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 entrĂ©e 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