Day 53 - Communicate Feelings

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 211

         

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 have always called Michael the best “counselor” I have ever known.  His astute comments in today’s writing emphasize the reason for my trust in his words.

DAY 53

Communicating Feelings

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. --Psalm 139: 23, 24

Very few couples ever learn to communicate on the important level of how they feel. Most people live out of feelings, which should be communicated even if they are not based on fact. However, when beginning to describe how they feel, people often get bombarded with facts from their spouses intended to discredit what was said. It is interesting to watch the confrontation of a carnal person. First, he tries denial:  "I did not do it!" Second, there is the rationalization of his/her behavior: "I had to do it." Then comes the accusation: "You made me do it," or, "You have done the same thing yourself." None of this makes for great conversation that goes anywhere. The spiritual man does none of the above when confronted, neither immediately accepting (unless conviction from God previously existed) nor immediately rejecting the claims, but laying his heart before God and letting God probe. If what was said is true, then there is repentance. 

           

Let others tell you how they feel. You may be hearing only false feelings, but a spiritual response from you will help reveal this. Get in the other person’s shoes and understand the feelings and why they might be occurring, without responding in a manner calculated to defend yourself. This will help both of you move past those feelings to the Truth, Christ.

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

Psalm 139:23-24 are a testimony of the great King David’s understanding of himself versus God’s knowledge of him.  And one thing that shows is that O.T. Believers did not possess the Holy Spirit’s indwelling…therefore the “uh-huh” and “unh-uh” He gives today’s Believers were not available to David.  So David would wisely ask God to reveal and lead him as needed.  Today, we have HIM inside us to do such, most often whether we ask or not, although it is never “bad” to ask God for His wisdom, His insights, His awareness of any of our “offensive ways,” and His leadership.

Michael shows us this translates to the disaster of carnal Christians not being able to (or, not wanting to) communicate their feelings when a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s nudging (and desire to walk with His involvement) could lead to less tension and better communication.

Interestingly, the Greek word for “communicate” in the New Testament is koinoneo, meaning “share with.”  Exactly what Michael is saying here!  Share with each other our feelings, not just facts.  And especially not arguments!

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

Day 46 - Christ's Gain

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 210

         

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 “Day 46” of MWfHS Michael embraces an idea that few would ever entertain, simply because of “forbidden thoughts” that legalists often thrust on Believers.  But Michael shows their inhibitions toward Truth lead to missing out on two great revelations.

DAY 46

Christ's Gain

In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering. --Hebrews 2:10

On a recent international trip I was sitting on the front pew waiting to preach. During the song service I looked on the wall at a picture of Mary holding Jesus. God becoming a man! I have always thought of the great loss Jesus experienced in having to leave heaven to become a man. I had never before thought there was gain for Him, but there are two areas of gain that I see. First, though I know little about Him, I know He is the lover of my soul. God created man like a fine automobile, but a car cannot drive on its own. I have seen in the bottom of a ferryboat a tangled and beaten-up heap of cars after a storm at sea. Those lost cars had no drivers. Jesus stepped in to become the driver in man and to make the creation perform perfectly. He comes to dwell in each of us, to drive, so to speak.

Second, when spirit dwells in flesh, the spirit will either be perfected or destroyed. In heaven, without hindrances, spirit never really sees its limitations. This is partially the problem that Satan had, thinking he was equal to God. Putting spirit in flesh is redeeming for the spirit as the short course in revealing weakness. Once spirit has lived in flesh and found that it is conquered by flesh (spirit is willing but the flesh is weak), spirit enters into humility. Clinging to and empowered by God, spirit perceives something it never would have if not presented with that new level of need: a deeper experience of the glory of God as He meets the need. Spirit as it lives and is being perfected in flesh reveals the glory of God. Having descended and ascended, does Jesus see the Father differently? If so, is it gain? Jesus was made perfect through suffering. What does this mean for me? Jesus put Himself in a place of great need, but God did more than meet the need. So maybe God the Father will never seem the same for Jesus. Has the Father gotten even more wondrous and beautiful to Jesus? Maybe for the first time in my life, I am happy that I began as a man. Having God help me in my weakness gives me a view and experience of God that no angel will ever have. We are spirits trapped in flesh; in our weakness He becomes our strength.

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

There is nothing to talk about any further…than to speak of enjoying all that Jesus IS to us:

1. Jesus came to dwell in us to become the driver in man and make the creation perform perfectly.

2. Spirit as it lives and is being perfected in flesh reveals the glory of God.

3. In our weakness, He becomes our strength.

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

Day 121 - God's Children

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 209

         

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.

Elections, governments, and man-made powers are of this world.  And, as Christians, we are not of this world.  Interesting, isn’t it, living under these circumstance.  Well, Michael Wells gives us something to really think about in “Day 121” of MWfHS…

DAY 121

God’s Children

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. –Romans 12:2

Do you really believe that the Lord’s return and the end of this world will be prompted by the doings of politicians or polls? By the opinion of an entertainer who a short time ago was a waiter? Does the late-breaking news really mean anything? Why am I, as some accuse, being so negative? As a child of God a man is of greater importance than anyone in the world; his opinions count more, he is more unique, and he has more value. Do not forget it. We are to live above the world, not allowing it to tell us who our enemies are, whom we are to serve, who is important, or to whom we are to listen. At the heart of the world’s system are ticks attaching themselves to living things, God’s people, and trying to suck life out of us by continually telling believers we are in some way defective. The world’s system needs people and yet despises them. The “great and mighty” need the weakest to maintain their position, and actually, since they can never rise above the thing they need, they are really quite weak. It would be nice if ticks only took what they needed and left, but they never do. They always lay more eggs, and so the world continues to perpetuate itself.  

The pull of the world is unbelievable. Jesus could have extended His kingdom through government and worldly cooperation, but He fled from those at every point, so what business would we have courting what He avoided? Jesus steered clear of the world, so how could we consider ourselves strong enough to stand in its strongholds without compromise? I am privileged to meet with the most famous, special, and called people in the world every day, those who have been called out of the world, the believers. We are not of this world. Is that not good news? The standard of the world does not apply to us, and we are blest and happy to know one another. This kingdom is passing and will give way to His; in this we can rejoice. Be not conformed! We are in but not of the world. The Holy Spirit whispers, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.” This we must remember as we approach the world from which He, and He alone, redeemed us.

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

The scripture verse for this day’s writing is a very interesting verse.  The Greek tells us “do not fall in with the external and fleeting fashions of this age nor be fashioned to them, but undergo a deep inner change by the qualitative renewing of your mind as the Spirit of God alone can work in you” (Spiro Zodhiates).  Reference 2 Corin. 3:12-18 for what the Holy Spirit has ALREADY done in Christians!  And specifically, the word “renewing” is such that makes a person different than in the past.  What is the most uncomplicated and least effortless way to do this?  Abide.  Move into the Mind of Christ God has given every one of His kids.  THAT is what Michael says over and over and over.  When we will do that?

JESUS has all the ideas and answers we need.  HE has any “supply” we need.  HE has all the protection we need.  HE has given us, as a child of God, a Spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  Who, or what, in this world can do us better than that?!?

And here Michael describes for us the practical “work” to do: “We are to live above the world, not allowing it to tell us who our enemies are, whom we are to serve, who is important, or to whom we are to listen.”  Be not conformed!  Do not fall in with the external and fleeting fashions of this age (this world) nor be fashioned to them.  Well, amen!

Besides, “there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (Romans 13:1). 

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

Day 129 - He Is the Glue

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 208

         

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 brings another perspective that best describes the world we all live in, be it America, Africa, India, Asia, Europe, etc., etc.  And God’s Truth is what we must enjoy…

DAY 129

He Is the Glue

For by Him all things were created, {both} in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. --Colossians 1:16, 17

I have often looked at world economies and wondered what was holding them together; they should not work. I look at governments and wonder at their existence. What is keeping them going? Families that are cold and dysfunctional; how do they keep running? Individual lives that are empty, hopeless, shallow echoes of the flesh; how do they manage to carry on? All things visible are held together by something presently invisible, Jesus. It is not true that man needs to be dependent on God. Why? Because he is dependent already, and whether or not that truth is acknowledged makes very little difference to the fact of the matter.  

Jesus Christ is holding together the dictator, as well as those who persecute. He is holding together the criminal, the politician, the unethical businessman, and anyone else who would oppress. For many, such a realization would give cause to blame God. “Who could worship a God that holds together the wicked, self-centered, and abusive people?” But for me, the recognition has brought a great peace and rest. I know that if He holds them together, then He is ultimately in charge and can cause all things to work toward His end. The One who is the Glue is Love, and love will not harm me. I do not have to panic or invite in fear of the future as I look to the government. My life is not in the hands of the visible, but in the hands of the Glue that holds together my world, my family, my emotions, my will, and my deepest life. I can leave it to others to plot and plan how their own efforts can best control their visible world; they will try to find security in vocation, in assets, in family, and in others; my world is held together by the Divine Glue of love. Amazing! Amazing love! I have no worries! 

Carnal man is blind; he builds but neglects to recognize the Glue that has His own mind, will, divine plan, and goal. Carnal man lives in pride and independence but has not succeeded in running and hiding from God, for Jesus is right there in the midst of all that has been created, a "Holy Spy" in all the secret places of man’s heart and accomplishments. The Divine Glue will determine the end of all things, even of those who think they hold themselves together. When He mandates the end, He can simply remove Himself from the visible governmental powers, and they will be no more. When the Glue withdraws, all will crumble. 

I believe that Christians can be quiet and let the years speak against the minutes, willing to wait as they watch God’s plan revealed. We must have the faith to see Him as the invisible Glue in charge, in ultimate control, working all things to His end; and then we must rest and watch with joy the unfolding of the glorious days ahead. Our God is doing all things perfectly.

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

Christians should have seen this day coming.  “Things” have been getting “worse” so far as Christians would evaluate, but God has never lost control.  2 Chronicles 7:14 is perhaps a testimony against Believers as a whole, but it is a hope if enough repent. 

However, Michael simply points out the “facts” of life as we see it unfold today…  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

Day 114 - Give Us A Government

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 207

         

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 only 20 days away from the 2016 Presidential election in America.  And all are thinking a new President is going to make things better for them.  At least that is why most cast a vote one way or another.  And most don’t understand they are actually acting out Philippians 3:18-19.  Michael gives us some outstanding insights into how this has played out around the world he traveled.

DAY 114

Give Us a Government

“Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the LORD. --I Samuel 8:6

I must admit that one of my greatest struggles has been to see God in government. As I ministered in so many countries, I could not help but see the abuse of government when carnal man takes control. I have often been asked how I can believe in a God who permits suffering. My response is consistent: “How can you believe in man, who causes the suffering?” The amazing thing is that we the people have yielded to these carnal men the authority over us. In man’s carnality he cannot even settle an argument with a neighbor. He believes himself to be right and cries, “Give us a king to judge us!” Well, we have all gotten our kings, our judges, and we got more than we reckoned for. Justice has a price, freedom! In the end every man would have been better off to give the neighbor whatever he had taken, to forego the king and judge, and to trust God to fix the whole thing. We can see that governments come into existence because of man’s lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and boastful pride of life. It was man’s carnality that put a king in charge; now the king counts on man’s carnality in order for him to stay in power. The carnal liberal and the carnal conservative both want to impose their wishes on the other. The carnal king (government) listens so intently because, after all, he is needed. All the while this friction is used to keep the king in power, and while in power, what does he do? He placates both sides while oppressing, stealing, appropriating, and financing every deed of the flesh. “Give us a king!” What a mistake. The founding fathers of the United States saw it and tried to stop it. Their solution was a government under God. The carnal are like mushrooms, hidden until the fullness of time when a simple afternoon storm reveals that they surround us. Kings do not want God to stand in the way of their greed. Therefore, God is pushed out in favor of injustice upon injustice and more injustice. And the wars! The cement that holds kingdoms together is a mixture of the blood of so many sons. Enough! My point is that the flesh of man cannot change, and neither can the nature of a government. Zipping a pig up in a horse suit makes him no less of a pig. The fact is that Jesus is coming, so what do we expect governments to look like before He comes? Does the Bible teach that all nations will forsake Him, except the United States will stand fast with Him? No! The flesh is flesh and hostile to God; all governments are an outgrowth of flesh. What, then, are we to do? We are aliens and sojourners; the affairs of government are not our affairs. In the meantime, we pray for those in authority, for with the position they sought will come judgment. 

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

Is it not crazy that never before has it been so evident that those already elected to a position (either “side”) could really care less who gets elected President.  All that matters to them is that they get reelected to their position. 

America, one nation UNDER God…really?  Paul said check folks out according to vs.14-17, 20.

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!

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

Day 49 - Christians Do Not Need To Make Excuses

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 206

         

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.

As I make this entry (#206 out of 365, hopefully!) it is with a grateful heart for God bringing Michael Wells into our family’s life…and actually God, through Michael, pointing us to Christ within us.  On this day 5 years ago (10-11-11), Michael stepped into the presence of God in Heaven, while on a mission trip to Costa Rica.  It was a shock to all of us, but not to God.  We can think up all kinds of reasons God called Michael home that evening, but truthfully, only God knows “why,” and at that moment.  As we communicated with Betty this afternoon, she is living in the grace of God.  She is a dear friend who is a testimony of God’s love to her in the physical absence of Michael.  She is living testimony of “not making any excuses,” but living each day “in the light of God.”  Well, amen.

DAY 49

Christians Do Not Need To Make Excuses

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? --Matthew 16:26

On a train in Europe I was sitting next to a couple of unbelievers and slowly beginning to talk about Jesus. They paused for some time before shooting me their pet trick question, "What do you think of holy wars? I do not see how we can call a war holy! It seems hypocritical!” I did not give a defense, though I knew he was talking about the Christians. Instead I began to talk about the Muslims, those most associated with holy wars, since they believe that their kingdom expands through the acquisition of lands. Once they have held territory, if they are ever forced to leave, they will have a holy war to repossess the place. Next are the Hindus, who, though forbidden to kill an animal, are allowed by their holy book to kill humans to expand their kingdom. These, too, are considered holy wars. The Buddhists also allow for the killing of people to protect or extend their kingdom. Finally, there are the Catholics, who through their holy wars were able to extend their kingdom and possessions. Holy wars as we know them are entirely an attempt to extend earthly kingdoms. All of this brings us to Jesus. He never had a holy war. His was not a visible kingdom made of land, possessions, and image. His kingdom is invisible; nevertheless, to make gains in this kingdom requires a war. One fellow had been listening intently and asked, "What do you mean?" “Christ would rather gain a man's heart than take the man's home. He would rather see the light of God replace the darkness in man. There is no comparison." "Interesting! Can I write to you and discuss this further?"

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

I really feel it only necessary to note that at this time in America, where I live, I hear many people, including Christians, in the context of political things happening every day…making “excuses” for the way things are in this country.  In the next three weeks’ postings, I will be using 3 of Michael’s “days” in MWfHS (that I haven’t used before) to focus on some dramatic truths from God’s Word as to what we are seeing unfold before our eyes.  These future writings will highlight the battle between which one of the two trees back in the Garden of Eden we choose to eat from.  Suffice it to say, “Holy wars as we know them are entirely an attempt to extend earthly kingdoms.” 

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

Day 47 - Christian Fatalism

Thoughts on Michael Wells’ teachings in My Weakness for His Strength - # 205

         

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.

If it wasn’t so true it would almost be unbelievable…but in 30+ years of ministry I have heard this story over and over and over…

DAY 47

Christian Fatalism

           

He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything. --Colossians 1:17, 18

I was once in Burma to teach when my father and I had the opportunity to visit the world’s largest stupa, the Buddhist temple that looks much like the cap on a Russian building and is representative of the large bubble that the Buddhists say makes up life. As the bubble stands alone, the weather attacks it and causes misery. For the Buddhist, to exist is pain and suffering, which is why nirvana is the ultimate goal of Buddhism, the reaching of a point of no longer existing and no more associated pain. Unfortunately, the Church is filled with a similar type of fatalism, for many believe that life in Christ will be miserable, nothing will work out, and the only relief that comes will be sometime in the future when they enter heaven. Is the Christian life merely a bubble with nothing within? Will we not have relief until we cease to exist in this body? May it never be! There is a special something within the Christian bubble, and all suffering has the purpose of releasing what is within, which is the life of Christ. Suffering releases love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. We need not be fatalists. We suffer the realities of being on planet earth, but we really live because of them! We must not let the enemy turn us into Christian fatalists.

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

Red – GP, Greatest Promises

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

God tells us so beautifully that Jesus Christ is “before all things, and in Him all things hold together.  He is also head of the body, the church.”  What an incredible picture of who our Savior is!  Coupled with all the other descriptions of Who Jesus is, how can the church have a fatalism that thinks “life in Christ will be miserable, nothing will work out, and the only relief will come in the future when they enter heaven”???  Are we kidding ourselves!?!

Michael give us one of the most profound truths of life as a Christian that really gives us the awesome hope we have IN CHRIST in this life: “all suffering has the purpose of releasing what is within, which is the life of Christ.  Suffering releases love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”  Wow!  For any Christian to live in “fatalism” is a denial of the potential of Christ within them.

Here’s an astounding fact: in my 30+ years of ministry, Michael is the only one I have heard that has spoken to and consistently pronounced the reality of the need for a “ministry of suffering.”  The need is for teaching of Christ’s life within to face and overcome any harsh reality of suffering.  Most teach Christ will keep suffering from you, and if you are suffering it is because you are sinning.  Christians cannot escape suffering in this life.  But all Christians can deny any and all teaching of fatalism, and enjoy the life of Christ from within.

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