Thursday, June 23, 2011

Jesus' Signature

Excerpt from Writings:

Do you also live in the Faith of Almighty God just as Moses and all the Godly men of the Bible did before them. The only source of real inner peace amidst death and life’s storms is Jesus Christ.

The Bible says that Jesus and the God of Moses are one in the same. It is impossible to know the God of Moses without knowing Jesus as your savior. (Jn. 5:46) Jesus is God’s spoken word, including the word made flesh. God created the heavens and earth with the spoken word. Jesus was sent from the Father for creation. The Bible says all who observe creation are without excuse (Ro 1:20). God’s word is creation!

Jesus was later sent to earth in physical form to die a humiliating and very painful death. In death, he collected and cancelled every sin ever committed by all humans in the history of the world. Consequently, he descended into hell for three days to suffer the punishment due to you and me. At the end of three days, he conquered death and hell, coming back to earthly life; he was resurrected. This allows people to be forgiven of all sins we ever commit. There is a catch!

The Father requires a signed receipt for entrance into heaven. When you accept Jesus’ invitation to acknowledge your dependence on his death and resurrection for the forgiveness of your sins, Jesus signs your heart as a receipt of forgiveness. The human heart and the Book of Life are networked together; his signature simultaneously records your name in the Book of Life.

Additionally, this eternally altering signature provides amazing peace, love, faith, hope, forgiveness of others and innumerable other benefits. When Jesus returned to heaven, he sent the Holy Spirit as a comforter. The Holy Spirit resides in the hearts of those with Jesus’ signature. The Holy Spirit provides freedom from discouragement, resentment, worry, lust and all that God the Father opposes. Unfortunately, we sometimes ignore the voice of the Holy Spirit and we mess up.

The Holy Spirit also convicts your heart, revealing your sins and your eternal death without Christ; while revealing Christ as your Savior if you acknowledge your dependence on Christ and accept his signature on your heart. The signature is on the heart, as the heart pumps your life blood, through your entire body. Consequently, imprints of Christ’s signature are dispersed through your entire body, reflecting Jesus in all that you think, say and do.

The Bible says blaspheme of the Holy Spirit is the only unforgiveable sin. Anyone who curses the Holy Spirit curses the Holy Spirit’s message of their dependence for Christ as their Savior.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
http://www.rickemeyer.com/

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Gull Lake Ministries

Gull Lake Ministries: http://www.gulllake.org/

Daniel Wallace accepted the Executive Director position in 2004; leaving his former Director position at a camp near Tyler, Texas. Gull Lake Ministries has had its significant challenges, yet with their focused and prayerful efforts, Daniel’s committed team has seen a renewal take place in the guests, programs and finances.

Last week, I was privileged to visit my former Manhattan High cross country teammate at his Michigan family camp and conference center while traveling from a seminar in Lansing, MI to one in Fort Wayne, IN.

Daniel had limited time due to 600 ladies descending on the conference center the following morning. We visited for ninety priceless minutes; as is the value of time whenever one catches up with longtime friends. We reminisced about our commitment to teamwork, giving our best and winning against high odds. Daniel used to tap our sternum with his fingers, passionately saying, “You gotta want it.”

Daniel provided a tour of the magnificently picturesque Gull Lake Ministries campus, including the 52,000 sq. foot ministry center built two years ago (2009). Donations allowed a debt free completion. Yes debt free, in Michigan, a state suffering from the horrific economic downturn over the many years. Moreover, Gull Lake Ministries now enjoys healthy attendance throughout the year and a vibrant ministry serving churches, families and other non-profit organizations in this pristine lakeside setting.

Is Daniel is a great fundraiser? Contrary to secular logic, Daniel readily admits that he lacks passion or a great talent for fundraising. Daniel zealously focuses on ministry! The Gull Lake Ministries’ staff assists people in attaining knowledge of Christ and assisting believers in deepening their relationships with Christ. Gull Lake Ministries' focus on fulfilling their purpose for existing meets, with God’s grace, people's substantive needs for over 90 years, which in turn sustains their existence.

Daniel passionately strives to live out Matthew 6:25-34. He seeks first God’s kingdom and righteousness; knowing that in faith, all else will be added to all associated with Gull Lake Ministries. Daniel and the entire Gull Lake Ministries staff readily acknowledge Christ’s generous blessings as the source of all success.

Do you, like Daniel, have the passion to minister Christ’s love and Biblical truth to people? Focusing on and obeying Christ brings His blessing and peace which surpasses all understanding, providing everything you need to achieve Christ’s will for your life and ministry.

Are you in financial, spiritual or emotional debt? Do you feel as if you are stuck in a bad situation? Minister the pure Word of God to those placed in your path. Seek Christ first, He will provide your every need to irrigate souls with Christ’s love, forgiveness, mercy, compassion and Word.

Yes, in a few years span, during struggling economic times, Christ uses Daniel and his staff to revitalize this century old ministry as a place that continues transforming lives. What is possible through Christ in your life and ministry?

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
Running on Faith Ministry Inc.
www.RickEmeyer.com

Monday, June 20, 2011

Peace Beyond Understanding

Two years ago this August, I was asked to resign from my Agronomy Sales position due to effectively being too honest with customers. Monsanto sales reps chastised me for internalizing and applying Biblical principles.

A co-worker and client attempted to “show me the ropes” as they expected me to give unfair favor to the client over other clients who placed their orders first; “Rick, you don’t understand how things are done around here.” I acknowledged that they were probably right, “I do understand honesty and integrity.” They quickly shot back, “We throw honesty and integrity out the window this time of year.”

Another peer attempted to explain Biblical principles are virtually an automatic path to failure in agronomy retail sales. This was a 180 degree turn from working as a Crop Consultant for Central States Agronomics, Inc. in Kearney, NE. Owners Mark and Eileen Kottmeyer founded their business and personal lives on Biblical principles. Central States Agronomics, Inc. and its clientele demanded honesty and integrity, always.

Despite losing my position and salary, the inner peace saturated my soul. The Holy Spirit assured me that he had greater plans; plans where one does not have to hide their light under a basket. Rather letting Christ’s light illuminate in every aspect of life. In September 2009, Mark Kottmeyer during a lunch meeting, strongly suggested I attend seminary.

Where does peace originate in worldly turmoil?

When the Holy Spirit, the Comforter sent by Christ, saturates our soul; we live in Peace regardless of external circumstances. Observers are amazed of a Christian’s inner peace, when the worldly circumstances warrant severe panic and emotional turmoil.

I believe Christians, those saturated with the Holy Spirit; experience the same logic defying peace even during seemingly horrific deaths. Just as a worldly view believes the loss of job, salary and other possessions is reason for terror; so it believes horrific deaths are also terrifying. However, just as the Christian lives peacefully amidst economic turmoil, so we will be at peace in our physical deaths. O death, where is your sting?

Surrender your emotional, spiritual, and relationship turmoil the Comforter sent by Christ Jesus; the Holy Spirit.

We are absent credit for the peace enjoyed in either situation; rather give praise, honor and glory to our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com

Healthy Diet

I surpassed 107,000 miles of lifetime running last week, perhaps more. Update: I have now surpassed 121,000 miles and not had the flu since February 2007.
This originated ponderings of comments over the years; especially in regard to my diet. What is a healthy diet?

For many years, and by numerous people, I am told that my diet lacks ‘healthy’ food. Ironically, most who condemn my eating habits possess more body fat, are sick at least once, usually several times, per year. I realize there are probably some who are healthier than I am, yet my body seems to do okay.

The flu bug has conquered me four times since December 1991. With one exception in 1999, my blood pressure and cholesterol remain low. When my diet was most heavily condemned, I was 2.5% body fat; and ran over 100 weekly miles. During a two and one-half year span of heavy training, injury was avoided by prayer, belief, faith and confession of scripture.

Yet, society says I eat and live in an unhealthy manner. The obvious question: How does one define or obtain healthy food? Healthy food is like good deeds, mankind’s efforts make neither good nor bad. Food and deeds are healthy and good when submitted to Christ. Seeking and receiving Christ’s blessings on our food, creates a healthy diet; beneficial exercise and deeds.

Christ tells Peter that all food made by God is good. Unhealthy diet, exercise and deeds exist when we seek our own glory, believing our secular choices create healthy lifestyles. Years ago, many ‘experts’ including the media condemned high fat, high cholesterol diets.

Great-Aunt Ruth Douglass, my grandmother’s sister, delivered food to the shut-ins and remained active into her early 90s. Once when about 92 years old, Aunt Ruth quipped, “This eating bacon and eggs everyday and cooking with lard my whole life is sure killing me at a young age.” Her trademark smile possessed its glowing beam while speaking.

Aunt Ruth entered heaven a few weeks before her 97th birthday. What is the secret to Aunt Ruth’s heath? She requested the Lord’s blessing on her food, thoughts and deeds every day. The Lord provided her health!

Health is less about the years we live, rather the achievements garnered. Do you desire excellent health? Submit your food, thoughts and deeds to the Lord, requesting his blessing on all you eat, think and achieve.

I must go for a run! I pray the Lord blesses this and all runs, along with the food I eat and thoughts before, during and after the run. This has been the key to health and the missing factor when struggling, since my competitive running began June 1978.

Be healthy, Seek the Lord!

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
http://www.rickemeyer.com/

Christ's Status

Last Monday, June 13th 2011, I stood in the hotel room Jacuzzi enhancing the health of my lower legs while overlooking Lake Michigan.

This is the first I recall having a Jacuzzi in the room. A welcomed addition after a ten mile run along Lake Michigan’s shore in Traverse City the previous evening; including perpetually increasing intensity. Lower leg health is vital, particularly while traveling.

During my post-morning shower whirlpool, my curiosity wondered of friends’ updated status on Facebook. My Smartphone and Bible each sat along the edge of the Jacuzzi. I glanced at the Bible, as the still small inner voice suggested I read it instead of Facebook, ashamedly I ignored this voice several times. Why do I frequently respond amazingly idiotic?

Suddenly, and softly, while internally expressing my desire to check Facebook instead of read scripture; the gentle inner-voice asks, “Rick, why are you indifferent of my status? Why are you ignoring my voice and direction in your life?” Wow! I felt as if I had been hit with a ton of bricks.

Are you anxious to read Christ’s daily status updates in your life? Each reading of scripture reveals deeper truths, for you. The original meaning remains constant, our understanding deepens. For example, at first glance we may see a car, television or human body.

Study of these, or anything else, continually reveals deeper information about the object. The car, television or human body are the same from first glance to in-depth study. Scripture and Jesus Christ are the same, while we learn in layers or plateaus.

Daily studying and prayer uncover greater details; additional status updates, of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Ask, with faithful confidence, the Holy Spirit to open and transform your heart and mind to hearing and desiring his commands expressed through Christ’s updated status.

If Christ is my best friend, if I love him with all of my heart soul and mind; I will desire to read his status in scripture and post on his wall through prayer. What about you?

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Whom to Please?

I recently heard a sermon regarding the complexity of life. While life can be complex, the sermon failed to mention methods of simplification.

My friend and successful businessman, Charles, frequently states he has no reputation, or regard for reputation, outside of his relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Charles ellaborates, saying when he is alignment with the Holy Spirit, all relationships, including his wife and his mentor; fall into place.

The Bible instructs us in the Book of Psalm to please God, not men. Yes, God's creation is full of complexity and Christ's wisdom far exceeds the cumlative wisdom of all humans past, present and future. Seeking and pleasing the world is contrary to God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Simple is not easy, yet much less stressful. Simplify your life, choose to listen to, follow and obey Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Forget about pleasing other people. Please Christ, as you will please those he desires you please. Be prepared, for his word also says that we, like him, will be persecuted as Christians.

Invest your Time and Energy in conversation with Jesus Christ, seeking to please him. Your reputation with the Holy Spirit will be amazing!

Simplify Your Life: Internalize Scripture, Pray, Listen and record direction from the Holy Spirit. Test the direction with Scripture, including quickly forgiving those who hurt you in any way.

Simplify Your Life: Accept the Bible as the Pure Word of God.

Simplify Your Life: TRUST Christ with ALL of your Concerns and Hopes; Fears and Dreams.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
http://www.rickemeyer.com/

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Flood Waters

“A full dam provides poor flood control," Kenneth O. Kahrs.

Grandpa stated this numerous times during conversations in the 1980s and 1990s. Grandpa was in the Republican River valley in 1935, seeing the eight foot wall of water roar towards him as he assisted a neighbor and their team of horses up the hill to safety. No upstream dams existed in 1935.

Through the decades, after many dams were built in the 1950s, Grandpa saw the benefits of dams to control flood waters. These dams were initially built for two primary purposes: flood control and irrigation. Recreation and other uses were considered ‘gravy,’ or extra benefits resulting from the flood control and irrigation.

Lake levels are listed as conservation pool, and flood pool. The lake’s reservoir is considered full when water level, elevation, equals the conservation pool elevation. All water above this elevation is flood water.

For example, Harlan County Dam in Nebraska’s Conversation Pool is currently 1945.7 feet, and the Flood Pool at 1973.5. The reservoir’s current elevation reads 1947.4; the Flood Pool is filled 4.4%.

The Flood Pool’s purpose follows its name; contain flood water with a controlled downstream release. This practice reduces the vastness of a flood. The Bible says the wisdom of the wise is to give thought to their ways. Consequently, wise and prudent lake managers lower water levels much below the Conservation Pool, before flood stage is reached, if they anticipate excess upstream runoff or upstream dams are full, providing little holding capacity.

Releasing water downstream before the lake is full allows flood waters to be received without damage, while blessing those downstream. When water is contained in the Flood Pool, and flooding occur; the excess is water is a curse. Massive releases, double and tripling normal high releases, hurt people and property permanently.

One only has to view pictures of the Missouri River flooding to see the enormous damages.

The Bible teaches us to give generously and cheerfully. The top 10% of our income is considered flood stage money; we are to release it to Christ. We are encouraged to release income in addition to the 10%. This giving enables spreading Christ’s Word, worshipping Christ, while caring and providing for others around us. By hanging on to our money, failing to release the flood money, we are preparing for disaster. Excess money released apart from Christ, spent out of control, harm and permanently damages people.

Releasing the top 10% allows a flood of income to be received with gratitude, the more we release the more flooding we are able to enjoy as a blessing instead of a curse. While reservoirs capacity remains fixed; God often increases our Conversation Pool and Flood Pool. Consequently, releasing income downstream to Christ’s people increases our financial holding capacity.

The same principles hold true for Love and Forgiveness. Let the Love and Forgiveness you receive from the Lord to flow through you to those you encounter. Your capacities will increase.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
http://www.rickemeyer.com/

Sunday, June 12, 2011

Power of Associations

“People brought their sick to him and begged him to let the sick just touch the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed.” Mt. 14:35-36

Wow! Does this display the power of faith and association? The clothes of Christ contain his power. Another lady was healed after 12 years of ailments after touching Jesus’ clothes. How are you dressing spiritually? Are you associating with those clothed with Christ? Are you internalizing the Word of God? Jesus is the Word made Flesh. This association will lead those hungering for Christ to seek him through you. When Christ, the Holy Spirit and the Word are internalized in you; you too will possess the healing power of Christ.

You may heal people physically. Your wisdom, advice, or vocation will heal people emotionally, spiritually and physically through a variety of facets.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com

Thursday, June 9, 2011

Store Treasures in Heaven

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Mt. 6:19-21

A devastating tsunami hit Japan on March 11, 2011, April thru May 2011, tornados rip through numerous states including Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Massachusetts and Missouri; killing hundreds while destroying billions of dollars worth of property.

This week, dam flood gates along the Missouri River are releasing record amounts of water down-stream due to a combination of poor planning and record snow and rain amounts upstream. Fortunately, I have not heard of any resulting deaths. Millions, probably billions, of dollars of property loss is rapidly occurring.

Devastating fires are destroying portions of Arizona.

These events remind us, anyone can lose all of their physical possessions, treasures, in minutes. Only by God’s grace are some of us spared. Where are your treasures stored? Are they stored in heaven? Are you placing and keeping your heart with Christ?

Storing our treasures, our hearts, with Christ in heaven does not protect us from earthly devastation. Investing in heaven, committing your life and heart to Christ, does protect your heart and soul. Christ assures us inner peace, regardless of earthly circumstances.

Christ will provide for you and your family when all hope appears vanished. Investing in heaven, Jesus Christ, enables five loaves and two fish to feed thousands of people. Those losing homes and property need food, water and shelter.

Invest in their needs; invest in their souls, invite them to church, send them a Bible. A Church full of the Holy Spirit, preaching the inerrant Word of God, will supply all of their needs, providing eternal inner peace. This eternal peace begins instantly, on earth.

Are you investing where moths, thieves, rust, fires, tornados, and flooding are absent any power over your investment? Are you investing in heaven, in ministries boldly proclaiming salvation through Christ alone?

There are many excellent ministries, here a few:

Grand Junction, CO - Young Life or Young Life Kent Frieling serves on the Board in Grand Junction

Gull Lake Ministries – Daniel Wallace: Director

Campus Crusade – Jason Coorts

Prayerfully and generously give where you believe the Lord is leading you to do so. The results for all, including you, are amazing.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
http://www.rickemeyer.com/

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Soil: Three Constituents – Three Phases

Soil: Three Constituents – Three Phases

What are the necessary soil components for maximum root growth and productivity? Jesus uses parables of the sower and soil to illustrate spiritual growth. The three constituents of soil are sand, silt and clay. Loam is formed when the middle texture of constitutes 60% to 90%+, while sand and clay are nearly evenly represented in the remaining structure.

Silt loam, clay loam and sandy loam soils producing amazing yields, as they allow root penetration, active soil microbes, nutrient and water holding capacity.

Soil also has three phases: solid, liquid, and air. The proper balance is necessary for maximum growth and productivity.

Spiritual roots, growth and productivity also require worshipping God in three: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Denying the Father is like denying the solid phase of soil, the Son like the liquid, and the Holy Spirit as the air.

Those claiming God only exists as the Father deny the clay and silt; as well as the water and air within a soil. Worship God in Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; your spiritual growth, roots and productivity will be amazing.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com