Psalm 12 (summary): Help Lord!

This psalm is a further lament by David for the director of music in which he laments the disappearance of the faithful of God. He says that everyone is speaking with flattering lips and a boastful tongue. Then God says that he will arise in response to the oppression of the weak and combat it with flawless truth. God will keep his people safe despite the dominance of corruption in society. 

Psalm 11 (summary): In the Lord I take refuge

Psalm 11 was written by David for the director of music and David refuses to flee from the difficult situation he faces because the Lord is his refuge. The psalmist says that God is on his heavenly throne hating the wicked who aim arrows at the righteous, and examining the righteous. The Lord is righteous, says David, and he love justice, meaning that upright men will see his face. But God will judge the wicked with fiery coals and burning sulphur.

Philip coming

I am thrilled to announce that our son Pastor Philip will be arriving here on Friday for the Carnival Camp which starts the day after. He will be staying in Brazil for about 2 weeks. Please pray for safe travels and a blessed camp.

Last night I gave the study from Matthew 5 on being salt and light for Jesus at the Men's Fellowship. The meeting was led by schoolteacher Claudivan. It was a lovely meeting.

Psalm 10 (summary): Why, O Lord?

Psalm 10 is a lament which asks why God remains at a distance in times of trouble whilst the wicked arrogantly prosper? The wicked, says the psalmist, are greedy, proud, haughty, foul mouthed, murderers, exploit the vulnerable and they think they evade God's vigilance. The psalmist then cries for God's intervention breaking the arm of the wicked and meeting the need of the helpless. The psalm ends exalting the Lord as King who hears the cry of the afflicted bringing justice to the oppressed. 

Pastor

Yesterday we had an excellent meeting with the pastor of our Imaculada church, Pastor João George, and his wife Jacilene, discussing issues pertinent to the Imaculada church. It was very good to see the pastor in good health. 

It was great to have been able to kit out Missionary Guilherme Santos with a motorbike to take him round his parish in the Diamante region where he now lives and works for God alongside the regional pastor Nezinho Abílio.

Yesterday it rained another 15 mm at Green Pastures meaning we have now had rain 6 days on the run!   

Sunday service

Last night I led the main Sunday service and Pastor Rafael preached on unbelief from Numbers 14. Sacha, Marina, Érika and Rogério led the praise and worship. It was the first time Rogério had sung and it was excellent.

Yesterday it rained 14 mm at Green Pastures. PTL!

I am glad to tell you that Mayane's grandmother, who was bitten by a rattlesnake, has been released from hospital. Her eyesight is still affected though it is a lot better than it was.

Psalm 9 (summary): I will praise you o Lord!

Psalm 9 is another Davidic psalm for the director of music to be sung to the tune of 'The Death of the Son'. It starts with full-blooded praise to God for victory over his enemies, for judging righteously the wicked and for rebuking the nations. David says that God's reign is permanent and eternal. God is a refuge for the oppressed who never forsakes those who seek him. He says sing praises to the Lord enthroned in Zion who does not ignore the cry of the afflicted. He says his enemies persecute him almost to death so he cries to God for mercy. David cries to God also for him to judge the fallen nations and the wicked who are ensnared by the work of their own hands. "Strike them with terror, O Lord; let the nations know that they are but men"!