1 Corinthians 1:1-3

Argument on 1 Corinthians

Introduction

Corinth—a city of Achaia—located between the Aegean and the Adriatic Seas with proficient commercial imports and exports, enjoyed significant economic benefits. Corinth served as the hub for all north and south tertiary travel, including the pathway to Athens. Early history indicates Corinth's industry comprised of ship manufacturing, "pottery, bronze metal work, and decorative handicraft." Romans destroyed Corinth in 146 B.C., plundering the city's amazing art. In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar sent discharged military veterans to Corinth in an effort to rebuild the city. Eventually the city's population and attractiveness exceeded the original. Unfortunately, idolatry, "luxury, pride, vanity, effeminacy, greed" and immorality also thrived. A plethora of shrines and temples included Apollo and Poseidon, the goddess of love—Temple of Aphrodite—which provided a home for approximately one-thousand religious prostitutes. This temple stood on a 2,000-foot elevated granite mound, otherwise known as Acrocorinth which served as the acropolis—literally high city—for defense. ¹ Sufficiency of space enabled this as the refuge for Corinth's citizens, and the surrounding rural population in the event of an enemy attack. Secular principles infiltrated the Corinthian church, directing the members' thoughts, decisions and resulting actions. Paul lived and preached for eighteen months in Corinth during his second missionary journey (Acts 18:11). The Lord used a night vision during this visit in AD 51 to instruct Paul to preach with assurance of safety (Acts 18:10). During Paul's initial visit to Corinth he met fellow tent makers and believers, Aquila and Priscilla. A Pauline authorship date of 54 or 55 AD from Ephesus, during his third missionary journey, proves congruent with most scholars.

Purpose

Paul writes with applied directives of corrective Biblical principles for the local Corinthian church. The aforementioned secularism infiltrated the church. Chloe's household (1 Cor. 1:11-12) and Apollos who returned to Ephesus (1 Cor. 16:12), each sent Paul letters expressing concern of this secularism causing division in the church. Other letters may have existed. Human generated wisdom began replacing wisdom from the Spirit of God, with causative effects of intra-church lawsuits, division, immorality, idolatry, denial of the Resurrection and secularizing communion. Additionally, three men from Corinth came to Paul, apparently presenting him with a letter of inquisitions (1 Cor. 7:1; 16:7). Paul clearly articulates the significance of sanctification and unity.

Argument

Salutation 1:1-3

Riveting messages quickly captivate the receptors. Paul's opening of 1 Corinthians equates with nitroglycerine for the explosive minded, or the richest cheesecake for the dessert connoisseur. Paul immediately establishes the multi-pronged theme of this letter. Because human wisdom received great praise in the Corinthian church, thus causing some to doubt Paul's authority, Paul immediately specifies his authorship and authority as an apostle—specifically and directly called by Jesus Christ—and by God's will. False prophets viewed the simplicity of the Gospel and Paul's message with contempt. This resulted in church dissension and division. Stating his apostleship illustrates his authority to the Corinthian church, while the latter informs them that God has sent him apart. Combined, these offer every reason for the readers' attentiveness.


Scholarly opinions vary from certainty to unsure on whether "Sosthenes our brother" is the same Sosthenes mentioned in Acts 17. The second sentence distinctly identifies the letter's intended recipients and audience. This statement equivocates with one's parents calling them by their first, middle, and last name, precisely identifying the audience to avoid any confusion of whom needs to listen, and respond to the letter's message. Moreover, the Holy Spirit speaking through Paul's pen informs the Corinthian church that despite their immorality and lack of faith, God also sets apart them and everyone who possesses life altering belief in the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ. Consequently they should accept and respond to Christ's grace by living
holy, including unification with all believers. This message correlates with Jesus instructing the adulteress woman, "I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on, sin no more" (Jn. 8:11 NASB).


¹ (MacAurthur 1984, vii, viii)
² (Coffman 1984, 03)
³ (Pringle n.d., 38)
⁴ (Boa, et al. 1997, 1252)
⁵ (D. S. Toussaint 2012, Class Notes)
⁶ (Radmacher, Allen and House 1999, 1459)
⁷ (Pringle n.d., 38)
⁸ (Pringle n.d., 48)




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

Bibliography

(Serves as Bibliography for the complete 1 Corinthians argument series)

 

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

Coffman, James Burton. First and Second Corinthians. Vol. II. Abilene, Texas: A-C-U Press, 1984.

Dowling, Robin and Dray, Stephen. 1 Corinthians: Free to Grow. Grand Rapids , Michigan: Baker Books, 1995.

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

Hillel, Daniel. Introduction to Soil Physics. San Diego: Academic Press, Inc., 1982.

Lowery, David K. The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament. Edited by John F., Zuck, Roy B. Walvoord. Colorado Springs, Colorado: David C. Cook, 1983.

Luther, Martin. Day by Day We Magnify Thee. Augsburg, n.d.

MacAurthur, John F. First Corinthians. Chicago, Illinois: Moody Bible Institute, 1984.

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

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

Pringle, John Rev. Commentary on the Epistles of Paul the Apostle to The Corinthians by John Calvin. 500. Vol. First. Baker Books, n.d.

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

Spirit, Holy. NASB Bible. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 1962-1995.

Storer, Sandra J. "PAUL'S DEPICTION OF CELIBACY IN 1 CORINTHIANS 7:25-35:." Thesis: Moody Bible Institute. 2004.

Toussaint, Dr. Stanley. "Acts and the Pauline Epistles, Class Notes." 2012.

Toussaint, Dr. Stanley D. TAI Series: People Come in Four Sizes. Millet the Printer, Inc. Dallas, Texas, n.d.

 

 

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

 

2012 Highlights

A brief, partial rundown of highlights of 2012 (no specific order):

 

• Receiving my best grades—with fifteen credit hours—in any semester of my school career, including kindergarten.
  
• Two full semesters of studying at Dallas Theological Seminary
  
• The resulting gained wisdom, knowledge and understanding regarding God and His Word
  
• Studying under some of the world's best evangelical theological professors
  
• Having a course with Dr. Stan Toussaint in his last semester of teaching at DTS after beginning in 1960
  
• Twenty-seven credit hours closer to earning my Masters of Art: Christian Leadership
  
• Opportunity to facilitate seminars across America—meeting many wonderful people
  
• The health and wealth—every definable way—of friends and family
  
• Celebrating Christmas with family in Nebraska, and visiting a few long-time friends
  
• Another year without personal sickness
  
• The wonderful new Dallas friends
  
• Attending the 2012 Cotton Bowl with long-time friends
  
• Eclipsing 109,000, 110,000 and 111,000 miles on my lifetime running odometer
  
• Everything that I am now forgetting, yet recall would generate immense gratitude
  
• Greater cognizance and appreciation of God's grace, mercy, love and sovereignty
  

 

2013 begins another lap around the calendar, enabling adjustments from 2012. I challenge you to adjust daily, even hourly and by the minute when possible.

• Pray always, this includes conversationally as if visiting with your dad, mom, or mentor in all you do
  
• Read the Bible even more in 2013, seeking a deeper relationship with Christ, and greater love of God and fellow man. Enhanced relationships results in enhanced witnessing in all we do.
  
• Be positive and honest—Satan is the father of lies, while God is the Spirit of Truth (John 8:44, 16:13)
  
• Always Trust God! Remember that, Trust God always!
  

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick E. Meyer

The Leader Servant

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

Blessing vs. Curse

Food for Thought:

 

Often times the acquisition and application of Godly wisdom demarcates blessings and curses.

 

In other words, how we use or learn from something determines whether we receive a blessing or a curse from the interaction. This truth applies to the tangible and intangible.

 

For example, driving a NASCAR race car appears to result in a great deal of fun—a blessing. However, without first learning how to drive a car followed by driving sixty miles-per hour, followed by one-hundred and on up to near 200 mph, one would severely wreck with probable severe injuries—a curse.

 

Frequently we hear of professional athletes and others quickly acquiring millions of dollars yet they money becomes a curse because they failed to first acquire Godly wisdom. This truth permeates even some—certainly not all—who maintain their perceived success, as they use their success—a blessing—as leverage to engage in a plethora immoral behavior—a curse. To clarify, the root cause of failure and immorality stems from one's heart—lacking Godly wisdom.

 

Blessings rarely equates to easy or comfort, rather an internal peace and hope despite outward circumstances. Blessings benefit to receive long-term. The Bible instructs us to Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all else will be added unto you (Mt. 6:33). Obedience to this passage results in achieving the necessary wisdom before the blessing, receiving the driving instructions before driving the racecar.

 

Receive blessings in everything, including business and personal relationship. Seek and request God's wisdom in everything—always!

 

Too much of anything becomes too much when we love and trust man and creation instead of God (Matthew 22:37; Proverbs 3:5; Psalm 118:8; Romans 1:20-32). Conversely, any amount fully submitted to God—thus correlating with His word—remains below excessive.

 

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

 

 

Confessing Faith = Living Faith

Actions define Faith (James 2:14-17). Faith believes in the physically unseen. We act according to our beliefs. If I believe I need water, and I believe there a water hydrant sits one-hundred yards west; I will walk one-hundred yards west for a drink. This assumes I possess the ability to walk. If I fail to walk one-hundred yards west, I either doubt my need for water or I doubt the stated location of the water hydrant.


I love proclaiming my dependence on God's strength, wisdom, mercy, grace, love, forgiveness, understanding, joy, peace and the fruit of Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-25). This includes how He has and does bless my efforts in school, speaking, running, and all I commit to Him. The messages include the Power of Light and Hanging on by a Thread.


When I proclaim my dependence on Him along with His ability to bless efforts, I must completely exert myself—in faith—toward the desired goals. Because, if I use His name as my source of power, then fail to fully exert myself, my witness loses all credibility and power. Outsiders view my declared dependence versus my effort as hypocrisy or they view it as God lacking power. I poorly represent Him! I fail to please Him. The failure results from my lack of effort as opposed to lack of results.


Consequently, as I share my dependence on Him in studying, speaking, running and a number of other activities, I must fully exert myself towards those goals. I must study beyond the point of exhaustion, striving for comprehension to the point of simplicity. I must write, rewrite and rewrite papers to the absolute best of my ability.


Ultimately, I am acting according to my belief that God will bless my efforts according to His will when I seek to please Him in all that I do. Only then do I serve as a good witness. Someone one said, "To know and not to do, is not to know." Do our actions reveal our knowing the Lord Jesus Christ and His grace, mercy, forgiveness, love, death, resurrection and resulting salvation?


Do you and I know God's strength, wisdom, mercy, grace, love, forgiveness, understanding, joy, peace and the fruit of Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-25). Are you and I glorifying God as our actions represent Him? Will your faith resulting actions and efforts encourage others to also seek God as their source of power, peace, hope, forgiveness, love and salvation?


Today, walk in the direction of your faith. Walk, in belief, toward the one whom gives you water for which you will never thirst again (Jn. 4:14). What would someone whom you never met conclude about your beliefs based on your actions?


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

www.rickEmeyer.com








 

Final Command

Once again, the anniversary of my Dad's physical death arrives on the calendar. This anniversary generates abundant reflections. The most significant reflection focuses on our final coherent conversation, although I had no idea at the time that it would be the final one. Due to hydrocephalus, he was confused. Consequently, coherent dialogue was a rarity.

 

He looked intently in my eyes, giving his final command, "Always trust God. Remember that Son. Trust God, always."

"I will Dad…I will."

 

He commanded, I affirmatively promised to fulfill his command. He did not say, always trust man or always trust government. Rather, always trust God.

 

Do you trust God, always?

 

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)

Thanksgiving 2012

What are you Thankful for?

 

This list of my thanks lacks order of significance or priority, as most—perhaps all—intertwine directly or indirectly with one another,. I am Thankful for:

 

• Eternal Salvation through Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, forgiving for my sin and any who believe in Him as their Savior
  
• Relationship with the Holy Spirit who convicts my heart and conscience and guide my thoughts as He deems appropriate
  
• Ability to Love
  
• Ability to Forgive
  
• Ability to Recognize God's hand, and presence in many circumstances—certainly still room to improve.
  
• Gratitude
  
• Joy
  
• Mercy
  
• God's Sovereignty
  
• God's Provision
  
• God's Protection
  
• Prayer
  
• Parents
  
• Mom marrying Elliott last year—five years after Dad's death
  
• Grandparents—even though they are no longer alive
  
• Nephews—Cooper went straight to Heaven, he was sent for a short mission
  
• Uncles
  
• Aunts
  
• Cousins
  
• Friends
  
• Mentors
  
• Past Family Thanksgiving Dinners
  
• Intense Laughter at Thanksgiving Dinners, and virtually all Family Dinners
  
• Improved and inexpensive communication provided by advancing technology
  
• Opportunity to study at Dallas Theological Seminary, with the great faculty and fellow students
  
• Men's Bible Study group @ PCBC
  
• Ability to Run
  
• Great Coaches, Teammates, and Training Partners who challenged and continue challenging me over the years
  
• Dallas Running Project
  
• TTH
  
• Clothing
  
• Food
  
• Bed
  
• Shelter
  
• Automobile
  
• Ability to Read
  
• Ability to Speak
  
• Ability to Win Speaking Contests
  
• Growing-up on Farm
  
• Growing-up along a River
  
• Hunting
  
• Fishing
  
• Ability to Taste
  
• Ability to Smell—most of the time J
  
• Ability to Touch
  
• Beta Sigma Psi National Lutheran Fraternity
  
• The opportunity to serve numerous organizations
  
• Health—Sick < 11 days cumulative in the last twenty-three years.
  
• The plans God has for me that are not yet revealed
  
• Wisdom from the Holy Spirit
  
• Faith
  

Obviously many specific people and additional items of gratitude fall under each of these categories, and I am most likely inadvertently omitting something and/or someone(s).

 

See Christ, Believe Christ, Achieve with Christ!

Rick

 

Rick E. Meyer

See, Believe, Achieve Inc.

www.rickEmeyer.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Champions vs. Whiners

Food for Thought:

Champions win, whiners justify.  ~ Rick E. Meyer

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