Maria

Mother of 7, wife of the chief, master gardener, chicken farmer, chef, soccer player, and able to do serious damage with a machete. Maria took us in, fed us, gave us shelter, prayed with us, and shared her story of finding Christ at a young age in the jungles of Brazil. She has a heart for the people of her village and longs for them to understand the joy of a Christ centered life. I sketched Maria as I see her with love coming off of her in waves. I am thankful to have met Maria and found her to be a shining star that lights up the Jungle.

Leader

I found myself in the presence of a true leader.

Nelson a man who has been chief of his village for 20 years is a man that I feel blessed to have spent time with. He carries himself with the quiet confidence of one who is comfortable in all situations. He is a man of God who spends time praying for his people. Walking through the jungle with Nelson I had no doubt that he could handle anything nature could muster. I am truly thankful to have met him and pray that God will continue to stir his heart.

Hebrews 13:16-18

(NIV)

16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

17 Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.

18 Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.

Children of the Amazon

The children of the Yagua village captured my heart. In them I saw joy. As in all communities the children represent the future. It is my prayer that their hearts would remain open to the love of God.



Philippians 2:1-4
1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.



Santiago, Very concerned about the snake that has been eating all the new chicks

5 years old, and has never said a word. A local audiologist has agreed to see him. Pray that his ears would be open and that his little voice will be heard.

Tough, but still reachable. We eventually got him to laugh

Picking limes to take to market in Leticia

Issela, strong, brave, and loves to play catch.

Jungle home

The river

Amazon

11 days in South America.... Hundreds of photos, lots of mosquito bites, a handful of new friends, and a broken heart for the people who have carved out a life in the jungles along the Amazon river. Daniel and I have shared our testimonies in three countries, and spent time with an indigenous people group called the Yagua. I am posting a photo of Esmith, the son of the Curaça (chief). He is six and already carries himself with confidence. His father Nelson is one of the few Christians in the village. Daniel and I were able to spend a-lot of time with his family and received a crash course in basic jungle living. I plan to post several other images upon my return. Signing out from Bogata.

Melchizedek

Abraham was blessed by Melchizedek, Jesus entered on our behalf and became a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. I am really intrigued by this character that shows up in the bible only a few times and whom we know little about. Melchizedek - means king of righteousness. He was the king of Salem, which means king of peace. Fitting, that Jesus, would become the high priest forever being the embodiment of righteousness and peace.

Hebrews 7:17-27(NIV)

17 For it is declared:

“You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek.”[a]

18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 21 but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him:

“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind:
‘You are a priest forever.’”[b]

22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.

23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely[c] those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

26 Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself

For more on Melchizedek see Psalm 110:4, Genesis 14:18, Hebrews 5:6, Hebrews 5:10, Hebrews 6:20, Hebrews 7:1, Hebrews 7:2, Hebrews 7:10-11, and Hebrews 7:15,

Thankful

1 Timothy 1:12

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.

Fire that does not burn

Today I continue my theme of walking through the fire. I wondered what it must have felt like for Shadrach, Meshach and Abendnego to step into the furnace. I imagine initially they felt pure terror, quickly replaced by wonder, then I imagine a great Peace. I even wonder if they struggled to leave when called out. We each have times of trial in our lives and for these three there was no compromise. They refused to worship any other Idol/God. They held firm and walked directly into Fire that did not singe or burn even a hair on their heads. The Guards who escorted them to the door were killed instantly as the flames were so intense.

We serve the same God that protected Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendnego. What an awesome testimony. The real question is how is God refining you lately and in what areas has he allowed you to walk into and through the fire?

Daniel 3:13-30

13 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king, 14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”

16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us[c] from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.

24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”

They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”

25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!”

So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I decree that the people of any nation or language who say anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego be cut into pieces and their houses be turned into piles of rubble, for no other god can save in this way.”

30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

Cover

I sketched this on my flight home from NY a few weeks ago. I had been praying for my little ones. As I prayed I visualized in my mind what security to a child must feel like. I can remember as a child curling up on my Dad's lap and feeling total peace. I then started to ponder the security that God provides. It is invisible, yet provides ultimate comfort. May we find comfort in the promise of Psalm 91.

A short note to readers: I leave in 14 days for a 11 day mission trip to the Amazon Jungle. I would appreciate your prayers. I will be posting drawings and photos upon my return.

Psalm 91:3-5
(NIV)

3 Surely he will save you
from the fowler’s snare
and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
nor the arrow that flies by day,

Live Painting

I had the opportunity to paint live for the Women of Vision Kittitas County Event a few weeks ago. I had only painted live one other time and did not feel totally at ease with the thought of painting in front of a crowd. It has been my prayer this year to say yes when I feel God prompting me, so I accepted knowing that God would use this opportunity to stretch my comfort zone.. I showed up with a blank canvas and had roughly 2 hours to come up with a semi finished piece. I spent some time prying before the event and a verse that a friend of mine had shared several weeks prior came to mind.

Psalm 126:5
Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.

When I look at this piece I think about the Holy Spirit prompting us to step out and sow seeds over uncharted/unknown territory. I think about the promise of adventure when we choose to follow Christ, and I think about the unknown in saying yes. The experience was good, and God certainly stretched my comfort zone. What is he asking you to say Yes to this week?

Walking through the fire

Isaiah 43:1-2

1 But now, this is what the LORD says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.

Fall like rain

Words penned by Moses just before he died. The message has not changed, but the difference now is that the price has been paid once and for all.... Oh how thankful I am for Jesus...


Deuteronomy 32:1-4

1 Listen, you heavens, and I will speak;
hear, you earth, the words of my mouth.
2 Let my teaching fall like rain
and my words descend like dew,
like showers on new grass,
like abundant rain on tender plants.

3 I will proclaim the name of the LORD.
Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect,
and all his ways are just.
A faithful God who does no wrong,
upright and just is he.

paddle wheel

I spotted this paddle wheel boat along the western shore of Lake Chautauqua in Mayville NY.  The boat is pulled up on shore and the wheel is sitting high and dry.  On land the vessel is incapable of fulfilling the purpose for which it was designed .  If engaged the wheel would only churn air creating nothing but a breeze.  Like the paddle wheel we are created by God for a unique purpose. It is my prayer today that God would grant me the faith, fortitude, and strength to hoist myself back into his presence when I find myself beached.  I pray that I would be ready and willing each time he chooses to use me as his vessel.

1 Peter 4:10-11
10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.

Leap

I really like that we serve such a creative God. He typically uses unlikely vessels to carry out his best plans. Moses for instance hated public speaking, Paul had dedicated his life to persecuting Christians, Abraham was way past his prime, Peter was a fisherman, Rehab was a prostitute, and David was but a small boy. I find solace in the fact that God uses ordinary people to accomplish his extraordinary plans. My prayer today is that I will be ready to leap when I hear his whispered voice.


Isaiah 35:6 Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.

Ruach

I found myself digging deep when I read Isaiah 61 today. I ended up reading commentary that explained the original Hebrew definition of Ruach (Spirit). It really opened my eyes to the text. Ruach in Hebrew generally means wind, breath, mind, spirit.

When applied to God, the word Ruach indicates creative activity (Gen 1:2) and active power (Isa 40:13). The Spirit of God also works in providence (Job 33:4; Psa 104:30), in redemption (Ezek 11:19; Ezek 36:26-27), in upholding and guiding his chosen ones (Neh 9:20; Psa 143:10; Hag 2:5), and in the empowering of the Messiah (Isa 11:2; Isa 42:1; Isa 61:1).

That said I began to look at Isaiah 61:1 as The Ruach (wind, breath, mind, spirit) of the sovereign LORD is on me. My prayer today is that I will be sensitive to the Ruach of God in my life....

Isaiah 61

1 The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.

Refined

Fall on the Rock and be broken? Seems like a strange thing to pray for, but I find that the more I dig into the Word the more I realize that unless I am broken I can not fully submit my life to God. If I want to be used by him I must hold nothing back and fall on the rock of Jesus. Only then can God refine me..............


Luke 20:17-18

17 Jesus looked directly at them and asked, “Then what is the meaning of that which is written:

“The stone the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone"?

18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces; anyone on whom it falls will be crushed.”

Refined

Zechariah 13:9 (NIV)

9 This third I will put into the fire;
I will refine them like silver
and test them like gold.
They will call on my name
and I will answer them;
I will say, ‘They are my people,’
and they will say, ‘The LORD is our God.’”

Water

Water that I may thirst no more..............

John 4:13-15 (NIV)

13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

Adventuring With Christ

Adventuring With Christ!
This is how my friend Orchidy Boyd ends all of her emails. Every time I read this my heart jumps a bit at the thought of stepping out in faith and taking an adventure with Christ. Orchidy is a missionary based in Laticia Columbia who spends three quarters of her time deep in the jungle of the Amazon living among the Yagua tribe. I met Orchidy last year on a flight. That meeting has turned into many emails and phone conversations. Long story short I will be taking a short term mission trip to visit Orchidy in June. I am always amazed how God connects lives in such a creative way. Last week I was flying home from Charlotte NC. On the phone the night before my wife asked me if I had had any cool God encounters. I said I had not, then it struck me that I had not prayed about it. I said a simple prayer. "God, give me a chance to share your love". I boarded my plane and sat down. I was reading Psalm 16 in my bible when a flight attendant approached me and asked if I would mind trading my isle seat for a middle exit row seat. They needed to move a few people around. I said sure and moved up a few rows. I continued to read Psalm 16. The gentleman to my right said that is good book. I agreed and we began to talk. Within a few min the man sitting to my left joined the conversation. The Amazon trip came up and they asked me to share. I shared the story about meeting Orchidy and about making the decision to take a trip in June. Each of them shared how God was working in their lives. It was an awesome time. Then something amazing happened both men reached into their wallets and handed me wads of $20 bills. They both felt that God was prompting them to participate in my trip in June. I was blown away, I had not asked, I had just shared what God is doing in my life. I had prayed that God would give me a chance to share his love, and then I got to see God's love washing over me through two men I had know less than an hour.

Psalm 16

1 Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.” 3 I say of the holy people who are in the land, “They are the noble ones in whom is all my delight.” 4 Those who run after other gods will suffer more and more. I will not pour out libations of blood to such gods or take up their names on my lips. 5 LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance. 7 I will praise the LORD, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. 8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful[b] one see decay. 11 You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Called

Jesus was called into a life of service by his Father. From birth to death every step he took had purpose, focus, and a defined destination. Jesus understood his calling and lived it out. What is it that God is asking of you? At times I question, stall, attempt to negotiate, then I remember that my only job is to say Yes. And every time I do say yes, I am met with the realization that living for Jesus is so very sweet. Luke 4:18-19 (NIV) 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, 19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”[a]

Finger painting

This is my first digital painting. I created this on an iPad using my finger as the brush. Touch screens really take finger painting to a whole new level. While creating this my thoughts drifted to Jesus. By trade he was a carpenter. When he began his ministry he transitioned from building physical structures to refining and building the kingdom. this made me think about Ephesians 2:19-22

19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

We are the dwelling/house of Christ. His spirit lives in us. Maybe at times our house/life gets a little messy, or needs to be updated/refined. Jesus is a trained carpenter. I can't think of anyone better to fix me up. My prayer today is that I would allow Jesus full access and give him creative license to remodel me into the dwelling he desires

Discipleship

Ever ponder what it really takes to follow Jesus in the way the Disciples did. The below verses paint a picture of total abandon. Jesus poured into them and in turn they poured into others. The cycle continues, but it requires the next generation to step up and say YES. These verses tug on my heart, but it is only through the faith and desire granted by God that I could ever truly follow in such a radical sold out way. I pray that God will continue to work on my heart and grant me the faith to simply say yes. “So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.” Luke 5:11 “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:62 “Follow me and let the dead bury their own dead.” Mathew 8:22 “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself, take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 “Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:33 “Sell everything you have and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come follow me.” Luke 18:22