Holy Spirit in YOU!

Each of my life's significant failures results from my all-absorbing laser-focus on my power and my absolute dependence on self and fellow man.


Conversely, each of my life's significant achievements result from my all-absorbing laser-focus on the power of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in me and my absolute dependence on His power, sovereignty and provision. "It is not me, rather Christ who is in me," "I can't, He (Christ) can, We (Christ and I) are."

I have written several times about applying this while running races and facing tragedies such as my dad's death, the same all-consuming recognition and dependence occurs in every aspect of life. Running on Faith
Power of Light
  

At times, the enemy attempts to fog my awareness and dependence on Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit with deceptive phrases such as, "If it seems too good to be true, it probably is."

Jesus dying, resurrecting, and ascending in conquering death and forgiving the sins of each believer so they may have eternal life, magnanimously epitomizes "If it seems too good to be true," as does the reality of every believer of the Lord Jesus Christ receiving the indwelling Holy Spirit. Yet, both are true for each believer of Christ.


Satan and the demons seek to destroy our believing Christ as our Savior, they seek to fog our heart, mind and soul from recognizing, communicating and acting with the power of the Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Satan and his demons strongly desire for man's (includes both genders) reliance placed upon other people, thus away from God.

No believer in communication with, and dependence on, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit relies upon another man. Rather, he/she relies on God who works through other men and women.


The believer knows that God's sovereignty and provision exceed and prevail humankind's shortcomings and failures, thus the believer remains patient, peaceful, joyful, prayerful and trusting regardless of external circumstances. I have previously written about this internalized peace after being asked to resign because I am, "Too honest."


My friend Jacqueline just posted this on Facebook, I read her post after completing the previous paragraph (printed with permission):

"Car window was smashed and ipad + computer stolen, in broad day light. The police officer and I chatted for 1.5 hours about Christ, life, and not letting bad things distract us from the plans God has for us. Bummer when bad stuff happens. Choosing to respond with joy and faith."

 

"I really enjoy annoying Satan. Evil wants us to be distracted by trials so that we lose focus on doing good. God lets us fight evil with joy and comfort. Trust me, I am upset about the documents and hard work that is lost (it was a work computer)...and for a second, I started to condemn myself for leaving the stuff in the car. But then God reminded me that condemnation is useless, AND, that He has given a lot of really great opportunities for me to focus on accomplishing right now. I'll be more fulfilled using my energy to focus on producing good instead of wallowing in the negative and condemnation. I'm not mad at the thief at all, just a learning experience in aligning my thoughts with God."

"And something cool JUST happened. I have been praying for an opportunity to know my neighbors better. As a result of my broken window sitting in the parking lot, a neighbor JUST came and knocked on my door and I got to cha with her!! I believe even more good is about to result from this!"

Jacqueline's response radiates the presence, power, joy and peace of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in her life!!

Conversely, another friend Sue (not her real name) responded to her misfortune, "To the punk who smashed out my rear windshield...karma will be coming for you."

Sue's response radiates with the power of anger, and revenge of Hinduism and Buddhism (i.e. karma).

How will and do you respond to adversity? How does your relationship with Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit affect your attitude, perspective, goals, effort, performance and achievements? 


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!


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

Education and Truth

Food for Thought:
This past Sunday, a guest speaker in our Sunday School class, stated that according to the Independent School District 85% of high school graduates in Dallas metroplex lack the educational skills to enter college. Yet, some of the schools are extraordinary.

Considering that God is Truth, in denying God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and Holy Spirit, one denies Truth. While I understand that church and school are two separate places, why do schools adamantly deny Truth? Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Love and Truth mandate interrelating.

What value does education possess, that denies the foundation of Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding and Truth?

God created everything! Everything includes everything—chemistry, physics, biology, math, algebra, calculus, differential equations, engineering, languages, grammar, poetry, reading, writing, electricity, etc., etc. He serves as the foundation of all creation, all that exists.

The key to improved education—Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding and Truth—begins with a relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. This relationship results in loving God, and consequently others and self. This relationship introduces students of all ages to the foundation of Creation, thus the foundation of meaningful education and application.

Conclusion: America does not have an Education problem, rather a Spiritual problem. Yet, the Department of Education denies Truth. Once before speaking at a Public School, the Superintendent—a friend from church—politely warned me to avoid mentioning God in my presentation. That week, he received warnings against the mention of God's name in School.

Many wonderful teachers exist who are in relation with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I applaud their persistence, diligence and love in working with our nation's youth. I pray the Godly teachers will continue teaching, exposing the Light of Christ, who is Truth, to those living in spiritual darkness.

As Christian citizens, let's expose God's Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Love and Truth to the world with the fruit of the Spirit.

    "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22–23, NASB95)

 

In so doing, our education and economy will follow in an upward trend. Because, these leads to actions in response to God's love based on Truth.

 
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

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

Image

A lifelong friend of my mother recently posted on my mom's Facebook wall, "We were watching the local Waco news and they were talking about runners in a race in Dallas, and who should appear on the screen but Rick!! It was a side shot of him, but he looks so much like your Dad, I knew it was him!!"


Due to geographical distance, I have seen Georgette only a few times over the years. Yet, she "knew it was" me because I represented the image of my grandfather, whom she knew well.

God created you and I in His image (Genesis 1:25-26, 5:1, 9:6; 1 Co 11:7; Ro 8:29; Jas 3:9; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10). This includes a portion of God's spiritual, character attributes. (Man certainly makes NO claim of being any god!)

As believers in Christ Jesus—indwelt by the Holy Spirit—let's strive to interact with the world in such a way that when people see only a "side shot" of us, they say, "he/she looks (interacts) so much like Christ, I knew it was him/her!!"?

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

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

Soteriology Doctrinal Statement

God exists in Holy Trinity as Father, Son—the Lord Jesus Christ—and Holy Spirit, co-equal, co-eternal. One God, three persons, as Missio Dei. God created man as Imago Dei. Upon belief in Jesus Christ, man is indwelled by Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.


Original sin, beginning with the Fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, is imputed to all mankind. God responded to Adam and Eve with the first animal sacrifice to cover the effects of sin, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Sin results in man's total depravity, affecting the heart and mind while resulting in spiritual, physical, and eternal death, along with spiritual warfare with Satan.


Man's salvation depends upon Christ's substitutionary, sacrificial death for man; providing redemption, reconciliation, propitiation, and justification by grace with belief in, through and by Jesus Christ at the Cross. Justification results in our sanctification.


The gospel of salvation is the message of God's grace. Grace comes through the death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins for those who believe and accept this message for eternal life with God. The relationship with Jesus Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit results in our producing spiritual fruit, including works pleasing to God. Forgiveness of sins comes only through faith in Christ's death and resurrection, and his substitutionary atonement.


I believe God chooses and leads people of all ages and mental capacities to respond to Him. Man is saved from eternal damnation, the consequence of sin, immediately upon the aforementioned belief in Christ (z). The believer develops maturity while walking in the Spirit.


Believers receive the promised Holy Spirit sent by Christ from the Father and forgiveness of sins from our belief in Christ as Lord who died for our sins. This provides us with spiritual regeneration, resulting in impartation
of eternal life along with the sealing, Baptism, anointing, indwelling and filling of the Spirit.


Conversely, scripture clearly states that unbelievers, those rejecting belief in Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior, will not be saved.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!


Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
Health
www.rickEmeyer.com

[1] Mt 1:18-23; 3:16-17; 4:1-4; 10:20-22; 12:15-18, 28, 31-32; 22:41-45; 28:18-20; Mk 1:8-12; 12:35-37; Lk 1:30-35; 1:41-45; 1:67-69; 2:25-30; 3:21-22; 4:1-14, 16-19; 10:21-22; 11:13; 12:8-12; Jn 1:32-34

[1] Acts 20:28; Rom 9:5; Phil 2:5-8; Col 1:15-18; 2:9; Heb 1:2-6; Ti1:3-4; 2:13; 2 Pt 1:1; Jn 1:1-3; 1:18; 8:58; 10:30; 20:28; Mt 28:19

[1] Jn 14:26; Rom 8:26; opera ad extra trinitatis indivisa sunt – ‘the external works of the Trinity are undivided.’ (Ferguson, Sinclair B., The Holy Spirit: Contours of Christian Theology, 43)

[1] Mt 28:19; Acts 5:3-4, 9; 2 Cor 3:17-18

[1] Jn 14:6-11, 26; 15:26; Rom 8:27; 1 Cor 2:10-13; 12:11

[1] “Missio Dei, the Latin phrase literally denotes the ‘mission of God.’ This signifies “God’s own sending; and God sending us.” (Horrell, J. Scott; The Trinity and Mission: The Starting Point of Soteriology, DTS Missions Conference; Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, 1-8)

[1] Image of God: Gn 1:26, 5:1, 9:6; 1 Co 11:7; Ro 8:29; Jas 3:9; Eph 4:24; Col 3:10. “Likeness to God. Man is unique among the creatures in that he is like God and therefore able to have communion and fellowship with God” (Walter A. Elwell and Barry J. Beitzel, Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988), 1017). This likeness includes spiritual attributes of God, while avoiding becoming a god in any context, means or imagination.

[1] Acts 3:14-19; “Spirit of Christ”, Jn 13-16 “Jesus’ farewell discourse”, “For Jesus” the Spirit is a Spirit of sonship and assurance” c.f. Rom 8:15-16 (Ferguson, Sinclair B., The Holy Spirit: Contours of Christian Theology,35-56)

[1] (Horrell, J. Scott; The Trinity and Mission: The Starting Point of Soteriology, DTS Missions Conference; Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, 5-6)

[1] Rom 3:23; This sin is unavoidable to every human, because of Adam and Eve’s Fall in the Garden of Eden. However, this sin is also forgiven with belief in Christ as discussed later in this statement.

[1] Resulting from disobedience or unfaithfulness, followed by pride and ambition, “The defection was infidelitas, a lack of trust in God and His Word” turning man inward to self and away from God. (J. Lanier Burns, ST103 Angelogy, Anthropology, and Hamartiology class notes, DTS Fall 2012)

[1] Gn 3:1-14

[1] Gn 3:21

[1] Our thoughts, words and actions contrasting God’s holy—perfect—character.

[1] “The image of God in mankind has been defaced but not erased (annihilation of man)” The will of the Creator enables the retention of dignity in humanity. (J. Lanier Burns, ST103 Angelogy, Anthropology, and Hamartiology class notes, DTS Fall 2012)

[1] Eph 2:3, 4:18-19; Ti 3:3; Jn 8:34

[1] Eph 4:17-18; 1 Cor 2:14; Rom 8:7; Col 1:21

[1] Eph 2:1-5; Col 2:13; Jn 3:36; 1 Jn 5:11-12

[1] Gn 3:19; Heb 2:14-15

[1] Rv 20:14-15; 2 Thes 1:8-9

[1] 2 Cor 4:3-4; Heb 2:14-15; Eph 2:1-2, 6:10-17; 1 Jn 3:7-10; Jn 8:44; (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “Sin, Fall and Its Effects”, 11-12)

[1] Rom 3:23; “Salvation” appears 111t in 108 verses in the OT (Logos Bible Software 5, NASB95 Bible)

“The OT deals with salvation in a promissory and provisional way.” (The Cross and Salvation; Demarest, Bruce; “Introduction to The Doctrine of Salvation,” P. 25-31)

[1] Gn 22:1-9; Ex 12:12-13, 21-23; Jn 1:29; 1 Cor 5:7; Leviticus 1:2-5; 3:2, 16:1-34; Is 53:3-10; The Greek preposition ““Anti” means “in place of” (Lk 11:11), “instead of” Mt 20:28; Mk 10:45” (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 8)

[1] Redemption’s definition, “The act of paying the ransom / price to purchase something.” “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law; he himself paid the price to free sinners from the power, consequences, and condemnation of sin.” (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 9); Redemption (Eph. 4:1) “Sin paid for”, (Toussaint, Stanley D.; BE106 Acts and the Epistles, Class Notes, Fall 2012)

[1] Rom 5:10; Mt 5:24; Definition-“To reconcile,” “to make peace; trade enmity with friendship” Eph 1:10; 2:16; Col 1:20-22 (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 11)

[1] 1 Jn 4:10; Rom 3:25; Heb 2:17; Lev 17:11; “Divine Wrath”; Propitiation—God is Satisfied (1 Jn. 2:2)—God can now turn toward man. Man must now turn to God—Reconciliation—Redemption (Eph. 4:1 “Sin paid for”), (Toussaint, Stanley D.; BE106 Acts and the Epistles, Class Notes, Fall 2012)

[1] “To justify; vindicate; treat as just/righteous,” “righteous, just, upright” Lk 18:9-14; Acts 13:38-39; Ro 1:17; 3:19-26, 28; 4:1-5; 5:1,9; 8:29-30; 2 Co 5:21 Gal 2:16 Eph 1:4; Ti 3:4-7 (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 12)

[1] Rom 5:1-8:39; Jn 3:14-21; Acts 16:30-31; Mk 16:16; Eph 2:4; 2 Thes 2:16; Rv 1:5

[1] “make holy, set apart for as sacred to God” (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 22); “The method of justification determines the method of sanctification,” Dr. Stanley D. Toussaint.

[1] (The Cross and Salvation; Demarest, Bruce; “Christ Died for Sins Once for All (1 Pt 3:18), The Doctrine of Atonement,” P. 147-199)

[1] Rom. 4:1-17; 11:6; Gal. 3:8-9; Eph. 2:8-9; Grace includes forgiveness, salvation, regeneration, repentance and the love of God: In the OT hesed which often meant “steadfast love” and occasionally “loyalty”, “an attitude of faithfulness”; also ḥēn meaning “favor” specifically undeserved favor—action—from a greater (often divine) authority to a lesser authority (D. R. W. Wood and I. Howard Marshall, New Bible Dictionary, 3rd ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 433). God’s Riches at Christ Expense: Man possesses, nor may he/she acquire, any merit for salvation away from Christ on the Cross as discussed in this statement and the referenced scripture.

[1] Hos 13:4-14

[1] Acts 1:9

[1] “Sin is any disposition or act contrary to God.” (J. Scott Horrell, Dallas Theological Seminary, ST104A Soteriology, Class Notes, Class definition of sin)

[1] “eternal” root:αιων appears 194t in 162 verses in the NT; “Salvation” appears 111t in 108 verses in the OT (Logos Bible Software 5, NASB95 Bible)

[1] Jn 1:17, 3:36, 6:40, 11:25; Rom 5, 6:23; Is 43:11; Mt 25:46;

[1] Gal 5:22-26

[1] Jas 2:14-26; Heb 11:6

[1] Eph 2:8-9; Acts 15:1-12, 16:29-31; Man fails to earn any salvation through his efforts, spiritual fruit, works, sacraments or circumcision; rather “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved…”

[1] Jn 13:18, 15:16, 19

[1] Lk 1:41; Ps 22:9-10, 71:5, 139:16; Is 49:1; Jer 1:5,

[Z] The Bible lacks any reference to the inability to believe based on age or health. Belief occurs spiritually, as opposed to intellectually. Ro 8:26-27 says the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when our own cerebral capacities prove inadequate. Paul, writing by the power of the Holy Spirit, says “we,” thus including himself as a called apostle by the will of God (Ro 1:1); Paul avoids a conditional statement, including the consideration of age or IQ (intelligent quotient). Ro 8:31-39 states nothing separates us from the love of God, surely this includes knowing / believing in Him. “Nothing” must omit the limitations of age and mental health. If not, what other limitations might one include to undermine the meaning of “nothing”? Therefore, God through the interceding of the Holy Spirit provides each person the ability to believe according to God’s will. Additionally, Dallas Theological Seminary Professor Dr. Lanier Burns states that sin makes people crazy. This verifies the lack of cerebral adequacy of all humans, due to original sin.

[1] Rom 6:23

[1] Acts 16:30-31

[1] Jn 3:16-20

[1] 1 Cor 2:6; Eph 4:13; Heb 5:14, 6:1; The Natural Person (2 Cor 2:14, rejects “the things of the Spirit of God”), The Spiritual Man (1 Cor 2) represents the ideal Christian, The Infant Christian (1 Cor 3) Immature Christian—“fleshen, implying weakness”, The Carnal Christian (1 Cor 3:3-4)—poor testimony, willfully denies spiritual growth (Toussaint, Stanley D., TAI Series (Think About It): People Come in Four Sizes)

[1] Is 42:5; Rom 8:4; Gal 5:16, 25;

[1] John 14:26, 20:22; Acts 2:38; ‘spirit’ Heb. rauch; Gk. pneuma – “the expulsion of wind or breath, the idea of air in motion. ‘Spirit’ expresses, ‘the breath of life’, power, energy and life.” ‘Divine Spirit’  -- “the energy of life in God”; filled with the Spirit Jn 2:19-22 (Ferguson, Sinclair B., The Holy Spirit: Contours of Christian Theology, 16-17, 22) Synonyms used: Comforter, Counselor, Helper.

[1] Jn 14:26;

[1] Jn 3:3-7; Ti 3:5-7; 1 Pt 1:3, 23; 1Jn 2:29; 3:9; 4:7; 5:1, 4,18

[1] Jn 3:15-16, 36; Eternal, eternity, or permanent appears 94t in the Bible (NASB95) (Logos Bible Software 5, April 2013)

[1] Eph 1:13-14; 4:30 2 Co 1:22 “down payment”; The sealing and confirmation of loving trust between the Father and the Incarnate Son. (Ferguson, Sinclair B., The Holy Spirit: Contours of Christian Theology,49);Seal or Sealing appears 32t in the NT (NASB95) (Logos Bible Software 5, April 2013)

[1] 1Co 12:13; Acts 1:5,8; 11:15-17; Baptize or one of its derivatives appears 71t in the NT (NASB95) (Logos Bible Software 5, April 2013)

[1] 2 Cor 1:21-22; 1 Jn2:20, 27

[1] Jn 14:16-17; Ro 8:9-11, 16; 1Co 6:19; “another Counselor”; We receive the Holy Spirit once.

[1] Lk 1:5; Eph 5:18; Acts 2:4; 4:8, 31; 5:3; 6:3,5,8; 9:17; Rom 15:13; A Christian often has many “filling of the Spirit” (Horrell, J. Scott; ST104A Class Notes, DTS Spring 2013, “What Christ Did on the Cross”, 19-22) and (Toussaint, Stanley D.; BE106 Acts and the Epistles, Class Notes, Fall 2012) (Logos Bible Software 5, April 2013, NASB95)

[1] 1 Ti 5:8; Heb 3:12

[1] Rev 21:8; Jn 3:16-21, 14:6; Acts 16:30-31; Rom 1:18-20; Paul, in Acts, specifically states that belief in Jesus is required for salvation. While the Bible speaks of predestination (Rom 8:29-30; 1 Cor 2:7; Eph 1:5-12), Christians should continually evangelize—spread the good news of Jesus Christ—as instructed in the Great Commission (Mt 28:16-20). Paul provides an excellent example of evangelizing to everyone despite the personal consequences (c.f. Missionary Journeys in Acts)

  

Prayer Yields Joy

"Be joyful always; pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 (NIV))


Continual prayer, thankfulness and joy results in receiving escalating joy, gratitude and desiring additional prayer.


Thirty-six hours after my dad received a diagnosis of lung cancer, he requested that we "pray for God to bless everyone we know." His request contained complete inclusiveness of God blessing "everyone we know," absent any conditions of his relationship with them throughout his or their life.

This was the last prayer that I heard him request. Hydrocephalus, water on the brain, prevented future understandable conversations. He died three weeks later.


Praying, especially for God's blessings on others, yields amazing—immeasurable—gratitude and joy in one's heart and mind. The joy resembles the "runner's high" and easily surpasses any temporary euphoric experience from alcohol. Praying for God's blessings on others, everyone we know, becomes addictive and leads to praise and worship of God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.


Picture the person(s) for whom you pray, along with their family and any of the specifics for which you may pray for them. I seek prayer requests from a few people, then write them down in a little black book. A common request includes assistance with writing papers for school. While praying, I visualize the person completing the paper with peace, contentment and joy.


I pray for others as the Lord places them on my heart and mind. Most have no idea that I pray, or you, pray for them. Yet, I am led to share with a few that I do pray for them. Most express immense gratitude, a few fail to respond. Our purpose in praying for them rests in our obedience to God as opposed to their approval or favorable response. We do not know what life challenges they are experiencing, and maybe they are not sure how to respond because you are the first non-family member to pray for them.


Regardless of the response or lack of response, we receive magnanimous joy and gratitude when we focus solely on serving the Lord in praying for others. Hold on tightly to your socks, lest this joy knock them off.


Pray for others,unconditionally, in obedient love for the Father, Son and Holy Spirit!


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!


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

 

Spirit of the Marathon

Three runners from three continents run side-by-side near the halfway mark of the New York City Marathon, touring the city that never sleeps. Strolling along at 5:02 – 5:06 pace, the runners relax as if on a Sunday drive through a radiant countryside.

The inside runner, wearing bib #40, resides in Ireland, the middle runner wears bib #4 on his Kenya national singlet, the outside runner who grew-up on a Kansas farm and now lives in Nebraska wears bib #186.

The approaching water table sits on the right side, consequently the outside runner knows that he will have to wait for the next water station a mile and a half later. Because, attaining water requires slowing down to drop behind #4 and #40, which may result in losing the cadence and partnerships of the two fellow competitors.

His peripheral vision notices the runner from Ireland grabbing and handing a cup of water to the Kenyan, who hands it to the native Kansan. The Irishman hands a second cup of water to the Kenyan, and then grabs a third cup for himself.

World-class marathoners understand the synergistic achievement of working together. We achieve more running together, than separately.

I forever remember my fellow runners from Ireland and Kenya that Sunday morning. They epitomize the spirit of marathons and competition. Authentic competition hinges on drawing out the best in yourself and others.

This same spirit resonates each of the past 117 years in the Boston Marathon, people competing—drawing out the best in themselves and others. This represents the spirit of America, and those who instinctively love and help people.

We will dwell on this spirit of the Marathon, people loving and helping one another when reflecting on Boston. I look forward to running the Boston Marathon for the first time in twenty years in 2015 .

World-class people know that we achieve more running together than separately. Thank each of the responders, all those helping physically and those assisting with prayers and encouragement to those directly involved.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

 
Rick E. Meyer
Running on Faith Ministry

Boston

Prayers for each person and family affected, directly and indirectly, by today's explosions. May God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit comfort everyone beyond human comprehension.

        

        "And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7; NASB95).

These types of events remind us of the sin-filled world that we live. They also offer opportunity to consider our eternal destination.

        Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things?
"Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony.
"If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

  

        "No one has ascended into heaven, but He who descended from heaven: the Son of Man. "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up; so that whoever believes will in Him have eternal life.

        

        "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.
            

        "He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

            

        "This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.

     "For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.

     "But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God," John 3:10–21; NASB95).

Contrary to cultural popularity, the only path to the God the Father, and eternal life is in and through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many in society believe each person has the ability to name their god, and their path to eternal life, Jesus says otherwise.

 

        Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me," (John 14:6–12; NASB95).

 

        "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him."
          

        

        Philip said to Him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us."

        

        Jesus said to him, "Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

        "Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.
        

        "Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves.

            "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father.

 

        For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father," (Philippians 2:9–11; NASB95).

 

    Justification by Faith
  

        But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith.

This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus," (Romans 3:21–26; NASB95).

 

        For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast," (Ephesians 2:8–9; NASB95).

 

The love of the Lord Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit leads me in sharing the truth with you. An acquaintance tells a person what they want to hear, a friend shares what a person needs to hear.

 

May each of you know the love, forgiveness and eternal relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Membership and relationship with Christians in a local church expedites spiritual growth. Growing pains exists in every form of life, including our Spiritual life. Yet, growth yields betterment for all.

 See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

 

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

 

 

 

Boston Marathon Memory

Excerpt from my completed but not yet published, book, "Running on Faith," describing the finish of the 1995 Boston Marathon. Due to dehydration, I finished back in 47^th overall and 10^th American.

Running down Boylston towards the finish line, I thought I heard someone scream "Rick Meyer."  Am I delusional?  Immediately upon finishing, I was thrown into a wheel chair.  While being wheeled through the finish chute toward the medical tent, I look up to see a very familiar face. 

I just could not put a name with a friend.  David Schneider, a former teammate and twin of Dan Schneider from Manhattan High School in Kansas, walked beside me. 

Dr. David Schneider M.D. responded to my Facebook correspondence regarding this finish on the 15^th Anniversary of the 1995 Boston Marathon.

"Rick...that is a very happy memory.  I was graduating from med school and went on a trip to Boston to see one of the last basketball games in the old Boston Garden.  Because one of my buddy's uncles was an executive at John Hancock I had VIP seats right on the finish line, sitting next to the Mayor.  And here comes Rick Meyer, one of the top American finishers!! 

I jumped the barrier and followed you into the med tent.  We hadn't seen each other in 10 years, so you were a little shocked to see me (besides being in physiologic shock after crushing the hardest Marathon in the world)."

David later served on the medical staff of both the Los Angeles Lakers and Dodgers, once attending a Dodgers game with Tommy Lasorda.

Initially, the medical tent hesitated to allow David's entrance; I told the staff that it was okay as he was about to complete medical school.  Based on later comments from David, I expounded that he was married to Wendy.  Evidently, I viewed that as making the difference in his admission to the tent. 

Inside the tent, a nurse placed a thermometer in my ear, producing an unacceptably low temperature reading.  A reporter from one of the Boston papers interviews me sometime during my examination.  The nurses suggest I drink broth to warm-up.

Mumbling in exhaustion, "What is broth?"

They patiently explained that is the juice in soups.  My temperature remained exceptionally low despite consuming a bowl of steaming hot chicken broth while wrapped in blankets. 

David Schneider returned to his friends, it was a pleasure seeing an old friend away from home following a brutal race.

I complained about the thermometer continually probed in my ear.  "Don't you have other options?"

One of the five nurses, all in their mid-twenties, responded, "Yes, we do have other options.  Would you like to roll over?"

I mumbled, "You can continue placing the thermometer in my ear."  Options provide healthy perspectives.

The nurses announced my severe dehydration mandated an IV.  I hate needles!  A few of the gals tried to offer comfort as some guy jabs my arm with a needle as if competing in a dart throwing contest.  I scream due to the pain and dislike of needles; an immense television camera captures the moment from a few feet away from my face. 

The staff informs me that I am the first finisher requiring IV's.  The gals find humor in my screaming disdain of needles, questioning this pain versus completing the Boston marathon.
 
Five young nurses stood around my cot, trying to help me warm-up.  I began wondering if I had died and gone to heaven. 

The IV bag emptied, yet my temperature remained low.  Subsequently they connected a second IV bag. I am oblivious to any other race participants in the medical tent.  Two hours later they released me from the medical tent. The Boston journalist notices me, "You're still alive!?"

I think I ruined his story of a Midwest runner dying after the race.

David Schneider continues, "My favorite memory...that night after the Celtics game, I walked back through that huge public square to see the race results posted on dozens of mobile classroom chalkboards, lined up as far as the eye could see. 

I walked all the way to the first board, and there on the top sheet of paper on the board was your name, along with a bunch of East Africans!!  YOU STUD!!!  Not bad for the son of a corn farmer from Smith Center, Kansas."


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

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Leader Servant: Reading

"Do you read to learn, or grow?" Charles M. Gibbs

I have read hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of books. Am I applying each of the powerful, positive principles of each book? Charles Gibbs points out that he reads slower, and consequently fewer books than some read. However, he applies the Godly principles—resulting in personal and professional growth—before moving onto the next book. Wisdom suggests that you and I consider adopting a similar habit.

Learning and growing are not necessarily synonymous. Action yields growth!

Perhaps you, like me, have practiced this on an intermittent basis. With reflection, application results in growth every time. Sometimes we should focus on one chapter, other times taking the book as a whole. Consider reading daily, then apply and master the principles of each chapter before beginning the next chapter?

To what extent will your growth, effective service and value exponentially escalate in the next three and six months? Consider beginning with 1^st Corinthians 13, or Matthew chapters five, six and seven.

• Why does the Bible (1Corinthians 13) declare love as the greatest?
• How do you apply love in your home, office or while traveling?
• How do you apply "Seek first the kingdom of God…" (Matthew 6:33) with your employees, co-workers, customers and vendors?
• How does "Seek first the kingdom of God…" (Matthew 6:33), affect your family and business?
• Do you consider yourself a better "businessman" than God, the Creator of the universe? If so, why do you consider your method of business wiser than God's?
• How does "Seek first the kingdom of God…" (Matthew 6:33) (or any other passage in context with Godly principles) affect your first phone call or client meeting tomorrow morning?

Read, Apply, Grow!!!

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

Leader Servant: Wisdom

If the most people understand and agree with virtually everything you or I say, then you and I probably speak with the wisdom of man instead of the Wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:18-31). We receive and communicate with the Wisdom of God through persistent, diligent prayer, Bible study and associating with spiritually mature Christians.

Serve with Godly Wisdom. Seeking, Receiving and Communicating God's Wisdom will attract the people, opportunities and challenges that God desires in our lives. Growth mandates challenges! Receive God's challenges in your life with Prayer, Gratitude (Thankfulness) and Joy (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ's Wisdom!

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

Leader Servant: Encouragement

"If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best." (Romans 12:8)

Frequently, I receive promptings to encourage others. I try to respond immediately, yet I sometimes hesitate to act while seeking assurance of the source of the prompting. I received abundant blessings from others encouraging me throughout my life.

Unfortunately, some people do not like or doubt encouragement. Most likely caused by their low self-esteem, each of us has challenges. The enemy (Ephesians 6:10-18) often seeks to diminish the value of people, and discourage those—like you—offering encouragement.

Godly encouragement is authentic with pure motive of benefitting the receptor, and glorifying God the Father, Son—the Lord Jesus Christ—and the Holy Spirit. Godly encouragement lacks falsities, lacks exaggerations, and lacks the encourager's motive self—glorification.

Godly encouragement begins with Godly love, desiring the best for others. This includes consistent, diligent prayer, studying the Bible and genuine interest in others. Godly encouragement requires desiring the uplifting of God and others above you, with the possibility of others disliking you and questioning your motives from you obediently responding to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

"Encouragement is an instrument of divine change." ~ Charles M. Gibbs

 

Yes, some may doubt or rebuke your Godly encouragement. However, focus on serving only God. Error on the side of obediently responding and serving Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Generously encourage those whom God places in your life, contribute to divine change in your home, office, community and nation.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

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

 

Leader Servant: Evangelism

Dad and Mom traveled the desolate Highway 9/24 from our farm near Gaylord, Kansas and Highway 36 through western Kansas and eastern Colorado in-route at the Four States Irrigation Council in Denver. The Council scheduled their meetings to correlate with the occurrence of the 1977 Denver Livestock Show, now the National Western Stock Show. The mid-January temperatures and potential of snow and ice kept any driver alert along this route.

 

Dad first attended either this year or the previous year, serving as president of Kirwin Irrigation District. They elected him to the Board of Directors, which led to him serving as president of 4-States Irrigation Council in 1981. He received the Council's 1982 Head Gate Award. My sister and I went with them in 1978, enabling me to attend a few meetings with Dad. The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Denver Broncos in the Super Bowl while we drove home Sunday afternoon. I recall that the level of enthusiasm among the speakers covered the full spectrum. I do not recall hearing my dad speak at this meeting, other than perhaps asking question. He possessed a somewhat quiet demeanor, yet very intense when necessary.

 

This gentle intensity originated from his love of God (Father, Son—the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit), and people. During the 1977 meeting, he and a gentleman from Wheatland, Wyoming struck-up a conversation. LaGrand asked my dad if he had any pheasants on our Kansas farm. Dad acknowledged the bountiful population, then invited this man whom he just met to our farm for opening day in November.

 

Naturally, LaGrand and his three travel companions slept in the beds of my sister and me. They also ate Mom's home cooked meals and hunted our land, along with the land of Dad's cousin, Loren. Loren and his sons, Ron and Greg, hunted with us. After extending the invitation, Dad then let Mom know of the guests coming next fall. My sister and I considered sleeping downstairs on the floor a treat, probably because of Mom and Dad's enthusiasm.

 

Simultaneously, perhaps a year later, Dad invited world-renowned Kansas State University
Plant Pathologists to hunt and stay with us, both for dove season and pheasant season. In addition to regular meals and desserts, Mom baked doughnuts, doughnut holes, maple sticks, and other fresh delicacies.

 

My parents loved people! We prayed before every meal regardless of who sat at the table—as did all friends and relatives in the area. A few of the hunters were agnostic, and were uncomfortable with the prayers. Our book shelf in the dining room contained numerous well-worn Bibles, along with gospel records in the stereo cabinet. Dad also invited traveling salesmen in for dinner if they happened to stop near noon, even though he usually purchased nothing. I considered this normal.

 

Dad and Mom sent Christmas cards to each hunter and their family each Christmas, most sent us one. One or two delayed with a "holiday" card in mid-January, yet the relationship remained strong.

 

Dad and Mom, Kansas farmers, proclaimed the gospel through actions of daily life, prayer, music and the Word. God used irrigation meetings and corn diseases to spread His word.

While reflecting on this tonight, I realized that my parents and many of our generous, gracious friends and relatives in north central Kansas and south central Nebraska served as Evangelists!

 

• How am I incorporating Evangelism into my daily life?
  
• How are you incorporating Evangelism into your daily life?
  

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ through daily Evangelism!

 

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

Leader Servant: Integrity

Integrity frequently becomes defined as "What one does when no one is watching (looking)."

Servants focus solely serving, instead of noticing if they have an audience.

Several years ago, an insurance investigator called inquiring of my loss of clothing and personal belongings from pulverized glass in my silver, Lincoln Town Car.

I attentively drove on ice-covered streets in Grand Forks, North Dakota from the hotel of my speaking engagement onto the next venue in mid-November.

Cognizant of the icy roads and my fellow travelers, I once again explained the causative event the previous August. A massive hail storm struck the Omaha Airport while where I parked my car while speaking in the Carolinas for a week.

The car was fully packed because I was moving to Dallas upon my return to Eppley Field in Omaha. The back window shattered, the pulverized glass embedded in the dash, steering wheel and all the clothes inside.

Thousands of dollars of belongings became instantly ruined. The dust sized particles of glass caused frequent lacerations in my hands as I viewed the damage.

The insurance investigator asked several times if I knew and understood that our phone conversation was recorded. Eventually, his arrogant attitude topped my tipping point of tolerance.

I then inquired if he realized that God records everything we say throughout life. I explained that as a Christian, I am accountable to Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. Consequently, I seek to speak truth, always.

This insurance investigator, quickly terminated the phone call, failing to recognize and/or acknowledge a relationship with the indwelling Holy Spirit. As a result, the investigator only worries whether another man is watching or recording his words and actions.

Everyone that I know with INTEGRITY neither looks if anyone is watching or cares if anyone is watching—they just Do. Anyone looking around to see if anyone watches probably lacks integrity.

The genuine man (and woman) of integrity knows that they always perform before God, concerning themselves only of His opinion (c.f. Colossians 3:23).
    "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve." 
The common definition of integrity as stated above, "What you do when know is watching," exhibits no integrity as it dismisses knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit—the source of all Godly truth, wisdom and integrity.

Integrity is what you do when you love God with all of your heart, soul, and mind; loving your fellow man as much as you love yourself (Mt. 22:37-39). Integrity is seeking first the kingdom of God (Mt. 6:33).

    "And He said to him, " 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.'
This is the great and foremost commandment.
The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matthew 22:37–39, NASB95)

    "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33, NASB95)

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

Procrastination

"True Obedience Acts Immediately." ~ Dr. Stanley D. Toussaint (c.f. Acts 16:9–10 NASB95)

    "A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us."

When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them."

 

I have several assignments and three exams to study for and complete in the next month, I am relatively caught-up with school work. If I continue with a steady pace, this preparation and completion should avoid activation of panic alarms. This realization carries the dangerous temptation to procrastinate beginning these tasks instead of starting and completing the responsibilities early. However, while eating breakfast this morning and pondering the upcoming workload; I considered an opportunity at the end of April that I have previously prayed for God to provide if He desires my participating in this activity.

 

As I prayed for guidance on my participation in this activity, a strong prompting voice struck my heart and mind, "If you are serious about receiving provision for this activity, you will complete as much of your academic requirements now to free up the time necessary to receive the blessing. Conversely, procrastinating on your studying will result in missing participating if you receive the opportunity.

• Am I willing to act in studying and preparing ahead of time to the best of my ability on Faith of receiving this opportunity?
  
• If I act in faith with studying ahead of schedule and the opportunity fails to materialize, will I regret working ahead?
  
• If I fail to act in faith with studying ahead of schedule and the opportunity does materialize, will I regret missing out in participating?
  
• If I were to regret each of the above scenarios, which one would yield the greatest regret?
  
• "Always put yourself in a position to win" Bill "Congo" Congleton .
  
• Working ahead seems as the best positioning for winning.
  

 

• How are you listening and responding to God's promptings?
  
• Are you reading God's Word?
  
• Do you pray, living joyfully and thankfully always?
  
• Are you immediately responding in obedience?
  

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ-Act Obediently, Immediately!

 

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

 

 

Food for thought, while I organize my thoughts for a full article. Procrastination denies some future Blessings. When we deny doing our chores now, we miss out later opportunities when we finally do our chores.

 

Conversely, failing to act immediately to promptings from the Holy Spirit is in fact disobedience resulting from doubt (or pride).

    "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." James 1:5–8 (NASB95)

 

Doubt appears in numerous forms, including doubting the validity of a prompting based on the lack of immediate response from someone that I received a prompting to encourage. Yet, the same voice who prompted me with the encouraging message, also strongly reminds me to Trust Him instead of people's responses or response time. Past obedient immediate action to this same prompting voice results in hundreds of validations, including several this week.

 

Why am I still tempted with doubt about the validity of current promptings? Promptings from the indwelling Holy Spirit virtually always contrasts human logic, displacing human comfort. Additionally, we doubt when placing greater concern of approval from men and women than from pleasing God. My obedience, and YOUR obedience, belongs to only God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit! God—the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit—calls us to serve and accept.

 

The indwelling Holy Spirit speaks to our hearts and minds through promptings, associations with fellow believers, prayer and in our internalizing God's Word—as does faith.

 

"So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ (Romans 10:17 NASB95)."

 

We serve Him in obedience to His word, prayers and correlating guidance from others and promptings, we then joyfully and thankfully accepts whatever He places in our lives.

        "^aRejoice always; ^apray without ceasing; in everything ^agive thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. ^aDo not quench the Spirit; do not despise ^aprophetic ¹utterances. But ^aexamine everything carefully;
^bhold fast to that which is good; abstain from every ¹form of evil. " (1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 NASB 95)

 

Procrastination is choosing Disobedience over Obedience.

 

 

Armor of God: Explanation

Explaining Paul's Revelation about the Christian's Warfare in Eph 6:10-20

Introduction

Paul writes to the Ephesian Christians (Eph 1:1), while in house arrest in Rome^, (Acts 28). Ephesus's commercial and geographic significance of the Roman Empire because of the convergence of several trades routes surely increased the significance of communicating the pure gospel while also protecting Ephesus saints and church from current and impending spiritual attacks affecting individuals, the church along with the credibility and spreading of the gospel throughout the Asian province (Acts 19:18-20). These attacks includes false gods as evidenced with "temple for the fertility goddess, Dianna"—"one of the seven wonders of the ancient world."
Paul spent nearly three years in Ephesus during his third missionary journey, after an initial short stay while returning to Antioch on his second missionary journey. Consequently, his love and appreciation of the Ephesians runs deep as evidenced in his farewell to them (Acts 20:17-38), certainly he developed close friendships during these visits, including Priscilla and Aquila whom he first met in Corinth on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:1-2, 24-26).

Purpose

Prudence demands knowing and understanding the enemy in warfare, thus the officers rely heavily on receiving intelligence information. The probability of victory increases dramatically once we identify, locate and assess the enemies' abilities. Consequently, God through Paul's writings, provides and intelligence report for the Ephesians; a common practice of God throughout the Bible. Paul's introduction of this epilogue with the Ephesians begins with "finally," differing from the rest of the letter.

Explanation

Paul begins this passage regarding spiritual warfare identifying the source of our strength, or the source for the Ephesians to seek strength. Some scholars believe Paul, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, directs the Ephesus' saints in Ephesians 6:10 to strength with "and in the might of his strength," καὶ ἐν τῶκράτει τῆς ἰσχύος αύτοῦ, by emphasizing Christ (1 Cor 12:29) as the only source of our strength, instead of God the Father. Most scholars in my research view the power source originating from all members of the trinity. Christ used this same power for overcoming resistance in miracles, believers have Christ and his resources. Additionally, the passive voice reminds of our complete dependence on Christ, our hope for victory mandates the aforementioned strength of Christ.
Additionally, Nehemiah provides a powerful example of forming a vision as well as the source of one's resources before confronting the enemy, as he did upon receiving news of the destruction of Jerusalem's wall (Nehemiah 1:1-2:10). This passage continues describing the enemy, while further specifying tools of defense and weaponry.
The supply list commences with the full armor of God (Eph 6:11). Paul then adds details regarding the Ephesian's enemy, the same enemy believers face today, warning them and us of evil's schemes. The enemy consists of rulers, powers, world forces of this darkness, spiritual forces of wickedness in heavenly places (Eph 6:11-12). Next we hear of the significance of the "full armor of God," girding our loins with truth, along with wearing a "breastplate of righteousness," and protecting our feet with preparation of the "Gospel of Peace" (Eph 6:13-15).
The preparation continues with the "Shield of Faith" to extinguish the evil one's flaming arrows, wearing the helmet of salvation, as well as grabbing the only offensive weaponry in the "sword of the spirit," defined as the word of God (Eph 6:16-17). Last, and certainly not least, wisdom instructs the Ephesians and us to pray at all times in the Spirit, while remaining on guard with "perseverance and petition for the all the saints" (Eph 6:18). This includes praying for Paul's spreading of the gospel despite living under house arrest in Rome (Eph 6:19-20).

Full Armor of God

Why do we need to dress in the "full armor of God" to stand against the schemes of the devil? Perhaps we should commence with inquiring of Paul's use of this illustration. The authors who address the latter, believe Paul uses this imagery because of his frequency with Roman guards.^, The imperative put on implies the believer's urgent responsibility of clothing themselves in the full armor belonging to God, instead of self or fellow man. The term hapla¹² (πανοπλία) defines the combination of armor and weapons. Like an athlete, the soldier's strength of their physical core proves detrimental in battle.^,

Stand Against the Devil

Christians, the Ephesus believers, battle the enemy, Satan and the demonic beings, as opposed to man or man's attributes. The devil and his demons are noted for deception in defeating Christians beginning with Adam and Eve in the Garden and as referenced by Paul in his second letter to the church in Corinth (2 Cor. 11:3). Harold H. Hoehner creatively and accurately describes this battle as a "spiritual conflict against the spiritual mafia". Spiritual mafia includes the "rulers and authorities," "powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil."

"In heavenly realms" occurs five times in the New Testament (c.f. Eph 1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10), as Satan has access to this realm until about half-time of the Tribulation (Rev 12:9-10). Until his permanent casting out, Satan seeks to diminish the spiritual maturity and blessings of Christians in every and any way possible.
"In the evil day" (ἐν τῇ ἡμέρα τῇ πονηρᾶ) indicates an impending specific day, differing for each person "since a common contest is not implied, not a battle, but a πάλη, "wrestling,"" producing a dominating victory "the day of redemption."


The military phrase "stand firm" (Στῆναι πρός τίνα) signifies accepting the challenge of the enemy. The Holy Spirit through Paul's authorship of this letter, instructs Christians to avoid attacking the enemy. Rather "to stand" or "to resist" means to hold our ground, possible only when fully, and properly covered with God's armor (c.f. James 4:7). Just as we avoid attaching, we also avoid fleeing—thus urgently standing firm in the armor of God.
Paul repeats in verse 13 to put on the "full armor of God". The purpose of repetition in biblical Greek served to amplify a principle, similar to a mother calling a child by their full name: first, middle and last. This amplification includes the seriousness of Satan's and the demonic forces desire of maximizing their harm to each and all of God's creation. Prudence in God's wisdom mandates securing ourselves in the full armor of God!

Gird your Loins with Truth (Eph 6:14; c.f. Is 11:5; Luke 12:35; 1 Pet 1:13)

"Being girded about their loins, they have on the girdle, or waist-belt (ζωστήρ, ζώνη), which covers the groin and the stomach below the breastplate, the most vulnerable part of the body, the region of the hips and loins; this is the first and a very important piece (Isa. 5:27; 11:5; Luke 12:35; 1 Pet. 1:13). An ungirded soldier would be a contradiction in terms. The girdle kept the armor in place, formed in itself a part of the cuirass, and was also used to support the sword." Moreover, strips of leather hung down for bodily protection.
"The belt of truth" refers to subjective truth, including a Christian's honesty, morality, integrity, character and faithfulness. A Christian lacking any of these attributes quickly falls prey to the father of lies and deception.
The Holy Spirit continues coaching the Ephesians, "Put on the Breastplate of Righteousness," "(καὶ ἐνδυσάμενοι)" Here καί adjoins another piece. Ἑνδυσάμενοι^* means putting on like a part of the clothes." This Roman designed hard leather or metal breastplate resembled today's bullet proof vest as it fit completely around the soldiers' torso, providing posterior protection. Righteousness refers to believers internalizing and continually seeking to practice Christ's sanctifying righteousness. The necessity of this protection arises from the enemies attack at the believer's heart, their daily character and actions (c.f. Isa 59:17; Ja 4:7). Absent our practical righteousness, Satan will defeat us with his accusations. We must remain submitted to Christ in everything!
Have you ever injured your foot? Stubbed your toe, or experienced inflamed tendons and ligaments in your feet? Standing firm, sureness of footing, mandate healthy feet. Consequently, Roman soldiers protected their feet with "shod," a hard, studded shoes. One might consider these a forerunner to today's steel-toed boots worn by mechanics, construction workers and others whose feet risk professional injury. Satan's and demonic attacks also target believers' ability to stand firm, however we find this protection in the "Gospel of Peace." The Ephesus believers and believers today find internal peace, peace of their heart, mind and soul, amidst spiritual battles when studying, internalizing and living the gospel.

Shield of Faith

The shield of faith (c.f. 1 Thess 5:8) "extinguishes all the flaming arrows (Ps 7:13, 120:4) of the evil one (Eph 6:16)."
"Faith, in its widest sense, constitutes this shield—faith in God as our Father, in Christ as our Redeemer, in the Spirit as our Sanctifier and Strengthener—faith in all the promises, and especially such promises as we find in Rev. 2 and 3 "to him that overcometh" (comp. promise to Ephesus, Rev. 2:7)"
This scutum "four feet long and two feet" wide, was effective for entirely covering the soldier; or the Christian, in this illustration. Leather and Linen covered the shield of the Roman soldier to absorb fiery arrows shot at them by the enemy. Additionally, this protected the soldiers' complete body. Significantly, only God's holiness serves as an effective shield (Gen. 15:1; Ps. 18:31; Prov. 30:5; 1 Pet. 5:9; 1 John 5:4), man must have faith in God. Man's self-righteousness, holiness, or dependence on his own wisdom and strength result in insufficiency (Rom 8:14–16, 31–39). Francis Schaefer eloquently states, "In this war if Christians win a battle by using worldly means, they have really lost. On the other hand, when we seem to lose a battle while waiting on God, in reality we have won." Faith in God's holiness prevents the fiery darts of destruction from penetrating and destroying the believer.

Helmet of salvation

The "Helmet of Salvation" refers to winning "in the name of Jesus." The head-covering helmet represents salvation in the "Messianic Kingdom," future deliverance or present safety. This helmet enables the soldier to look over the aforementioned shield of faith into the enemy's face, while adding perceived height and imposing power to the soldier.

Sword of the Spirit

The Sword of the Spirit represents the only offensive weapon mentioned in this passage for the believer's arsenal for battle. This refers to appropriate words of scripture spoken in a precise situation and time. The Spirit provides the sword of the Word. However, the believer remains responsible for engaging the Spirit through prayer, study and relational associations, so that they may have the right words available in their quiver when needed. Christ illustrated the power of knowing the Word three times to refute the enemy while tempted for forty days in the wilderness (Mt 4:1-11).

Prayer

Paul concludes this passage emphasizing the necessity and power of prayer (Luke 18:1; Col 1:3; 4:2; 1 Thess 5:17), including remaining alert. The best, most powerful, response to the enemy's attacks exists in praying in the Spirit (Rom 8:26; Jude 20) on all occasions. Persistence (Acts 1:14) and thoroughness must be adopted in our prayers, both for ourselves and all the saints. Paul repeats "All" four times in this verse!
The believers were requested to boldly (2 Co 3:12) pray for Paul's effectiveness in making known the "mystery of the gospel," while avoiding contradiction. This request probably anticipates his forthcoming challenges and trials whereby he needed boldness. We too should humble ourselves and follow Paul's example of asking others to pray for us and our ministry, as well as praying for the ministry of others. Especially for those, who like Paul, are "ambassadors in chains."

Summary

Dr. Gene Getz effectively summarizes this passage, "To walk worthy of our great calling in Christ, we must rely on God's strength and protection." We, as evidenced by Paul's letter to the Ephesus believers, must remain fully suited in the armor of God for protection against the enemies attacks. These attacks, like all attacks, are unpredictable in timing, direction, method, strength and all other contributing factors except their source of origin.
Defeat will occur if we place any hope in our strength, wisdom or any other human faculty. Conversely, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit always prevail! We must rely completely, full faith, on their power, strength and wisdom. We do this by being in relationship with them through praying always for us and our fellow believers, studying and applying God's word, and standing firm before the enemy. We stand
firm with God as our protector, we do not attack the enemy, rather defend against his attacks by depending on God alone.
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ! 
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com

Bibliography

Boa, Kenneth, Sid Buzzell, Gene A. Getz, and Bill Perkins. Promise Keepers Men's Bible Study (NIV). Grand Rapids, Michigan: The Zondervan Corporation, 1997.

Demarest, Bruce. The Cross and Salvation. Edited by John S. Feinberg. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 1997.

Ferguson, Sinclaire B. The Holy Spirit. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996.

Getz, Gene A. Life Essentials Study Bible. Vol. 1. Nashville, Tennessee: Holman Bible Publishers, 2011.

Hoehner, Harold H. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 1983.

John Peter Lange, Philip Schaff, Karl Braune and M. B. Riddle. A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures. Bellingham, WA: Logos 5 Bible Software, 2008.

Meyer, Rick E. "Running on Faith." Running on Faith. October 22, 2011. http://rickemeyer.blogspot.com/2011/10/spiritual-abs.html (accessed 03 27, 2013).

Montague, George T. S.M. Holy Spirit: Growth of a Biblical Tradition. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, Inc., 1976.

Radmacher, Earl, Ronald B. Allen, and Wayne H. House. Nelson's New Illustrated Bible Commentary. 4th. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc., 1999.

Schaeffer, Francis A. The Complete Works of Francis Schaeffer: A Christian Worldview. Westchester, IL: Crossway Books, 1982.

Spence-Jones, H. D. M. The Pulpit Commentary: Ephesians. Edited by H. D. M. Spence-Jones. London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company, 1909.

Toussaint, Stanley D. "Acts and the Pauline Epistles." Class Notes. Dr. Stanley D. Toussaint, August thru December 2012.

Wiersbe, Warren W. The Bible Exposition Commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996.

 

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