Heart of a Warrior - Greg Bourgond

Reacclimation...

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth.  I have been reacclimating myself to familiar surroundings while at the same time missing the adventure of England and Scotland.  As I sit at my computer getting over THE dreaded flu I am reminded of the importance of living our faith boldly in this day and age.

I have had to retrain myself to focus on the circle of influence (those things I can do something about) rather than the circle of concer (those things I can pray about but can't do much else about).  While away, I did not miss TV or radio--I found other things to focus on; my writing, my environment, history, etc.

Now that I am back home it is easy to get back into the media frenzy (Tivo, newsparper, TV news, etc.).  I purchased a Kindle Reader to spend more time reading than viewing. 

Since I have been back, I spoke at a pig roast in Iowa to about 110 men.  I was the "story teller."  I also spoke at a men's retreat in IOWA the same weekend.  After coming back I am more convinced than ever that Heart of a Warrior meets a real need.  We will be moving ahead with the renovation of our website, completing the DVD lessons, and other projects.

If any of you out there want to contribute time or money to that end please let me know.  I am also looking for men in the area who have completed HOAW who want to help us with our ministry to prisoners in Lino Lakes.

Strength and Honor Men!

My Sojourn - England & Scotland

Today is Tuesday September 22, 2009.  I have just returned from a 1200 mile trip north through England and Scotland.

For those of you who might not know I was selected as a C.S. Lewis Visiting Scholar.  I have been living in his home called the Kilns with the express purpose of finishing my book.  I finally completed my book entitled Heart Surgery:  Becoming A Man After God's Heart--12 chapters, 98,000 words, 3 appendices, over 460 footnotes, an acknowledgements page, a preface, and an introduction.  Sealy Yates, a literary agent, is looking at it now to determine if he will represent it to interested publishers.  If not I will self publish it.

To celebrate I took a car tour through northern England and Scotland.  I visited amazing historical places.

Canterbury Cathedral is the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury.  In Canterbury Cathedral, Sir Thomas Becket was murdered.  Henry the VIII destroyed his shrine and removed his skull crown lopped off during the his murder by four knights. 

It is also the home of the Black Prince, a devout follower of Christ and a brave and courageous warrior on the battlefield.  His tomb rests near where Becket's shrine stood until the shrine was dismantled.

I travelled to Cambridge to visit Cambridge University.  Once again, the curse struck.  A student hit my car while at a stop leaving scrathes on the bumper.  Cambridge University was established in 1209 AD and is comprised of 31 colleges:  St. Johns, St. Catherines, Kings College, Christ's College, and Trinity College to name a few.  If I were younger I would persue a degree at either Oxford or Cambridge.

I travelled to Golden Valley featured in the film Shadowlands, a movie about the relationship between C.S. Lewis and Joy Gresham who became his wife.  I am currnetly staying in the Kilns, C.S. Lewis' home in Headington England.

I drove north to Hadrian's Wall erected in 122 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian as the northern boundary of England--76 miles lone from east to west.  I stood on the wall.  What a thrill.  I then visited the Roman Army Museum.  Once Rome conquered Britian in 46 AD it held the island for 400 years.

I drove further north into Scotland to Edinburgh where I visited Edinburgh Castle which was conquered 16 times in its history.  The castle is an amazing feat of construction high on a hill.

I then dove still further north to Stirling where I visited the William Wallace Monument, an imposing structure high on a hill.  It houses the sword of William Wallace, hero of Scotland.  The movie Braveheart was made of his life.  To get to the top of the monument you must climb 246 stairs.  They say Wallace had to be at least 6' 6" to wield a sword of this size in battle.  He is the hero of Scotland born approximately 1272 and executed August 23, 1305.  His short 33 years of life has left a permanent legacy of courage, discipline, and valor. 

I then visited Stirling Bridge, the site of William Wallace's greatest victory at the Battle of Stiring Bridge against the superior army of King Edward I of England.  This was followed by a stunning defeat of Wallace at the Battle of Falkirk less then a year later.  Seven years later, 1305, he was finally captured and executed by hanging, evisceration, and decapitation followed by quartering - a terrible way to die.  His values were liberty at all costs, devotion to his country, disciplined endurance.  His courage lit the fire of freedom across Scotland leading to their independence from England in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 by Robert the Bruce.

I completed my tour by visiting Stirling Castle.  The castle is called the "broach" that connects the lowlands to the highlands of Scotland.

Then back home to Headington England and the Kilns.  What an amazing and inspiring trip.  I am all toured out.  Wish you could have been with me to enjoy what I saw and will never forget.

Take a look at additional pictures located to the right of this blog.

Romania - August 22 through 31

Six of us took the journey--year 2.  Two events took place; one in Bran (the home Count Dracula's Castle) and the other in Cluj.  Last year's event was an amazing display of God's power.  We didn't know what to expect thise year.  Should have known better.  God showed up once again.

I spoke 12 times in 10 days.  My first message caught them by surprise--A Wide Awake Dream (see previous posts).

The men of Romania are rather stoic.  Coming out of the communist grip of their country left many who lived through it skeptical, suspicious, reserved, and cautious.  Once again, I was told not to expect the response we saw the previous year.

Wrong!  God minister in amazing ways.  I could get to my fourth message because so many came forward in response to what God was saying to them and what they intended to do about it.  Once again, I hit the importance of family.

One of the leaders said, "We get alot of people from countries like yours who talk down to us, suggest methods that work elsewhere, and aren't transparent about their live.  This was not the case with you.  We trust you!"  I was humbled by the sincerity of their remarks.  The same thing happened in both locations. 

Forty-seven men came to the first event, mostly pastors.  About 60 came to the second event, younger lay people.  As was the case in the past, God had His own plans.  I sensed His Spirit moving in different directions--I spent my time trying to catch up to where He was going.

We were asked to come back again next year.  They are translating the Heart of the Warrior Manual in the Romanian language.  As long as they want me, I will come.  The men who came with me served the men there in remarkable ways.  I think we were blessed as much or more from them.

You might want to look at the video below.  Just click on the link below.  Make sure your audio is on.

Romania II

I am deeply grateful for for having a small part to play in this amazing journey.  Pray for us as we begin planning for next year.  They asked that I bring two men from heart of a Warrior.  Any takers?

A Wide-Awake Dream Part 9

“As a result,” he continued, “You are no longer a foreigner and alien, but a fellow citizen with my people and members of my household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with myself as the chief cornerstone. In me the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.  And in me you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22).”

“I desire that you stand out from the world around you as an ambassador for me.  I commission you as my messenger of reconciliation with my message of reconciliation.  You are my ambassador and I will make my appeal through you in the place I send you.  For it is by grace you have been saved through faith—and this not from yourself, it is a gift from the Father—not by works, so that no one can boast.  For you are God’s workmanship, created in me to do good works, which the Father prepared in advance for you to do.”

“And when your journey in the earthly world is done and I call you home, may you be able to say as my servant Paul once said, ‘For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

Suddenly, I was back where I started—on my deck but I was different—my journey clear, a minister of reconciliation in a foreign land; my allegiance fixed, firmly devoted to Christ; my values focused, the fruit of His Spirit; my temporary outpost, this fallen world; and my new permanent home, the kingdom of God.

To whose kingdom do you belong?  Whose allegiance do you seek?  To what extent does your behavior reflect God’s values and character?  To what degree are you fulfilling His assignment for you?

A Wide-Awake Dream Part 8

As I was lost in my thoughts I was startled by a loud voice calling my name.  Two beings in brilliant light stood by me, one on each side.  They gently urged me forward into the presence of majesty and beauty.  I knew instantly I was standing before my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I was speechless and dropped to my knees immediately afraid to look into His eyes.  I felt a gentle touch on my shoulders as I heard Him say, “Greg, you are a man after my heart, stand to receive your assignment.”

As I looked into His eyes, I felt the peace that passes all understanding flood my being.  I felt unconditionally loved and accepted in a way I had never felt before.  I felt the full extent of His forgiveness and mercy and grace.  My eyes filled with tears of joy.

He said to me, “I ordained your existence for a unique purpose.  You are not a mistake, a coincidence, or the product of fate.  I have searched you and know you.  I have known when you sat and when you rose, I have perceived your thoughts from afar.  I have discerned your going out and your lying down; I am familiar with all your ways.  Before a word was on your tongue, I knew it completely.  I hemmed you in—behind and before; I laid my hand upon you.  You cannot escape my Spirit, you cannot flee from my presence.  If you go up to the heavens, I will be there; if you make your bed in the depths, I am there.  If you rise on the wings of the dawn, if you settle on the far side of the sea, even there my hand will guide you, my right hand will hold you fast.  Darkness will not hide you from me.  You see, I created your inmost being; I knit you together in your mother’s womb—you are fearfully and wonderfully made.  My works are wonderful, you know that full well.  Your name was not hidden from me when you were made in the secret place, when you were woven together in the depths of the earth.  My eyes saw your unformed body.  All the days ordained for you were written in my book before one of them came to be.”

To be continued…

A Wide-Awake Dream Part 7

I could now see what was ahead of me.  It was a magnificent throne.  As I approached the throne, my friend felt it necessary to whisper one more important truth to me.  He said “the evidence of our allegiance to the kingdom of God is demonstrated by the outworking of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.  The marks that give testimony to the fact that we belong to the kingdom of God is the degree to which the fruit of the Spirit is real in our lives.”

It all made sense to me.  Nobody cares what I have to say or what I proclaim to believe until they observe how I live.  If I live a life of integrity and authenticity, they will, eventually, listen to what I have to say.  My life must give evidence of the fruit of God’s Spirit--the character of God and the values of His kingdom. 

It begs the question—does my life bear testimony of the fact that I belong to the kingdom of God?  Does my behavior represent the values of the kingdom of God? 

As I contemplated these questions I realized that the kingdom of God stood in opposition to the world.  I recognized that my behavior should reflect the character of my King.  I am indeed an ambassador of His kingdom. 

More specifically, is God’s character, His values observable in my life? 

·         To what degree am I defined by love, joy and peace—a direct reflection of the quality of my relationship with God? 

·         As I interact with others, am I seen as patient, kind, and good—a direct reflection of my relationship with those who are within my sphere of influence? 

·         Does my life give ample evidence of gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control—a direct reflection of my internal discipline, diligence, and devotion?

Do people see Jesus in me?

To be continued…

A Wide-Awake Dream Part 6

OK, I get it.  So, what defines the kingdom of God? 

My friend said, “Our declaration of independence is our acknowledgement that we stand in bold relief against the backdrop of our culture prepared to give a dense for the hope that it in us.  The only other option is to give in to our culture, becoming a willing partner in it, and not be distinguished apart from it. Independence from the world is only possible when we become dependent upon the King.  Dependence on the world results in independence from God.  The constitution of the kingdom of God is the 10 commandments—its amendments are the Beatitudes, its vision is the Sermon on the Mount.  Out Bill of Rights finds its focus in who we are in Christ.”

	1 Corinthians 6:19-20	I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
	Ephesians 1:3-8	I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
	Colossians 1:13-14	I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
	Hebrews 4:14-16	I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.
	Romans 8:1-2	I am free from condemnation.
	2 Corinthians 1:21-22	I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
	Philippians 3:20	I am a citizen of heaven.
	1 John 5:18	I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.
	John 15:5	I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
	John 15:16	I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
	1 Corinthians 3:16	I am God's temple.
	2 Corinthians 5:17-21	I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
	Philippians 4:13	I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

To be continued…

A Wide-Awake Dream Part 5

OK – I am not of this world, my citizenship is in the kingdom of God.  What makes this kingdom distinct from all other kingdoms?

As we continued to move along in the line leading to somewhere I was intrigued by the fact that I was no longer of this world.  I wondered what my relationship was to this world in which I wandered.  How was I to carry myself in this world?  How was I to understand my relationship to and with this world?  Realizing that I belonged to the kingdom of God, how was I to engage this world while I waited to be called home to my new home?

My friend in line ahead of me must have been reading my mind.  He said that I should not “conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Then I will be able to test and approve what God's will is-His good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2).”

He said I should “not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world-the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does-comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever (1 John 2:15-17).”

Then he said, “Don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God (James 4:4).”

Alright—I am an alien and stranger, I am to live my life in such a way that it boldly proclaims the kingdom to which I now belong, that I am to no longer live my life in accordance with the dictates of this world, that I am to be careful not to embrace this world, and that friendship with this world is hatred to God.

To be continued…

A Wide-Awake Dream Part 4

My mind was full of the imagery of the angel’s comments.  It was spinning with the ramifications of his statements.  As I tried to get my mind around the significance of his remarks I became very aware of the fact that I was under new leadership, new management, I had a new identity, and my temporary home was a new colony.  My king and new commander is Jesus who appeared to all men teaching us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good (Titus 2:11-14).

My new citizenship is the kingdom of God, a future hope whole at the same time a present reality.  This changes everything.  I am an alien and stranger in this temporary earthly place.  While on earth I am to abstain from sinful desires which war against my soul.  I am to live in such a way among the fallen that though they may accuse me of many things they will see my good deeds and glorify my King whom I serve (1 Peter 2:11-12).

My mind quickly went to comments I had read some time ago but wasn’t clear until now.  I remember reading once where a follower of Christ by the name of Alister McGrath, Christian historian and theologian, said “that we should think of ourselves, our churches, and our families as “colonies of heaven, as outposts of the real eternal city, who seek to keep its laws in the midst of alien territory.”  In my mind I also remembered similar remarks from a favorite writer of mine, C.S. Lewis, famed author of Mere Christianity and Chronicles of Narnia.  In thinking about the Christian life, Lewis sees the world “as enemy territory, territory occupied by invading forces.

Building on this theme, McGrath adds that “In the midst of this territory, as resistance groups are the communities of faith.”  He goes on to say that “we must never be afraid to be different from the world around us.  It is very easy for Christians to be depressed by the fact that the world scorns our values and standards.  But the image,” he says, “of the colony sets this in its proper perspective.  At Philippi the civilizing laws of Rome contrasted with the anarchy (a state of lawlessness or political disorder) of its hinterland (regions outside of Rome). 

And so,” he continues, “our moral vision—grounded in Scripture, sustained by faith, given intellectual spine by Christian doctrine—stands as a civilizing influence in the midst of a world that seems to have lost its moral way.” 

To be continued…

A Wide-Awake Dream Part 3

“Although there is a future dimension of the kingdom of God there is also a present kingdom of God to which you must return to fulfill your assignment until the ordained number of days for you is complete.”

“My assignment--what assignment?”  By this time I realized he was an angel of God, a messenger sent to serve us.  He continued, “Until you are called back to your eternal home you have a mission to complete.  You are ambassadors of a kingdom far away.  That kingdom has been called the kingdom of God and is mentioned 66 times in what you have come to know as the New Testament.  It has also referred to and the kingdom of heaven mentioned 32 times in the book of Matthew alone.  You are no longer of this world even though you temporarily live in it but of another world.  This ‘other world’ is very different from ‘this world.’  In fact, ‘this world,’ your temporary earthly existence, is under the dominion of an evil king.  His name is Satan—the great opposer and adversary of our King Jesus Christ.  He is the prince of this earthly world, "the tempter" (1 Thess 3:5); "Beelzebub" (Matt 12:24); "the wicked one" (Matt 13:19,38); "the ruler of this world" (John 12:31); "the god of this age" (2 Cor 4:4); "Belial" (2 Cor 6:15), "the prince of the power of the air" (Eph 2:2); and "the accuser of our brethren" (Rev 12:10).  Satan's influence in worldly affairs is also clearly revealed (John 12:31). His various titles reflect his control of the world system: "the ruler of this world" (John 12:31), "the god of this age" (2 Cor 4:4), and "the prince of the power of the air" (Eph 2:2). The Bible declares, "The whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19).”

The angle went on to say, “But you are no longer of this world but instead, you have been adopted into the family of God.  You are indeed new citizens of His kingdom.  His kingdom operates under a different set of principles and values.  At the moment of your conversion you were given a new heart and a new spirit was put in you, God’s Spirit.  His Spirit will move you to follow His decrees not out of obligation but out of obedient love.  You will be His people and He will be your God while you sojourn there for awhile (Ezekiel 36:26-29).”

“His character, His values, was implanted in the core of your being called the ‘heart’ and is called the ‘fruit of the Spirit.’  You received it as a seed requiring intentional and careful nurture if it is to produce abundantly in your life.  You are marked by this fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  To the degree this fruit is visible in your life speaks to the truth you are a citizen of God’s kingdom.”  He moved back to his position to the right of the line still moving to a destination just ahead.

To be continued…

A Wide-Awake Dream Part 2

“Ambassadors” I said.  “What does that mean?”  As the line slowly moved towards a destination I still could not see yet, my new friend began to explain to me the significance of being an ambassador for Christ.  He said, “At the moment of your conversion, you were transferred from your citizenship in this world to a new citizenship in heaven.  You are no longer of this world.  You are a representative, a citizen, of the kingdom of God in this world until he calls us to our future home (Phil 3:20-21).”

“My home is not on earth?  My true home is the kingdom of God?  I don’t understand.”  My new friend motioned to one of the brilliant beings close to us.  He came to us quickly.  My friend asked him to explain our future home.  In a gentle but authoritative voice he began to unravel the mystery.

“Heaven,” he said, “is our future home but not our final home.  Heaven is a place where we will wait the time of Christ’s return to the earth, our bodily resurrection, the final judgment, and the creation of the new heavens and new earth.  The center of the new heavens and new earth is a city like no other called New Jerusalem—the place we will ultimately live together with God (Revelation 21 and 22).  The New Jerusalem is the equivalent of 1400 miles…in length, width, and height.  The ground level of the city will be nearly two million square miles—forty times bigger than England and fifteen thousand times bigger than London; 10 times as big as France or Germany and far larger than India—and that’s just the ground level.  This will be the future Kingdom of God.  We will rule with Christ in this future kingdom.  Our reward will be service in His Kingdom. What you have done on earth will determine what you will ultimately do on the New Earth and in New Jerusalem.  All will be revealed at the Judgment Seat of Christ where believers will give an account of what they have done with what God has given them (1 Corinthians 3:10-15). That judgment will determine where you will serve in God’s future kingdom and what authority you will possess in that kingdom.”

To be continued…

A Wide-Awake Dream - Part 1

This next series of postings will be different from others you may have read.  I present it to you as a wide-awake dream I received as I prepared for my time in Romania.  This wide-awake dream began one evening as I sat on my deck in my backyard in discouragement over the death of a dream, which was cut short, in my view, by fear. It is a story rather than a sermon, a narrative rather than a crafted argument, a dream rather than a realized reality. 

 

In Acts 2:17-18 we read, “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.  Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.   Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”

 

I encourage you to read my wide-awake dream carefully as you will see Scriptural truth embedded in its content.  The message it conveys speaks about our true home, our temporary outpost, and our primary mission.

 

The Wide-Awake Dream

 

The last rays of sunshine began to disappear over the horizon.  I was in a reflective mood brought on by the disappointment of the death of dream at the hands of fearful and unimaginative leaders who were unwilling to take a risk to see God move in mighty ways.  As I struggled with the discouragement and the despair of a lost opportunity to make a difference in the world my mind wandered to another place.

 

I found myself standing in a long line in a great hall leading to a destination out of my field of vision.  I sensed this journey was a temporary situation--a necessary step before moving on to something else.  Many others were in front of me and others began to fall in behind me.  There were others with us but very different from us.  They were encased in brilliant light but distinguishable from each other.  They had separate identities.  Their demeanor and actions indicated they were there to serve us.  They rarely spoke as we moved along and were more companions on the journey ahead. 

 

My curiosity was killing me.  I asked the person ahead of me what the line was for.  He said “We are in line to receive our assignment.”  “What assignment,” I said.  The person responded by saying, “Don’t you recall what the ancient Scriptures say?  We are a new creation, not a better version of our previous selves.  The old self is gone replaced by a new self—a gift from God through Jesus, His Son.  Because He ended the conflict between us and Him and put us back on friendly terms with Him—He calls this ‘reconciliation’—we now have been given a message of reconciliation to others within our sphere of influence.  In fact, we are now Christ’s ambassadors, His spokespersons through which He makes His appeal (2 Corinthians 5:16-20).  Isn’t that amazing?”

 

To be continued…

Personal Update

It has been quite awhile since I posted last.  It has been a difficult time for a number of reasons--the loss of a dream, the chronic sickness of a grandchild, the ongoing evolution of my job, and on and on and on.

Even in the midst of these difficulties God has proven faithful.  Sixteen men have completed Phase I:  Heart of a Warrior (the establishment of a calibrated internal compass that helps you find True North in the midst of a chaotic existence) and four men have completed Phase II:  Focus of a Warrior (the establishment of a personal map that will help you focus on what's important).

I will be leaving for Romania in the not too distant future.  They have asked me back to speak to two groups of men in two separate locations.  I will be speaking five times in one location, five times in another, and once or twice in churches.  Please pray that God prepares the hearts of these men.  For many of them this will be the first time they will attend a Heart of a Warrior Advance.

Just after coming back from Romania I will be leaving again for Headington England where I will take up residence at the Kilns--C. S. Lewis' home as a visiting scholar to finally finish the book I have been writing.  Frankly, I am looking forward to the quiet recluse. 

One of the weekends I will travel to Edinburgh Scotland to tour Balmoral Castle.  On my journey north I will cross Hadrian's wall built by Roman Emperor Hadrian to mark the northern boundary of Roman territory in England. Forts were established along the wall and populated by Roman soldiers for 200 years.

My intention is once again to post regularly on this blog.  I apoligize to my loyal readers for being 'absent' for awhile.  I will be more faithful in the future.

Kingdom of God #1

The Scriptures remind us of our other worldliness.  Once we become followers of Christ our citizenship changes--we become citizens of heaven (Phil 3:20,21).  Scripture refers to us as aliens and strangers in the world (1 Pet 2:11,12).  We are admonished to not conform any longer to the pattern of this world (Rom 12:2).  In fact, we are not to love the world or anything in the world (1 John 2:15-17) because friendship with the world is hatred toward God (James 4:6).  The marks of new citizenship include a new lifestyle (Tit 2:11-14) and a new set of values referred to as the fruit of the Spirit and that reflect the heart of God (Gal 5:22-24).

So, what is meant by "the world?"  To what world does the Scriptures cited refer?  Surely, the physical world is a creation of God burdened by the weight of sin and awaiting a facelift.  If not the physical world then what? 

The moral world -- the following was excerpted from The Evangelical Dictionary of Bblical Theology...

The moral world includes people indifferent or hostile to God, the God-hostile environment generally, and in the widest sense, corruption and evil summed up under the general term "the world." If the people of the world can be spoken of as "the world" in a neutral sense, "the world" can also refer to the subclass of indifferent and hostile people who reject God and his ways. Before the flood nearly all the people of the world became corrupt (Gen 6:11). In Jesus' time the world hated him () and will hate his followers (John 15:18-19). The world, ungodly people, cannot receive the things of God (John 14:17,22; 16:8-9; cf. 1 John 3:1) and is not even worthy of the people of faith who live among them (Heb 11:38).

In the New Testament the world also appears as a hostile environment. Because of the hatred of the world's people, the Son asks the Father to protect his followers rather than remove them from their alien surroundings (John 17:14-16). Paul expresses his indifference to the world by saying he "is crucified" as far as the world is concerned (Gal 6:14). Seven times in 1 Cor 1-3 Paul refers to the world's ignorance of God and its powerlessness to find him without the cross of Christ.

Because of the world's hostility to God, it is full of corruption (2 Peter 1:4) and stands as a symbol of corruption. One cannot be friendly with the evil world and love God at the same time (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-17). Believers by their faith must "overcome the world" (1 John 5:4-5), killing whatever belongs to their "earthly nature" (Col 3:5) and denying "worldly passions" (Titus 2:12).

The question we must ask ourselves is to whom do we owe our allegiance?  Where does our citizenship reside?  Do we have dual citizenship? 

As I look at the world I see evil increasing at an alarming rate...more about this later.

 

Memorial Day - just another reason for a BBQ?

Yesterday, while in church, I became agitated and frustrated (the Christian word for angry).  Church is not usually the place where such feelings are felt.  Having given 29 years of my life to the military, having been in war, having been proud of my service to the greatest country in the world (not a popular sentiment today) I felt a bit on the edge when a young person unemotionally asked the veterans in the sanctuary to stand as she suggested that the audience applaud us.

Normally I would be pleased at such a gesture.  I was not because it rang superficial and hollow--something that had to be done rather than something that should be done.  The message that followed trivialized the moment.  The speaker spoke on despair using a failed relationship as a backdrop to suggest ways to deal with despair.  I kept thinking during the message how superficial and niave we have become.  Instead of honoring those who gave their lives so we have the freedom to express our faith without fear of life or limb we trivialize the day by speaking on a self-obsorbed subject having nothing whatsoever to do with the great sacrifices made by so many recently and in the distant past.

We can argue over whether or not a war is justified or the cause above reproach.  We can examine details of every war and find something we diagree on.  Some of us disagree with war for any reason.  Others see war as necessary for many reasons.  There is nothing attractive about war.  Anyone having been in battle comes away with a sober understanding of this socalled last resort.  Not every war has been fought for justifiable reasons.  Yet, some wars were necessary to defend the oppressed and to protect what we hold dear - freedom.

Augustine postulated four reasons when war is justified.

1. Called by a legitimate authority for the purpose of securing peace.

2. Safety of citizens through defensive measures.

3. With force exerted that will not produce a greater harm.

4. For protection of innocent lives, with a reasonable probability of success.

War must be the last resort; openly declared by proper authority; in response to unjust aggression; and that success must be probable. During warfare, it insists, the desired good ends must outweigh the destructive means and noncombatants must be protected as much as possible.

In the Readers Write section of the Star Tribune today one commentator (Jeffrey S.) summed up my feelings.

"Memorial Day should not be just another day off or the unofficial start of summer, but a day of solemn reflection and patriotic pride.  This day we remember the voice of those who are now voiceless.  We weep for those who no longer feel sadness, and we laugh for those who no longer feel joy.  We remind our children of what grandpa did on the beaches of Normandy or what mom did in the hills of Afghanistan.  We remind them of what dad did in the jungles of Vietnam or we have them stand in silence at the grave of the unknown soldier.  We teach our children that what they and countless others died for means something -- that freedom is not free."

As we sit under the shadow of a blood soaked flag and enjoy the freedom that has come at such a dear cost let us remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Jeffrey S. concludes his remarks by saying...

"Let us not forget their sacrifices and selflessness--they paid the ultimate price in defense of an ideal:  That all (persons) are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness."

 

How am I doing?

Two weeks ago today my mother passed away.  I have been asked by many how I'm doing.  I fully expect there will be unplanned waves of grief as time passes.  I am pleased to report however that I have no regrets or remorse.  My wife taught me long ago how to express my love to my family.  I did that many times to my mother so nothing was left unsaid.  I know she is in a better place nodoubt with her mother and father and other loved ones who have gone before her.  I believe she is with the Lord.  That assurance alone brings me peace.

They say you can get past such a loss but not over it.  I think that is true.  I have more concern for those left behind--in particular my stepfather.  He doted on my mother.  She was his life.  He is a survivor for sure but I still worry for him.  Please keep Verne in your prayers.  Let me take this opportunity to thank all of you who sent cards or who prayed for me and my family.  During the time I was there I felt as though my arms were being lifted by untold many much like Moses during the battle recorded in the Old Testament.

I find great solace in the words that follow from Scripture...

1 Cor 15:50-57  I declare to you, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory."g 5 "Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?"  56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. NIV

My Comments at My Mother's Funeral

I thought you might like to know what I said about my mother after I read my daughter's peom...

Six years ago, on my mother’s 82 birthday, I wrote her the following words…

“You have taught me many things and have imparted values that have helped me.  Tenacity and perseverance are two that have helped me to not give up.  Commitment to family is another that gives me the courage to provide a safe environment for (my daughter and our six grandchildren).  There are others--faith in the face of adversity, strength in the face of trials, belief in myself in the face of doubts, unconditional love for family in the face of disappointment, and dogged determination in the face of discouragement.  I learned these values by observing and benefitting from your life.  You have been a model for me Mom.  I am indebted to you.  You will leave a big void in my life when God calls you home.  When I speak of legacy to others I define it as the sweet aroma left in the lives of others long after we have gone.  My life will bear the sweet fragrance of your life and will linger in the lives of countless others because of you.  Thank you for your legacy in my life.”  These words are as true today as they were then.

Many children long for a blessing from their parents.  My brother, sisters, and I will not be among them because her life was a blessing to us every day.  There are five elements to a blessing.  The first is meaningful touch…as I leaned over to kiss her forehead for the last time a flood of memories came to mind—her tender kiss on the cheek, her warm embrace, her gentle pat on the back (and sometimes, when we were young, not so gentle on the backside when we misbehaved).

The second is spoken word.  She always had a word of encouragement for us, she was fiercely protective of us; she was our greatest cheerleader throughout our lives.  She rejoiced in our successes and she grieved over our disappointments.  I loved to hear the sound of her infectious laughter.  I will miss the sound of her reassuring and loving voice.

The third is imparting value in the one being blessed.  She lived for her children, her grandchildren, and her great grandchildren.  She would brag on us to whoever would listen.  She was proud of us.  She always believed in us.  She possessed a rare type of love for us—the Bible calls it unconditional love—it was patient and kind, it was not self-seeking or easily angered, she kept no record of wrongs, her love always protected, always trusted, always hoped, and always persevered, her love never failed.

The fourth is a picture of a preferable future.  Mom always looked to the future, always hoped for the best, always gave the benefit of the doubt, always saw a better future for each of us.  She longed to alleviate or pains and our sorrows, and replace them with the good she saw in us, to fan into flame the spark of beauty and worth she knew was in us.

The fifth is a commitment to help us realize our potential.  Mom always knew our unique potential and spurred us on to reach it.  When the world seemed arrayed against us she would remind us of what we were and the value she saw in us.  She showed us how to rise above our circumstances.  What she personally experienced in her own life would destroy most people I know.  She was a survivor.  Her life was a living testimony of her faith in her Lord and in us.

Yes, she blessed us.  Now she joins a great host of family and friends who have gone before her—no more pain and suffering, no more regrets, no more sorrows.  She leaves behind a great legacy, a sweet aroma, a husband who loved her dearly, sons and daughters who will never forget her, grandchildren and great grandchildren who will carry on her legacy and her good name.

Mom, you lived a life of integrity, honor, and authenticity.  We grieve your loss but celebrate your homegoing.  Heavenly Father, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit we commend her soul to you.  Thank you for the gift of our mother.  May our lives bring honor to her name.

April 17, 2009

St. Hedwig Church

Bay City, Michigan

My Daughters Poem to Her Granmother

I thought many of you would like to read my daughter's poem to her grandmother.  I read it at the funerla services today.

If I had one more day with you…

Written for my grandmother, Violet

If I had one more day with you…

I would ask you to share your memories …

                        About Grandpa Compeau

                        About his Bijoux, Angelle

                        About his little girl, Violet

I would ask to hear the story about…

The boy who would teach himself to speak technology fluently

                        The girl who would someday risk herself to protect her children

The boy who would become an international speaker

AND

            The girl who would one day lead a school

I would ask you to recount (for the record)…           

                        The number of times daddy escaped from your wrath

The number of times daddy got stitches

The number of times that the school called you

The number of times that he got in trouble

Or if easier

The number of times that he wasn’t in trouble

AND then…

      We’d blackmail him and split the profits.

If I had one more day with you…

            I would let you win every game of poker

            I would ask you to make Ragu and really try hard to like it

I would make nametags a requirement for family events

                        AND

                               I would build you a portable smoking outhouse with central heat & air conditioning

If I had one more day with you…

I would take you on a picnic

                        And we would eat pickles

                        And listen to the seagulls

                        And I would make a feeble attempt at a crossword puzzle

                        And you would help me salvage it

                                    AND

You would promise not to tell

I would rig the slot machines

                        And the lights would blink

                        And the bells would ring

                        And the money would pour

                        And you would dance a jig

                                    AND

 I would act surprised

            I would buy us both elevator shoes

                        And we would be tall

                        And we would take family pictures

                                    (From the waist up of course)

                        AND

We would giggle

If I had one more day with you…

I would tell you …

How thankful I am for the gift of my daddy

How proud I am to be your grand daughter

How honored I am to be told I look like you

How fun it is to act like you

AND

How hopeful I am that I will someday be like you

If I had one more day with you…

            I would take every opportunity…

                        To sit next to you

                        To listen to you

                        To laugh with you

                        To hug you

                                    AND

                                                Tell you how much I love you

I wish I had one more day with you…

But, I don’t really need one more day

                        I don’t really need one more hour

                        I don’t even need one more minute…

BECAUSE...

            I know that you are with Jesus

            I know that He will take good care of you until I get there…

AND When I DO…

            We will have an entire eternity to talk and laugh and dance

So be ready, Grandma

                        OH, and by the way…

Grandma,

Would you please thank Jesus for hand-picking you to be my grandma.

His choice was truly perfect… just like Him.

Love,

Monique

 

The Homegoing of My Mother - Violette

They say death is a part of life - somehow that rings pretty shallow right now.  My mother just passed away.  Debby and I were by her bedside as were her husband, my brother, and my two sisters.  She was 88 years old.  We had to make a very hard decision to take her off of life support.  My prayer all along was that if she continued to suffer as she had over the last two weeks that God, in His mercy, would take her home.  He did that.  Now she has joined those who have gone before her--she is with the Lord.

She was a fighter all her life full of joy amidst life tragedies.  She loved her children and lived for them caring about every little detail.  I would call her while on travel around the world.  She was always amazed at where I was and took delight.  Her sense of humor was infectous.  She will be dearly missed.  I find great comfort in the following facts. 

2 Tim 1:9-11 This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Heb 2:14-16  Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death he might destroy him who holds the power of death--that is, the devil--and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

I mourn her passing but rejoice in her homegoing.  I have many wonderful memories of my mother.  I loved her dearly--her wit, her unconditional love, her love and care for us.  She was a great mom.  She was a Proverbs 31 woman.  I hope my legacy will honor hers when it is my time to go home.  She is no longer in pain, no longer bound by the vagaries of this life--she is dancing on streets of gold no doubt with her mother and her father who waited for her. 

Thank you Lord for her life and her love.  Thank you for the values she passed on to me.  Thank you for the courage she modeled to all of us.  Thank you for the joy of her presence and the sweet aroma of her life that will linger for years to come.  Thank you for answering my prayers.

Update on Ukraine

We are nearing the end of our trip to the Ukraine.  We spent the day in Kiev.  It is hard for me to believe that I was actually in Kiev.  When I was in the military I read about it, I studied it, I analyzed it.  How the world has changed.

We had a great time.  While in Odessa, we realized how spoiled we are with our opportunities.  I was amazed at what Odessa Seminary has to carry on its mission.  It pales with what we have in the states.  But yet they are carrying out God's mission.

In another place we presented workshops on issues related to the church, leadership, and the family.  Leland and I tagged teamed our way through the presentations.  In my presentation I ran out of time.  The next day I was able to complete my presentation on 12 lessons on leadership from the Bible.  What especially hit home was an unplanned topic.  The men that were gathered were moved by my remarks on 'blessings.'

I see God at work in many unexpected ways.  I am continually humbled by His provisions.  We have it so easy in the States.  We grow fat and complacent.  Yet, in other places less fortunate I see God's powerful hand at work.  We are spoiled in the States.  I'm not sure how we would survive given the austere circumtances I have encountered in the Ukraine.

I am amazed at God's grace and mercy.