This psalm is an outspoken declaration of trust in God. "The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear"? David goes on to stress that when evil men advance, enemies attack and armies besiege "even then will I be confident". David jubilantly affirms that he will sing and make music to the Lord and seek his face. He says that even if his parents forsake him the Lord will not. He asks God to teach him his way as he is confident in his goodness despite all the oppressors and foes he faces.
Brazil as I see it and live it
shares something of our daily lives, opinions, interests, hobbies, Bible and involvement in integral Christian mission in the sertão of NE Brazil. I am married to Liz and we have 4 kids + 9 grandkids. I work with EAB/ACEV
Tuesday, 24 February 2026
Shortbread
Our son-in-law Witagiby (Biba) is a good chef and for some time now he has been making and selling excellent shortbread biscuits. Last night we went to the opening of his new "Shortbread Café" coffee shop and Philip led a song of praise and I made a prayer of blessing for the opening. The place was bubbling with people from the university to which the coffee shop is adjacent.
We had a drop more rain (4 mm) at Green Pastures yesterday, but we are desperate for some big heavy rains. Please pray.
Monday, 23 February 2026
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
Sunday, 22 February 2026
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.