The Words of a man's mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of Wisdom is a bubbling brook. (Proverbs 19:3)
We sat around a table while reading, studying and discussing specific Bible passages. State and National church leaders, with their human insight, believed certain passages of scripture were outdated. Their arguments were filled with human logic, leading to some to agree that scripture is unclear, that it scripture is full of gray areas.
Using their line of reasoning, they were correct. Any discussion of scripture centered on man’s words, man’s logic will be unclear. Proverbs illustrates the words of a man’s (or woman’s) mouth are deep waters. Have you ever been in deep water? What is deep water like, what are the characteristics of deep water? Deep water in ponds, lakes and streams is dark, murky, and stale. One is best to avoid drinking out of this deep water. Moreover, it is difficult to achieve much in deep water due to the lack of light; and the murky water. No wonder we are challenged to understand, study, or discuss scripture using man’s words, man’s logic.
Conversely, what are the characteristics of water in a bubbling brook? This water is clear, fresh, life giving, and drinkable. The sound of bubbling brook is refreshing and relaxing. One can easily see through the water of a bubbling brook; as light shines in and through. This is scripture’s comparison to the fountain of Wisdom. Studying, reading and discussing scripture while open and submitted to Christ’s Wisdom is refreshing, fulfilling, and enlightening. Our minds and hearts are able to understand and implement God’s word when received from the fountain of Holy Wisdom.
We receive this fountain of Wisdom by asking for it from God. The Bible says if you want wisdom, ask and believe you will receive. With Wisdom our eyes and heart are opened, the waters of scripture are clear; the gray is removed.
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Accept my Words, Store my Commands
Accept my Words, Store my Commands
Proverbs 2:1
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
During harvest, farmers haul their grain in a truck either to a local elevator or to their own bins for storage. Before storing the grain’s moisture is checked; wet grain will not store long without spoilage. Dryers are sometimes used to dry out the grain in the bin until optimal moisture is reached.
The elevator probes the grain while the truck is on the scales getting weighed. The probe allows grain to be sucked from the truck into the office where moisture, and test weight are measured. Test weight is the weight of one bushel of grain, it measures the grain density. The higher the density, or test weight, the better. In addition to moisture and test weight, the grain is also checked for foreign material and insects; both are bad.
If all numbers are good, the manager or attendee directs the truck driver, with a green light, to dump the accepted grain. If the numbers are bad, the manager rejects the load of grain as it the grain is unfit for storage. Poor numbers lead to multiple factors of and methods of spoilage if left unresolved. Good, wholesome, grain may be stored for years if properly managed, the grain is stable and nutritious.
God tells us we are to accept His Words and store up His Commands in our bodies, and our hearts. Only good, wholesome, Words may accepted and stored; just like grain. God’s word, scripture, is stable and nutritious. Just like grain, it’s content remains the same; however with study we keep finding new uses and benefits of grain and Word.
If His word lacked purity, we would reject it like we reject poor grain; at the very least we would not store in our body and heart. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Is wisdom found in storing poor products in this temple? Absolutely not! Knowing we are to accept and store the Word in our hearts and the temple of the Holy Spirit, our body, assures us of the Word’s quality and stability.
As you read and study scripture, God’s Word, give your heart, body, mind and soul the green light for accepting and storing the Word and commands of Christ – the Word made Flesh.
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com
Proverbs 2:1
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
During harvest, farmers haul their grain in a truck either to a local elevator or to their own bins for storage. Before storing the grain’s moisture is checked; wet grain will not store long without spoilage. Dryers are sometimes used to dry out the grain in the bin until optimal moisture is reached.
The elevator probes the grain while the truck is on the scales getting weighed. The probe allows grain to be sucked from the truck into the office where moisture, and test weight are measured. Test weight is the weight of one bushel of grain, it measures the grain density. The higher the density, or test weight, the better. In addition to moisture and test weight, the grain is also checked for foreign material and insects; both are bad.
If all numbers are good, the manager or attendee directs the truck driver, with a green light, to dump the accepted grain. If the numbers are bad, the manager rejects the load of grain as it the grain is unfit for storage. Poor numbers lead to multiple factors of and methods of spoilage if left unresolved. Good, wholesome, grain may be stored for years if properly managed, the grain is stable and nutritious.
God tells us we are to accept His Words and store up His Commands in our bodies, and our hearts. Only good, wholesome, Words may accepted and stored; just like grain. God’s word, scripture, is stable and nutritious. Just like grain, it’s content remains the same; however with study we keep finding new uses and benefits of grain and Word.
If His word lacked purity, we would reject it like we reject poor grain; at the very least we would not store in our body and heart. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Is wisdom found in storing poor products in this temple? Absolutely not! Knowing we are to accept and store the Word in our hearts and the temple of the Holy Spirit, our body, assures us of the Word’s quality and stability.
As you read and study scripture, God’s Word, give your heart, body, mind and soul the green light for accepting and storing the Word and commands of Christ – the Word made Flesh.
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com
Monday, December 13, 2010
Deep Soils
Have you hear the expression, “Adversity builds character”?
Numerous metaphors explain the benefits of life’s hardships. God created the
deepest soils, the most productive soils, exist in valleys. Usually deep soils comprise
of loam texture. Loam soils optimize the combination of water, and nutrients
available to the plant as well as root depth and proliferation.
Conversely, slopes frequently contain the
shallowest soils. Plants, including their roots, have increased competition on
the slopes because of less soil in a defined area. Additionally, plants compete
for sunlight on slopes, because of increase leaf area in a horizontal area.How does this apply to life? When we traverse through the valley we expand our roots and our ability to fully utilize the waters of our Baptism. Increased root depth and prime soil allow greater nutrient uptake as well, thus we improve our preparation to receive the Bread of Life in Christ when in the valley. Moreover, greater root proliferation increases stability.
Conversely, when we rise out of the valley, the roots have limited growth due to shallow soil. Competition for light increases, and we are less stable. Without proper planning, soil and nutrient erosion occurs on the slopes, less water permeates the soil. A good conservation plan increases retained soil, nutrients, and moisture on the slopes.
What is your conservation plan while enjoying
life’s climb to success? How do you plan to increase retention of your faith in
Christ, your dependence on His strength, grace and mercy? In an agriculture
field, crop residue is beneficial for soil retention. Residue is generally
proportional to yield. Are you keeping your faith residue in your heart to
prevent erosion during success?
Faith residue exists in such things as internalizing scripture, devotions, prayer, fellowship and worship.
When traversing life’s valley, express gratitude for deep soil. Let your roots grow deep and broad. Allow full proliferation for optimal water and nutrient uptake. Retaining faith residue in your heart will protect against faith erosion when climbing out of the valley, encountering shallow soil on your way to great success. This residue will preserve your faith in Christ, your dependence on His strength, grace and mercy!
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com
Faith residue exists in such things as internalizing scripture, devotions, prayer, fellowship and worship.
When traversing life’s valley, express gratitude for deep soil. Let your roots grow deep and broad. Allow full proliferation for optimal water and nutrient uptake. Retaining faith residue in your heart will protect against faith erosion when climbing out of the valley, encountering shallow soil on your way to great success. This residue will preserve your faith in Christ, your dependence on His strength, grace and mercy!
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com
You're Getting There...
Lyle Claussen and I run north on Kearney’s 2nd
Avenue near 27th Street when he utters his frequent encouraging message,
“You’re getting there!” There represents
the physical conditioning to run the Boston Marathon on 17 April 1995, still
months away.
Each time I hear “You’re getting there!” my mind wonders, “Will I ever arrive? Will I ever attain the necessary level of fitness?” I set the goal of running, and “placing high” in the Boston Marathon as an eight year old in 1975.
The training consisted of running 70 – 90 miles per week, including 20 to 25 miles every Sunday before or after church. Running everyday in Nebraska necessitates enduring temperature ranges from -35 F to +118 F, absent wind-chill or heat index adjustments.
This represents a 153 degree temperature variance, much larger if figuring wind-chill and heat index. Additionally, one endures the full gamut of weather conditions from blizzard to severe thunderstorms. The terrain toppings vary from deep snow, ice, mud and dust. One must negotiate each with traction, strength and balance.
Some claim wind-chill, heat index, footing, and storm conditions have little effect on those running or working outside. These comments remind of the guy who says his cattle never get out—he doesn’t have cattle. Similarly, those denying weather’s effect on the body lack working outside for long periods in extreme conditions.
I firmly marked 17 April 1995 on the calendar. Yet, no guarantee existed of my attaining the desired level of physical fitness to optimally compete in the world’s premiere annual marathon, second in overall prestige only to the Olympics. I trained in faith, belief and trust of Christ, this included his chosen coach for me, Lyle Claussen.
With my internalized vision and Lyle’s reminding me that I am “getting there,” my training continued through miserable weather, sore muscles, missed social opportunities, tired mind and hungry body. Frequently, my stomach rebelled in queasy turmoil at the end of runs.
Mental and physical exhaustion saturated every neuron, vein, vessel, muscle, tendon and ligament between the top of my head and the tip of my toes. Seemingly, every nerve suffered as victims of lightning strikes. The end of these runs often correlated with my collapsing in the street.
One expects these agonies and inconveniences as a necessary part of the journey on the road to Victoryville. Good marathoners know this road bypasses Comfortville. In fact, meaningful achievements virtually always reside well beyond the boundaries of Comfortville and the surrounding communities.
The greater the achievement(s) sought, the further one must reside from Comfortville. Can you imagine the reaction of other runners if one only engaged in a light jog each day while expecting to run a fast marathon? The uproar of laughter from experienced runners would resemble fifty simultaneous freight train whistles.
Pursuing great achievements of Christ’s will for our life will require equal, perhaps exceed, the training and consequential challenges of training our body and mind for running. Does a greater achievement exist than attianing Christ’s will for your life? No!
Are we willing to endure severe testing of our
body and mind? Are we willing to test our faith to the point of collapsing on
our knees? Are we willing to endure our pursuits’ neccessary mental and
physical exhaustion? Are we willing to suffer the queasy, sickening turmoil in
our stomachs, asking if it is all “worth it?”
We expect to pay this price for athletic
success. Do we expect the pain in pursuing Christ’s desires for our life? At
times athletics and Christ’s desires for us are the same.
Does your desire for serving Christ in faith drive you to collapse from physical and mental exhaustion? Like marathon training, does your faith training, cause you to miss various social opportunities? Just like marathon training, achieving Christ’s will for your life requires avoiding Comfortville.
The Wednesday night before the Boston Marathon, Lyle and I ate at Kearney’s Spaghetti Shop. I began eating my second plate of spaghetti when Lyle leaned forward whispering, “You’re ready!” Shivers of excitement exploded up and down my spine.
I longed for these words while training in temperatures ranging from -35F to 118 F. I longed for this message while trudging through snow, mud, rain, sliding on ice and eating dust. I sought this message while sleet pelted my face, snow blow down my back, lightning danced amidst my path and the sun’s rays enhanced my throat’s desiccation.
Despite the one mistake of the early
discontinuation of drinking water during the Boston Marathon that resulted in dehydration,
I achieved my goal of placing among the top ten Americans. Yes, I was
victorious in achieving a goal set as an eight year old in June 1975.
Avoiding Comfortville while training enabled me to visit Victoryville in racing.
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
http://www.rickemeyer.com/
Each time I hear “You’re getting there!” my mind wonders, “Will I ever arrive? Will I ever attain the necessary level of fitness?” I set the goal of running, and “placing high” in the Boston Marathon as an eight year old in 1975.
The training consisted of running 70 – 90 miles per week, including 20 to 25 miles every Sunday before or after church. Running everyday in Nebraska necessitates enduring temperature ranges from -35 F to +118 F, absent wind-chill or heat index adjustments.
This represents a 153 degree temperature variance, much larger if figuring wind-chill and heat index. Additionally, one endures the full gamut of weather conditions from blizzard to severe thunderstorms. The terrain toppings vary from deep snow, ice, mud and dust. One must negotiate each with traction, strength and balance.
Some claim wind-chill, heat index, footing, and storm conditions have little effect on those running or working outside. These comments remind of the guy who says his cattle never get out—he doesn’t have cattle. Similarly, those denying weather’s effect on the body lack working outside for long periods in extreme conditions.
I firmly marked 17 April 1995 on the calendar. Yet, no guarantee existed of my attaining the desired level of physical fitness to optimally compete in the world’s premiere annual marathon, second in overall prestige only to the Olympics. I trained in faith, belief and trust of Christ, this included his chosen coach for me, Lyle Claussen.
With my internalized vision and Lyle’s reminding me that I am “getting there,” my training continued through miserable weather, sore muscles, missed social opportunities, tired mind and hungry body. Frequently, my stomach rebelled in queasy turmoil at the end of runs.
Mental and physical exhaustion saturated every neuron, vein, vessel, muscle, tendon and ligament between the top of my head and the tip of my toes. Seemingly, every nerve suffered as victims of lightning strikes. The end of these runs often correlated with my collapsing in the street.
One expects these agonies and inconveniences as a necessary part of the journey on the road to Victoryville. Good marathoners know this road bypasses Comfortville. In fact, meaningful achievements virtually always reside well beyond the boundaries of Comfortville and the surrounding communities.
The greater the achievement(s) sought, the further one must reside from Comfortville. Can you imagine the reaction of other runners if one only engaged in a light jog each day while expecting to run a fast marathon? The uproar of laughter from experienced runners would resemble fifty simultaneous freight train whistles.
Pursuing great achievements of Christ’s will for our life will require equal, perhaps exceed, the training and consequential challenges of training our body and mind for running. Does a greater achievement exist than attianing Christ’s will for your life? No!
Does your desire for serving Christ in faith drive you to collapse from physical and mental exhaustion? Like marathon training, does your faith training, cause you to miss various social opportunities? Just like marathon training, achieving Christ’s will for your life requires avoiding Comfortville.
The Wednesday night before the Boston Marathon, Lyle and I ate at Kearney’s Spaghetti Shop. I began eating my second plate of spaghetti when Lyle leaned forward whispering, “You’re ready!” Shivers of excitement exploded up and down my spine.
I longed for these words while training in temperatures ranging from -35F to 118 F. I longed for this message while trudging through snow, mud, rain, sliding on ice and eating dust. I sought this message while sleet pelted my face, snow blow down my back, lightning danced amidst my path and the sun’s rays enhanced my throat’s desiccation.
Avoiding Comfortville while training enabled me to visit Victoryville in racing.
Have you defined your goals? Avoid Comfortville, keep your eye on your
Victoryville, “You’re getting there!”
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
http://www.rickemeyer.com/
Monday, December 6, 2010
Roots
Where are you Rooted?
Monday, December 06, 2010
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7
Plants visibly display a great deal about their roots’ environment, although not always initially. Plants rooted in acid, or alkaline soils produce visible signs of poor health; as do plants rooted in soils lacking adequate appropriate nutrients. Often times the soil environment inhibits appropriate nutrients from being available, in proper form, to the plants. Other times soils are infested with fauna such as rootworm, cutworm, wireworm or nematodes. These pests result in plants with poor health; as they destroying roots to grow and expand in mass.
Healthy, highly productive plants have healthy, massive roots in ideal soil environment. The soils are either free of pests, or the soils and the new roots contain pesticides to eliminate root killing pests. Productive soils are pH neutral, enhancing the availability of required soil nutrients; additionally productive soils have adequate nutrition for maximum yields. Plants with rooted in productive soil are richly colored, with sturdy stalks which prevent wavering, leaning or lodging in severe storms. Plants rooted in highly productive soils, produce high yields!
Their tap root is able to grow to significant depths for plant stability, secondary and fibrous roots aide stability while enabling significant water and nutrient uptake. However it is imperative to recognize that different genetic lines produce different types of roots. Visible positive plant health develops along various times lines for the various genetic lines. The ultimate measure of a plant’s root environment and consequential health is at harvest. Some plants may look tremendous, until their stalks lodge from a delayed harvest.
Where are you rooted? Are you placing your roots in acidic and alkaline soils, where nutrition is limited? Are you placing your roots in pest infested soil where pests destroy your roots, preventing adequate water and nutrient uptake and stability?
Are your roots trying to penetrate compacted soil? This soil is often good soil suffering from too much traffic on it. Your soil may feel like too people have running over you, taking you for granted. The best remedy for compacted soil is water, whether rain or irrigation. If your roots are unable to penetrate for stability and nutrient uptake due to compaction; you need to call upon your waters of baptism in Christ, the water in the Blood of Christ shed for you and the forgiveness of YOUR sins.
Do you desire an abundant life, a life with a high yield? Remember, high yield crops vary in appearance during the growing season. For a High Yield Life, place your roots with Christ in God. Roots placed with Christ will provide stability with a deep tap root; the secondary and fibrous roots will uptake abundant water and nutrition found in the Bread of Life and Water from which we will never again thirst. With roots in Christ, you will not lean, lodge or break off in life’s severe storms. Christ’s love, mercy, and forgiveness is the pesticide eliminating all pests seeking to limit and kill your roots.
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com
Monday, December 06, 2010
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7
Plants visibly display a great deal about their roots’ environment, although not always initially. Plants rooted in acid, or alkaline soils produce visible signs of poor health; as do plants rooted in soils lacking adequate appropriate nutrients. Often times the soil environment inhibits appropriate nutrients from being available, in proper form, to the plants. Other times soils are infested with fauna such as rootworm, cutworm, wireworm or nematodes. These pests result in plants with poor health; as they destroying roots to grow and expand in mass.
Healthy, highly productive plants have healthy, massive roots in ideal soil environment. The soils are either free of pests, or the soils and the new roots contain pesticides to eliminate root killing pests. Productive soils are pH neutral, enhancing the availability of required soil nutrients; additionally productive soils have adequate nutrition for maximum yields. Plants with rooted in productive soil are richly colored, with sturdy stalks which prevent wavering, leaning or lodging in severe storms. Plants rooted in highly productive soils, produce high yields!
Their tap root is able to grow to significant depths for plant stability, secondary and fibrous roots aide stability while enabling significant water and nutrient uptake. However it is imperative to recognize that different genetic lines produce different types of roots. Visible positive plant health develops along various times lines for the various genetic lines. The ultimate measure of a plant’s root environment and consequential health is at harvest. Some plants may look tremendous, until their stalks lodge from a delayed harvest.
Where are you rooted? Are you placing your roots in acidic and alkaline soils, where nutrition is limited? Are you placing your roots in pest infested soil where pests destroy your roots, preventing adequate water and nutrient uptake and stability?
Are your roots trying to penetrate compacted soil? This soil is often good soil suffering from too much traffic on it. Your soil may feel like too people have running over you, taking you for granted. The best remedy for compacted soil is water, whether rain or irrigation. If your roots are unable to penetrate for stability and nutrient uptake due to compaction; you need to call upon your waters of baptism in Christ, the water in the Blood of Christ shed for you and the forgiveness of YOUR sins.
Do you desire an abundant life, a life with a high yield? Remember, high yield crops vary in appearance during the growing season. For a High Yield Life, place your roots with Christ in God. Roots placed with Christ will provide stability with a deep tap root; the secondary and fibrous roots will uptake abundant water and nutrition found in the Bread of Life and Water from which we will never again thirst. With roots in Christ, you will not lean, lodge or break off in life’s severe storms. Christ’s love, mercy, and forgiveness is the pesticide eliminating all pests seeking to limit and kill your roots.
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com
Seed Purity
Seed Purity
Monday, December 06, 2010
Would you purchase seeds of your desired plants contaminated with weed seed?
What is a “weed”? A weed is a plant out of place, an undesired plant in that field. Weed seeds mixed in with the desired seed, produce a mess; a bunch of undesired plants in the field. Weeds are unsightly, while also damaging to the intended crop. Weeds consume water, nutrients and sunlight; lessening the volume of each component for your desired crop. Weeds reduce yield, and if left uncheck will eventually take over a field, making it virtually impossible for the desired crop to grow. In Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Jesus explains that at harvest, the weeds are gathered, bundled and burned. In 13:41 Jesus also explains that weeds cause sin and must be removed before they reduce yield.
Now with a brief back ground on the disastrous effects from weeds, let’s consider the initial question again. Would you purchase seed containing weed seed? Good, neither will I.
The seed industry includes purity on the tag of a bag of seed. The top seed companies establish 99.5% purity as industry standards; anything less pure results in consumer avoidance. Farmers desire pure seed!
Do Christians desire pure seed? Do we desire the pure Word of God? Yes! The evidence is revealed in church membership shifts. In recent years, membership has grown in churches who acknowledge scripture as the pure Word of God, while declining in churches who doubt the purity of God’s Word, the purity of scripture. The church with leaders dispelling the purity of God’s Word; are “selling” contaminated seed. In proclaiming the impurity of scripture, God's Word, they are dispersing seed containing significant weed seed. This weed seed causes sin, reducing yield. Christians desiring profitable crops avoid planting this seed, just like good farmers; they want contaminated seed kept off their farms.
The best crop yields begin with planting pure seed in your fields. The best life yields with Christ, begin with planting the Pure Word of God in your heart, soul and mind. Seek and plant pure seed, the pure Word of God!
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
http://www.rickemeyer.com/
Monday, December 06, 2010
Would you purchase seeds of your desired plants contaminated with weed seed?
What is a “weed”? A weed is a plant out of place, an undesired plant in that field. Weed seeds mixed in with the desired seed, produce a mess; a bunch of undesired plants in the field. Weeds are unsightly, while also damaging to the intended crop. Weeds consume water, nutrients and sunlight; lessening the volume of each component for your desired crop. Weeds reduce yield, and if left uncheck will eventually take over a field, making it virtually impossible for the desired crop to grow. In Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43, Jesus explains that at harvest, the weeds are gathered, bundled and burned. In 13:41 Jesus also explains that weeds cause sin and must be removed before they reduce yield.
Now with a brief back ground on the disastrous effects from weeds, let’s consider the initial question again. Would you purchase seed containing weed seed? Good, neither will I.
The seed industry includes purity on the tag of a bag of seed. The top seed companies establish 99.5% purity as industry standards; anything less pure results in consumer avoidance. Farmers desire pure seed!
Do Christians desire pure seed? Do we desire the pure Word of God? Yes! The evidence is revealed in church membership shifts. In recent years, membership has grown in churches who acknowledge scripture as the pure Word of God, while declining in churches who doubt the purity of God’s Word, the purity of scripture. The church with leaders dispelling the purity of God’s Word; are “selling” contaminated seed. In proclaiming the impurity of scripture, God's Word, they are dispersing seed containing significant weed seed. This weed seed causes sin, reducing yield. Christians desiring profitable crops avoid planting this seed, just like good farmers; they want contaminated seed kept off their farms.
The best crop yields begin with planting pure seed in your fields. The best life yields with Christ, begin with planting the Pure Word of God in your heart, soul and mind. Seek and plant pure seed, the pure Word of God!
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
http://www.rickemeyer.com/
Friday, December 3, 2010
Tilling our Minds
“Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it.” ~ Henry Ford
As an agronomy, soil and water, student at Kansas State University, one of the required courses was Soil Genesis and Classification; the class was nearly evenly split between graduate and undergraduate students. Throughout the semester, what I referred to as the “regular season,” my course grades were average. I particularly struggled with Soil Classification, the naming of soils based upon physical and chemical properties. I struggled to grasp the full concept; I understood most of classifying a soil, but not all. I understood each component, yet was unable accurately assemble the components into a workable solution. My soil classification homework scores were in the 30% - 40% range; not exactly on the Rhodes Scholar watch list.
This struggle was similar to the time I overhauled a four-barrel carburetor; when the carburetor was back on the vehicle, parts remained in the bucket. Obviously I was much more efficient than Ford Motors. Ha ha!
I continued studying the classification section; as well as the step by step guide separate from the text book. The course final was a 200 point final, with an ‘A,’ I would receive a ‘B’ for an overall course grade. After numerous times of reading the books and course notes, I decided it was time for a run this December evening. I through on my running clothes and shoes; running in a nice cool breeze of approximately -40oF wind-chill. The actual temperature ranged between -25oF and -30oF. Fraternity brothers called me crazy. Whenever I am deemed crazy, and my actions are moral and ethical, I know I am on the right track.
Fortunately, much of my body quickly went numb from the arctic weather conditions. During the little 5-miler my subconscious continued tilling the soil classification material. Sometime in the final mile, mental flood lights illuminated the soil genesis and classification material. This illumination enabled me to identify all of the components and their proper arrangement.
The following day I entered the final exam with confidence, it was the third comprehensive final of the day. As our class of approximately 12 students waited for the professor to arrive, one of girls seeking her Master’s degree proclaimed her self-assessed academic superiority simply because she attained her bachelor’s degree at Penn State. As the comprehensive exam was handed out, we were instructed of the time allotted for completion. By the end of two hours, most others, including the Penn State alumnae, were done; leaving to enjoy Christmas break or prepare for additional finals. During the exam, I thought as deeply as I ever in the class room as I had up to that time. After three hours, only two or three of us remained, the professor ordered pizza roughly 30 minutes later for us to enjoy upon completion. Upon completing the exam and eating pizza with the professor and a couple of classmates, I was as exhausted as finishing a championship race, a mental exhaustion later equaled in international marathons.
A day or two later, I stopped by Throckmorton Hall on the Kansas State University campus; anxious to see my exam results To my delight and surprise I received nearly a perfect score on the comprehensive exam; the highest score in the class. Why did I excel on this exam while struggling during the ‘regular season’ and in other much less demanding courses? I fully engaged my brain; expanding and challenging the depth and breadth of my thinking; fully tilling the course material. Why did I fail to equally engage in other topics, or sooner in this course? As Henry Ford properly assesses, thinking is the hardest of all work!
Conversely, Adolph Hitler once observed that it is the good fortune of rulers that most people do not think.
Are you mentally exhausted after solving a difficult challenge? The deeper, more in-depth, we think the greater the mental energy demand. We can easily rattle off menial ideas off the top of our minds, however deeply tilling into our minds requires great effort! As my friend Kent has stated numerous times, “Rick, you do not apply yourself in the classroom.”
Did you know tilling soil increases exponentially with depth? The same is true with tilling our minds!
- From Soil Physics text book:
Depth vs. Effort
1X 1X
1.7 2.5X
2.3X 5X
3.oX 10X
(I am unable to insert the graph)
Another consideration while view the increased effort to till and think deeply is the energy requirement for a rotary hoe is roughly 2.5X than required to plow an equal depth or volume of soil. Plowing, whether soil or information, is simply turning over the sod or going over the material in a reasonably thorough manner. Whereas a running a rotary hoe breaks up the soil and information into much smaller particles; mixing and understanding the contents. Are we willing to expend the necessary energy to deeply mix and comprehend all that we study, including Christ’s Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding?
Jesus Christ created each of us, with an incredible mind designed to think deeply, mixing and understanding the contents. The required extra effort, disproportionate to increased depth; encourages us to seek Him, seek the Holy Spirit for energy, Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding. Thinking is truly challenging work! Engage your mind, engage your faith.
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Soil and Christ
How is soil formed? Soil originates from rocks, different types of rocks produce different types of soil. You are most likely asking how a boulder or even small rock becomes friable soil that sift through your hand. How do these rocks become life producing soil? Rocks become soil by biological, chemical and mechanical weathering. We will keep the details fairly simple.
Microbes, otherwise known as ‘critters,’ gradually feed away on rocks; they also create pores which allow water to enter the rock. The water slowly degrades the rock whether by running through the rock or filling the pores, then freezing. What happens to water when frozen? Your right! Water expands during the transformation from liquid to solid phase. Buried rocks slowly decompose as well as exposed rocks.
Rocks are degraded into life producing soil through persistent, minute breaking down of the particles.
The Bible has several parables regarding soil, moreover the Bible also compares the Word to a Rock. God is fully capable of growing a bumper crop on any rock, yet he chooses to do so in weathered rock, known as soil.
How do we transform the Rock of Christ into life producing soil? We have to be in the Word, in relationships, in worship; breaking down the Rock into soil. Does breaking down the Rock, destroy the Rock. The degradation simply transforms the Rock into the Life producing solution. Similarly, our breaking down the Rock, simply transforms the Word into life producing solution of our lives. Jesus does not need us anymore than He needs soil; however this is how God prefers to run the universe. No argument from me.
If you see the Rock of Christ, the Rock of Scripture, the Rock of a Congregation; yet your Relationship with Christ, your Faith is absent Growth. You need to transform the Rock into soil of your soul. This transformation requires physical, mental, emotional and spiritual effort. This transformation requires getting into the ‘nuks and crannies’ of scripture, relationships and the Word. Your involvement, combined with the Holy Spirit at work in you, will transform the Rock into Life producing soil in your life, in your soul.
We are created in God’s image, from soil. That soil is Christ!
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
In Christ,
Rick E. Meyer
www.rickemeyer.com
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
Microbes, otherwise known as ‘critters,’ gradually feed away on rocks; they also create pores which allow water to enter the rock. The water slowly degrades the rock whether by running through the rock or filling the pores, then freezing. What happens to water when frozen? Your right! Water expands during the transformation from liquid to solid phase. Buried rocks slowly decompose as well as exposed rocks.
Rocks are degraded into life producing soil through persistent, minute breaking down of the particles.
The Bible has several parables regarding soil, moreover the Bible also compares the Word to a Rock. God is fully capable of growing a bumper crop on any rock, yet he chooses to do so in weathered rock, known as soil.
How do we transform the Rock of Christ into life producing soil? We have to be in the Word, in relationships, in worship; breaking down the Rock into soil. Does breaking down the Rock, destroy the Rock. The degradation simply transforms the Rock into the Life producing solution. Similarly, our breaking down the Rock, simply transforms the Word into life producing solution of our lives. Jesus does not need us anymore than He needs soil; however this is how God prefers to run the universe. No argument from me.
If you see the Rock of Christ, the Rock of Scripture, the Rock of a Congregation; yet your Relationship with Christ, your Faith is absent Growth. You need to transform the Rock into soil of your soul. This transformation requires physical, mental, emotional and spiritual effort. This transformation requires getting into the ‘nuks and crannies’ of scripture, relationships and the Word. Your involvement, combined with the Holy Spirit at work in you, will transform the Rock into Life producing soil in your life, in your soul.
We are created in God’s image, from soil. That soil is Christ!
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
In Christ,
Rick E. Meyer
www.rickemeyer.com
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Water Extinquishes Fire
As a member of the local Volunteer Fire Department, I have seen a number of fires extinquished. The majority of the time, we use water as the extinquisher. Sometimes water is not the best extinquisher, we then use foam. Foam is similar to bread dough, as it suffocates the fire. Water and foam puts out fires.
What about the fire of hell due all of us for our sins? If we think our sins are unworthy of hell's fire, we probably need to reevaluate our souls.
Fortunately, Jesus Christ extinquished the fire of hell for any soul, eternity past and eternity future for all who choose His water and bread as their fire extinquisher. Jesus shed His blood on the cross as He died for each of us. What is the major component of blood? Water! Jesus gave His life to extinquish our sins, He is the Bread of Life, His body represents Bread.
The Bible also discusses the signifcance of our Baptismal Water. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus as a dove when Jesus rose from the waters of His baptism.
Considering God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is the creator of all things, including the governing laws of the universe; it is no coincedence that water and bread protect both property and soul from fires.
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com
What about the fire of hell due all of us for our sins? If we think our sins are unworthy of hell's fire, we probably need to reevaluate our souls.
Fortunately, Jesus Christ extinquished the fire of hell for any soul, eternity past and eternity future for all who choose His water and bread as their fire extinquisher. Jesus shed His blood on the cross as He died for each of us. What is the major component of blood? Water! Jesus gave His life to extinquish our sins, He is the Bread of Life, His body represents Bread.
The Bible also discusses the signifcance of our Baptismal Water. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus as a dove when Jesus rose from the waters of His baptism.
Considering God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit is the creator of all things, including the governing laws of the universe; it is no coincedence that water and bread protect both property and soul from fires.
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Water is Life
“Seek first the Kingdom of God and all else will be added unto you.”
Have you noticed that throughout history, the great cities are built along flowing rivers and/or oceans; they are built by water? Why do cities and industry flourish along rivers, lakes and oceans? Water is life! Life, whether human, plant, animal or industry is dependent upon water. The best agricultural soils are often found in river valleys. One of my favorite hymns is “Shall we gather at the River.” As a child I heard my dad sing and whistle this song innumerable times while we were along the river; whether working, fishing, hunting, or socializing with friends on a summer Sunday afternoon.
Water transports some nutrients in the soil and in the plant; water also enables plants to stand vertical. These are a few simplified benefits of water in soil and plants. Water cleanses, water refreshes. Our blood is mostly water. Water forms valleys, as well as the consequential hills. Did you know that the deepest soils are nearly always found in the valleys? More about that tomorrow. Water enables root growth, root growth provides stability and greater area from which the plant to draw the necessary water and nutrients to prosper. Water is life!
We too should build our ‘city’ of life by the flowing water of Christ. Water is frequently used in scripture literally and metaphorically. Jesus was baptized in Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descended as a dove saying, “This is my son in whom I am well pleased.” The water in a flowing river is a representation of the ground water underneath the surrounding land. When we build in the river bottom, we have the flowing water near-by; additionally we have ample water right below our feet; available for promoting and strengthening life. Water cleanses our hands, the waters of our baptism symbolically cleanse our sin; permanently washing them away because of Christ’s death and resurrection.
Water is necessary for seed germination, leading to wheat, leading to bread. Christ blood, containing mostly water germinate the seeds of the eternal bread of life in our life. We simple must accept the watering of our souls from Christ’s blood, we must seek and accept the Kingdom of God and all else will be added unto us.
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ,
In Christ,
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com
Have you noticed that throughout history, the great cities are built along flowing rivers and/or oceans; they are built by water? Why do cities and industry flourish along rivers, lakes and oceans? Water is life! Life, whether human, plant, animal or industry is dependent upon water. The best agricultural soils are often found in river valleys. One of my favorite hymns is “Shall we gather at the River.” As a child I heard my dad sing and whistle this song innumerable times while we were along the river; whether working, fishing, hunting, or socializing with friends on a summer Sunday afternoon.
Water transports some nutrients in the soil and in the plant; water also enables plants to stand vertical. These are a few simplified benefits of water in soil and plants. Water cleanses, water refreshes. Our blood is mostly water. Water forms valleys, as well as the consequential hills. Did you know that the deepest soils are nearly always found in the valleys? More about that tomorrow. Water enables root growth, root growth provides stability and greater area from which the plant to draw the necessary water and nutrients to prosper. Water is life!
We too should build our ‘city’ of life by the flowing water of Christ. Water is frequently used in scripture literally and metaphorically. Jesus was baptized in Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descended as a dove saying, “This is my son in whom I am well pleased.” The water in a flowing river is a representation of the ground water underneath the surrounding land. When we build in the river bottom, we have the flowing water near-by; additionally we have ample water right below our feet; available for promoting and strengthening life. Water cleanses our hands, the waters of our baptism symbolically cleanse our sin; permanently washing them away because of Christ’s death and resurrection.
Water is necessary for seed germination, leading to wheat, leading to bread. Christ blood, containing mostly water germinate the seeds of the eternal bread of life in our life. We simple must accept the watering of our souls from Christ’s blood, we must seek and accept the Kingdom of God and all else will be added unto us.
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ,
In Christ,
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com
Monday, November 29, 2010
Rapport - The Fragrance of Life
Have you met people that you instantly like? You and they have established instant rapport.
What is rapport? Is all rapport good? A quick search on Amazon.com returns 14,961 Results. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the French origin Rapport as, “a close relationship in which people understand each other and communicate well.”
How do we build rapport? The recordings and references I have listened to over the years, define the establishment of rapport as the foundation of successful salesman, “instant” credibility, likeability and relationships. One person defines rapport as, “The Key to Influencing People, Including Yourself.” The techniques include mirroring someone’s body language, voice tonality and pace. Mirroring includes empathizing with others emotionally; agreeing with their position.
Masterful manipulators use these techniques to influence others in taking the manipulator’s desired action. The real question is whether the desired action is Christ’s will for the person being manipulated.
Whenever I attempt to use the above techniques for establishing rapport, I fail miserably in placing hope on myself. For that, I am grateful! Conversely, when focusing on Christ; helping others achieve Christ’s will for their life; I establish instant rapport with all whom have a heart for Christ. II Corinthians 2:15-16 says that we are the aroma of Christ, “To one the smell of death, to the other, the fragrance of life.” Is there a greater way of establishing rapport than being the fragrance of life in Christ?
What kind of rapport do we establish by assuming the smell of death? Have you smelled death, a decaying animal? The smell of death is atrocious! We go out of our way to avoid the smell of death.
The fragrance of life is greater than the greatest fragrance on earth. The fragrance of life is better than any flower, cologne or perfume; past, present or future. The fragrance of life in Christ has greater attraction than the world’s most powerful magnet. Yet, just an object lacking the proper chemical properties is not drawn to the most powerful magnet, those lacking the spiritual qualities of Christ will not be drawn to the fragrance of life. Can iron be injected into plastic for magnetic draw? Absolutely! Can Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit be injected in into those currently opposed to the fragrance of Christ? Absolutely!
As you search for techniques of building rapport, thoroughly investigate your motives. If your motives are secular, the techniques above will work just fine; especially for those who continue smelling Christ as death. However, if your motive is loving the Lord your God, with all of your heart, mind and soul; loving your fellow man as much as you love yourself; establish rapport with the saturation of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in your every thought, word, and deed. Allow Christ to saturate you with the fragrance of life.
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
In Christ,
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com
What is rapport? Is all rapport good? A quick search on Amazon.com returns 14,961 Results. The Oxford English Dictionary defines the French origin Rapport as, “a close relationship in which people understand each other and communicate well.”
How do we build rapport? The recordings and references I have listened to over the years, define the establishment of rapport as the foundation of successful salesman, “instant” credibility, likeability and relationships. One person defines rapport as, “The Key to Influencing People, Including Yourself.” The techniques include mirroring someone’s body language, voice tonality and pace. Mirroring includes empathizing with others emotionally; agreeing with their position.
Masterful manipulators use these techniques to influence others in taking the manipulator’s desired action. The real question is whether the desired action is Christ’s will for the person being manipulated.
Whenever I attempt to use the above techniques for establishing rapport, I fail miserably in placing hope on myself. For that, I am grateful! Conversely, when focusing on Christ; helping others achieve Christ’s will for their life; I establish instant rapport with all whom have a heart for Christ. II Corinthians 2:15-16 says that we are the aroma of Christ, “To one the smell of death, to the other, the fragrance of life.” Is there a greater way of establishing rapport than being the fragrance of life in Christ?
What kind of rapport do we establish by assuming the smell of death? Have you smelled death, a decaying animal? The smell of death is atrocious! We go out of our way to avoid the smell of death.
The fragrance of life is greater than the greatest fragrance on earth. The fragrance of life is better than any flower, cologne or perfume; past, present or future. The fragrance of life in Christ has greater attraction than the world’s most powerful magnet. Yet, just an object lacking the proper chemical properties is not drawn to the most powerful magnet, those lacking the spiritual qualities of Christ will not be drawn to the fragrance of life. Can iron be injected into plastic for magnetic draw? Absolutely! Can Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit be injected in into those currently opposed to the fragrance of Christ? Absolutely!
As you search for techniques of building rapport, thoroughly investigate your motives. If your motives are secular, the techniques above will work just fine; especially for those who continue smelling Christ as death. However, if your motive is loving the Lord your God, with all of your heart, mind and soul; loving your fellow man as much as you love yourself; establish rapport with the saturation of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in your every thought, word, and deed. Allow Christ to saturate you with the fragrance of life.
See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
In Christ,
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickemeyer.com
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