Day 342 - What Will You Learn When You Are Cheated?

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength (Vol. 1) - # 333

         

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.

We are very fortunate to have the writings of Michael Wells. He is one of whom it can be said, “He has been everywhere, seen everything, and seen everyone.” With that, God has given Michael things to share that very few ever “see.”

Michael, Betty, and ALMI have been taking discipleship to the far reaches of this earth for many, many years. To groups of 5, 10, 25, 50…whomever God brings to hear the great Truths of God that MAKE His people free from any bondage. And writings that capture the Mind of Christ.

So, look at a startling Truth that the freedom of dependence on God, not man, can bring to an otherwise sad situation.

DAY 342

What Will You Learn When You Are Cheated?

Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, “He scattered abroad, He gave to the poor, His righteousness abides forever.” --II Corinthians 9:7-9

I actually believe that the Lord, on occasion, has allowed me to be cheated, stolen from, to misplace money, and even to have it fly out a window or drop down a sewer. Why? We can say that our security is in Him, that we believe in His provision, and that we are living under His control. However, our reaction to money lost is an indication of where we really stand in relation to those things. When I give, and give liberally, I am in faith. I have control over the giving. However, theft is uncontrolled giving without the consent of my will, giving I had not planned on, giving of what I had laid aside for a predetermined use. If I react negatively when it disappears, what does that reveal about my heart? It is a fact that I am living under His provision, and as the Scriptures say, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” 

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

This writing falls into the category of “all of the above.” Those who have been one who ministered “with” Michael, Betty, and ALMI back in the days Michael was on the road and sending those great Trip Reports remember the stories he told of people, places, and events all over the globe. How many times did Michael have something stolen from him, get cheated, or misplace something himself? His story of his responses taught a lot of us 2 words: “Well, amen.”

It has been my privilege to share those two words with so many and see the demeanor of many persons change immediately. Well, amen.

It is a beautiful thing to be taught of God that His “secret” to all this is one thing; He “is able to make all grace abound to you, that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” All the time, whether when He giveth, or He taketh away…to which we say, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Well, amen.

Oh, would you like to travel with Michael and get some of those “on-the spot” insights God gave him? Contact ALMI and order his book, Untold Stories & Unknown Saints. This is a terrific book with hundreds of travel stories and Spiritual insights over years of travelling around the globe. A must for those wanting to go further with Michael Wells and ALMI.

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

(website) www.leemccm.wixsite.com/lmcm    

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

Day 341 - What Will He Do In Our Weakness?

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength (Vol. 1) - # 332

         

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.

When Christians gather and sing, “Victory in Jesus,” most testimonies that follow tell of some great accomplishment that someone has been a part of, usually take credit for or allow others to praise them for, yet always want to “give all the glory to God.” Ever hear any of those stories?

After reading today’s writing by Michael, let us ask ourselves, “When is the last time I have heard a testimony like this?”

DAY 341

What Will He Do In Our Weakness?

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. --James 1:17

I was on an international trip when I was asked to have tea with an evangelist before a church service. The purpose of our time together, as it turned out, was so that he could reveal that I do not read my Bible the proper way, that Westerners cannot really minister in this country, my messages are a bit too complex, and the altar call was done entirely in the wrong manner. I received it; I can see it is difficult to have me around and I am a real labor for this person. Therefore, here is how I began the meeting that followed. "I am aware of my weaknesses when I travel in another country. I do not speak your language, I wear the wrong clothing, I do not preach, pray, or have an altar call as you would, and I am going to mess up many things. I want to acknowledge this and ask for your prayers. If anything comes out of the meeting, it will have to be God, and it will be obvious to all. I am happy to stand here and say, ‘I can't,’ because that confession stirs something else in me: the assurance that He can.” Well, the people really prayed for me, and God gave a wonderful message on the Lord's Prayer. The weakest believer who goes to Jesus is better off than those with great understanding and little time spent with the Lord. I told them of the leper, Michael Francis, a believer and a law student in India that developed leprosy. His wife took the kids and abandoned him. He died a homeless beggar. Before he died, Alex Mathew asked him, "Michael, what is abiding?" As he sat on the concrete platform, ears, fingers, and toes eaten away, Michael moved his palm across the sidewalk and said, "See this cement that I sleep on? It is as soft as velvet to me, for it is the very lap of Jesus. Every night He holds me here. That is abiding." He did not know much, but he knew Jesus.

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

Michael Wells’ story of his meeting with the evangelist doesn’t surprise very many of us who have been abiding for quite some time. And the response of the people to Michael’s admission and request for prayer is not surprising. I would have loved to have been in that meeting, wouldn’t you!

What really grips us in this writing is the powerful statement about “the weakest believer.” Learning the Spiritual Truth of 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 takes us to Christ. And the more time spent with the Lord, the more Truth is revealed to us. 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

(website) www.leemccm.wixsite.com/lmcm    

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

Day 340 - What To Do When Accused Of Being False

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength (Vol. 1) - # 331

         

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 is a great writing to soak on. And it applies to any Believer who says something or writes something pertaining to Spiritual things, especially of the Person of Jesus Christ. It is very interesting that so many want to follow a person or program other than Christ, and will argue for those against someone arguing for Christ.

Having experienced what he is writing about, Michael gives many good thoughts throughout his writing that speak for themselves.

DAY 340

What To Do When Accused Of Being False

Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? --I John 2:22

. . . regarded as deceivers and yet true. --II Corinthians 6:8

Every believer must be prepared for the day when he is accused of being a false teacher or a cult leader. It has happened to me, and so I have begun opening nearly every conference with the admonition that not everything I say is true; I am a man in process and make mistakes. However, the one thing I always will say in a conference that is truth is that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Sometimes I say the wrong thing, sometimes I am wrong, and other times I am misunderstood when a person hears what I am not saying. However, there are those with an agenda to disregard the message of abiding in Christ moment by moment by discrediting me; my words, written or uttered, are examined to confirm a pre-established bias. These believers are something like pre-conversion Saul, wanting to stir up the crowd to lay their robes at the feet and stone any who do not agree with their positions 100%. They throw around words such as cult, false teacher, and heretic, harsh assessments for one who teaches that nothing but Jesus matters. I have often told those who are looking for ways in which they can discredit me that if they would simply sit down with me, I would give them a list of my harmful attributes. I have been negative, I have not always abided in Christ, I have walked in the flesh, I have judged, I have been bitter, I have not walked in love or loved without hypocrisy, and the list goes on. But then again, knowing my own frailty is why there is no record of my ever trying to get anyone to follow me. My emphasis consistently runs toward following Jesus. Well, amen, false judgments must come, and some with a vengeance.

What am I to do? First, I must see God in it. David looked at the man on the hill cursing and spitting and refused to allow his soldiers to harm the man, because he wondered whether God had allowed it for His own purposes. There is a purpose in being judged falsely and loving enemies. I may not want any enemies, but I cannot learn to bless those that curse me without ever having been cursed. I want to rise above distractions and follow Jesus, but I never want the distractions. Just as Judas delivered up Jesus, and from that treacherous act Life was given to man, so God sends us our own Judas, who in ignorance delivers us up in order that we might discover that the Jesus within is greater than the slander without. If I am not preaching Christ crucified, then in all honesty I want God to remove me from the lives of others. But if I am preaching Christ, I will let God deal with the detractor on the hill.

Second, I cannot allow the judgments of the carnal to become my focus. This is the most demonic side of accusations, that a hitherto unknown person might actually steal a believer’s focus away from Jesus. In a worst-case scenario in which what is being said is true, health would come from a glance back to Jesus, not a prolonged look at and dialogue with the detractor. Therefore, when I am attacked, I am best off to go silent and start talking all the more about Jesus, not wasting time defending myself. To win the alliance of an accuser is not a victory! By attacking me and making me his focus, the accuser proves that he does not agree with the message of keeping our focus on Jesus.

Third, I can freely tell other believers that they can help by not defending me to anyone. I am God’s servant, so those who accuse should be sent to the Master of the servant. The servant is not greater than the Master; the Master is all that matters. We defend the preaching of Jesus always; we defend the messenger never. When we start defending someone we love, our flesh is stirred, our focus moves from Jesus, our peace departs, and our accuser has accomplished the goal of the “accuser of the brethren.” This is the most difficult thing for me; I can stand to be slandered, but I cannot bear seeing those I love slandered. It is important that we do not defend men, for it is always a trap the enemy has set. When someone we love is falsely accused, we should respond by talking about Jesus. Our goal is Jesus. Remember, the detractor’s job is to detract us from Jesus to a lesser issue.

Fourth and finally, I want to have compassion for those who make false judgments, for I have done it myself. I have gotten everything wrong. Having this in my past, I can say with complete confidence that I would rather be the one being judged than the one doing the judging. The one being judged can come away sweet, but the one involved with judging will always go away depleted and under the judgment of God.

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

As Michael points out, teaching that nothing but Jesus matters can draw lots of harsh criticisms from Saints as well as Sinners. It is to be expected from the natural mind, which is enmity with God (and a mind all Saints possess as well as the Mind of Christ). And Michael gives us excellent advice on how to handle being “falsely accused,” whether accurately, or not.

I like Michael’s idea of preaching Jesus and keeping our focus on Him, and not wasting  time defending myself. No servant is greater than the Master; the Master IS all  that matters!

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

(website) www.leemccm.wixsite.com/lmcm  

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

Day 339 - What The Deeper Life Is Not

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength (Vol. 1) - # 330

         

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.

In the text of today’s writing by Michael, the expression “fullness” speaks volumes which for some reason many Believers never grasp. I have had many who cannot seem to accept that when we are Born Again that we get the “fullness” of Christ come into our earthsuit. That leads to an incomplete and inadequate start of living Life as a Christian.

And perhaps this is why so many seek “the deeper life.” Who knows?

DAY 339

What The Deeper Life Is Not

From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another. --John 1:16

I was talking with a very caring, loving, and spiritual brother in the Lord when he made the comment that he could not understand much of Christian counseling and theology, so he concluded that it was unintelligible because he was a simple man and the information in the books he was reading was just too deep for him. It so vexes me to hear such things, for the books he mentioned were not unintelligible to him because they were too deep, but rather because they were too unbelieving. It is unbelieving man who makes the Christian life deep, difficult, and hard to understand, because he has no intention of following the simple commands of Christ. The unbelieving believer has a vested interest in saying such things as, "It cannot be that simple; we need to know more," and, "We must find the balance." The statements of Jesus to love God and your neighbor would not be classified as profound by the elitist “deep” thinkers, but for the believing they represent the river of life that never goes dry. One who has Christ is deep, among the wisest of the wise! His mind is being renewed and he leads the world! One who has Christ possesses the Way of life, and so his world is coming together! 

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

I like the wording of the KJV for v.16: “And of His fullness have we all received, and grace for grace.”

There is something about “His fullness” that sends great expectations through me just wondering how much of Christ I can experience! And to know that His grace is that river that never goes dry but is waiting to run through my earthsuit out into a waiting world.

That word “received” is key…it is believing that leads to receiving. How sad to be an Unbelieving Believer, when the biggest hurdle has been crossed: that initial believing on Christ for salvation.

It has been a lot of Michael’s sharing what God has put into him that has led me to see and experience being deep in Christ. 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

(website) www.leemccm.wixsite.com/lmcm  

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