In The Shadow of the Cross

Preconceived Ideas

2009-07-11T10:07:00.003-04:00

Too often, we come into a new adventure with preconceived ideas. We think we know how it should be done. Jesus met this kind of crowd when He visited earth several thousand years ago. Preconceived ideas kept the Jews from recognizing God was present and at work in their midst. Keep your mind open to God doing a new thing that goes beyond your expectations, ideas or past experience!

Money Issues

2009-07-08T11:12:00.002-04:00

As the recession continues and more job layoffs are predicted, what is the appropriate response of a believer to this financial crisis. The only response is to continue to trust God and continue to give tithes into His storehouse. Malachi 3:10 "Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this," Says the LORD of hosts, "If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it." Tithing requires faith but results in the blessing of God upon your life. Try this promise out. It works!

One Final Day of Ministry in El Salvador

2009-06-24T23:09:00.002-04:00

Today, we ministered in a school several hours away from our hotel. It was a difficult place tominister but we pressed in as the Lord anointed us. To date, at least 506 people have received Christ. We have fed hundreds of people both temporal and eternal food. Tomorrow, we will visit a volcano and enjoy some shopping. Thanks for giving, praying and sending us to share the life and healing of Jesus to these beautiful people.

The Lame Walk, the Blind See and the Deaf Hear

2009-06-23T09:42:00.002-04:00

Yesterday was a book of Acts' Day here in El Salvador. During our morning children's service, a 4 year old boy that never walked before due to paralysis in his limbs walked across a soccer field for the first time. A bind man began to see and a deaf woman heard. Right now one of our team members is laying under the power of God on the floor in our hotel courtroom having just received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. To date 465 people have been birthed into the Kingdom of God. Keep praying as you are a part of what God is doing here in El Salvador. Gracious!

The River Flows in El Salvador

2009-06-21T16:12:00.006-04:00

We arrived in El Salvador on Friday tired but excited to see the river flow with the life and healing of Jesus. Yesterday, we held two food distributions as evanglistic events. We saw 187 people come to Jesus yesterday and 40 today in a small building, with a tropical rainstorm on the outside, with another service coming up in a couple of hours. Our team testified last night back at the hotel how this trip has already impacted their lives. Tears streamed down faces as we shared the testimonies of lives changed and healed by Jesus. Continue to pray that the river will flow in El Salvador!

Wedding Season

2009-05-25T06:31:00.003-04:00

This has been a busy wedding season for us at the church. I am always excited for couples as they begin their lives together. On that wedding day, hope, excitement and endless possibilities for the future are before the new couple. However, as life begins to happen over the years, it takes communciation, work, prayer and lots of love to keep the dream of marriage alive. To all who are living the dream and loving it - God Bless!

I Forgot My Birthday

2009-03-16T08:24:00.001-04:00

The other day, I was ministering to a grieving family who had just said their final good-byes to their loved one. When we began to discuss possible days for the funeral service, I said Monday or Tuesday would be fine for the funeral totally forgetting that Monday was my 48th birthday. The point I am making is I forgot my birthday not that I am doing a funeral on my birthday. I guess the older you get, the less enamored one is about turning another year older. I remember when I was a kid, birthdays were long anticipated days on the calendar year. Batman or Superman cakes, GI Joes or bikes for presents and parties with friends over were highlights of the day. Well, today after the funeral service, I will be taking my family to Shady Maple for the all-you-can eat steak night. The meal is free if you go on your birthday which is important since I will be paying the bill at the end of the night. Birthdays sure have changed over the years.

Super Indigestion

2009-02-02T03:28:00.002-05:00

Here I am blogging in the wee hours of the night. The reason for this late night blog is simple - Super Indigestion. Last night at our Super Bowl Celebration, I served as one of the judges for the Aluminum Chef competition. After sampling 15 different pizza creations, my stomach has thrown a referee's flag citing a personal foul penalty. This past year has given me spiritual indigestion at times. Twice after preaching from God's Word, I have left church with the grief of the Spirit in my heart. Each time, God had people in the building who needed the message and both times people hardened their hearts and left without transformation. I wonder if God has Super Indigestion when people grieve His Spirit by continuing in their personal fouls.

Snow and Ice

2009-01-28T15:13:00.002-05:00

Early this morning, I looked outside and saw a beautiful winter wonderland. The first sight of the snow looked amazing but as I began to shovel out my driveway it didn't have the same appeal to me. This is a good example of how the church is. From first sight, the church may look perfect and beautiful but the more you dig and shovel into it, the more you may be tempted to not feel the same about it. I pressed in and finished shoveling the driveway because of my love for my family and my desire for them to be able to walk and drive on this piece of blacktop. I would like to encourage you to love the body of Christ enough even if it is not perfect and always beautiful.

Mixed-Up Days & Nights

2008-11-22T04:50:00.005-05:00

Today, I realized that like a newborn baby, my days and nights are mixed-up. Israel is seven hours ahead of us and so my body is still on Israeli time. I went to bed real early last night and now I am wide awake in the wee hours of the morning while my family sleeps. The culture in which we live also has its days and nights mixed-up. Isaiah the prophet described this phenomenon in this verse: Isaiah 5:20 - "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Paul the Apostle stated this idea this way: 1 Thessalonians 5:5 - "for ye are all sons of light, and sons of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness."

We Are Home!

2008-11-21T07:02:00.003-05:00

Around 11:30 pm last night our team returned home to River of God after traveling a long 26 hours or so. As we came into Pennsylvania, we saw our first snow flakes of this winter season. It is hard to believe that we were just swimming in the Dead Sea a few days ago and now we need our coats and gloves. Don't miss this Sunday's services as the overflow of the river that flowed in Israel will be experienced. On Sunday night, we will take time for a few testimonies of how this trip impacted the lives of those who went.

The Final Day

2008-11-19T12:59:00.005-05:00

It is hard to believe that our time in Israel has come to an end. Today, we spent time in prayer and praise with a group of believers who are watchman on the walls of Israel. Following our season of intercession for Israel, we had a renewal of wedding vows with Chris and Heidie. Then we were off to the market to barter for souvenirs. Some of group were good barterers while others need a bit more practice. A few moments ago after dinner, everyone took time to recap the trip. Amazing testimonies flowed around the tables of lives impacted by this visit to the land of Israel. We came to Israel as friends from church but we are leaving as family! I am looking forward to our next trip!

The Tabernacle of David

2008-11-18T16:19:00.004-05:00

Today was amazing as we had an opportunity to spend a few hours on the temple mount. Although no Bibles could be taken on the mount, which is under Muslim control, we had the blessing of having two walking Bibles guide us through this powerful experience. A lifetime of Biblical studies came together for me as our guides shared the Word and as we prayed on Mount Moriah. Following our temple experience, we spent a few hours with a few believers connected with the Tabernacle of David movement. As we worshiped, prayed and experienced the prophetic voice of God, some final direction came to me for River of God Church and the future of our ministry. It was a glorious moment with Christ in the city of David. The afternoon ended with a trip to Golgotha and the Garden Tomb. During communion, after visiting the empty tomb, we were all full of joy and celebration in our hearts.

Surveying the Walls

2008-11-17T14:38:00.008-05:00

Today, I felt a bit like Nehemiah as we surveyed the walls of Jerusalem and touched parts of the wall that the Romans had thrown down in 70 A.D. To walk on the same street that Jesus walked on was a powerful moment. May we all survey our lives like Nehemiah surveyed the walls and may we all walk the road that Jesus mapped out for us.

A Mud Bath

2008-11-17T14:29:00.006-05:00

Yesterday, we had an opportunity to take a mud bath at the Dead Sea. The mud was cold with a few stones mixed in but felt refreshing especially after floating in the Dead Sea. We also had the opportunity to see Engedi, an oasis on the west shore of the Dead Sea. It is amazing how valuable and life-giving a fresh water river can be. Without the river, there would be no Engedi. So it is with us - no river - no life! We also took time to visit Masada, Herod's ancient fortress overlooking the Dead Sea. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

The Ascent to Jerusalem

2008-11-16T12:50:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, we had the awesome opportunity to ascend to Jerusalem. The trip was inspiring as the song "Jerusalem" sung by John Starnes played on the bus. I was overcome by emotion as I realized we were going to the city where our Lord was crucified. Others on our bus making their first pilgrimage to David's City were also touched powerfully as the city and temple mount came into full view. The view from the Mount of Olives was breathtaking and then we walked down to Gethsemane. After this pilgrimage, we traveled to the Upper Room, where God's River was powerfully poured out. We had a "true" upper room experience.

The River Flows on the Sea of Galilee

2008-11-14T13:14:00.007-05:00

Today, we experienced the river of God flowing on a boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee. We boarded a boat similar to what Jesus would have sailed on during his lifetime. After reading the story of Jesus walking on the water during the storm, I declared that the same Jesus who walked on the water was with us today on the boat. After praying for those needing a healing touch or a demonstration of the gospel on the boat, we began to sing and worship and the river flowed onto the boat. The tears flowed down many of our eyes as we considered that Jesus' ministry of healing and deliverance happened all around the hills we were looking at from the boat. Later, we visited the place where Peter stated that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. As we examined the remains of several broken down temples to false gods, the words of Christ that He would build His church upon the rock of Peter's confession and the gates of Hell would not prevail against the church rang true in our hearts and minds. No kingdom of Hell has been able to stop the kingdom of God. The day ended with trips to where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount, where He multiplied the bread and fish, and to the ruins of Capernaum where He set-up His ministry headquarters. Today is the Jewish sabbath so an appropriate closing to this blog would be Sabbat Shalom!

Welcome to Israel

2008-11-13T15:58:00.007-05:00

Yesterday, we all arrived safely in Israel. After a lengthy plane ride, we arrived at Kiev in the Ukraine for a short layover. I was amazed at the oppression and overall lack of joy by the airport workers, soldiers and natives to the area. Communism is a demoralizing philosophy that enslaves it's citizens. Freedom brings joy! Upon arriving in Israel, we stopped at Jaffa or the Biblical place Joppa. There Peter received the vision that Gentiles could become part of the body of Christ, (Acts 10) and then he went to Caesarea and there they received the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the gospel went to the Gentiles. Today, we visited Caesarea which was a heathen Gentile place where the palace of Herod was located with all the extravagance of the Roman culture. Peter obeyed God at Joppa and went to the Gentiles while Jonah disobeyed God at Joppa, (Jonah 1:1-3) and ran from preaching to the Gentiles. Standing in the hippodrome in Caesarea where Christian martyrs lost their lives to entertain the ungodly was very moving to me. The most incredible moment for many of us was to stand on top of Mount Carmel where Elijah called down fire and defeated the false prophets of Jezebel and then look out from this same mountain and see the valley of Jezreel where the Battle of Armageddon will take place. Then we went on to Nazareth and visited the hometown of Jesus that overlooks the place where this end time battle will take place. Throughout his childhood and life, Jesus could see where the pinnacle of his life and ministry will take place when He returns a second time and defeats the armies of Antichrist in the valley of Jezreel or Armageddon. For the next few days, we will be staying in a hotel in Tiberias near the Sea of Galilee.

Pumpkin Fest 2008

2008-10-11T19:02:00.005-04:00

What an awesome day today enjoying our annual community Pumpkin Fest! The food, (pumpkin funnel cakes - my favorite), the car show, all the booths and of course our "Down On The Farm" church booth makes the festival a great place to spend a warm autumn day. It seems like every year we have the most visited booth which is kudos to the incredible team of volunteers who plan it, staff it, bake for it and just love on the people of our community. One of the highlights of the day was watching our own 80 year "Deacon Emeritus" Jim Forbes ride the mechanical bull we rented for the event. I hope I have his passion for life when I hit 80 years old. Thanks River of God for serving and offering everything free under the tent by your gracious giving.

More than a Sun Tan!

2008-07-30T09:05:00.005-04:00

Babies know how to rest and relax. Our granddaughter Kiley will fall asleep wherever we are with her. Summer is a great time to kick back and put on the sunglasses and relax. However, use this time wisely to renew your relationship with the Lord. Read devotional books, meditate on the past year, set some new goals and most importantly spend time with Jesus. Allow your vacation to be more than just improving your sun tan.

One Man's Obedience

2008-06-23T08:25:00.002-04:00

This past Friday, Marie and I attended a funeral for a 9 year old girl named Montaiya who lived in a distressed housing project in the inner city of Harrisburg. Every Saturday, no matter what the weather conditions, this young girl helped our bread ministry that delivers 400-500 loaves of bread to the needy in this housing project. This bread ministry is headed-up by a man named John who took our church vision of taking the life and healing of Jesus into the world into a project that most people avoid. As I listened to John speak at Montaiya's funeral, tears began to stream from my eyes as I recognized that one's man's obedience can make a difference in the life of a child and in the lives of others. Every Sunday, Montaiya would come to our church campus at Capital City in our church van with about 30 of her friends from the project. When Pastor Bob, another man making a difference through his obedience to Christ, gave the salvation invitation at Montaiya's funeral, 40 hands went up for salvation. Even though she was only 9 years old, Montaiya's obedience to Christ made a difference in life and in death. Are you obeying Christ and making a difference?

Loving the Least

2008-05-01T20:21:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago, my life changed as I held death in my arms. On a recent missions trip to Haiti, I had the opportunity to choose to love a starving, diseased, dirty, half-naked and dying child by taking him into my arms, (this is not the little boy in the picture). The little boy stretched his arms towards me and I had a choice to make either to love him or pass by him. I wonder if the children who the disciples tried to keep from Jesus were dirty, starving, diseased or dying. Jesus took the children into his arms. When you love the least you are loving Jesus. Who is the most spiritual or mature in the kingdom? According to Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, it is the one who loves the most. Over the last few weeks, I have watched a spontaneous outpouring of love being demonstrated by our congregation as they have given sacrificially to feed children in Haiti. Sounds like a spiritual church doesn't it?

More than a One Day Holiday

2008-03-24T10:08:00.007-04:00

I love Easter Sunday. It is an incredible day to present the gospel. On Sunday morning, at both of our church campuses, many were added to the kingdom of God. I enjoyed becoming Aaron the High Priest as we reenacted the tabernacle. Easter Sunday lunch was delicious although the High Priest probably shouldn't have eaten ham. Last night was an awesome conclusion to the day with the presentation of our original Easter Drama entitled: "One Man, One Cause and One Stone." Everyone did a great job and the message certainly was clear and powerful as the life of David, Jesus and our own street evangelists came to life. There is no time to have an Easter hangover as we have the opportunity to present the drama Tuesday, March 25th and Wednesday, March 26th. Then it is one more Sunday with the Tabernacle teaching and and short missions trip to Haiti next week. The power of the resurrection is more than a one day holiday - it is a way of life. It is a great day to be alive!

It's a Girl!

2008-02-18T14:03:00.011-05:00

Twenty-three years ago on a Sunday morning, I picked-up my wife Marie and our newborn daughter Ashley from the hospital. The first place we went after we left the hospital was to attend church. How appropriate that all these years later, Ashley would go into labor with our first grandchild while she was worshiping and seeking God at the altar of our church. Today, at 9:16 am, February 18th, Kiley Marye Chest came into the world weighing 6lbs. 6oz. and measuring 18 inches long. Amazingly, she weighed the same as her Mom at birth. It was love at first sight...How exciting to be a grandfather. I can't be that old can I?

The Destiny of Prayer

2008-01-17T09:21:00.000-05:00

The other night, I had the privilege of attending a funeral of a godly pastor's wife. As I sat through the service, my thoughts went back to 20 plus years ago when I moved across the street from the pastor's wife's unsaved son. I thought of all the years she and her husband and others had spent praying for her unsaved son and daughter-in-law and their family. God found a young couple with two young children and sent them to her unsaved family in answer to her prayers. The second Sunday we had services in our new church plant the unsaved daughter-in-law was born again. The son's journey took a lot longer to return home to the Father's house but in time prayer was answered and he was born again also. In the family of God, we are more connected in our destinies than we may realize. Your destiny may be shaped by another person's prayers.