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I am progressing well with my synopses of the Bible and am in Proverbs, the 20th book of the Bible, where I have completed the first 10 of its 31 chapters. 

Last night I preached the Gospel in the town of São Mamede. I preached on Mark 4:35-41 and Jesus calming the storm. 'With Jesus in the boat all will be well', was the theme of my sermon and one lady made her commitment to Christ afterwards. School teacher Claudivan led the service which was really good.

Proverbs 10 (résumé): The proverbs of Solomon

Proverbs 10 starts a collection of Solomon's wise sayings such as "a wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother... righteousness delivers from death and does not let them go hungry... he who sleeps during harvest is disgraceful... he who takes crooked paths will be found out... the mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life... wise men store up knowledge... the wages of the righteous bring them life... he who holds his tongue is wise... a man of understanding delights in wisdom... the fear of the Lord makes you live longer!"

Proverbs 9 (résumé): Invitations from Wisdom & Folly

Proverbs 9 focuses on the contrasting invitations in life from 2 women: Mrs. Wisdom as opposed to Mrs. Folly. Mrs. Wisdom builds a solid house with 7 pillars within which she prepares a banquet to which she invites people to "Leave your simple ways and you will live; walk in the way of understanding". She says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still. However then comes Mrs. Folly who is loud, undisciplined and without knowledge offering stolen water which is sweet and food to be eaten in secret which is delicious but leads to death. Thus the chapter clearly presents the contrasting ways of life between wisdom and folly.

Baptism

 5 new converts were baptized on Easter Sunday at our second church in João Pessoa at Cidade Verde led by Pastor José Vieira. PTL!

Yesterday QPR drew 1 x 1 away to Preston North End. 

Yesterday we again brought people into our Care Centre's dentist, Dr. Lariza, from outlying places without public transport. All went off smoothly. I saw 2 Burrowing Owls on the way. 

My 'Folha de São Paulo' newspaper tells me about Jane Asher, a 95-year-old British woman, who is still winning swimming awards. Well done Jane!

Proverbs 8 (résumé): Wisdom's appeal

Proverbs 8 personifies wisdom as a woman who calls out "on the heights", "beside the gates" and "at the entrances" offering the foolish prudence and defending truth instead of wickedness. Lady Wisdom proposes instruction and knowledge instead of silver or gold, and she declares that she hates pride and arrogance. She says she has understanding and power, and by me princes and kings reign, and her fruit is better than fine gold walking in the ways of righteousness. She says that the Lord possessed her at the beginning of his work... before the world began... before the mountains and hills I was given birth... I was there when he set the heavens in place... I was the craftsman at his side... so blessed are those who keep my ways... whoever finds me finds life!

Proverbs 7 (résumé): Warning against the adulteress

 Initially in Proverbs 7 the father exhorts the son to internalize his moral teachings writing them "on the tablet of your heart". He says that then they will keep the immoral woman away from him. There then ensues the description of an encounter between a naive young man and a seductive immoral woman who seduced the man. "She took hold of him and kissed him... perfumed her bed... informs him that her husband is away on a long journey... and he went with her like an ox going to the slaughter and like a deer stepping into a noose!" So he warns his son to steer clear of such traps because "her house is a highway to the grave!"

Proverbs 6 (résumé): Warnings against Folly

Proverbs 6 brings more fatherly advice warning against folly such as guaranteeing others' debts, being lazy, and further counselling against adultery. Solomon recommends the ant as a hard working example to combat the sluggard. Laziness produces poverty, he says, which will come on you like a bandit! He then lists 7 things to guard against which God detests: pride, lies, violence, sowing discord,  a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that haste to evil, and bearing false witness. After this the writer returns as in the previous chapter to combat adultery and involvement with immoral women because a prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread! "Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched"? Therefore don't play with fire! "A man who commits adultery lacks judgement, and whoever does so destroys himself... his shame will never be wiped away!"

Proverbs 5 (résumé): Warning against adultery

Proverbs 5 is a severe warning against getting involved with sexual immorality and adultery. Says the writer that from the lips of an adulteress drip honey and she is a very smooth talker, but things end up very bitter cutting like a sword and ending in death and the grave. The writer exhorts his son to steer well clear of such women because if you follow such women you will groan at the end of your life. Drink water from your own cistern, he says! "May your fountain be blessed and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth... may her breasts satisfy you always and may you ever be captivated by her love. Don't get involved with another man's wife because you will die for lack of discipline!"

Proverbs 4 (résumé): Wisdom is supreme

 Proverbs 4 involves further fatherly advice to his sons extolling the supremacy of wisdom. The father recalls his own father's advice: "Get wisdom and understanding... do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you... wisdom is supreme"! He goes on to say that his sons' lives will be long if they live wisely. He then exhorts his sons to never walk in the ways of evil men... but the path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn... whereas the way of the wicked is like deep darkness. Wisdom is health to a man's whole body. "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life... look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you"!

Proverbs 3 (résumé): Further benefits of wisdom

The well-known chapter 3 of Proverbs is a father to son guide on how to live a life pleasing to God full of his wisdom. Wise living, says Solomon, comes when you "trust in the Lord with all your heart". If you fear the Lord and shun evil "this will bring health to your body". Another key to living in God's blessing is to "honour the Lord with your wealth" and understand that divine discipline is in fact a demonstration of God's love. Solomon then goes on to say that wisdom is invaluable and worth more than silver, gold or rubies, and it helps you live longer with riches and honour, and helps you sleep sweetly. He says that a wise man is generous, living in integrity and peace. He concludes his fatherly advice showing that God blesses the home of the righteous but curses the house of the wicked.

Resurrection Sunday Service

 After our fellowship breakfast and morning service singing 'Up from the grave he arose' we had a wonderful communion service last night which I led and at which Pastor Rafael preached on the resurrection which shows: God is not dead, God's Word is not dead, Our Hope is not dead! (Luke 24:1-12). It was an excellent message. Our drama group did a 10-minute presentation about the resurrected Lord which was good too. The praise and worship led by Sacha and Louisa was great as well. Jesus is alive! 🙌🙏😀

It rained 6 mm at Green Pastures yesterday bringing this year's total rainfall to 548.6 mm.

Proverbs 2 (résumé): Moral benefits of wisdom

Proverbs 2 starts with a father challenging his son to seek wisdom above all else so that you "find the knowledge of God." Solomon then states that wisdom, knowledge and understanding are God-given, and that God guarantees victory for the upright in heart, and God "is a shield to those whose walk is blameless." Solomon then says that when wisdom enters your heart it provides protection against "the ways of wicked men... and from men whose words are perverse." It will also protect you from the adulteress and the wayward wife. So Solomon concludes that "the upright will live in the land" whereas "the wicked will be cut off from the land". 

Another book

Yesterday I finished reading another book, given to me by granddaughter Louisa a long time ago. It was 'The Murder Game' by Tom Hindle. It was alright and had some good twists, but two-thirds through it was a bit boring.

Yesterday I gave a lift back into Patos from Green Pastures to our grandson and architect Felipe and his partner of the same profession Vivi. What a lovely couple they are and what excellent architects they are. We had a lovely chat along the way.

We have just got home from our Easter Sunday fellowship breakfast followed by a short service which I led and spoke at. It was a lovely morning.

Caatinga Cacholotes

To listen to a duet of the rust-red Caatinga Cacholotes was a beautiful thing this morning. The couples sing rounds together. They are crested and long-tailed about the size of a Blackbird or just a bit bigger. Another sound wonderful to hear is that of the White-naped Jay cornering a snake. A group of Jays gather round the snake with all of them, squawking their alarm call, which can be heard far away. I have photographed many a snake thanks to the Jays! I also heard today the Rufous-bellied Thrush, Cactus Parakeet, Guira Cuckoo, Smooth-billed Ani, Greater Ani, Dark-billed Cuckoo and the Campo Troupial. I also saw a wild Guinea Pig.

QPR moved up to 10th place in the Championship with a 2 x 1 win at home to Watford which is their third win on the run! 😃

Yesterday I finished reading my book 'The Bloomsbury Murder' by Mike Hollow which my sister sent me in January for my birthday. It was an excellent read! I have known Mike since he was with us in Brazil with Tearfund back in the nineties and he is the top writer of the 'Blitz Detective' series of which I have read all 10 books and which I highly recommend. Mike speaks Russian and French (Cambridge University), but writes in English, and used to work for the BBC before Tearfund.

Singing in the rain!

We are on our short Easter break at Green Pastures and it was wonderful yesterday afternoon having a siesta in the middle of torrential rain with tremendous thunder and lightening.

Yesterday it rained 28 mm at Green Pastures so things are gradually improving.

I had a relaxing day yesterday beating my granddaughter Louisa's husband Tiago at chess twice and reading 'The Bloomsbury Murder' by Mike Hollow which I should finish today.

This Good Friday is our 59th anniversary of Liz and I going out together! 😘😍

Praise the Lord!

Yesterday I again did without my siesta, as I did on Monday, so as to make further progress with my résumé of the Bible, and I managed to complete the big book of Psalms. This means I have finished 53% of the Bible which are the first 19 books of the Old Testament covering 628 chapters out of a total of 1,189 in the protestant Bible. I am very pleased with the speed I am maintaining with this work which started on the 23rd of September 2024. Hence I did the first half of the Bible in a year and a half on top of everything else I have on. If I can keep up this pace I should be able to complete the whole Bible by the end of next year. All this work is being published on the EAB website to be readily available for all our pastors and anyone else interested.

We will be having a short Easter break over the next few days as we do every year. We value your prayers. 😎

Yesterday it rained 26 mm at Green Pastures taking this year's total rainfall up to 511.6 mm.

Proverbs 1 (résumé): The Proverbs of Solomon

The book of Proverbs is attributed to King Solomon and is a wisdom book which offers short pithy instructions for Godly pious living. This book emphasizes that true wisdom begin with the fear of the Lord which is a reverent trust in God with total commitment to him.

Proverbs chapter 1 is the introduction to this 31-chapter book and right at the beginning lays out the key premise of the text which is that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, knowledge and discipline. Then the text goes on to show father to son advice against keeping bad company with those who offer easy illicit gain or acts of violence. Then comes a warning against rejecting wisdom where wisdom is personified as a woman as happens continually in this book. Here wisdom personified as a woman "raises her voice in the public square"  promising safety, blessing and peace to those who heed her advice. But for those who do not heed "the complacency of fools will destroy them. However whoever listens to wisdom will live in safety, be at ease, without fear of harm."

Psalm 150 (résumé): Praise God in his sanctuary!

This is the final doxology of the book of Psalms calling everything that has breath to praise the Lord! Praise him for his greatness and acts of power! Praise him with multiple musical instruments such as trumpet, flute, strings, tambourine, harp, lyre and cymbals and with plenty of dancing! Praise the Lord!

Psalm 149 (resumé): Sing to the Lord a new song!

Psalm 149 is a vibrant song of praise exhorting Israel to rejoice in their maker and be glad in their king. The psalmist calls them to praise God with dance and music because he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice and sing for joy in bed! May they also hold a double-edged sword in their hands to inflict vengeance on the nations. Praise the Lord!

Psalm 148 (résumé): Praise the Lord from the heavens!

Psalm 148 is the third of the final 5 hallelujah / praise the Lord psalms that bring this book to a close. It is a song of jubilant universal praise from the highest heaven to the lowest place for God the creator. Thus the psalmist exhorts: "Praise the Lord from the heavens... angels... sun, moon and stars... for God commanded and they were created... he set them in place for ever... praise the Lord great sea creatures, lightening, hail, snow and clouds... mountains, hills, trees, wild animals, cattle, kings, princes, birds... everything praise the Lord!"

Psalm 147 (résumé): How good it is to sing praises to our God!

Psalm 147 is a song of praise to both God as mighty creator ("He determines the number of stars and calls them each by name!") and as the gentle healer comforting brokenhearted exiles ("the Lord sustains the humble"). He says "Great is our Lord and mighty in power... sing to the Lord with thanksgiving... he supplies the earth with rain... he provides food for the cattle... the Lord delights in those that fear him... praise your God O Zion... he spreads the snow like wool... He has revealed his word to Jacob and his laws and decrees to Israel!"

Psalm 146 (résumé): Praise the Lord, O my soul!

Psalm 146 is a poetical hymn of praise to God starting "Praise the Lord, O my soul!... don't trust in mortal men but trust in God!... Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob... who is the maker of heaven and earth... he upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry... the Lord watches over the alien and reigns forever!"

Psalm 145 (résumé): I will exalt you, my God the King!

Psalm 145 is the last of David's psalms and it is an exuberant celebration of God's greatness ("his greatness no-one can fathom"), his sovereign kingdom ("they will tell of the glory of your kingdom") and his kind spirit ("the Lord is loving towards all he has made"). David starts saying "I will exalt you, my God and King... Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise... celebrate your abundant goodness... the Lord is good to all... your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom... the Lord upholds all those who fall... you satisfy the desires of every living thing... the Lord is near to all who call on him... my mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever!"

Psalm 144 (résumé): Praise be to the Lord, my Rock!

Psalm 144 is a psalm of praise and prayer. David starts by praising the Lord, his Rock... He is my loving God and fortress... what is man that you care for him?... for man is but a fleeting shadow... reach down your hand from on high... rescue me from the mighty waters... I will sing a new song to you, O God... Deliver me from the hands of foreigners... and our sons and daughters will flourish... and our barns will be filled... and our sheep will multiply profusely... Blessed is the people whose God is the Lord!

Psalm 143 (résumé): O Lord, hear my prayer!

David, in this psalm, is suffering intense persecution ("the enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground") and strong depression ("my spirit faints with longing... I will be like those who go down to the pit"). David therefore cries for help from God ("listen to my cry for mercy") and pleas for mercy. David recalls all that God has done in the past and his soul thirsts for God. So he asks God to teach him to do his will and he trusts God to destroy his foes.

Psalm 142 (résumé): I cry aloud to the Lord!

 Psalm 142 was written by David in the context of being hidden in a cave from Saul expressing his loneliness ("no-one cares for my life"), desperation ("I am in desperate need") and danger ("men have hidden a snare for me"). He cries to God "set me free from my prison that I may praise your name."

Psalm 141 (résumé): O Lord, I call to you!

This psalm of David is a sincere prayer asking God to help him control his tongue ("set a guard over my mouth, O Lord") and to help him to resist temptation ("Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil"). David then expresses that being corrected by a righteous man is a kindness (let him rebuke me - it is oil on my head") and he concludes saying that he takes refuge in the Lord asking God to keep him free from the traps of evildoers. 

Psalm 140 (résumé): Rescue me, O Lord!

In Psalm 140 David asks God for protection and to be rescued from evil men who plan to trip him and set traps for him. David goes on to pray for God to "not let their plans succeed". David recalls that "the Lord secures justice for the poor" saying that "surely the righteous will praise you name and the upright will live before you". 

Psalm 139 (résumé): O Lord, you have searched me

Psalm 139 is a Davidic meditation on the omniscience, omnipresence and omnipotence of God. First of all David considers how God knows what we are going to say before we say it. ("Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely") Then he focuses on God's all invasive presence and that no matter where we go God is already there. Then David points to God's amazing work in creating man who is "fearfully and wonderfully made", and he says that "all the days ordained for me" were  pre-written in God's book. David closes the psalm praying for sanctification and holiness saying "search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know me".

Faith that perseveres

Last night I gave the study at the Men's Fellowship on 'Faith that Perseveres' from Matthew 15:21-28. It was a good blessed meeting led by Chief of Police Esau. 

In the month of March this blog was read 16,989 times. Thank you and greetings to one and all! If you make comments, which are welcome, then please put your name otherwise I have no way of knowing who spoke. 

Last night it rained 10 mm at Green Pastures bringing this years total to 485.6 mm. We have a long way to go to reach the average rainfall of 702 mm.

Today is my sister Joy's birthday there at High Wycombe. Happy Birthday Joy! I clearly remember when she was born.

Psalm 138 (résumé): I will praise you, O Lord!

 Psalm 138 is a Davidic psalm of praise and thanksgiving to God saying in the first verse that "before the 'gods' I will sing your praise... praising God's name for his love and faithfulness... God's name and word are exalted above all things and you answered me and made me stout-hearted". "May all kings praise you, O Lord... the glory of the Lord is great... and though God is high yet he still considers the lowly... you preserve my life and with your right hand you save me... the Lord will fulfill his purpose for me".

Psalm 137 (résumé): By the rivers of Babylon!

Psalm 137 is a lament in Babylon where the Jews wept by the rivers, hung their harps on the trees and refused to sing the psalms of Zion owing to their suffering and longings for home, and faced with the torments of their captors. But God's people vow to never forget Jerusalem saying "May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you... Jerusalem!" The psalm ends asking God for vengeance against the Edomites and against the Babylonians for their cruelty. It is a psalm of expression of profound trauma for God's people having lost home and temple.

Psalm 136 (résumé): Give thanks to the Lord for he is good!

 Psalm 136 is a hymn of thanksgiving to God because "his love endures forever" which is the repetitive refrain repeated in each of its 26 verses. The psalm celebrates God's goodness, his domination of creation (heavens, earth, waters, great lights, moon and stars), Israel's deliverance from Egypt (killing of firstborn, Red Sea, Wilderness journey, killing of enemy kings) and God's covenant faithfulness. 

The big one

My résumés of the Bible progressed well today as I covered the big hurdle of Psalm 119 which is the biggest psalm and the biggest chapter of the Bible. I have now done 135 psalms so have nearly finished this very large book. I have now written just over half the chapters of the Bible (51%) so that's good. 

I took some folk home to their farmstead who had been attended by our dentist and I saw 3 burrowing owls along the way. They come out in the rain, as it had been raining, so as to catch frogs and toads crossing the road!

Last night it rained 11 mm at Green Pastures.

Psalm 135 (résumé): Praise the Name of the Lord!

Psalm 135 is a hymn of praise exhorting God's people to worship God for his goodness. Initially the psalm calls the priests and Levites to praise the Lord because he is good. He then exhorts praise for them having been chosen as God's people and that the Lord is greater than all gods. He points to God's control of nature: wind, lightening, seas and clouds. The psalm then goes on to praise God for his signs and wonders in Egypt and for his victories over Canaanite kings. The psalmist then ridicules useless idols and calls everyone to praise the Lord.

Psalm 134 (résumé): Praise the Lord, all you servants of the Lord!

Psalm 134 is the final short song of ascents praising the Lord with all who minister at night in the temple, raising hands in the sanctuary, and receiving the blessings of God. 

Psalm 133 (résumé): Unity is good and pleasant

This very popular Psalm 133 exalts the great importance of unity amongst God's people. Unity is compared to the sweet smelling blessed anointing oil of the High Priest. Unity is also compared with the refreshing dew of Mount Hermon. It is with unity that God bestows his blessing giving life for evermore!

Psalm 132 (résumé): O Lord, remember David

Psalm 132 is another song of ascents recalling David's zeal to construct a temple for the Lord. David wanted to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. It goes on to recall how God promised that the descendants of David would be on the throne forever which has clear messianic undertones. It is remembered that Zion was defined as God's city promising to bless her with abundant provisions and food for the poor. The psalm closes promising a resplendent messianic crown!

Psalm 131 (résumé): My heart is not proud

Psalm 131 is a Davidic song of ascents showing gigantic humility, contentment and rest in God. David compares himself to a blessed weaned child. That is how his soul if feeling he says. He then concludes: "O Israel, put your hope in the Lord both now and forever more." 

Psalm 130 (résumé): Out of the depths I cry to you

Psalm 130 is a penitential psalm crying for God's mercy asking for his forgiveness. The psalmist says that he is waiting for the Lord and in his word he puts his hope. Then he concludes calling Israel to put their hope in the Lord because his love is unfailing and his redemption is full.

Psalm 129 (résumé): They have greatly oppressed me from my youth

This further song of ascents appears to think back over Israel's "youth" in Egypt and the severe oppression which it endured. However despite "ploughmen have ploughed my back" they did not prevail thanks to God's grace, protection and strength. "The Lord is righteous and he has cut me free from the cords of the wicked". May those who hate Zion be shamed and wither like grass. 

Psalm 128 (résumé): Blessed are all who fear the Lord!

This further song of ascents says Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. They will be blessed with prosperity and many children. Such individual and family blessings also affect the community seeing prosperity in Jerusalem and peace in Israel. 

Psalm 127 (résumé): Unless God builds everything is in vain

This psalm is a wisdom psalm attributed to Solomon which shows that anything without God is worthless. Building is in vain if God is not in it... security is empty if God doesn't protect... and any form of labour is worthless unless done for God. However, he says, our children are not just a lot of work but blessings from God. 

Psalm 126 (résumé): When the Lord brought back the captive to Zion

Psalm 126 is a further song of ascent recalling how great they felt when they returned from exile... our mouths were filled with laughter and they sang happy songs. It was warmly recognized that God had done great things for them. The psalm concludes praying for restoration knowing that those who sow with tears will reap with joy.

Psalm 125 (résumé): Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion

This psalm is another song of ascents affirming that those who trust God are rock solid like Mount Zion and cannot be shaken as they endure forever. However evildoers will not be successful against the righteous. And the psalmist prays that God will do good to those who are good and upright in heart, whilst banishing evildoers. He closes praying for peace for Israel. 

Psalm 124 (résumé): If the Lord had not been on our side!

 Psalm 124 is another song of ascents attributed to David saying that if it hadn't been for God's intervention Israel would have been "swallowed alive" or "engulfed". But David praised the Lord because they had not been ripped apart by their enemies teeth or trapped by the fowler's snare. For David declares: "Our help is in the name of the Lord"!

Psalm 123 (résumé): I lift up my eyes to you!

This another short song of pilgrimage is a prayer for God's mercy. It says that as the slave looks to his master and as the maid looks to her mistress so we look to God for him to have mercy on us.

Psalm 122 (résumé): I rejoiced with those who said let's go the God's house

Psalm 122 is the 3rd song of ascents which this time is attributed to David. It is a happy psalm which starts by rejoicing with those who invite people to God's house. Then he rejoices at being at the gates of Jerusalem, which is a compact community city. Then in the last part of the psalm believers are encouraged to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and for its prosperity. 

Psalm 121 (résumé): I lift up my eyes to the hills

Psalm 121 points to God as the true source of protection and blessing... my help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. God, says the psalmist, watches over his people constantly without slumbering and provides shade in the day and moonlight at night. God will watch over his people constantly. 

Psalm 120 (résumé): I call on the Lord in my distress!

This is the first of 15 songs of ascents up to Psalm 134. A song of ascent is a psalm traditionally sung on pilgrimages to Jerusalem or sung by Levites climbing the temple steps. In Psalm 120 the psalmist in distress calls upon the Lord asking for salvation from lying deceitful tongues. He prays for punishment for the sinners who love wars, whereas he is a man of peace. 

Psalm 119 (résumé): Blessed are they whose ways are blameless!

This is the longest psalm - in fact it is the longest chapter in the whole Bible. And the psalm is another alphabetic acrostic with 22 stanzas, with 8 verses in each, using the 22 letters of each letter of the Hebrew alphabet to start each stanza. The psalm emphasizes the great value of God's word and stresses how much the author loves God's word, how good it is to meditate on it and how essential it is to obey it. Verse 105, out of the 176 verses, is the most well known verse when it says "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path". The whole psalm exudes joy in God's word... your statutes are wonderful... it gives understanding to the simple... I love your commands more than gold, more than pure gold... how I love your law... how sweet are your promises to my taste! Coming to the close of this mega psalm the psalmist says: "May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous... your law is my delight... let me live so that I can praise you!"

Psalm 118 (résumé): Give thanks to the Lord for he is good!

Psalm 188 is a joyful hymn of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord whose "love endures forever". 4 times in the opening 4 verses it's repeated "his love endures forever". The psalmist says how he had cried to the Lord and he set him free... it is better to trust God than men... for the Lord is his strength and song... shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous... this is the day that the Lord has made so let us rejoice and be glad in it... you are my God and I will give you thanks... give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever!

Psalm 117 (résumé): Great is God's love

In this the shortest psalm all nations are exhorted to praise the Lord because his love is great and his faithfulness endures forever.  

Psalm 116 (résumé) How can I repay the Lord?

The key question of this psalm of thanksgiving is: "How can I repay the Lord for all his goodness to me?" The psalmist had clearly been in real trouble with "the cords of death entangled me... I was overcome by trouble and sorrow."  However the Lord saved me, he says, the Lord has been good to me... and delivered my soul from death. So the psalmist lifted up the cup of salvation and fulfilled his vows... and sacrificed a thank-offering to the Lord. 

Psalm 115 (résumé): To your name be the glory!

Psalm 115 starts with: "Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory". This psalm is a hymn of praise to God alone and a declaration of trust in him. It ridicules idolatry as the idols have mouths but can't speak, have eyes but can't see, have ears that can't hear, have noses but can't smell and have hands but can't feel. He then calls on Israel to only trust in the Lord because he is our help and shield. He will bless those who fear him. "It is we who extol the Lord, both now and for evermore".

Jaboticaba

I have just eaten some Jaboticaba grapes which have a delicious unique taste. This tree grows in the Campina Grande region. The fruit grows on the actual trunk and branches of the tree.

Last night's Palm Sunday service was excellent and was led by Pastor Rafael and me. Our daughter Sacha preached an excellent Palm Sunday sermon and the church was packed to capacity. Praise God for all his blessings.

At our home in Patos we have 2 small clay pots at the front of the house with one for water and one for food, and at the back of the house we have another 2 further pots. At the back I watch House Sparrows feeding and at the front Ruddy Ground Doves feed. I will watch out for what other species appear.

Patos now has a theatre which seats 500 people. It was inaugurated last Thursday. It used to be a joke as it took the Council about 20 years to build it, but it was finally completed last week.

It rained 5 mm at Green Pastures last night.

Psalm 114 (résumé): When Israel came out of Egypt

This short 8-verse psalm recalls God's miracles bringing Israel out of Egypt, opening the red sea and the Jordan which was so wonderful that it made the mountains skip like rams and the hills like lambs! "Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord who turned the hard rock into springs of water!" 

Psalm 113 (résumé): Praise O servants of the Lord!

Psalm 113 is a hymn of praise to God for being the exalted Lord who helps the poor and who gives the barren woman children! "From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same our God's name is to be praised... God is exalted over all nations... his glory is above the heavens... he raises the poor from the dust and seats them with princes... and makes the barren woman a happy mother!"

Psalm 112 (résumé): Blessed is the man who fears the Lord!

Psalm 112 is another alphabetic acrostic psalm which details how good it is to fear the Lord and how this works out in one's daily life. When you fear the Lord your "children will be mighty in the land... you will be wealthy... good will come to him... he will never be shaken... he will have no fear of bad news... his heart is secure... his gifts to the poor will be scattered all over the place... but the wicked will gnash their teeth and come to nothing"!

Easter service

Last night I both led the Green Pastures Easter service and I preached on the victory of Christ on the cross. The children performed a beautiful little play about the resurrection. It was a lovely service.

Meanwhile Pastor Rafael and team took a service on the playground of our school in Patos.

In the morning we had an excellent senior leadership team meeting which lasted two and a half hours. Afterwards we took the pastors and their wives out for a fellowship meal together at a restaurant in the town centre.

Another 10 psalms

I have completed another 10 psalms, having finished the résumé of Psalm 110 which is a glorious messianic Davidic sign depicting Christ's joint roles of king, priest and judge.

At Green Pastures yesterday I saw a bright yellow Great Kiskadee, 4 Cactus Parakeets, a Blue-black Grassquit and a Scaled Dove. Whilst there it was sad to learn that sister Vilene (member of our Green Pastures church) had her house broken into and they stole their wedding rings and her little motorbike which she comes to church on. 

This morning the Patos church is holding a jumble sale at our school on the south side of Patos. However Liz and I will be involved in an important meeting of our senior leadership team throughout much of the morning and afternoon and value your prayers. 

Psalm 111 (résumé): Praise the Lord!

 Psalm 111 is an acrostic poem. This means that in this case the first letter of each of its 22 lines (not including the initial praise the Lord) begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The psalm focuses on God's covenant ("he remembers his covenant forever"), his provision ("He provides food for those who fear him"), and God's mighty works ("The works of his hands are faithful and just"). The psalm then concludes with the concept that "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom... to him belongs eternal praise"! 

Psalm 110 (résumé): The Lord says to my Lord: Sit at my right hand!

This Davidic psalm is a wonderful messianic psalm depicting the messiah as an enthroned king and eternal priest. "The Lord says to my Lord (Jesus the Messiah): Sit at my right hand... the Lord will extend your mighty sceptre from Zion. Then Jesus' kingly role is united with his priestly role saying: "You are a priest for ever, in the order of Melquizedek." The Messiah will judge nations and crush opposition in the day of his wrath.

Psalm 109 (résumé): O God... do not remain silent!

David starts Psalm 109 asking God not to remain silent because wicked men have returned evil for good, attacked him without cause, and made false accusations against him. David then prays that an evil man be appointed and when he is tried that he be found guilty... may his days be few, his children be fatherless beggars and may his descendants be cut off. Then David asks for God's help because he is poor and needy and his heart is wounded with him... save me in accordance of your love. Then, he concludes, I will greatly extol the Lord! 

Psalm 108 (résumé): My heart is steadfast, O God!

This Davidic psalm is a strong hymn of praise: "I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations... let your glory be over all the earth". David then prays for God's salvation and deliverance for his people. He then goes on to remember God's promise to control the land mentioning Shechem, Valley of Succoth, Gilead, Manasseh, Ephraim and Judah. He closes the psalm acknowledging that "with God alone we shall gain the victory... for it is he who will trample down the enemies".

Police Headquarters

Last night Liz and I attended the inauguration ceremony of the new Police Headquarters where our deacon Esau is chief of Police. It was a beautiful event with the presence of the State Governor João Azevedo, the President of the Federal Chamber of Deputies Hugo Motta, and the Patos Mayor Nabor Wanderley. We felt very proud of Esau who made a very good speech.

Psalm 107 (résumé): Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever". This is how psalm 107 starts Book 5 of the psalms. This psalm is a lovely hymn of thanksgiving for all God's deliverance and blessing. The psalmist talks about God's people crying out to God for help and his delivering them from their distress. "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love... they cried to the Lord in their trouble and he saved them from their distress.... He brought them out of the deepest gloom... he sent forth his word and healed them... let them tell of his works with songs of joy... he guided them to their desired haven... he turned the desert into pools of water... and they founded a city where they could live... he blessed them and their numbers greatly increased... whoever is wise, let him heed these things and consider the great love of the Lord".

Parotlet

 I saw 3 nests of Blue-winged Parotlets yesterday at Green Pastures. The nests are in termite mounds. I also heard Striped Cuckoos and saw Crested Caracaras. 

Last night we had a nice family get together for our daughter Deborah's birthday.

I have just got back from doing physical exercise at Pilates. It was very good. 🏃🏃

Psalm 106 (résumé): Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!

This is the last psalm in book 4 of the psalms and it starts giving thanks to the Lord because he is good, and his love endures forever. The psalm confesses Israel's repeated sin in stark contrast to God's steadfast love and goodness. It recalls Israel's sin-prone history from the Red Sea to the Babylonian exile showing God's great mercy. Israel  "soon forgot what God had done for them at the Red Sea... at Horeb they made a golden calf... they despised the land and grumbled in their tents... they yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor... by the waters of Meribah they angered the Lord... they sacrificed their children to demons... so the Lord was angry with his people."

Psalm 105 (résumé): Give thanks to the Lord!

 Psalm 105 is a positive hymn of praise to God starting: "Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name... tell of his wonderful acts!" The text traces God's blessing on the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, on Joseph in Egypt and on the miraculous deliverance of God's people through the plagues and exodus. The psalm remembers how God blessed and brought our Israel from Egypt "laden with silver and gold" and led them with cloud and fire. God fed them with quail and bread and gave them water to drink from the rock. God "brought out his people with rejoicing and his holy ones with shouts of joy!"

Street meeting

Last night I made the half-hour journey to the town of São Mamede where our grandson John David is a doctor (GP) in a SUS (NHS) clinic. We held a street service in front of Larissa's house where I brought a short word on Psalm 103:11-12 entitled "God's love is over the moon"! A number of people took part in the service and the main message was brought by Pastor Rafael. Everyone was served a hot dog and fruit juice after the lovely service. 

Today is our daughter Deborah's birthday. Deborah is an English language teacher and a veterinary doctor. Happy Birthday Deborah! 😃

Psalm 104 (résumé): Praise the Lord. O my soul!

Psalm 104 is a lovely hymn of praise to God the creator and sustainer of creation clearly echoing the Genesis creation narratives. It starts praising the Lord clothed in splendour and majesty who stretches out the heavens like a tent. God uses the clouds as his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He set the earth on its foundations and put a boundary for the waters. The psalmist goes on to praise God for his provisions for nature giving water to the beasts, habitat for the birds, grass for the cattle and plants for man to cultivate. He says that the trees are well watered, the stork nests in the pine trees and wild goats live in the mountains. He then says that God created the moon to mark seasons and organized all aspects of the cycle of nature and life. He goes on to focus on the diversity of life in the sea and on the land where all depends on God for food and breath. Finally he praises God as long as he lives. "Praise the Lord, O my soul!"

Arthur

Our globe-trotting grandson Arthur is in São Paulo where he went to attend the Lollapalooza Brasil 2026 alternative music festival at the Interlagos Car Racing Circuit and to visit other cultural activities in São Paulo. I think he is going to the UK in the summer. 

Our Care Centre dentist, Dr. Lariza, attended Green Pastures folk yesterday: Leca, Fernanda and Flávinho. We brought them into Patos and took them home again afterwards.

I have written the résumés/summaries/abbreviated versions of the first 100 psalms having thus completed two-thirds of the Book of Psalms which is the biggest book in the Bible. This means I have completed nearly half (48%) of the Bible!

It rained 4,5 mm at Green Pastures yesterday.

Psalm 103 (résumé): Praise the Lord, O my soul!

This psalm is an exuberant hymn of praise to God: "Praise the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name"! "He forgives, heals and redeems me and crowns me with loving kindness!... he satisfies my desires with good things... the Lord is compassionate and gracious... he does not treat us as our sins deserve... his love is as high as the heavens and he removed our sins from us as far as east to west... God's love for those who fear him is from everlasting to everlasting... God's kingdom rules over all... praise the Lord O angels... praise the Lord you his servants... praise the Lord, O my soul!"

Psalm 102 (résumé): Hear my prayer, O Lord!

A lament - a prayer of an afflicted man. The psalmist cries for help from God because he is in distress. His bones are like glowing embers and he is reduced to skin and bones like a desert owl! His enemies taunt him and use his name as a curse and he withers away like grass. However in verse 12 the psalmist changes tack with "But you, O Lord!" Now his focus is not on his suffering but on his saviour! He looks to God who is enthroned forever and whom he believes will have compassion on Zion. "The Lord will rebuild Zion," he exclaims, and appear in his glory and answer prayer. God's name will be declared in Zion". Then the psalmist closes comparing God's "years go on through all generations" with the brevity of human existence. 

Psalm 101 (résumé): I will sing of your love and justice

 Psalm 101 is David's ruler's pledge to live a life pleasing to God both personally and as king. He says: "I will sing of your love and mercy... I will be careful to lead a blameless life... I will set before my eyes no vile thing... men of a perverse heart will be kept far from me... my eyes will be on the faithful in the land... he whose walk is blameless will minister to me... no-one who practices deceit will dwell in my house... I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the Lord!"

Psalm 100 (résumé): Shout for joy to the Lord!

This short 5-verse psalm encourages us to shout for joy to the Lord and to serve the Lord with gladness! "We are his people, the sheep of his pasture... enter his gates with thanksgiving... for the Lord is good and his love endures forever!"

Psalm 99 (résumé): The Lord reigns!

Psalm 99 is a royal psalm exalting the Lord who is great in Zion. "The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble... he sits enthroned... let them praise your awesome name... the King is mighty and loves justice... worship at God's footstool - he is holy... Moses, Aaron and Samuel were among those who called upon God... he spoke to them from the pillar of cloud... O Lord you answered them... exalt the Lord our God!"

Psalm 98 (résumé): Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvellous things!

 Psalm 98 urges enthusiastic praise of God in a jubilant hymn. It starts: "Sing to the Lord a new song because he has done marvellous things... the Lord has revealed his righteousness to the nations... all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God... shout for joy to the Lord... burst into jubilant song with music, harp and trumpets... let the sea resound and the rivers clap their hands... for God will judge the world in righteousness!" 

Psalm 97 (résumé): The Lord reigns!

Psalm 97 is a beautiful hymn of exaltation of the Lord!  It starts: "The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad... clouds and thick darkness surround him... fire goes before him... lightening lights up the world... the mountains melt like wax before him... you, O Lord are the most high over all the earth... those who love the Lord hate evil... light is shed on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart."

Psalm 96 (résumé): Sing to the Lord a new song!

Psalm 96 is a jubilant poem of joyful praise to God. The exhortation starts: "Sing to the Lord a new song, all the earth, praise his name... declare his glory among the nations... for great is the Lord and he made the heavens... splendour and majesty are before him... ascribe to the Lord glory... worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness... the Lord reigns... let the heavens rejoice... let the fields be jubilant... all the trees of the forest sing for joy... God will judge the world in righteousness!"

Psalm 95 (résumé): Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord!

 Psalm 95 is a joyful hymn of exaltation of God which ends with a severe warning against the hardening of hearts in disobedience. The psalm starts: "Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord... extol him with music and song... for the Lord is the great God above all gods... in God's hand are the depths of the earth and the mountain peaks... come, let us bow down in worship... but make sure you don't harden your hearts... for 40 years I was angry with that generation and I banned their entrance into the promised land!"

Dry Bones

I led the service last night and lawyer Murilo preached on the valley of Dry Bones from Ezekiel 37:1-14. It was an excellent sermon and a lovely service with a packed church. Sacha and Rogério led the worship backed by Biba, Davi and Rogaciano. 

It rained 5 mm at Green Pastures last night.

Psalm 94 (résumé): O Lord, the God who avenges

Psalm 94 is a prayer for God's justice to be put into effect against arrogant corrupt enemies. Evildoers, says the psalmist, crush the people, kill widows, foreigners and orphans, but of course God sees and hears everything. For God will never forsake his people and judgement will be founded upon righteousness. When my foot was slipping your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul. Corrupt rulers band together against the righteous but the Lord is my rock and fortress. He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness.

Psalm 93 (résumé): The Lord reigns!

 Psalm 93 is a psalm of just 5 verses which celebrates God as the sovereign almighty King. "The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty... you are from all eternity... God is mightier than all the seas can throw against us... and holiness adorns God's house!"

Psalm 92 (résumé): It is good to praise the Lord!

This psalm is the only one specifically designated for the Sabbath day and is a psalm of gratitude to God celebrating his character. The psalmist praises the Lord... with lyre and harp... I sing for joy at the work of your hands... how profound your thoughts... the wicked will be forever destroyed... but you, O Lord, are exalted forever... you have exalted my horn like that of a wild ox... my ears have heard the rout of my wicked foes... but the righteous will flourish like a palm tree and they will flourish in the courts of our God... they will bear fruit in old age and stay fresh and green... the Lord is upright and is my Rock!

Psalm 91 (résumé): He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

This, and all the psalms from here up to number 100, are attributed to no-one. This psalm is far from being a lament but is a 100% positive expression of total trust in God. The psalmist says that God is his refuge and fortress in whom I trust... under his wings you will find refuge... you will not fear the terror of night... nor the plague that destroys at midday... people may die by the thousand all around you, but it will not affect you... no harm will befall you... his angels will guard you... you will trample the lion and the serpent... he will be satisfied by long life and salvation.

Psalm 90 (résumé): Lord, you have been our dwelling-place throughout all generations

Psalm 90 begins Book 4 of the psalms, which runs until psalm 106, and is the only psalm attributed to Moses. This prayer of Moses focuses on the eternity of God ("from everlasting to everlasting you are God") which stands in stark contrast to the brevity of man which is 70 years, or 80 if you're lucky! For God a 1,000 years is like a day whereas man is like grass which sprouts in the morning but withers and dies in the evening. Moses then prays however "teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom... may the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us".

QPR

Yesterday QPR beat Portsmouth no less than 6 x 1 at home to take us up to 12th place in the Championship! 😀

Last night I spoke to the Married Couples Fellowship on: "Communication that Edifies" from Ephesians 4:25-32. It was a lovely evening.

I have just had an avocado-pear smoothie and can hear the Southern Wren (Troglodytes musculus) singing in the bushes. 

It rained 43 mm at Green Pastures last night bringing the total rainfall for 2026 to 450 mm.

Psalm 89 (résumé): I will sing of the love of the Lord forever!

This psalm is attributed again to Ethan the Ezrahite, as was the previous psalm, only this time he is in an enormously better mood! This time the psalm is jubilant starting: I will sing of the love of the Lord forever! He then goes on to praise God for his faithfulness, love, righteousness and justice. "Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings... he is more awesome than all who surround him... you founded the world and all that is in it". The psalm then goes on to recall and reaffirm the Davidic covenant... "with my sacred oil I have anointed him... my hand will sustain him... the most exalted of the kings of the earth... I will establish his line forever... I will not take my love from him even if his sons betray my faithfulness... I have sworn by my holiness and I will not lie to David." The psalm then changes tack focusing on some current crisis of Israel linked to which Ethan questions God as having renounced his covenant and made the enemies rejoice. He questions how long this current crisis will go on? Then the psalm ends with a short doxology.

 

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.

Psalm 84 (résumé): Lord, how lovely is your dwelling place

 Psalm 84 is attributed to the Sons of Korah and is one of the most beautiful hymns of the Bible which expresses a deep yearning for God's house and for God's presence. The psalmists say that their heart and flesh cry out for the living God. How lovely is your temple Lord... even sparrow and swallow think so... blessed are those that dwell in your house. The writer goes on saying blessed are those whose strength is in you and have set their heart on pilgrimage... though one goes through dry and harsh valley of Baca God transforms it into a place of springs and autumn rain... better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere... better is it to be the door keeper of the temple than to dwell in the tents of the wicked... for God is sun and shield... blessed is he who trusts in God!

Psalm 83 (résumé): O God do not keep silent!

Psalm 83 is a prayer of lament written by Asaph. It calls on God to speak out against his cunning enemies who plot against God's people. Many nations have formed an alliance against Israel including even Assyria to destroy Israel as a nation! (some things never change!) Asaph prays that God will repeat the same sort of defeats as those inflicted in the past against Midian, Sisera and Jabin. Asaph prays that Israel's enemies be dealt with like chaff in the wind or fire in a forest. Asaph prays that the enemies be ashamed and dismayed and perish in disgrace and let them know that the Lord alone is the Most High over all the earth!

Psalm 82 (résumé): God presides in the great assembly

Psalm 82 was written by Asaph and presents God as the supreme judge who gives judgement among the "gods" (Elohim). God reprimands those in authority who are unjust and show partiality to the wicked. They understand nothing and live in darkness. They are "gods" who will die like mere men. Asaph concludes invoking God to judge the earth because all the nations are his inheritance. 

Psalm 81 (résumé): Sing for joy to God!

 Psalm 81 is a celebratory song by Asaph which also calls Israel to repentance. It starts joyfully calling everyone to sing accompanied by tambourines, harp, lyre and ram's horns (shofar) under a full moon! God then speaks recalling how he had freed Israel from slavery and how he tested them at the waters of Meribah. God calls Israel to listen to him decrying their stubbornness and idolatry because if they would follow God's ways they would be fed with the finest wheat and with honey from the rock!

Psalm 80 (resumé): Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel

This psalm is again written by Asaph and is a poetic lament which uses the vine as a poignant metaphor. Asaph starts asking for the restoration of Israel by its Shepherd. He goes on to question how long God's anger will smoulder and he then repeats his plea for restoration. Asaph then describes the vine Israel which was planted in Canaan and grew spreading from the Mediterranean Sea to the River Euphrates. He pleads for God to "watch over this vine" because it has been cut down and burned. The end of the psalm is clearly messianic appealing to the man at God's right hand... the son of man... appealing to God for restoration, salvation and revival!

Second-longest

I have written my résumé of the second-longest psalm. Everyone knows that Psalm 119 is the longest but few know that the second longest is Psalm 78. I tested Liz to prove the point!

Last night I went to the Patos Men's Fellowship meeting which I led with a word from Pastor Rafael. Parallel to this Liz went to a meeting with our Care Centre dentist Lariza, our social worker Marah Danielle, our dentist's assistant Gisliany and our lawyer Murilo. Both meetings went very well.

Yesterday it rained a further 26 mm at Green Pastures taking the total rainfall for this year's rainy season past the 400 mm mark for the first time with a partial total of 407 mm.

Psalm 79 (résumé): O God, the nations have invaded your inheritance

Psalm 79 is a gut-wrenching lament written by Asaph apparently following the invasion of Jerusalem by the Babylonians and the destruction of the temple. Initially the chaotic scene of destruction is depicted with the temple defiled, the city reduced to rubble, people's bodies serving as food for vultures with no-one available to bury the dead. How long will this mess last? - the people cry out... may your mercy come quickly to meet us because we are in desperate need... help us, O God our Saviour, for the glory of your name... may you avenge the blood of your servants and stops the nations asking "where is their God"?... hear the groans of the prisoners... pay back our neighbours seven times... and we will praise you forever!

Psalm 78 (summary): O my people hear my teaching!

This is another psalm of Asaph which is the second longest, after psalm 119, with 72 verses. This is a teaching psalm passing on to all generations God's faithful dealings with his people despite Israel's unfaithfulness. Asaph says initially that parents should teach their children Israel's history so that the children might trust in God, remember his mighty works and not repeat their past rebellious attitudes. Asaph then goes on to cite Ephraim as a negative example of past unfaithfulness who forgot their covenant with God. Asaph then goes on to recall God's mighty acts bringing his people out of Egypt, opening the Red Sea, leading them with cloud and fire and giving them water from the rock. However the Israelites soon forgot and doubted, but still God sent them the bread of angels and quails, but whilst it was still in their mouths God's anger rose against them because of their disbelief. Asaph goes on to remind people of the constant ups and downs of the Israelites between backsliding, punishment, superficial repentance and then slipping back to square one! In all of this topsy turvy process God's mercy prevailed. Asaph then goes back to Egypt reminding people of the 10 plagues and the subsequent leading into Canaan. Asaph's teaching goes on to remind about times of past apostacy when they reverted to idolatry and paganism which brought God to abandon the tabernacle at Shiloh. The psalm then closes with hope with the choice of Judah and David. David was the shepherd of Israel who with skill and integrity led the people of God.

Half-way

I have now got half-way through the book of Psalms having written the résumé or summary of Psalm 75 yesterday. Just 75 psalms to go!

Last night Liz went to the Ladies Prayer Meeting where they celebrated the birthday of our deaconess Deborah Maria who is an excellent worker visiting the flock. Liz also did some counselling work whilst at church.

Last night it rained 35 mm at Green Pastures taking this year's total to 381 mm.

Psalm 77 (summary): I cried out to God for help

This further psalm of Asaph expresses him in a deep period of depression and doubt. He cries to God for help... I was in distress and sought the Lord... my soul refused to be comforted... I was too troubled to speak... then I remembered my songs in the night... will the Lord reject us for ever?... has his unfailing love vanished?... I will remember the deeds of the Lord and his miracles of long ago... what god is so great as our God?... he led his people through the sea and guided them by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Psalm 76 (summary): In Judah God is known

Psalm 76 is another psalm by Asaph. It is a victorious celebration of the majesty and power of God which should be sung accompanied by stringed instruments. God's name which is great in Israel - he broke flashing arrows and all the weapons of war. God is described as "majestic more that mountains rich with game... and victorious over warriors, horses and chariots... who can stand before God when he is angry?!" "Surely God's wrath brings him praise... and he is feared by the kings of the earth"!

Psalm 75 (summary): We give thanks to you, O God!

Psalm 75 is another psalm of Asaph, but this time it is a hymn of thanks to God and a prophetic declaration concerning God's judgement. Asaph starts thanking God for his wonderful deeds and acknowledging that he judges uprightly and at the appointed time. To the arrogant, Asaph says, boast no more. God, says Asaph, is the supreme judge who brings one down and exalts another. He says that above all else he will sing praise to God forever and the wicked will be defeated whereas the righteous shall be exalted!

Psalm 74 (summary): Why have you rejected us forever O God?

Whereas the previous psalm was a personal crisis of faith this psalm is a collective outcrying of desperation by the community faced by a national crisis. It is widely thought that this psalm was written after the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Babylonians in 586 BC. In the first 11 verses Asaph bemoans the catastrophic destruction... "everlasting ruins... smashed all the carved panelling... burned the sanctuary to the ground... no prophets are left... how long will the enemy mock you O God?" Then in verses 12-17 Asaph recalls God's mighty works of the past breaking the heads of sea monsters, crushing the heads of the Leviathan and controlling day, night, sun and moon. So if God can do all this he can certainly restore Mount Zion! Then in the final verses Asaph cries to God to react and restore city and temple. He says "Rise up, O God! and defend your cause; remember how fools mock you all day long!

Psalm 73 (summary): Surely God is good to Israel

Psalm 73 was written by Asaph who clearly struggles to cope with the prosperity of the wicked as opposed to the suffering of the righteous. Asaph confesses that he envied the prosperity of the wicked as they have such an easy life! "Their mouths lay claim to heaven... they are always carefree increasing in wealth... surely in vain have I kept my heart pure... but how suddenly are they destroyed... but you Lord hold me by my right hand... you guide me with your counsel... whom have I in heaven but you?... God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever... you destroy all who are unfaithful to you, but as for me it is good to be near God!  

Psalm 72 (summary): Endow the king with your justice!

Psalm 72 was either written by Solomon or for Solomon (probably the latter) and is messianic. It describes an ideal king in his justice, compassion, riches and global rule. "He will judge the people in righteousness... he will bring prosperity to the people... he will defend the afflicted and save the children... he will endure as long as the sun... prosperity will abound till the moon is no more... he will rule from sea to sea... all kings will bow down to him... he will take pity on the weak... Long may he live!... may his name endure forever... all nations will be blessed through him... praise be to his glorious name for ever!"

This psalm brings to an end the second book of psalms.

Psalm 71 (summary): In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge

Psalm 71 is a reflective poem about God's help and blessing throughout life from birth to old age. The unnamed psalmist asks God to always be his refuge and deliver him from the wicked. He says God was with him at birth and had been his confidence since his youth. So he asks God not to cast him away when he is old. "May those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace... I will always tell of your righteousness... since my youth I declare God's mighty deeds... so don't abandon me when I'm old and grey... your righteousness reached to the skies O God... I will praise you with the harp... my lips will shout for joy!

Psalm 70 (summary): Hasten, O God, to save me!

In this petition psalm by David he cries to God for swift intervention to help him against those who want to kill him. David seeks God's blessing on those who seek the Lord and prays that God might be his help and deliverer as soon as possible and may all who desire his ruin be disgraced.

Psalm 69 (summary): Save me, O God!

Psalm 69 is another Davidic lament crying out to God for help against his enemies and undeserved suffering. "Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck"! "I sink in the mud... floods engulf me... I am exhausted calling for help... many enemies seek to destroy me... zeal for your house consumes me... I am the song of the drunkards... answer me O God with your salvation!"  "Do not let the floodwaters engulf me... answer me quickly because I am in trouble... Pour out your wrath on my enemies... May they be blotted out of the book of life... I am in pain and distress; may your salvation, O God, protect me... I will praise God's name in song... the poor will see and be glad... Let heaven and earth praise God... those who love God's name will dwell in Zion!"

A challenging psalm

Last night Pastor Rafael led the main service of the week on Sunday night in Patos and I preached on Psalm15: "Lord, who may dwell in your sanctuary?" It was an excellent service. The praise and worship was beautiful led by Erika, Louisa and Marina backed by Rogerio, Netinho, Ricardinho, Tiago and Davi.

It rained in Patos last night but not at Green Pastures unfortunately.  

Psalm 68 (summary): May God arise!

Psalm 68 is a triumphant Davidic hymn celebrating God's victories and goodness to the needy. "May God arise and his enemies be scattered", David commences. He prays that God's foes be blown away like smoke in the wind. God is extolled who is a father to the fatherless and a defender of widows. David remembers how God led his people in the wilderness and gave abundant showers. God scattered the kings in the land and left them like fallen snow. David then seems to rejoice in God's victorious ascent from Sinai to Zion. God is also praised as a burden bearer of his people and says that surely God will crush his enemies. Then David says, "Your procession has come into view, O God" as apparently a festive procession takes place. There are singers, musicians and maidens playing tambourines. David rejoices singing to God as God thunders with a mighty voice. "You are awesome O God in your sanctuary".

Psalm 67 (summary): May God be gracious to us

This is a short prayer seeking God's grace and blessing and asking that God's ways be made known amongst all the nations. The prayer continues beseeching that all nations praise God and be glad under God's perfect rule and guidance. Then it says that the harvest will be good, God will bless and be feared unto the ends of the earth. 

Psalm 66 (summary): Shout with joy to God!

This psalm is gloriously jubilant starting with "Shout with joy to God, all the earth... Say to God how awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you... Come and see what God has done!... He turned the sea into dry land... He rules forever by his power... Praise our God, O peoples... he tested us like silver... we went through fire and water but you brought us to a place of abundance... I will sacrifice fat animals to you... let me tell you what he has done for me... God has surely heard my voice in prayer... Praise be to God!"

Publishing of the Bible Résumé

I am now in the process of officially publishing my résumés or summaries of the Bible on the EAB website. Of course they have already been available on my blog, but now they will be available in an organized book by book and chapter by chapter fashion so as to make my summaries more readily accessible. So far my friend Alex Souto has posted Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. Please view the work in progress at www.eabrazil.org

Yesterday QPR actually managed to win a game beating Leicester 3 x 1 away! 😂 We are now on 50 points in the Championship in 16th place out of 24 teams. 

Last night I led the service at Green Pastures and I preached on Jesus going to the Feast of Tabernacles in John 7:1-13 focusing on Jesus' life under threat, his being faced by unbelief with his family and 'God's right time'. It was a lovely service. On the way there I saw a Burrowing Owl.

It rained 17 mm at Green Pastures last night but not in Patos. This takes rainfall in this year's rainy season at Green Pastures up to 346 mm remembering that 600 mm is poor, 800 mm is medium and 1,000 is good between January and the end of April.

Wren

The Southern House Wren is singing beautifully outside my office. 

We continue desperate for rain here because it has only rained 329 mm this rainy season from January to March. A good year rains 1,000 mm, a medium year rains 800 mm and a just about alright year rains 600 mm by the end of April. Please pray!

Yesterday Liz went out to Green Pastures with deaconess Josinete.

I have just drunk a glass of Barbadan Cherry fruit juice which is produce of Green Pastures.

Psalm 65 (summary): Praise awaits you O God!

Psalm 65, again attributed to David, is a jubilant upbeat poem of praise to God. David exclaims that when we were overwhelmed by sins God atoned for our transgressions... God answers us with awesome deeds of righteousness... God formed the mountains by his power and stills the roaring seas... God cares for the land and cares for it providing the people with grains... and blesses the crops with showers... and the carts overflow with abundance... the grasslands overflow and the meadows are filled with flocks... and the valleys shout for joy and sing! 

Mid-week meeting

I led last night's mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and pastor Rafael led the worship. The study was brought by lawyer Murilo on 'Test the Spirits' from 1 John 4:1-6. It was a lovely service in which Linda and Espedita sang solos.

We have just taken part in an excellent meeting with Maggy Spence and Jan Stracey of the Danbury Mission missionary committee. We had a good chat about the work of the Lord.

Psalm 64 (summary): Hear me O God!

 This is a prayer by David for protection from his enemies. He says: "Protect my life from the threat of the enemy... hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their words like arrows... they have evil plans... and plot injustice... but God will shoot them with arrows and bring them to ruin... let the righteous rejoice in the Lord!"

Psalm 63 (summary): O God, you are my God!

Psalm 63, written in the Judean desert, is a passionate Davidic declaration of faith in God saying "O God, you are my God... my soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you... I have beheld your power and glory... your love is better than life... with singing lips my mouth will praise you... I sing in the shadow of your wings... those who seek my life will be destroyed... the king will rejoice in God!"

Projects

We value your prayers for our social action projects team which in the first half of 2026 are working on the drilling and equipping of 2 more wells, the setting up of 1 further market garden, the construction of 2  more toilet/shower units, and the distribution of more goats and hair sheep in the 4-Legs project. May God be glorified and the poor blessed by these wells, toilets, goats and sheep, and market garden.

Last night we held an excellent Patos Church Council meeting which lasted 2 hours and covered 23 topics in a fine spirit of unity, consensus and Christian love. It was an excellent meeting.

I went to Green Pastures yesterday where I saw some beautiful bright orange Campo Troupials as well as White-naped Jays and Picui Ground-Doves. Everything is beautifully green, but now in desperate need of heavy rains. Please pray!

A 30-year-old Brazilian psychologist from the northeastern city of Fortaleza called Vitória Barreto is being searched for in Essex, England, where she has gone missing. She has been working on a research project with Essex University.

QPR sadly lost away to Birmingham yesterday 1 x 0. 😭

Psalm 62 (summary): My soul finds rest in God alone

 David's psalm to Jeduthun expresses his total trust in God. "My soul finds rest in God alone... I shall never be shaken". David says he faces men that seek to topple him and who curse him in their hearts. However David finds rest in God, "he is my fortress, I shall not be shaken... God is our refuge". David goes on to say that lowborn and highborn people are "only a breath"... and that no-one should take pride in stolen goods. Trust in God because he is strong and loving and will reward people according to what they do".

The Parables of the Seeds

Last night I travelled to the town of São Mamede and preached on the Parables of the Seeds in Mark 4:26-34. School teacher Claudivan led the service and Rebeca evangelized the children whilst I preached. A man came and thanked me for the message after the service and said that he will bring his whole family to the next service there.

During the day yesterday I prepared sermons for the married couples meeting and for next Sunday's service in Patos.

One third

I have completed writing the summary of the first 50 psalms which means I have covered one third of the psalms and about 44% of the Bible. 

Liz went to the women's prayer meeting last night and she says it was a blessing.

Our field team led by Pastor Rafael went to Fred and Marileide's farm last night and preached the gospel in an animated service.

Psalm 61 (summary): Hear my cry, O God!

David here (with stringed instruments) is either in exile ("from the ends of the earth") or in extreme distress. He says he calls to God for help as his heart grows faint asking to be led to the rock that is higher than I. He says God has been his refuge and that he longs to dwell in God's tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of his wings. He asks to be enthroned in God's presence for ever. Then he will sing praise to God's name. 

Psalm 60 (summary): You have rejected us, O God!

This Davidic psalm is a lament when he felt that God had rejected him and his people owing to a battle loss against Edom. David therefore asks for restoration in the face of what he sees as desperate times. He continues saying, "Save us and help us so that those you love can be delivered... give us aid against our enemy... with God we shall gain the victory"!

Psalm 59 (summary): Deliver me from my enemies, O God!

 David wrote this psalm when Saul had sent men to watch his house in order to kill him. "Deliver me from my enemies, O God", prayed David, "deliver me from evil doers... these bloodthirsty men lie in wait for me... I have done no wrong but they are ready to attack... O God show no mercy to wicked traitors"! These would-be assassins "snarl like dogs and prowl... spewing swords from their lips... but God laughs at them. You my loving God are my fortress... let these wicked men be caught in their pride... and it will be known that God rules"! "I will sing of your strength in the morning... for you are my fortress and refuge in times of trouble".

Psalm 58 (summary): Do rulers indeed speak justly?

Psalm 58 is an imprecatory prayer which invokes divine judgement on corrupt judges and unjust rulers. David asks: "Do you judge uprightly? No, in your heart you devise injustice... the wicked go astray from birth... their venom is like that of a snake... and it won't heed the tune of the snake charmer... break their teeth O God!...  Let them vanish like water flowing away down the river... let them be slugs melting away... the righteous will be glad when they bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked... for surely there is a God who judges the earth"! 

Psalm 57 (summary): Have mercy on me, O God!

 Psalm 57 was written by David when he was hiding in a cave sheltering from Saul and it is a prayer for protection and for God's help. "O God... I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings... he rebukes them who hotly pursue me... I am in the midst of lions... be exalted O God above the heavens". "They spread a net for my feet and dug a pit in my path, but they themselves have fallen into it." "My heart is steadfast, O God... awake my soul and praise God among the nations... for great is your love and glory"! 

Psalm 56 (summary): Be merciful to me, O God!

This another psalm by David was written when the Philistines had seized Him in Gath. David prays: "Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me... many are attacking me... but when I am afraid, I will trust in you". "All day long they twist my words... plotting to harm me... don't let them escape O God... record my lament... list my tears... in God I trust. I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? You have delivered my feet from stumbling that I may walk before God in the light of life"!

Psalm 55 (summary): Listen to my prayer, O God!

 Psalm 55 is a Davidic lament saying "hear me and answer me O God... I am distraught... by those who revile me in their anger". "Fear and trembling have beset me... oh for the wings, for the wings of a dove and I would fly away and be at rest"! "Confuse and confound the wicked O Lord... day and night they prowl after me". What especially upsets David is that it a close friend and companion (maybe Absalom) who is persecuting and betraying him. "Let death take my enemies... I call on God to save me... he ransoms me unharmed from the battle... my close friend has speech as smooth as butter, yet war is in his heart." "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you... but you O God  will bring down the wicked".

Psalm 54 (summary): Save me, O God!

David writes Psalm 54 in the light of his persecution in first Samuel by Saul and the Ziphites. He cries to God, "Save me, O God... vindicate me"! "Hear my prayer, O God"... strangers are attacking me... men without regard for God". "Surely God is my help... I will praise your name O Lord... he has delivered me from all my troubles and foes"!

Psalm 53 (summary): The fool says there is no God!

Psalm 53 is very similar to Psalm 14 and is a Davidic wisdom psalm. David decries the corruption of atheists and evil doers as no-one amongst them does good. The psalm concludes praying that God might restore the fortunes of his people probably returning them from exile so that Israel might be glad.

Psalm 52 (summary): Why do you boast of evil?

This psalm by David was written when the evil man Doeg the Edomite slaughtered dozens of priests in 1 Samuel. David asks Doeg why he boasted of his evil telling him he is a disgrace in the eyes of God. David says Doeg's tongue is like a sharp razor and that he loves evil and falsehood rather than good and truth. David says that God will bring him everlasting ruin as he did not make God his stronghold but grew strong by destroying others. David says that he himself is like a flourishing Olive tree trusting in God's unfailing love and praising him forever.

Psalm 51 (summary): Have mercy on me, O God!

This Davidic psalm was written when the prophet Nathan confronted David about his adultery with Bathsheba and the killing of her husband Uriah. It is a psalm of profound repentance. It starts with David imploring God's mercy and asking to be cleansed from his sin. David above all recognizes that his sin had been against God. He asked to be cleansed and made whiter than snow creating in him a pure heart. He asked to be restored with the joy of salvation and not to have taken the Holy Spirit away from him. David recognizes that God doesn't want sacrifices but rather a broken and contrite heart. This psalm is a perfect example of repentance from the heart.

Psalm 50 (summary): The Mighty One, God, the Lord!

This psalm is by Asaph and starts by presenting God as judge who summons heavens and earth to be the witnesses of his judgement. God declares that he doesn't need sacrifices of bulls or sheep because "the cattle on a thousand hills" belongs to God. God instead wants devotion and sincerity from his people. God then goes on to reprimand those who externally exhibit obedience to God but who are far from the Lord in their hearts. For "what right have you to recite my laws"? - God asks. The psalm ends assuring salvation to those who sincerely honour the Lord. 

Psalm 49 (summary): Hear this all you peoples!

This wisdom psalm by the Sons of Korah points out that death is inevitable for both rich and poor. It says than no ransom is ever enough for a man's life. The wise, foolish and senseless all die just the same. For man, come what may, is mortal like animals. But despite the grave being unavoidable for all the author expresses his hope in the redemption of God. For God "will surely take me to himself", he says. For accumulation of wealth is pointless as you take nothing with you to the grave.

Psalm 48 (summary): Great is the Lord!

 Psalm 48 is a song of praise by the sons of Korah celebrating the mighty, beautiful, lofty Mount Zion with the city of Jerusalem - the city of the great Lord! God, it says, is Zion's fortress causing enemy kings to flee in terror and shattering them with the wind. Mount Zion, it says, rejoices because of God's judgements. God is our God for ever and ever to the end.

Psalm 47 (summary): Clap your hands all you nations!

Psalm 47 is another psalm of the sons of Korah written for the director of music. It is a joyful positive psalm extoling God's sovereignty who is "the great king over all the earth". Much praise ascends to God who is the one who "reigns over the nations". It says that "the kings of the earth belong to God" who is highly exalted.

International Women's Day

Yesterday was International Women's Day and we had Sacha preaching very well on Women of the Bible: Esther (courage), Ruth (faithfulness), Hannah (prayer) and Mary (willingness). It was lovely too to have Louisa and Tiago back in the praise and worship group. It was a very good service.

Yesterday QPR were hammered yet again at home! This time they lost 4 x 0 to Middlesbrough! Oh dear! We are now down to 16th in the Championship. 😖

Blessing

Yesterday morning I went to the Patos Shopping Centre to pray a prayer of blessing on a new shop/kiosk called 'Flora Pura' run by Thayse and Alan from our church. May God bless this endeavour. 

Last night I led the service at Green Pastures and preached on 'not abandoning Jesus' from John 6:60-71. After the service I drove up to the lake and saw the largest Brazil Plum Tree we have looking wonderful after the rains in the Jeep's headlights. I also saw a Burrowing Owl for the first time in quite a while.

Philip has just arrived back in England via Recife, Rio de Janeiro and Paris. The clutch packed up in Campina Grande on the way back from taking Philip to the airport.

Psalm 46 (summary): God is our refuge and strength

 Psalm 46 is a glorious expression of confidence in the sovereign Lord. God, say the sons of Korah, is refuge and strength always present in times of trouble. No matter what happens we will not fear it says. It says that God is within Jerusalem and therefore she will not fall. Nations maybe in uproar, kingdoms may fall but when God speaks the earth melts. "The Lord Almighty is with us"! He is above all and ceases wars and ends violence. "Be still and know that I am God" exalted among the nations. The psalm ends saying that "the God of Jacob is our fortress"!

Psalm 45 (summary): My heart is stirred!

Psalm 45 is another psalm by the Sons of Korah. Only this time it is a royal wedding song probably written to honour one of King David's many weddings. The psalm extols the most excellent king whom God has blessed forever. The king is clothed with splendour and majesty, he loves righteousness and hates wickedness, his robes are fragrant and his palaces are adorned with ivory. Then the bride is addressed telling her to forget her father's house as she is all glorious in her chamber and led to the king as a virgin in embroidered garments and she is led to the king with joy. This psalm has strong messianic tones and is partially quoted in Hebrews 1:8-9. 

The bird has flown

Philip left Patos at 4 pm yesterday starting his long journey back to England where he won't arrive until tomorrow afternoon. He will call in to see his in-laws Julimar and Graça in João Pessoa on the way before flying from Recife to Rio de Janeiro and then on to Heathrow.

I went to Green Pastures and saw Great Kiskadees, Striped Cuckoos and Caatinga Cacholotes making a nest with enormous twigs as they do. I saw the fencing work going well. I will be back their later to take the communion service and preach God's word,

Psalm 44 (summary): We have heard!

This psalm is a lament written by the Sons of Korah. It first of all recalls the good old days when God gave victory upon victory to his people. It is stressed that these victories were exclusively possible thanks to the arm of the Lord and not by their own swords. However now God's people feel abandoned. The authors cry to God to wake up and stop rejecting them. For they feel forgotten. God's people feel they are enduring undeserved suffering and disgrace and cry to God to rise up and help them!

Psalm 43 (summary): Vindicate me, O God!

 Someone summed up Psalm 43 in 4 words: From depression to praise! The psalm cries to God for vindication asking God to rescue the author from deceitful and wicked men. The psalmist says he is mourning and feels oppressed. So he prays for God's light and truth to guide him so that he can go to God's altar where he will praise him with the harp. The psalm ends with the psalmist reflecting on his unnecessary low mood and he encourages himself to put his hope in God and praise him.

Last service

Last night was Philip's last service with us on this trip and we are so glad he came. What a blessing he has been at the Carnival camp, in the Patos church etc. It has been wonderful! After the service last night everyone was hugging him and wishing him a good journey, and sister Veronica said "come back soon because your ministry is SO blessed"! So I ask everyone to pray for Philip, Gylmara, Lucas and Luis to be back permanently with us as soon as possible... by the middle of next year or even in December this year. How great it would be for them to be here for Christmas!

Very Green Pastures

Yesterday afternoon I had a spin out to Green Pastures and with 329 mm of rain to date in this rainy season it is very green and we are making the most of the wet earth to put up some more fencing for our donkeys. Francisco reports many sightings of deer which is great. I saw Picui Ground-Doves, Chalk-browed Mockingbirds, Striped Cuckoos, Campo Troupials and Spot-backed Puff Birds.

Last night I dealt with more pastoral matters whilst Liz and Philip went to the service at the Pastor Frank Dyer School.

Men's Fellowship

Last night the men's fellowship was really good with Philip leading the praise and speaking really well. The meeting was led by school teacher Claudivan. There were 15 men present.

Yesterday it rained another 16 mm at Green Pastures.

Reservoirs

Patos has 2 principal reservoirs and these are taking in a lot of water with the heavy rains now falling. The Farinha reservoir has gone from zero to 79% and Jatobá has gone from almost zero to 30%. PTL! Please keep praying.

With the heavy rains the road up the mountain to Teixeira is very dangerous as trees are falling and rocks and boulders rolling down on to the road. 

I have finished the résumés or summaries of the first book of Psalms covering psalms 1 to 41. Now it's on to book two from psalm 42 to 72.

Last night we had a family pancake night wishing Philip a good trip home to Basingstoke on Friday. It was a great evening. 

Psalm 42 (summary): As the deer pants for streams of water

This psalm of the sons of Korah apparently expresses people's longing for God when they were far away from Jerusalem ("the heights of Hermon - from Mount Mizar - verse 6) maybe in exile. The writers say their soul thirsts for God, and critics ask where is your God? The writers remember nostalgically about the "festive throng" at Jerusalem. People are downcast and feel forgotten by God. The psalm ends proposing hope in God as the solution for all their woes.

Psalm 41 (summary): Blessed is he who has regard for the weak

This Davidic psalm for the director of music is a lament related to ill health and abandonment by a close friend. David says happy is he who cares for the weak because the Lord will deliver him, preserve him and sustain him when sick. David then cries to God to have mercy on him and forgive his sin. David says that all his enemies conspire against him and even his close friend has abandoned him. He cries to God for mercy and rests assured that he will be in God's presence for ever. He ends with praise to the Lord. Amen.

This psalm ended book 1 of psalms.

Psalm 40 (summary): I waited patiently for the Lord

David in Psalm 40 starts thanking God for past deliverance but ends up asking for further help. He starts praising God for him having heard him and having lifted him out of a slimy pit and having put a new song in his mouth. Happy is the person who trusts God, says David, because the resultant blessings are too many to tell. David says his desire is to do God's will and speak about God's salvation and faithfulness. He asks the Lord not to withhold his mercy from him, save him and help him. For God is his help and deliverer!

Psalm 39 (summary): I said I will watch my ways

This another psalm of David for the director of music and for Jeduthun expresses his decision to control his speech so as to avoid sinful utterances as he went through a period of God's discipline or of illness. He starts saying he will put a muzzle on his mouth. He realizes that his life is very short and that "each man's life is but a breath", as he bustles about in vain. David then expresses that his hope is in God and asks for him to remove his scourge from him. He concludes asking the Lord to hear his cry for help!

Sunday service

I led the main service of the week last night which was the monthly communion service and Pastor Rafael preached on the parable of the pharisee and the tax collector from Luke 18. Sacha, Marina, Philip and Rogério led the worship backed by Netinho, Ricardinho and Davi. Philip brought a short word during the meeting. It was a lovely service.

It rained another 20 mm at Green Pastures last night taking the year's total to date to 313.1 mm. We need about 1,000 mm for a good rainy season.

Psalm 38 (summary): O Lord, do not rebuke me!

Psalm 38 is a penitential prayer by David in which he recognizes that his ill-health, his low mood and his abandonment of friends are all a result of his unconfessed sin. "Because of your wrath there is no health in my body". "I am bowed down and brought very low". David says that his friends avoid him and stay away from him. He says that he feels like a deaf man and he confesses his iniquity. Oh Lord, he cries, do not forsake me. Come quickly to help me.

Psalm 37 (summary): Do not fret because of evil men

David here tells people not to worry about evil people who prosper because it won't last. David encourages people to trust in the Lord and wait for him to give their hearts' desires. The wicked will soon be gone, he says, but the meek will inherit the land, as God laughs at the false hope of the wicked. In fact the wicked's bows will backfire because better is a little with God than lots with wickedness. When things go wrong God is with the blameless and they will not wither, however the wicked will perish like plants in the fields. The wicked borrow and don't repay, but the righteous are generous. God's people may stumble but they won't fall because God supports them. I am old but I have never seen the righteous forsaken, David says. Turn from evil and do good, he proposes. For the offspring of the wicked will be cut off. Wait for the Lord, David says, and he will exalt you. There is always a future for a man of peace, but the wicked will be cut off. The salvation of the righteous come from the Lord.

Psalm 36 (summary): An oracle is within my heart

David decries the sinfulness of the wicked who have no fear of God, whose words are deceitful and who plot evil. God, to the contrary, sustains love and faithfulness to the skies, his righteousness is like the mighty mountains and he gives refuge under the shadow of his wings. Those who fear God drink from God's river of delights, enjoy the fountain of life, and see light.