John McIntosh was one of the upperclass offensive linemen when I went to play football at The University of Alabama. He was one of the older guys I looked up to because he seemed so invinceable. He worked out hard, practiced hard and hated losing. I ran into some of his recent work on Facebook and found out that he had started a ministry. Guys, this is a guy thats tough as they come. He is not only a Brother of mine in the A-Club, But in God's club as well. Heres what God has put on Johns heart for us.
Blogging is relatively new to me, as I have only been blogging a few months. I follow a few blogs, but to be honest, wonder how many really read my ramblings, and are they even making a difference. If you have gotten this far, could I ask you that this time, you read this one through to the end. These next few paragraphs are a divine appointment for all of us (including me).
Mike and I played football together at The University of Alabama, way back in the 1980's. I haven't seen or talked to Mike since leaving the capstone some 25 years ago. You can imagine my surprise when I opened my email to find that he had found me via facebook and asked to share with you via his blog. I am flattered and honored that he would even ask me to write a guest blog on his site.
I too have a blog site: "NO SUBSTITUTE FOR GUTS.BLOGSPOT.COM. I learned that quote from the legendary Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, and have had a lot of fun throwing it around. It's kinda catchy and people seem to respond to it. After reading Mike's story about his daughter Katie being killed in a car accident while following her Father, "NO SUBSTITUTE FOR GUTS" has taken on a whole new meaning. You see the thing about courage, "guts" if you will, is that it is hard to define, but when you see it, it becomes unmistakeable. To see how Mike has handled this tragedy ladies and gentlemen is "guts" in action! That's what I want to spend just a couple more minutes talking about.
Mike shares something very intimate with God that very few of us ever will. Experiencing the lose of a child. I often tell teenagers that the greatest single act of courage in all of humanity, was not the physical part of the Cross, but what happened in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus is talking to His Father about what is about to happen to him. Jesus told His friends: "My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death." Matthew 26:38. This decision of obedience was literally killing Him, even before He was arrested. Jesus then went off to ask His Father not once, not twice, but three times, if it were possible, to let this cup of suffering pass by Him. We clearly see the anguish that Jesus (The Son) was going through, but have we ever stopped to imagine the absolute anguish and horror that His Dad/Father/God was going through? After all, this was His plan to reconcile you and I back to Him, and the reality of the moment was upon both of them. Then comes the moment of courage, "guts": "Yet I want your will to be done, not mine" Matthew 26:39. That moment was the greatest act of "courage" in all humanity. I love how that scene is depicted in the movie "The Passion of The Christ". The serpent slithers out as to come for Jesus and He stomps his head, burying him forever!!! "he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel." Genesis 3:15. I marvel as such "courage" and have gained a whole new respect for those who display it. Mike understands that kind of courage! The question is, do you and I?
Where does such courage come from? It comes from God! Jesus had to go to His Father to summon that kind of courage, and so did Mike. Mike continues to show that courage everyday in his life. The same courage that Paul had: "I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. Philippians 1:20. Here is the really cool thing about this type of courage. God is no respecter of person! Meaning, this type of courage is not just for Jesus, Paul and now Mike. It is available to all of us, but to claim it takes "guts"! I'm talking about a 24/7/365 kind of "guts". Here's the thing about "guts", you can't fake it! Yeah, you might be able to fool a few people for a while, but sooner or later your true character will be revealed.
There are so many lessons to be learned through Katie's life that we can apply to our own. While I never met Katie, I am told that she has an incredible love for Jesus and that love is being passed on to literally thousands of people that now includes me, and I am blessed by it!
I'm not sure what you may have learned from reading this blog. I can tell you what I have learned in writing it! Mike Burkett understands what "NO SUBSTITUTE FOR GUTS" really means and it's time that I try to fully comprehend it as well. I can't for a moment even begin to imagine all the emotions that Mike and his family have gone through. What I can do is pay attention when God is speaking to me through Mike, and simply obey what He is telling me. That is we are in the very serious business of sharing the most incredible "truth" in the entire world with as many people as we can, and to do it effectively takes "guts". Jesus made it very clear that the world would hate us because of what He has asked us to do. "I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world anymore than I am of the world." John 17:14 The only way we are going to stand a chance to face that kind of persecution is through the "courage" of the Cross. So next time you see the Cross, don't forget the lesson we can all learn in The Garden of Gethsemane and through Mike Burkett and his family.
I would like to thank Mike for inviting me to post on his blog. Mike's courage is an inspiration and has helped me to understand what it truly takes to make a difference in this world. It takes "guts"! Mike, because of your example, I now have a whole new appreciation for the phrase: "NO SUBSTITUTE FOR GUTS"
Love ya, mean it! Mike
John McIntosh
PS: Here is a link that brings to life the type of "courage" that is available to us all! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GP_DF1Q8aw
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Today in America
I believe America stands at a spiritual and Moral crossroad. A time that will determine the path of our nation and possibly the world. Christians are openly scorned and ridiculed by the media. Believers in Jesus Christ are never portrayed favorably by the entertainment industry. There has not been one occasion in recent memory where good wholesome Christian virtues have been treated respectfully by any major media outlet.
On the Judicial front, our courts and justices grow ever more hostile to any public expression of Christian faith. Public schools, funded by millions of our tax dollars, make it difficult for students to exercise their freedom of religion. They also have allowed the distribution of Condoms and Birth control pills to young boys and girls without parental consent.
The mention of Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life is an affront. In an era where all faiths must be equally exceptable, the exclusive claims of the Gospel are considered morally offensive. Our culture hates the mere mention of Jesus. What can we as Christians do to change this?
1) Prayer and repentence. We need to examine ourselves and come to the Lord with humility.
2) We must respectfully engage those in our circle of influence with the truth of the Gospel .
3) Speak the truth in love for our fellow man.
4) Be bold in our faith.
With God in our corner, we can make a difference. We must make a difference.
The above message was given by Franklin Graham In his message "Taking a Stand For Christ"
On the Judicial front, our courts and justices grow ever more hostile to any public expression of Christian faith. Public schools, funded by millions of our tax dollars, make it difficult for students to exercise their freedom of religion. They also have allowed the distribution of Condoms and Birth control pills to young boys and girls without parental consent.
The mention of Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life is an affront. In an era where all faiths must be equally exceptable, the exclusive claims of the Gospel are considered morally offensive. Our culture hates the mere mention of Jesus. What can we as Christians do to change this?
1) Prayer and repentence. We need to examine ourselves and come to the Lord with humility.
2) We must respectfully engage those in our circle of influence with the truth of the Gospel .
3) Speak the truth in love for our fellow man.
4) Be bold in our faith.
With God in our corner, we can make a difference. We must make a difference.
The above message was given by Franklin Graham In his message "Taking a Stand For Christ"
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Teachable Moments
When Brother Steve left GFBC for Belleview, I was very concerned for our Church. Steve was such a dynamic Pastor and really had a heart for God. When I heard Pastor Kevin preach for the first time my doubts were immediately removed. He has taken the reins at our Church and made each Sunday a blessing. I look forward to getting to know Kevin in the Future and was thrilled when he said yes to doing my blog.
As a pastor and a parent of 3 girls (senior, freshman and 1st grade), I am desperately trying to discern when I have a “teachable moment” with my children. You see, as a pastor EVERYTHING seems to be a teachable moment . . . at least, that’s what my kids tell me. So I am learning when to speak and when not to speak. I often ask the Holy Spirit for divine discernment as to when I should share a “life lesson” and when I should just keep quiet and allow God to “teach” my kids. Oh yeah, I also have to keep reminding myself that they are not “my” kids but “HIS” kids. Therefore, HE also has their best interest in mind.
So how do you determine when you have a teachable moment or not? That is a great question. I wish that I could say that I have the full-proof answer to that tough question but I don’t. I have learned a few lessons along the way that just might help you in your search for that answer.
First of all, I must rely on the wisdom of God through His Holy Spirit. I am striving to become more sensitive to the Spirit so that He can help me know when to talk and when to just be quiet. The Bible encourages us to ask for wisdom and God will give it to us freely and generously (James 1:5). Praying for wisdom has been a recurring theme for me for a long, long time. I was saved when I was 8 years old and surrendered to the ministry was I was 11 years old so I’ve had the incredible benefit at starting my walk with Jesus at an early age. However, it seems like I was always the young, inexperienced minister (my kids do remind me now that I’m not that young anymore) so I learned early on to pray earnestly for divine wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge in the best possible way. Every parent … every teacher … every coach … every leader of young people desperately needs divine wisdom from above!
Secondly, I have learned to “read” the reactions of my daughters. There are certain times that they seem more open to “teachable moments” than others. As a matter of fact, I often ask them, “Hey, I just noticed something that I would like to briefly share with you. Are you open to hearing about it?” Rarely have they not given me permission to push on but I think that by giving them the “control” of the conversation they feel more affirmed and appreciated.
Thirdly, I reward them for reading the books that I want them to read. You may object, “But you are bribing her!” I couldn’t have said it better myself. Yes, I am paying them to do what I want them to do. We used to call that an allowance. Clean your room. Put up your dirty clothes. Take out the trash then I will give you an allowance. Kim and I do not pay for household chores. Allow me to say that again. We do not pay for household chore. That is expected of everyone in the family (yes, even I have to do some chores . . . of course, they don’t involve power tools … ha, ha). Kim and I are more than willing to “reward” our girls for reading a book that we know can change their perspective and set them on the right track for life!
Fourthly, I am learning patience. I cannot make every moment a “teachable moment.” Some lessons take time to develop and be learned and they don’t have to get it all before they begin dating at age 35 … ha, ha! Parenting is one of the most difficult, challenging, frustrating, disappointing, depressing, agitating, irritating, but rewarding jobs in the world and I wouldn’t trade it for a weekly allowance!
Kevin Hamm
As a pastor and a parent of 3 girls (senior, freshman and 1st grade), I am desperately trying to discern when I have a “teachable moment” with my children. You see, as a pastor EVERYTHING seems to be a teachable moment . . . at least, that’s what my kids tell me. So I am learning when to speak and when not to speak. I often ask the Holy Spirit for divine discernment as to when I should share a “life lesson” and when I should just keep quiet and allow God to “teach” my kids. Oh yeah, I also have to keep reminding myself that they are not “my” kids but “HIS” kids. Therefore, HE also has their best interest in mind.
So how do you determine when you have a teachable moment or not? That is a great question. I wish that I could say that I have the full-proof answer to that tough question but I don’t. I have learned a few lessons along the way that just might help you in your search for that answer.
First of all, I must rely on the wisdom of God through His Holy Spirit. I am striving to become more sensitive to the Spirit so that He can help me know when to talk and when to just be quiet. The Bible encourages us to ask for wisdom and God will give it to us freely and generously (James 1:5). Praying for wisdom has been a recurring theme for me for a long, long time. I was saved when I was 8 years old and surrendered to the ministry was I was 11 years old so I’ve had the incredible benefit at starting my walk with Jesus at an early age. However, it seems like I was always the young, inexperienced minister (my kids do remind me now that I’m not that young anymore) so I learned early on to pray earnestly for divine wisdom. Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge in the best possible way. Every parent … every teacher … every coach … every leader of young people desperately needs divine wisdom from above!
Secondly, I have learned to “read” the reactions of my daughters. There are certain times that they seem more open to “teachable moments” than others. As a matter of fact, I often ask them, “Hey, I just noticed something that I would like to briefly share with you. Are you open to hearing about it?” Rarely have they not given me permission to push on but I think that by giving them the “control” of the conversation they feel more affirmed and appreciated.
Thirdly, I reward them for reading the books that I want them to read. You may object, “But you are bribing her!” I couldn’t have said it better myself. Yes, I am paying them to do what I want them to do. We used to call that an allowance. Clean your room. Put up your dirty clothes. Take out the trash then I will give you an allowance. Kim and I do not pay for household chores. Allow me to say that again. We do not pay for household chore. That is expected of everyone in the family (yes, even I have to do some chores . . . of course, they don’t involve power tools … ha, ha). Kim and I are more than willing to “reward” our girls for reading a book that we know can change their perspective and set them on the right track for life!
Fourthly, I am learning patience. I cannot make every moment a “teachable moment.” Some lessons take time to develop and be learned and they don’t have to get it all before they begin dating at age 35 … ha, ha! Parenting is one of the most difficult, challenging, frustrating, disappointing, depressing, agitating, irritating, but rewarding jobs in the world and I wouldn’t trade it for a weekly allowance!
Kevin Hamm
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