Roger

Many years ago, at my invitation, I had breakfast with another pastor.  Instead of pouring into him and enjoying his company, I used the time to whine about a church problem.  The man abruptly interrupted me mid-sentence and said, “I didn’t come here to listen to your problems. Frankly, I don’t want to hear about them.”  Then, he got up and left.   Admittedly, I was embarrassed and my feelings were hurt.  Anger quickly followed. “Who does he think he is?” I thought.  “What an arrogant, uncaring pastor.” Was the man rude?  Yes. Did his approach leave something to be desired?  Absolutely! But out of that emotionally painful experience the Lord showed me that I had become a “project.”  I was all too willing to tell anyone who would listen about my woes. I was not enjoyable to be around because I allowed my personal hurts to define me.  I wasn’t interested in changing my outlook or moving past my pain. In this particular case, I wa...

In the past 24 hours we have gone from having three inches of snow to my wife mowing the yard.  Only in northeastern Ohio! Right? Life can change on a dime.  This sudden transformation reminded me to not take this COVID-19 quarantine for granted.  For sure, nothing’s the same as before. Who would have guessed that 2020 would require all of  us to navigate these difficult waters? Everyday is a faith adventure. I’m determined not to squander this uncertain time in my life.  Am I completely comfortable with what’s happening? Of course not!  And I’m sure I speak for you as well. But one thing I know: God is asking me to inventory my life.  Let me explain. What have I previously taken for granted?   Lori and I are watching the Netflix series, “When Calls the Heart.”  Frankly, I find it a bit unrealistic at times, but the fact remains that love between husbands and wives and people in general is life’s greatest treasure.  Each episode mov...

The original band of disciples one day said to the Lord, “Teach us how to pray” (Luke 11:1).  Jesus subsequently taught a prayer outline of sorts that we refer to as “The Lord’s Prayer.” Our Catholic friends refer to it as “The Our Father.”  A breakdown of this prayer -- verse by verse -- reveals many different aspects of God’s character and how we as believers can tap into heaven’s resources. If these disciples needed to learn how to pray, we too need to learn.  Although the best prayers come from the heart, we still need to pray according to God’s Word and His will.   My friend, prayer is much more than a command or even a suggestion; it is a privilege to pray.  When we mix our faith with prayer based on God’s Word, heaven responds! When our faith declarations line up with the Word and come into agreement with what God has already promised, we stand on solid ground.   Do you need peace?  Then let “the peace of God that passes all understa...

Now that we’ve been quarantined from church, unable to attend services, I feel a deeper love for Hope Community.  How I miss gathering with those 50-plus families I hold dear. I miss the “togetherness,” the praise and worship, the preached Word and the family atmosphere.  The energy and anticipation of corporate worship has enhanced my life beyond description. And I’m past ready to return! What am I thinking about during this time? 1. I need my church family.   None of us were created to do life alone.  I need their funny stories, their prayers, even news of their struggles.  Their hugs, handshakes and smiles make life rewarding. I feel sad for those who build cases against any local church.  They don’t realize what they’re missing!   2. I now realize that what I thought was so important is so trivial in the overall scheme of corporate worship.  Who cares what people wear?  What difference does it make which songs we choose?  So, w...