Mentor Wisdom: Dream

"God, show me the Dreams you have for me." ~ Charles M. Gibbs

 

As an eight year old, God provided five Dreams for me as I stood by the old windmill tower between our two story white farm home and the red barn virtually straight west. I failed to recognize these dreams as God-given at the time of their reception. However, the evidence only strengthens, illuminates and deepens with time and a perpetually increasing relationship with God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

 

Four of the five dreams have materialized, while the fifth nears achievement. These five core dreams serve as the hub and ignition of additional sub-dreams and peripheral dreams. God's dreams create an internal fire of desire, causing you to do whatever is necessary to attain the dream. God's dreams ALWAYS correlate with scripture, and benefit others as well as you.

 

His dreams for you fail to indicate in any way indicate that life becomes easy.

 

Rather pursuing God's dreams for our lives, seeking His will for our lives, thus obeying Him to the best of our ability enables us to live with internal peace despite the outward circumstances. Moreover, pursuing His dreams for your life opens opportunities and resources previous unseen or unavailable to you. People and opportunity suddenly appear or appear in new perspectives.

 

As I pursue the fifth dream revealed to me as an eight year old on our Kansas farm, the Holy Spirit provides the necessary wisdom, knowledge and understanding along with then necessary mental and physical energy. Pursuing God's dream in your life will energize you beyond belief, increasing the spring in your step, spark in your voice, and twinkle in your eye—yes, a literal increase of these attributes, which attract others to us for God's glory.

 

God revealed a sub-dream to me approximately ten years ago, perhaps twenty years ago, however I doubted my ability to acquire this dream. In the past two days, two Christian men have independently assured my need to focus on this dream / vision that continues surfacing despite defying human / secular logic. All things are possible with Christ, when in obedience to Christ because this operates in cooperation with God's will for your life (Mark 10:27; Luke 18:27).

 

Right now, ask God to show you the dreams and visions He has for you. Record them in writing and vocally to the best of your ability, keep a recording advice available always—including by your bed to write as He reveals greater clarity. Record how these dreams benefit others. How will this dream enhance you serving others for God? Pursue these God given dreams with every ounce of energy you possess to the glory of God. Regardless of your current level of attractiveness, you will increase your attractiveness because of the Holy Spirit's radiance shining in and from you to the world—to each person with whom you interact.

 

"God, show me the Dreams you have for me." ~ Charles M. Gibbs

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

 

God, like good Parents, ….YOU!

Growing-up on the farm along the banks of the North Fork of the Solomon River near Gaylord, Kansas, my parents were interested in every aspect of my life and my sister's life. They delighted in hearing our joys, and equally desired us sharing our hurts. The interest remained consistent regardless of topics.


They rejoiced with me over the first sparrow, pheasant and deer that I shot while hunting. They celebrated the first fish that I caught—a bull head—the sports championships and the wonderful friends gained along the way. Mom was concerned about every sliver and cut that I received while working, exploring or playing outside. She noticed cuts that I remained completely oblivious to their existence. The removal of stickers often hurt, yet remained necessary.


As an early teenage cleaning out the hog barn with a shovel one July day in which the temperature exceeded one-hundred degrees, Mom brought a big glass full of chocolate malt to me. I was exceedingly joyful! Other times I was excited when Dad stopped to help me on a project with the hogs or my traps along the river. Seemingly, everyone I knew while growing-up had parents who possessed intimate interest in their every thought and activity.


My parents and other parents were hurt if their child withheld something from them. Often times as children, we try to justify withholding things from our parents.


As great and wonderful of parents that I and my friends and relatives possessed, God—the Heavenly Father—contains infinitely greater wisdom, love and concern for His children.


God, like good parents, wants complete involvement and sharing of every aspect of your life. He deliver gifts even more refreshing than huge chocolate malts during a scorching hot July day. Fully submit to God's love, mercy, grace, sovereignty and provision.


Would you question a parent who only cared about portions of their child's life? God's love, care, and concern far exceed the best parents in the history of the world. Share everything with Him. Trust Him completely. Thank Him for the malts along the way, as well as tending to your scrapes, scratches and stickers. He—like a loving mother—sees those which we remain oblivious to their existence.


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

Dirty Laundry and Emptiness

Wow! Dirty Laundry seemingly filled this property; perhaps you could check in but never check out. Should I take it easy while pondering if I saw a Dead Head sticker on a Cadillac? No, I did not look back as those days are probably gone forever.


This past week I accepted an invitation from friends to watch scenes from an episode of Dallas filmed in their home.


My friends told of their neighbor building and rebuilding a mansion in Dallas for the last twenty-five to thirty years. The former Eagles and music solo star Don Henley evidently lacks contentment with his home, unable to attain the perfection he seeks.


As I shake my head in disbelief in hearing of discontentment of his built homes, torn down homes and rebuilt homes, I ponder what areas in my life do I seek impossible perfection? Do you and I tear down and continually attempt to rebuild our self-image, self-worth, self-acceptance, or appearance? Do we have mansions in these areas, envied by the world, yet view our self attributes, God given gifts and talents as imperfect rubbish?


In reality, all the earth contains corruption because of sin entering into the world through Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:15-16). Anything, tangible or intangible, we build on our own for our own purposes will continually fail to provide internal contentment.


How do you and I find contentment? How do you and I enjoy our various mansions? Submit your life, your dreams, desires and achievements to God in Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. Understand that only what we truly submit to Christ will bring complete internal contentment in our lives. Only in Christ will we enjoy our life's mansions. Without Christ, and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit which he sends to all who believe in Him for eternal life, your life and my life will remain empty regardless of how valuable our blessings appear to the world.


There are no magic words to receive this contentment. Rather fully acknowledging in your heart and mind that Jesus Christ died, rose from the dead to cancel your sins—each of your mistakes—so that you may have eternal life. Eternal life begins with believing in Jesus on earth, including a relationship with God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The true, all knowing, all powerful God of Creation. Admit to God that His wisdom exceeds your wisdom, and any person's wisdom. Ask Him to reveal how He continually acts in your life. His actions do not make life easy, rather provide internal peace in all circumstances.


Confess and seek to understand that He is in control of the universe. Resist the temptation of questioning His motives or doubt His wisdom in permitting bad things to occur. Rather seek His wisdom to learn any lesson that He desires you to learn individually and corporately as organizations, communities, and nation. Thank the Lord, praise his name above all names continually. Engage in constant, audible and non-audible, conversation with Him.


When you and I only care what the Lord God, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit think of us we will freely and openly love others. Loving others exists in desiring Christ's best for them. Additionally, you and I will recognize the beauty in everything, finding contentment in all that God blesses us with.


Go ahead, hand all of your dirty laundry to Christ through his death and resurrection on the cross for your sins and all who believe. When you check-in as a believer and engage in a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ you will never want to check-out. Your internal peace will forever take it easy, as your heart, mind and soul joyfully strive with diligent, persistent effort in serving God. Once you see and recognize the significance of the Cross, you will have no desire to look back because the days of emptiness and discontentment are truly gone forever.


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








 

Prayer Considerations

Consider the persistence of someone asking for an item, opportunity or a favor. Whether the person is a toddler or retired business person, the clarity, diligence details and persistence with which we ask depends on our belief in the power, ability, love, and influence of the person we ask to deliver. Love seeks the best for all involved, consequently the absence of results may result from negative effects to ourselves or others which we either overlook or remain unaware of their occurring as a result of our request.

 

Your prayer life and my prayer life depends on our belief—as opposed to head knowledge—of God's power, ability, love and influence. God's love seeks the best according to God's wisdom, which equates to the best for us regardless of our agreement—lest you and I believe our wisdom exceeds God's wisdom.

 

Every conversation I have with Phil Krug from Salina, Kansas regarding our fraternity, he also reminds me to keep praying. Phil tells of starting out living in a 12' x 60' foot trailer house, followed by building a forty-three state insurance agency. He contributes his success to prayer, faith and work. Phil consistently recognizes God's hand in his business, and the necessity of prayer. Does Phil believe in the prosperity gospel, a belief that God provides everything we ask if only we are good enough or give enough money? NO!!!

 

Phil recognizes God's answer to prayer sometimes contrasts our human desires, God's wisdom far exceeds man. Yet, because of his relationship and the eternal salvation through the belief in Jesus' death and resurrection, Phil knows that his wife whom died from cancer several years ago is now with God the Father, Son—the Lord Jesus Christ in heaven. Despite this loss Phil continues praying for everything because of his faith and belief in the triune God.

 

As you pray and ponder your spiritual life, consider my fraternity's—Beta Sigma Psi—statement: "A life rooted with Christ in God is the only true goal of human existence."

 

During the fraternity's award banquet during its national convention in St. Louis—January 2013—alumnus and keynote speaker Jim Folkerts who retired as Vice President of Coca-Cola shared, "faith without deeds is dead" (James 2:17, 26) adding "Prayer is a deed."

 

Succinctly stated: Your prayer life and my prayer life directly reflect our belief in and our relationship with God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

 

What do you believe?

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

 

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

 

Running Goals

Runners frequently identify our key races, times and finishing places in these races. Additionally, we seek weekly, monthly and annual mileage goals. Whether the former influence the latter, or the latter influence the former depends upon our most limiting factor.

 

If our greatest limiting factor rests in fitness, then the mileage and training influence our times and positioning. If our desire to seek and utilize time in our schedule for training, or the necessary health to achieve the training lacks, then the mileage becomes the greatest limiting factor. Perhaps inclement weather appears to limit mileage. Hall of Fame Coach Lyle Claussen frequently states, There is no such thing a tough weather, only weak people. Physical fitness mandates mental toughness.

 

A frequently omitted goal component resides in our average pace for our weekly, monthly or annual mileage. In the words of Lyle Claussen, If you want to run fast, you have to run fast. I believe Don Kardong is the one who once wrote that all mileage is not equal. Whether running fifty-miles per week or one-hundred miles per week, we must examine the internal components of our mileage.

 

For example, I ran only 70 miles per week while training for my first marathon with a disappointing time of two hours and thirty minutes (2:30). I trained with one of America's top collegiate cross country teams, University Nebraska at Kearney. Years later, I trained for another marathon running 70-100 miles per week with a much slower average pace of 6:30 per mile.

 

I attained my highest fitness level in between these marathons, running 80-135 miles per week with an average pace, door-step to door-step, of 5:55 per mile. This included regular long runs, frequent intervals and up-tempo mid-week runs.

 

As you probably suspect, as the mileage increases and the pace quickens, my prayer to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit during training intensifies. For years, I have declared that adequate goals mandate intense prayer. Any goal seeming achievable without prayer remains too low.

 

Friends, consider these factors when evaluating your goals throughout 2013:

• Mileage
  
  • Daily
    
  • Weekly
    
  • Monthly
    
  • Quarterly
    
  • Annually
    
• Pace
  
• Long Run
  
• Fastest Training Pace
  
  • Distance at that pace
    
• Slowest Training Pace—We benefit from recovery runs
  
  • Distance at that pace
    
• Body Weight
  
  • Rule of Thumb lose only 2 ½ pounds per week
    
  • Body Fat
    
• Recovery time
  
  • Pace
    
  • Mileage
    
  • Sleep
    
  • Social
    
• Diet
  
• Spiritual Life
  
  • Worship
    
  • Bible reading
    
  • Prayer
    
    • Specific Prayer time
      
    • Conversational Prayer during training and day to day activities
      
  • Fellowship
    
  • Devotional
    

    
     

Seek the Lord in setting and achieving each goal, regardless of size or apparent significance. This includes the above Spiritual Life actions, as well as discerning the Holy Spirit's voice in your life and consulting with a spiritually mature mentor. Godly goals please God, and glorify God. Consequently, the questions to consider in discerning your goals include:

• Does this achieve goal please God, if so how?
  
• Does achieving this goal glorify God, if so how?
  

The answer to these two considerations should correlate with one another.

 

In other words, do your mileage, pace, and race goals please and glorify God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit? Invest considerable pondering—to the best of your ability—in defining how achieving your running goals provide an affirmative response.

 

Do you need to gain, or sharpen, personality or communication skills to optimize serving God in achieving these goals? Does your entire life reflect the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in your life? If not, are you fully submitting your life to Christ? Do you and I please and glorify Christ more when we fully submit to Him or our selfish desires? Who possesses greater wisdom and power, you and I or the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit?

 

As seniors at Manhattan High in Kansas, we sought to become the first team in years to repeat as the best cross country team in Kansas. Dan Schneider led our fifth and final prayer three minutes before starting gun of the championship race, "Lord, help us run a race to glorify you, whether first place or last place (12^th)." Our team never considered anything less than second as a possibility. However, Dan's prayer submitted our results to the Lord. He also reminded our team of our ultimate purpose. We did win, and The Harrier later alphabetized us among the best high school cross country teams in America.

 

Because of God's love for you—beyond human comprehension—He strongly desires involvement in every aspect of your life, including your running. In 2013, either begin to trust or increase your trust in God. Trusting Him beyond human understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

 

Running on Faith
Power of Light

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer

The Leader Servant

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

 

 

Every day is Good

Always be positive. Every day is good, some are better. ~ Allen Schroeder

Last week I heard of my friend's death. For proper perspective on his frequently declared above statement, Allen's father died when Allen was in early grade school. He served in WWII and later achieved significant business success.

In my last visit with him and his wife Mary Ann in July 2011, I stopped by their home unannounced in route to the airport, Allen told of having a heart attack. The Doctor in Omaha approached his bed, "You're a Christian, aren't you."

"Yes, how did you know?"

"By your internal peace, Christians are always more peaceful when facing death."

 

Naturally, I remain grateful for he—at age 79—and Mary Ann driving 175 miles to my dad's funeral in December 2006.

As we journey through 2013, remember Allen's advice: Always be positive. Every day is good, some are better.

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

 

Book Review: His Own Image

In His Own Image: We Are Wonderfully MadeBy Art Mathias M.D.

Book Review

Foreword

The light initiating germination of my pondering the power of the mind combined with the Holy Spirit flashed on my six-year-old imagination while irrigating on the farm with my dad. Dad and my neighbor Richard straddled the property line demarcating their cornfields outside of Gaylord, Kansas in July. They discussed crops, weather, and irrigation water supply. Wearing green Sears Toughskin jeans, a tank top with blue horizontal stripes, a baseball cap pulled down over my eyes, and cowboy boots, I threw clods and chased frogs.
Suddenly their conversation captured my attention—ultimately changing my life. Richard began sharing his experiences as a United States Marine serving in World War Two. He described a battle with the Japanese that left him as the only survivor among his group of U.S. troops—I do not recall the number of men in the group. Japanese soldiers walked amongst the U.S. Marine causalities verifying their death by penetrating their heart with bayonets.
One Japanese soldier approached Richard, kicking him in the ribs and poking him with a bayonet. Richard played dead! He avoided moving, breathing or screaming—he played dead. Just as the Japanese man prepared to pierce Richard's heart, the enemy commander called for his soldier to leave Richard and move forward.
This story, along with several others Richard told that day, permeated my mind, permanently prompting my curiosity. What forces enabled Richard to remain motionless, breathless, and speechless under these circumstances? What caused the Japanese commander to halt his soldier immediately before the bayonet pierced Richard's heart? What prevented the Japanese soldier from quickly completing the motion of piercing before proceeding with his company? Do these forces and causes affect the lives—functionality, performance, and health—of typical, non-combat, individuals?

Introduction

A plethora of scholars amidst the inclusive array of athletes, biologists, business men and women, metaphysics, motivational speakers and authors, neuroscientists, physicians, theologians, as well as other perpetually inquisitive people ponder and study the mind—spirit—body relationship. Does interdependence exist among the body-mind-spirit? If so, how do the interdependencies reveal themselves, and do they yield synergy or antagonism? Who or what controls inputs and resulting yields?
Should we believe the Holy Spirit guided prophets and apostles who discussed spiritual influence and our resulting words on our mind and body (James 3:5-6)? Does Christ's torturing, death and resurrection affect our health (Is. 53:4-5; Mt. 27:26; Mk. 16:17-18; Jn. 10:10; 1 Peter 2:24)? Does the mind truly enable physical manifestation of any and everything one believes? Does the Christian view accept views of Faith and Autosuggestion as discussed by Napoleon Hill? Hippocrates (500 BC) accepted the correlation of behavior, attitudes, thoughts, emotions and disease. Galen (AD 131-201) concurred while adding passions.


Dr. Art Mathias, Wellsprings Ministries of Alaska, thoroughly investigates the inquisitions
body-soul-spirit interdependencies through scripture and human physiology, supplying detailed insights. Dr. Mathias examines vocabulary definitions, thus correlating scriptural words with one's health.
For example, scripture uses 'Salvation, soteria and the verb form sozo, are used over one-hundred-fifty times to mean "to save, cure, heal, preserve, keep safe and sound, rescue from danger, or destruction, deliver, to save from peril, injury or suffering, to make whole from physical death by healing, and from spiritual death by forgiving sin and its effects (Mt. 21-22; Mk. 6:56; Acts 4:9; James 5:15-16).' Rapha means 'to cure, heal, repair, mend and restore health' (Gen. 20:17)"



Doctor originates from Rophe, "the one who heals (Ex. 15:26) diseases and sins (Ps. 103:1-3; and broken hearts" (Lk. 4:18-20; Ps. 147:3). While healing of the body, and promoting a sound mind and character comes from Marpe (Prov. 4:22; 16:24). Hugiaina signifies a properly functioning body, and the English word, health.

In His Own Image: We Are Wonderfully Made

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI)

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) studies the interactions between "behaviors—stress, thoughts, attitudes, and emotions—brain (central nervous system), the endocrine system—hormones—and the immune system." Adrienne Buffaloe, MD states, "Rarely does a physician investigate the spiritual and emotional contributions to an illness, so two-thirds of the cause of the illness remains unexplored." PNI asks how and why anxiety modifies the endocrine and immune systems, delving into the bi-directional relations. Mathias suggests our response to stressors or experiences determines our body's physiological response. Negative emotions do suppress the immune system while positive emotions of laughter, peace and healthy family relationships enhance the immune system.
Fear serves as a powerful emotion that conditions our responses resulting in an alarm reaction, thus conditioning our immune system. "2 Timothy 1:7 calls this type of fear, an evil spirit." The book insightfully illustrates the effect of the alarm reaction as well as triggering events such as "unforgiveness, anger, guilt, regret and loneliness" to name a few. The evidence of their negative effects on our health amplifies the physical significance of forgiveness and trusting God (Prov. 3:3-5).
I agree with Mathias' assertions that God designed plasticity in our immune system, allowing it to be "educated, trained and specialized." We develop our specific immunity, as opposed to receiving an innate immunity. Growing-up and working on the farm amidst old dust, livestock and playing in the soil with microbes and pathogens along with much joy, laughter and healthy family relationships eventually enhanced my immune system.


Having accumulated a meager ten days of sickness since 1990, I believe these intentional interrelations exist. During this ongoing twenty-two year stretch beginning in 1990, the flu or other incapacitating illness struck for a few days each in December 1990, December 1998—I felt as if I were floating above the bed where I lie—February 2003, and February 11-13, 2007. Each of these occurrences resulted from my ignoring the warning signs of exhaustion.
Effectively, I muted the voice of the Holy Spirit. Yet, I experienced immense stress throughout these periods, ranging from working full-time while running fifty to 135 weekly miles between 1990 and the end of 1996. I avoided injuries between May 1994 through November 1996 while running 70–135 miles per week at an average door-step—to—door-step pace of 5:55 per mile. I constantly prayed, studied scripture, listened to motivational tapes, and read motivational scriptural based books with my favorite, What You Say Is What You Get. Which present similar concepts to the book in this review, In His Own Image, while lacking the scientific dialogue. Allergies to parathion caused my resignation as a Consulting Agronomist in 1994. Twice I moved to new communities.


Between September 2005 and August 2008, I endured a shocking personal event, along with the death of a grandmother, aunt, uncle, nephew and Dad. I then reentered the agricultural sector as an agronomy salesman. On August 14, 2009, my boss asked for my resignation because I am too honest. Previously, others in the company warned against choosing truth and biblical principles over profit. "Rick, if you continue choosing to follow principles of the Bible on the job, you will fail in this profession." Two of these gentlemen served on local church councils.


Despite these stressors, I remain healthy. Consequently, I believe this book's thesis of our thoughts, attitudes and responses may affect our health. While certainly falling short of adequacy, I read the Bible regularly. This includes cover-to-cover about twenty-five times between May 2006 and August 2008, in addition to devotional readings. Yes, I have studied the content of this book where the rubber meets the road over decades and from numerous perspectives.
When on the verge of physical and emotional collapse, only scripturally true inspiration activates the proper neurotransmitters and neuropeptides to keep my mind and body healthy. Yes, I agree with Mathias' assertion regarding the effect of communication between the nervous system and neuroendocrine system, or between the brain and endocrine systems on the immune system. Why do some of us respond in a manner yielding good health, while others fail to respond similarly? I continue standing by my earlier argument of God's sovereignty aimed to glorify Him.
Yet, how much choice do we have? We could probably read and write volumes of books on this question alone. God intertwines people and opportunity in our lives, quite possibly to spark neuropeptides resulting in a hormone or endorphin to encourage us to say, Yes leading to another open door, leading to another neuron interaction.


Biochemical transmissions and interactions including the exchange and passage of hormones fire hundreds, sometimes thousands, of times per second. No wonder we get tired. Endocrine glands produce hormones, effecting growth, development and metabolism. Hormones, or "Messenger Molecules," originate specifically from our hypothalamus, pituitary, adrenals, gonads, thyroid, parathyroid and pancreas.


The body mirrors the mind. Each neuropeptide in the mind exists on the surface of the human monocyte. Human monocytes have receptors for opiates, and other peptides such as PCP—angel dust. Monocytes represent one type of white blood cell. Immune cells create, store, and secrete peptides themselves, especially endorphins, making the same cells that we conceive of as controlling mood in the brain. Therefore, immune cells control tissue integrity of the body, and manufacture information chemicals that regulate mood or emotion, resulting in the bidirectional communication between brain and body. Dr. Mathias explains the physiological effects of sin, especially on the immune and nervous system. The sin of negativity carries profound impact on attainment and recovery of injuries and illness.


Conversely, cheerfulness enhances the immune system (Prov. 15:30, 17:22). The Bible defines joy a component in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22), and explains our remaining joyful in our every circumstance pleases God (James 1:2-4; 1 Thess. 5:16-18). Additionally, cheerful words also enhance our immune system formed in our bone marrow (Prov. 16:24). Therefore, one may correctly conclude that joy prevents unnecessary illness.
Joy produces good neuropeptides, these occupy opiate receptors which prevents the attachment of cancer cell neuropeptide receptors. I prefer filling my opiate receptors with neuropeptides of joy, than those of angel dust. This displays the body's need for joy, yet depraved humanity seeks destructive neuropeptides generated in and from sin. The Bible uses Job's multitude of physical tortures (Job 2-38) and Lazarus' illness and death (John 11:4) to illustrate that God may allow the failing of our physical health to glorify Him, and heal the souls of unbelievers.
Consequently, prudence mandates we cautiously address the Prosperity of Health Gospel, lest we practice the judgment errs of Job's friends. Regardless of the volume of thoughts we originate or our allocation of positive or negative emotions, our physical bodies will die because of the Fall of Man in the Garden (Gen. 3:1-19; Rom. 3:23).
Brain and Nervous System
Dr. Mathias provides a brief overview of the brain along with the major functions of each component. Evidently, I experienced miss-firings in my brain while typing these last two sentences as evidenced by numerous errors. The brain's "lower structures" involves "circuits of the brainstem deep within the skull that mediate the basic elements of energy flow, such as states of arousal and alertness and the physiological state of the body (temperature, respiration, heart rate)."
While the thalamus resides on the brain stem's upper side, overseeing as gateway for inbound sensory information along with extensive connections to other portions of the brain, this includes the neocortex. The neocortex mediations encompass perception, thinking and reasoning. The limbic system's central location, whose components include orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate, and amygdala, optimally coordinates the higher and lower structure activity.
The latter regions facilitate "emotion, motivation, and goal-directed behavior," while also integrating processes such as the appraisal of meaning, processing of social experience and regulating emotion.
When we consciously access our memory, we rely heavily on the limbic system's hippocampus, which is part of the medial temporal lobe. This aids understanding why our temple region hurts when striving to remember….oh yeah, the bread at the store….remember the orange juice too.


Neural pathways serve as the highways by which information travels from the brain to the various destinations of organs, and muscles. One hundred billion neurons make up the nervous system. An average of ten thousand connections, directly link each neuron to other neurons. Scientists estimate one million billion connections. The body contains two "million miles bioelectrical cables," with some signals exceeding 100 meters per second while controlling things such as the eyes, toes and fingers. In laymen's terms, "They're boogying!!!"
Every thought and deed ultimately originates from a bioelectrical signal, on unfathomable electrical grid. How does one escape awe in the grid, yet exponentially incomprehensible that each of these biochemical-electrical synapses occur thousands of times per second every day of our life. We rarely consider their existence when they misfire or "short." This attribute alone cements the verifications of Romans 1:20. Even though we fail to see the interactions of the body, we observe its continual functioning, only crying to God when a few neurons become misdirected.


The book's discussion on brain formation and function fully correlate with other reputable books. The author discusses how infants are born with excess neurons, and pruned as they develop. We learn that experience, beginning at our conception, affects our future relationships. This may explain why siblings may vary, or why children of the same age whose parents are friends develop relationally similar. This principle also illustrates the effect of choices and consequences affect us from the immediate beginning. Additionally, Mathias discusses the plasticity of our genetics, changing throughout life. In fact, "positive responses to negative experiences can change genetics." Another explanation on the differences of siblings, relatives.
Neurotransmitters
Negative emotions significantly impact over or under secretion of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters—thus negative emotions—control muscles, motivation, appetite, injury recovery, cardiovascular, and the immune system. Science displays how our relationship with God, striving to live in His image, and living joyful, grateful, prayerful lives benefits our health as we avoid, or at least hinder, negative emotions.
Negative emotions lead to stress (i.e. anxiety or depression) which causes the adrenal gland to release cortisol, long-term excess cortisol can destroy the immune system. However, like most molecules, poison exists in the dose. Cortisol's benefits the body by assisting metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and lipids Metabolism. Cortisol reduces muscle uptake of Glucose and Fat Tissue. Exercise mandates the proper muscle uptakes of glucose and lipids, lipid metabolism increases endurance.


Scientists have identified at least thirty molecules as neurotransmitters, divided into categories such as neuropeptides, amino acids—which comprise proteins—monoamines, and acetylcholine. Neurotransmitters control muscles, motivation, appetite, injury, recovery, cardiovascular, and the immune system. This section identifies numerous neurotransmitters, their primary and tertiary functions along with where in the body some are located. Two examples include Serotonin that "influences mood and behavior…and vasoconstrictor (reduces blood vessel size); reduces appetite…and aggression, and is responsible for normal sleep. Histamine: Found in mast cells and basophils;….results in increased blood flow to an injured part of the body,…."²⁴




The book continues discussing the various organs, systems and their interrelations, I will examine a few for the sake of illustration and insight.
Hypothalamus is the supervisory center of Brain.
Hypothalamic hormones are produced by nerve cells–neurons which control:

• Hunger
• Thirst
• Sexual Functions and Behaviors
• Blood Pressure
• Heart Rate
• Body Temperature Maintenance
• Sleep-Wake Cycle

Factors indirectly influencing hypothalamic functions:

• Light-Dark Cycle
• Temperature
• Communication from People
• Our own Thoughts and Emotions
• Sights
• Sounds
• Smells
• Touch

We represent an amazing creation, in the image of the Creator. Each of the factors on the bottom, affect those on the top. Considering the Moon stage serves as an indicator of the physical environment as affect by the earth's spatial positioning, we should easily acknowledge why strange things sometimes occur during full moons. Additionally, this strongly displays the effects of one's physical and emotional environmental. Our thoughts and environment certainly influence our health, behavior and productivity. This reminds of our dependency on the Holy Spirit.


The Major Hypothalamic (releasing and inhibiting) hormones and what they regulate and/or control include, CRH (Corticotrophin) – carbohydrate, protein, fat metabolism, GnRH (Gonadotropin) – sexual and reproductive functions, TRH (Thyrotropin) – metabolic processes of all cells, contributes to hormonal regulation of lactation; GRF (Growth Hormone Factor) – promoting growth of our bodies, Somatostatin – Bone and Muscle Growth, Dopamine – Neurotransmitter (primarily) - sends messages of pleasure, alertness and motor control.


The Pineal Gland, located in the same area of brain as hypothalamus, produces Melatonin. When a neural pathway from hypothalamus to Pineal Gland is stimulated by the sympathetic nervous system. Depression lowers melatonin, which regulates daily body rhythms, inhibits some cancers by stimulating production of interleukin 2 and natural killer cells in the immune system. This acts as a powerful antioxidant that contains complete map of the visual field of the eyes.²⁹



There is tremendous evidence of negative emotions (depression and anxiety) enhance production of proinflammatory cytokines. These cytokines create inflammation throughout the body – resulting in cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers (multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia), Alzheimer's and periodontal disease. Once again the physical manifestations of joy versus depression display the health benefits of scriptural truths of joy.


We previously discussed the detrimental effects of fear on our immune system and our resulting health. Mathias discusses the continual spiritual warfare (2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2), along with sin and the effects of sin. He also correctly acknowledges the presence of the Holy Spirit in believers. He concludes with approximately one hundred pages studying the specific diseases and the root spiritual cause and best practice for a chance of curing.


For example, Bone Cancer—"Osteosarcoma—the most common type of bone cancer in children. Very weak immune systems are the major factor in this disease." He lists the spiritual and emotional strongholds as "Inherited broken heart, bitterness, abandonment, and fear. Parents, repent and renounce these strongholds, including unbelief, and break agreement with them in your generations (both sides of the family)."


While much of what Mathias states holds truth, his presumption of sinful parents absent adequate questioning, lacks prudence. However, Mathias walks in the presumptuous company of the disciples (Jn. 9:2), as well as myself, and others, occasionally. Moreover, using non-factual terms such as "broken heart" allows for error of understanding. How does one adequately define a broken heart? If we assume bitterness, abandonment or fear, then only use those terms.

Summary

Our thoughts and emotions affect our health, including our past fears and joys. What alters thoughts and emotions? Spiritual forces easily influence our thoughts, neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. Choosing to rebuke Satan and all his demonic forces provides significant advantages as well as asking Jesus Christ through the Father by the power of the Holy Spirit to bless us with His presence and resulting fruit of the Spirit, along with protecting our body, mind and soul from the evil forces. I concur with Mathias' assessment that faithful prudence responds with power, love and sound mind and that fear is a sin (2 Tim. 1:7). Walking by the Spirit, and the resulting fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22) leads to enhanced opportunity for good physical health.


We can only speculate on Richard's survival, his ability to play dead, while the Japanese kicked him in the ribs and poked him with a bayonet. This speculation very likely could have resulted because God possessed additional plans for Richard. Because of these plans, perhaps altered by prayers from Richard's home at that moment or cumulative, it appears God enabled Richard to have peace and joy in Him. This allowed Richard's breathing and heart rate to reach undeterminable levels.


Why have I been blessed with good health virtually all of my life despite various stress triggering events? As Mathias declares in In His Own Image, an optimistic attitude, a forgiving heart, cheerfulness and joy certainly help.


    In His Own Image by Art Mathias sufficiently investigates and identifies the body-psyche-soul interrelationship. He discusses the Bible's teachings of spiritual warfare, exceeding our conscience cognizance. This book serves well in evaluating the spiritual and emotional factors affecting physical health. However, as illustrated in the story and book of Job, God's sovereignty rules above physical laws. Consequently, prudence demands caution before using the context to condemn an ill person. Conversely, the wise will carefully assess their physical ailments in light of the emotional and spiritual affects.


    Ultimately, this book emphasizes living in grace, love and forgiveness, walking in the Spirit, receiving the fruit of the Spirit. In so doing, we place our self in the best possible position to win with good health. Of course, I once heard a speaker quip, "I exercise every day so that I will die healthier." The body eventually dies; we seek to live as best possible while serving Christ on earth.

Bibliography

 

Andreasen, Nancy C. M.D., Ph.D. The Creating Brain: The Neuroscience of Genius. New York / Washington, D.C.: Dana Press, 2005.

Blakeslee, Sandra, and Matthew Blakeslee. The Body Has a Mind of Its Own. New York, NY: Random House, Inc., 2007.

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

Bristol, Clyde M. The Magic of Believing. New York, NY: Pocket Books, 1948.

Burns, Lanier Dr. "Class Notes." Dallas Theological Seminary, ST103B Angelology, Anthropology, Harmatology. Burns, Lanier Dr., December 2012.

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

Gosset, Don. What You Say is What You Get. Old Tappen, New Jersey: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1976.

Hill, Napoleon. Think and Grow Rich. New York: Ballantine Books, 1960.

Martin, Francis P. Hung by the Tongue. Lafayette, LA: F.P.M. Publications, 1979.

Mathias, Art Ph.D. In His Own Image: We are Wonderfully Made. Anchorage, Alaska: Wellspring Publishing, 2003.

Meyer, Rick E. "Cheerful Heart." Running on Faith. January 9, 2009. http://rickemeyer.blogspot.com/2009/01/cheerful-heart.html (accessed December 06, 2012).

—. "Light and Germination." Running on Faith. May 30, 2011. http://rickemeyer.blogspot.com/2011/05/light-germination.html (accessed 12 05, 2012).

Pert, Candice Ph.D. Molecules of Emotion. 1999.

Ryle, Gilbert. The Concept of Mind. London: Hutchinson & Company, Ltd., 1949.

Schroeder, Gerald L. The Hidden Face of God. New York: The Free Press, 2001.

 

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Morning Ponderings

Success is achieving Christ's Will for your life. Perpetually seeking and attaining the necessary wisdom, knowledge and understanding. ~ Rick E. Meyer

"SuccessèGoal of LifeèPleasing the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:9)" ~ Dr. Toussaint

A proper view of suffering always begins with a proper view of God. (2 Cor. 1:3-4)

"We died to the Ten Commandments. The tenth commandment becomes the Hermeneutic for the first nine commandments. Tenth = Covet = Heart = Sermon on the Mount. (Romans 7 and 2 Corinthians 3)" ~ Dr. Toussaint

Great Evidences of Faith è Prayer. Prayer implies God's sovereignty.

Gift of Giving è Gift of Faith. Exceed the tithe (10%), give like the Macedonians (2 Cor. 8 and 9). Tithing preceded the Law.

Paul provided three encouragements for the Corinthian church to give (2 Cor. 8:7-9):

1. Give out of Poverty—Like the Macedonians
   
2. Macedonia is the Standard, not the tithe (10%)
   
3. Give with a Great—Joyful, Cheerful—Heart
   

Always have two to three people with good reputations handle the church's money. The pastor should keep their hands off the $$$. (2 Cor. 8:16-24)

Examine yourself, instead of others (2 Cor. 13:5). Test yourself with the anticipation of approval.

 

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

 

 

Leader Servant

 

Personal Philosophy of Leadership (Excerpt)

Leader Servant¹

The Mission

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ! Success is achieving Christ's will, through the Father by the power of the Holy Spirit for one's life, perpetually seeking and attaining the necessary wisdom, knowledge, and understanding (Mt. 6:33, 7:15-23; Jn. 5:30). God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are perfect—complete—consequently God's will for my life, and everyone's life, encompasses each aspect—membership, citizenship, relationship, endeavor—of one's life. God's Will creates and allows actions and consequences symbiotically interacting with everything according to His wisdom. Christ's will includes the will of the Father (Mt. 7:21), possessing God's full depth and breadth in our every thought, action, and interaction. I strive to remain humble before the Lord, trusting He will lift me up (James 4:10).

Leader Servant

The greatest among you shall be your servant (Mt. 23:11). 
   

The Leader Servant seeks submissive synchronization with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to help others achieve Christ's will for their lives (Mt. 6:33, 7:15-23, 22:37-39; Jn. 5:30).

My Leadership Philosophy seeks serving Christ by serving others, striving to represent God's image (Gen. 1:27). The Leader Servant responds to loving God with all of one's heart, mind, and soul, while loving others as much as one loves themselves by serving mankind (Mt. 22:37-39). Through this response, the Leader Servant recognizes the Holy Spirit as the one who influences people, while often using man's service as catalysts (Jn. 16:8; Acts 2; Rom. 9). People whom God places on similar courses with the Leader Servant favorably respond because God offers the greatest results, the richest fulfillment possible. People rebuke the Leader Servant if he fails to seek synchronization with Christ, thus he ignores or rebukes Christ or if the organizational members rebuke Christ (Jn. 15:18).


The Leader Servant recognizes the triune God--the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit—as Creation's CEO. The Leader Servant grows through Bible study, prayer, fellowship, hardship, trials, tribulations and victories to the Spiritual Mature. As a Spiritually Mature Christian, the Leader Servant effectively becomes a Vice President of Serving in God's kingdom. His spiritual growth enables quick discernment and responsiveness to Christ's commands, possessing flexibility with a plethora of abilities, humility before the Lord, along with an abundance of trust and obedience. Ultimately, he recognizes the duality of privilege and responsibility of serving others with Christ. Serving includes continual teaching by example, written and verbal communication among the array of technology.

Leading

Jacqueline Harrill writes on Facebook (2 Dec. 2012), Let us believe: We are stewarding our blessings well, so that we may refresh and replenish the world! When God gives us extraordinary favor it is for the sake of those around us. As favor increases, so must our attitude of gratitude, otherwise the sense of entitlement will strip us of our character.


My leadership experience includes leading and winning numerous races over the years along with running with and finishing among the top ½ percent in several international races. Many similarities exist between leading races and leading organizations. People follow those with common purpose, goals, dreams and destinations. The runner leads because his ability, preparation and desire to lead exceed those whom follow. The organizational leader resides in the front, because he (or she) gives the greatest effort in the cause of the event or organization. The greatest effort typically results in the combination of preparation and willingness to exert in the prescribed period—months, years, or decades. Yes, we must steward our blessing of extraordinary favor well, for the benefit of those around us. David's preparation for killing Goliath included obedience to, confidence in, and reliance on God while developing skills in killing lions and bears, and perfecting his sling shot skills while herding sheep.


Preparation and love generated desire assures perpetually striving to serve those whom God places in our path, even if only to open a literal door. Jack Welch once observed, "Every conversation is an interview." Any conversation may affect, directly or indirectly, one's relationship of any nature. The examples of Moses killing the man when he believed he and the victim were alone, and David committing adultery with Bathsheba display that every interaction affects our ability to serve, along with the perception, results and consequences to and from those we serve. The Leader Servant becomes the aroma of Christ to the world (2 Cor. 2:15-16), this aroma attracts people because of the Holy Spirit in the Leader Servant.


Evangelism and ministering begin with serving. Pride, self-centeredness, saturates the market-place. In reversal, serving in the marketplace focuses on elevating the spiritual, emotional, relational, recreational, and financial positioning of those encountered towards the Lord Jesus Christ. Attracting others raises the servant as the leader of those possessing—or desire to possess—the performance, achievements and intangible attributes of the servant. Serving with love, forgiveness, and a burning desire for others' success, results in them inviting the servant to the front as their leader. Discover the heart of men and women by observing the heart of those whom they choose to follow—their leader. Watching the success of those I assist offers amazing joy and fulfillment, equaling or surpassing the joy of personal achievement.


Helping people achieve Christ's will for their life demands watering them with the Word of God, fertilizing with prayer, fellowship and necessary associations. Necessary associations recognize that as iron sharpens iron, so one Leader Servant sharpens another Leader Servant (Prov. 27:17). Considering Christ's command to love others equally as ourselves, I strive to share, teach and grow each success attribute I internalize and apply as Leader Servant with those whom I serve based on their specific needs in the appropriate moment. This assistance includes evaluating and measuring—as best possible—the tangible and intangible attributes of those served. We compare these to the necessary attributes for success in the area where one feels led. The Leader Servant works with the served in developing a plan to move and improve in the called direction. The Leader Servant assists with discernment regarding necessary commitment level, the duration of pursuing, and other options to include or elevate one's success.

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

Dr. Stanley D. Toussaint, Class Lecture Fall 2012, BE106B Acts and Pauline Epistles, DTS
² (Toussaint n.d.)
³ (Leadership Observations in the Life of David 2012), (Leadership Observations in the Life of Nehemiah 2012), (Leadership and Moses: Exodus 3:1-13 2012)
⁴ (Meyer, Leadership Observations in the Life of David 2012)
⁵ (Welch and Byrne 2001)

Doctrinal Statement of the Holy Trinity

DOCTRINAL STATEMENT ON THE HOLY TRINITY
A Paper Presented to Dr. Nathan Holsteen Dallas Theological Seminary In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course ST102 Trinitarianism
by P.J. Beets, Nxxx Xxxxx, Buddy Head, Rick Meyer, and Kristen Zion April 12, 2012


We believe in one God, who is eternally existent in three persons – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each member of the Godhead mutually indwells each other yet is distinct in personhood and role. The Old Testament and New Testament attest to both the oneness and the plurality of personhood within the Godhead.


We believe that while there is unity within the members of the Godhead there is also diversity. These distinctions are illustrated through their roles and relationship with each other. Thus the Father is the architect of the plan of redemption.
The Son executes the plan of redemption, has his being from the Father, and was only submissive to the Holy Spirit during His incarnation. The Holy Spirit has his being from the Father, is sent by both the Father and the Son, was authoritative over the Son during His incarnation, had as his chief role to mediate the presence of Christ to believers, and has been resident with us (the church) since Pentecost.


  We believe in God the Father, the first person of the Trinity, who is Almighty and the Maker of heaven and earth. He can be known through Jesus, the Word, the Holy Spirit, and love. He is eternal, forgiving, good, gracious, holy, incomprehensible, infinite, invisible, long-suffering, loving, merciful, and wise. He is mystery, self-existent, simple, free, perfect, and impassable. His character, ways, life, truth, and purposes do not change. He is sovereign, judge, reconciler, and all will return to Him. The Father is the principle of the Trinity but not the cause. The Father begat the Son and sent the Holy Spirit.


We believe in God the Son, the second person of the Trinity. He eternally exists equally with indivisible from, and yet distinct from God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. We believe in the complete deity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God in human flesh and the only begotten from the Father, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus is fully God and fully man, but without sin, consisting of a divine nature and a human nature, but existing as one person.
 Jesus came to earth to take the form of a man in order to suffer and die on a cross and to pay the penalty of sin for all mankind. He physically rose from the dead on the third day, providing the way of salvation for all who believe in him. Jesus is the sacrifice for sin and way of salvation. Because Jesus Christ is God, he is worthy of the praise and worship of all creation. He will come again to judge the world.

We believe in God the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, eternally coexisting as one substance (Gk. homosteses) with the Father and the Son, while differing in personhood and function. He instigates life — Christ —and regenerates our souls. The Spirit of truth convicts the soul of sin and glorifies the Father and Son. He speaks through the prophets , authors all scripture, and writes God’s laws on our hearts and minds. The Holy Spirit provides comfort and counseling to all believers. We receive fruits of the Spirit, whom also seals our inheritance.


End Notes The foundational truth of Judaism (and then Christianity) is discovered in Deuteronomy 6.4 – “Hear, O Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one!” Based on this text, both Judaism and Christianity are monotheistic.
Orthodox Christians have always and only affirmed the existence of one God. The first phrase of the Nicene Creed (325 AD) is “We believe in one God.” See Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), 1169. Gen 21:3; Deut 33:27; Psa 90:2; Psa 145:13; Isa 9:6; Isa 40:8; Jer 10:10; Dan 7:14; 27; Rom 16:26; 1 Tim 1:17; 6:16; Heb 9:14.


The first person to use the term triad to indicate the three persons of God was Theophilus of Antioch. Irenaeus developed this triadic view of God, using Scripture to stress both the unity of God and the equal deity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Tertullian argued against modalism and used the terms trinity (trinitas in Latin) and person (persona in Latin) to describe the fact that God is one in substance yet three in form. For more discussion, see Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship, (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 2004), 90-101.


The doctrine of perichoresis, though not named until much later, was emphasized by Athanasius and the Cappadocians. Perichoresis indicates “the full mutual indwelling of the three persons in the one being of God” (Letham, 178). John of Damascus developed this concept, stressing the inseparability and unbreakability of union within the Trinity. A belief in perichoresis is a defense against the threat of tritheism. For discussion, see Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship, (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 2004), 178-183.


The church developed language in the first four centuries AD which would adequately explain the oneness and threeness of God. Linguistic confusion was common.


The Greek terms homoousias and hypostasis could be used interchangeably and many did not recognize them as distinct terms. Thus, confusion over the exact relationships between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were common, even after Nicea. Basil the Great was the first to clearly distinguish the homoousias (the identical ontology of God) from the hypostases (the three separate persons of God).


Other Cappadocians, including Gregory of Nyssa and Gregory Nazianzen, followed Basil’s focus on the hypostases and also discussed the interrelations between the persons of the Godhead. Says Letham, “A more flexible vocabulary, developing around 362, allowed terms like homoousios, ousia, and hypostasis to be reformulated in a way that opened the door to a new understanding of the Trinity” (Letham, 166). For more discussion, see Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship, (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 2004), 118-121; 146-166.


See the next four paragraphs for discussion of the interrelations and distinct roles of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. OT texts that stress the oneness of God are Deut 6:4, 32:29, Isa 42:8, 43:10, 45:21-22, and Mal 2:10. Yet, plurality in the Godhead can be seen in the OT, veiled though it may be. Plural terms for God include Elohim (all throughout OT), Most High Ones (Dan 7:18, 22), Makers (Eccl 12:1), and Husbands (Isa 54:4). Other texts which reveal the plurality within the Godhead are Psa 45:6-7, 110:1, Isa 44:6, 48:16, Dan 7:13-14, and Zech 12:10. The NT provides the clearest scriptural descriptions of the Trinity. Some key texts include Matt 28:19, Rom 15:30, 1 Cor 12:3-6, 2 Cor 13:14, Gal 4:4-6, Col 1:3-8, 2 Thess 2:13-14, and Titus 3:4-7. Triadic patterns appear most frequently in John (14:16-17; 15:26; 16:7; 20:21-23) and Ephesians (2:18; 4:3-6; 3:14-17; 5:18-20; 6:10-11). Deut 6:4; John 10:30 Bruce Ware, Father, Son, & Holy Spirit (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2005), 69. Ephesians 1:9-12 1 John 4:14 John 5:26 Bruce Ware, Father, Son, & Holy Spirit (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books, 2005), 87-94. John 15:26 John 14:16-17; 15:26 Matthew 4:1 J.I. Packer, Keeping in Step with the Spirit (Old Tappan, NJ: Revell, 1984), 49. Acts 2 For language of Apostles’ Creed and Nicene Creed, see Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), 1169; Gen 1:1; Exod 6:3. John 14:7, 9 J.I. Packer, Knowing God, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1973), 37. For discussion of the Westminster Confession of Faith, see Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), 1179; Deut 33:27; Neh 9:17; Ps 86:5; Ps 103:8; Isa 6:3; Rom 11:33-34; 1 Tim 1:17; Exod 20:6; Lam 3:22; Deut 4:31; Jer 10:12. Nathan D. Holsteen, “Trinitarianism,” class discussion for ST102 (Dallas Theological Seminary, Spring Semester, 2012); Deut 29:29; Isa 40:12-28; 1 John 1:5. Packer, Knowing God, 77-80. Fountainhead. St Athanasius, On the Incarnation: The Treatise De Incarnatione Verbi Dei, rev. ed. Popular Patristics Series, trans. and ed. a Religious of C. S. M. V. (Crestwood, NY: St Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1996), 28. Isa 2:4 2 Cor 5:18-19 1 Cor 15:24-28 Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship (Phillipsburg, NJ: P & R Publishing Company, 2004), 232. For language of Chalcedonian creed, see Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), 1169-70; Ps 2:7; The word “begotten,” monogenēs, means “only” or “unique“ not “born of.” See E. E. Carpenter and P. W. Comfort, Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew Words Defined and Explained (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 349. John 14:16-17 The Son is equal with the Father and the Spirit in that each is fully God and the Son is of the same essence as the Father and Holy Spirit. This concept was confirmed by the defining of the term homoousios by the Council of Nicea. For further discussion on the Nicene Creed and the language affirmed by the Council see Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship, (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 2004), 115-126. Jesus Christ is portrayed as divine in the Scriptures in relation to his attributes, works, titles, and the worship he receives. Some passages that display his omnipotence include Matthew 8:26-27, 14:9, 28:18, and John 2:1-11. Passages that reveal his omnipresence are Matthew 18:20, and 28:20. Other passages such as Mark 2:8, John 2:25, 6:64, 16:30, and 21:17 attribute omniscience to him. For further study on Christ’s divinity in relation to his attributes, divine titles, and works see Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), 543-552.


For a list of passages further confirming Christ’s deity also see Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 2004), 53-54. According to John 1:14, Jesus was begotten by the Father and became flesh. The conception by the Holy Spirit and virgin birth are confirmed in Matthew 1:18-25 and Luke 1:26-35. This belief stands on the creed spelled out at the Council of Chalcedon in A.D. 451. For an English translation of the creed, see the following Philip Schaff’s translation in Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994), 557. The scriptural evidence for Christ’s divinity has already been laid out above. According to Hebrews 2:17 the Son had to be made like man in every way in order to make propitiation for the sin of mankind. It is important to note that he was without sin. If Christ had been sinful then he could not have served as a proper sacrifice for sin. This is affirmed by the following passages: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Philippians 2:5-8, Hebrews 1:2-3, and Colossians 1:13-23. Scripture testifies to Christ’s sacrifice for sin in Romans 10:8-9, Hebrews 9:8-15, and 10:14. In the pages of Scripture Jesus is clearly worshiped. In passages such as Matthew 2:11, 21:14-16, 28:9, Luke 19:38-40, John 20:28, his followers worship him and in Philippians 2:8-11it is predicted that one day all will worship Christ. Some of the passages foretelling his second coming include the following: Matthew 24:44, John 14:3, Acts 1:11, 2 Peter 3:10, 1 John 3:2 and Revelation 22:20. Holsteen “Trinitarianism” class notes: 1. Intelligence (John 14:26, John 15:26, Romans 8:27, 1 Corinthians 2:10-13) 2. Personal Will (Acts 8:29, Acts 13:2, Acts 16:6, 1 Corinthians 12:11) 3. Manifests Emotions (Ephesians 4:30, Hebrews 10:29) 4. Stands Parallel to Son as the other Counselor (John 14:26, Romans 8:26) 5. Blasphemy against the Father or Son can be forgiven, NOT against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31) 6. Comforts (Acts 9:31, Romans 8:26, John 16:13-14), Acts 2:38. Genesis 1:1-2 Genesis 1:26; John 1:18; John 1:20; John 6:63-65 Mt. 1:18 Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 2004), 56. The Holy Spirit acts in every stage of redemption, including the conception and ascension of Jesus Christ. The angel, Gabriel, compares the Holy Spirit’s role in the conception of Mary (Luke 1:35) with creation (Genesis 1:2). John 16:12-15 John 16:8 In both Luke 3:22 and John 1:32-33 the Spirit descends on Christ in the form of a dove. 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, 3:2 Hebrews 10:15-16 Robert Letham, The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship (Phillipsburg, New Jersey: P&R Publishing, 2004), 58. In John 14:16, the “Spirit” (paraclētos or paraclete) is often translated “comforter” or “counselor.” It is believed this connotation favors a “defense attorney” (i.e. Counselor), representing believers to diabolos (devil). Also, see John 14:26 – “…But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and will cause you to remember everything I said to you.” Galatians 5:22 Ephesians 1:13

Doctrinal Statement

Rick E. Meyer See, Believe, Achieve Inc. www.rickEmeyer.com ST101N: Introduction to Theology Doctrinal Statement of Scripture A. Inspiration I believe the entire canonized Bible is the pure, inerrant Word of God, written by the Holy Spirit through faithful, obedient servants chosen by God who is the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. The Bible is written through men, absent their independent thoughts, using events and observations of their lives to convey the message of the Holy Spirit to God’s people . The canonized Bible remains at sixty-six books as writings are from prophets, apostles or Christ. Cannon of Scripture indicates the books acknowledge as the inspired word of God by the Church . B. Inerrancy The pure, inerrant, word of God is internally absorbed when reading scripture and listening to his voice. Jesus says that his sheep know his voice . Those who do not know the Father, do not know his voice . Metabolism commences with acknowledging the pure authenticity of God's word, this acknowledgement solidifies belief. Belief enhances the transformation of internalized scripture from potential to kinetic. This acknowledgement includes confessing God's wisdom far exceeds our own. Scripture only appears errant, when I lack sufficient wisdom, knowledge and understanding. The Holy Spirit is the only source of revelation , thus is sought for sufficiency. A pure word is a pure Lord Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh ! Scripture is alive , continually and perpetually transforming those who open their heart to its truth, closer to God’s image. Complete transformation only occurs at the end of earthly life. An impure Word is an impure Christ. An impure Christ negates his death and resurrection for the forgiveness of eternal sin for all who trust in Him, confessing sole dependence upon His purity and resulting death and resurrection for the forgiveness of our personal sin. I believe the eternal Godhead exists in Trinity of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit . They are three distinct persons of one God, existing in equality of attributes and nature; and in worthiness of praise and adoration. Jesus existing in eternity Genesis “our image.” I believe man is innately sinful from Adam , Jesus Christ is the only way to eternity with God in heaven. C. Authority The Bible molds and transforms my spiritual, emotional, financial , recreational and physical life . When God’s Word and my thoughts and actions are incongruent, my thoughts and actions must change – not the Bible. The Bible is used for teaching and rebuking. When man’s thought and desires are incongruent with scripture, it is man whom must change. Wisdom brings joyful rebuke, conviction and change. Ultimately, my belief of the above testimony authentication radiates from my eyes, voice tonality, words and actions of loving and forgiving others and me . End Notes: ST101N Bibliology: Cannon Horrell P. 49 Charles Ryrie “There is nothing in the text that deceives.” ST101N Horrell Class notes P. 39 2 Ti 3:16 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” Scripture originate in God, exhaled by Him through the human authors to all of mankind. Charles Ryrie “God’s superintendent of the human authors so that, using their own personalities, they composed and recorded with error His revelation to man in his words of the original manuscript.” ST101N Horrell Class Notes P. 49 BIBLIOLOGY THE CANNON OF SCRIPTURE Jn. 10:27 My brother in-law owns a large sheep herd, up to 1,000 ewes in addition to their lambs existing as twins and triplets. These sheep respond to his voice, they do not respond to my voice. We know our earthly parents’ voice, likewise we know our Heavenly Father’s voice. For example, when I was about fifteen months old, my dad said I quickly went from standing right beside him to climbing about twenty feet up the ladder on the nearby windmill tower in our farmyard. I began walking at seven months old, and loved climbing. Dad yelled at me to "Get Down!!" I can only imagine the concern racing through his mind; upon hearing his voice, I nearly jumped, because I know and respect my father's voice. I would have been non-respondent to a stranger’s voice. Dad's voice would have no meaning to a stranger. For those who have never met their parents, would they recognize their father's voice? How can anyone recognize something they have not heard. Unfortunately, not all recognize God's voice. Unfortunately, not all know Christ. "The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep." John 10:25-26 Is transforming God's Word, written or spoken, through people a miracle? Is maintaining accuracy of the Word while translating between languages a miracle? I believe both are miracles. Jesus is the Word made Flesh as described in the first chapter of John. Occasionally I hear people say the Bible is NOT God's pure Word, rather simply stories of faithful people during that time. They lack belief of God's ability to speak to the prophets and the interpreters of language over time, because they are unfamiliar with God's voice in their life. Knowing Jesus enables us to comprehend and believe the miracle of God's pure Word in scripture as written by other sheep belonging to Christ. Christ's sheep know His voice, enabling them to believe His miracles. Knowing and hearing Christ's voice allows us to comprehend and believe the human transcribers of scripture also knew, listened and obeyed the pure Word of God. If you have difficulty believing scripture is the pure Word of God, pray for God to open your heart and ears allowing you to know and hear Christ's voice as one of His sheep. Jn. 5:37 “And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent.” 2 Pe 1:20-21 “Trust the Lord's Calculations” December 22, 2010 Proverbs 3:5 – 7 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” The method of deriving the correct answers in chemistry or physics courses frequently seems illogical or confusing; perhaps errant. Simple math fails to solve advanced equations! Often in chemistry and physics equations, we must know and properly use constants, such as the speed of gravitation acceleration of 9.81 meters per second per second. A commonly used constant in chemistry is Avogadro’s number of 6.023 x 1023 particles /g. atom. A vast array of other constants and factors are used for advanced calculations. Those using advanced calculations regularly every day, view them as “common sense.” A Beta Sig alumnus and world renowned Professor of Chemical Engineering at Kansas State, Dr. Larry Erickson, calculates extremely advanced equations in his mind – strictly cerebral! To assure proper perspective, an assignment in his class includes calculations enduring up to 40 minutes in Microsoft Excel. These equations epitomize complexity! Most of us, would compare the raw data with the final product, uttering this does not make sense. My mind does not currently possess the wisdom to comprehend and calculate those equations. Are the final products wrong based on my lack of understanding and inability to successfully complete these calculations? Absurd!!! The calculated products are right once calculated properly whether me or anyone else besides the person making the calculations understands. Yet, how often do we hear people, claim the Bible does not make sense simply because we lack the ability to comprehend? How often do we claim God’s ways, his voice in our life, cannot be true because the product is beyond our understanding and ability to calculate how we are transformed from where we are to where God is placing us? Does God use constants in his equations of which we are unaware? Does Avogadro’s number change or cease to exist based on someone’s intellectual capacity? Equally, God’s constants remain regardless of our human understanding. Jesus Christ, the word made flesh, who is one and the same as the Father, alpha and omega, states that he is, “The same yesterday, today and tomorrow.” The triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit may speak to you directly or indirectly; revealing awesome plans for you; lying beyond our comprehension. Believe!!! Christ’s calculations containing the eternal Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding of Creation; involve constants beyond the cumulative of human understanding. Leaning on our own understanding or wisdom instead of Christ’s Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding while fearing him, results in foolishness leading to failure. These amazing constants and complex calculations are why we are to trust and fear him. As we acknowledge his advance calculating ability, he will make our paths straight; even when the math does not add up. Pr. 30:5-6 Jn. 1:1 Jn. 5:46 Class notes P. 19 BIBLIOGY: AUTHORITY AND INSPIRATION OF SCRIPTURE “The Bible is alive – it has hands and grabs hold of me, it has feet and runs after me.” Rev. Dr. Martin Luther Jn. 14:26 Mt. 28:18–19, 9Mk 12:29; 9Jn 1:14; 9Acts 5:3–4; 2 9Cor. 13:14; 9Heb. 1:1–3; 9Rev. 1:4–6 Romans 5 Jn. 14:6 Jn. 17:3 Romans 5:1 Pr. 3:5-6 Pr. 16:3 Pr. 17:16 Dan Schneider’s prayer at the starting line of Kansas’ State Cross country meet our senior year, “Lord, Help us run a race to glorify you, whether first place or last.” We sought becoming the first team in twenty years to repeat as the best in Kansas. Our Manhattan High (KS) team prioritized glorify Christ ahead of our glory and desires. We did win the title, and alphabetized by THE HARRIER among the top twenty teams in America. My thoughts are derived from reading and studying cover to cover dozens of times; as well as decades of continual topic study. Additionally, I average reading two to three a week in the past twenty years, and approximately five per week this past decade. A significant portion of these thought producing books are authored by theologians such as Martin Luther, Charles Swindoll, Charles Stanley, Norman Vincent Peale, Billy Graham, Ron Ball and others. Before moving to Dallas in August 2011, I donated most to charity; thus they are no longer in my possession to reference specifically. Yet the Holy Spirit working through these books, highly influences my thou

Speak Truth--Trust God

Spring 2012 Christian Journalism assignment 
Dallas Theological Seminary
Dallas, Texas

Rick E. Meyer

Running On Faith Ministry Inc.

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

rick@rickEmeyer.com ~ www.rickEmeyer.com

Speak Truth: Trust God
 

Parents and friends influence our views and beliefs. This includes our belief in truth. My dad epitomized truth. Some growing up with him considered truthfulness his biggest weakness. I witnessed an example of Dad’s honesty at our April 1983 farm sale. He unsuccessfully attempted to camouflage the devastation of losing the family farm.

Dad stayed near the auctioneer, answering questions concerning any of the equipment as it sold. At least once his answer probably hindered the selling price. Sadly, my sixteen year-old adolescent mind momentarily questioned his truthfulness. Yet, truth always prevails. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (truth), and all these things shall be added to you (Matthew 6:33, NKJV).

 

Unfortunately, some seek first the kingdom of self, believing secular success supersedes truth. A Past Toastmasters World champion offered stunning advice, “Exaggerations enhance the probability of winning the ‘World Championship of Public Speaking.’ Tonight’s winner excelled using exaggerations and ‘stretching the truth’ for humor, two necessary components of competing for the World Championship of Public Speaking.”

 
My laughter switched to disappointment upon realizing he, a veterinarian, lacked any desire for humor in evaluating the Region Toastmasters contest. As a Christian, I seek truth in everything, including humor. I ponder; does wisdom value “championships” more than integrity? How can one serve the God of truth, while honoring the “father of lies” (John 8:44)?
 

As expected, those seeking first the kingdom of self, change their approval of exaggerations when lies affect their wallet. For example, during speaking engagements I ask, “Who approves of exaggerating?” Upon request, an exaggerating approving volunteer hands his twenty-dollar bill to me in exchange for fifteen. I inquire if my exaggerating the fifteen to twenty dollars maintains equality in our transaction. His disapproving facial expression description exceeds 1,000 words.

How does a speaker’s message and a cash illustration correlate? The truthfulness of a communicator’s message affects and reflects truthfulness in the marketplace. Would you laugh if the aforementioned veterinarian exaggerated serum dosage in treating your family dog? Would you approve of him ‘stretching the truth’ on your invoice? A speaker’s approval affects his or her income. A deceitful communicator deceives for personal gain.

 

Imagine an organization’s hypocrisy when giving lip service to honesty, yet hiring speakers who exaggerate for their meetings.  

 

Thirteen months and three weeks after the Region Toastmasters contest, I returned to my agronomy sales office on a beautiful August afternoon. My boss, Frank, invited me to step into his office for a visit. We enjoyed a cordial relationship.

This time Frank avoided small talk: “Rick, you are too honest for this position! We are seeking your resignation. If you submit your resignation letter within two hours, Ron will provide two weeks of severance pay.”

As a child, my parents and teachers disciplined me for dishonesty. I cleaned my office and desk while pondering past professional encounters in this position.

Two months earlier, a co-worker and church councilman declared, “Rick, we throw honesty and integrity out the window this time of year.”

I inquired, “Considering Jesus is the Truth, explain the benefits of throwing Jesus out the window.”

 

Two sales managers, Mark, a church councilman, and Al, separately challenged, “Rick, either ignore biblical principles such as honesty and treating the small clients with the same respect as the big clients, or fail in this position. Success in this position requires mixing truth with exaggerations, or ‘stretching the truth’.”

 

Jesus said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” How do we exaggerate or stretch Jesus? Have we killed Jesus’ presence in the marketplace?

 

Does our communication synchronize with God’s Spirit of Truth? Does God approve of falsities? The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful (Proverbs 12:22). A Christian receives the Holy Spirit sent by the Lord Jesus Christ, from the Father. God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit exist in singular persons, yet as one triune God.

 

Consequently, those who submit their lives to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit delight in pure truth (John 4:23).

 

When we delight in exaggerating, ‘stretching the truth’ or any description of lying, we reject God and serve Satan—the father of lies. Speaking truth allows God’s communication through us; He collaborates in our true communication, lest God join our deceit which opposes His character.

 

The most common justification for lying stems from viewing truth as inadequate. Considering Jesus says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life…,” does professional communication assume an inadequate or lying Jesus? Denying pure truth declares our message contains greater richness with exaggerations, falsities and ‘stretching the truth’, than with Jesus—the Truth.

 

As an undergraduate in Biology Lab, I dissected frogs. Everything from the frog’s body consisted of frog. Every examined cell, if tested, contained frog DNA. A true frog indicates all frog. A true message indicates “all true.” Satan, the father of lies, thrives on mixing truth and lies encouraging justification based on partial truth.

Dr. Martin Luther illustrates the dangers of questioning the validity of God’s word by equating the dialogue between the serpent and Eve in the Garden of Eden. “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1). Martin Luther suggests Eve should have turned and departed from the serpent upon his questioning God’s word. Questioning truth’s necessity, questions God’s word.

 

Twenty-three years and six months after the farm sale, November 2006, Dad received a lung cancer diagnosis. A day and a half later, Dad sat in the hospital chair waiting for the nurse to bring breakfast. Hydrocephalus complicated communication with him. He requested, “We need to pray for God’s blessing on everyone we know.” Later in the morning he looked into my eyes, “Always trust God. Remember that son. Trust God always.”

“I will Dad, I will.” Dad died three weeks later.

 
Our eternal life depends on pure truth. Why should we exaggerate for earthly gain? Dad chose truth over financial gain, because he trusted God’s goodness.
 

Trusting God and loving people enables speaking truth.

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