Heart of a Warrior - Greg Bourgond

Checking in...

Well folks I have been back for almost 2 weeks now.  It was good to get home--lots of chores to do.  It has been fun though to get the house back in order.  I hope many of you have had the chance to vist the Oxford England Journal.  If not it is not too late.  You might want to start at the begining - Day 1.  Lots of pictures in the photo albums for each day.  I am getting so used to my sabbatical I am tempting not to go back to work--but I will.

Next up is Geneva Switzerland.  I have been asked to make a presentation to people gathered for the Four World Forum on Social Innovation.  A tough gig--I will be forced to stay in a chateau in the Alps.  I'm looking forward to it.  Before that, however, I will be teaching a doctoral course on systems theory.  At the end of August i will be in Romania for heart of a Warrior.  In September (26-28) Advance III will be conducted at Big Sandy.  It is our third Advance sponsored by Heart of a Warrior.  Check out the flyer...click on the link below.

Advance III September 26-28 Big Sandy Camp

It is a PDF file so you will have to view it on Adobe Reader.  It takes a few seconds to download--be patient.  If you don't have the reader it can be downlowed for free at this site... just click on this link Adobe Reader.

I hope you all make it.  Plan on it now.  I will be speaking at the event.  Johnny Turnipseed will be there as well.  Amazing story--after leading an entire family in crime garnering the nickname Murderapolis he came to Christ.  He has an amazing story to tell.  A movie is being made of his life.  Also John Gotti's (Mafia) former bodyguard will also be speaking.  You don't want to miss this Advance. 

I challenge you to pray for 5 guys that need to be at the Advance.  Let me know if you want flyers for your church.  We'll get them to you.  I will be personally challenging the 19 men that are currently in my Heart of a Warrior group.  This is an opportunity to accelerate your spiritual development.  Don't miss it!!!!

Oxford England Journal - Day 1

Well, we're off to Oxford England.  I will be pursuing a Ph.D. in Professional Practice from City University in London.  The program is sponsored by the Oxford Centre of Mission Studies (OCMS).  The centre is affiliated with City University in London.  Oxford University is where C.S. Lewis taught for so many years.  Those of you who know something of my background might wonder if my elevator goes to the top floor since I already have two earned doctorates.  What can I say--I love to learn.  Gallup's StrenghFinder indicates my top signature theme is 'Learner.'  I have come to realize that I learn best in a formal contaxt.  My third signature theme is 'Achiever.'  When the jouney is completed I want to have something to show for my efforts.

There are two situations where compulsivity pays off--exercise and education.  In other areas it can be disastrous.  Anyway, we are excited about this tremendous gift from God.  If you are interested in what the program looks like just click on (OCMS) above.  I intend to foicus my studies on virtue-based leadership which will hopefully help the Heart of a Warrior ministry as well as my work setting. 

We have also rented a 16th century thatched roof cottage 2 mile outside Oxford in a village called Stanton St. John.  The cottage is called New Cottage-go figure.  If you would like to see what the cottage looks like just click on New Cottage above.

We leave with sadness however.  You may have read my last blog regarding Ian, the young son of one of our leaders.  Also, one of my dear foriend's wife has agressive cancer.  She may only have days left to live.  Please pray for Ian and Dawn.

I will be keeping a jounal for the entire time with pictures.  So, visit my blog regularly.  Stay tuned.

Warrior Down...

One of our leaders recently received very difficult news.  His young son, Ian, showed symptoms of dizziness, loss of balance, sore throat, and one of his eyes wasn't tracking with the other.  After an MRI Tom and his wife received the following diagnosis.  Ian has a tumor in his brain stem.  It is malignant and inoperable.  Aggressive radiation treatments will begin in the next two weeks. 

Tom, Deb and Ian need your prayers men.  Let's rally around our fellow warrior.  God, in His infinite wisdom, may respond to our prayers and reverse this terrible situation.  Men, I'm sure those of you who have children or grandchildren can relate to the pain they are feeling.  Let's band together and lift our brother and his family up to the mercies of our Lord.  He is the Great Physician who can heal young Ian with a word.

If you want to keep up with the latest news of Ian please click on the webpage identified below.

Ian's Webpage

You can also look in on Tom's webpage listed below.

Henderson Chronicles

I am asking all warriors to pray for Tom and his family.

Who has authority in your life?

More and more men seem to be getting it.  What is the "it" they are getting?  For one, they are beginning to realize that non-productive and often destructive behaviors that reflect poorly on the Lord and themselves cannot be corrected until they deal with the underlying causes of such behavior.  It matters what you trust in, rely on, and cling to at the core.

Behavior, that is, trends in our behavior, are the byproduct of our real beliefs.  Verbalized beliefs do not always match how we behave.  What we believe at the core, however, produces our behavior.  Ungodly behaviorial practices may catalyze what is stored in our hearts. They may resonate with what is in our heart.  Events, circumstances, and incidents may act as a stimulant to put into play core beliefs that will result in overt behavior that either brings glory and honor to the Lord or conversely dishonor to Him.

What is it that you believe at the core?  Does it reflect biblical beliefs or some distorted and corrupted belief put in place by some repeated sin, or adoption of worldly strategies that seem to work for a time?  For example,iIf we believe that every human is created in God's image, as the Bible says, then how do we treat others?  Do we believe that humankind is redeemable?  If so, then do we treat them as what they could be instead of what we see them to be at the moment?

Beliefs do matter.  What do you allow to inform your beliefs--your friends, secular wisdom, some popular cultural icon, some celebrity, some self-proclaimed subject matter expert?  What stands as an authority in your life that frames your beliefs?  Is Christ really Lord of your life or do you see His teachings as suggestions?

The abundant life (john 10:10) can be a present reality instead of an aspiration or a hope.  The Holy Spirit, when given freedom to act, can empower us to live honorable lives in the here and now.  It is possible to live victoriously if we understand that dependence on God is the only road to independence from the world, the flesh, and the Enemy.  Jesus lived, died, and rose from the dead to bring new life, a new way of thinking and acting.  Who has authority in you life?

He came that we might have life, abundant life.

Others May, You Cannot

Many years ago, I was speaking in a church classroom.  Before I began I was rumaging through the podium and found a tract that had a huge impact on me.  Whenever I have felt misunderstood, or discouraged, or not being appreciated for what i was doing for the Kingdom I read this tract. 

I just got off the phone with men who are leading groups.  I use a phone conferencing system to meet with men and train them.  I read this tract to them.  They encourgaed me to put it on the blog.  Read it carefully, and rejoice that God sees what you are doing even if others don't.

OTHERS MAY: YOU CANNOT

-by G. D. Watson (1845-1924).

If God has called you to be really like Jesus He will draw you into a life of crucifixion and humility, and put upon you such demands of obedience, that you will not be able to follow other people, or measure yourself by other Christians, and in many ways He will seem to let other people do things which He will not let you do.

Other Christians and ministers who seem very religious and useful, may push themselves, pull wires, and work schemes to carry out their plans, but you cannot do it, and if you attempt it, you will meet with such failure and rebuke from the Lord as to make you sorely penitent.

Others may boast of themselves, of their work, of their successes, of their writings, but the Holy Spirit will not allow you to do any such thing, and if you begin it, He will lead you into some deep mortification that will make you despise yourself and all your good works.

Others may be allowed to succeed in making money, or may have a legacy left to them, but it is likely God will keep you poor, because He wants you to have something far better than gold, namely, a helpless dependence upon Him, that He may have the privilege of supplying your needs day by day out of an unseen treasury.

The Lord may let others be honored and put forward, and keep you hidden in obscurity, because He wants to produce some choice fragrant fruit for His coming glory, which can only be produced in the shade. He may let others be great, but keep you small. He may let others do a work for Him and get the credit for it, but He will make you work and toil on without knowing how much you are doing; and then to make your work still more precious He may let others get credit for the work which you have done, and thus make YOUR REWARD TEN TIMES GREATER WHEN JESUS COMES.

The Holy Spirit will put a strict watch over you, with a jealous love, and will rebuke you for little words and feelings or for wasting your time, which other Christians never feel distressed over. So make up your mind that God is an Infinitely Sovereign Being, and has a right to do as He pleases with His own. He may not explain to you a thousand things which puzzle your reason in His dealings with you, but if you absolutely sell yourself to Him, He will wrap you up in Jealous Love, and bestow upon you many blessings which come only to those who are in the inner circle.

Settle it forever, then that you are to DEAL DIRECTLY WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT, and that He is to have the privilege of tying your tongue, or chaining your hand, or closing your eyes, in ways that He does not seem to use with others. Now, when you are so possessed with the living God that you are, in your secret heart, pleased and delighted over this PECULIAR, PERSONAL, PRIVATE, JEALOUS GUARDIANSHIP AND MANAGEMENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OVER YOUR LIFE, then you will have found the vestibule of Heaven.

The Value of Friendship

It is a sad day for me.  One of my dearest friends lost his wife this month.  Les is a godly man who used to take me on long hikes in Cuyamaca Park in southern california.  We spent the entire time talking about many things that would somehow always work they way into deep discussions about the Lord.  I cherish those times.  Now, in his 80's he loses the one who was most dear to him.

We are never prepared for the loss of a loved one.  Oh, we may know it is coming when we see the gradual deterioration of health.  But when it finally happens, we are struck with deep grief.  Debby and I will celebrate our 30th anniversary in February.  Les and June were married for over 50 years.  When I think of a future that may see the departure of my wife to go home to the Lord (if I don't go first), the thought is almost too much to bear.  We have become so intertwined that we are truly one.  I feel for my brother.

Grief is a long process.  It is part of life.  But it doesn't make it any easier when the inevitable happens.  Sometimes the best you can do when someone you care about loses someone dear to them is to simply be quiet and be present. 

Men, cherish your wives.  You have no guarantee they will see the sun rise tomorrow.  Make every moment count.  Store memories by making memories every day.  Your wife is God's gift to you. 

June is now in the presence of the Lord.  Where will you be when it is your time to go?  Will you enter the eternal presence of God or will you enter the total absence of God?  Either way you have an eternity to face.  Live your life with that in mind.  Love your children.  Love your wife.  Love your Lord.

Merry Christmas!!!

To all who read this blog Merry Christmas.  I hope you will take time to acknowledge the reason for the season-the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  In my home we set aside time to read the Christmas story and recognize God's provision of salvation to a lost and dying world. 

Let me encourage you to take stock of the year with a spirit of gratitude.  The road to humility is reached by crossing over the bridge of gratitude.

Let me exhort you to do the following...

Move from a convert to a disciple...

Turn your pilot light to a flame...

Be intentional about your walk...

Live boldly for Christ...

Calibrate your heart to the heart of God...

Find someone less fortunate than you and express your love to them...

Rekindle your love for our Lord...

Recommit yourself to His values...

Choose to live as a faithful citizen of His Kingdom...

Rely on His empowerment in all you do...

If married, outserve your wife...

If not married serve those in need of God's love...

Be a strategic father to your children and grandchildren...

Live a biblically-informed value-centered life...

Give values to your loved ones...

Bless your loved ones...

Do something for the Kingdom...!!!!

Let this next year mark a turning point in your life by being a conduit of and for Christ's love.

Comment on this posting by sharing what you will be doing to celebrate the birth of Christ.

The Crowd or the Cross

I began my message in Belfast on what a warrior after God's heart looks like by citing a powerful challenge for the men.  2000 men gathered in the arena November 17th. 

Listen!  Two voices, which is louder to you--the crowd or the cross?

The Crowd says follow us.  The Cross says follow me.

The Crowd says rely on yourself.  The Cross says rely on Me.

The Crowd says earn your worth.  The Cross says I am your worth.

The Crowd says bear your burdens.  The Cross says nail them to Me.

The Crowd says be happy.  The Cross says be holy.

The Crowd says if it feels good do it.  The Cross says for love's sake, endure it.

The Crowd says honor yourself.  The Cross says humble yourself.

The Crowd says Do.  The Cross days Done!

Because of the cross, my interest in the crowd died long ado.  Apostle Paul

What will it be for you and for me--the Crowd or the Cross?

More to follow...

Reminiscing of Ireland

I had an opportunity to show friends the pictures many of you have seen of Ireland.  The slide show consisted of over 900 pictures.  I probably enjoyed them more than anyone.  Just reminiscing brought back memories at the moment I shot each picture.

Reviewing them helped me appreciate all the more the beauty of God's creation, the God-inspired works of man, the infinite variety of His creativity, and the value of friendships and relationships.  As I re-engage work and ministry I anticipate change--a new president in June, a new seminary provost in the next couple of years, departing colleagues, and new colleagues. 

At the same time I look at my own life--what role will I play in the future, what mark will I leave for the Kingdom, what focus will I have as I move into the future?  What will I major in, what will I minor in?  What isn't worth my time?  This welcome interlude I've just completed helps put things in perspective.  God continues to expand Heart of a Warrior.  Given my experience in Belfast I am convinced God is touching the lives of men with the message in Heart of a Warrior. 

Numerous interchanges with men during the course of my visit revealed a growing desire many men have to live boldly for God, to live lives of integrity and honor.  Men are growing weary of play acting.  They resonate with the visceral stirring in their gut that tells them there is a more significant life for them.  They hear the rattling of sabers on a distant battlefield, as I have said in the past and continue to say (because it is true), that rings in their ears and compels them to seek out a more meaningful life in Christ.

The Mandate in Belfast on November 17th saw 4000 men gather looking for answers to confused lives, tempered dreams, order in the midst of chaos, connection with others, being a part of something larger than themselves, and experiencing an encounter with the living God.  Someone said one man singing is out of tune most of the time, lots of men singing are always in tune.  Men are coming to the foot of the cross for their orders from the Commander Jesus Christ.

I led a seminar on the characteristics of a warrior after God's heart.  Some 2000 men attended.  I wasn't expecting that many since 6 seminars were being conducted at the same time.  Yet, something drew them, something compelled them to choose this seminar.  I think it is because the message resonates with what brought them to begin with.  It harmonizes with their growing discontent with the status quo.  Men are growing tired of mediocrity.  They want their life to count for something and to someone.  The message I delivered struck a chord. 

Here are some of the written remarks I received...

This has really blessed my heart. My favorite scripture character has always been Caleb, ha still wanted another mountain at 84 so I guess there is still time for guys like me . Thank you for taking the time to visit in our country and helping inspire so many of us. Ireland needs to hear this message. Perhaps this is a beginning of something in the great plan of God for this place at this time as we seek to move from natural conflict towards peace which can only really come about when God moves to unite our hearts under His authority.

I was one of those privileged to be at your seminar and just want you to know how much it blessed me.  I have felt for the last year that I needed to move forward in God and realised that I would need to make some serious decisions. None of us are getting any younger and at 57 I really know what the guys were saying when they talked about chasing daylight.   Yesterday really helped and I left feeling that the 70 mile journey from Londonderry to the conference had been really worthwhile. I know that several of the guys I was with were equally impressed. I prefer to burn out for God than die out sitting in a pew doing little or nothing.

I was very blessed to be at the Mandate conference, I felt it was a good and a profitable time. I'm also glad that I chose to stay and listen to your seminar as it was such an encouragement to me. The truths that you shared are running freely in my heart also.

Beginning with the next post I would like to share with you what I said to them.  I intend to post every 3 days until the message is complete.

Ireland Journal - Final Day

Went to bed very late and got up very early.  As is our custom when men accompany me on a journey we have a ceremony and debrief at the end of the adventure.  We spent time recounting God's blessings and provisions.

I am currently sitting in the Newark airport waiting for a late flight home.  We were 5 hours late leaving Dublin and now 3 hours late leaving Newark.  I am anxious to get home to my family to celebrate Thanksgiving.

There were many memorable moments on this journey ...

1. Renewal of friendships.
2. Making new friends.
3. Appreciating God's creation.
4. Watching God move among the hearts of men.
5. Having the opportunity to spend time with Erwin, Ray, and Mark.
6. Enjoying the hospitality of Robin and Stephen.
7. Eating great food.
8. Worshiping in new churches.
9. Ministering to the men at The Mandate.
10. Counseling individuals moved by the messages.
11. Appreciating the value of long friendships.
12. Hearing 4000 men sing to the Lord.
13. Listening to conversations about planting a church in Dublin.
14. Hearing great worship music.
15. Savoring the countryside of Ireland.
16. Being convinced that Heart of a Warrior is very effective in the lives of men.
17. Receiving emails from men moved by God and wanting to connect.
18. Preaching in a 400 year old church in Belfast.
19. Speaking to 2000 men in a seminar on the heart of a warrior.
20. Daily conversations with my wife.
21. Furthering kingdom initiatives.
22. Experiencing the intricate tapestry of God's people.
23. Seeing young men deeply interested in being men after God's heart.
24. Learning about the history of Ireland through the eyes of its people.
25. Talking with young leaders committed to furthering the Gospel and reaching the lost.

I cannot imagine how anyone can meander through life and not be caught up in the excitement of God's redemptive purposes.  This has been a great interlude for me.  I feel refreshed and renewed.  We also decided to become even more intentional about expanding Heart of a Warrior.  We will need you help men--time, talents, and treasure.  Let's see where God wants to take this thing of His.  Are you with me?