Psalm 88 (résumé): O Lord, the God who saves me!

Psalm 88 is another psalm by the Sons of Korah attributed specifically to Heman the Ezrahite. It is probably the most dreary downbeat psalm of all. The writer has one foot in the grave throughout and at no moment in its 18 verses does there even peep through a glimpse of sunshine amidst the dark gloomy clouds of depression, doom and death. It was clearly written by someone with long term suffering who can get no relief. Heman says: "Day and night I cry out... my soul is full of trouble... I'm set apart with the dead... you have put me in the lowest pit... your wrath lies heavily upon me... you have taken me from my closest friends... why Lord do you reject me... from my youth I have been afflicted and close to death... the darkness is my closest friend!"

Tract

I have just received from the printers a new Gospel tract which I have written. I pray that it will be a blessing to many lives. 

Yesterday I spent most of the day preparing a new sermon: "Teach me your way, O Lord". (Psalm 86:11)

Mid-week

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and Louisa and her husband Tiago led the praise. Lawyer Rayla gave the study on 1 Samuel 2:1-11: Hannah's prayer. It was a good service.

Psalm 87 (résumé): He has set his foundation!

This short psalm by the sons of Korah exalts Jerusalem as the supreme city of God for the world. Jerusalem, it says, was founded on the holy mountain Zion. God loves its gates! It then goes on to cite various nations and ethnicities which were "born in Zion"! "This one and that one were born in Zion and God will establish her". The psalm closes with all singing praise to God as all ethnicities recognize their all in God.

Psalm 86 (résumé): Hear, O Lord, and answer me!

Psalm 86 is another psalm of David who begins asking God to answer him because he is poor and needy. He goes on "Guard my life because I am devoted to you... have mercy on me O Lord... you are kind and forgiving... abounding in love... among the gods there is none like you... you are great and do marvellous deeds... teach me your way... you have delivered my soul... the arrogant attack me but you, O Lord, are compassionate and gracious... grant your strength to your servant... for you have helped me and comforted me!"

Psalm 85 (résumé): You showed favour to you Land

This psalm is another of the Sons of Korah. It starts recalling God's favour to Israel in the past, his forgiveness and turning aside from wrath. Then prayer is made for renewed restoration and revival, and for God to reveal his unfailing love. Finally come verses of confident expectation because surely salvation is near to those who fear God. In God "righteousness and peace kiss each other". "The Lord will indeed give what is good" with a good harvest. 

Cuckoo

I heard the Dark-billed Cuckoo yesterday afternoon at Green Pastures. It is only with us in the rainy season to eat the trillions of caterpillars. I also saw 3 Cajarana Plum Trees which managed to survive the drought and now look great.

We were so sad to learn that another of our pastors has cancer. He is Pastor Nezinho Abílio of our Diamante/Vazante churches. Happily we sent him a back-up worker in January as he wasn't feeling well. Please pray for this pastor.

Last night Liz took part in the women's fellowship meeting where she says all went off nicely.