Psalm 26 (summary): Vindicate me, O Lord!

This another prayer of David asks for God's vindication. He asks God to test and try him examining his heart and mind as he doesn't sit with deceitful men, hypocrites or the wicked. David goes on to say that he praises God out loud and that he loves God's house. He insists that he leads a blameless life and therefore counts on God's mercy.

Psalm 25 (summary): To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul

This Davidic prayer forms an acrostic psalm. David seeks the Lord's guidance and forgiveness amidst troubles and difficulties. David asks for victory over his enemies and asks God to teach him his paths of truth. He asks forgiveness for the sins of his youth according to God's mercy and love. He declares that his "eyes are ever on the Lord", and asks for God's help amidst his anguish and loneliness. David concludes saying that his refuge and hope are in God.

Psalm 24 (summary): The earth is the Lord's

This Davidic psalm is majestic. It affirms God's sovereignty as creation Lord, asks who can go into his presence in Jerusalem, showing that this demands holiness, and ends with a rousing declaration of God's glory as the King. "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it" - declares David. Who then can go into his presence? "He that has clean hands and a pure heart". The psalm ends crying for the ancient gates of Jerusalem to open to receive the King of glory!

Sunday Service

Pastor Rafael and I led the main Sunday service of the week last night and Philip led the worship aided by Louisa. Lawyer Murilo preached very well on the temptation of Christ from Matthew 4. It was an excellent service.

There was a burglary on Saturday night right next door to Green Pastures which is the third burglary in the area in the same amount of weeks. The police are investigating and we ask you to pray for their success. 🙏

I have just enjoyed an avocado pear smoothie. 😋 

Family Day

Yesterday we had a nice family day at Green Pastures focused on Philip's short visit here with us till March 7th. Philip led the worship in last night's Green Pastures' service and I preached on Jesus - the Bread of Life from John 6. 

I heard/saw many birds at Green Pastures including Pigmy Owls, Rufus-browed Peppershrike, Greater Ani, Smooth-billed Ani etc.

Agouti and 9-banded Armadillos have been registered for the first time at Green Pastures.

Yesterday QPR defeated Hull 3 x 1 away. 😃

It rained 1.8 mm yesterday, but we remain in great need of abundant rain.

Wild Cats

The researchers in to wild cats from the northernmost state in northeast Brazil (1,350 km from us), called Maranhão, have been back to the Green Pastures Project to change the batteries and memory cards from their dozen or so automatic camera traps which they have spread around our reserve. 

Last night it rained a further 2.8 mm at Green Pastures.

Psalm 23 (summary): The Lord is my shepherd

This gentle caring psalm of David portrays the Lord as David's shepherd which was a role with which he was well acquainted. God provides everything he needs including restoration. God, says David, guides his life and is with him even in the most difficult and darkest times. God blesses him, even faced with enemies, anoints his head with blessing and assures him for all the days of his life.