. If Christ had not opened my eyes, I would probably be on the front row listening; I do not have any illusions about finding substance in my own flesh. One persecuted Christian was telling me about other believers who had compromised with the cruel government. I said, "That would be me!" He said, "You would not!" I said, "I would. There is nothing good in my flesh. I own it and now look to the Lord to keep me.

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

Allow me to reiterate a couple of key points from Michael and insert a couple of personal illustrations.

As a pastor for many years I have seen the day in America where the once-called “Moral Majority” is no longer the moral majority.  I have been saying that for almost 30 years.  Just look around, even around the world, and see what “morals” the majority of people are living by.

Humanism denies Christ and His power.  Period.  But, sadly, so do way too many Believers.

Humanism is filled with compromise.  Yes, and that word, “compromise,” is NOT in God’s vocabulary.  Period.  And anyone who uses that word, or is willing to act on that word when it comes to Truth, is not walking with God.

But, Hallelujah!  Almost 40 years ago, my wife, Barbara, and I experienced what Michael experienced… If Christ had not opened my eyes, I would probably be on the front row listening.  That happened to us in Pastor Morgan’s office on May 20, 1980.  It is an incredible experience to “see” with the eyes of Christ.

Flesh is flesh, but the unfathomable riches of God are ours as Believers in Christ Jesus.  There is no way to defeat flesh but by the grace (God’s work in our life) of God…totally undeserved.

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 298 - The Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength (Vol. 1) - # 306

         

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 quite interesting that I have been messaging with an abiding friend today, and the idea of some fellowships teaching some things that lead members to pursue dead ends was brought out in their testimony of past failures due to carnal teaching by those who are sheep.  I then sat down to do this posting of Michael’s Day 298 in the book, My Weakness for His Strength.  How interesting the link…

Fellowships are chock full of carnal programs and carnal teaching.  Some Believers travel far and pay good money to get what they hope will be God’s answer to their dilemma.  And they miss God Himself altogether.  Oh, how Michael speaks of Holy Spirit showing up…an action many never experience when chasing carnal teaching.

Soak on Michael’s illustration in the first paragraph (we have some very similar “vines” on trees on our property) and let God speak to the “wolves” you may have hidden in your “trees.”  And then find that place where Holy Spirit can “show up.”

Day 298

The Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing

Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. --Matthew 7:15

While traveling in the jungle I noticed something quite remarkable; I had never seen anything like it. A vine had embedded itself in the bark of a tree. It was so well hidden and blended so perfectly with the bark that it could hardly be noticed and did not stand out at all. It had worked its way up the tree and even had leaves that looked like those of the giant tree. It appeared to be the tree but was not. 

There are many carnal programs that have embedded themselves in the churches to the point that they are actually considered spiritual. They have been around so long that no one questions them; they have been baptized as far as our consciences are concerned, and yet these things are exactly like the world. Why is it that the world can come up with something to entertain its minions and the Church then tries to compete? If something were really of God, why would we not think of it first? The modern form of education was born of a Christian notion; the schools were Christian and the world followed with its schools after seeing the value in what was being done. I really delight in the fact that we believers can gather together in a small room where Christianity is illegal, have no stimulus or expression of the spectacular, and yet if the Holy Spirit shows up, in the quiet places of the heart we hear Him and are never the same. 

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

How many schools in America alone were founded by Christians, only to become a worldly institution, not to mention the ones founded by the world?

Oh, how we should yearn for the gathering Michael speaks of, or simply being alone, and hear Holy Spirit speak to Christ’s heart in all of us who are Believers…

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 295 - The Sin of Withdrawal

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength (Vol. 1) - # 305

         

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 gives us an interesting look at one issue too many Christians fall prey to. 

I have always loved Michael pointing out Psalm 119:165,,,“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.”  And then he followed with, “If you get offended, you deserve to be offended.”

DAY 295

The Sin of Withdrawal

Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness; he does not know where he is going. --I John 2:10,11

Some forms of Idolatry are rarely discussed as sin, and because of that they can bring more destruction than the "major" sins. One such Idol is that of withdrawal, wherein people under pressure, sensing rejection or conflict, merely hide. They give up on others to meet their deepest needs, although their frustration, of course, proves that they have been looking in the wrong place for acceptance all along. They isolate themselves, block their emotions, and determine not to get close to another person (or other persons) again. By way of analogy, their life goes something like this: Each time someone hurts them, they get busy and lay up a row of emotional concrete blocks to encompass themselves. With the next hurt comes another row of blocks; then with the pain of a relationship, another row. With injury from a child, friend, or spouse, one more row is laid, and so on. Eventually a top is placed on the invisible structure, and at this point they are completely isolated, resolving not to let anyone in again and determining never to be hurt again. They are now prepared to receive every condemning thought about others that the enemy may whisper, his taunts that others have caused their misery, so others should never be allowed close enough to do harm again. Is that really what the Lord would have for His people? Is not the differentiation between the Christ within and the self-centeredness within revealed through interaction with His people? If we would grow in Christ, we should never withdraw from others, but rather allow the revelation of self-centeredness and the cross of Christ to replace it with Himself.

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

All people, all circumstances, all actions - and our responses - show that either we turn to God and receive His grace for the moment, or reject His grace and let “others” (people, circumstances, actions) manipulate us.  Those who “allow the revelation of self-centeredness and the cross of Christ to replace it with Himself” experience the grace of God (unfathomable riches) and victory in Christ (priceless victory).  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