Roger

The Bible teaches “some people have entertained angels without knowing it” (Hebrews 13:2).  The once popular television series, “Touched By An Angel,” lent credence to the idea that angels come to our aid in every day life.  Craft stores still feature a wide array of angel displays.  Some years ago a pastor’s daughter living in Idaho wrote a book entitled, “The Man Who Talked with Angels.”    Readers thrilled to learn about the late Rev. Roland Buck’s late night angelic encounters.   The book was the sequel to “Angels on Assignment” by Charles and Frances Hunter, as told by Pastor Buck.   These were incredible accounts written by credible ministers of the Gospel! Those who know me say I’m analytical.   I’m cautious not to over-sensationalize the Gospel.   But when it comes to angels I’m eager to share the following stories. In late November of 1977, Lori and I encountered an angelic visitation on the outskirts of Walnut, Mississip...

Occasionally, people approach me for help and want me to fix in five minutes what it’s taken perhaps many years to “break.”  They’re looking for the big event and the quick fix. Even God needed time to redeem the earth!   Two-thousand years passed between Creation and Abraham; another two-thousand years passed from Abraham to Christ, and another two-thousand-plus years from Christ to our day.   And redemption’s scheme still hasn’t played out completely.   The devil is still on the prowl.   “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8b).   Don’t get me wrong.   I thank God for the “big events” in the Christian life.   I was born again on August 4, 1970, baptized in the Holy Spirit on July 22, 1971 and baptized in water on August 18, 1974.   Because of my fear of water, it took me four years to work up the nerve to get “dunked.”   And even then I positioned a pastor on each...

I believe God schedules divine appointments as we daily interact with people.  We who walk with the Master cross paths with untold numbers of people who briefly yet decisively impact our lives.  Along the way, we are issued assignments from the Throne! While pastoring in Alabama, one day I stopped at an Exxon station to fill up my tank.   When I went to pay the cashier, I discovered that I had left my wallet at home.   God knew my heart and I’m sure smiled at my “senior moment.”   A total stranger, who just happened to be a Baptist pastor, was also standing at the counter.   Upon hearing my dilemma and sensing my embarrassment, he paid for my gas.   When I introduced myself and offered to exchange addresses, he replied, “God sent me to help you.   I did not need gas but God told me to pull in here to help a fellow pastor.”   Our encounter was brief and amazing.   He paid my bill, wished me well and drove away.   I had be...

In all probability, March 7 holds little or no significance for you.  It’s just another day.  However, our lives were forever altered on March 7, 1995.  My wife’s parents left home that morning never to return.  They were involved in a fatal car crash. My in-laws were pastors.   They left home that dismal, rainy morning to make a hospital call in Indianapolis, Indiana.   Just south of Frankfurt another minister ran a stop sign and broadsided them, forcing their car into the side of a waiting eighteen wheeler at the four-way stop.   Dad died on impact and Mom succumbed to her injuries five weeks later. Accidents change our lives forever.   No one is ever ready for such news.   In a split second we lost dad, grandpa, son, brother, pastor, mentor and friend to many.   Mom planned his funeral then lapsed into a coma when she heard that his service and committal were over.   After a thirty-five day hospital vigil, the family ...