Leadership Observations in the Life of Nehemiah

Nehemiah

1. Nehemiah consulted with his brothers and other men from Judah (1:2)

Leaders consult with peers, which may include family.

2. Nehemiah inquired of the Jews who escaped and survived captivity and Jerusalem (1:2)

Leaders are concerned of others well-being.

Leaders are concerned about foundational and symbolic cities and/or geography.

Leaders are cognizant of other's circumstances—(surviving and escaping).

3. Nehemiah learned of the wall of Jerusalem being broken and its gates burned. He wept, mourned, fasted and prayed for days before God (1:3-5)

Leaders understand the significance of physical structures:

1. Spiritual – The wall in those days signified the strength of one's god. Thus a destroyed and burnt wall reflected poorly upon God.

2. Geographical

3. Societal

4. Political

5. Emotional

6. Relational

Leaders wholly, authentically invest themselves in others' lives—weeping and mourning for days

Leaders submit themselves to God (Nehemiah uses your servant (NASB) eight times in the first chapter in referring to himself, the Jews and Moses)

Leaders pray to God

Leaders fast before God

Leaders seek God in recognizing, acknowledging, and speaking God's awesomeness

1. Nehemiah reminds God of His covenant and loving kindness for those obedient to Him (1:6)

Leaders understand the consequences of disobedience to God.

Leaders understand the significance of obedience to God.

Leaders seek God's attention when praying

Leaders Know God's Word, and Character--as much as humanly possible--which is a lifelong, perpetual gaining and growing.

1. Nehemiah confesses sins of sons of Israel and himself (1:6-10)

Leaders confess personal sins

Leaders confess corporal sins

1. Nehemiah approaches the King, and was afraid (2:2-3)

Leaders appropriately acknowledge their fears

Leaders appropriately avoid confessing their fears, unless and until necessary.

Leaders are honest, even when honesty could result in ridicule or death from the superior (in this specific case, the King).

Leaders are humble and respectful before their superiors.

1. Nehemiah prays to God while conversing with King Artaxerxes (2:3-5).

Leaders humble themselves before the Lord (James 4:17)

Leaders recognize and acknowledge human inadequacy apart from God.

Leaders rely on God

Leaders inquire of opportunity

Leaders oppose those who oppose God

Leaders are bold

1. Nehemiah responds to the Kings inquiries with specifics (2:6-8)

Leaders plan diligently

Leaders effectively deliver their proposal to the necessary people.

Knew and provided a definite duration of the journey

Summarization of Leadership Principles

Nehemiah serves in upper management with King Artaxerxes, as his cupbearer. Consequently, a self-centered leader would lack concern for others, especially those who lack adequacy to aid one's secular gain. Conversely, Nehemiah's God-centeredness immediately illuminates as he inquires of his brother and peers regarding the status of the Jews who survived and escaped captivity and about Jerusalem. Nehemiah deeply grieves for days over the destruction of Jerusalem's wall because of its spiritual and societal implications. He recognizes this results from disobedience to God, the vulnerability of the Jews without the wall, and the symbolism of God appearing weak to society. Nehemiah responds with fasting and prayer, along with confession of sins of him and the Jews as a whole. He pleads to God, reminding God of the covenant, including God's promised response of the Jews obedience and disobedience. Nehemiah diligent planning included prayer while speaking to the King, this also provided God's favor before the King. Nehemiah responded to the King's questions with specific plans, including the necessary approval letters of others in authority over his route to Judah. Nehemiah's leadership displays the significance of loving God, including his people (Deut. 6:5; Mt. 22:37-40). His leadership and vision relies on knowing God's word, the necessity of obedience, preparation and prayer.

Admirable skills/principles noted before engaging the King

1. Nehemiah is concerned about the Jews and Jerusalem
   1. Nehemiah records specifics of month, year, and location of inquiry (1:1)
   2. Nehemiah consults with peers and experts (1:2).
   3. "I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped and had survived the captivity, and about Jerusalem. (1:2)
2. Nehemiah responds to destruction and disobedience with grief for days, before God.
   1. Sat down
      1. Lack of physical strength caused from deep mourning
      2. Displays long duration of events
   2. Wept
   3. Mourned
   4. Fasting
   5. Praying
3. Nehemiah submits to God
   1. "I beseech You, O Lord God of heaven the great and awesome God" (1:5)
   2. Acknowledges God's covenant for those who obey
   3. Seeks God's ear
   4. Confessing personal sin
   5. Confesses organizational sin
   6. Acknowledges consequences of disobedience
   7. Acknowledges God's character in stating God's past use of power and deliverance.

 

Admirable skills/principles noted while engaging the King
 

1. Despite being afraid (2:2), Nehemiah responds with honesty
2. Humble and respectful before the King, his earthly superior.
3. Clearly articulates his concerns to the King
4. Prays to God during the dialogue
5. Specifically states his request of and desire to rebuild the Jerusalem wall
6. Provided the King a definite time of duration for the journey
7. Specifically requests the necessary letters of governors to allow his passage into Judah
       

Personal Application

Nehemiah's God-centeredness begins in this passage with him caring about the Jews who escaped and survived, as well as Jerusalem. The power of this is amplified when recognizing Nehemiah's lofty position of cupbearer for the King. Self-centeredness responds with, "Why care about others as long as I have it good?" I, like Nehemiah, need to focus on my relationship with God as this internalizes the instinctive concern of God's people and property.

Nehemiah verifies his authentic concern of the Jews, Jerusalem, and the destroyed wall's causative perception of God by responding in weeping, mourning, fasting, and praying for days. False concern(s) endures briefly at best. I strive to follow in Nehemiah's example of response by grieving and praying over the hurts of peers, and the world's perception of God's kingdom.

Additionally, I seek to follow Nehemiah's example of prayer, including confession my sins, and the sins of the organization. Nehemiah provides a terrific example of knowing current application of God's word, character, and past actions, including responses for disobedience and obedience. I also seek to follow Nehemiah's example of offering myself and the organization as servants to God.

 

Nehemiah's faith continues shining when confronted by the King, as he risks his ego and possibly his life in honestly answering the King regarding his sad face. I hope to continue speaking honestly in all circumstances.

 

Honesty has positive and negative consequences. Nehemiah powerfully shows and reminds me that the benefits of serving God with honesty far exceed any perceived false benefits of dishonesty. Nehemiah continues his Godly leadership example of being respectful of the King and silently praying during his dialogue with King Artaxerxes.

I, like Nehemiah, need to remain respectful of superiors and silently pray during conversations, especially with high stakes at risk. Nehemiah reminds me to diligently plan, have precise details ready to the best of my ability when meeting with decision makers. This includes the task's duration and any necessary documents. I will seek to boldly state, when appropriate, my desired tasks, as Nehemiah did when declaring his intention of rebuilding Jerusalem's wall.

Nehemiah encourages me, as a leader, to love God, care about others, grieve for others hurts, pray, confess personal and corporal sins, know God's word and character (as best as humanly possible), boldly and honestly face superiors with respect, continually praying during the dialogue, diligently plan, articulate details of my intentions, seek the appropriate documents, etc and praise God for the favor of his good hand on me.

 

In consideration of economic uncertainty and spiritual depravity, American Christians should follow Nehemiah's example of mourning, weeping, praying, fasting (if you feel so inclined), confessing of personal and national sin, remember God's word, and seek obedience to God. We, like Nehemiah, will diligently develop and implement a Godly vision and plan, serving God despite dangers, risk, inconvenience, and discomfort.

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!
 

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com

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Talent vs. Wisdom

The Bowl Championship Series (BCS) places the Kansas State University football team second in this week's rankings. The top two teams at the end of the season play for the National Championship. Alabama is the current top ranked team.

 

Numerous articles and conversations express amazement at Kansas State's undefeated season to date against tough competition, considering the experts rank their recent recruiting classes low—lacking the talent of the other top programs.

 

This imbalance of talent, with K-State on the bottom end compared to their opponents perplexes media, fans, and probably coaches and players across America—the other coaches and players probably are hesitant for a public confession.

 

A number of factors exist in explaining how a team with little talent defeats and annihilates teams possessing superior talent. A few of these factors include.

• Better Coaching
  
• Inaccurate Recruiting Rankings
  
• Better Game Day Focus
  
• Greater Physical Preparation
  
• Greater Mental Preparation
  
• Injuries vs. Staying Healthy
  
• Enhanced Team Chemistry
  
• Selfishness vs Teamness (it's a word now J)
  

 

Bill "Congo" Congleton, became a Hall of Fame Coach and Coaching legend at Manhattan High School in Manhattan, Kansas during the 1970s through the early 1990s. He shared wisdom with me while I served as one of his assistant coaches while I attended Kansas State during the late 1980s. Congo proclaimed his teams with average talent with above average intelligence will consistently defeat teams possessing above average talent with average intelligence. Congo's achievements validate his belief.

 

How does one measure intelligence? Grades or test scores fall short in measuring intelligence. Dr. Burns at Dallas Theological Seminary succinctly states, imperfect professors attempt to measure imperfect students with grades. Additionally, does equivalency exist between an "A" at two separate University's organic chemistry class? A future Rhodes Scholar recipient ruined the curve in my organic chemistry class at Kansas State. Does equivalency exist between an "A" with two different professors or graders?

 

I have visited with three different students of a renowned graduated school who turned in their papers and received a high or low score and then were asked to resubmit because the grader lost their scores. The students resubmitted the same paper, printing of a fresh copy. The exact same paper received nearly polar opposite scores with the second grading. In other words, how accurately do grades reflect intelligence?

 

One best define Congo's use of intelligence as Wisdom. Wisdom includes properly acting after collecting, and understanding information. Greater wisdom increases the volume of information and rate of response. Wisdom enables good decisions and constant monitoring with quick, proper adjustments.

 

If one possesses greater physical ability, yet acts with foolishness, or complacency—ignoring wisdom—they will consistently fall to those with less physical ability and greater wisdom. The well-known Bible story of David—a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22)—versus Goliath—the uncircumcised Philistine, illustrates wisdom versus talent (1 Samuel 16:1—17:58).

 

Where does one attain wisdom? The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Begin with reverence, prayer and study of God's word.

 

Achieving greatness depends more upon wisdom than talent. Choose wisdom in honing, expanding and applying your talent. With prayer, joy, fellowship, and studying God's word, you too will be among the best in the nation and world in the endeavor God's calls you to engage. The great seldom receive fame, the famous often lack Godly wisdom.

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick

 

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

Engineering Pluralism

T
(Second Draft—Stay tuned)

 
Many in today's society believe in and promote the religious pluralism while they snarl at theism—one God represented in trinity of the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Religious pluralists believe all roads, all religions, all worship services lead to salvation. They dispel only one true God. Rather, everyone defines their own god and method of salvation.

"Don't tell me or anyone else that our religion is wrong, that we worship a false god."

The apostle Paul encountered this same argument particularly in Athens during his second missionary journey.

For those promoting religious tolerance allowing each person to define and worship their own god—repudiating the one true God—would you fly in an airplane or stay in a building designed by those practicing Engineering Tolerance or Pluralism?

Imagine engineers denouncing math and physics standards. Two plus two may equal one, three, seventeen, infinity x infinity. Additionally Pi may no longer equate to 3.14 and whatever digits follow, instead perhaps 8,9632.5000, because some self-defined mathematician had a vision one night to redefine pi.

If one believes in false gods, or defining one's own god, surely engineers believing in false values and calculations, or defining their own values and calculations will create wonderful, reliable aircraft and buildings in the name of tolerance.

Prestigious academia who denounce the true God, will surely update their plethora of science departments by removing intolerant standards. Come on academia, set the trend with Engineering Pluralism.

Do I have any volunteers to fly these aircraft or live in these buildings?

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with the one true God, Father the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit!
Rick

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

Pride vs. Humility

William Shakespeare once wrote, "Brevity is the soul of wit."

 

"Pride = Self Centeredness

Humble = God Centeredness"

~ Dr. Lanier Burns

 

Friends, I pray you and I choose a humble attitude of centering on God the Father, Son (the Lord Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit today and every day.

Be Blessed!

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick

 

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickemeyer.com

Capture Wisdom

I regularly reflect upon Congo's reply.

His message nearly dashed over my head at the time, escaping into the abyss of nothingness.

Wisdom simplifies the complex.

Wisdom, like bolts of lightning dancing across the summer sky, vanishes as quickly as she amazes us--if uncaptured.

How much effort should you exert in your worthwhile pursuits? Should you record garnered wisdom?

"Depends on how good you want to be."
http://www.rickemeyer.com/audio/congoideologies2.mp3

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

 

 

 

Stretch

Clusters of blue-grayish clouds dispersed amidst blue windows peering into the stratosphere, blanketed the Texas heavens this October afternoon. The calm, soothing air resided as unnoticed as car horns in a New York based movie.


I hurriedly parked my beige Buick LaSabre at home after a full day of classes at Dallas Theological Seminary, where I am pursuing a Masters of Art in Christian Leadership. My cerebral cortex seemingly pulsated in processing the wisdom of great professors. I raced to my car's trunk—opened with the push of a button—clasped my left hand and fingers around the handle of my briefcase. While propelling myself the door, I simultaneously readjusted the keys in my right hand in preparation of opening my apartment door.


The black wingtips, socks, slacks, and blue polo shirt rapidly became dispersed on and by the bed. Decades of repetition enabled redressing in running clothes, in only a few seconds. Gray shoes with green outlined lettering, along with black running shorts and a white shirt reading "See, Believe, Achieve" on the back transformed this body and mind from student, and professional to "super runner." Well, maybe just a "runner".


The first two miles my body resembled a rear tractor tire—appearing fast, yet moving forward at the speed of cold honey—I then dropped the hammer in an attempt to sprint for one-minute, followed by one-minute of jog rest. Each one-minute of full speed running covered a perpetually increasing distance through each of the first ten repetitions. Increased stride length, measured by the cracks on the sidewalk, produced the greatest contribution as the rate of leg turnover remained nearly constant.


In other words, my achievements significantly increased while my extended energy remained constant, because of increased flexibility. My optimal speed and flexibility persisted for the final ten one-minute runs. Near the end physical fatigue, represented by lactic acid, and mental exhaustion began seeping in as high ground water into a basement. Consequently, my focus and concentration zeroed in on remaining flexible and quick.


Following a cool-down, I ate supper in energetic contentment exceeding my exhaustion, because my flexibility, quickness and persistence allowed me to challenge myself to achievement and growth.

How are you increasing your flexibility for greater achievements at work, at home with your family, and serving your community?

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve greater flexibility in Christ!


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


 

Do You Seek God First, and Love Others?

During each speaking engagement—keynote or seminar—I directly or indirectly uplift, Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you, and loving others as much as we care about yourself (Matthew 6:33, 19:19, 22:37-40; John 15:12).

Gratification bubbles abundantly as a deep spring when attendees latch onto this message throughout the day, recognizing that life's gold mines reside in relationship with God. This includes our desiring his best for others. Godly love drives every success attribute such as our thoughts, words, wisdom, knowledge, understanding, diligence, prudence, preparation, execution, vision and desire.

 

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Proverbs 1:7)

How much better to get wisdom than gold, to choose understanding rather than choice silver! (Proverbs 16:16)

Enjoy a blessed day. You are special, intentional, and wonderful! How will you positively impact someone today?

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

 

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

Rickemeyer.com

 

 

How does one Repent?

Frequently we hear repenting defined as turning from our sins, reversing direction. In other words, if one has challenges with greed, alcohol, lust, or any number other sins, they are instructed by many Christians to repent with the intended meaning of turning from those sins, discontinuing in their practice along with being sorry for one's sins. I too have stated this and similar suggestions over the years.

Unfortunately, as Dr. Stanley Tousaint adamantly expresses, the above method teaches salvation by works. Dr. Tousaint rhetorically asks, "How many sins must you turn from, or be sorry for, to receive salvation?"

If repenting fails to include being sorry for our sins, or turning from our sins, how does one repent? Repent is turning to God. After turning to God—God the Father, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit—one then becomes sorry and changes direction. The latter results from repenting—turning to God.

As you read the Bible, substitute turn to God for repent. This exchange allows the continual smooth flow of the passages.

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Turn to Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick

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

Leadership Observations in the Life of David

1. 1 Samuel 16:23 ̶ 17:45 (Overall through 1 King 2:11)

1. David played the harp causing the evil spirit to leave Saul, refreshing and making him well (16:23)

• Leaders serve others in response to God's love

• Leaders love others

• Leaders comfort others

• Leaders strive to make others well

• Leaders are concerned about the spiritual wellbeing of others

 

1. David woke-up and left the flock early in the morning with a keeper, allowing David to take supplies to his brothers as his dad Jesse commanded (17:17,20).

• Leaders respond to parents, elders, and superiors in obedience to God.

• Leaders act with urgency

1. David inquiries what will be done for the man who kills Goliath who taunts the armies of the living God (17:26).

• Leaders inquire of opportunity

• Leaders oppose those who oppose God

• Leaders are bold

1. David offered his willingness to fight the Philistine to Saul (17:32).

• Leaders volunteer their talents

• Leaders seek opportunity

1. David explains his experience, preparation and God Confidence (Several years ago, I created a God Confidence Bible Study) (17:34-37).

• Leaders recognize the preparation for future endeavors in current everyday adventures

• Leaders receive confidence from past successes

• Leaders recognize God's existence in the adventurous preparation and successes

• Leaders recognize God's deliverance (17:37)

  
   

1. David took off uncomfortable and out of place armor (17:39)

• Leaders avoid peer pressure to conform in normality of life's battles

1. David took his stick / sling and chose five stones (17:40)

• Leaders use tools and skills of familiarity

• Leaders use tools and skills with which they are trained and confident

• Leaders choose and carry extra stones
  

1. David told the Philistine, I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. (17:45)

• Leaders prepare physically and mentally within their human domain, yet know, confess, and act in the name of the Lord of hosts.

• Leaders are repulsed by those taunting God

• Leaders respond to and battle for God, rather than on selfishness, ego, and human ability.

1. David repeats these principles through-out his life, with the exception of lust for Bathsheba and arranging for husband's, Uriah, death. (1 Samuel thru 1 Kings 2:11)

• Leaders repeat successful principles

1. David inquires of or seeks the Lord at least eight times (1 Samuel 23:2, 4; 30:8; 2 Samuel 2:1; 5:19; 7:18; 21:1; 24:17)

• Leaders seek the Lord's wisdom and guidance in prayer, rather than relying on self.

 

Summarization of Leadership Principles

David has just begun his leadership after God selected him as a king for and by God following Saul's disobedience in sparing Agag and the Amalekites' spoils. The Spirit of the Lord resided with day from the day of his selection forward, God calls David a man after his own heart. Consequently, David recognizes and honors God's presence, blessings and power. David receives favor with men, women and in battles. When the people exalted David over Saul, David remained humble. Although, his affection for Bathsheba leading to placing her husband Uriah in battle to be killed results in the only stated occasion of God's displeasure with David. Lacking coincidence, David failed to inquire of the Lord in matters of women—specifically Bathsheba. As a leader, David exalts God's anointing of Saul and all lives in Godly favor. David's leadership reveals and reminds the significance of great leadership resulting from God's choosing and receiving his Spirit, along with our obedience.

 

Admirable skills/principles noted before battling Goliath the Philistine

1. God sends Samuel to Jesse's house for His selected King
   1. "God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." (17:7)
   2. "Now the Spirit of the Lord departed mightily upon David from that day forward." (17:13)
2. David serves Saul, including comforting his torments from "an evil spirit from the Lord" that torments him.
   1. Playing the Harp
   2. Attending him
   3. Inviting him to feast with the nations' leaders
3. David preparing for battle
   1. Delivers food to the front lines in obedience to his dad, Jesse
   2. Angered by Goliath taunting the armies of the living God
   3. Inquires of the award for the one whom kills Goliath, thus defeating the Philistine armies
   4. Angered by Goliath taunting the armies of the living God
   5. Reflects upon experience of shepherding and God leading him to victories over lions and bears

Admirable skills/principles noted while fighting Goliath

1. Relies on God
2. Relies on proven methods for David, remaining true to the person God created in him
   1. Selects Stones
   2. Embraces weapon—sling / stick
3. Boldness in approaching the uncircumcised Philistine
4. Confesses his approach in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel
5. Confesses victory because the battle is the Lord's
6. Moved quickly
7. Fired—slung rock—confidently
       

Personal Application

David, like all God's selected leaders, received the appointment without applying for the job, or establishing a marketing plan. As Dr. Lanier Burns states, self-marketing is a pagan ritual as it places one's selfish ambition and reliance ahead of God's desires. David's marketing plan consisted of serving God, through whole heartedly serving his dad and family sheep business. David recognized and relied upon God's strength, power, and protection while battling the lions and bears amongst the sheep herd as well as when fighting the uncircumcised Philistine—Goliath. David also devoutly served Saul. David continued his Godly love for Saul after Saul continually tried to kill David, because David honored God's anointing of Saul. David possessed legendary leadership qualities!

First, David confessed and honored God's provision in everything—all of his successes. Amazing leadership qualities! Secularism says, "Look at me." I need to continually strive to recognize and honor God's presence in my life, including the victories. This includes recognizing that when victories lack, God is preparing us for victory as a coach prepares his athletes. This leadership lesson is one I must remember for myself and communicate with those in my organization. Secondly, David avoided the peer pressure of wearing Saul's armor for battle once he realized the armor conflicted with David's comfort, style, and experience. As a leader, I need to remember to remain true to my strengths in Christ, even when normal appears to offer greater security.

Listening: Pharisee or Greatness

If your favorite team's efforts in preparation and competition, matched your exerted efforts in your profession, would your favorite team's success match your desires for them?

 

I pose this question across America, and now the world? I then affirm that exerted effort, at least in this context, differs from time. In other words, how much of one's physical, mental, and spiritual ability does one exert in their current allotment of time?

 

Two people may each run from 6:00 AM until 7:00 AM, or work on professional project from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. However, one may exert greater effort within these time frames than the other.

 

I recently shared this with a fellow student, who immediately began tearing apart every word spoken. He failed to understand that effort and the amount of time differ in this example. He proudly explained that he finds fault in most everything anyone says. Unfortunately, I too have been guilty of this more times than I care to admit.

 

I now call listeners like my friend and me Pharisee and Sadducee listeners. We seek to criticize instead of understand the person's message. We look for the wrong in someone's message instead of what is right.

 

Often times people explain the same concept using differing terminology based on our differing vernacular influenced by those with whom we associate. For example in college, Ben from St. Louis drank soda, Jon from Manhattan drank a "coke," while Jamie drank pop, while all three consumed Dr. Pepper.

 

Instead of criticizing Jon for saying "coke" when drinking Dr. Pepper, wisdom seeks Jon's true drink--the true meaning. Pharisee and Sadducee listening to criticize hinders relationships, while listening for what is right, what the person means enhances relationships.

 

The basis of the openning question recognizes we each differ in our "natural" abilities, yet we control our level of application. Over the long haul, the exertion generally makes all the difference.

 

For example, Dr. Ken McFarland told of meeting William Jennings Bryan when Ken was a nine or ten year old boy in Caney, Kansas--approximately 1918. Mr. Bryan stopped in Caney to campaign for the United States Presidency on a hot day. He arrived on the 10:10 Topeka, Santa Fe, Atchison line.

 

Mr. Bryan saw Ken standing barefoot in overalls, and nothing else. William Jennings Bryan approached young Ken McFarland, asking what he was doing out in the hot sun with no hat. Nine or ten year old Ken McFarland shared that he and his brothers listened to Mr. Bryan's "Cross of Gold" record on their families Victrola record player until they "plum wore it out."

 

"I want to raise my voice to the glory of God and the United States, like you said in your speech," declared Ken.

 

"You can do it. Yes, you can do it. You just get down on your knees every night and thank God that you live in this great land, and ask Him to give you gumption. With all that you can do the rest yourself." "Now I have come over here and told you something, I expect you to remember it," explained the great orator, William Jennings Bryan.

 

The young small town Kansas boy looked up exuding admiration, "Oh, I will."

 

Dr. Ken McFarland shares this story in a speech in 1984, adding "As you can see, I still remember it. I still get down on my knees every night thanking God that I live in this great country and ask Him to give me gumption." Dr. McFarland spent his life raising his voice to the glory of God and the United States of America.

 

William Jennings Bryan listened purposely to Ken, and sought to understand his message. Ken McFarland listened to understand and apply the reply from William Jennings Bryan.

 

Dr. Ken McFarland adds, "I continue thanking God for great men who took a little bit of their time to talk to (and listen) to barefooted boys in overalls. It makes all the difference."

 

What might have been the difference in Dr. Ken McFarland's life, as well as the millions of lives impacted by his messages while speaking for Goodyear, Readers Digest and all the organizations if William Jennings Bryan would have listened as a Pharisee with the intent of finding fault and criticism?

 

Instead he listened with the intent seek the meaning, responding to lift up the small Kansas boy, on a hot summer's day, that stood barefoot in overalls?

 

I continue listening to a tape purchased twenty years ago of Dr. McFarland's 1984 speech in Pittsburg. Yes, exerting effort to listen makes all the difference in world.

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

 

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

(First draft 9 September 2012 7:47 PM CDT)

 

Prayer and Good

"The purpose of Prayer is to glorify the Kingdom of God." Dr. Stanley Tousaint

"What we call good, reflects our character." Dr. Charles Baylis

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

Thinking: What vs. How

When I reflect on the influtential leaders, coaches, and mentors in my life, thinking consistently surfaces among the cream of lessons--the best of the best. One method involves the great leaders sharing their stories experiences in common situations, or a variety of stories of similar but different circumstances. These stories are either left hanging, or followed by their recommended advice dealing with my inquiry. For example, Uncle Doug once told of wanting to remove soil, lower the top, from a waterway channeling runoff water to the Republican River. His father, my grandpa, advised him to leave the dike's height in place because a couple of heavy rains with few days inbetween would result in water nearing the top of the dike. If water exceeded the dike, their land could experience heavy flooding. Additionally, Grandpa remembered the 1935 Republican River Flood about a quarter of a century earlier. Uncle Doug believed the probability of two successive heavy rains remained low, additionally he--like most others--believed improved soil conservation practices would drastically reduce run-off of any heavy rains. Depite these ponderings he listened to his dad, obeying the commands to leave to levee as is. In the next seven to ten days, two 12-inch rains poured downstream from the drainage ditch. The water flowed within inches of the top. Do you affirmatively respond to the wisdom of your elders, even when their advice appears outdated? Another quick example includes Coach Lyle Claussen response to myself or another runner wanting to train at level beyond prudence. Coach Claussen may share a story about one of his many stand-out runners who chose to over-train then suffered a resultant injury from ignoring warnings from his body and coach and failed to achieve his goals. He followed this example with another standout who did listen to body and Coach, resulting in amazing performances. He would then say, "It is better to err on the side of caution." The second method involves questions either immediately following an inquisition or folled by a story. I once asked Coach Bill "Congo" Congleton if I needed to run in the morning in addition to our tough afternoon workouts. He simply responded, "Depends on how good you want to be, Rick Meyer." (This link allows listening to a 2008 7-minute District Toasmaster Championship Speech, Congo's Ideologies). A plethora of other examples of powerful questions exist. Is it worth it? What are the consequences at different levels and time frames? The above methods teach people how to think, instead of what to think. Sometimes all of us need direct orders, we need told what to think. However greatness often occurs with the freedom of learning how and engaging "how to think." Maturity and experience provide the foundation of learning how to think. We acquire these through our own life. However, great leaders, coaches, and mentors allow us to piggy back on their experiences, while their challenges enhance our maturity. Proverbs states, "As Iron Sharpens Iron so One Man Sharpens Another." Or as I have written many time, As Iron Sharpens Iron so One Champion Sharpens Another." Are you selecting and associating with leaders, coaches, and mentors whose experience and maturity enable your developing razor sharpness? Biblically, consider that the Old and New Testaments includes stories of God's interaction with his people. These stories, through prayerful study enable our learning how to think. The Old Testament Law, defined and taught what to think. Conversely, Christ's death, resurrection, conquering of sin for those who believe in him and Christ's sending the Holy Spirit to us from the Father in the New Testament empowers our ability on how to think. Do you respond or ignore the Holy Spirit's voice in your life? Every time I recognize my lack of appropriate response whether ignoring or complacency I repent. And when honest, I say, "Lord forgive me, you know that I try to listen and respond to your voice (non-audible rather in the heart). Help me learn and become better at hearing and appropriately respond to you every moment from now forward." When evidence--including 1.0 correlation with scripture--proves I did hear and appropriately respond, I praise Him for opening my heart and mind for this occurence. How do you respond to Him upon recognition or your inaccuracy or accuracy? While walking tonight, I passed several muslims. I strongly felt a prompting to lovingly smile and pray--while walking--for their recognition and acceptance of the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior for eternal life with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--the one true God (not my specific words, rather my prayer message). Are you continually developing your ability of how to think? Does this development increase or decrease wisdom, knowledge, and understanding? I am blessed from associating with those whom share their experience and maturity to enhance my ability to think--yes, my room for improvement remains. Thank you for your past, present, and future endeavors in sharing and teaching others in your life how to think. See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve Thinking with Christ! Rick E. Meyer See, Believe, Achieve Inc. www.rickEmeyer.com