Morning Coffee ... by Michael E. Wells

One plants, another waters, but it is God who gives the increase. We provide seeds, many of us water along the way, but God births it in the spirit of those who receive. — Michael

Of Fish And Foxes

Truly, the struggle in this life is to know the truth and not get defeated by the lie. As Christians, we are like the ones who chose the red pill in the movie Matrix. Morpheus tells Neo, “You take the blue pill, the story ends. You wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.” To know the truth and see the depth of the lie others blindly follow, being unaware of its destiny, is a very unsettling place to be.

The Christian life is often depicted as a fish swimming against the flow. We have many distractions, especially living in America. Land of the free or rather carefree. So many freedoms we as a people seldom care for that which is important or of eternal value. It all comes down to faith and personal behavior. All people have some sort of conscience, but we as Christians have a unique one. Governed by a certain set of principles. The fact is others may... but we may not. Conscience may let them but not us.

I once wrote Christians are their happiest when they’re not sinning. As Solomon notes, it is the little foxes that spoil the vines. It is not the great sins that defeat a Christian, but the little ones that slowly dim the flame that once burned bright. Lots of metaphors, but it is how we put into perspective truths that are difficult to explain. Paul wrote our citizenship is in heaven, and our struggle is on earth. We have taken the red pill and swimming against the flow; we are very aware of the little foxes that dim the flame. And so we journey on...

How Do You Feel?

A question posed to Spock in Star Trek IV, The Voyage Home—released 40 years ago and very relevant today. It is one to cause many of us to pause before answering. His response was simply, “I do not understand the question.” In our very crass and vulgar culture, many have moved past feelings. Deadened to being vulnerable again to the deep disappointment and tragedy that comes with life.

But a soul that isn’t touched with emotions simply becomes a sterile existence, devoid of any meaning and fulfillment. To open oneself to possible loss again is difficult for some. This is where we let God in. Being secure in Him is the peace that passes all understanding. Known only to those who have sought after it. God declares, “You will find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.”

“How do you feel?” Truly, only with a heart after God can we feel as we were meant to. Though circumstances can still send our emotions reeling, if we will quiet ourselves, a reassuring whisper will sound, “I’ve got you.” No one can hold your heart like God. So in the quiet of the moment, He brings much-needed peace and comfort to a weary mind and tired soul. We are asked, “How do you feel?” And we say, “I’m good, God’s got me.”

Resident Evil

A film series grossing almost 6 billion dollars worldwide during the past 20 years. With its seventh and final chapter released in 2017 and a reboot in 2021, it is the second-highest money maker ever to come from a video game franchise. Long story short, a virus is released into the population, turning everyone into the living dead. The ultimate goal of the heroine—save what’s left of humanity! Though I have never seen the movies, one cannot escape the marketing for the past 20 years nor the parallels to the condition of humanity.

In reality, we have been infected with a virus that permeates the soul and tries to control the mind. Left to ourselves, we are truly the walking dead. We struggle against the impulses of the flesh and the taunting in the mind. As in the heroine of the movies, there is also one who is trying to save us. Only He can bring us to our right minds and cleanse us of this virus. It is not a tangible antidote to be injected or dissolved under the tongue, but a faith and belief that can transform the mind and renew the spirit.

The epitaph of this franchise has not been written nor has the final chapter of your life. Each morning is new and fresh with decisions to be made. For those who are clean, you may remain clean, for those who are not today is the day of your salvation. The answer lies in your heart and mouth. Believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, Savior, and Redeemer. It is He who removes the virus of sin and gives new life so that no longer will you be occupied by the tenant who calls itself Resident Evil.

Michael Wells

Michael E. Wells has a passion for writing letters of Christian encouragement. With poetic style and moving messages, the reader is often comforted and consoled, inspired, and refreshed. Since his retirement from Federal Service in 2006, most mornings are spent penning letters of the heart. Tucked away in the foothills of Pennsylvania, he leads an idyllic lifestyle in a pastoral setting. This backdrop helps to set both mood and message for his many writings. You can find his book, “Morning Coffee with Words For The Day” at Amazon.com.