Monday, December 28, 2015

Dee, Faith and Bone Cancer

I am learning a great deal about Running on Faith from watching my sister, Dee, battle bone cancer.
One of the thrills in athletics is pushing yourself beyond previously known limits and watching others do the same. This includes beyond what we previously believed as the line of physical and emotional exhaustion and resulting collapse.
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible." (Hebrews 11:1–3, NASB95)
Dee could not compete in sports due to challenges with her knees. Despite this she has and does remain a strong encourager to myself along with other atlhetes and teams she follows.
However, I am truly inspired in watching her battle cancer. She first successfully defeated breast cancer from February 2014 thru September 2014. Last July bone cancer chose to challenge her.
Last week she entered ICU for the second time in two weeks, this time for two or three days before transferring to PCU (Perferential Care). Her attitude remains upbeat while her faith remains founded on the solid rock of Christ's words (Matthew 7:24-27).
The hospital released her on Thursday afternoon. She and her smile joined us at my mom's on Christmas Day. She is running an amazing race.
I have not once heard Dee complain or ask, "Why me?"

Yes, she has faced previous hardships including losing a son and our dad 10 weeks apart in 2006. Her faith and hope remain in Christ.
She possesses an iron will to win this battle with bone cancer, her son Wyatt provides extra incentive.
These types of athletic performances often result in the athlete receiving headlines and their picture in the newspaper as well as sometimes their name in every major paper around the world. Not so with most cancer patients.
Dee your battle with cancer epitomizes Running on Faith, pushing yourself far beyond previously known limits. You inspire me, your friends, family and many whom you have never met.
Keep fighting! Continue trusting God through Christ, focusing on "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction not seen."
We love you, Dee !I

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve God's Will through Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
Running on Faith Ministry, Inc.
Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RunningonFaithMinistry/
www.rickEmeyer.com
214-998-9407

Saturday, October 17, 2015

What is the Foundation of Your Thoughts?

Do you face mental challenges with and when running?


Our thoughts greatly affect our running.


The source of our thoughts determines the quality, the "nutrient value", of our thoughts. A robust cherry tree in fertile soil with appropriate pH and adequate irrigation produces higher yielding and greater quality cherries than a feeble cherry tree in poor soil.


What is the foundation, the source--the soil--of your thoughts and actions?


“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. “And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. (Matthew 7:24–25, NASB95)


Are you seeking and internalizing God's word, the Bible, as the source of your sustaining thoughts to endure training and tough races?


God's word strengthens and encourages us through all of life's challenges, including running. Motivation apart from and contradicting the Bible washes away once the pain arrives.


“Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand." (Matthew 7:26, NASB95)


In 37+ years and 120,500++ miles of running, I have never found sustaining motivation apart from Christ, the word made flesh (John 1:1-2, 14).


Seek, Hear, Internalize and Act on God's word. This will Transform your Thoughts, your Life, your Relationships and your Running.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick


Rick E. Meyer
Running on Faith Ministry Inc

Sunday, October 11, 2015

Marathon and Winter Driving

Congrats to all of today's Marathoners!!


Running a marathon is similar to embarking on a 26.2 mile winter drive through open country. You begin with sunny skies and clear roads. "This drive is going to be a fun. The forecast calls for winter driving conditions, the weather forecasters are wrong again."


Then around mile 6, or maybe delayed until 15 miles, the skies become overcast, yet the roads remain clear. Light to moderate snow now falls thru 21 +/- miles. Sometimes an piece of isolated black ice will spin your car around, perhaps into the ditch.


Without warning... solid ice covers the entire road along with whiteout snow conditions the last few miles. You grip the steering wheel, focus with every ounce of remaining energy and pray that you survive.


Much can change and occur over 26.2 miles!!

 We're proud of the perseverance you each displayed on your journey, today. Keep the Faith and Keep Winning!!




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

Saturday, October 10, 2015

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Friday, October 9, 2015

Enduring Peace vs In-Grown Eyeballs

Despite running at least 40+ minutes slower than anticipated & desired in Sunday's Twin Cities Marathon, the inner-peace that began weeks before this marathon remains as powerful this Friday morning as it was last Friday morning.


God does not give us false peace, or false anything else. He is truth, therefore everything from Him is true and pure (James 3:17). Authentic peace--originating from God--always points towards God: the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.


God provides indescribable peace and joy through the Bible, prayer, gratitude, praise and other people.


I nearly extinguished this peace a few times this week with the great extinguisher of peace otherwise known as, "In-Grown Eyeballs."


Let's keep our eyes on Christ. For the cause of Christ, who may I serve now? Let's enjoy God's peace (Eph 6:15)!

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


Keep the Faith, Trust God!
Rick


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

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Post Marathon Reflections

Reflecting on Sunday's marathon:

 I am making no attempt to project these current thoughts on/toward all runners.


I love to run fast and place high as much as anyone. Yet, the purpose of the race resides in testing one's mind, body and soul in training and race day execution.
...
This includes doing one's best in traveling over the given course, on foot, as fast as possible on race day through the given weather, course conditions, physical challenges or mental battles one encounters during this time.

 Obviously prudence exempts extreme factors that remain undetailed in this comment.
Typically this approach yields an acceptable time and place relative to our preparation. Certainly not always.


Quitting, other than health issues, arises out of attempting to salvage our Pride and Ego which transform the Time and/or Place into Idols.

Pride and Ego oppose God, as do the Idols of Time and Place.


Racing, and everything in life, mandates seeking to obediently serve God along with praising Him and striving to glorify God through the process, in spite of ourselves.


Time and Place goals, like all goals, are good as long as we keep them subservient to God.


Running on Faith ==> Seek God, Do Your Best, Trust God!


Running on Faith in Christ!
Rick



Rick E. Meyer
Running on Faith Ministry, Inc.
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Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Run - Bible Word Study


RUN

 

Pushing yourself beyond previously known limits of your mind, body, soul with lactic acid causing each nerve ending in one’s quadriceps, calf muscles and forearms to feel as if lightning strikes every second along with a burning knife repeatedly stabbing each muscle; this represents one aspect of running.

 

One endures this torture while competing for the prize of the race, either in pursuit of the leader or holding off the pursuers. One minute of enduring this physical and emotional pain seems as if ten minutes have passed.

 

Three-time Olympian and eight-time world record holder Jim Ryun once said, “You don’t know whether to laugh from the fun or cry from the pain.”[1]

 

Other runs include engaging conversation with friends while striding through the rolling hills, watching the sunrise and the cattle wade into pond for a morning drink. Time and miles pass quickly into history.

 

Paul’s use of run (τρέχω, trechō, prim. verb)[2] in his first letter from Ephesus to the early Corinthian church who struggled with immorality, complacency and other challenges, surely follows the former example of run (1 Corinthians 9:24). The same holds true of his description of completing the race in his letter to Timothy from Rome while on house arrest (2 Timothy 4:7).[3]

 

What are other perspectives and definitions of “run” (τρέχετε)?  The root: τρεχω, LN: 15.230; verb, present, active, imperative, second person, plural meaning to run, appears twenty-three times in the New Testament.[4] The English word forms of the NASB95 Bible include: run, runs, running, ran, race, racing, rushing, and spread.[5] Other sources produce similar definitions of run.

 

For example, run is a Syntactic Force: Finite verb meaning to runs, running, ran /ran/; past participle run), that is to “move at a speed faster than a walk, never having both or all feet on the ground at the same time. Enter or be entered in a race. Move about in a hurried and hectic way.”[6]

 

Paul compares the eternal crown received from Christ with the fleeting pine wreath “crown” given to the winners of the biennial games held near Corinth (1Cor 3:13-14, 15:10; 2 Cor 1:14, 5:10; Phil 2:16; 1 Thes 2:19).[7]


“Greco-Roman athletic games were deeply religious in origin and expression. The ancient Olympic Games usually held every four years between 776 B.C. and A.D. 393, were dedicated to Zeus, and were finally curtailed because they were considered incompatible with Christianity. During the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes, the Hellenized high priest Jason promoted Greek athletic games so persuasively that he nearly brought priestly service in the Temple to a standstill as priests devoted themselves to these games (2 Macc 4:7–26).

Eccl 9:11, Php 2:16, Php 3:13–14, 2 Tim 2:5, Heb 12:1, 2 Macc 4:7–26),[8]

 


In his second letter to Timothy (Ti 4:7), Paul declares completion of his race. Finishing a race virtually always results in physical joy, as this represents rest for the body. However, the emotional and spiritual joy hinges upon the intelligence and effort with which one runs the race. Runners rarely claim running a perfect race, I claim two of these in over seven-hundred-fifty races during since 1978.

 

Even with errors, as every human experiences in life’s race (Rom 3:23), the runner acquires joy and contentment in reflection and knowledge of how one adjusted during the race, including giving one’s best effort in the given conditioning and environment.

 

Paul quickly confesses mistakes while living as Saul, yet as Paul he flat lays it on the line as illustrated in being left for dead after the Jews from Antioch and Iconium stoned him outside of Lystra (Acts 14:19-20). Because of Paul’s exception response to God’s calling, he finds contentment in Christ as he nears the finish line of earthly life.

 

In Galatians 2:2 Paul describes the possibility of running in vain, had the Jews continued insisting on including the law with the Gospel, especially circumcision. Paul went to Jerusalem in response to God’s command, a revelation[9], to unify the church’s mission.[10] Paul, as a servant of Christ, desired the leaders comprising the Jerusalem Council to endorse the Gospel message without circumcision.

 

The Judaizers strongly attempted to misguide the Galatians, including the need to continue the law and circumcision.[11] Paul’s understanding of the Gospel remained unwavering despite the result of his private meeting with the Council.[12]

 

However, had the Jerusalem Council ignored Paul’s urgent message, thus God’s urgent message, of preaching the gospel of grace absent the law, Paul’s running—his efforts—were in vain regarding influencing the Galatians.[13] Paul would have fully exerted himself, while failing to produce the desired fruit of the Galatians accepting the gospel of grace. This passage reminds us of our dependency of God in running with His word.

 

The author of Hebrews also uses “run” (τρέχω) in the twelfth chapter (Hebrews 12:1), following the great chapter of faith and God’s faith filled champions. Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:1–2).”

 

The author of Hebrews begins this commentary instructing the reader(s) to rid themselves of sin and all excessive weight.[14] Joe Boyle, owner of the Texas Running Center and a former Navy seal and developer of West Point’s fitness program, confirms other research I have seen in the past regarding excess weight’s effect on running: one extra pound adds two seconds per mile traveled.[15] This verifies the author’s urgency of shedding extra weight and burdens. Certainly, sin adds significant emotional and spiritual weight.

 

The Hebrews’ author continues saying to “run with endurance,” this indicates persistence, pushing oneself beyond previously known limits. Endurance includes continuing past one’s first and second wind, onto the eighth or tenth wind, continuing to the point near or actual collapse.

 

The body initially burns glycogen when running, endurance includes exhausting the glycogen supply and burning fat for fuel. This word and command remind us to press on well beyond our comfort zone of serving Christ, responding to His commands.

 

This command reminds us that effectiveness of running for Christ, includes burning up our easily available energy, instead of glycogen, we have excitement for the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

Similarly, we must train our mind, body and soul to endure by tapping into the energy source of fat. The soul’s equivalent of fat resides in internalized knowledge and relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The love based relationship provides the fuel for enduring beyond our first and second winds, into our eighth and tenth winds, well beyond our normal tolerance of pain.

 

Next, we are commanded to set our eyes on Christ, while considering His endurance on the Cross. When we consider the physical, emotional, spiritual pain endured by Christ on the Cross, our life’s discomfort becomes minuscule. Additionally, this correlates with Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 9:24 of running for the incorruptible prize.

 

A runner’s mental toughness, his/her ability to endure, largely depends on his desire for the prize. Our desire for Christ increases with our knowledge and understanding of Him, the Father and the Holy Spirit. As our desire increases, so does the intensity of our focusing our eyes on Christ. When a runner fixes their eyes on the highly desired prize, they see and hear nothing else.[16]

 

This author has blacked out during the last fourth of a championship cross country race, while continuing to pass people because of setting his eyes on serving Jesus Christ and seeking the promise set before him to glorify Christ, the Father and the Holy Spirit. My teammates did the same thing.

 

Two or three minutes before the start of the 1984 Kansas 6A State Championship cross country race, Dan Schneider—our number one runner—led our team’s final prayer, “Lord, help us run a race to glorify you, whether first place or last.”

 

Our team with six of the seven runners back from the previous year’s championship team set out to defend our title with our eyes fixed on Christ. The commentary writers attempt explanation with theoretical, academic explanations. This fails to convey the message of the power of a runner fixing their eyes on Christ, pushing oneself to the brink of death in response to the runner’s love of Christ.

 

A runner trains and races as intently as possible when he desires the prize as much as life itself. A frequent reminder of championship cross country teams include, “You gotta want it more than life itself.”

 

Surely, fixing our eyes on Christ, with a perpetually growing knowledge and understanding leads us to desire running for Him, serving Him more than life itself in the race set before us. This race set before us includes His will—His plan—for our life.[17]

 

“True obedience acts immediately,” Dr. Stanley Toussaint.

Running the race set before us, casting aside our burdens and unprofitable baggage while fixing our eyes on Christ and what He endured on the Cross, mandates true obedience.

 

Let us run the race set before us, let us run to greet the resurrected savior and our resulting relationship with the indwelling Holy Spirit. Let us seek the eternal, incorruptible prize of the high calling of Jesus Christ. Let our love for Him exceed our desire for physical life, as well as popularity and secular acceptance.

 
Let us push ourselves beyond previously known limits in spreading the Gospel, and the immediately commencing relationship with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Let us operate with hasty urgency. Let us RUN for Christ!




Running on Faith in Christ!
Rick



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Rick E. Meyer
Running on Faith Ministry, Inc.
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[1] (Jim Ryun 1984)
[2] (Thomas 1998)
[3] (Toussaint 2012)
[4] (Bible Software 5 n.d.)
[5] (Bible Software 5 n.d.)
[6] (Soanes 2004)
[7] (Lowery 1983, 525)
[8] (Myers n.d., "Foot Race")
[9] (Campbell 1983, 593)
[10] (Anders 1999, 20)
[11] (Toussaint 2012, Class Notes)
[12] (Campbell 1983, 593)
[13] (Anders 1999, 20)
[14] (Radmacher, Allen and House 1999, 1655)
[15] (Boyle 2013)
[16] (Boyle 2013) (Jim Ryun 1984)
[17] (Boyle 2013) (Bible Software 5 n.d.) (Jim Ryun 1984) (Lowery 1983) (Radmacher, Allen and House 1999) (Clownney 1995) (Coffman 1984) (Dowling 1995) (Ferguson 1996) (MacAurthur 1984) (Pringle n.d.)


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Monday, October 5, 2015

Twin Cities Marathon, USA Masters Marathon Championship

The first 6M felt like 2 miles. From there on, not the day I planned. My watch serendipitously lost satellite connection and stopped.

My left hip began cramping in the 7th mile. I nearly dropped out at 8M and numerous other times.

Other than near death or loss of limb, I don't believe in quitting. Exceptions may include such factors as if preparing for a greater race.

Three factors circled my mind to maintain this belief.

Amazing support from friends.

My sister, Dee Meyer Isaacson, battling bone cancer with no option of dropping out.

Running on Faith includes recognizing that God wants us to trust Him for His victory not how the world defines success.

Received many compliments from spectators along the course on the singlet.


Running on Faith in Christ!
Rick

Rick E. Meyer
Running on Faith Ministry, Inc.
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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Twin Cities Marathon - Trust God

I appreciate the concern regarding the advertised disruptive protests by a group, whom I will leave unnamed as to avoid promoting them, at the Twin Cities Marathon​ this Sunday.

My hope and trust (Proverbs 3:5) reside in the Lord Jesus Christ whose sovereignty and provision reigns overall all of existence for all of eternity.

My purpose of running this marathon, and everything else in life, is to serve and glorify God through His will (Matthew 7:21). God willing, I seek to run this marathon very fast.

Because my hope and purpose reside in Jesus Christ and not the world, I have complete peace and confidence about this race regardless of any threats or any other negative reports, etc.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12, NASB95)

Dad's last advice to me--Nov. 9, 2006--correlates with Prov. 3:5, "Always trust God. Remember that son. Trust God, always."
Always is Always!

Instead of worrying about protests, let's promote the peace, hope and salvation found only in Jesus Christ.

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Running on Faith in Christ!
Rick


Running thru the Bible Subscription


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Thursday, September 24, 2015

Racing Nutrition

Most agree on the significance of a runner's physical nutrition during training and immediately before a goal race.


However, physical nutrition without true spiritual nutrition still results in junk food for the soul.

For example, Olympians and other champions who lack internal peace and contentment; continuing to seek meaning or fulfillment thru changing their God chosen and designed body, engaging in prostitution, drugs, excess alcohol or other immorality.


Spiritual nutrition resides in internalizing the Bible along with prayer, gratitude, praise and fellowship with mature Christians.


How is your Spiritual nutrition program for your Fall marathon or other goal race?


How may I help YOU?


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick


Rick E. Meyer
214-998-9407
Running on Faith Ministry Inc.
http://www.rickemeyer.com/running-on-faith.htm

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Age, Mileage & Speed

Conventional Wisdom vs. Exceptional Coaching:

 Runners frequently hear that age and marathon training each reduce overall speed.


Top speeds of a 48 year old training for a marathon during today's strides: 15 to 20 MPH.
Running on Faith in Christ, it's all God!  (Colossians 3:17,23-24; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)


Trust God (Prov 3:5,6-7), listen and follow top coaches that He places in your path.

If you are not a runner, look for and listen to mentors, parents, peers, etc whom God places in your path instead of accepting conventional wisdom focusing on mediocrity and limitations.


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick


Rick E. Meyer
214-998-9407
Running on Faith Ministry Inc.
http://www.rickemeyer.com/running-on-faith.htm

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

How Do We/YOU Repsond to SM Negativity?

I enjoy social media for keeping up with friends and family. Most of these posts vary in methods of humor and inspiration.

 However, I also see posts regarding the real and/or alleged weaknesses of others, mostly celebrities or a viral spread of someone's mistake(s).


While I can't speak for others, too often I want to respond to the mistakes and negativity similar to the Pharisee instead of the Tax Collector.


“Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. “The Pharisee stood and was praying this to himself:
‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. ‘I fast twice a week; I pay tithes of all that I get.’"


“But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying,
‘God, be merciful to me, the sinner!’"


“I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:10–14, NASB95)


Negative posts, pictures, videos, links, etc remind me that others, like me, make mistakes missing the mark. I pray that I am much better at self-reflecting and responding, "God, be merciful to me, the sinner!"


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick


Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
Running on Faith Ministry Inc.     Support Running on Faith Ministry now



Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Indescribable Peace

  • Do you ever feel like you lack adequate time to complete each of your tasks and responsibilities?
  • Do you believe that you remain in control or feel anxiety or unsure about anything (everything)?
 
Whenever I experience this, often regularly, reading God's word in the Bible and spending time in prayer brings peace.


God's word and prayer (not excluding fellowship, praise, singing and worship) enables me--and you--to interact with God. This interaction includes reminding us of God's sovereignty and provision as well as convicting our sins and reminding us of His Grace (forgiveness of sins) thru the Lord Jesus Christ.


Indescribable and illogical Peace exceeding all human comprehension follows, the timing varies. Additionally, I am virtually always able to complete action items more efficiently.


Trust and seek God, always!


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick


Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
Running on Faith Ministry Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Distance, Speed and Age

After Sunday's fun 22-miler (https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/882511856/share/0?lang=en, I ran 20 x 400 this morning with variable speeds. Yes, they hurt!
Running on Faith, I reached 14 to 16.2 MPH on virtually every acceleration--2X per lap, matching my top speed of 30 years ago.


God has placed amazing coaches and fellow runners in my path over the years who believed that I had decent speed for a distance runner.


Average to Above Average Coaches say, "You can't coach speed."
The great coaches say, "Here's how we will increase your speed..."


Whom do you seek to hear?
1 Kings 3:9 “So give Your servant an understanding (Lit. a hearing) heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?”


Whether in your personal and professional life, or evaluating national and global politics and economics, seek and obediently respond to the Lord. This includes those He places in your path.


To have faith and know His 'voice', read His word (Romans 10:17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Pray regularly "with an attitude of thanksgiving" and for the opportunity of others to share the gospel (Colossians 4:2-3).


Keep Running on Faith!


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!


Rick E. Meyer
Running on Faith Ministry Inc.
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com

Monday, August 24, 2015

Fifty-Five Pounds Lighter

When I moved to Dallas four years ago, I nearly had to keep an eye on the weight limit of the bridges along the route. I am now about fifty-five pounds lighter and feeling much better. The loss is mostly, perhaps wholly, due to changing my mindset.


Isn't the power of our God designed and created mind amazing? Yes, each of us are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:13-15).


We each have our own challenges. For some it's too much or too little weight, for others it's one or... more various other challenge.


Let's keep our mind set on the things above (Colossians 3:1-2). God, for the cause of Christ, how may I serve you now?


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!


Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
Running on Faith Ministry



Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Do you use age an excuse or God as a reason?

Feeling Blessed:
Despite wounding my foot in the 2nd mile of a 19 mile run on Sunday (orig'ly supposed to run 22M) and waking-up with it a little sore each of the last two mornings; this morning's 400s are very comparable to my 400 workouts in 1996.


Normatec and CryoSauna at CryoUSA yesterday all enhanced the recovery of the foot, along with icing before going to bed.


Internalize God's word--the Bible, trust God in everything. This necessarily includes the people, opportunities, desires and challenges that He places in your life.


Whatever your calling, focus on God instead of your age or other external circumstances.
Remain Joyful, Prayerful and Grateful in everything as this is God's will (as opposed to an off-hand suggestion) for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thess 5:16-18).


Keep Running on Faith in Christ


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

Monday, August 17, 2015

Running Faster, Better Health

Success requires the synergistic synchronization of all the right pieces. 

For example, I once overhauled a four-barrel carburetor. Would you believe that leaving out a couple of tiny screws and springs greatly hindered the vehicles performance? I know...I initially believed that I was more efficient than the engineers...

Similarly, as an agronomist, I witnessed enhanced crop yields by increasing levels of individual micronutrients in the soil by only a few ppm (part per million).

Semmingly small deficiences can result in significant performance losses.

Intra-cellular glutathione serves as one of the success pieces in optimizing the performance of your body.

Increased intra-cellular glutathione plays a key component in quickening my average training pace over the past 26 days--measured by Garmin--17 sec/mile while running an additional 9% more miles compared to the previous 26 days.

(I occassionally take time away from supplements to provide a "check strip" for their effectiveness.)

This indicates an increased efficiency of my body's complete performance including enhanced overall health. How efficiently is your body performing?

Are you enhancing or hindering your health? Consider investigating the benefits of intra-cellular glutathione (along with the nutrients of other products). While seemingly small, intra-cellular glutathione provides a powerful punch!

Yes, Chuck and Gena Norris endorse the company and the products.

For athletes, it's critical to assure that any supplement is "Certified Drug Free" by the Banned Substance Control Group (BSCG).
As Ronald Reagan once stated, Trust, but verify.








It's also gluten free.

Let me know of your questions, etc..

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve Christ's will (Mt. 7:21, 1 Thess 5:16-18)!

Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve
www.rickEmeyer.com
www.Max.com/337072

Monday, August 3, 2015

Engage People

One of the meaningful events of traveling is meeting and engaging people. This includes listening to the promptings of when to remain silent or succinct.

I asked the shuttle bus driver from the airport a few questions and thoroughly enjoyed listening as he gleefully shared about his 8 kids and numerous grandchildren, then about his military service as he and his dad both served in the Army's 24th Infantry Division. He in Iraq, his dad in Korea. As we neared the hotel, he opened up about his Christian faith and his leading youth in Bible study. Imagine if I had failed to engage him, I would simply see him as a shuttle bus driver eating potato chips. He ate chips because he forgot to bring his left over baby-back-ribs that he grilled at home last night.

While waiting for the elevator at the hotel, a lady in her mid-30s approached pushing a luggage cart. Despite her attempts to appear positive, I sensed something deeper. As anyone would do, I asked a few simple questions inviting her to share without any obligation. She and her husband left Michigan for vacation, during the drive he didn't feel well. Eventually they airlifted him to the hospital three days ago. I asked for their first names and then prayed for them and will keep them on my prayer list.

I am thankful that God placed the opportunity and desire on my heart to engage these wonderful folks. Yes, I am traveling on business, yet as Christians we are on call 24/7 to serve God's people in whatever way He asks. Even if only to engage them for a few brief moments of our lives.

The best service projects are often moment to moment, one on one engagement! For the cause of Christ, who may You and I serve Now?

Rick E. Meyer
Running on Faith Ministry Inc.
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com
214-998-9407

Monday, July 27, 2015

Focus on Christ

What do you focus on amidst adversity? Do you remain salty?


Saturday morning's warm and humid 11+ miler was one of the better regular runs--absent a prescribed workout or preset agenda--in a long time. I ran relaxed, felt strong and had FUN--including singing "Lift High the Cross" during the 8th mile @ 6:07. Yes, I feel sorry for those @ White Rock Lake in Dallas, TX that heard my out of tune voice...lol.


Tuesday evening in Kearney, Nebraska, my sister received a bone cancer diagnosis that reminds me to appreciate every moment of health and to fully apply our God given talents. It's easy to take life and health for granted when healthy.


Additionally, adversity forces us to choose between hiding our candle under a bushel by dwelling on the doom and gloom of bad news or to let our light shine before men (Mt 5:13, 14-15, 16), glorifying God by focusing on the Lord Jesus Christ and the life, hope and peace found in Christ alone from the Father by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, once again warm and humid weather greeted us Dallas runners Saturday morning, yet I focused on the joy in Christ and the gifts of life, family, friends, health and running.


First Baptist Dallas Easter Run, March 28, 2015
Focus on Christ in Fellowship with other Runners, including Christ working through other Runners to comfort you during adverse times.

November 1995
Focus on Christ in Running, Business, Community, School, Church and all else
"Whatever you do, do your work heartily as for the Lord rather than for men." Colossians 3:18


See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!


Rick E. Meyer

Boston Marathon 2015
Focus on Christ when competing across America and with those from around the world.
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Friday, July 24, 2015

Runner's Bible Study: Run to Win


Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. (1 Corinthians 9:24, NASB95)

I distinctly recall the first time that I heard 1 Corinthians 9:24 as a stand-alone passage for runners. We gathered in a teammate’s home to devour spaghetti the night before a cross country meet near the end of the season; crunch-timethe state meet—quickly approached.

While I initially grasped the direct message of the verse, I automatically assumed that this passage verified the innate desire for our team to win.


Let’s begin with an overview of the Corinth and the book of 1 Corinthians.

Introduction


(written for an assignment for Dr. Stan Tousaint)


Corinth—a city of Achaia—located between the Aegean and the Adriatic Seas with proficient commercial imports and exports, enjoyed significant economic benefits. Corinth served as the hub for all north and south tertiary travel, including the pathway to Athens.[1] Early history indicates Corinth’s industry comprised of ship manufacturing, “pottery, bronze metal work, and decorative handicraft.”[2] Romans destroyed Corinth in 146 B.C., plundering the city’s amazing art. In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar sent discharged military veterans to Corinth in an effort to rebuild the city.

Eventually the city’s population and attractiveness exceeded the original. Unfortunately, idolatry, “luxury, pride, vanity, effeminacy, greed”[3] and immorality also thrived. A plethora of shrines and temples included Apollo and Poseidon, the goddess of love—Temple of Aphrodite—which provided a home for approximately one-thousand religious prostitutes.[4]

This temple stood on a 2,000-foot elevated granite mound, otherwise known as Acrocorinth which served as the acropolis—literally high city—for defense. 1 Sufficiency of space enabled this as the refuge for Corinth’s citizens, and the surrounding rural population in the event of an enemy attack. Secular principles infiltrated the Corinthian church, directing the members’ thoughts, decisions and resulting actions. Paul lived and preached for eighteen months in Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:11).

The Lord used a night vision during this visit in AD 51 to instruct Paul to preach with assurance of safety (Acts 18:10). During Paul’s initial visit to Corinth he met fellow tent makers and believers, Aquila and Priscilla. A Pauline authorship date of 54 or 55 AD from Ephesus, during his third missionary journey, proves congruent with most scholars.

Purpose


(Written for an assignment for Dr. Stan Tousaint)


Paul writes with applied directives of corrective Biblical principles for the local Corinthian church. The aforementioned secularism infiltrated the church. Chloe’s household (1 Cor. 1:11-12) and Apollos who returned to Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:12),[5] each sent Paul letters expressing concern of this secularism causing division in the church. Other letters may have existed.

Human generated wisdom began replacing wisdom from the Spirit of God, with causative effects of intra-church lawsuits, division, immorality, idolatry, denial of the Resurrection and secularizing communion. Additionally, three men from Corinth came to Paul, apparently presenting him with a letter of inquisitions (1 Cor. 7:1; 16:7). Paul clearly articulates the significance of sanctification and unity.

Questions and Discussion



  1. What does “run the race” refer to in regards to both individual Christians and the local Church in Corinth?
    1. Does the preceding verse, 1 Co 9:23, affect the interpretation and application of 1 Co 9:24?
    2. Does this principle of “run the race” apply to our lives in 2015 and beyond?
      1. If so, how and why?
        1. Professionally
        2. Personally
  2. Why does Paul use the analogy of running a race?
    1. How does the definition and action of Run compare to Walk?
  3. How do we discipline our body in running?
  4. How does this affect our daily decisions?
  5. What, if any, sacrifices do we make to run to win (run our best) a race?
  6. How do or should we discipline our body in regards to running and becoming a partaker of the gospel?
  7. How does this affect our day to day choices?
  8. What similarities do we find in our response to #4 with choices regarding our running for the sake of the gospel?
  9. How does our conduct and interactions at races affect how others perceive Christ?
    1.  What steps may we take to increase our striving to live for the sake of the gospel?
  10. Whether running a race or living our daily life, should we using “winning” or “losing” right as stand-alone standards to measure our value?
  11. Reflect back over the past week, month or year and share or write out how you chose the incorruptible prize over the corruptible and vice versa.
  12. Reflect again on how God used one of your perceived failures to serve and glorify Him and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Rights of an Apostle 9:1-27


(Written for an assignment for Dr. Stan Tousaint)


Paul illustrates applying the principle of love preceding knowledge within Christian liberty. The first issue focuses on his financial support from those whom he shares the gospel, including as a spiritual mentor.
He lays out six reasons for paying him:
  1. His apostleship
  2. Common for workers to receive pay
  3. God’s law allows monetary pay
  4. Other leaders receive payments for their services
  5. A widespread practice
  6. Jesus approves it.[6]
Expecting affirmative responses, Paul rhetorically addresses his freedom, apostleship, seeing Christ, and preaching the gospel in Corinth during his second missionary journey which generated the believers whom he now writes. He continues by giving examples and asking questions to further his point of each of the six reasons. The Corinthian church had questioned its responsibilities of supporting Paul’s ministry. Paul illustrates his sacrifices, such as avoiding food and drink, to prevent offending others when necessary. He also instructs this in chapter eight, as well as avoiding offending Jews in various situations, and he did this to reach non-believers.
In 1 Corinthians 9:24, he asks about a runner who races to win—Paul sought to win the incorruptible award in Jesus Christ. This running illustration carries power, as a runner’s training causes every fiber in their body to ache during their workouts, and throughout the day. Runners who train to win, sacrifice social and professional opportunities, and are often sick to their stomach several hours after training runs. A winning runner’s training consumes and affects every aspect of their life. A winning runner increases flexibility, and adjusts to every imaginable physical and emotional scenario.
Paul uses this extreme comparison of a runner training to win a corruptible prize to the spiritual training and life consumption necessary when seeking and preaching the incorruptible prize of Christ. The champion pastors and evangelists--including those serving in the market place--must also adapt to every imaginable scenario, increasing their flexibility in communications, and relationships. Paul concludes describing how a primary key to winning resides in controlling your body, instead of your body’s desire of controlling you, the Corinthian Christians.


Additional Notes:
1) Men gave and received a pine wreath that represented the crown for winning a race in Corinth's stadium during the biennial games. Paul illustrates that this pine wreath is a temporary, corruptible crown.


2) Conversely, Christ presents incorruptible, eternal crowns (3:13–14; 2 Cor. 5:10). "Paul’s crown would be the consummation of the reward (1 Cor. 9:18) he partially enjoyed, the opportunity to glory before Christ in those he had been able to win (2 Cor. 1:14; Phil. 2:16; 1 Thes. 2:19)." Bible Knowledge Commentary

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http://www.rickemeyer.com/running-on-faith.htm
Award Winning Speaker, Certified Trainer and Dallas Theological Seminary graduate, Rick E. Meyer illustrates Biblical truth and love as the foundation of enduring success in business, academics, athletics and all relationships. During his uplifting presentations, Rick connects these truths to creating success in our daily lives, sending listeners away with the ability to imagine greatness while encouraging them to trust God in Christ.


[1] (MacAurthur 1984, vii, viii)
[2] (Coffman 1984, 03)
[3] (Pringle n.d., 38)
[4] (Boa, et al. 1997, 1252)
[5] (D. S. Toussaint 2012, Class Notes)
[6] (MacAurthur 1984, 200)