Monday, December 28, 2009

Confess and Refresh

December 28, 2009

This is certainly a white Christmas! The eastern one-half of Nebraska experienced a blizzard last week, closing most of the highways in the eastern one-third of the state. Yesterday, Sunday, most highways re-opened; including Interstate 80. This morning, I drove the 140 miles from my mother’s home in south central Nebraska to Albion. I do not know the exact amount of snow in Albion, estimates range from 15 – 18 inches.

My driveway was covered in snow, the drifts deepening to three feet by the street. Consequently, the first order of business involved starting the snow blower, dozing through the deep drifts by the garage door; before starting on the drive. Two hours later, the driveway was opened and the car parked safely off the street in the drive.

I then transferred luggage and Christmas presents from the car to the house; the tea kettle began boiling water for a cup of rich hot chocolate. The refreshing, tantalizing, aroma of the hot chocolate filled the house’s interior atmosphere, including pulsating alerts to my sensory system. Suddenly, I realized: my breath was atrocious!! Grabbing my suit case, I dashed up the stairs, opening as quickly as possible. I then reached for the tooth paste and tooth brush; brushing my teeth and refreshing my breath. Instantly, I felt like a new man!

My breath did not instantly deteriorate; rather the fresh, aromatically pleasing air, alerted my senses of my breath being unacceptable. Have you ever experienced this occurrence?

Similarly, worshipping, praying, reading scripture and associating with other believers of the inerrant Word of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; alerts our souls of our sinful nature. Upon this sometimes instant recognition of sin in our life; we rush to confess our sin. Upon confession, the Holy Spirit immediately refreshes our soul.

This sin, like the bad breath, had been around for awhile; however like breathing the fresh aroma; breathing the Word of God, alerted us of our atrocious traits. You and I are easily rid of bad breath with proper hygiene activities. We are also able to quickly rid ourselves of sin in our life. The Holy Spirit convicts our hearts, alerting us to the sin. We must simply allow, through confession and belief, Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection permanently remove our sin: God says he casts our sins as far as the east is from the west.

Blizzards may close highways and cities, however the power of Holy Spirit and the forgiveness of sins by Jesus Christ will be in your heart regardless of any external or internal storms in your life or surroundings.

“For unto is born this day in the city of David, a Savior – Jesus Christ.”

In Christ,
Rick E. Meyer
www.rickemeyer.com

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Run - Engage

Hall of Fame Coach Lyle Claussen: "If you want to run fast, you have to run fast!"

Too many runners plod along in training then left quandering their lack of improvement in speed; particularly on race day.

I find this wisdom fits every area of life. When I struggle with speaking and writing material; I frequently find that my reading, prayer, and meditation have also deplenished. At times, my mind is inadvertently failed to fully engage in thought.

Thus, I apply Lyle's wisdom: "If you want an engaged mind, you have to engage your mind!"

Let us submit our mind to the Holy Spirit, allowing him to fully engage our mind, body, and soul.

In Christ,
Rick E. Meyer
www.rickemeyer.com

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Effects of Cheating

"Those who cheat, cheat themselves."
~ Bill "Congo" Congleton 1983

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

If it Seems to Good to Be True......

Christmas and Easter as well as all of scripture should reveal to us: If something seems to good to be true, it is probably God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit active in our lives and in our world.

We should question whether someone's motives, are they filled with the Holy Spirit.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick
www.rickemeyer.com

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Work - Ethics

Knowing Ethics Work in succeeding, leads to a successful Work Ethic. Conversely, not everyone with a Work Ethic, "hard worker," is Ethical. Numerous politicians are a prime example of this principle.

How do we know Ethics Work? By being filled with the Holy Spirit!

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick
http://www.rickemeyer.com/

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Breathe

It was a beautiful Friday afternoon as we arrived in Denver. The temperature hovered near 70 degrees in this late September evening. As a college freshman I was excited, having only been to Denver with my parents in January 1978. Unfortunately, I had a cold and suffering from my first and last bout with poison ivy. Despite this, I anxiously awaited running in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in beautiful weather the next morning.

As my teammates and I gazed out the downtown Denver hotel windows Saturday morning, we quickly were reminded of that old phrase, “What a difference a day makes.” The ground was covered with snow, the temperature dropped to 30 degrees overnight. Good thing we brought along warmer running gear. We boarded the school vans and traversed the 60 miles south to the Air Force Academy outside of Colorado Springs.

Frigid air once again greeted us as we piled out of the van onto the course covered with a blanket of snow. The effects of altitude’s decreased air density were quickly noticed as we warmed up, touring the course. Some suggested inhaling twice for every exhale; however I found this method less than beneficial. Eventually, after the women’s race, we did our final sprints from the starting line, including taking off our sweats. I do not like cold weather. The Starter’s gun sounded, with many runners in a flurry, especially those from perennial powerhouse Adams State.

Before reaching the first mile marker of the five mile course, I struggled to breath. The altitude, combined with a plugged nose and congested lungs, made breathing most challenging. Efficient breathing is necessary for running fast. Our muscles require oxygen; lack of oxygen reduces our endurance. Needless to say, I ran poorly, as did most of our team. In cross country, the winning team is the one with the fewest points as the determined by adding the places of a team’s first five runners. We scored more points in this one meet than my high school team scored accumulated in the nine meets of our senior season. Much of our competition was from high altitude schools.

Life is similar to this race; lack of breath hinders our performance. We are unable to perform well when we fail to allow the Holy Spirit to breathe in and through us. The Holy Spirit breathes through us when we are in scripture, prayer, and worship.

Yes, I struggled to perform at the Air Force Academy’s 1985 cross country meet due to my inability to properly breathe. However, I struggle even more when I fail to allow the Holy Spirit to breathe through me when I neglect, scripture, prayer, and worship.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick
http://www.rickemeyer.com/

Monday, December 7, 2009

Vision

Last Saturday, 28 November 2009, I stood visiting with a former classmate, Stephen. We patiently waited in the concession line during halftime of Smith Center’s State Championship game. After standing for a few minutes, I realized two other former schoolmates were standing next to Stephen during our entire visit. Shawn and Barry were a year ahead of Stephen and I at Gaylord Grade School; they were also starters on Smith Center’s inaugural football championship team in 1982. As you know, it is always good to see old friends. However, I simply did not look up, Shawn is several inches taller than me, or around at Barry. I nearly missed an opportunity to visit with these gentleman.

How often do we miss opportunities right next to us, because we fail to look up and around from our current position in life?

Ironically, three years previously, 28 November 2006, I stood beside my dad as he lie in his hospital bed at about 7:00 PM. I had spent several minutes praying for his health to return, then moved from his right side of the bed to his left side. He had not spoken all day as he slept. He awakened and spoke to me the first time since my initial visit at 11:00 AM: “Good bye,” while he extended his hand to mine for a handshake. I thought my optimism was annoying him as I shook his hand replying, “Good bye.” That was the last visit with my dad on this earth, three days later he died about 20 minutes before my arrival. I quickly realized what he truly meant with, “Good bye.”

How often do we miss interpret the full meaning of someone’s message because our vision, our perspective, is too narrow?

I must remember to look up and around for nearby opportunities, and have greater vision, and perspective to more fully understand the messages of family, friends, and professional peers.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick
www.rickemeyer.com

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Keep Working

Jesus heard Lazarus was dead, yet he waited two days before going to Judea. Jesus finally arrived at Lazarus’ tomb four days after his death. Martha informs Jesus that if he had been present when Lazarus was sick, his death could have been prevented at the time. We know the story: Jesus brought Lazarus back to life. Jesus desired for God to be glorified with the raising of Lazarus from death.

Do you question Jesus’ care of you and your family when prayer answers are delayed? As a child I recall being rather hungry from farm work, ready to eat now. I typically “only” ate three to four big pancakes for breakfast. Innumerable times I entered the west porch of our farmhouse, then opening the house door from inside the porch, sticking my head in the kitchen-asking mom if dinner is ready. She always replied that dinner would be ready at noon.

She then instructed me to look at the clock on the east wall, often it displayed between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM. I struggled to believe I could continue working another thirty to sixty minutes without food. Mom insisted I wait, knowing I would survive in spite of my child’s mind doubts. At times, I received a piece of bread and butter for sustenance. Fortunately, the delicious and filling dinner was always ready at noon as promised.

Mary, Martha, and we respond this way with our prayers. Just as I strongly desired food at the moment of request, believing I am unable to continue on without food: we insist on Jesus answering our prayers immediately. They believed Jesus needed to be with Lazarus before his earthly death. My mother knew I would survive without dinner for another thirty to sixty minutes; a mealtime of noon coincided with her cooking plans and my dad’s work plans. Jesus waited two days to travel to Judea for Lazarus and often waits to provide an answer to us based on the plans of he and the Father in Heaven.

Jesus brought Lazarus back to life as Martha requested and correlating with the Father’s plan. Today Jesus rarely revives our loved ones from their physical death. However, if our dreams and goals correlating with the Father’s will seem ‘dead’ to us in waiting; Jesus will bring these dreams and desires to life in the proper time.

While I waited for dinner, I could see a clock, knowing how much longer the wait endured. Jesus does not provide us with an exact date and time of his answering. Since we continue to work despite our hunger knowing our mother will feed us as promised, we too must continue our work knowing Jesus will feed us with answered prayers at his appropriate time. Let us pray and continue our work in faith. He awakened Lazarus from the bodily death: What can Jesus do with your long awaited dreams and goals? He desires Glory for the Father in your life too!

Keep the Faith: Walk with Christ, Talk with Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Make it a Great Day!


Rick
www.rickemeyer.com

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Constructing Achievements

In September 2006, I had the privilege of visiting friends in Washington State. Doug and Gaylene live north of the Columbia River, about 50 miles south of Canada. Doug retired from his logging business and now ranches in the Colville National Forrest. Geologist state Ice Age glaciers in excess of 10,000 years ago initially molded this National Forest’s 1.1 million acres. Fred Flinstone’s unwillingness to “go green” must have caused the glaciers to melt.

Doug added a lean-to on his barn for hay storage. The process began as a germinating tree seeds in the forest, over many years these seeds receive the necessary sunlight, fertility, and water: eventually growing into a mature trees. Doug identifies these trees as healthy, and mature; then cuts them down for lumber. I do not know the precise process and timeline as the trees are debarked, cure, and dry. Before boards formed from the logs, a vision for use is determined. Boards are cut into various sizes (2 x 6s and 2 x 4s, etc) based on the requirements for the desired building. Board length also varies depending on the log, and where on the log the boards are cut.

The lumber is now dry, the warped boards are tossed into a separate pile of discarded lumber; the building begins. The process remains challenging and incomplete. The boards must now be selected in the proper order and appropriately placed based upon the building’s design and surroundings. An errantly placed board hinders the entire building. The boards are now properly and securely placed, a building now stands.

The process from seeds to building is long and tedious, with the finished product lacking any resemblance to the seeds or trees of origin. However, without the seed, soil, fertility, and sunlight, and curing the building would remain absent.

Constructing achievements is similar. We commence with a seed, a thought, an idea. We plant this ‘seed’ in scripture, fertilizing it with wisdom, knowledge, and understanding; and watered with encouragement and guidance from the Holy Spirit, including our friends filled with the Holy Spirit. These ideas, or thoughts, grow until ready for construction to begin, the warped ideas are permanently tossed out of our mind. We then must mold these ideas into various shapes and sizes, allowing proper ‘curing’. Then diligently choosing the right ideas and implementing these ideas with prudence. The process is often long and tedious, the wait and effort is worth it as we view the final product as a great achievement. This achievement may have little resemblance to the ideas as they were growing and first harvested. The proper curing and placement are necessary.

Trees ranging from seed to mature populate a forest, and loggers have lumber in all stages. Carpenters begin a project either during or immediately following the completion of one. We too are wise to have perpetual seeds of ideas germinating and growing in our mind while we construct current achievements. Just as a healthy forest needs rain and fertility, we too must remain in scripture, prayer and Spirit filled friends.

Talk with Christ, Walk with Christ, Achieve with Christ.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick
www.rickemeyer.com

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Do not Compare yourself to others....

“Do not Compare yourself to other People as their Standards may be too low.” ~ Congo

Last Friday I attended, as a spectator, the Nebraska State cross country meet at the Kearney Country Club. I have attended numerous meets on this course, including the 1994 NCAA Div II Regional and National Championships.

Frequently, coaches and fans encourage runners to get out fast with the leaders. For those who are physically able, starting fast is a fine strategy. Many have blamed poor finishes on “going out too slow.” They believe that a slower start condemns runners to remain in the back of the pack, unable to pass a significant amount of runners enabling a march to the front; resulting in a poor finish. However, believing a slow start nearly guarantees a slow finish is a fallacy. How do we define “fast” and “slow” starts? These terms are relative to the competition and a runner’s level of fitness.

Both of our state championship runs at Manhattan, on a two-mile course, our teams began near the back. A quarter of a mile into the 1983 championship race, our seven runners were among the last ten in the race. Two of our runners finished fourth and ninth, we won the team championship. Yet my friends on Friday said this strategy is unsuccessful. A year later, we once again started the race slow compared to the competition. We won the championship again with our first five runners scoring 54 points.

Congo taught us to continually drive forward, not comparing ourselves to other people. Many runners are content to run with those around them. Consequently, if they start slowly they just run with the slow runners.

This is similar to life, we are free to move up, and we are encouraged to run as hard as we can in the middle of life’s race, instead of just hanging with those preferring a slower pace. We should give everything we have as we near the finish. The elderly may not lack the physical stamina they once possessed, however they should share their wisdom with the younger generations with all of the energy they possess.

In racing and life, your start does not determine your finish. Trust in our Lord, he will enable you to increase your pace throughout life.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Upcoming - Wisdom of Elderly

How many of us learn a great deal of wisdom from our parents, grandparents and others one, two, or three generations ahead of our own? I attained a great deal of wisdom from my grandparents in their final years and months. Under Obama's proposed health care plan these grandparents would have been left for dead,told to, "take a pain pill." I would have missed out on the attained wisdom. Obama and liberals in Congress intend to allow the 'eldery' die to 'save money' and lessen opportunities for wisdom to be passed to younger generations.

More to come later today.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Pray for Friends

“After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.” Job 42:10 (NIV)

Typically when we study the story of Job we observe Job’s wealth and righteousness; the loss of his family, wealth, and health; and finally the doubling of his wealth. The dialogue between God, Job, and his friends is certainly great opportunity for discussion as well.

However, we miss critical words at the beginning of the above sentence: “After Job had prayed for his friends.” Despite enduring suffering and torture beyond our imagination, and being ‘put in his place’ by God; he was not immediately blessed with: “twice as much as he had before.”
God richly blessed Job after Job prayed for his friends!

This correlates with the second greatest commandment indentified by Christ: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” When we love our fellow man, desiring their righteous success as much as our own success; we fervently pray God pour blessings on them. Christ prayed for our betterment through God’s Will as he contemplated his crucifixion.

Is it okay to pray for the fulfillment of our own desires? Yes! Jesus says we have not because we ask not; and to “ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.” The Bible explains this is done to glorify our Heavenly Father.

However, when we pray for our friends first, God blesses us with twice as much as before. Perhaps this exponential blessing will be monetary, emotional or spiritual. The Bible does explain the details of how Job’s wealth was restored, since the blessings included ten children we can be reasonably certain this did not occur instantly. Would you agree we may reasonably presume Job worked with diligence, prudence, sweat, and wisdom?

Pray for your friends, and respond in faith with God given diligence, prudence, sweat, and wisdom!

I pray each of my friends are receive Godly blessings of Love, Forgivenss, Faith, Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding exceeding their imaginations.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick

www.rickemeyer.com

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Passion and Relationships

Occasionally, I struggle to write: shoring up stories and points in a book I am finishing. Conversely, when an idea will aid a friend, I quickly share this idea. I am eager to offer friends value: I love to win! ‘Winning’ is achieving greatness through Christ.

Why the contrast in writing efforts?

When I view writing as a 'task’, or just going 'through the motions,’ ideas are logged jammed. Water held by logjams can become stale, as can our mind. Failing to visualize individuals benefiting from my ideas and stories creates a logged jammed mind. Log of selfishness jam deire and creativity. Who desires a stale mind?

Speaking and writing to inspire greater achievements in any endeavor for societal betterment is my passion. I write best when visualizing the personalized benefit, seeing specific people reaping rewards from the message. This includes visually reflecting back on the vast array of individuals offering gratitude for an idea that enhanced their lives. Passionately assisting in the betterment of others’ lives enables me to write with passion!

What about your profession, do you become lulled into completing 'tasks,' satisfying a boss, board of directors, or a deadline, instead of specific individuals of end users? You continue to perform well, but perhaps lack the passion necessary to prevent logjams. How do you avoid this quandary?

Visualize, incorporating all five senses if possible, a family's improved relationships because of your product or service. Inquire of your profession: “How will my task, my product, or service enhance a person’s relationships with the Lord, along with their family, and friends?”

Manufacturing a wheel bearing may appear mundane compared to a UPS driver delivering a favorite Christmas present. How would the UPS driver deliver the present efficiently without wheel bearings in his vehicle? Brad is a UPS manager and a terrific runner, but his running efficiency is dwarfed compared to those in delivery trucks.

Holy Spirit assignments empower relationships. Let this relationship enhancing passion empower you to great achievements, glorifying our Lord.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick
Rick Meyer Speaking

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Wit, Genius, and Politicians

Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet, “Brevity is the soul of wit.”

Another observed, "Genius is simplifying the complex."

What then are the authors of laws, regulations, and tax codes?

Sever the Cause

“If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body, than for all your body to go into hell.” Matthew 5:29-30

Frequently, this verse is used as an illustration in arguing against the strict interpretation of scripture. Before we continue, please do not gouge out your eye, or cut off your hand.

Christ’s statement is common sense: If indeed my hand or eye was the root cause of sin, causing my eternal damnation, I would rather live 100 years on earth with out a hand or eye than eternity in hell. Would you agree?

Once as a young child, while staying with my grandmother, I walked downtown to a store, and entered the candy aisle. My taste buds leaped with joy, each time a ‘Smarties’ candy entered my mouth. I decided to purchase a few ‘Smarties,’ they cost a penny back in the mid-1970s; and I had several cents in my pocket.

Suddenly, my mind was bombarded with the idea of placing a couple of ‘Smarties’ in my pocket just to see if I could do so without getting caught. I am naturally competitive; the mental bombardment said, “you are doing nothing wrong, you are not stealing; rather competing against the store owner.” I ignored the Holy Spirit saying, “This is wrong.”

Ashamedly, instead of rejecting this idea of stealing, contradicting the Holy Spirit and scripture, I validated the idea as I pondered possible strategies. Eventually, I convinced myself that I was not stealing, but competing. I placed two packages of “Smarties” in my pocket and paid for the other two. As I walked out the door, I was initially gratified of my ‘victory.’

Later that night, when back home with my parents, the Holy Spirit convicted my heart with guilt. Fortunately, I now listened to this conviction. I asked my mother to come up to my room, I was afraid to tell my dad. I cried as I told Mom of my crime, and yes, I had to tell Dad also. I agreed to return to the store next time in town, apologizing for my theft and pay for the ‘Smarties.’ I was ashamed of myself, but very grateful the Holy Spirit loved me enough to convict my soul with guilt.

Did I cut off my hand, or gouge out my eyes, or cut off my taste bud containing tongue for the role they each contributed in this crime? Perhaps I should chop off my legs, because without the ability to walk I would not have been in the store. No, I avoided any bodily dismemberment. These bodily parts did not cause me steal. What did cause me to steal? I ignored the Holy Spirit’s conviction, and I entertained ideas incongruent with scriptures. My errant thinking caused this sin!

The above scripture tells us we must cut off the cause of our sin. I have cut off this errant thinking. I strive for obedience to the Holy Spirit’s voice of guidance and conviction. I sever any thoughts attempting to justify living outside of the Word of God; I do not meditate on thoughts saying, “The Bible does not really mean…..” I cut off any thoughts saying, “It is okay to lie, steal, cheat, swear, hold a grudge, etc in this situation, because the writers of scripture did not understand today’s world.”

What is the cause of your sin, your thoughts of disobedience to scripture? Is it: viewing certain literature, movies, websites, or attending night clubs, bars, or associating with a particular person or group of people? Whatever is the cause of your sin; sever those relationships. Obviously, do not harm another person, for no other person causes you to sin. However, if you tend to sin when around a certain person: Avoid that association.

I have never again stolen ‘Smarties’ since cutting out corrupt thoughts. Common sense tells us we are better to live in absence of temporary pleasures provided by wrongful thoughts and associations than eternity in hell.

Cut out anything in your life hindering your relationship with Jesus Christ! Anything causing to you live in disobedience to scripture should be cut off, separated from your life.

Thoughts attempting to justify wrong behavior are strong. We must faithfully remain in scripture and prayer for permanent separation, permanent severing.

Replace sinful thoughts with scripture. Replace former friendships and associations with those who point toward Christ and scripture.

Talk with Christ, Walk with Christ, and Achieve with Christ!

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick E. Meyer

Rick Meyer Speaking

Thursday, September 24, 2009

HANDCRAFTED

I recently toured a home with lumber handcrafted beams and woodwork in the ceiling, this feature added significant value to the home. Shoes, purses, and automobiles values increase exponentially when handmade, even if the manufacture remains the same.

Yes, the Almighty God created you, the supreme being of all existence: this alone places your value beyond comprehension. Moreover, you are 'handcrafted' by him! This design feature exponentially increases your value!

The eternal God handcrafted your mind, personally designed in tune with him. What happens if we drop a perfectly tuned piano? The piano is no longer in tune. A piano tuner is able to retune the piano, allowing the production of beautiful music. Sin has the same effect on your mind as dropping a piano; you and I are out of tune with our Creator who handcrafted us. Repenting of sins, combined with believing and confessing Jesus Christ as Savior tunes your mind. My mind requires daily tuning. What about you?

Is there any challenge too great to overcome for a handcrafted mind tuned in to the Holy Spirit?

Christ personally handcrafted you physically, mentally, and spiritually: your scriptural agreeing Passions are your handcrafted Purpose!

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick


Rick Meyer Speaking

Friday, September 11, 2009

LEAD BLOCKER

I love watching football, even though I am terrible at playing the game. Great teams have great blocking! A lead blocker, stopping or altering the direction of the tackler(s), the opposition; often generates the best runs.

Can you imagine an All-American running back receiving a handoff with no lineman blocking? Regardless of their phenomenal ability, advancing to the line of scrimmage would be nearly impossible.

Additionally, those who consistently pile up impressive rushing statistics are exceptional at reading and following blocks.

Do we benefit from a lead blocker in life? I believe we do benefit, moreover without a lead blocker we too fail miserably.

Roughly 4,000 years ago, 2000 B.C., Job lived in the Land of Uz. This is located southeast of the Dead Sea, in the region of northern Arabia. Job was extremely wealthy! However, God limited his protection, and ‘lead blocking’ for Job. Immediately Job’s family and wealth disappeared. Then God removed all ‘lead blocking’ for Job, except preserving his life. Instantaneously, Job lost his health in addition to his family and wealth. Even his friends turned against him.

Job refused to speak against the Lord, his 'lead blocker!'

Later God returned to ‘lead blocking’ for Job. Job following his blocker, prayed for his friends; God then blessed Job with twice the livestock as before and gave him another ten children.

Job, a man who: Job 1:1 “was blameless and upright,” fearing God and shunning evil; needed our Lord as a ‘lead blocker’ in life. Would you agree we also greatly benefit from God as our ‘lead blocker?' God poignantly instructs us that he is a jealous God. He deeply desires our recognition and gratitude for His ‘lead blocking’ in our lives.

Would a Heisman trophy winner be foolish to ignore his blockers? Ignoring God would be exponentially more foolish than the running back saying, “I can do this on my own!”

As you watch football this fall, ask: "Who is my ‘lead blocker’?" As you listen and read of running backs giving credit to their blockers; remember to give credit to your ‘lead blocker’; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
Rick Meyer Speaking

Thursday, September 3, 2009

THINK INSIDE THE BIBLE!

(This written message is from personal notes recorded in 2004-2005)


Do you frequently hear, “Think outside the box?”

When introduced, the concept initiated expanding our possibility thinking. Unfortunately, many now “Think outside the box” of right and wrong, outside of morals and ethics.

Lucifer / Satan originated "Thinking outside the Box" of God's wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. The serpent then convinced Eve and Adam to "Think outside the Box" of Godly wisdom, God's Word, resulting in the introduction of sin. “Outside the Box” equates to outside of the Bible!

I researched scanned various job postings. Few, if any, list honesty and integrity as requirements for their respective positions. Perhaps, one may argue they lack specific listing because management expects these attributes.

Does management also expect excellent communications skills, serving customers, meeting and exceeding goals, etc? Most job descriptions frequently specific these attributes. Prudence mandates these necessary characteristics as equally necessary.

A great deal of interviewers flinch with the idea of mandating honesty and integrity. Secular organizations and businesses prefer candidates who forgo these concepts to reach and exceed corporate goals. “Profit always, integrity when convenient.”

Rather than, “Think outside the box” of morals and ethics, wisdom suggests we, “Think inside the Bible.”

“Thinking Inside the Bible” generates:

· Love of God

· Love of People

· Righteousness - being right with Christ.

· Morality

· Honesty

· Pure heart and mind

· Integrity

· Forgiveness

· Faith

· Humble Spirit

· Gentle

· Hope

· Peace



These fruits cause self-imposed limits of achievements to disseminate.

The Bible illustrates this barrier elimination in an array of passages including, “Nothing is impossible with God” and “All things are possible through Christ who strengthens us.” Consider this profound revelation: ALL means ALL.

God defines and contains the limits of all good.

The COMPACT OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY defines All, “the greatest possible.” We simply must act in accordance with Christ, the Word made flesh.

Our greatest successful achievements reside in “the greatest possible” from Christ. I invite you to Think Inside The Bible!

Quickly repent, reject thoughts and actions contrasting biblical righteousness and fruits of the Spirit. Forgive yourself and others. Love your peers, family, friends, and competitors as much as you love yourself.

Love desires the absolute best, the deepest possible personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This includes communication with the Holy Spirit.

Love God—Father, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit—with all of your heart, soul, strength, and mind. If and when anyone invites you to “Think Outside the Box,” rebuke the originator of wicked thoughts, Satan and all his works.

Your greatest possible success hinges upon your ability and willingness to:


Think Inside The Bible!


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
(402) 984-1586 (cell)

Seek God's Kingdom First

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his (God’s) Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you.” (NIV) or “But seek first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (KJV)


After hitting the ‘snooze button’ on my alarm clock a couple of times this morning, I groggily wandered into the restroom; a funny name considering we seldom rest in this room, for my morning shower. The shower’s hot water message provided great relaxation as my cognizance of my morning’s schedule elevated. Quickly, my concerns focused on the day’s necessary tasks.


There is no available time for devotions, prayer, and scripture reading before my 7:30 AM breakfast meeting. I must quickly choose what clothes to wear, specifically which clothes are clean.

Images and inquisitions raced through my brain: "What breakfast entrée will congruently satiate my taste buds and appetite? As an independent contractor, what are the income projections? When am I completing the writing of this ever enduring book project? Will I find an editor and publisher? Will magazines and publications print the short stories? Should I publish a devotional book?”


Yet, while these concerns saturated my mind, I deemed myself too ‘busy’ for prayer and scripture. Does anyone else fall into this same trap? What activities are best for commencing each day, each task, and each daily challenge we encounter?


Jesus instructed his audience their clothing, food, shelter, and financial security are a derivative of prayer and being in scripture. He stated in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first his (God’s) Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you” (NIV).


My morning’s distractions lack excuse. The above scripture, which I had not deeply pondered in years; became imprinted on my mind the last two nights as I fell asleep in bed; as opposed to the ‘rest’room.


Why do we frequently default to believing self-ability surpasses God’s ability? Jesus tells us, God our Father already knows our needs before we ask. Christ chastises us in Matthew 6:30, “O ye of little faith.” Ashamedly, I am too often guilty of relying on self-confidence instead of, ‘God Confidence,’ defined as faith!


Despite my inappropriate beginning, this day remains profitable and productive. Perhaps this success encourages us to remain self-reliant. Would we accelerate our development of “God Confidence;” if we failed miserably each time we neglected prayer and studying scripture? The question remains, “How greater would today’s productivity be; if only I sought first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness?” Allowing, depending on, him to provide all of my needs through guidance, wisdom, knowledge, understanding, discernment, love, and forgiveness.


As you begin your next task: “Seek first the Kingdom of God…”


Make it a Great Day in Christ!


Rick E. Meyer
Rick Meyer Speaking

Monday, August 31, 2009

Monday Morning Ponderings: Why me?

Do you ever ask: Why me?

Why am I healthy: physically, and mentally?

Why am I well fed physically, emotionally, and spiritually?

Why am I allowed great opportunity?

Why am I Blessed with money in the bank?

Why am I Blessed with shelter, electricity, plumbing, bed and furniture?

Why am I Blessed with terrific friends and relatives?

Why am I Blessed with a Relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; who supplies All my needs?

Why am I Blessed with a Relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; who directs me according to His Will for my Life in spite of myself?

Why am I Blessed with a Relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; who directs my thoughts and all those who impact my life to achieve His Will for my Life?

Why am I Blessed with a Relationship with God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; who disciplines me because he loves me?

Consider these and additional Blessings next time you ask: "Why me?"

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick
Rick E. Meyer Speaking

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Tithe - 10% of Gross Income

Tithing is a question of Faith!

Do you trust your soul to the Lord when you die?

Do you trust your finances to the Lord through tithing?

Which requires greater faith?

Hebrews 11 - Without faith, it is impossible to please Him. God rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Tithing is about Your Faith in Christ's ability to provide Your needs.

Do I really need to tithe, giving 10% of God's money back to His ministry?

Malachi 3:6-12 "Will a man rob God......"

"Those who cheat, cheat themselves"
~ Bill "Congo" Congleton (Hall of Fame Coach)

Those who tithe, acknowledge they cannot afford to discontinue tithing.

Is the income I receive, mine, or a gift from our Lord?

Do you Trust the Triune God to provide your needs? Do you Believe Your income is provided from the the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit?

Christ invites you to Tithe in Faith!

Make it a Great Day in Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
Rick Meyer Speaking

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Truth is Worth It!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Do you recall the Matthew Wilder song in the 1980s including the lyrics, "Last night I had the strangest dream"?

Last night, I had a strange dream!

I was approaching a cabin in the clearing of a forest, several other people stood around, including my dad. Only a few dreams have included my dad since he passed away in December 2006. This dream's reality is amazing.

Dad knew I had been asked to resign due to my unwillingness to lie to clients; others disguise lying with colorful terms such as "B.S.ing", exaggerating, or "stretching the truth"; along with my belief that Biblical wisdom is the foundation of permanent success.

Colleagues within the retail agriculture industry adamantly stated on numerous occasions over the past ten (10) months; that belief in an absolute right and wrong would result in failure in sales. A World Champion speaker personally told me exaggerating and 'stretching the truth' are necessary to win the coveted championship. Are they correct?

Who possess greater wisdom, the colleagues and world champions; or the Holy Spirit?

In the dream; Dad, who passed away at the age of sixty-nine (69), appeared as he did thirty (30) plus years ago. A beaming smile accentuated his radiant face. Dad looked me in the eye stating, "Truth is worth it!" I said, "But dad, I have no continuing income at the moment." He once again penetrated my eyes saying, "Mandating honesty and integrity, biblical wisdom, is worth whatever ridicule you endure on earth." I replied, "Dad, some say you were too honest while on earth, that it hurt you financially." Dad, looking skyward - radiantly beaming, softly quipped "I would do it all the same, it is worth it!"

The dream slowly faded; I awakened reassured mandating honesty and integrity are worth any resulting suffering on earth.

The world will continue to tempt each of us to think and live outside the box of biblical truth. Truth is God, He cannot lie. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth (John 14:16); secular truth is an oxymoron. During the forty (40) days in the wilderness (Luke 4:5-8), Satan offered Jesus the world contingent on Jesus worshiping Satan, the father of lies (John 8:44). Jesus rebuked Satan, "It is written, worship the Lord your God and serve him only." When promised success through dishonesty, by any of its colorful terms, we have a choice on whom to worship, whom to serve.

Will you serve the father of lies, or the Spirit of truth?

May God provide you with the wisdom and strength to choose him, choose truth - Always.

Truth is worth it!

Make it a Great Day in Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
Rick E. Meyer Speaking

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

LukeWarm

Revelations 3:16 "So because you are lukewarm- neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth." God certainly was not lukewarm about you and I in John 3:16!

As I finished lunch today; I conducted a freshly revealed experiment to confirm the results of which I was confident. I collected one (1) cup of cold water from the kitchen faucet, chilling my fingers; pouring this into an empty ice cream bucket. I then captured two (2) cups of steaming hot water from the same faucet, pouring these into the same bucket as the one cup of cold water.

What was the result? As anticipated, the water was lukewarm. Are you any better at drinking lukewarm water than me? I nearly vomited during this attempt.

Do any of us desire to be lukewarm? Most of us agree we prefer avoiding the state of lukewarm. How do we become lukewarm? There are an array of methods in becoming lukewarm; let us quickly examine a method we probably have not previously considered.

If we spend two-thirds (2/3) of each week steaming hot for our passions and beliefs, and one-third (1/3) of our time living outside of our passions; we, like the water, remain lukewarm. Yes, even in sleep our mind pursues our passions.

How do you spend your business day? Are you pursuing and expressing your red hot passions while engaged in your profession? Do you suppress your strongly held beliefs while at work, rendering them cold? Remove the cold areas from your schedule as they, combined with your red hot passions transform you into lukewarm.

Define your red hot passions, determine an avenue allowing you to pursue, and express, your passions.

Submit these plans to the Lord, Christ will guide you as He desires for you to be hot, not lukewarm.

Warning: Be ready for action and opportunities; listen to your hunches as this is the voice of the Holy Spirit if we are in scripture, prayer, and devotions. Permanently leave the world of lukewarm. Talk with Christ, Walk with Christ, be Hot with Christ, Achieve with Christ.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!

Rick E. Meyer


Rick E. Meyer Speaking

Friday, August 7, 2009

What You Say is What You Get!

I wrote the following article as the Stewardship Chairman of my church. It was published in the church's August 2009 Newsletter.

While strolling down 'C' hall at Manhattan High school in Kansas my senior year, a classmate inquired, "Are you going to win state cross country (team title) again?" I humbly replied, " I hope so, we are going to try,." Suddenly I was backhanded across my face. My teammate, Dan (later a member of President G.W. Bush's Cabinet), rebuked me, "We are not trying or just hoping, we are winning!" Dan understood the power of the spoken word, he understood, "What You Say is What You Get".

The book of this title by Don Gossett published in 1976 is powerful! I have given away numerous copies; one friend applied the biblical principles with his faith to overcome advanced Melanoma as a 32 year old husband and father of two.

Stewardship includes the control and proper allocation of our thoughts and words.

As Martin Luther frequently states in devotions, as well as other writings; scripture is the "pure word of God". In Genesis, we learn God created the world with the spoken word. John 1:1-2 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made." John 1:14 "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

Our faith in scripture and salvation mandates scriptural purity. If the Word is tainted, Christ is tainted; consequently His death would mean nothing for our eternity; moreover a bible of error is no Holy Bible. However, a pure Word is a pure Christ; only the death of a pure Christ cancels the sins of mankind who acknowledge our Lord as their Savior. We must treasure God's Word to value our own conversations.

Don Gosset's, the author, wife was giving birth to their daughter, Jeanne Michelle; born with irreversible club feet. Additionally Jeanne chances of survival were slim. Don earnestly prayed for her survival and the restoration of her feet. Weeks later when the casts were removed Jeanne's feet were miraculously perfectly straight, and her health restored!

The Gosset family's challenges were far from over. Don's wife became ill with Rheumatic fever immediately following delivery. Don was unable to work as an evangelist during these weeks as he had to care for his family. They believed the Angel of Death was at their door. One evening while reading scripture to his wife, a verse in Psalm 27 jumped out at Don. "The Lord is the strength of my life!" His wife began repeating the Holy Word of God; after months in bed, near death, Mrs. Gossett arose, commencing to walk. The pain, discoloration, and swelling diminished before their eyes. What changed? Their belief in the "pure word of God" changed.

Mark 11:23-25 speaks of the power of the spoken word. Malachi 3:17 "You have said harsh things against me," says the Lord. God values on our spoken words. Amos 3:3"Can two walk together unless they agree?". Walking with Christ requires congruency, agreement, with His word.

Yes, we did win the team cross country championship. The entire race I affirmed scripture; "I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me" Phillipians 4:13, enabling me to pass people after 'blacking out' for 300 meters. Dan sacrificed the individual championship to assure the team title.

"Without faith it is impossible to please Him". Do you profess faith in Christ's Word in every conversation? Do you profess Christ's power in your life? Stewardship begins with our thoughts and words.

Speak with Christ, Walk with Christ, Achieve With Christ.

Scripture is clear, What You Say is What You Get!


Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick E. Meyer

http://www.rickemeyer.com/
http://www.rickmeyer.lifesuccessconsultants.com/

Friday, June 19, 2009

Expect Action from Christ

This is truly a day the Lord has made, a great reason for each of us to rejoice and be glad in it.

Consider this, our Lord made the entire creation in 6 days, 1/6 of creation per day. He healed the lame, blind, sick, and dead instantly.

1. What might Christ create in your life this day?
2. What Blessings might Christ create in your life this day?
3. What Prosperity might Christ create in your life this day?
4. What Opportunities might Christ create in your life this day?
5. What wounds might Christ heal instantly?
6. What emotional wounds might Christ instantly heal?
7. What physical wounds might Christ instantly heal?
8. What relationship wounds might Christ instantly heal?
9. What spiritual wounds might Christ instantly heal?
10. What financial wounds might Christ instantly heal?
11. What economic wounds might Christ instantly heal?

Expect Miracles, Visual Miracles – include all the involved senses! Praise Him in advance for their Reality!

Make it a Great Day in Christ!

Rick E. Meyer

www.rickemeyer.com

http://rickemeyer.com/contact.htm

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Faith

"1) Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 3) By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." Hebrews 11:1,3

I frequently quip, "I don't mind living on faith, if only I could know what was going to happen."

I have you ever thought similarily?

I will expound on a few experiences at a later time.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!

Rick E. Meyer

www.rickemeyer.com

Sunday, June 7, 2009

The Stitches are Removed - Listen to Hunches

Last Saturday, 31 May 2009, I played softball for the first time since 1985. I was not a very good player then; and have only gotten worst. The game followed a meeting of a national board of directors I serve on, we met in Olathe, KS.

After taking infield practice we chose teams, just like childhood on the play ground, I was chosen last. The last batter was at the plate, hitting a towering fly ball. I charged in from my second base position to make the catch. My hunches kept saying, 'let it go,' due to the ball moving around from back spin. My competitive nature told my hunches to be quiet; I firmly believe winning is not everything, however it is right up there with oxygen - necessary for life :). Unfortunately I listened to my competitive nature instead of my hunches. As the ball rapidly came down I looked into the sun; losing the ball for a moment, my glove jabbed at where the ball should be - it was not. I then saw the ball again, 3 feet away, 2 - 1 - booooom!!! hitting me squarely between the eyes.

Virtually any other time someone asks if I am 'all right', the immediate response is 'YES'. This was not virtually any other time, this time I adamantly responded, 'NO!' as blood gushed from my forehead. If only I had listened to my hunches, letting the ball go, swallowing my pride.

Jana, the wife of the batter, and Kevin, a fellow board member, drove me to the emergency room of Olathe Medical Center. Unlike television and the movies, one is not rushed in to see medical personnel in the emergency room. Evidently blood coming out of one's head is considered rather normal. The professionals were very friendly once I did receive attention.

During the next three hours I received a CAT scan, revealing nothing abnormal and seventeen (17) stitches, 12 exterior, connecting my eye brows.

Friday the exterior stitches were removed, appears full recovery will occur; leaving no permanent scar. I will recall the consequences of ignoring my hunches.

Driving home late at night after the incident, I received hunches at two (2) different moments. The first time I saw a deer crossing the road in front of me, I honked the horn alerting any other deer to stay off the road. Several miles later, I received another hunch to slow down; even though logic lacked from this hunch, I listened. A few seconds later, the headlights revealed two (2) deer standing in the middle of the highway. Once again, I sounded the Town Car's horn, the deer jumped and spun around; disguising their direction to run. Yes, deer apparently can run the single wing offense!

I temporarily thought my streak of missing deer was about to end. For over 15 years I have prayed for the Lord to protect me while I drive, including keeping any and all animals off the road. I quickly responded with faith, reassuring God keeps his promises of protection if we ask and are obedient. In an instant I gave thanks for his protection, reason delayed revealing how I was to miss these deer. Somehow with the deer's hooves slipping, their bodies spinning and the Town Car somehow maneuvering; all escaped unscathed.

One Saturday I ignored my hunches, paying dearly for doing so. The following Saturday I listened to my hunches, at least in that moment, allowing me to avoid wrecking my car.

Have you, like me, found your hunches are equally accurate in guiding you in business and relationships? When we listen, success occurs despite the challenges, when ignored damage is often acquired. Fortunately with proper care the damage can be restored if we acknowledge our mistakes. Are you, like me, tempted to ignore your hunches for immediate personal gain instead of listening, gaining long term victories?

What are our hunches? I cannot speak for everyone in every situation, however I find these hunches are the voice of the Holy Spirit guiding me. The hunch, or voice, reminding me obedience to his Word will always lead to the victories he has for me. Listening to this voice will also lead to God's victories in your life. The best way to assure of hunches being the voice of the Holy Spirit is being in scripture and prayer continually.

Your hunches may defy logic, you may wonder how it will work out, just like seeing the deer on the highway.

I will probably stay off the softball field for another 24 years, however I will be constantly reminded of hunches to:

Listen - Obey - Trust

I am thankful God loves me enough to allow me being hit squarely between the eyes with a softball to remind me of this critical lesson.

God has Great Plans for you Each and Every Day!

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick E. Meyer

www.rickemeyer.com

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Liberation and Freedom

"Everything was to their advantage and to our disadvantage. Except for one thing; the Righteous cause for which we were fighting, Liberation and Freedom." June 6, 1944

A member of the Big Red One as quoted in the book the 'Fighting First', regarding The Big Red One's presence on Omaha Beach, occupying portions called Easy Red and Fox Green.

The German 352nd division fired from an elevated position, their bullets flying at crossing angles. The outlook was grim, the U.S. bombs earlier that morning had missed their targets. Seemingly everything was going wrong for the Americans and the Allied Forces on this pivotal moment. I believe it was Chaplain John Burkholter who was also quoted as saying in the same book, "God was with us that morning on the Beach." Several years ago I spoke with Ivan Heist (sp?) who drove a 'boat' dropping off soldiers on Omaha Beach, Ivan described a complete unexplainable calmness as enemy fire flew and struck all around him. Ivan says he knew Christ was with him that morning.

They were fighting a dictator, one who devalued human life, one who desired to Nationalize and control the German people and the world. The men of the Big Red One, and all of the Allied Forces in every battle involving United States Armed Forces kept fighting. They kept fighting for Liberation and Freedom. They kept fighting for the Freedom to win and the Freedom to lose. They kept fighting to keep government out of the private sector, to keep government out of health care.

Sixty Five years later many in the United States Congress and Senate lack the fortitude of our great soldiers and leaders. For example, Senator Ben Nelson from Nebraska believes Congress should sit idly by while Baraack Hussein Obama attempts to nationalize America. Those involved in nationalizing America, whether actively or by sitting idly by are effectively spitting in the face of EVERY American soldier who has fought for Liberation and Freedom. They are spitting in the face of the Founders of this Great United States of America.

When we look at the current political landscape in America and the media, Rush Limbaugh accurately describes as government run media; the temptation to give up may be aroused. Do we feel like everything is to the liberals advantage and to our disadvantage, as politicians scurry to nationalize America, effectively spitting in the face of our Veterans? Just like the men on Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944 we must keep fighting, inching forward at every opportunity. The Big Red One did make it off Omaha Beach, up the cliff and on to victory of Freedom and Liberation. The victory was for both America and the world.

Sixty five years later, we too must keep talking to Jesus Christ, feeling the Peace of God which passes all human understanding. We too must keep fighting for that Righteous Cause of Liberation and Freedom! Where do we fight? We fight at the ballot boxes, in the arena of ideas, in our homes, schools, and places of employment. We fight with spreading the truth of Jesus Christ and this great nation, the United States of America, he has blessed us with. We fight with prayer for protection, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. We fight with prayer for America, individually and collectively, to repent for turning away from Christ to false idols as our source of hope and guidance.

"Everything was to their advantage and to our disadvantage. Except for one thing, the righteous cause for which we were fighting, Liberation and Freedom". June 6, 1944

How will we respond on June 6, 2009?

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
www.rickemeyer.com

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Humble Yourself

The UPS truck scurried across our parking lot, the driver quickly grasping a package from the rear of the vehicle before scampering into our office. As he set the package on the counter; he fluidly maneuvered his hand held device for our office assistant, Sarah, to sign verifying delivery.


Sarah brought this delivered box with my name to me as I sat at my desk. Pulling out my pocket knife, I curiously opened the delivery; as no memory of any recent orders existed. Inside were two coolers, each having a six pack capacity, complete with an 'around the waist' design; along with two Cabalas gift certificates. The enclosed letter revealed these were fulfilling a promise of completing an online short course of chemical products taken in February, I had forgotten.


I chose to disperse of the six pack coolers, I still have an old "Super Sweet Feeds" cooler from the early 1980s. One cooler went to Sarah, another to Kevin, the operator of the chemical and fertilizer dispersion equipment. Kevin accepted his quickly, without comment; he was busy. Both of these individuals' work is critical to our success. Sarah joked that she would have accepted a Cabalas gift card also. I later placed one of the cards in the cooler when she was not looking.


I then began pondering giving the other Cabalas card to a young man. He had made a costly mistake earlier in the day; however we are called to forgive. I softly, yet firmly, asked what he would do differently next time as to avoid the costly mistake. This is a question I frequently ask of myself, whether success or failure. How would I improve next time? Unfortunately, this young man became indignant and arrogant; refusing to answer. I did not give him the gift card.


A few minutes later, the Lord opened my eyes. His lesson had little to do with Sarah, Kevin, and the young man. I gave Sarah the gift card because she was very grateful for the cooler, a small gift; and she asked for the gift card. I may have given Kevin one of the gift cards, but he was too busy to acknowledge the gift. I firmly believe he did appreciate it. The other young man received nothing due to being indignant and arrogant. He is frequently not this way.


The Lord said, "Rick, when you are grateful for small things and ask for your desires; I will give them to you; even though you have not earned them. Rick, when you accept my gifts but are too busy to express your gratitude I will withhold even greater gifts available for immediate dispersion. Rick, when you are indignant and arrogant toward me; ignoring my voice of correction and guidance; I will withdraw the gifts I planned to give you immediately."

Let us be humble, appreciative of gifts, and obedient to God's voice.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
www.rickemeyer.com

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

He is Risen! You are Forgiven!

Sunrise Service - Waking up Early - The congregation singing "Jesus Christ is Risen Today......"; often times with trumpets blaring. Breakfast following worship.

This has been Easter morning for a much of my life, including this year as my mother and I visited one of my cousin's country church.

We gather to celebrate the Ressurrection of our Savior, the Forgiveness of our Sins.

Jesus Christ is the only one who saves any souls. Easter is a time to ponder the Power of Jesus Christ and the Triune God. Let us seek Christ's wisdom, forgiveness and His Will for our Nation, and individual lives as a drowning man seeks a breath of air.

No human, individual or organization, can save anyone. Forgiveness is found in Christ alone!

We must forgive ourselves. In the mid-1990s a good friend, whom we will call Jack, stated that he continued to live with the remorse of his girl friend having an abortion in the 1980s. After listening to his remorse, recognizing the guilt in his face, voice, and soul; I said, "Jack, God forgave you a long time ago. He wants you to forgive yourself. Christ has great plans for you!" Today, Jack is a leader in his business sector.

Forgive others! Science has proven that retained guilt causes significant damage to us as we carry grudges. Jesus died to release us from our mistakes, we continue to have responsibilities; upon request He will place the ability in our hearts for us to forgive others and ourselves.

Easter is a celebration! A life-long celebration of forgiveness. Easter reminds us Christ died to free us to fully serve Him. Accept His forgiveness, forgive yourself, forgive others who have wronged you.

He is Risen! You are Forgiven!

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick
http://www.rickemeyer.com/

Monday, March 23, 2009

Godly Positioning Scripture


Colossians 1:9-10 - For this reason we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His Will through all Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.

“So Kenny, how do you like the Garmin GPS (Global Positioning Satellite receiver) you received for participating in a the Emerald Extra (agricultural herbicide use program) program last year?” Frank inquired as Kenny sipped on his afternoon coffee. Kenny jokingly responded, “I don’t know, I have to have my son in-law set it up, or program it for me.”

We discussed the benefits of traveling with the services of a GPS unit. While riding to a meeting with a co-worker in Omaha, his GPS instructed him to move to the right lane where he would exit in ¾ of a mile; once at the stop light after exiting; he was told to turn left and proceed one mile. These segment-by-segment instructions continued until we arrived at the conference’s host hotel. Confusion would incur if given too many instructions at once.

With too many advanced instructions, we may attempt shortcuts. I recall an evening in Manhattan when a couple of my teammates and I needed to stop by a home before attending the end of the season banquet. I was unfamiliar with this part of town; I wanted to follow the systematic directions. Daniel claimed he knew a better way to arrive at our desired destination, his way proved to be more scenic, winding around several neighborhoods, and time consuming; perhaps you may define this as ‘better’. Daniel and I laughed a long time over his ‘shortcuts’.

This is how life is frequently for me, how about you? Do you ever attempt shortcuts in life? When I do attempt shortcuts, a greater amount of time is required in reaching my destination, the route winds around. However, efficiency occurs when I tune in to the Holy Spirit, He programs His GPS as I study scripture, and fervently pray, continually seeking Him. The voice of the Lord instructs me on positions and exits, including which way to turn. This voice often speaks through our conscious, and our ‘hunches’.

Often, just like traveling in a city, I do not see the destination until I arrive. Without Godly Positioning Scripture (GPS), I am lost in my life’s journey. With Godly Positioning Scripture, we attain our destinations efficiently and peacefully; yet, we still must drive. We must seek God’s Will through Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding. Just as a GPS in our vehicle mandates our attentiveness, our Lord necessitates our attentiveness in life.

Kenny may not know how to program a Garmin GPS, however, I listen to Kenny share wisdom acquired in his 60+ years of life. Kenny is an intelligent man, a successful farmer. He humbly denies credit for any of his success, acknowledging his blessings. He remains positive despite losing both of his sons.

Kenny a man of deep faith knows a great deal about Godly Positioning Scripture (GPS). He continually points his life’s ambitions to our Lord. Kenny listens studies scripture, fervently prays, listening to the Holy Spirit; continually seeking God’s Will through Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding.

You may or may not have a handheld Global Positioning Satellite unit; nevertheless be sure to continually use Godly Positioning Scripture in allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your life. This too comes in many hand held varieties.

I pray God continually fill you with the knowledge of His Will through all Spiritual Wisdom and Understanding.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
www.rickemeyer.com






Sunday, March 1, 2009

Listen and Give Generously

"The Righteous Give without Sparing, he who has, receives even more" ~ Proverbs

Have you ever thought you were hearing and obeying God, yet the results appeared opposite of what you believed God promised you?

I visited with a friend, Gene, concerning a scenario he recently encountered. Gene is a contract worker; he places and submits bids to committees, they compare his offerings and bid versus his competitors. Gene placed a bid, confident in the attainment, he knew his service matched exactly what the committee was seeking and he heard the still small voice of the Holy Spirit speak to him. The voice assured him he would, after tithing and setting a portion for savings; pay for half of a long-term debt from the money with the accepted bid.

Gene recognized the voice of the Holy Spirit from numerous conversations; including hundreds of definitive affirmations throughout his life. Gene continually thanked the Lord in prayers and thanksgiving for the opportunity and the income. The committee delayed their decision, initially promised in a week, to five weeks. Before receiving a reply, Gene once again heard the Holy Spirit instruct him to increase his tithe and offering an additional twenty percent (20%). Gene believes in tithing (10%) all gross income, including all travel expense reimbursements, such as meals and hotels.


He believes God’s anointing of this money and activities are equally important as any other income he receives. The voice assured him this obedience would result in the promised income, paying half of a debt.

Absent human logic and drastically tightening his budget, Gene responded in obedience. Gene’s obedient actions produced the overwhelming Peace of God surpassing all human understanding. Conversely, his checkbook indicated a lack of prudence. Have you had this experience? A few days later, Gene received the phone call he had been expecting for a month from the committee chairwoman rewarding the contracts. However, the response contradicted the promise of the voice Gene obeyed. A competitor received the contract, not Gene.

How would you respond? Naturally, Gene was disappointed; he lacked understanding of this apparent failing. Did he miss diagnose the source of the voice? Did he only respond in partial obedience to the voice? While lacking the answers, he praised God for the opportunity, continually requesting additional wisdom. Two weeks later, Gene received his statement of his long-term debt. The account statement displayed an anonymous payment, equaling the precise amount promised Gene from the voice of the Holy Spirit. Gene did correctly understand his financial needs are met as promised by the Holy Spirit, once again he did correctly hear the voice of God. Has this ever occurred to you?

Gene’s only error came in the logic of needing the contract before receiving the money. Why does God work this way, instead of simply rewarding Gene the contract? God’s wisdom is infinitely greater than ours! The possibilities are endless. God reminded Gene to always trust Him to supply his needs. God’s actions often exceed the correlation of our human logic. When you fail to receive a pray request, explore deeply. Is God answering you, meeting your needs differently than you envision.

I shared this story of Gene, with permission, with my friend Chuck. Chuck related the experience of adopting their daughter several years ago. The need originated for additional funds beyond the stated amount for the adoption. Chuck related he and his wife were disappointed, especially since they were unaware of how to attain the additional monies. He responded the only way he knew, praying to Jesus Christ, listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit, they doubled their offering. An abundance of money poured in, the adoption complete.

Listen to the Lord, tune in to His voice. Be obedient and faithful, He will fulfill His promises in your life.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick

Rick Meyer Speaking

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Give when Able

Proverbs 3: 27-28 “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor; ‘Come back later; I’ll give it tomorrow’ – when you now have it with you”


Imagine a hot July day, the thermometer is reading 108 degrees; a person with fresh cool drinking water is approached by someone who needs water to retain coherency, their mouth is dry, their strength wavering – this person has been working in the yard of the homeowner. Yet the homeowner refuses to give their contractor a drink. Rather he says, “Come back later, then I will give you a drink.” Unfortunately, we frequently see this occur.


Perhaps an employer withholds a paycheck from a contractor or employee. A boss refuses to give a promotion; an employee refuses to give their employer their best effort. Possibly a professor withholds a worthy grade. Numerous scenarios are applicable.


We are to give our best to those God places in our lives in a fair and just manner. Obviously, giving more than deserved can promote complacency, depending on the heart of the receiver.
Equally, who is more deserving of our Praise, Worship, Tithes and Offerings than God?




As Jesus says in one parable, whatever we do to the least of these we do to Him. Your generosity and fairness is recognized and rewarded by God our Father, Christ our King, and the Holy Spirit our Comforter.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick


Rick Meyer Speaking

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Vision & Focus

Without a vision, the people perish!

It was Angela’s first week at a major University; she arrived from her hometown of a population of about 500. Through intense, diligent studying, Angela earned all, or nearly all A’s through her high school graduation. In K-Town, where she grew up, she knew everyone in her grade, as well as those in the grades directly above and below.

Angela now sat in an auditorium with 1,011 other students for first year Chemistry. This was twice the entire population of K-Town; or as she illustrates, everyone in town and their pets. Angela knew no one, no one knew her. Have you ever felt alone, knowing no one in your new environment? They were simply a distraction to her. How did shy, small-town girl, Angela overcome this situation? Angela says, “I sat in the front of the class where I could clearly see the professor, and a few people around me. By keeping my focus on the front, I became oblivious to the thousand plus strangers sitting behind me.” Angela kept her focus, her vision, on the leader of the class, the professor. She sought to learn and understand the message of the professor.

You and I can learn a great deal from Angela’s transformation and adaptation from a small Kansas town to a major University. Where should we place our vision, our focus? Just as Angela placed hers on the leader of the class, should you and I place ours on the leader of our lives – Jesus Christ? When we place our focus on Christ we too will become oblivious of all the intimidating circumstances surrounding us. We will seek to learn and understand the words, the message, of Christ.

Yes, Angela survived that first week, first year, and first degree. Today Angela continues to practice as a Medical Doctor (M.D.); she attained a vision and kept her focus on those who assisted her achievements. Most importantly, Angela has kept her life-long focus on Christ, enabling her to remain calm in life’s storms. We all have storms in life, don’t we?

I invite you to follow Angela’s example, focus on Christ rather than the distractions of over a thousand non-goal achieving items and events surrounding you.

With a Christ given Vision, Focusing on God’s Will for your life, you too will achieve great things!

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick

Rick Meyer Speaking

Monday, February 16, 2009

Attitude - Time & $$$$$$

“One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.” (Proverbs 13:7)

Success is an attitude! During the three (3) year period when I continuously ran 80 to 135 miles per week, in addition to working full time, every minute was valued. If an hour existed between getting off work and my next appointment, I ran 5+ miles, showered and drove to the appointment, meeting or social event. The run took nearly 30 minutes, leaving 15 minutes to cool down, shower, dress, and be in the car. In Kearney, Nebraska at that time, every destination was within a ten (10) to fifteen (15) minute drive.

Today, I view every minute as opportunity to practice or improve a speech, writing, working on a proposal or resolve a challenge of clients.

Transforming every minute into a goal achieving activity enabled me to become a reasonably fit runner, an award winning speaker, additionally an effective professional.

Other times in life, I have viewed thirty- (30) or sixty- (60) minutes as, “not enough time to do anything worthwhile”. As you probably suspect, my productivity drastically decreases when I lessen the value of a minute.

When I believe I have all the time in the world, time slips away; leaving me with little to achieve worthwhile goals. Conversely, when I believe each minute, each second, is precious and to be engaged, when I believe time is scarce; my effectiveness and achievement exponentially increase.

Proverbs 13:7 informs us that money operates on this same principle as time. When we believe money is abundant, we carelessly waste it as we do time. Conversely, as with time, when we acknowledge the scarcity of money, valuing each penny; assuring its proper allocation, our wealth increases.

Would you agree our Lord desires us to be mentally broke with time and money; to achieve all that He has called each of us for His Glory? Success hinges on our Attitude towards the Gifts of Time and Money from Christ!

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick

Rick E. Meyer Speaking

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Pridectomy

Proverbs 8:13 – “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.”

Many times in my life, whether working on the farm, running, speaking, writing, hunting or an array of other activities drawing my participation; I readily acknowledge, “Lord, I need you!” When my request originates in a humble heart, God’s presence and assistance is immediately evident. God’s presence transforms the impossible to possible; rarely the tough to easy. He desires our dependence remain on HIM. Instead of my legs collapsing, they continue in great pain.

Ashamedly there have been moments when requesting God’s assistance is self interpreted as bothersome to the Almighty God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. During a qualifying track race, I once quipped, “Lord, I can handle the mental part of this race. You just take care of the physical.” This 3200-meter run is one of the worst mental races in my life! I failed to qualify. I became prideful and arrogant. I thought I was doing God a favor by asking Him to only assist with the physical strength in running this race. I errantly believed I could handle the mental toughness equal to God. Would you vote for me as “Idiot of the Decade”?

Other times I readily confessed, “Lord, I cannot, You can, We (Christ and I) Are”. I went beyond previously known limits. One Saturday morning my training included a 14-mile run, with a 10-mile steady state in the middle. I was averaging 115 miles per week; my legs were fatigued as I began this workout. After two (2) miles of warming-up, I set the internal cruise control at 5:08 per mile through the gravel road hills a mile North of Kearney, Nebraska (These roads are now somewhat level and paved).

The first few miles were monotonous. The necessity for intense concentration trended upward as I entered the sixth mile. Lactic Acid, the chemical from fatigue causing the burning sensation in the muscles, levels had reached equilibrium. The burn was constant, but tolerable, my muscles were metabolizing the chemical nearly equal to the rate of production. Concentration trumps the desire for comfort. Where does one find the required mental capacity for concentration? “Lord, I need you!” I maintained the 5:08 per mile the entire ten (10) mile steady state run.

Perhaps other runners are able to do this without dependence on our Lord. If I have a talent, it is one of faith as opposed to physical ability.

In those moments when I relied on myself, I believed my mind is strong enough to replace the assistance of God. This is pride and arrogance! Pride and arrogance are the self-turned inward, another name for sin, believing our efforts and abilities are par with the Creator of the Universe. The bible states, “Without Faith, it is impossible to please Him (God)”.

Have you been convinced you can achieve your professional, personal, financial, recreational, and relationship goals on your own? Have you ever achieved a level of success saying, “Thank You Lord, I do not want to bother you any longer; I can do this on my own”.

God has loved me enough to allow me to be severely humbled when operating with pride and arrogance. Has He allowed the same for you? Have you, like me, received a “Pridectomy”? I give my friend, Chuck, full credit for originating this term.

We receive “Pridectomies” because God loves us, while hating pride and arrogance. The Holy Spirit reigns in our life, when we are cleansed of those things God hates. This draws us near to God, calling on Him with great ferventness in future endeavors. God created us to fellowship with Him.

Next time you are humbled, receiving a “Pridectomy”, thank Christ for loving you enough to cleanse you of pride and arrogance.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick

Rick Meyer Speaking

Monday, February 9, 2009

Preparation

The tough workout had finally ended, the 10 X 1000 meter runs with an average pace of 2:48 (equivalent of a 4:30 mile) were challenging; physically and mentally. Have you had days this like this, either in your personal or professional life? The dirt trails around Cotton Mill Lake outside of Kearney, Nebraska added as dash of tranquility to the mild September afternoon. Our cool down run included running back to the UNK (University Nebraska – Kearney) Coliseum, after we gathered a few additional miles in maintaining the weekly mileage of 70 to 80.

Before entering the Coliseum, the cross country runners met across the street on the grass field to the West. On the grass, we completed various drills; seemingly having little to do with running cross country; at least to the untrained eye. Coach Claussen instructed us to move our legs in all directions as we bound, skipped, and trotted across the grass infield along U.S. Highway 30. Do ever wonder why God allows you to endure situations that seemingly have nothing to do with what you have asked God to bless you? A sign two miles West on Highway 30 indicates the half waypoint from Boston to San Francisco, 1733 miles to either coastal city. Do you ever feel as if you are in the middle of nowhere?

I was not a member of this team, rather a local agronomist who started my workday early to allow joining the cross country team for their daily practices. I knew this group of runners were good, however in September they were getting beat by the teams ranked in the nation’s top five. The guys were training and racing intelligently and intently; yet they were unable to overcome the traditional National powerhouses. Would you agree we all have those moments when fall just short of elevating our performance to compete with the best?

Snow began falling near Halloween; ice covered the streets as the UNK cross country team continued training outside. The cold, slippery environment was less than desirable. Why are they unable to train on the new indoor track? Why are we unable stay comfortable environments, physically, emotionally, and spiritually?

The NCAA Div-II championships finally arrived the Saturday before Thanksgiving 1991. The seven varsity runners and Coach Claussen flew to St. Louis; several other team members, a graduate assistant, and I rode in a van to Edwardsville, Illinois. The race began around noon. Coach Claussen and I left the hotel early Saturday morning to run the national course for our morning run. The hills were long, even steep in places; the corners were often hairpin turns. Numerous times the runners came down a long hill, turning immediately 180 degrees to run up another hill forty or fifty yards from the previous hill. This course was tough! The training run tested ones fortitude.

Finally, race time arrived! Light snow filled the air, not enough to accumulate on the ground. The teams from the East and West coast were complaining of the weather. The UNK runners had trained to endure, they knew the weather was the same for every runner on the course. The starting gun sounded, nearly 200 runners were off, many sprinting down the initial down hill. Shortly after the start Tom S. stumbled over a competitors feet; his teammates grabbed him in preventing him going down. Tom’s strong legs enable immediate continuation of the pace.

As the 10K (6.1 mile race) across the hilly rough grass course developed, the men in white over blue, with “Kearney” written across their singlet; gradually moved up in the pack. All of those seemingly useless drills of bounding, skipping, and trotting were paying off; this tortuous course mandated leg agility and strength. Bob, Tom M., Derek, and Tom S. all earned individual All-America finishing in the top 27; Joe missed it by a couple of spots after overcoming a mid-season hamstring injury. The UNK men’s cross country team finished as 1991 NCAA Div-II National Runner-Up; shocking the cross country world. The UNK men beat runners and teams whom had previously defeated them easily. These runners were not ‘blue chippers’; many had to work to earn their way through school.

Coach Lyle Claussen spent the season preparing these men for the National meet. He knew the workouts and drills would payoff, even when they made little sense to the runners.

Our life coach, Jesus, is preparing us for great achievements. He gives us workouts and drills that often seem worthless, useless, a waste of time to us. You, like them, may not be the most talented in your endeavor. When we follow, the 1991 UNK men’s cross country team’s example of discipline and obedience we too will enjoy success beyond our beliefs. You too will shock the world with your achievements in Christ Jesus.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick

Friday, February 6, 2009

Self Confidence vs. God Confidence

Proverbs 28:26 - He who trusts in himself is a fool, but he who walks in wisdom is kept safe.


Bookstores are plenteous of books uplifting self-confidence, stating this as the key to success. Scripture, the pure Word of God, gives us a different perspective. Is any author more knowledgeable than our Lord?


Whether running a race, working on the farm, or in the office; I have become completely fatigued numerous times. You have too, right? Where do we find the strength for continuation? 


Whenever I lean on self-confidence, strength and success are fleeting. Those moments in which I am collapsing, only placing my trust in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; am I able to go on. Knowing and applying the Word of God enables our walking in wisdom.



About 17 years ago I had the flu for a couple of days. That week my boss and I were schedule to drive 140 miles to soil sample a large farm in western Nebraska, approximately 20 miles east of the Colorado border. The fields were on the south side of Interstate 80. 


As we left early that December morning, each driving a pick-up, my inner-fuel tank hovered near empty. My body ached, my mind wandered. Mark was adament in going only if I felt up to the task. In my love of healthy challenges, I said, "Let's get it done".



During the morning I kept plugging away, searching for the strength to speed up my work and to feel better. Suddenly I was reminded the source of all strength. We are to possess God-Confidence as opposed to self-confidence.



What is wisdom? How do you walk in wisdom? Previous articles on this site discuss wisdom, I will avoid repeating previous entries. Walking is wisdom is continually seeking our Lord Jesus Christ with all of our heart, soul, and mind. 


Walking in wisdom is living congruently with scripture, the story of the Christ our Savior. Do my thoughts and actions match up with God's pure word? When we find a descrepancy, we must change course immediately; setting our sights once again on Christ.


When you face challenges, seek and act with God confidence (Prov. 3:5-7). Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16-23). This will result in your living prayerfully, thankfully and joyfully always (1 Thess 5:16-18). This occurs strictly because of God, rather than merit that you and I attempt to achieve or earn.


Live with God Confidence!


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!


Rick


Rick E. Meyer
www.rickEmeyer.com

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Your Heart is Tested

Proverbs 17:3 - The crucible for Silver, and the furnace for Gold, but the Lord tests the heart.

In the 1990s, I trained with UNK (University of Nebraska-Kearney) cross country and track teams. The early 1990s cross country teams were stellar. They placed in NCAA Divsion II Championships 8th, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 7th from 1990 to 1995. Coach Claussen was given only 4 full scholarships to allocate, conversely the majority, if not all, of his competitors received 12 from their respective institutions. To place this in perspective, the football program at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln did not attempt to compete with nation's best with only one-third of the scholarships of the competition.

The 1992 team that finished third (3rd) was agrueably the best college team of American born runners in any division that season. The seasons began with the freshman often telling how good they were in high school, and an occassional person exaggerating on their summer training. The first organized training run of the year consisted of running to Cotton Mill Lake, a recreational area outside of Kearney. A nice trail connected the campus to Cotton Mill. The pace going out was moderate at best, with a great deal of laughing and joking around. Once we arrived, running the loop around the swim area, returning to the college; hold onto your hats, this was like a horse returning to the barn.

The pace quickly became intense, the 'heat' was cranked up; with the lead pack dwindling. The last two (2) miles over eager freshman, and those who exaggerated were quickly identified as they fell off the pace. A few freshman did remain over the years, they were indeed excellent runners. Covering the final two (2) miles in roughly 9:20 to 9:30 quickly displayed those whose mental and physical conditioning were pure.

Gold and silver are also tested for purity. A crucible is a melting pot, just as a furnace cranks up the heat; any impurities in the silver and gold will be revealed in intense heat. The silver and gold are tested to assure their purities.

Have you ever wondered why life is full of challenges? Have you ever questioned why God allows you to be tested continually between blessings? Foremost sin is real, "For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Secondly, God wants our hearts, our pure hearts.

Just as we desire pure gold and silver, our Lord desires our pure heart. The Lord places us, our hearts, in the fires of life allowing our heart to be tested, burning off any impurities. Does our heart, true desires match our talk?

Next time life 'heats up', the intensity quickly increases; know the Lord is testing your heart. Ask Him to allow the impurities to burn off; leaving only the pure heart that desires Him and His will in your life to remain. Ask Him to allow the impurities of laziness, complancency, greed, lust, gossip, envy, and deceitfulness to burnoff just as impurities are removed from silver and gold.

It is the impurities that create black, ugly smoke both in substances and in our hearts. God loves you, this is why he desires your pure heart. This is why He allows you to be tested continually. Thank Him for loving you enough to test and purify your heart.

Make it a Great Day in Christ!
Rick