The A+ is Jesus. As I grew up, I always wanted to be an A student. I tried and tried even harder. I wanted to be "perfect." I knew I could overcome anything. Of course, I knew that Jesus is perfect and I was not! But still I struggled. After an intensive study and fasting period, I wanted to share how the Lord has given me some true knowledge.

I knew and know that sometimes I do things strictly on my own especially in the area of school. Well, a year ago, I embarked on a journey of a lifetime--I entered my graduate studies at seminary. Before I was able to do things relativity on my own because it was not hard enough Well, seminary is difficult. However, I knew that God wanted me here to strengthen my walk with Him and I figured out their was a change of direction in my calling. (different location) (more on that later) He kept telling me be faithful to the call.

I realized that especially over the last few weeks that I have inwardly denied God's power and strength because I tried to do things on my own. I also repented of my usage of time. I realized that God has given me enough time to do everything He wants me to do..not what I want to do. I had put myself on the throne and NOT HIM! I needed to get rid of those added expectations of myself! This is where contentment reigns! 1 Peter 1, this chapter has been so important to me this semester! First, everyone wants to see Jesus in His glory but the way we see Jesus  is through His special revelation of Scripture. Look what God says about the creation and His Son, "In the last days has spoken to us His Son , whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom he made the world. " Hebrews 1:2 Furthermore, our knowledge comes from Him. We are  only partakers of His divine nature.  Peter understood that to be a bond servant was in Jesus, not to be a servant of this world. How do we gain righteousness? Through Jesus! He is our standard of righteousness and this is how we received faith! Then grace and peace is multiplied in our lives in the knowledge of Him. Our knowledge is not earthly knowledge. Our peace and grace is connected to His knowledge. Hence, the A+ is Jesus. His divine power-not me again- granted us everything we need to live and to have godliness through His true knowledge! His true knowledge gives us His glory and excellence (A+) His calling for us according to His glory and excellence as a result of His true knowledge.
Remember His glory and excellence because He granted  His magnificent promises by then you will be partakers of this divine nature, and escape the corruption of this world.
Then be diligent not to get an earthly A but be diligent, in your faith supplying moral excellence, in your moral excellence, knowledge , and in your knowledge, self-control, in your self-control, perseverance, in your perseverance, godliness, in your godliness,  brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
What is the end result-love! Why am I doing all this? love!  Jesus modeled this self-sacrificing love for us when he died and rose again! We have to model it to this dying world and share Him! So the world may know Him and know His true knowledge and love! John 3:16  They are not fruitless (previous list-moral excellence list), in the true knowledge of Jesus Christ. I am to love God First, my neighbor Second, and no selfish love on my part!
Don't let me forget my purification of my former sins!
I am certain of my call, Use me Lord! Help me to practice all of these things, so I can love like You love! You are my A+! My true knowledge, glory, and excellence! I will never stumble with You! You are on the throne! Thank-you for this reminder! I am laying aside this earthly dwelling and all the "A's", but I am looking to You as my A+ and my very best!
Thank-you, Amen!
Everything is through your Beloved Son, whom You are well pleased! The perfect A+!

until Aug 2012

Hi everyone,
I have decided to do a 2 month intensive Bible study and prayer time. O LORD, speak and help me to be obedient and follow Your will!

Your servant,
Nova

Wow, it has been a few months! BRING ON THE CHALLENGE!!

Hi everyone,
I am not sure if anyone is actually reading this anymore but I thought I give you an update on my life right now. I have just finished my first year at seminary and  I just turned 32. I have learned so much about the Lord over the past year, it is amazing. I have been back in the US for almost a year. One thing I have learned and have been reminded of is how perfect God's sovereignty and timing is. As many of you know, I graduated from the college at Southeastern in 2003. But in many respects  I was young in my faith and  I had a lot of growing to do in the Lord. I came to seminary almost kicking and screaming because the Lord yet again was pushing me to higher level of faith in Him. I have to trust Him with all my studies. I am so thankful for that pushing and even that discipline from the Lord. I have always taken on challenges in life. But the amazing thing is--God is the greatest challenger but with Him doing the work in me. I CANNOT DO IT WITHOUT HIM! God was saying you have the faith but now I am going to push to a whole another level of trust. You are going to be my witness in all areas of your life and you are going to conquer through me despite the physical, spiritual, and emotional challenges that are present.Yes, recultural shock was real but it isn't going to control your life and I am going to use you wherever I put you!  Sonda-me Usa-me!

Even when I was faithless, YOU ARE FAITHFUL! Ready, Set, Go! My whole life is serve You and You alone! Thanks for being within me to finish this race together! I will not grow weary in doing good but I will rise the Lord's challenge! Direct and I will follow all the days of my life and beyond! Thanks for allowing and giving me the privilege to share of your truths this semester and over this last year!

Ready for what is next!
Nova

John 9:1-12

Hi everyone,
These are some of my favorite verses. I did a paper on this last semester. I thought some of you might want to read it.

I am learning so much that I am humbled at how much I do not know. As I come closer to the Lord, my desire is to know him even more! I am fighting the good fight and running my course to end of this earthly existence! (until I spend my time worshiping Him forever in heaven!!!)
(I put the footnotes at the end and I also have a Bibliography that I did not post for space!)

Christ is the Light!!!!
Nova


John
9:1-12 is set after the church is established and there are several generations
of Christians. It is written later than the Synoptic Gospels. John writes to Christians
who are growing in their faith. During a spiritual need of the church, the gospel
shows “that Jesus [is] supernatural in his origin, powers, and goal.”[1] In John 20, John says He is Israel’s promised
Messiah and that He is the Son of God.[2] In the world of handicapped people, there are many
who do not know why they are cursed with a disability. Is it something they did
or maybe even their parents did? This
passage is special to me because I was one of those handicapped people. I
blamed myself, my parents, and even God. I had no purpose in my life and why
would I have to suffer 12 surgeries and countless medical procedures? After I
accepted the Lord at 18, I soon realized that God created me so His work would
be displayed in me. He is truly the Light apart from the darkness and the
Messiah for this age and the age to come.
Structural Analysis
1 As He passed by,
He saw a man
blind from birth.
2 And His disciples asked
“Rabbi, who
sinned, this man or his parents,
that he would be
born blind?”
3 Jesus answered,
“It was neither
that
this man sinned, nor his parents;
but it was
so that the works of God
might be displayed in him.
4 We must work the works of Him
who sent Me
as long as it is day;
night is coming
when no one can
work.
5 While I am in the world,
I am the Light
of the world.”
6 When He had said this,

He spat on the ground,

and made clay of the
spittle,

and applied the clay to his
eyes,
7 and said to him,

“Go, wash in the pool of Siloam”
(which is translated, Sent).
So he went away
and washed,
and came back seeing.
8 Therefore the neighbors, and
those were saying,

who previously saw him as a
beggar,

“Is not this the one who used
to sit and beg?”
9 Others were saying,

“This
is he,”
still others were
saying,
“No, but he is
like him.”
He kept saying,
“I am the one.”
10 So they were saying to him,

“How then were your eyes opened?”
11 He answered,
“The man made clay,
who is called Jesus
and anointed my eyes,
and said to me,
‘Go to Siloam
and wash’;
so I went
away and washed,
and I received
sight.”
12 They said to him,
“Where is He?”
He *said,
“I do not know.”

In the structural analysis of
John 9:1-12, there is a clear distinction between light and dark, especially
between God’s purpose in using man and in His own character to bring about
man’s redemption. The key phrases or words that one should understand to fully
capture the essence of these verses are blind
from birth, spittle, anointed, who sinned, that the works of God might be manifest in him, we, night and day, Siloam,
and the man called Jesus. Blind
from birth is the first time this phrase is mentioned in the Gospels and
shows God’s “…creative act not just restoration.”[3] Moreover, John’s usage of blind from birth, spittle, and anointed
show God’s creative power from the beginning of time and how God manifests
Himself to all mankind. The works of God that might be made manifest
shows how God uses His power, His light, and man’s difficulties for His glory.
When John uses night and day, he draws a distinction between light
and darkness and they are “…ancient religious symbols used to represent themes
of good and evil.”[4] Also, Jesus wants people
to recognize Him for who He is and as the one who is sent. The phrase who sinned echoes the OT as “… the sins
of parents could be ‘visited’ on children is contained on the Decalogue (Exodus
20:15 and Deut. 5:9).”[5] We is
thought to have included the disciples in His work. However, in verse 4, commentators cannot agree on the
meaning of we. Not only does a word analysis help us to see
the structure of the passage, but also through the characters’ actions as well.
Jesus heals as an opportunity to reveal
himself as the coming Messiah. The
passage reveals seven actions or questions concerning man’s sin, God’s creative
power and His light, Jesus’ faith requirements for man, man’s obedience, the
reliability of Jesus’ miracles, and man’s role as part of God’s purpose, and
man’s disbelief in God. First, Jesus answers a question about generational sin,
but he contrasts the words it was neither
and but it was to affirm God’s
manifesting works rather than man’s sin. He illustrates the difference between night
and day because “the work must be done now, before it is too late” [6] and His death will bring “darkness all too
soon.”[7] Second,
He proves that He is the Light of the world by spitting on the ground, making
clay out of spittle, and applying the clay to the man’s eyes. Third,
Jesus then gives a command to wash in the Pool of Siloam. Fourth, only after
the blind man obeys and washes in the pool, does the blind man see. Fifth, the neighbors question this miracle of
Jesus and they cannot discern if it is actually the blind man. The blind man
must recount his experiences to the neighbors. Sixth, the blind man recognizes
four things as this miracle unfolded: Jesus is the Messiah, He is the Creator
(anointer), that he must obey, and that he must have faith. Finally, the
neighbors ask the blind man where Jesus is located in order to take him to the
Pharisees. This structure analysis should be examined in light of its surrounding
chapters and its meaning in first century Palestine, and today.
Contextual Analysis
John 9:1-12 surrounds chapters 8
and 10, when Jesus declares He is the Light of the world and that He is the
Good Shepherd. In chapter 8, the Pharisees do not understand this testimony and
they are blinded to His light. Also, Jesus affirms that they will die in their
sins unless they believe that He is their Messiah. If they acknowledge their
sins and believe Jesus as their Messiah, it will set them free. Yet in the
later part of chapter 9, the Pharisees focus on whether or not Jesus is able to
perform this miracle on the Sabbath. The blind man sees the light not only
physically, but spiritually as well. In contrast to the blind man’s faith, the
Pharisees “were blinding themselves to the light and plunging into darkness.”[8]
Moreover, the blind man has great faith in Jesus as the Messiah, whereas the Pharisees
believe in themselves. Furthermore, in chapter 10, not only is our God the Good
Shepherd, but He “…is referred to as the one who is sent by God.”[9] Siloam,
which means sent, has the same meaning in both chapters 9 and 10. Not only
should we look at the preceding and later passages but also the immediate
chapter context as well.
This passage is written during
the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. Jesus heals a blind man at the pool of
Siloam on the Sabbath. To the original audience,
the pool of Siloam is regarded as place for ritual bath of purification capable
of cleansing. Furthermore, they regard the pool as living because of its
associations with the Feast of Tabernacles.[10]
According to Archbishop J. H. Bernard, there is a day or more between verses 7 and
8 because the restoration of blind man’s eyesight is not immediate at the pool
of Siloam.[11] Kim says the setting of the Feast of
Tabernacles, in chapters 7-8, foreshadows the miracle of the blind man because
“He is the Giver of living water (7:37) and He is the Light of the world
(8:12).”[12] Some other times that Jesus
heals a blind man are found in Matt 9:27-31, Mark 8:22-26; 10:46-52 and Luke
18:35-42.[13] Gaebelein says that John writes with a
Jerusalem mindset and the healing sign of the blind man “…illustrates the
origination and development of faith, which is the theme of the Gospel.”[14] Most
Jews at this time cannot imagine how sin and a disability are not interlinked; therefore,
they are blinded in their sin. Our challenge is to look at suffering and how
God uses us differently.


Meaning Analysis
In this world, we expect that if we give ourselves,
our time, our energy, live morally that nothing should happen to us or to our
families. So when something does not make sense and we are forced to suffer, we
begin to ask questions like “Why suffering, under his governance? Why this loss
or agony that has stricken me, or some one dearer even than self to me?”[15] This
passage illustrates that the man’s disability is not result of this sin, but
sometimes we suffer for the works of God to be manifested through us. This
suffering is counterintuitive to our culture today because we do not view suffering
as something that strengthens us, but something we have to endure. We say we do not deserve this pain or this suffering.
Also, Jesus is the light and He is one who gives us a new hope in the midst of
this suffering. It is ultimately for Him and he is “…changing night to day for
them, enriching and beautifying life.”[16]
Like this blind man, sometimes Jesus takes us through a process of healing so
that we may grow in Him. Furthermore,
God shows his creative and powerful miracles in order for his redemptive
promises to be fulfilled and “… as the promised Messiah in whom all
eschatological promises will be realized.”[17]
[1]Frank
E. Gaebelein, ed., John-Acts, The
Expositor’s Bible Commentary, vol. 9 (Grand
Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1981), 4, 11.

[2]
Ibid.
[3]
Barnabas Lindars, The Gospel of John, New
Century Bible Commentary (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company Co.,
1992), 341.

[4]
Gerald L. Borchett, John 1-11, The
New American Commentary, vol. 25A (Broadman and Holman Publishers, 1996) 314.

[5]
George R. Beasley-Murray, John, Word
Biblical Commentary, 2d ed., vol.36
(Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1999), 154.

[6]
Lindars, 343.

[7]
Ibid.
[8]
Raymond E. Brown, S.S., The Gospel
According to John i-xii, The Anchor Bible (Garden City: Doubleday and
Company, Inc., 1966), 377.

[9]Leander
E. Keck, ed., John, The New
Interpreter’s Bible, vol. IX (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1995), 654.

[10]
Bruce Grigsby, “Washing in the Pool of Siloam-A Thematic Anticipation of the
Johannine Cross,” Novum Testamentum XXVII,
3( 1985): 228.

[11]
Archbishop J.H. Bernard, A Critical and
Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel According to St. John, The International
Critical Commentary, vol. 2 (Edinburgh: Morrison and Gibb Limited,
1949), 329.

[12] Steven S. Kim, “The Significance of Jesus’
Healing the Blind Man in John 9,” Bibliotheca
Sacra 167 (July-September 2010): 313.

[13]
Keck, 652.

[14]
Gaebelein, 102.

[15]
George Arthur Buttrick, ed., John, The
Interpreter’s Bible: The Holy Scriptures, vol. 8 (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1952), 611.

[16]
Ibid., 613.

[17]
Kim, 312.

Happy New Year! Breaking the mold!

Hi everyone,
I had a very nice Christmas with my family this year! I am so blessed to be with family this year. I miss my family in Brazil too! We are believers together and what a blessing it is to have Christian fellowship around the world! What a small world we have! One of the amazing things about God is- is that we are family no matter place or destination!! Christ unites us!!! Praise Him!

Time of reflection~

What am I doing to impact His Kingdom?
Am I breaking the mold? Am I serving Him and others first?

Wow, these are tough questions...
Well, my life strives for these but unfortunately "I" fail but the amazing thing is--"I" needs to be taken out and Holy Spirit has already given me victory in these areas. He is already there! The secret to New Year's Resolutions is take the will out of it and let the victory reign...then these will already be lived out! My will will align to His automatically and there is no need to search for self improvement. I cannot feel like a failure because how can I fail with the perfect, loving Holy Spirit living within me.

Only with Him, I am doing, am living, and am breaking the mold daily.

God is calling us to spread His message of salvation! Who will join me in 2012?

I am continually broken in His presence!
Nova

A Choice to Stop or Continue? And Start! Transform my mind and Conform no longer

Hello everyone,

I hope you are well. As you most of you know, I have been back in the US for about 3 months and half months now. My life has totally changed recently. I moved from Brazil to Virginia for a short time then I was in Alabama for about 3 weeks and finally I moved to Seminary. It has been a whirlwind. I have felt that I have been on the 'move' since I arrived back in the US. It has also been a roller coaster of emotions. I had truly forgotten how independent my life was prior to going to Brazil. My reentry into the US has had its ups and downs. I do realize that I have been going through reverse culture shock. For instance, I was robbed the first 24 hours of being back in the US.

For one of my assignments in seminary, I had to read the book by David Platt called Radical. He challenges the reader to go beyond our American Dream culture and live totally surrendered and sacrifically to Him. We must be sharing the gospel no matter the cost because seeing people saved are for His glory alone. (So that we may praise Him forever)

Okay...Even though I am a missionary and a Christian ...I am still a sinful human who has been saved by his grace and mercy. I think I have had to be 'hit' in the head by God recently. He just told me to "STOP."

What did He want me to STOP?
1. Stop thinking about the past and move forward and press on toward the goal
2.Stop thinking about the things of the world that have no joy
3. Stop thinking how to please others but please Me in all you do
4. Stop worrying about things you can't change
5. Stop worrying about the future
6. Stop worrying about how you are going to make in Seminary (I felt a little inadequate)
7. Stop worrying about my provision

For the last few months, my focus was all wrong. It was on me and my immediate circumstances! I repented today and my focus has changed for His kingdom.

Instead what I have STARTED, what I AM DOING, OR what I HAVE DONE:
1. Praising Him for His Salvation (I am truly not worthy but thankful.)
2. Praising Him for my ministry there and here
3. Looking forward to what He wants me to do now and to be faithful every day
4. Surrendered my future for whatever it holds
5. Praying for the nations and the lost with a renewed commitment
6. Entrusting and sacrifically giving my all for His kingdom
7. Recognizing I have a lot to learn and I can't do it without Him
8. Seeing how God has continually and continually provided for me..duh...I needed that reminder
9. sharing the gospel with earnest desire and sacrifice
10. praying for a filling of the Spirit
11. praying for His Word to speak in a convicting, in a powerful, and in a transforming way

My pastor today spoke on Romans 12:1-2: Okay, I was about ready to burst into tears because I realized how distant from the Lord I had been. (conforming to the world) Yet, he had been there the whole time. Time for the transformation and renewal of the mind!


1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Here is a quote from J. Hudson Taylor. It sums up my feelings.
"On Sunday, June 29th, 1865, unable to bear the sight of a congregation of a thousand or more Christian people rejoicing in their own security, while millions were perishing for lack of knowledge. I wandered out on the sands alone, in great spiritual agony: and there the Lord conquered my unbelief, and I surrendered myself to God for this service. I told Him that all the responsiblity as to issues and consequences must rest with Him; that as His servant, it was mine to obey and follow Him--His, to direct, to care for, and to guide me and those who might labour with me. Need I say that peace at once flowed into my burdened heart? There and then I asked Him for twenty-four-fellow workers, two for each of eleven inland provinces which were without a missionary, and two for Mongolia...I returned home with heart enjoying rest such as it had been a stranger for months....I had previously prayed, and asked prayer, that workers might be raised up for the eleven then occupied provinces, and thrust forth and provided for, but had not surrendered myself to be their leader."


He is transforming my whole being into His likeness. I give Him my all and I have rest and joy knowing that He is beside me every day. I am trusting Him one day at a time and for all eternity. I will serve him and (when I am faithless); He is faithful! I surrender to Him no matter cost because His gospel truly is about Him and His glory.

May the Nations know Him,
Nova

Seminary and I got a job

Hi everyone,
I hope you are all well. I have been so busy. I am back in school again after 8 years! I am pursuing my masters in Christian Education and I have moved once again. I have accepted a job at a daycare.

Here was my quick update!
Nova