Inscriptions

None of us is getting out of here alive!  Death is imminent, and it is considered by most morbid to discuss.  And I get it!  Life is precious and we cling tenaciously to every breath.  Who in their normal mind sits around talking about death?  Right?  If you do, we need to talk!

As a hospice chaplain, I often officiate graveside services.  Cemeteries are not my favorite hang-out place, but while there I like to read inscriptions on tombstones.  Most include only the name, along with birth and death dates.  However, some across the years have left their humorous side behind:

“She always said her feet were killing her but nobody believed her”

“Barry M. Deep”

“Another one bites the dust”

“Here lies an atheist.  All dressed up and no place to go”

“Na na na na

Na na na na

Hey hey -ey

Goodbye”

”Here lies Lester Moore.  Four slugs from a 44.  No Les  No more”

“Jesus called and Kim answered”

“Don’t laugh, you’re next”

MERV GRIFFIN:  “I will not be back after this message”

“I told you I was sick”

MEL BLANC:  “That’s All Folks!”

“Here lies John Yeast.  Pardon me for not rising”

BUTTERMILK HATFIELD:  “Tried milkin’ a cow that was really a bull.  Milk can’s empty, grave is full”

“Here lies SHAWN O’TOOLE.  Kicked in the head by an ornery bull”

“Ben Better” (1837-1862)

Of course, death is not funny, but followers of Jesus Christ view death from a positive perspective.  We believe what we preach!  “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8).  Our “temple” is subject to age and decay, but the “eternal us” will live forever SOMEWHERE!  Those who place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin and who subsequently walk with Him will one day meet Him face to face.  How will you respond when you see him?  

In 2001, Christian band MercyMe released, “I Can Only Imagine,” the lyrics for which lead singer Bart Millard wrote in just ten minutes.  In part he wrote:

“Surrounded by Your glory

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for You, Jesus, 

Or in awe of You be still?

Will I stand in Your presence, 

Or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing hallelujah,

Will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine.”

I, of course, don’t know for sure, but I’m thinking that I personally will cry my eyes out when I see Jesus for the first time.  I met Him almost 50 years ago, and I still cry when His presence floods my heart!  He’s wonderful!    

I still marvel at the story of Enoch found in Genesis 5:24. It succinctly says, “For Enoch was not, for God took him.”  I used to teach high school English and if a student had turned in this sentence, I would have red marked it and said, “Incomplete thought. Enoch was not WHAT?”  

I then look to the New Testament to answer this question!   In John 17:15 Jesus says, “As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.”  There you go!

Enoch was not of this world, for God took him!  Like you and me, Enoch lived IN the world, but was never part OF it!  I like to think about it this way:  One evening Enoch was walking along the road when God said, “Enoch, you’re closer to my house, why don’t you just come on over?”  This world is not our final destination.  We are pilgrims just passing through, “looking for a city...whose builder and maker is God” (Hebrews 11:10). 

Years ago, I heard Johnny Cash kiddingly say, “All of us want to go to heaven some day, but nobody wants to get up a bus load today!”  How true!  But in the event we are called “home,” believers in Jesus Christ need not fear what’s coming.  Jesus is the hope of earth and the joy of heaven.

Oh, come to Him this very day!  Heaven is by appointment only, and awaits the moment when it’s your time to change locations!  

The Trinity

The Trinity.  Hard to understand.  And difficult to explain.  But I’m so thankful for God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. 

Trinitarians have been accused of believing in three God’s but the Scriptures make it clear:  “Hear, O Israel!  The Lord is our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4)!  Perhaps the most poignant illustration of the “Three in One” occurs at the baptism of Jesus. “After  being baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and lighting on Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens said, “‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:16-17).  

God the Father spoke from heaven, God the Son came up out of the water, and God the Spirit descended as a dove.  Three in One!

While the Scriptures make it clear that we worship only One, we affirm that He’s one God, eternally existent in three Persons -- Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Another explanation uses the word “role” to discuss the Trinity.  Perhaps these are feeble attempts to explain the unexplainable!

How do we teach children about the Trinity?  My wife uses the following object lesson, which helps bring clarity to this wonderful mystery:  She places a pan full of ice on the stove.  Within a few minutes of course, the ice begins to melt and then boils, releasing steam into the air.  The ice is gone, the steam evaporates and water remains in the bottom of the pan.  Then she says, “It’s all water, but in three different forms!”  

I remember how the Trinity operated in my life during my boyhood to draw me into saving grace.  I was always fascinated by the stories of the Old Testament, where I heard about the holiness of God along with His righteous judgments.  I often stared into the sky, feeling the love of the God of nature wash over me.  The Old Testament prophets spoke eloquently and with detailed accuracy of He Who was to come -- God the Son.  Isaiah 53 beautifully foretells the coming of the Suffering Servant!   

Then, when I went to Sunday School and church, I learned about Jesus, Who declares in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.”  He was God.  During those formative years, God the Spirit continually convinced me that I needed a Savior.  God the Father, God the Son and God the Spirit were all active agents in bringing me to salvation.  How wonderful!

How I praise the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for working in my life!  I love and worship the Lord for His constant and faithful presence.  While the doctrine of the Trinity is not explicit in the New Testament (the word “Trinity” cannot be found), it possesses a triadic understanding of God and contains countless verses that support Trinitarian doctrine.  Following are five:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 8:19).

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14).

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are varieties of ministries, and the same Lord” (1 Corinthians 12:4-5).

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called into one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).

“According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, by the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to obey Jesus Christ, and be sprinkled with His blood.  May grace and peace be yours in the fullest measure” (1 Peter 1:2).

Completely understand the Godhead?  Not really!  Love them?  Absolutely!

While in church, we sometimes sing:

“Father, I adore You.  Lay my life beforeYou.  How I love You.”

“Jesus, I adore you.  Lay my life before You.  How I love You.”  And finally, with gusto…

“Spirit, I adore You.  Lay my life before You.  How I love You!”

Oh, worship Him today!  Let the Spirit touch you.  He will draw you to Jesus, Who will present you to the Father, all because of Jesus’ precious blood!  

Trigger

The other day I mentioned Roy Rogers, Dale Evans and Trigger in casual conversation when my young friend asked, “Who’s that?  I replied, “They were popular movie Western stars when I was a kid.”  They were on television the same time the Lone Ranger, Tonto and Silver were.”

With a puzzled look, my friend said, “I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.”  Then it hit me. The “golden age” of television has long since passed off the scene. I’m sad!  Please tell me you remember Gabby Hayes, Gene Autry, Tom Mix, John Wayne, Clint Walker, Walter Brennan, and James Arness.  I could mention so many others who “rode off into the sunset” during those years -- 1940’s through the early 60’s.  So, if you’re younger than fifty, you probably don’t know to whom I’m referring.

Then, I learned that the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum, originally located in the San Bernardino Valley, and later moved to Branson, Missouri in 2003, closed its doors in December, 2019.  It was the end of the trail for these wonderful Western legends. 

Dusty Rogers, Roy and Dale’s son, said at the closing, “It is very difficult to think that it will all be gone soon.  The situation is one I have not wanted to happen.  The decision to close the museum has come after two years  of steady decline in visitors.”

THAT generation is transitioning.  Those born between 1940-1960 have witnessed the death of many of the original Western movie stars.  

While I understand we can’t live in the past; and while I realize that traditions come and go, it’s my heartfelt opinion that somehow life was simpler back then, and the innocence of television viewing was harmless and in a much different kind of way, very entertaining.  

Do you remember black and white television, when most of us in this neck of the woods had three network choices:  Channels 3, 5 and 8 -- NBC, CBS and ABC?  Do you remember when “Gunsmoke” viewed Saturday nights?  It was so clean and children were in no danger of learning bad things. OR SO I THOUGHT!

Now in retrospect, our dearly loved Miss Kitty was an oxymoron.  She was a “you know what” dressed up in a skimpy saloon outfit and plastered with make-up. Do you remember her signature mole?  She was a nice and kind “bad girl!”   Certainly not a woman we want our daughters to emulate.  She owned and operated the Long Branch Saloon for 19 years in Dodge City.  She not only was a saloon girl, she was their boss.  She was a red-headed Madam!  And as far as I know, Matt Dillon never kissed her!  Did I say she was a “Madam?”  Yes, indeed!  And nobody thought a thing about it!  

I guess some things never change after all.  Perhaps the difference between “Gunsmoke” and “Law and Order” is the manner in which real life was handled.  In today’s world seldom is anything left for the imagination.  However, the innocence of my childhood still soothes my collective yearning for less visual and moral stimuli.          

My young friend suggested that I’m maudlin and that I glorify the past too much.  Perhaps I do, but Roy and Dale, and all their contemporaries, including Amanda Blake (Miss Kitty) still take me back to more innocent, safer days.  And for that reason, I still hog the television when I see Matt Dillon gunfight on the street in Dodge City; when I hear Doc Adams and Festus arguing; when I hear the Lone Ranger say, “Hi-Ho Silver,” and when the Rogers sing, “Happy Trails,” while the credits roll. 

I’ve discovered that something inside me still clamors for the simple pleasures of my boyhood.  

Praise (Part 2)

Last week I talked about a wonderful Spirit-filled service I attended over 45 years ago, and how the memories of that service still affect me.  In this blog, I wish to discuss seven Hebrew words that describe worship expressions, taken from the books of Psalms and Isaiah.  Then, I’m going to demonstrate why genuine worship services have to be conducted decently and in order for all in attendance to receive from the Lord.

The Psalms (Hebrew hymn book) and the Prophet Isaiah, reveal seven forms of praise that I believe we need to incorporate in today’s worship segments of our services.  They won’t always manifest, but we certainly need to be open to these worship expressions.  They come to us through the use of seven Hebrew words:

•   HALLAH -- “Our praise word, “Hallelujah” comes from this root word.  Literally interpreted, it means, “Praise the Lord.”  “Praise the Lord!  Praise God in  His sanctuary; Praise Him in His mighty expanse” (Psalm 150:1).

• YADAH -- refers to “the extended hand, to throw out the hand, or to lift the hand.”  “So I will bless You  as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name” (Psalm 63:4)

• TOWDAH -- This word is closely connected with YADAH, but in a more specific way.  It is based on praising God for “things not yet received.”  It is a faith proclamation. “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving” (Psalm 50:14).

• SHABACH -- means “to shout, to address in a loud tone, to command, to triumph.”  “O clap your hands, all peoples; Shout to God with the voice of joy” (Psalm 47:1).

• BARAK -- means “to kneel down, to bless God in an act of adoration.”  “Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker” (Psalm 95:6).

• ZAMAR -- means “to pluck the strings of an instrument; largely involves the expression of music through musical instruments.”  “Awake, my glory!  Awake, harp and lyre!  I will awaken the dawn” (Psalm 57:8).  

• TEHILLAH -- involves the “singing of ‘hallah’s,’ to sing loud OR to sing hymns of the Spirit or praise.”  This is what happened at Eastside Assembly, Springfield, Missouri in 1974.  “To grant those who mourn in Zion, giving them a garland instead of ashes.  The oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting, so they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified” (Isaiah 61:3).  

  

Having said all of the above, now let me offer a teaching that comes out of mutual respect and accountability.  Yes, we should learn how to worship God according to Biblical patterns.  Yes, we should quit looking around and allowing others to deter us from “pressing in.”   Yes, we should be considerate of others’ personal space and private devotion.  Yes, we should quit judging others because we may not be comfortable with their mode or “loudness” during worship.  And they should not judge us for lesser expressions.  

HOWEVER, WE SHOULD ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT CORPORATE WORSHIP TIMES REQUIRE THAT WE REMAIN IN SYNC WITH WHAT’S TAKING PLACE IN THE ENTIRE ROOM.  

Our God is a God of order.  His Spirit operates beautifully and powerfully when His house remains in order.  When a given service is not moving forward to our liking, we don’t have “to work it up,”  And we must never draw attention to ourselves.  Every service has a design from the throne, and the Lord’s purpose is that all present receive accordingly.  By the way, when I returned on Sunday evening at Eastside Assembly, the tone of that service was quiet, sweet and unassuming.  That didn’t make it a less “spiritual” service.

Corporate worship by divine mandate necessitates that all benefit from the “now” movement of the Spirit.

Let me explain.

I have led services and attended services where a small group of people, while supposedly “being Spirit-led,” remained uncommonly loud and oblivious to their surroundings.  The service, as it was, was put on hold until they quieted down.  All attention was directed their way.  Spiritual pride and attention-seeking entered into the mix, and the service became unsettled.  This is never God’s plan.  My friend, I’m not talking about quenching the Spirit, I’m talking about accommodating the Spirit’s desire for any given service.  Wise pastors do not allow attention-seeking individuals to lead the way at the expense of “the whole.”  Every incident has to be handled wisely and on its own merit.  If additional time/attention is necessary, God will give specific direction to the pastor or whoever’s leading the service.

Now, once again, travel back with me to that morning service at Eastside Assembly.  It went God’s way because the ENTIRE church moved according to what the Holy Spirit was doing.  That woman was one in a crowd that was moving in/with the Spirit.  The atmosphere was Spirit-energized and Spirit-empowered, and no confusion existed.  She not once called attention to herself, as most everyone in the service was caught up in the “spirit of the moment.”

Erroneous teaching on the part of well-meaning pastors suggests that what God wants always overrides what people want.  And that’s true!  However, the Lord is never the author of confusion.  

My prayer for Hope Community is that God will stir the hearts of our people and draw us into a corporate anticipation of His manifested presence in our services.  The prophet Zechariah said it best:  “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord” (4:16).  Oh, Lord, send Your power!  I welcome the day when individuals stirred by the Spirit’s touch, get up from their seat and kneel before the altar during the corporate service.  The altar, historically and theologically, is “the place of death.”  Sin dies where the blood spills.  And burdens are lifted at Calvary.  

“Lord, remind us that You live in our praise; and that regardless of our personality type, personal preference or preconceived ideas about what church should look like, we are part of the whole, not islands unto ourselves.” 

So, on your way to church next Sunday, wholeheartedly prepare your heart to press in and receive from the Lord.  Let nothing deter you from praising the Lord! But remember, stay in sync with God’s overall design for that service.  In truth, worship services should be an extension of our on-going, private, daily worship times  throughout the week.  Let’s refer to those times as “rehearsals for Sunday!”

Praise (Part 1)

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 with her, as a spirit of intercession invaded the atmosphere.  The musicians played, not concerned about performance.  It was a time of “soaking in His presence.”  

In those moments, I heard this dear woman move from broken-heartedness to joy-filled weeping.  Surely, she WAS YET ANOTHER woman, who sat at the feet of Jesus, and poured out her purest praise from a heart that was heavy. And she too was transformed!  

I thought about the woman whose story is found in Luke 7:37-38.  “And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner and when she learned that He (Jesus) was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, and standing behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and kept wiping them with the hair of her head, and kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume.”

This precious lady also exchanged her ashes for beauty!  She “put on the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 63:1). I was blessed as I beheld her transformation. A beautiful butterfly broke loose from its cocoon and took flight!

If I may, allow me to draw some “teachable moments” from that experience:

1. Jesus lives in the praises of His people.  

2. Praise is “becoming to the upright” (Psalm 33:1).  This phrase is used to describe clothing.  In other words, it’s what we “should look like, how we should dress!” Praise adorns! The lady mentioned in the above Scripture perfumed the feet of Jesus with her praise.  She was never more beautiful!

3. Audible praise loosens inhibitions and releases power.  Audible praise builds a conduit from earth to the Throne of God. “Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16).  

4. Praise should flow out of brokenness and genuine love for the Master, not performance-driven ingenuity.  Corporate worship is more than rehearsed song lists.  Regardless of music genres and specific songs, it provides opportunities for God’s people to enter Into His life-giving presence.

But here’s the bottom line:  Genuine worship does not give attention-seekers the green light to distract other worshipers.  Corporate worship means just that:  Everyone entering in!  Spirit-filled worship is known for its “flow aspect.”  It should crescendo with both highs and lows.  “Out of your belly (emotions) shall FLOW rivers of living water” (John 7:38).  Worship that doesn’t affect our emotions becomes rote and lifeless.  By the same token, praise to the Lord cannot be weighed by our emotions, but it certainly often rides on the waves of emotion!  When our Holy God -- the Spirit of holiness -- shows up, emotions are going to be impacted.  The woman in John 7 becomes “Exhibit A.”  We are spirit and soul -- mind, will and EMOTIONS -- housed in flesh!

To be sure, quiet praise has its place.  There are definitely times to be still (quiet) -- (Psalm 46:10).  On the other hand, I often hear, “I’m a quiet person.   Loud praise goes against my personality.”  My friend, praise has nothing to do with personality; it is a command from the Psalms and other places. 

Next week, I’m going to discuss seven Hebrew words that describe worship expressions, taken from the books of Psalms and Isaiah.  Then, I’m going to demonstrate why genuine worship services have to be conducted decently and in order for all in attendance to receive from the Lord.  

Intimacy Versus Control

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 respecting others.  I’ve heard it said for years that “opinions are a dime a dozen.”  I usually add this phrase:  “And most of them aren’t worth that much!” 

The only ONE who can control you and produce intimacy is the Holy Spirit!  As a matter of fact, the more control you give Him, the more you feel loved and cherished! 

What’s the difference?  God did not design any relationship on earth to be based on unreasonable control that attempts to hold other’s captive.  

Have you ever wondered why it’s typically hard to be best friends with your boss?  Because being a boss predicates being the one in control.  Going off the clock doesn’t nullify this “after hours” reality!

Why do friends and even family members fall out over lending money, or working together in business ventures?  Because money IS perceived control.    Many wonderful relationships have gone sour because  of control issues relating to money. The fallen nature seeks control, and projects itself to gain advantage.  I’ve discouraged church businessmen from hiring their church friends for the reasons I’ve discussed.  Money is never a great equalizer; it always strives to divide and conquer!  This is one reason why we tithe our income.  Every time we give, we are reminded that it’s not ours anyway!  Not just ten-percent, but all we possess belongs to God!  

Control is a multi-faceted part of life that brings with it man’s innate drive to be right and to self-preserve.  Both men and women resort to “fight over flight” when their soul is threatened by a controlling party.  

Two children playing in a sandbox with equal access to the same toys will usually get along fine.  Add a third child and control issues escalate quickly -- the unspoken fight for control always spawns competition.  Abraham Lincoln one day was asked why his boys were displaying temper tantrums.  He replied, “I have three apples and both boys want two!”  

A man/husband/dad might control other men/his wife/his children with brute force and a harsh tone.  He may get his desired results, but he will never enjoy any degree of intimacy with those significant to him.  Their relationships will be shallow at best; and even non-existent in the long run.  A lot of controlling people spend their latter years isolated and lonely because they used control tactics to maneuver their loved ones and friends.  We all know someone like that.  Physical and emotional  control leaves the perpetrator friendless and empty.  And authority without mutual respect and responsibility puts any relationship on the ash heap.   

A man may have sex with his wife, but if he lacks intimacy outside the bedroom, he may never experience the true beauty of love making.  If the relationship is characterized by fear and control, that man will settle for an animal level of coupling. Over time, the wife will lose heart.  A Christian counselor told a harsh and controlling husband, “If you will make your wife feel like a queen during the day, she’ll crown you king at night!”

Why do we feel we have to “be in control?”  Because control places us in a false comfort zone.  Tyrants may rule for a season, but there will come a day when “those under” will stage a coup.  Mental and emotional suppression often ends with physical overthrow.  The Menendez brothers, Lyle and Erik, murdered their wealthy parents in 1989 after years of alleged physical, emotional and sexual abuse they suffered, especially on the part of their controlling father. Unreasonable, life-altering control never ends on a happy note. In this tragic case, two brothers are serving life sentences without the possibility of parole.  The end result of “out of control” living is  staggering!

I often encounter parents who live with the reality of kids who practice social distancing in their adult years.  “After all we did for those kids,” remains their constant outcry. If somehow they could understand that control is not discipline; and the lack of affection, mutual love and respect, always leads to strained relationships.  Remember, we cannot be intimate with who or what we have to control.

That’s why we must give the control mechanisms in our lives over to the Holy Spirit.  He alone can satisfy the inner longings of the soul.  He alone satisfies the innate drive of our life to be significant and “to matter.”  And the more control we give Him, the more personal fulfillment and meaning we discover!  He is love personified!

Control issues surrendered to the Holy Spirit become attractive centerpieces for those who yield to the Spirit’s control.  We love to be around people who lead by humble example and a “broken and contrite spirit” (Psalm 51:17).    Such individuals will never run short of loving, caring people around them. Humility attracts; control repels.  

The Holy Spirit takes our need to control and replaces it with a secure identity that downplays the right to express personal opinions, and highlights the beauty of mutually satisfying interpersonal relationships.  Give the Spirit control in your life today.  Watch as He brings unspeakable joy into all of your vital relationships. 

Mother Flower

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 Department at headquarters.  I remember editing sermons for Dr. C.M. Ward, renowned “Revivaltime” radio speaker,  He was truly a character!   

On another occasion I was honored to visit the home of Mrs. Alice Reynolds Flower.  Affectionately known as “Mother Flower,” she and her husband, J.Roswell Flower served the Assemblies of God in several capacities with great distinction. The Flower Pentecostal Heritage Center in Springfield, was of course established in their honor. Located in the Assemblies of God World Headquarters, it contains the world’s largest Pentecostal archives.   

 

Daily chapel attendance was mandatory at Evangel University.  We were allowed a certain number of cuts throughout each semester and admittedly, I always used my quota!  During the spring of 1975 one of the guys in the dorm announced that “some older lady” was speaking in chapel.  While still lying in my warm bed, I immediately made plans to use one of my cuts!

“But God…” (Ephesians 2:4).  The Holy Spirit quickly began dealing with my attitude.  Conviction eventually landed me on the second row in that old chapel.  Alice Reynolds Flower spoke that morning.  At 85, she was articulate and wonderfully anointed. This precious saint of God took her text from Romans 11:33-36, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out?  Who has known the mind of the Lord?  Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?  For from him and through him and to him are all things.  To him be glory forever!  Amen.”

I was captured by the love that emanated from her.  She said, “God is not as interested in our ability as He is our availability and expendability.”  I sat there spellbound as she rendered a heartfelt challenge to expend our lives for God.  This occurred at the end of my freshman year.  

During my sophomore year I joined a team that ministered to residents of a local nursing home on Thursday evenings.  Study time was precious, so some weeks it was tempting to excuse myself.  Such was the case one Thursday until I learned that we had been invited to the home of Alice Reynolds Flower.  I dropped everything to go!  Nothing would deter me from such a grand opportunity.

Five of us spent two glorious hours at the feet of Mother Flower.  Story after story captivated us, as the presence of the Lord filled her living room. Her home was filled with furniture, gifts and artifacts collected from 70 years of ministry. Heaven kissed us as we sang, and Mother Flower closed in prayer.  

Before we left, she called  each one of us to her side for prayer.  She held my hand.  Love personified looked into my eyes and said, “Precious son, let your life be a symphony of praise to Jesus.  Follow Him with your whole heart.  Look not to the left or the right.  Delight yourself in Him and He will grant you the desires of your heart.”  

I thank God for granting me an audience with this great lady of faith.  I wept when I learned this great Pentecostal legend went to heaven in 1991 at 100 years old.  My tears were not tears of sorrow, but of joy for having had the privilege of meeting her.  Alice Reynolds Flower affected the lives of countless numbers of people, spanning ten decades.  My life was personally impacted when feeble hands and a kind heart reached out to me from a wheelchair!

God Moves in Seasons

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 does on a much larger scale.  For example, Billy Graham always used local church volunteers to work alongside him during his great crusades.  Then, after each crusade ended, he funneled all new converts into local churches.  

I remember while raising our children, I had to every so often sit them down and reiterate house protocol, as familial guidelines tend to slip over time.  God does that for His children, too.  Why?  Calvary entitles us to share God’s fullness on the earth.  And often He has to send us reminders!  

Let me share a reminder of those things that God has rekindled in just the American Church over the past 200 years.  This is not a comprehensive list, but it does illustrate the fact that God constantly sends reminders to we, who forget our “inheritance in the saints.” 

Obviously, whatever God brings to the earth never operates on a “stop-start basis,” but rather overlaps one another.  While the message remains “Christ and Him crucified,” methods evolve.  

And all that God institutes on the earth is designed to strengthen and build the local church.  A precursory look at the book of Acts and later, Paul’s epistles to the various churches, supports the idea that whatever God does on the earth, He funnels through the local church and desires that churches everywhere glean from the heavenly fall-out. Let’s begin, as much as possible, in a chronological fashion that takes us back to the 1800’s.  Consider these “Reminders:”

1. Holiness Movement

2. Revivalistic Movement 

3. Pentecostal Movement

4. Healing Movement

5. Jesus Movement

6. Crusade Ministry -- Who comes first and foremost to mind when you think of crusade ministry?  Billy Graham, of course.  

7. Evangelistic Crusades (extended revivals)

8. Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship International

9. Women’s Aglow

10. Teaching Movement

11. Charismatic Renewal

12. Prosperity Movement

13. Prophetic Movement

14. River Movement

15. Tele-Evangelists

16. Promise Keepers

17. Pensacola Outpouring

18. Mega-Church Movement

19. Home Church  Movement

Perhaps in a future blog I will elaborate on God’s purpose for each new “reminder.”  But for today, remember that heaven works feverishly to bring “sons and daughters into glory.”  I came to Christ in 1970, in the middle of a “salvation wave.”  Later, around 1992, I heard the late Norvel Hayes say, “Over seventy-percent of ministers preaching the Gospel today were saved during the 70’s.”

I am part of that statistic and how I praise the Lord that I responded to the convicting power of the Holy Spirit during those years.  That was my turning-point season! 

Miracles in Mexico

During Spring Break 1975, I traveled by bus with 80 other students and professors from Evangel University and Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri to central Mexico, where for one week we witnessed several healing miracles.   It was during that time God spoke to me that my journalism major, in conjunction with my Biblical Studies minor, would set me on a course of lifetime ministry.

Our journey took us to Sabinas Hidalgo, a tiny village located in a remote mountainous area.  Dogs ran wild in the streets and beggars swarmed us, for we were “rich Americans.”  High stone walls topped with rolled barbed wire turned homes into compounds.  One or two wealthy homes stood on the outskirts in stark contrast to the gross poverty of the village.  

These precious people had no electricity, no in-door plumbing, or running water, no doctors, thread-bare clothing and the same diet -- tortillas, cacti and occasional goat.  Yet, they smiled.  What they had could not be bought.  I was shamed by their contentment.  

I also remember their little church.  It was a crude structure.  The roof was lined with rusted metal sheeting, supported by adobe brick walls.  Windows were few and mostly broken.  Candles lit the room.  Children slept on its dirt floor while being swarmed by flies.  But no one seemed to mind, as it was time for the service to begin.

The tiny building filled to capacity -- leaving standing room only.  Many arrived hours early to get inside.  Others stood outside waiting patiently.  The language barrier hindered conversation, so we just smiled.  Smiles communicate in every language!

I have always believed in miracles.  They’re frequently recorded in the Bible.  To be honest though, I had never witnessed a bona fide miracle until I went south of the border.  In the afternoons we passed out gospel tracts and shared the love of Jesus in the streets and homes.  In the evening, members of our group sang and preached with the help of interpreters.  Afterwards we prayed for the sick.  These lovely people possessed much faith, and before my  eyes I saw the miraculous unfold.

On our first night, a line of several people formed to receive  prayer.  A young woman, perhaps in her late twenties, stepped forward, weeping loudly.  It was obvious that she was pregnant.  The pastor, however, informed us otherwise.  A fast-growing tumor about the size of a basketball was pushing out.  After a simple, faith-filled prayer, the group moved on to the next prayer concern.  

Another lady came with grotesque sores in her mouth.  The sleeves of her tattered dress were blood-soaked where she had wiped her mouth. Her face grimacing revealed a high pain level.  But she left that night free of sores!  God’s touch was instant!  We marveled at the Lord’s healing power.  They had no doctors or no medicine, so their only recourse was to trust the Healer.  

As we got up to leave -- two hours later -- joy-filled, loud laughing mixed with weeping filled the room. It was the woman who came with the tumor.  By night’s end, it was gone.  Her abdomen was flat!  God completely annihilated the large tumor.  Rejoicing and holy pandemonium broke out and we stayed another hour giving God praise.  And the only instruments in the room were our combined voices!  Other miracles were documented during the remainder of the week.  

I still contend that God hates poverty, but I’ve often wondered if our affluence sometimes hinders our faith.  Hosea 13:6 tells us what COULD happen if we take our blessings for granted.  “When I fed them, they were satisfied, they became proud, then they forgot Me.”

I hope I always remember those smiling, poverty-stricken, yet joy-filled faces in Mexico.  They were some of the sweetest, most contented people I’ve ever met.