Redeem the Day

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. See then that ye walk circumpesctly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the times, because the days are evil. Where fore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

Ephesians 5: 14-17

This set of scriptures is a prayer that I have for myself and all of my fellow ministers of the gospel. I do not want to sleep through what the Lord is doing or through what the Lord would want have me to do. There are a lot of things that we can allow to desensitize us from the urgings of the Spirit. Stress, anxiety, emotion, confusion, and plain old sin to name just a few. These next few scriptures give us some very valuable pointers on how to combat being slumbering Christians.

Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks alway for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Ephesians 5: 19-21

If we look around, there are many things for which to give thanks to the Lord. I don't want to miss those opportunites to offer graditude the Lord and to press into the future things of God. I would like to share just a fewof wonderful things that Lord has done here in Brasilia. Within the last month, four children have given their hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ. What a thing to rejoice over! Another little young lady who comes from a devout Muslim family rededicated her heart to the Lord, and is trying to find the strength to stand firm in her belief that Jesus is the Son of God and died for her sins. In addition, I had the opportunity to take all 21 of my students out to Siao, a home for abandoned and orphaned boys. We purchased and planted fruit trees to help feed the future orphans. It was an incredible privalege for all of us to serve the planting of the Lord, His children. The most recent spectacular event of the Lord came in the form of a new building for our school. We have long been in need of more space, and the Lord has truly provided that with a facility that is three times the size of our current school.

I hope you will rejoice with me in these victories for the kingdom. I'm praying theat the Lord will continue to open my eyes, to help me be alert, awake, vigilant, redeeeming the time, and to walk circumspectly so that I might serve Him better with my life because the days are indeed evil.

The Chess Game of Life

Have you ever felt competely overwhelmed and absolutely uncertain of your next steps, your future decisions, your comings and your goings? So full of anxiety that you cannot breathe and cannot focus on anything but your uncertainty. Your heart races. Your mind runs in circles. You feel as if an unseen hand is grasping your lungs refusing to allow air to enter. The investment feels to big. This risks are too high, but yet you feel projected into the arms of this potentially disasterous situation.

Ofcourse you have. You are human, flesh creatures who cannot see into a crystal ball, or go into the future in a Dalorian to see if your actions will result in positive outcomes. We do not know the future. Sure some are gifted with the spirit of prophecy and the Lord allows us to get a quick glimpse of what is to come, but it is just that. A glimpse.

Well, inspite of all of these human emotions and feelings I would like to encourage you all that are staring uncertainty in the face. You are exaclty in the place where God can move. The place where God would have you. You are staring a lion right in the face, and by the grace of God because of Godly maturity (recognizing and acting upon God given opportunity) you will end up with your foot upon the lion's mane. ( See 2 Samuel 23: 20-21) We are uncertain, but God is not.

I have been feeling uncertain about alot of things lately. About decisions that I feel need to be made. Opportunities that need to be acted upon. However, the Lord has reminded me that He is not a God subject to the odds. Look at Daniel, Sampson, Esther, and every other man and woman of God in the Bible. When did their victorious walks not require risk? They had uncertainty, but they made their minds defy it. When God tells us to make the next move in this chess game of life, all we can see is that next move. We may not understand how it will benefit the kingdom of God, but God sees all the future chess moves. He knows and cares for His people. Is that enough for us? It should be.

I'm going to end today's blog with the thoughts of someone much smarter than myself. This is an entry from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers.

Graciousness of Uncertainty

"It doth not yet appear what we shall be." -I John 3:2

Naturally, we are inclined to be so mathematical and calculating that we look upon uncertainty as a bad thing. We imagine that we have to reach some end, but that is not the nature of spiritual life. The nature of spiritual life is that we are certain in our uncertainty, consequently we do not make our nests anywhere. Common sense says - "Well, supposing I were in that condition..." We cannot suppose ourselves in any condition we have never been in.
Certainty is the mark of the common-sense life: gracious uncertainty is the mark of the spiritual life. To be certain of God means that we are uncertain in all our ways, we do not know what a day may bring forth. This is genearlly said with a sigh of sadness; it should be rather an expression of breathless expectation. We are uncertain of the next step, but we are certain of God. Immediately we abandon to God, and do the duty that lies nearest, He packs our life with surprises all the time. When we become advocates of a creed, something dies; we do not believe God, we only believe our belief about Him. Jesus said, "Except ye... become as little children." Spiritual life is the life of a child. We are not uncertain of God, but uncertain of what He is going to do next. If we are only certain in our beliefs, we get dignified and severe and have the ban of finality about our views; but when we are rightly related to God, life is full of spontaneous, joyful uncertainty and expectancy.
"Believe also in Me," said Jesus, not - "Believe certain things about Me." Leave the whole thing to Him, it is gloriously uncertain how He will come in, but as He will come. Remain loyal to Him.

Be blessed and assured that God is not made in our image, therefore let's not limit the might things He can accomplish. Don't omit the great things God has for you simply because you couldn't take the risk. In His hands there is no risk. Blessings and peace on you in Jesus name.

Flying High

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

I love the promises of the Lord that He has made to us, his beloved. Sometimes I just sit and bring to remembrance all the promises that He has whispered in my ear and made to me in His word. This often moves me into a thoughts of thanksgiving and graitude because as I recall His words to me I see that He has been faithful to fulfill what He has spoken, which then propels me into hope for the future. He is the God who was, who is, and who is yet to come.

Isaish 40:31 entails some very personal promises that the Lord gave me very early in my walk with Him. Promises that my latter days would be better than my former. That He would guide me into victory over my mind, over my childhood, over my flesh, over depression, over everything that the world will project on me.

I was reminded of this promise when I was in Rio de Janeiro for a few days on the most inexpensive vacation of my life. The Lord blessed us with the opportunity to take a bus there and spend some time with fellow missionaries who teach in that spectacular city. They welcomed us into their homes with open arms and gave us free room and board. They knew we wanted to see the city and destress. Being the thrill seekers we are, they let us know of an opportunity to go hangliding at a decreased rate through a connection of theirs. Well, ofcourse we took it!!!

The physical things of this Earth do mirror the spiritual and as I was literally soaring above and through clouds, I heard that still small voice reminding me of the victory that I walk in today, and that He will continue to grant me victory because He is faithful. By His grace we can soar with wings as eagles over the oppression of this world and over our own flesh. We will not escape trials and tribulations, but will triumph in the midst of them. That is His promise to us. My prayer is that you and I both wouldn't forget that truth. Remember God's promises to you and if you don't know what they are then I encourage you to seek them out in God's presence. Blessings and peace on you in Jesus name.

No More Tears

Well here I am back in Brasilia, Brazil where the sun is shining when the rain isn't falling, and the heat and humidity will give you an afro in seconds. It is a wonderful place to be. :) Seriously, I start this new year knowing I'm exactly where the Lord would have me to be. What better satisfaction is there?
A new year means the new begginings of great things for the people of God. We are seeing evidence of that here at Brasilia International School. Micraculously, long awaited visas are being granted and teachers that have been waiting for 8 months to get here have finally arrived. We are very close to purchasing land and a new building which will increase our ministry potential greatly. At this point we are about 8 students short of reaching maximum capacity. We are literally busting at the seams! Again, it's a wonderful place to be!!
I believe that the best is yet to come and that the beginnings of this year are only a hint of the magnificent things God has for his people, for those who strive to walk the highway of holiness. This is a year of God reassuring us that we are His people, we are in His hands, and Him turning our tears of sorrow into tears of gladness.
I pray that as this new year begins, you will exept to see the Lord do above and beyond all that you could have asked or hoped for. Here in Brazil that is exactly what we are doing!

And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on the Way. The unclean will not journey on it; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor any ravenous beast; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

Isaiah 35:8-11

Love all Around

Love, love, love. Love is all around....so they say. Not too long ago an explicit movie was made on that very premise entitled Love Actually. The movie explored the quite often immoral realtionships (the ups and downs of them) of several individuals. "Love" in this movie was displayed in some very interesting ways, from a worldly point of view. I do NOT recomend it!

So, if love is not what the world says it is, then we may ask the question, "What is L-O-V-E and how is it shown?"....this word that is often used in the same sentence as pizza, your black Sketchers, and even your spouse.

The beautiful people of Brazil are not accustomed to hiding their "love." They are extremely affectionate people. I believe their country modo could be, "If you love someone, SHOW IT." It is not unusual while walking through the mall or through the grocery store to find people of all ages making out. One might think this type of behavior is only your youths, but not in Brasilia. Some might say these public displays of affection are their way of showing love.

The Bible has many things to say about love. Jesus spoke on the topic often. He said the world would know that we are his disciples because of our love for one another. In John 21 the Son of God has a little conversation with Simon Peter about the topic. We find the Lord repeating himself in this selection of scripture. He repeats himself because the point he is making is very very important! Simple, but valuable. He asks Simon, son of Jonas, if he loves him three times. Three times Simon, son of Jonas, replys that indeed he does. All three times, the Lord's response to him is almost identical. Paraphrasing it Melinda style it says something to the affect of, "Well then SHOW it by feeding my lambs and feeding my sheep." It was a command. He didn't say, "Well, when you have time show me you love me by giving people spiritual and physical food." Or, "If you have the energy, love me by feeding others." He just simply said, "Feed my sheep."

I've been thinking about this piece of scripture alot lately. This is a command. An imperative sentence. I do love the Lord, and so I must show it. Am I?

Recently, the Lord has opened an amazing door. He is allowing me to donate my time on the weekends at an orphanage for abandoned boys. I couldn't be more thrilled! On Saturdays, I will be sharing the love of God, the spiritual meat, with these abandoned children through teaching (they have little education) and through the Word. However, the Lord convicted me that I could do more. These boys are also in need of physical food to eat, and so I will also be giving funds monthly to help nourish these children. Many of you know that I have no income here. I am here solely on your support. I tell you this not to put myself on a pedastool. I tell you this because you too can help feed his lambs and his sheep. If you would like to demonstrate your love for the Lord by supporting me in this endeavor, please see the information on the side of this blog that says "Supporting the Call." You will be doing more than sending a missionsary to Brasilia, Brasil. You will be feeding the hungry, as we are commanded to do. Those of you who are supporting me already, I can't thank you enough for reaching out into the world in the name of Jesus! Let's feed his lambs together! Blessings and peace on you in Jesus name!

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

John 21: 15-17

The Wheels on the Bus

Can you remember the last time you rode the bus? Was it when you were a pubescent teenager who had yet to turn 16 and needed a ride to school? Or maybe it was when you took that last trip with the high school football team to an away game, or with the college athletes? I wonder how many skills it took in order to be successful in your voyage? Well, let's see. You had to be able to climb a few steps up, and in turn climb a few steps down. You had to be able to bend your knees in order to place your gluteous maximus on a cushion. And....that's about it. So, if I were to say to you, "I can ride the bus all by myself," that sounds like nothing more than a kindergarten feat. However, let me assure you that here in Brasilia there are MANY skills necessary to ride the public bus AND actually arrive at your intended destination. They are as follows in no certain order of necessity, for all skills are required. :)

1. Require absolutely no personal space - be willing to sit beside/stand beside/nudge absolutely anyone, no matter their gender, age, color, or hygiene.
2. Endurance - be willing walk any uncertain distance in order to get to the nearest bus stop.
3. Bravery - one must be able to cross the public highway in order to arrive at the APPROPRIATE bus stop.
4. Know the route that will lead you to your destination - remember that buses are named by their ending destination. Many buses may end at the same point, but travel very different routes to get there. Your stop may be somewhere along the way, but remember to only get on the bus that is using the correct road/highway, of which there are many! Or you may end up in a very dangerous suburb, as I have done. And don't forget there are MANY buses. Choose carefully.
5. One must always carry very small bills - due to the fact that the bus attendant will not break larger bills at all, on must be ALWAYS prepared and have small change.
6. Stand, walk, remain standing, and remain walking forward on very rapidly moving/stopping/ swerving ground. - this is pretty self explanatory. It doesn't take a genius to realize that all around the world traffic laws don't hold the same weight. Here in Brazil, they are more like suggestions. Very rarely remembered, utilized, and enforced suggestions.
7. Study, study, study - speak loudly so the driver can hear you, speak clearly so he/she understand you, and remember do it in a language you have only been studying for 3 months. :)
8. Be armed and ready - the bus station and the actual buses are one the most common places to be attacked and stolen from....especially if you're as pale and as pretty as me.

Ah..what an accomplishment. Riding the bus in Brasilia, Brazil. I will admit that I am proud of my victory.

As I was on one of my daily adventures across the city for a mere price of 3,00R ($1.80) thinking to myself that I was so thankful to have mastered this form of transportation, the Lord began to whisper a little parable into my ear. Riding the bus here is a lot like my walk with Jesus Christ, and I will be so bold to submit that it's like your walk with the Lord also. All the skills necessary to be successful on my daily earthly route, are also required to master my daily path with the Lord. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must do the following (notice the correlation).

1. Be willing to get involved with people the Lord places in our lives daily....no matter if it's uncomfortable, stinky, or troublesome. Just know in your walk, it's necessary in order to get where you're going.
2. Sometimes it takes effort to locate the place the Lord would have you to be. Be willing to do something in order to stay on track with the Lord. It doesn't happen by osmosis. The path the Lord has for you, may not magically appear under your feet. You may have to find it.
3. There may be moving objects, fiery darts even that are headed right at you. Keep a watchful eye. Sharpen your movements and be aware of the obstacles that will try to deter you.
4. Don't guess that you are headed in the right direction. Know in your spirit you are going forward and pursuing the things of God in the direction that He has led you.
5. Be ready always to offer a small amount of love, word, encouragement to someone in need. Be prepared! There is a time for being silent, and there is a time to speak. If you arrive at a point where your voice should be heard, where truth should be shared, then be ready. Be bold. Be prepared.
6. The Lord never said that walking with Him would be smooth sailing. He calls Himself our "strong tower" for a reason, because unexpected events, storms, potholes, and shaking will come. We must remain standing, remain pressing forward. Do you have that skill? When the shaking comes do you falter, or do you stand upon the Rock, Jesus Christ? Lord, help us to stand. Nothing can deter us from pursuit of the things of the Lord.
7. Be willing at admit that there is more for you to learn. Maybe the Lord is trying to train you in a ministry, a gift. Are we teachable?
8. The devil roams the earth like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Make sure that isn't you. Know that you are not immune to being stolen from or attacked. Have you put on your armor today? When we don't arm ourselves, we are living our life in way that says, "I'm up for grabs. Come and get it. Take all I have." The word is powerful. Know it.

Every day is an adventure. Physically. Spiritually. We have a journey, a path, a walk that the Lord has intended for us. Lord help us to know what it is, to find it, to remain pressing forward upon, and to not be deterred and stolen from. In Jesus Name. The Name above every other Name. Amen.


The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me; because the Lord hath anointed Me to preach good tidings unto the meek; He hath sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified.

Isaiah 61: 1-3 KJV

Selling Your Soul

Every time I turn around I hear or see something about someone "selling their soul." Most of the time the words "to the devil" directly follow the statement. After running into this figure of speech so many times times I thought I would scream, it finally occurred to me that maybe...just maybe God was trying whisper in my ear. Unfortunately, sometimes He's screaming before I catch on. I began to ponder, to pray, and ask the Lord what He was trying to convey.

Just as God is divided into the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; so are we. One in three parts. Spirit. Soul. Body. So what is your soul exactly and can it even be sold? Can it be traded for some sort of gain? Can it be traded at all? To whom does it really belong? The movies and sci-fi books of today may tell you can make a deal with the devil. He'll give you something you want if only you'll give him your soul. Movies like Bedazzled or TV shows like The Collector are perfect examples. The she-devil in Bedazzled poses some of the same questions to the naive victim sitting before her. "You won't miss your soul. You don't even know what it is." We should. We may not be selling our souls or making deals with Lucifer, but what I have concluded is that we certainly are ripping off our spirits.

Every time I give in to the god of comfort, or neglect my personal relationship with the Lord because I have other priorities I am not selling my soul, but cheating my spirit. That thing that makes us different all of God other creatures. Your spirit isn't mystical, or make believe. It that gift that God gave us when he breathed into Adam. Your spirit ministers, communicates with God's spirit. Your soul is your mind. The thing we are constantly feeding and filling arbitrarily or not. Selling your soul (your mind) doesn't come via an appointment with a fallen angel. It's much more suddle, more simple than that.

Don't you think that when you neglect your mind (your soul) that you are mudding up the waters? Filling the pond with sewer? Your temple is divided into three parts just as Solomon's temple. The outer courts, the inner courts, and the most holy place. You don't get to that holy place...that place where you commune with God if there is adultery, pornography, addiction to comfort, and only thoughts of yourself (which I refer to as Meism) sitting in the outer or inner courts. Not going to happen! High priests in biblical times dropped dead for far less. So by filling your mind (your soul) with the things of this world, with what you want when you want it, with never ending comfort and ease........that's when you are making a trade. In that moment you are choosing. More of God....or more of me. There is no appointment necessary to forsake the things of God. It's much easier than that.

So, I'm here in Brazil challenging myself to seize the day. To fill my mind and my spirit with the things of God. To forsake all, even my comfort for the sake of the call and to fulfill his great commission. His strength will sustain me. There is too much as stake to slowly, but surely polluting your soul and spirit. There are people all around you, and all around me going to hell. People very gradually giving up the life that God has breathed in to them. People that God loves and with which God wants to spend all eternity. Sometimes I ask God or tell God, I don't know how to help them. I don't know what to do next. You may ask the same question. We'll let me give you (and myself) some advice. DO SOMETHING! Deny your comfort and live out your faith in every way possible. What did Jesus do? Then that's what I need to do in order to help this lost and dying world. Pray, feed the hungry, heal the sick, love on sinners. SOMETHING!

Remember, the devil isn't going to make some grand entrance to notify you that he is stealing what God has given you. We freely give them up via our daily choices to fill our minds with junk. I'll be praying that God gives you more than enough strength and wisdom to be his vessel, and to guard your spirit and soul. I hope that you will do the same for me as I minister to the sweet spirits of theses Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist children, and the homeless of Brazil. The fight is on. There are places to go, people to save, and a mighty God to glorify!