Living Life with a Capital "C": September 2016

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Day 51 - The Blunter Side of Life

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 204

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 draws our attention to a scripture story where Jesus spoke so pointedly to Martha about which is more important in life: serving, or sitting at the feet of Jesus. Perhaps more Christians should take note of the impact each can have in one’s life.

DAY 51

The Blunter Side of Life

But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things. –Luke 10:41

Imagine a piece of steel five feet long, twelve inches wide, and two inches thick. You are told that you cannot rest until you have driven the object completely into the ground. Your work would be cut out for you; in fact, I doubt the job could be accomplished in one day, and you would become full of frustration, depression, fear, and anger. However, if one end of the steel were tapered sharply, like that of a pencil's tip, the task would be much simpler.

The average believer experiences much fear because his life is not focused on one thing but has become blunt with diverse points of interest, activity, and concentration: marriage, children, sin, others, vocation, and failure all get equal billing with Christ. Only when Christ alone becomes the soul's focus will the believer's life become sharpened and easily able to cut through the daily problems of life. Depression and anger come only when something other than Him is placed on the mountaintop of the heart.

Would you be a happy believer? Then remember there is nothing that the presence of Jesus will not cure. With this in mind your life will have focus and the edge to drive through any hindrance.

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

When I tell people that Michael Wells has been the least complicated, more explicit, totally correct Christian counselor I have ever known…it is words of wisdom like these that confirm my belief about Michael. Now listen, to get all the truth of this day’s writing you MUST go and read Luke 10:38-42.

Luke’s story talks of Jesus coming to the house of the two so-well known sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha is busy, busy, busy…like always. Mary is sitting at Jesus’ feet and hearing His word. Martha, “encumbered about much serving,” complains to Jesus that He is not telling Mary to help her. Jesus then speaks directly to two of life’s most important aspects:

1. serving can be good, but not the best

2. being near to Jesus always trumps just good

Worried, bothered (KJV says “troubled”), a “blunt” life, depression, and anger ALL can creep into a life that is doing “good,” but has come to a life that is “not focused on one thing but has become blunt with diverse points of interest, activity, and concentration. (many things) “all getting equal billing with Christ.” And then gives us God’s perspective: “Only when Christ alone becomes the soul’s focus will the Believer’s life become sharpened and easily able to cut through the daily problems of life.” Well, amen. Uncomplicated, explicit, and perfect observation.

Actually, all through the New Testament, to Believer’s who have Christ living in us, worry, doubt, fear, guilt…you name it…we are told these do not fit and belong in “life as a Christian.”

What is the opposite of all this worry and trouble? Do you know the song written by Helen Lemmel? “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.” Truly a FOCUS on Jesus. THAT is a “happy Believer.” THAT is “there is nothing that the presence of Jesus will not cure.” THAT is a “mind where your life will have focus and the edge to drive through any hindrance.”

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, September 20, 2016

Day 45 - Concrete For Rebar

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 204

Michael’s book is available through:

Abiding Life Ministries International

Littleton, Colorado

(303) 972-0859 www.abidinglife.com

In this day’s writing, Michael takes an earthly illustration to solidify (no pun intended) some great truths that can do what only Truth can do: “make us free” (John 8:36).

Soak for a good while on what Michael shares here…

DAY 45

Concrete For Rebar

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. –Philippians 4:13

Did you know there is no strength in concrete? The strength is in the steel the concrete encapsulates. A building that is only concrete will quickly crumble, and a building that is only steel will move and bend. The concrete is not the strength but holds the real strength, the steel, in place. The same is true of the body’s skeleton being held in place by the muscles and skin. Likewise, Jesus in me is my steel; His will is the steel and my will is the concrete. When I choose, the concrete is poured and it sets, after which the steel will not move. His love in me is the steel, but I must set it in place by my will. I choose Jesus in the situation. I hear His words and I set the concrete in place by an action of my will. The believer, upon being offended, yielding, and hearing His voice, now sets the whole thing by taking one step forward and hugging the person, saying, “I love you.” It was Jesus in him loving, but the Christian set the whole thing in motion by a choice. Next, the believer feels the concrete set, the strength of the steel is revealed, and the believer actually experiences supernatural love. Wonderful! It does no good to withdraw and wait to get stronger; these are faith decisions resolved in a believer who learns that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Choice is merely setting the concrete around the steel that is in him.

Does this mean that Jesus needs me? Yes! Many are repulsed by the thought of Jesus in need, but He showed us that He lived His whole life in need. God created the world and gave dominion to man. In so doing He is bound to work through man. Jesus had to become a man; it was the plan from the beginning, the lamb slain from the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8). He needs those--the concrete--that will choose Him to be expressed through them.

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

“Jesus in me is my steel.” This makes perfect sense to a Christian who possesses the Mind of Christ and is operating in His Soul. And the picture for Life is clear when associated with the concept of “Concrete For Rebar.” We see with our spiritual eyes what He can and will do for us.

We experience Him when we CHOOSE to. LIFE for a Christian is an uncomplicated, easily-experienced adventure when choosing Jesus is done.

Here’s a seldom thought-of fact: Christians GET to choose Jesus for His Life each moment, but Unbelievers don’t have that choice (they don’t have Jesus). Unbelievers can only choose/draw from the Natural Soul (natural mind, natural will, natural emotions) they were physically born with. Christians get to choose to live from Christ’s Soul. Well, amen.

Michael has much to say about “choice” in My Weakness for His Strength. “Days” #’d 39 (Oct.3, 2012 blogpost), 40 (July 3, 2013 blogpost), 41 (July 10, 2013 blogpost), 42 (July 17, 2013 blogpost), 43 (July 24, 2013 blogpost), and 44 (July 31, 2013 blogpost) are the best to start with. Go to www.leemccm.blogspot.com to access all these prior posts! Get the book by contacting ALMI in Littleton, Colorado.

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, September 13, 2016

Day 38 - Chicks!

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 202

Michael’s book is available through:

Abiding Life Ministries International

Littleton, Colorado

(303) 972-0859 www.abidinglife.com

All of us love baby chicks! Barbara and I cannot go to a couple of hardware and country stores in our town at certain times of the year without checking to see if they have any baby chicks in the store. They are so cute…so tiny…so vulnerable. The last time we saw some there was one little chick being attacked by others in the container…I looked for a store employee who came and “rescued” the little fellow. Chicks need nurturing and protection. Jesus speaks of this in today's text…

DAY 38

Chicks!

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. --Matthew 23:37

An interesting thing about eggs is that not every hatchling is equally successful. One chick will come out first, a second starts out painfully slowly, one can only get his head out, and some never come out. Yet all are given birth by, and loved by, the mother. I have noticed the same thing to be true in Christians. Some come in glory, some struggle, some never come, and some just die. I am saying this only to acknowledge my ignorance; I neither have answers nor believe faith calls for answers. I have engaged in discipleship all these years and have found believers I could place in all of the above categories, for I know there are those who love Jesus and just do not get very far. The legalists would call them lost. Yes, they will straightforwardly call them lost until they find in their own families those who are “lost.” Any who have ever had a suicide or an early death among their loved ones know what I am talking about. I have personally known people who committed suicide. I will not say that most of them were unbelievers. To me, they were believers who just could not get any more than their heads out of the shell; for a variety of reasons they just never could rise above their circumstances, lying emotions, or the voice of the enemy. Yet I believe that I will see them in heaven. Others may have a different opinion. Remember, I am not saying that I understand; I am only making observations. Anyone who has risen above difficult things in his own life should ask why; what was it that enabled him to do so? I do not believe he will rightfully credit anything other than the grace of God. Well, amen. I believe that all the chicks were given birth by and loved by the Father.

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

In this day’s writing Michael draws our attention to a very interesting scripture. Its context is Christ talking about “the teachers of the law and the Pharisees” and the seven “woes” to them He mentions just prior to our text verse…for abusing the people. In all, Jesus speaks of the “loading down” and “wearing down” of the people instead of edifying and being constructive in their teaching and “ministry.” The end result: people in bondage. Jesus always wants to come and bring freedom and protection. Jesus is a 180-degree difference from these teachers and Pharisees.

Notice two crucial items Jesus mentions:

1. the legalists kill and stone THE PROPHETS & THOSE SENT TO THE PEOPLE

2. I wanted to gather your children and YOU WERE UNWILLING

God SENT the prophets and others to teach, guide, and protect. The legalists hated them, and were UNWILLING to let the people hear them. No wonder our Lord had such disdain (Webster Dictionary: “a feeling of strong dislike or disapproval of someone or something you think does not deserve respect”) for these religious leaders.

And Michael points out legalists he has known who have called those who commit suicide as “lost/unbelievers.” I love and appreciate Michael saying “I will not say most of them were unbelievers…they were believers who just could not get any more than their heads out of the shell…” I know Michael had that perception and understanding because he believed and taught that being a believer/Christian is about the new birth, not anything we do in this life. Legalists who call someone who has committed suicide an unbeliever raise all sorts of doubts about their ever having been spiritually born again. All “chicks” who are a Christian have been “given birth by and loved by the Father”!

And Michael points out three aspects of life that can be difficult, if not devastating:

1. circumstances

2. lying emotions

3. the voice of the enemy

These three are why the teaching of Michael Wells IS SO important for the multitudes around the world who have been misled and mistreated.

And Michael gives us the bottom line as to how those who have been fortunate to rise above such difficulties should respond and reply:

“Anyone who has risen above difficult things in his own life should ask why;

what was it that enabled him to do so? I do not believe he will rightfully

credit anything other than the grace of God.”

Oh, how sweet, Amazing Grace. Unfathomable riches of God.

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

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Day 35 - Can a Christian Be Demon Possessed? No!

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 201

Michael’s book is available through:

Abiding Life Ministries International

Littleton, Colorado

(303) 972-0859 www.abidinglife.com

Michael addresses a very important part of biblical truth in a very strong manner in this day’s writing. It is important to look at basic foundational truths which should guide our attention, thoughts, focuses, and action.

DAY 35

Can a Christian Be Demon Possessed? No!

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. –John 8:36

1. There is never a hint in Scripture that the solution to a believer's problem is demon

possession. The Epistles deal with a variety of practical problems from self-

righteousness to unrighteousness, and nowhere is the casting out or denouncing

of demons given as a solution.

2. For the unbeliever the condition of internal demon possession is dealt with by

casting out the demon. For the believer, the external works of the enemy

(temptation and false doctrine) are to be resisted and stood against.

3. The Greek word for demonization (daimonizomai) is translated "to be possessed by a demon." In context, it is translated as one who has a demon dwelling in him. The word is only used in the Gospels. Those who believe in the possibility of demon possession of Christians often make the distinction between possession in the spirit of man, possession in the soul (mind, will, emotions), and possession of the body. However, Jesus makes it clear that casting out the demons is analogous to casting out the inhabitants of a house (Matthew 12: 28, 29, 43-45). I Corinthians 6:19 states that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and Paul there speaks of the body, not the soul or spirit, for the body encompasses all. How, then, can it be said that the demon could be in the body of the believer but not in the spirit? The body is the Lord's. John tells us that "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (I John 4:4). A demon cannot enter a believer and take over, for it is God's house the demon would be attempting to enter. Remember when the High Priest went with fear and trembling into the Holy of Holies? Are we to believe a demon can enter the Holy of Holies established in the believer?

4. There are many passages that declare that Christ's victory over Satan is so complete that Satan cannot come back and take (possess) the believer (John 17:15; I John 5:18; II Thessalonians 3:3).

5. The concept of worship, by its very nature, involves the giving of attention to the respected being. Many believers devote precious time focusing on the work of Satan, hence, in some type of convoluted manner, worshipping him. So much time is spent binding, rebuking, and casting out demons that could have been spent worshipping Jesus. People that constantly focus (worship) on the demonic have an oppressed look, which they take as a proof of the great battle they are in, though the battle has already been won by the only One worthy of the fight. They have the countenance they have earned from not setting their minds on the things above.

6. "If only you had seen what I have seen!" This appeal to experience falls flat. Traveling as I do, I have seen things that I would not even pen. Though I saw them, neither Scripture nor the Holy Spirit testify to their likelihood; they merit only the trash bin. It must be recognized that Satan is a liar through and through.

7. There is the problem of categorizing as demons the deeds of the flesh listed in Galatians 5. The flesh cannot be cast out but only denied by taking up the cross. I asked a question of a pastor who was casting demons out of believers: "You claim to be casting out by name attributes that Scripture identifies as the deeds of the flesh. That cannot be done. In six months what are you going to tell that eighteen-year-old boy when his hormones are surging and he is once again lusting? Will you tell him the demon of lust returned?” His answer surprised me: "No, then we will tell him to abide!" Obviously my next question was: “If abiding works, then why would it not work in the beginning?” If the desire is to confuse and oppress, tell a believer who is struggling in mind, will, or emotions that his problem is a demon.

8. Finally, I remember when this teaching of demons plaguing the Church was introduced in the early seventies. Where are those same proponents today? If demons were the real problem with defeated Christians, then why are the same men not loudly proclaiming the message throughout the Church today? The world is getting worse. Have those men cast out all of the demons? No, the men are still around but have moved on to "new" spectacular methods, programs, and causes. Yet the old banner continues to be picked up by others.

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

Given the biblical truths Michael presents, and the practical application he gives, how is it that churches and individual Christians give so much attention to the devil? I can remember my adult years prior to becoming a Christian, and I do not recall ever giving any reason or excuse for my “sinful” thoughts or actions being the result of an attack from Satan. Only after being Born Again and being around Christians and in church did I ever begin to hear such talk. Do what?!?

When are Christians going to focus on who they are in Christ, and who He is in us!!!

And live in the victory over a defeated enemy won by our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ!

(I didn’t highlight anything this week because ALL of what Michael said is so important.)

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