Roger

I still remember an emotionally-charged service that took place over 45 years ago, an experience that “lifted me into heavenly places!”  Why?  Because I saw the Holy Spirit overhaul a brokenhearted woman before my very eyes! I was at Eastside Assembly of God in Springfield, Missouri.  The service was progressing nicely and the Holy Spirit was moving powerfully.  A spirit of praise swept across the 200-plus people in attendance that day; and it seemed the crowd meshed into one. It was one of those services where non-participants were very much in the minority, and the majority present was caught up in loud corporate praise.  It was heaven on earth!  Pastor Bob Smith knelt on the stage, pouring out his heart with tears cascading down his face. Seated behind me, a searching woman experienced a complete emotional breakthrough -- she came brokenhearted.  She poured her soul out like sweet perfume from the alabaster bottle.  I could not help but weep wi...

You cannot be intimate with anyone you have to control.  The need to control automatically eliminates any chances for long-term, meaningful relationships.  Many control freaks have no clue as to why they leave behind a trail of broken relationships.  The need to control stems from broken places in our soul that inadvertently sees control as self-preservation. They say to themselves, “If I control, I don’t get hurt,” or “If I control, I get what I want.”  Our sinful pride is a fierce contender! You may say, “I have the right to express my opinions.  I don’t care what anyone thinks.”  That’s okay, as long  you understand that such an attitude will keep you from having sustainable friendships. No one likes to be around those who always demand their way, or who feel it’s their right to express their views, even at the expense of broken relationships or hurt feelings.  Life is a “give and take” proposition that finds some of its greatest rewards in res...

I pastored five Assembly of God churches before I came back to Jefferson in 2017 to co-pastor Hope Community Church with my wife, Lori.  Both of us have deep roots in the Assemblies of God.  This Pentecostal fellowship was formed in 1914 in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  God was so good to allow us to come to faith in Christ through the auspices of the Assemblies of God; and then later to prepare for ministry.   Lori and I met at Evangel University in Springfield, Missouri, headquarters city of the Assemblies of God.  We were privileged during our four years in college to meet some of God’s choicest saints, forerunners in the Pentecostal movement -- most who were elderly.   One of the highlights of my journalistic training came one day in I978 when I interviewed the Rev. Thomas Zimmerman, General Superintendent from 1959-1985. He certainly was a Gospel great!  During my sophomore year, I had the privilege of being an intern in the Radio and TV Depar...

What God does is always purpose-driven.  He moves in seasons!  And I’m not referring to Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter.  God’s seasons always coincide with what He’s doing on the earth.  It seems that God brings necessary re-emphasis when and where it’s needed.  The Church at large has a tendency to negate or at least minimize “the whole counsel of God.”  Heavenly reminders continue to make history “His story!” Because heaven continues to have a vested interest in the souls of men, God continually introduces new methods to propagate the Gospel, and to reinforce what Jesus Christ purchased by His death and resurrection.  AND I BELIEVE WITH STRONG  CONVICTION THAT GOD’S INTENDED AND ON-GOING AGENCY TO WIN THE LOST AND SUBSEQUENTLY DISCIPLE NEW BELIEVERS STILL REMAINS THE LOCAL CHURCH.   Although He uses parachurch and specific ministries to reach millions, His heart still yearns to see local churches complement, not compete with what He do...