Ezekiel 40 (résumé): The new temple area

Ezekiel 40 begins, in year 25 of the 70-year exile, the prophet's vision of a future rebuilding of the temple. God transports Ezekiel back to Israel in a vision and there a man "whose appearance was like bronze" told the prophet to take note of everything and transmit it to the Jews. Ezekiel in the visions sees the temple wall, the eastern gate, the outer court, the north and south gates, the gates to the inner court, the rooms for preparing sacrifices, the rooms for the priests and the temple porch. Every meticulous detail of the temple speaks of God's holiness with clear order and perfection. Here would be again the place of true worship.

Ezekiel 39 (résumé): Son of man - prophesy!

 Ezekiel 39 continues the prophesy against Gog saying "on the mountains of Israel you will fall... all your troops and alliance... and vultures and wild beasts will scavenge the corpses". Then the Israelites gather the weapons of the defeated armies which gives them 7-years worth of firewood! Then God decides to give the valley of Hamon Gog as a burial ground for the defeated armies and it took the Israelites 7 months to bury them all. Then God also summons vultures and wild beasts to feast on Gog's corpses! There were an awful lot of dead bodies! Then God again reminds everyone that the exile was the result of Israel's sin, but the Lord promises to restore Israel. "When I have brought them back... I will show myself holy through them before the nations... and I will pour out my spirit on the house of Israel".

Ezekiel 38 (résumé): A prophecy against Gog

 Ezekiel 38 starts a prophecy against Gog, of the land of Magog, who leads a big alliance including Persia, Cush, Put, Gomes and Beth Togarmah. God declares that he will draw Gog's alliance to do battle with Israel. Gog schemes an invasion of Israel without realizing that this is what God wants. Then when Gog attacks he falls into God's ambush and God reacts with earthquake, confusion of the enemy bringing about friendly fire, pestilence, bloodshed, torrential rain, hailstone, burning sulphur and fire engulf the enemy. The result of the Lord's multifaceted attacks is a total trouncing of Gog and his massive alliance. The power of God was thus revealed to all.

Ezekiel 37 (résumé): The valley of dry bones

Ezekiel 37 is one of the most positive hopeful chapters of the book pointing to spiritual and national renewal of the Jews through 2 prophetic visions. First of all comes the vision of the valley of dry bones which clearly represents the desperate situation of Israel in exile. God tells Ezekiel to prophesy life to the dry bones and "the bones came together... then tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them... but they just lacked breath... so Ezekiel prophesied again... and they came to life and stood up". These bones restored represent Israel restored, revived and with new life. For God says: "I will put my spirit in you and you will live". Then comes the second vision of the chapter with the vision of 2 sticks representing Judah and Israel united in one kingdom. "I will make them one nation... there will be one king over all... they will no longer defile themselves with idols... I will save them from their sinful backsliding... David will be king over them... and they will have one shepherd.. and follow my law... David will be their prince forever... and I will make an everlasting covenant with them... and my sanctuary is among them forever".

Ezekiel 36 (résumé): A prophecy to the mountains of Israel

This chapter is one of hope and restoration as God promises to bless his people and renew them spiritually. First of all God promises to restore the Land: "O mountains of Israel you will produce branches and fruit for my people and they will soon come home... I will look on you with favour... and men and animals will be fruitful and numerous... and no longer will you suffer the scorn of the peoples". God then goes on to remind Israel that they were exiled because of their sin as "they defiled the land by their conduct and actions... I judged them according to this... because they profaned my holy name". But God will restore Israel for his name's sake... "I am going to do these things for the sake of my holy name... and I will take you out of the nations... and give you a new heart and a new spirit... and you will live in the land that I gave to your forefathers... crops, grain and fruit will be abundant... and the land will flourish again like the Garden of Eden... the Lord will rebuild that which was destroyed and replant that which was desolate... and Israel will become as numerous as sheep!" 

Ezekiel 35 (résumé): A prophecy against Edom

This chapter is a prophecy against Mount Seir representing Edom. "I will stretch out my hand against you and make you a desolate waste... because you harboured an ancient hostility against Israel... since you did not hate bloodshed, bloodshed will pursue you... I will fill the mountains with the slain... I will treat you in accordance with the anger and jealousy of them... for you boasted against me and spoke against me without restraint... so I will make you desolate'".

Ezekiel 34 (résumé): Shepherds & Sheep

This chapter focuses on Israel's false shepherds (kings, rulers and spiritual leaders) as God promises to be their true shepherd. God said: "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel... woe to the shepherds... who only take care of themselves... you have ruled harshly... so I will hold them responsible for the flock... and I myself will search for the sheep... and look after them... I will rescue them.. I will tend them in good pasture... and I will judge between the fat and lean sheep... and I will save my flock and they will no longer be plundered... and I will rid the land of wild beasts... and they will live in safety... then they will know that I am the Lord their God... you my sheep are my people and I am your God declares the Sovereign Lord".

Ezekiel 33 (résumé): Ezekiel a watchman

This chapter is the beginning of a shift in focus from judgement to hope and restoration. Initially God renews Ezekiel's calling as a watchmen for Israel and if people ignore the warnings then "his blood will be on their own head". On the other hand if Ezekiel the watchman fails to worn then it will be his responsibility. God then makes a call to repentance making it clear: "I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live". Then a wicked person who repents will receive life, and God reacts to man's current response to him. Then news arrives that the city of Jerusalem had fallen as Ezekiel had predicted. And the text says: "Then they will know that I am the Lord when I have made the land a desolate waste, because of all the detestable things they have done". But the people hear Ezekiel's message and just treat it as a show never putting his message into practice. Only when everything comes true "they will know that a prophet has been among them".

God's compassion

I led the main service of the week in Patos yesterday and Missionary Sacha preached on "God's compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is God's faithfulness" (Lamentations 3:22-23). It was a lovely service and an excellent sermon.

Pastors Rafael and Murilo went to Imaculada yesterday where Rafael preached.

I watched the World Cup final with the first half very boring with Spain better including 65% possession. I didn't watch the interval's Americanism with Madonna and Shakira. I hope FIFA will never hold the World Cup in the USA again. The second half and extra time were equally boring and Argentina were a disgrace from beginning to end. Well done Spain! 🏆But it was a terrible final thanks to Argentina's negativism and dirt. 

Green Pastures

Last night I led and preached at the Green Pastures church with the local farming folk. I preached on John 9:1-12. It was a lovely service. I saw 2 Pigmy Nightjars on the way and 2 Tree-Frogs there.

I have now completed the résumés of 30 chapters of Ezekiel so that leaves 18 chapters to go. 

I see that England beat France by the unlikely margin of 6 x 4 to take 3rd spot in the World Cup. I didn't watch the game but Brazilian pundits say it was a really good game. Well done England!

Ezekiel 32 (résumé): A lament for Pharoah

Ezekiel 32 presents 2 laments for Pharoah and Egypt declaring its downfall to be a result of its pride. Pharoah is compared to a lion and sea monster... "but I will throw you on the land... and beasts will gorge on you... I will drench the land with your flowing blood... snuffing you out will darken the stars, sun and moon... when I bring about your destruction among the nations... the sword of Babylon will come against you... I will make Egypt desolate and all will know that I am the Lord". Then comes the second lament which points to how Egypt lies in Sheol with other nations judged by God... like Assyria, Elam, Meshech and Tubal, Edom, Sidon... so you too Pharoah will be broken and lie among the uncircumcised, and with those killed by the sword".   

Ezekiel 31 (résumé): A Cedar in Lebanon

Ezekiel 31 prophesies against Egypt using a Lebanese cedar as an example. The text points to Assyria, "once a cedar in Lebanon... majestic... with beautiful branches... nourished by abundant water... and it towered higher than all the other trees... no tree in the garden of God could rival it... but it was filled with pride because of its height and splendour and foreign nations came and cut it down... and I made the nations tremble at the sound of its fall when I brought it down to the grave... you too Egypt will be brought down as was the cedar of Lebanon... you will lie with the uncircumcised... this is what will happen to Pharoah and all his hordes, declares the Sovereign Lord".

Ezekiel 30 (résumé): A lament for Egypt

 Ezekiel 30 continues the theme of God's judgement on Egypt and surrounding nations. "Wail... alas for that day... the day of the Lord is near... a time of doom for the nations... when the slain fall in Egypt her wealth will be carried away... the allies of Egypt will fall... I will put an end to the hordes of Egypt... Babylon will draw their swords against Egypt... I will destroy the idols... and I will spread fear... I will pour out my wrath... I will set fire to Egypt... she will be covered with clouds... So I will inflict punishment on Egypt... I am against Pharoah king of Egypt and will break both his arms so that he can't hold a sword... I will disperse the Egyptians among the nations... and I will put my sword in the hand of the king of Babylon... then they will know that I am the Lord".

Ezekiel 29 (résumé): A prophecy against Egypt

Ezekiel 29 speaks against Egypt's Pharoah and nation because of its pride and because of its unreliability in its support for Israel. God says: "I am against you Pharoah... I will put hooks in your jaws... I will give you as food for the beasts and birds... I will bring a sword against you and kill your men and animals... I will make Egypt a desolate waste... no one will live there for 40 years... and it will never again rule over the nations". Finally God gives Egypt to Babylon to compensate for their hard work against Tyre. And God will restores Israel's strength (horn) and enable Ezekiel to speak out boldly". 

Ezekiel 28 (résumé): A prophecy against the King of Tyre

Ezekiel 28 starts with a condemnation of the ruler of Tyre, then goes into a lament concerning the King of Tyre, this is followed by a prophecy against Sidon, and concludes promising a gathering from the nations of Israel. First then the ruler of Tyre was inflated by his pride as he even thought he was a god! Because of his arrogance God says he will judge him and he "will die the death of the uncircumcised at the hands of foreigners". Then in the next section a lament about the King of Tyre ensues saying how he was "the model of perfection... you were in Eden... blameless in your ways... but then wickedness was found in you... so I drove you from the mount of God... your heart become proud... so I reduced you to ashes... and you have come to a horrible end". Then God announces judgement on Sidon which is another Phoenician city: "I will send a plague on her and make blood flow in her streets". Then finally God promises the gathering of the Israelites from the nations... "and they will live in their own land... and they will live in safety". 

Sisters

I have now finished writing my summary of the first 24 chapters of Ezekiel which is half of the book. Chapter 23 is quite shocking being the most sensual chapter of the Bible, making the Song of Solomon like a children's book in kindergarten by comparison, only Ezekiel's sensual writing involves prostitution comparing Israel and Judah's sin with it. I was surprised how one commentary completely avoided reference to the sensual parts which are not few. It was like he was commenting on a different book! That it comes as quite a shock is true, but it's in the Bible as written by a certain priest and prophet called Ezekiel who lived in the 6th century BC. However it's not a chapter for children or adolescents. 

Last night our son Philip, his wife Gylmara and their youngest son Luis, arrived in Brazil just after 9 pm at Recife airport, having left Heathrow at 6 am. They then drove up the coast to João Pessoa where they will spend the week with Gyl's parents prior to coming to Patos in the interior.

The death-toll in our neighbouring Venezuela's earthquakes has tragically passed the 5,000 mark at 5,069!

Ezekiel 27 (résumé): A lament for Tyre

In this chapter the subject of the condemnation of Tyre continues with a lament or funeral song for a beautiful ship which sinks symbolizing Tyre's downfall under God's judgement. "You say, O Tyre, I am perfect in beauty... your deck inlaid with ivory... awnings of blue and purple... all the ships of the sea came alongside to trade your wares... men of Persia, Arvad and Helech brought your beauty to perfection... Tarshish did business with you... and Greece, Tubal, Meshech, Beth Togarmah, Rhodes, Aram. Judah, Israel... your oarsmen take you out to the high seas but the east wind will break you to pieces... everyone on board will sink into the sea... all who handle the oars will abandon their ships... and cry bitterly over you... they will shave their heads... they will take up a lament concerning you... now you are shattered by the sea in the depths and your wares and all your company have gone down with you!"

Ezekiel 26 (résumé): A prophecy against Tyre

Now starts a series of prophecies against the wealthy Phoenician city of Tyre which it thought would be benefitted by Jerusalem's downfall. "She lays in ruins", they gloated, "so we will prosper". So God in retribution says "I will bring many nations against you... they will destroy the walls of Tyre... and will become plunder for the nations". So God chooses Nebuchadnezzar to lead the charge against Tyre and "he will ravage your settlements... he will bring battering rams against them... and they will plunder your wealth... and break down your walls... leaving just bare rock to dry the fishing nets!" So the whole region was shocked by the fall of Tyre... "the coastlands tremble on the day of your fall". "I will bring you to a horrible end and you will be no more.... to never again be found".

Ezekiel 25 (résumé): Prophecies against surrounding nations of Judah

 Ezekiel 25 commences a series of condemnations of Judah's surrounding nations for their pride and hatred of the people of God. Initially Ezekiel prophesies against the Ammonites for rejoicing over the destruction of the temple and the sending of the Jews into exile. "I will destroy you and you will know that I am the Lord". Similarly "I will inflict punishment on Moab and give Moab, together with Ammon, to the people of the east". Then God vented his anger on Edom and said "I will stretch out my hand on Edom and kill their men and their animals... and they will know my vengeance because they took revenge on the House of Judah". Finally in chapter 25 judgement is decreed upon the Philistines. "I will carry out great vengeance on them and punish them in my wrath". 

Ezekiel 24 (résumé): The cooking pot

Ezekiel 24 marks the point where the judgement of the siege of Jerusalem started on January 15th in 588 BC. God then brings Ezekiel the parable of the cooking pot with the pot representing Jerusalem and the meat being cooked in the pot representing the people. "Woe to the city of bloodshed!... cook the meat well... and let the bones be charred... you will not be clean until my wrath against you has subsided... you will be judged according to your conduct and actions". Following the parable of the cooking pot comes the death of Ezekiel's wife which was a painful acting out of the loss of someone precious like Jerusalem is about to lose their precious temple, and Ezekiel was not even allowed by God to mourn his wife's passing! Finally with the news of Jerusalem's siege beginning "at that time your mouth will be opened... and be no longer silent... and they will know that I am the Lord".

Ezekiel 23 (résumé): Two adulterous sisters

Ezekiel 23 brings an allegory or parable of 2 sisters: Oholah who represents Israel (Samaria) and Oholibah who represents Judah (Jerusalem). Through this story God exposes his people's unfaithfulness showing why judgement is inevitable. These 2 sisters "became prostitutes in Egypt... Oholah gave herself as a prostitute to all the Assyrian elite and defiled herself with their idols... therefore I handed her over to the Assyrians... and they punished her... Oholibah her sister was even more depraved... she too lusted after the Assyrian governors, commanders, warriors, horsemen and handsome young men... she lusted too after the Chaldeans... and then the Babylonians... and I turned away from her in disgust as I did with her sister... yet she became more and more promiscuous... and lusted after Egyptian genitals that were like those of donkeys... so Oholibah I will stir up your lovers against you... the Babylonians, Chaldeans and Assyrians... and they will come against you with chariots... I will turn you over to them for punishment... and they will deal with you in fury... so I will put a stop to your lewd prostitution... you will be filled with drunkenness and sorrow... I have spoken declares the Sovereign Lord... judge Oholah and Oholibah... for they committed adultery with idols.... and desecrated my sabbaths... and sacrificed their children... you even sent for extra men from far away to have sex with... blood is on their hands... bring a mob against them... and I will put an end to lewdness in the land... and bear the consequences of your sins of idolatry... then you will know that I am the Lord".

Ezekiel 22 (résumé): Jerusalem's sins

Ezekiel 22 is a powerful denunciation of Jerusalem's sin which makes judgement unavoidable. God starts calling Jerusalem a "city of bloodshed" which "defiles itself by making idols". You have "oppressed the alien, orphan and widow... and desecrated the sabbath... practiced sexual immorality and dishonour parents... so I will disperse you among the nations... and put an end to your uncleanness". Then God says that Israel is like dross and he will pour out his fire of judgement on Jerusalem to separate the dross from the metals of silver, copper, iron and lead. God then goes on to condemn all levels of Jerusalem society: "Her priests do violence to my law... her prophets whitewash things with false visions... her princes conspire... her officials commit violence and injustice... and her people practice oppression and robbery". Then God concludes saying: "I looked for someone to stand in the gap on behalf of the land... but I found none". 

Mud & Spit

I have prepared a sermon for tomorrow at Green Pastures on John 9:1-12 and the healing of a man blind from birth. Why Jesus used mud and spit in the healing process I don't know, but the great thing was that he was healed. It is one of three times that Jesus used spit in healings. 

Yesterday we had a time of prayer with a family from the Patos church whose daughter is unwell. We prayed for God's blessing and healing. 

The youth group from Basingstoke Community Church were in Barra de Oitis village yesterday and are in the village of Mata Oitis today. Tomorrow they will be in the town of Diamante.

Last night I led the prayer meeting and Bible study and it was an excellent service with a good number present. Lawyer Rayla gave a good study on 1 Samuel 5, the prayer and praise flowed beautifully and participations were blessed. 

Ezekiel 21 (résumé): Babylon, God's sword of judgement

Ezekiel 21 proclaims God's imminent judgement because of Israel's sin. The instrument of this judgement will be the Babylonians. Initially God describes his decision to judge as a drawn sword: "my sword will be unsheathed against everyone from south to north... it is a sword sharpened and polished for slaughter". Then Nebuchadnezzar seeks an omen and opts to attack Jerusalem and the Jews will be reminded of their guilt and be taken captive. Then the text says that "the profane and wicked prince of Israel" (King Zedekiah) will be dethroned and the Davidic lineage to the throne "will not be restored until he comes to whom it rightfully belongs (Jesus the Messiah)". Then the chapter comes to an end predicting judgement on the Ammonites too: "I will pour out my wrath upon you". 

England beaten

I saw England beaten by Argentina 2 x 1 in the World Cup yesterday. Sadly England threw the match away by trying to just defend for 35 minutes after having scored through Gordon early in the second half. As time went by it looked increasingly unlikely that England would survive the onslaught and they didn't. England only have themselves to blame for losing a semi-final with a whimper. Very sad. 😖All credit to Argentina for turning the game round from 1 x 0.

Ezekiel 20 (résumé): Rebellious Israel

Ezekiel 20 gives an overview of Israel's constant historical rebellion against God. Initially some elders came to consult Ezekiel but God forbid this. Then God reminds Israel how he brought them out of Egypt yet "they rebelled against me and would not listen to me... and they would not forsake the idols of Egypt". God however gave them the law and taught them to worship his alone, but they ignored the law: "They rejected my laws and utterly desecrated my sabbaths". Eventually God punished that generation by not allowing them to enter the promised land: "Although I will bring them out of the land where they are living, yet they will not enter the land of Israel". Then God said to the people: "Do not follow the statutes of your fathers... or defile yourselves with their idols... but keep the sabbath, reject idols and obey the law". Despite this the following generation also rebelled against the Lord! Even after entering the promised land they rebelled "sacrificing their sons in the fire... defiling themselves with idols... and worshipping in the high places". God then says "I will rule over you with a mighty hand.... I will bring you from the nations... and eventually I will judge you and bring you into the bond of the covenant... there on the holy mountain the entire house of Israel will serve me". The chapter ends with a prophecy of consuming fire on the southern forest (Israel) by the flames of Babylon.

Ezekiel 19 (résumé): A lament for Israel's princes

Ezekiel 19 is a lament about the rebellion of the princes of Judah. Judah is compared to a lioness which had "young lions and reared her cubs (or princes). The first cub becomes a fierce lion but is captured and taken to Egypt (King Jehoahaz) and then comes a second cub who eventually is captured too and taken to Babylon (King Jehoiachin or Zedekiah). Finally Judah is compared to a fruitful vine as a symbol of prosperity. However under God's judgement "it was uprooted in fury... it shrivelled and was stripped of its fruit... and no strong branch is left fit to rule". 

Ezekiel 18 (résumé): The soul that sins will die - individual responsibility

Ezekiel 18 focuses on individual responsibility of each person before God. God tells Israel to stop quoting the proverb: "the fathers eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge". That is that each individual answers for his own sin and should not blame it on previous generations. Ezekiel gives 3 examples of this principal starting with a righteous man "who does what is just and right... he will surely live declares the Sovereign Lord". Next comes the righteous man's violent son who "defiles his neighbour's wife... oppresses the poor...and does detestable things... will such a man live? He will not!" Then comes the violent son's son who "keeps God's law's and follows his decrees... he will surely live". Thus it was shown that nobody is judged according to the behaviour of another person. Then the text goes on to show that repentance will be rewarded and that the ways of God are just. The chapter concludes exhorting all to "get a new heart and spirit" from the Lord and live. 

Street meeting

Last night I travelled with some men from the Patos Church men's fellowship to preach the Gospel in a street service in the town of São Mamede. The service was led by School Teacher Claudivan, Márcio (a white rat keeper for the university) and I brought short words, and Pastor Rafael brought the main message. In the middle of his message a surprise shower of rain came scattering the people, so we finished the service inside the house of Maricô and José. The service was good and after it Sister Maricô served everyone with a tasty snack. 

Ezekiel 17 (résumé): Two eagles & a vine

Ezekiel 17 starts with a parable of 2 eagles and a vine which God gave to Ezekiel. "A great eagle with powerful wings (Babylon) chops the top off a cedar tree in Lebanon (King Jehoiachin) and takes it to Babylon. The eagle plants a seed "and it sprouted and became a low spreading vine". Then comes a second eagle (Egypt) and the vine turns towards it rather than Babylon. Because of this betrayal God says "All its new growth will wither". For this betrayal was not pleasing to God. Finally God says "I myself will take a shoot from the top of a cedar... and plant it on the mountain heights of Israel and it will become splendid". This messianic promise is confirmed saying: "I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it".

Donate to EAB online

You can support the work of EAB online at https://www.justgiving.com/evangelicalactionbrazil/donate  Thank you and God bless you. Liz and I have been working with EAB and its Brazilian partner ACEV, in the interior of Brazil's northeast, for 54 years and we value your prayers. 🙏

Liz went to the Ladies prayer meeting last night. There weren't many there but she is faithful and rarely misses.

Yesterday I completed the synopses of Ezekiel up to chapter 16 so that means a third of the book is done. 

Ezekiel 16 (résumé): An allegory of unfaithful Jerusalem

Ezekiel 16 is a very long and graphic chapter using the allegory of a woman to describe God's relationship with Jerusalem. Initially God finds and rescues Jerusalem as an abandoned child "for on the day you were born you were despised". God cared for her: "I made you grow like a plant of the field... I then when you were older married you and entered into a covenant relationship with you... I dressed you with fine linen and costly garments and adorned you with jewelry... you became very beautiful and rose to be a queen... but you trusted more in your beauty than you trusted in me... and you used your fame to become a prostitute... and you made gaudy high places to practice your prostitution... and you sacrificed your children to idols... and you forgot from where I had brought you... Woe to you declares the Sovereign Lord... and then you engaged in prostitution with the Egyptians... and with the Philistines and Assyrians... and then included the Babylonians... you are a brazen prostitute... you prefer strangers to me your husband... you adulterous wife... in the light of all this I will gather all your foreign lovers and expose your nakedness... they will stone you and hack you to pieces... and I will put a stop to your prostitution... for you are worse than your sister Sodom... your sins were more vile than theirs... so I will deal with you as you deserve but I will remember the covenant of your youth and will establish an everlasting covenant with you... and you will know that I am the Lord".

Ezekiel 15 (résumé): Jerusalem - a useless vine

Ezekiel 15 compares Jerusalem with a vine. A vine does not produce wood to make useful things but is only good if it produces fruit... the fruit of righteousness, obedience and commitment to God. This Jerusalem has not done. So God says: "I will set my face against them... and the fire will yet consume them... I will make the land desolate because they have been unfaithful, declares the Sovereign Lord".

Ezekiel 14 (résumé): Idolaters condemned

Ezekiel 14 tells of how some elders came to consult the prophet but he was not happy to help them because he perceived that they has "set up idols in their hearts... and he told them to repent... turn from their idols and detestable practices... for I will set my face against that man... then you will know that I am the Lord". God then says that he will condemn the prophet who deals with those who have idols in their heart. Then the text goes on to say that the country's judgement is inevitable and not even Noah, Daniel and Job could hinder it! So too such just men could do nothing either to stop wild beasts devouring people, the sword killing or the plague killing too... so it will be when God sends similar judgment and nothing or no-one will be able to hinder him... though there will be a remnant of survivors.

Ezekiel 13 (résumé): False prophets condemned

Ezekiel 13 contains a firm condemnation of false prophets and false prophetesses that "prophesy out of their own imagination". God says "woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing". God says "I am against you, declares the Sovereign Lord... they lead my people astray saying peace when there is no peace". It's as if they build a flimsy wall and cover it with whitewash to make it look good and safe! "I will tear down the cracked wall". Then too God condemns the prophetesses who put magic charms on their wrists to ensnare the people. "By lying to my people you have killed those who shouldn't have died and spared them who should not live... I will tear off your magic charms and veils... because you disheartened the righteous with your lies... I will save the people from your hands".

Ezekiel 12 (résumé): The exile symbolized

 God's word came to Ezekiel again warning of imminent judgement on his "rebellious people". God instructed Ezekiel to pack his belongings as if preparing to go into exile so as to act out to the people what they were about to experience. Then at evening he digs through the city wall and carries out his belongings as the people watched. And Ezekiel said to them, "I am a sign to you... as I have done, so it will be done to them. They will go into exile as captives". It specifically points to King Zedekiah who tried to escape and was taken prisoner to Babylon. Then God tells him to eat and drink with fear and trembling to symbolize what the people would face when Jerusalem was under siege. Finally the text shows that the people are falsely optimistic thinking that God will never fulfill his threats, and God says: "None of my words will be delayed any longer. Whatever I say will be fulfilled".

Ezekiel 11 (résumé): Judgement on Israel's leaders

 Ezekiel 11 points to God's judgement on the corrupt leaders of Jerusalem. Ezekiel is shown 25 leaders who are misleading the people with over optimistic messages. Rather than being secure in Jerusalem they are in fact totally vulnerable says the Lord. God then makes it very clear that although the Jewish exiles are now far away in Babylon they are still his people. God says "I have been a sanctuary for them where they have gone", and he makes clear that he will yet restore them to their land. Then he "will give them an undivided heart and a new spirit". The chapter ends with the glory of the Lord departing from Jerusalem and it stopped at a mountain to the east, perhaps the Mount of Olives.

Campina Grande

Yesterday afternoon we left Patos at 2 pm and drove 3 hours east to Campina Grande to preach at our Catolé church. It was a lovely service. After the service we held an excellent meeting with Pastor Wostenes and his wife Gleydice and had a lovely meal together. We got home eventually to bed in Patos about 1.15 am, tired but rejoicing. 

It was good to see in Campina Grande the 16-strong youth team from Basingstoke who are with us for 2 weeks. Part of the team is our 19-year-old grandson Lucas. The team is led by Ben & Miriam Price.

In Patos the service was led by Missionary Sacha and Pastor Murilo preached the word from John 17.

Ezekiel 10 (résumé): The glory departs from the Temple

Ezekiel 10 describes the glory of the Lord departing from the temple. Initially a man clothed in linen is told by God to scatter fiery coals of God's judgement over the city. Then "the glory of the Lord rose from above the cherubim" and the cherubim each had 4 faces of a man, lion, ox and eagle, and they were completely covered by eyes. Beside each cherubim were intersecting wheels which gave mobility to the throne. Then the text says that the glory of the Lord departed and stopped at the entrance to the east gate. 

Ezekiel 9 (résumé): Idolaters killed

 Ezekiel 9 is a gruesome sad chapter with a vision depicting God's wrath upon Jerusalem because of their persistent idolatry. Initially those against the idolatry received a mark on their foreheads to protect them. The protected ones were "those who grieve and lament over all the detestable things" being practiced. Then the command was given to go to the rest in the city and kill everyone "without showing pity or compassion... slaughter men, women and children". Ezekiel cried to God asking him if he was going to kill everyone, but God would not budge saying "I will not look on them with pity or spare them".

England win

Last night all the family got together to eat pizza in our front room and watch England beat Norway 2 x 1 after extra time in the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Both goals were scored by Bellingham but my congratulations go to Rodgers who made the superb shot which led to the winning goal. But Bellingham is an outstanding player. Now it's on to the semi-final on Wednesday against Argentina. 

This afternoon we will be driving 3-hours to Campina Grande where I will be preaching tonight at our Catolé church where Pastor Wostenes is the senior pastor. Please pray. They have asked me to preach on "The River of the Water of Life". (Revelation 22:1)

Ezekiel 8 (résumé): Idolatry in the Temple

In Ezekiel 8 the prophet is given a visionary journey to the temple by God where he saw the outrageous idolatry and defilement underway. Initially he was taken to see the idol that provokes jealousy. Next he went through a hole in the wall to see a secret chamber of idols where 70 elders were secretly worshipping their gods thinking they were hidden from the Lord. Then Ezekiel witnesses weeping for Tammuz, a pagan fertility deity. Finally Ezekiel saw 25 men worshipping the sun. God then drew attention to all the detestable things being practiced and said to Ezekiel that he would deal with the people in anger.

Ezekiel 7 (résumé): The end has come

God then spoke to Ezekiel that "the end has come upon the four corners of the land... I will unleash my anger against you... an unhear-of disaster is coming... doom has come upon you... I will judge you according to your conduct... then you will know that it is I the Lord that strikes the blow... the time has come, the day has arrived... every hand will go limp and every knee will become as weak as water... their silver and gold will not be able to save them in the day of the Lord's wrath... prepare chains because the land is full of bloodshed and the city is full of violence... calamity upon calamity will come... by their own standards I will judge them. Then they will know that I am the Lord". 

Ezekiel 6 (résumé): A prophecy against the mountains of Israel

 Now God instructs Ezekiel to condemn the mountains of Israel saying "I will destroy your high places. Your pagan altars will be demolished... and I will slay the people in front of their idols and scatter their bones round the altars... and you will know that I am the Lord". However God promises to spare a remnant who will be scattered around the nations, and there they will remember God and repent of their sins. Then Ezekiel is told to act out intense grief "striking his hands... stamping his feet and crying out Alas because of all the detestable practices of Israel... and people will die through plague, sword and famine.... and they will know that I am God".

Ezekiel 5 (résumé): Take a sharp sword

In Ezekiel 5 God tells him to shave his head and beard with a sword. He was then to burn one third of the hair, another third was to be chopped by a sword all round the city, and the final third was to be scattered to the wind. However Ezekiel was to bind a few remnant hairs in the folds of his garment and burn a few of these. God then explained that this all meant that one-third of the people will die in the city through famine and disease, one-third would die outside the city by the enemy's sword, and one-third will be scattered and pursued by God's sword. God ends saying that he will shoot his deadly arrows of famine on them and leave them childless, devastated by plague, bloodshed and sword. "Then my anger will cease... and I will be avenged". 

Ezekiel 4 (résumé): Siege of Jerusalem symbolized

 In Ezekiel 4 God commands Ezekiel to act out and dramatize different things so as to transmit to Israel the seriousness of the imminent Babylonian siege of Jerusalem. Initially God tells Ezekiel to make a clay model or toy city of Jerusalem under siege, and then put an iron pan between himself and the model probably to represent the separation between Israel and God by their sin. The second stage of Ezekiel's dramatization involved him lying down on his left side tied up with ropes for 390 days representing 390 years of Israel's sin. Then he turned similarly on his left side for 40 days representing Judah's 40 years of sin. Then in the final part of the chapter to the imminent starvation and thirst situation in the siege of Jerusalem it was acted out with Ezekiel lying down and restricted to 220 grams of food per day which had to be cooked initially using human excrement, though this was later changed to cow dung! On top of this he could only drink 0.6 litres of water per day. There was going to be lots of starvation and thirst in Jerusalem!

Anniversary Service

Last night we went and preached at the 30th anniversary service of our Matureia church an hour's drive up the mountain on Patos's south side. Local Pastor Renilson led the service, the local praise and worship group led the singing and playing, and I preached on integrity from Proverbs 10:9. It was a beautiful service with the church nearly full on a Friday night. After the service we had a good chat to Pastor Renilson whilst we ate hotdogs and drank coke.

Ezekiel 3 (résumé): Eat the scroll & warn Israel

 Ezekiel 3 tells of Ezekiel receiving a scroll from God to eat, and it was "sweet as honey" prior to taking the message to the rebellious, hardened and obstinate people. God sent Ezekiel as a "watchman for the house of Israel" and is responsible for warning the wicked, for which he will be accountable if he fails. God temporarily made him mute: "I will make your tongue stick to the roof of your mouth... but when I speak to you then you will speak to them in the name of the Sovereign Lord". Ezekiel could thus only speak when authorized by God.

Ezekiel 2 (résumé): Ezekiel's Call

 Ezekiel says that God told him to stand so that he could speak to him and the Spirit came into him. God said he was sending him to the Israelites who were a rebellious nation, obstinate and stubborn. He was to tell God's message straight without fear. For "you must speak my words to them whether they listen or not". God then told Ezekiel to eat the scroll he was giving him symbolic of the internalization of the difficult message he had to deliver.

Ezekiel 1 (résumé): The living creatures & the glory of the Lord

The Book of Ezekiel was written by Ezekiel the priest during the Babylonian exile and it covers the judgement of God owing to the Jews idolatry, it highlights that God is sovereign, and it points to eventual restoration with a new covenant. 

In Ezekiel 1 Ezekiel receives the initial call of God in Babylon by the Kebar River in 593 BC. He had a vision of the glory of God and in the fire he saw 4 living creatures like men and each of them had 4 faces and 4 wings. Their faces were of men, lions, oxen and eagles. Accompanying the creatures were 4 very big wheels whose "rims were high and awesome, and all 4 were full of eyes all around". Above all this the was an "expanse" and above this there was "a throne of Sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man". "This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord", and the whole vision would seem to be symbolic of the majesty of God.

Highest Point

I will be preaching at the anniversary service of our Matureia church this evening. Matureia has the highest point in our state of Paraiba which is 1,208 metres (3,963 feet). I have been asked to preach on 'Walking in Integrity' from Proverbs 10:9. The pastor there is Pastor Renilson. 

Yesterday we visited Pastor João George in hospital in Patos where he is ill with a Gall stone which has made its way to his liver and it will need to be removed some way or another. Please pray for him.

I have finished my résumé of the Book of Lamentations so now it's on to another of the major prophets: Ezekiel.

Tomorrow a group of young people, including our grandson Lucas, are coming to Brazil for a 2-week visit led by Ben and Miriam Price who used to work with us here. The group of 18 is from the Hub Community Church in Basingstoke. They will be based at Ibiara and will be going round churches in that area plus Campina Grande, João Pessoa and Green Pastures.

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and fireman Romildo brought the study on Titus 2. It was a good service.

Lamentations 5 (résumé): What has happened to us?

Lamentations 5 acknowledges hereditary sin as the Jews cry for God's mercy and restoration. "Our fathers sinned and are no more, and we bear their punishment... our inheritance has been turned over to aliens... we are feverish from hunger... our women have been ravished... princes have been hung up by their hands... joy is gone from our hearts... retore us to yourself O Lord, that we may return; renew our days as of old... O Lord reign forever!"

Lamentations 4 (résumé): The gold has lost its lustre

Lamentations 4 is another acrostic poem describing the siege and destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. The proud people of Jerusalem were reduced to destitution and starvation by their sin. "My people have become heartless... children beg for bread... people are destitute in the streets... the punishment of my people is greater than that of Sodom... their skin has shrivelled on their bones... racked with hunger they waste away... women have cooked their own children... the Lord has given full vent to his wrath... because of the sins of her prophets". Finally comes a note of hope: "O Daughter of Zion, your punishment will end; he will not prolong your exile!"

Lamentations 3 (résumé): The rod of his wrath

Lamentations 3 is the centre of this little book beginning with despair at Babylon's siege and destruction of Jerusalem, but then switching to hope in the Lord whose "compassions never fail... and whose faithfulness is great". Initially the author remarks about having experienced "the rod of God's wrath... he has besieged me... he has weighed me down in chains... he shuts out my prayer... he pierced my heart with arrows... he has broken my teeth with gravel". The author feels trapped, beaten and abandoned by God. Then the author "calls to mind that which gives him hope... that is that because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed... for his compassions never fail... they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness... the Lord is my portion... I will wait for him... it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord...  for men are not cast off by the Lord forever... why should any man complain when punished for his sins?" Finally the author calls the nation to "examine our ways, repent, and return to the Lord... I called on your ways O Lord, from the depths of the pit... and you heard my plea... you redeemed my life... pay back my enemies O Lord"!

Pastor Iremar

 Pastor Iremar leads our Juá and Funcionários III churches and his father has died. Please pray for Pastor Iremar and family.

The Life Squad was in action at the Patos prison yesterday evangelizing the 400 plus inmates. Please pray for this ministry.

I have finished my synopsis of the big book of Jeremiah. It was quite a job with many massive chapters. This means I have written the résumés of 797 chapters of the Bible, which totals 24 books and 67% of the whole Bible - so two thirds of the Bible are done! Now it's on to Lamentations. 

Lamentations 2 (résumé): The Daughter of Zion

In another acrostic poem Lamentations 2 points to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple as a result of the insistent rebellion and sin by the Jews. "Without pity the Lord has swallowed up all the dwellings of Jacob... in his wrath he has torn down the strongholds of Judah... like an enemy he has strung his bow... and poured out his wrath... the Lord has abandoned his sanctuary... her gates have sunk into the ground... my eyes fail from weeping... the children and infants ask where there is bread and wine?... your wound is as deep as the sea... the visions of your prophets were false and worthless... the Lord has done what he planned and fulfilled his word... the hearts of the people cry out to the Lord... should women eat their offspring?... you have slain men and maiden in the day of your anger... you have slaughtered them without pity... in the day of the Lord's anger no-one escaped or survived".

Lamentations 1 (résumé): How deserted lies the city

The book of Lamentations, traditionally attributed to Jeremiah, is a series of sad poems reflecting on the catastrophic siege of Jerusalem culminating in its destruction in 587 BC. Israel's persistent sin had devastating consequences.

Lamentation 1 is an acrostic poem lamenting the fall of Jerusalem. "How like a widow is she... she who once was a queen is now a slave... bitterly she weeps... Judah has gone into exile... she is in bitter anguish... Jerusalem has sinned greatly... she herself groans... the enemy has triumphed... the enemy took her possessions... now they barter what they have for food... my sins have been bound into a yoke... no-one is near to comfort me... no-one to restore my spirit... The Lord is righteous yet I rebelled against his command... in my heart I am disturbed... my groans are many and my heart is faint".

Jeremiah 52 (résumé): The fall of Jerusalem

This final chapter of Jeremiah is an historical addendum covering the fall of Jerusalem, the Babylonian exile before concluding with a glimmer of hope. The chapter recalls events from 2 Kings 25. King Zedekiah rebelled against Babylon so the Babylonians sieged Jerusalem for 18 months causing mass starvation, and the city was burnt and destroyed. Zedekiah was blinded and taken captive to Babylon. Then the Babylonians looted the temple and stripped everything of value. Then the craftsmen and upper-class people were taken to Babylon leaving behind only the paupers. In all 4,600 people were taken into exile. Then the chapter ends on a nicer note with exiled King Jehoiachin being released by new King Evil-Merodach of Babylon after 37 years in jail and he was given a seat of honour above the other captive kings. "For the rest of his life he ate regularly at the king's table... and he even received a regular allowance"!

Jeremiah 51 (résumé): Further condemnation of Babylon

Jeremiah 51 prophesies the destruction of Babylon and he uses the Medes and the Persians to this end: "The Lord has stirred up the king of the Medes... to destroy Babylon... the Lord will carry our his purpose, his decree against Babylon... the Medes are my war club, my weapon for battle... with you I shatter everyone... I will repay Babylon for all the wrong they have done... I will stretch out my hand against you... and you will be desolate forever... we will lay waste the land of Babylon... may the violence done to our flesh be upon Babylon... Babylon will be a heap of ruins... I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter... her towns will be desolate... come out of her my people and run for your lives!... I will punish the idols of Babylon... Babylon must fall because of Israel's slain... the Lord will destroy Babylon... the Lord is a God of retribution... and God says he will make Babylon's leaders drunk and they will sleep forever". Then Jeremiah sent Seraiah to read the scroll with all these prophecies in Babylon and then tie a stone to it and throw it in the Euphrates symbolic of how Babylon would sink forever".

Jeremiah 50 (résumé): A message about Babylon

Jeremiah 50 predicts God's judgement on Babylon. It is true that God had used Babylon to punish nations including Judah, but their cruelty to Judah and their paganism made them liable to destruction by God opening the way to Judah's restoration. "Babylon will be captured, Bel will be put to shame and Marduk (Babylonian gods) filled with terror... for I will bring against Babylon an alliance of nations from the north... Babylonia will be plundered... and will be totally desolate... I will punish the king of Babylon... as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah no-one will live there... God will completely destroy their pasture". Jeremiah also prophesies that in those days "the people of Israel and Judah will go in tears to seek the Lord their God... they will ask the way to Zion... flee out of Babylon and no longer be as lost sheep... I will bring Israel back to his own pasture... and I will forgive the remnant I spare". God's judgement upon Babylon is decreed... "Pursue, kill and destroy them declares the Lord... I set a trap for you O Babylon... completely destroy her and leave her no remnant... woe to them! For their day has come... the time for them to be punished... summon archers against Babylon... let no-one escape... see I am against you O arrogant one!"

Imaculada

Yesterday we travelled up the Teixeira mountain to hold a church members meeting at our Imaculada church. The drive takes about one hour and a quarter. We had planned to visit the current pastor and the ex-pastor before the meeting, but the former was in hospital and the latter had gone to visit him. However we were able to visit a sister from the church who was on our 'to be visited list' before the meeting.

When we arrived at Imaculada we were served a lovely meal. Then the meeting went off very well and the Lord helped us to navigate some very difficult topics. We then laid hands on a new deacon, Renato, which was nice.

I was very glad that the USA was knocked out of the World Cup by Belgium 4 x 1 after the disgusting case of corruption involving Infantino (FIFA) and Trump. Outrageous! 

N.T. Wright

I watched an excellent podcast by N. T. Wright on "Does modern Israel play a role in End Times?" He is a very good theologian, writer and speaker. 

Please pray for Pastor João George from Imaculada who is in Patos general hospital with a post-op infection after surgery for a hernia. He already is also fighting cancer.

The death toll in Brazil's neighbouring Venezuela earthquakes has sadly now risen to 3,535. There are 16,700 injured and nearly 12,000 homeless.

Yesterday I had an hour-long online Google Meet meeting with Julio Reis of International A Rocha Christian Environmental organization. Julio was in Portugal and he is the international coordinator of the 'Friends of A Rocha' of which Green Pastures Nature Reserve is part. It was an excellent discussion about caring for creation as we shared with him about the work we are doing for the glory of God. 

I took people home again last night from the Care Centre Dentist and as usual saw a Burrowing Owl on the way. The interesting thing was that the owl just stayed put on the road (earth track) while I went by and didn't bat an eyelid!

Jeremiah 49 (résumé): Messages about Ammon, Edom, Kedar, Hazor & Elam

 Jeremiah 49 brings prophecies of a series of divine judgements on neighbouring nations and cities around Judah. Starting with Ammon we read: "I will sound the battle cry against the Ammonites and it will become a mound of ruins with its villages set on fire... put on sackcloth and mourn... for you trust in your riches... though eventually I will restore your fortunes"! Next comes Edom to whom God says: "Turn and flee and hide in deep caves... why should you go unpunished?... Bozrah will become a ruin and an object of horror, reproach and cursing... you will become like Sodom and Gomorrah... I will chase Edom from its land in an instant". Next comes Damascus: "It has become feeble... panic has gripped her... anguish and pain have ceased her... all her soldiers will be silenced on that day... I will set fire to the walls of Damascus". Next come the nomadic tribes of Kedar and Hazor which are targeted for Babylonic destruction. They thought they were invincible because of their isolation, but God shows that nobody and no place is out of range for him. "Their tents will be taken... with all their goods and camels... Nebuchadnezzar has devised a plan against you... I will scatter to the winds all those in distant places... Hazor will become a haunt of jackals". Finally there is Elam which is located in today's Iran. "I will break the bow of Elam... I will scatter them to the 4 winds... I will shatter Elam and bring disaster on them... yet eventually I will restore their fortunes".

Jeremiah 48 (résumé): A message about Moab

Jeremiah 48 is a prophecy concerning Moab who God is about to judge. Initially Moabite towns like Nebo, Heshbon and Kiriathaim "will be disgraced and shattered... the sword will pursue you... Moab will be broken... the destroyer (Babylon) will come... not a town will escape". God will judge Moab because "we have heard of her pride - her overwhelming pride and conceit, arrogance, haughtiness and insolence... I have stopped the flow of wine from the presses... the wealth they acquired is gone... there is widespread mourning... Moab has become an object of ridicule... I have broken Moab like a jar which no one wants... the cities will be captured... Moab will be destroyed as a nation because she defied the Lord... woe to you O Moab!... although I will restore the fortunes of Moab in days to come".

Morning Communion Service

We held our monthly communion service in Patos at 10 am yesterday morning as nobody would have come had we held it at 6:30 pm which is the usual time. I will leave you to guess why the change of times! 😉

I led the service and preached on the 'Psalm of Thanks' in 1 Chronicles 16:7-36. Sacha, Rogerio, Netinho, Ricardinho, Davi and Rogaciano led the worship and deaconesses Deborah Maria, Josinete and Márcia officiated with me the communion. It was a lovely service. Our co-pastor Rafael went again to our Imaculada church and that too was really blessed of God.

I watched Brazil being beaten 2 x 1 by Norway in the World Cup. Norway played very well and they have Haaland who scored both their goals. 

I later watched England's brilliant victory 3 x 2 over Mexico despite being reduced to 10 men. England played exceptionally well with 2 great goals by Bellingham and 1 from Kane. Now it's on the Norway next Saturday.

School Teens

At our Patos School we hold special sessions with teenagers who used to be pupils of the primary school and yesterday we had 37 present for a wonderful time together of fun and sharing the Gospel. Please pray for the salvation of these adolescents. 

Yesterday morning I received a last minute request to conduct the funeral of a lady who has a brother in our church. I had to do the evangelical part and then a priest did the catholic part. Over the years I've got used to these situations when families are divided.

Last night I preached the Gospel and conducted the communion service at the Green Pastures church. It was a lovely service. It was nice to give a lift home afterwards to a granddad and 2 grandchildren. I led the granddad to the Lord decades ago and now his grandchildren are in church too!

Please pray for Pastor Robério (Princesa Isabel) who will be travelling to the more northerly state of Ceará next weekend for ministry at our Filipe, Saboeiro church.

Teixeira

Yesterday we had a good meeting with our Pastor Maésio and his wife Fia from our church up in the mountains at Teixeira. We had a good discussion about the work there.

Liz and Gerlânia held parents meetings yesterday at our Patos school. Gerlânia is headteacher at the school.

I went to Green Pastures yesterday and enjoyed seeing the wildlife as always. Especially beautiful were the flocks of Eared Doves flying overhead. Whilst there I visited Heleno (79) and Creonice (80) who we have let move into one of our little Green Pastures houses. I have known Heleno for many years. 

Jeremiah 47 (résumé): A message about the Philistines

 Jeremiah 47 is a short prophecy about God's coming judgment upon the Philistines. It starts drawing attention that "the waters are rising (for the Philistines) in the north (Babylon)... they will become an overflowing torrent... the day has come to destroy all the Philistines... Gaza will shave her head in mourning... God has ordered attack on Ashkelon and the sea coast".

Mid-week

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and Pastor Rafael gave the study. A good number were present with the praise and worship led by Rogaciano and Rogério. Vasti sang a solo and many brothers and sisters took part with 'my Bible verse'. We also had a nice time of prayer together. It was a good meeting. 🙌🙏

If you are in or near Basingstoke do support my sister Jean's musical concert tomorrow at Christ Church Chineham, RG24 8LT in aid of EAB. The kick-off is 3 pm. 🎵

Today is our son's birthday! Happy birthday Philip! Have a great day! We love 💖you loads!

What a game!

I really enjoyed the England x Congo match which England won 2 x 1 with 2 goals from Harry Kane, the second of which was extraordinary! This means that at the weekend England play Mexico in the last 16, and Brazil play Norway with Haaland! If England and Brazil win it means they will play each other in the quarter-finals! 😀

Yesterday the 'Soup Run Team', led by retired police sergeant João Batista, were in action in the poorest areas of Patos. First of all they cooked and prepared the food in the Care Centre's 'Mum's Kitchen', which Liz's brother had made in memory of their Mother Missionary Ivy Dyer. Then the team distributed the food far and wide to the poor and hungry. It was a great success! 

Yesterday it was a joy to see Pastor Nezinho Abílio and his wife Sonia who had come to Patos from Vazante to see a surgeon who is going to operate him for stomach cancer. Please pray for him.

Jeremiah 46 (résumé): A message about Egypt

Jeremiah 46 is the first in a series of prophecies about foreign nations, starting with Egypt and its defeat by Babylon. Initially the text focuses on the defeat of Pharoah Neco king of Egypt at Carchemish by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon, and Jeremiah mocks the Egyptian soldiers defining the battle as a day of vengeance from the Lord. Jeremiah then predicts that Babylon would not stop at Carchemish but would invade Egypt and "The Daughter of Egypt will be put to shame, handed over to the people of the north". Egypt is compared to a hissing snake fleeing its enemies' advances. Then the chapter ends with a message of comfort and encouragement for Israel with God saying: "I will surely save you out of a distant place... Jacob will again have peace and security... do not fear, O Jacob, for I am with you".

Men's Fellowship

We had a lovely Patos Men's Fellowship meeting last night led by chief of the chiefs of Police Esaú. It was warm and blessed fellowship.

I will be preaching on Sunday on a 'Psalm of Thanks' from 1 Chronicles 16. For those of you who join us for our service via YouTube please note that it will be at 10 am (2 pm UK time) and not the usual 6:30 pm (10:30 pm UK time). I will leave you to guess why the switch of times! 😉

Last month this blog was read 76,172 times. May God bless you all.

Jeremiah 45 (résumé): A message to Baruch

In Jeremiah 45, which is a short 5-verse chapter, the prophet conveys a word from the Lord to his good friend and scribe Baruch acknowledging that he is worn out and low in spirit, no doubt feeling overwhelmed by all he had written down from Jeremiah's dictation. God then confirmed that he was about "overthrow" and "uproot" Judah but in it all he promised let Baruch "escape with his life".

Japan

Liz and I watched Brazil beat Japan in the World Cup coming from behind to win 2 x 1 with goals from Casemiro (Manchester United) and Martinelli (Arsenal). It was a very nerve-wracking game with Brazil's winner coming in the added on time right at the end of the second half when it looked like the game would go to extra time. Patos erupted with the victory and let off masses of fireworks!

Last night I did my usual Care Centre Dentist's trip taking patients home to rural areas after having been drilled and had teeth extracted. I saw a Burrowing Owl and a Pigmy Nightjar on the way which is always a pleasure.

Jeremiah 44 (résumé): Disaster because of idolatry

Word now came from God through Jeremiah to the Jews in Egypt reminding them that the reason for the great disaster in Jerusalem and the towns of Judah was the blatant unrepentant idolatry of the people. But now they have returned to pagan idolatry and would therefore suffer a similar fate. God warns them that such judgement is imminent and the remnant of Judah will be subject to eradication by sword or famine. "None will return except a few fugitives". God condemned the Jews for burning incense to the Queen of Heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her. The Jews point blank refuse to give up her worship so God is adamant that he will judge them with widespread extermination. As a sign of the divine commitment to this action he says that he will hand over Pharoah Hophra to his enemies that seek his life.

Three-quarters

I have now finished the synopses of 39 chapters of the Book of Jeremiah which has 52 chapters, so three-quarters of the book are done. Jerusalem has just been captured by the Babylonians, King Zedekiah no longer has eyes or sons, but the prophet Jeremiah is fine.

Last night Pastor Murilo and I led the service and Pastor Rafael preached on Psalm 32. Missionary Sacha and Marina led the praise and worship. It was a lovely service.

Jeremiah 43 (résumé): The Israelites enter Egypt

 Azariah, Johanan and all the arrogant Israelites called Jeremiah a liar because he opposed them going to Egypt. Then "they entered Egypt in disobedience to the Lord". Now Jeremiah buried some large stones at the entrance to Pharoah's palace symbolic of Israel in Egypt and then said that Nebuchadnezzar would soon attack Egypt setting fire to the temples of the gods of Egypt and bring death and captivity to all. Thus the very place that the Israelites had sought refuge against God's will would be their doom.

Jeremiah 42 (résumé): Jeremiah warns against going to Egypt

Then Johanan and his accompanying army officers asked Jeremiah to pray for God's guidance for them and promised to obey come what may. 10 days later Jeremiah received word from the Lord telling them to stay put and God would bless them, but if they refused to stay and insisted on going to Egypt then all will die by sword, famine and plague. In this case "you will be an object of cursing, horror, condemnation and reproach, and you will never see this place again".

Jeremiah 41 (résumé): Gedaliah assassinated

Jeremiah 41 tells of how Ishmael came with 10 men and murdered Gedaliah and all the Jews with him. However before word had spread about the killings 80 men arrived bringing grain offerings and incense to the temple, so Ishmael slaughtered them all and threw their bodies into a cistern. Then Ishmael took everyone else there captive. When however the word got round about all the killings Ishmael had carried out Johanan and some army officers came after Ishmael, but he and 8 of his men escaped. Then Johanan and all the survivors of Jerusalem fled to Egypt. 

Jeremiah 40 (résumé): Jeremiah freed & Gedaliah made Governor

The commander of the Babylonian army, Nebuzaradan, found "Jeremiah bound in chains among all the captives" and released him and told him he was free to chose whether he went to Babylon or stayed in Jerusalem, and Jeremiah chose to stay. Then the king of Babylon appointed Gedaliah as governor of Judah and he encouraged everyone to "settle down in the land and serve the king of Babylon". So all the Jews of the diaspora came back to Judah and planted and harvested bumper crops. Rumours however spread about a conspiracy to kill Gedaliah involving the king of the Ammonites, but Gedaliah didn't believe the story, although some Israelites wanted to carry out a preemptive killing of King Baalis's hitman Ishmael. 

Jeremiah 39 (résumé) The fall of Jerusalem

Jeremiah 39 tells of how the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem finally led to the city wall being broken through and all the Babylonian officials took up seats of authority in the city. Thus King Zedekiah and his soldiers fled but they were pursued and captured the king in the plains of Jericho taking him before Nebuchadnezzar. He slaughtered all the King's sons before his eyes as well as all the Israelite nobles. Then he removed King Zedekiah's eyes, put him in Bronze shackles and sent him to Babylon. The Babylonians then broke down the walls of Jerusalem and torched the royal palace and houses, but they left poorer people in the city. Jeremiah was left unharmed amongst his people.

Jeremiah 38 (résumé): Jeremiah thrown into a cistern

Jeremiah 38 tells of how the prophet warned everyone that if they stayed in Jerusalem they would die and told everyone to go over to the Babylonians who will capture the city. The Israelite officials said Jeremiah "should be put to death" for reducing the morale of the Israelite soldiers, and King Zedekiah handed Jeremiah over to them and they put Jeremiah in a muddy cistern. However Ebed-Melech went and appealed to the king against this and the king sent 30 men to hoist Jeremiah out of the cistern. Then King Zedekiah consulted Jeremiah giving him life assurance, so he told the king that the only way for him to survive was for him to surrender to the Babylonians. Then Jeremiah stayed under house arrest in "the courtyard of the guard until the day Jerusalem was captured".

Wake

Liz and I went to the wake of Brother Caetano's brother. Caetano is a member of the Patos church and his brother Neil died of a heart-attack aged just 42. We spoke to the father and sister with the father crying profusely. 

Yesterday I watched England beat Panama 2 x 0 and finish in first place in group L. I didn't think England played very well, but at least they did enough to win. From now on it's the knockout stages for both England and Brazil so we shall see what happens. Brazil will play Japan next Monday and England will play Congo next Wednesday.

Jeremiah 37 (summary): Jeremiah in prison

 Zedekiah was made king of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar and he sent word to Jeremiah asking for prayer for God to help them whilst there was a lull in the Babylonian siege thanks to an Egyptian advance. Jeremiah warned Zedekiah that Egypt's help would come to nothing and that the Babylonians would soon be returning with full strength. Then Jeremiah was arrested for allegedly "deserting to the Babylonians!" The officials had Jeremiah beaten and then imprisoned him. Jeremiah was put in a vaulted cell in a dungeon and left there for a long time. Eventually King Zedekiah sought out Jeremiah and asked him if he had any word from the Lord? Jeremiah told him straight that he did and that he would be handed over to the King of Babylon. Jeremiah insisted on his release and he was at least put under house arrest in the courtyard of the guard and grateful to longer be confined to the dungeon. 

Jeremiah 36 (résumé): Jehoiakim burns Jeremiah's scroll

 Jeremiah 36 tells how God commanded him to write on a scroll all the warnings and threats to Israel and Judah since the reign of Josiah, so he dictated everything to Baruch who wrote everything in ink on a scroll. Then Jeremiah sent Baruch to read the scroll to the people in the temple and when the officials heard it they were shocked and Micaiah asked for the scroll to be read again for them to hear clearly, and Baruch confirmed that all had been dictated by Jeremiah. Then they took it to King Jehoiakim and as he heard it read he cut it piece by piece and burnt it. The king then sent for Jeremiah and Baruch but they were well hidden. Then came the word of the Lord condemning the burning of the scroll and telling Jehoiakim that he will have no-one to sit on the throne of David and his body will be thrown out and exposed to the elements. "I will punish him and his children for his wickedness". And Jeremiah and Baruch then wrote another scroll.

Jeremiah 35 (résumé): The Recabites

Jeremiah 35 makes a stark contrast between the resolute obedience of a nomadic tribe called the Recabites and the constant disobedience of God's people. God tests the Recabites telling Jeremiah to get them together and offer them wine to drink. They however refused because their ancestor Jonadab had given them a tee total order, and nor should they build houses or plant vineyards but they should live in tents as nomads. They were only in Jerusalem to shelter from the Babylonian invasion. God therefore pointed to the obedience of the Recabites as an example for the Israelites. 

Well, well, well!

Yesterday Liz and I went to inaugurate a new well in the municipality of Princesa Isabel and preach the Gospel to the community. When we got there we were kindly served boiled cassava roots with stewed lamb which was very tasty. Then we held the service. One lady spoke on behalf of the community expressing movingly profuse thanks. She said that the well was a life changer for the women and for the animals. Cows, pigs, sheep and chickens are over the moon. She didn't mention the men!

I see Scotland are eliminated from the World Cup (at least I think they are!) and Brazil play Japan on Monday. Later on today England play Panama. 

Venezuela

Brazil's northern neighbour Venezuela has seen hundreds of people killed in catastrophic earthquakes which are the worst there for over a hundred years. Patos has many Venezuelan refugees living here and begging on the streets prior to the earthquakes. Please pray.

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and lawyer and Bible College student Rayla brought the study on first Samuel 4. It was a good meeting.

We're going to inaugurate a new well at the Carneiro dos Medeiros Community today in the municipality of Princesa Isabel. We will hold a thanksgiving service and preach the Gospel. It will be about a 3-hour drive to get there and we value your prayers.

Jeremiah 34 (résumé): Warning to Zedekiah

Initially Jeremiah 34 relates a stern message from God to King Zedekiah of Judah telling him, as Jerusalem was besieged by the Babylonians, that "I am about hand the city over to Babylon... and you will be captured and taken to Babylon... but he would die peacefully and not by the sword". Then came an incident with slave freedom as Zedekiah made a covenant to free the Hebrew slave as required by the law. However soon he and the officials changed their minds and took back the slaves they had freed. This really annoyed God and in his anger he proclaimed "liberty" to the sword, famine and plague in revenge. God promises that the Babylonians would yet fight against Jerusalem, take it and burn it down!

Jeremiah 33 (résumé): Promise of restoration

 Jeremiah 33 contains a message of hope and restoration which he received from God when he was imprisoned whilst Jerusalem was under siege from the Babylonians. God says: "I will restore the fortunes of the land... I will bring health and healing to it... I will bring Israel and Judah back from captivity". God also promises: "I will make a righteous branch sprout from David's line... David will never fail to have a man to sit on the throne... nor will the priests fail to have a man to stand before me... and such a covenant is as sure as day follows night... I will restore the fortunes of the descendants of Jacob and David".

World Cup (4)

 Of course I watched Brazil beat Scotland 3 x 0 and I was surprised at how easily Brazil won as I wasn't expecting that. I thought Brazil played very well. It certainly was the best game Brazil has played to date in this world cup. 

I have just got home from good physical exercise at Pilates with our daughters Deborah and Lynn.

Jeremiah 32 (résumé): Jeremiah buys a field

Jeremiah 32 tells of the prophet purchasing a field in the home town of Anathoth as directed by God, whilst he was imprisoned by King Zedekiah for having prophesied what he didn't like whilst Jerusalem was under siege by the Babylonians. This purchase was a real estate object lesson about how God would one day restore prosperity to his people and "once more fields will be bought in this land... because I will restore their fortunes, declares the Lord". The legal documents for the purchase were stored in an earthenware jar so as to survive the judgement period of God. Then comes a prayer by Jeremiah which expresses his bewilderment at the purchase of the field under God's guidance in such an unfavourable time. God replies to Jeremiah's prayer saying that his judgement was due to his people's sinful idolatry but he promises eventual redemption and restoration to the land.

Jeremiah 31 (résumé): A New Covenant

Jeremiah 31 is a famous chapter promising a new covenant and restoration for God's people. Initially God says: "I have loved you with an everlasting love... I will build you up again... you will go out and dance with the joyful". God then promises the return of the exiles including the lame, the blind and expectant mothers. Then it's mentioned about "Rachel weeping for her children" (Joseph and Benjamin) but says "there is hope for your future... your children will return to their own land". Then God says through Jeremiah: "I will make a new covenant with Israel and Judah... and I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts... and I will remember their sins no more... and Israel will never cease to be a nation". Then the chapter concludes promising the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

World Cup (3)

I watched England draw with Ghana 0 x 0 and it was a very boring game. England had 78.8% possession but couldn't transform that into goals. Ghana, whose manager is one of the most negative defence minded in the game, achieved their objective of a draw. Against Panama they nipped a 1 x 0 winner in the 95th minute so I'm thankful that didn't happen against us. Now onto Panama next Saturday.

Last night I completed chapter 30 of Jeremiah so that's 22 to go!

Jeremiah 30 (résumé): Restoration of Israel

Chapters 30 to 33 of Jeremiah are often referred to as the 'Book of Consolation' when the Book of Jeremiah transitions from judgement to a message of hope and restoration. The text envisages the restoration of Israel and Judah, the return from Babylonian exile and the salvation of God's people. The word comes from God to Jeremiah telling him to write in a book that he will bring his people home from captivity and restore them to the land he had given to their forefathers. Jeremiah then describes a period of intense suffering like a man enduring child birth but that eventually God will deliver his people and save them. "I will break the yoke off their necks... no longer will foreigners enslave them... instead they will serve the Lord... so do not fear... I will surely save you". God goes on to admit that the situation of his people was grave and apparently incurable.... but God had dealt with his people as he had owing to their great sin... but "I will restore you to health... I will restore the fortunes of Jacob's tents... the city will be rebuilt... from them will come songs of thanksgiving... I will punish all who oppress them... their leader will be one of their own... so you will be my people and I will be your God".

Jeremiah 29 (résumé): A letter to the exiles

Jeremiah 29 contains a well-known letter from Jeremiah the prophet as sent to the Judean exiles now living in exile in Babylon. The letter encouraged them to settle happily into Babylon, marrying and giving in marriage, and increasing in number and not diminishing. The Jews were encouraged to go for the long haul and not to expect a quick release as they were going to be in Babylon for 7 decades. So they should build houses, settle down and plant gardens, and they were to pray for the peace and prosperity of Babylon. Jeremiah stresses that the Jews should not listen to false prophets promising a quick fix. Specific condemnations were prescribed for Ahab, Zedekiah and Shemaiah who were misleading the people. And God says clearly to his people; "I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

Jeremiah 28 (résumé): The false prophet Hananiah

In Jeremiah 28 the false prophet Hananiah took off the yoke from Jeremiah and broke it saying that this was what God would do for Judah delivering them from Babylon within 2 years. Jeremiah reacted saying that this would be great if it happened, but said let's see if this prophecy comes to pass! Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah saying that in fact the wooden yoke Hananiah had broken would be replaced with an iron one to the extent that Nebuchadnezzar would control absolutely everything including the wild animals! God then predicted death for the false prophet Hananiah within the year, and in the 7th month he died. 

Jeremiah 27 (résumé): Judah to serve Nebuchadnezzar

In Jeremiah 27 God instructs Jeremiah to make and put on a wooden yoke with straps. This symbolic act was a visual prophecy that Judah, plus neighbouring nations, had to submit to the yoke of Babylon or face destruction. Word was sent to this effect to the kings of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Tyre, Sidon and Judah. The people were warned not to listen to the false prophets who were saying the opposite. Thus God said: "Do not listen to them... they are prophesying lies to you... serve the king of Babylon and you will live". 

Dentist's surgery at the Care Centre

Last night I did my usual Care Centre duties taking people home from the dentist's to rural areas where there is no public transport. Another totally deaf man was attended yesterday with the help of an interpreter as the go-between him and the dentist.

I have now completed half the Book of Jeremiah having written the synopses of 26 of its 52 chapters. Thankfully Jeremiah managed to get out of being executed in chapter 26! It was no joke being a prophet in those days as if they didn't like your message they bumped you off!

I hear it's hot in the UK so let me suggest that you keep out of the sun and have 1 or 2 showers a day. 💦

Jeremiah 26 (résumé): Jeremiah threatened with death

Jeremiah 26 tells the dramatic story of the killing of one prophet and the threat to kill the prophet Jeremiah because the priests, prophets and people of Judah didn't like what was being prophesied about the destruction of Jerusalem, as with Shiloh, and the subsequent destruction of the temple in the process. Jeremiah answered his accusers that he was just conveying the word of the Lord and that if they put him to death the guilt of innocent blood would be on them and the city. Eventually Jeremiah escaped unharmed thanks to the support of Ahikam son of Shaphan.

Jeremiah 25 (résumé): 70 years of captivity

In Jeremiah 25 God speaks through the prophet to tell Judah that he had decided to place them in Babylonic exile for 70 years, banishing all joy and gladness, and the whole country will become a desolate wasteland. When the 70 years are up God will punish Babylon for their guilt and repay them according to their deeds. Then God gave Jeremiah the cup of the wine of his wrath and told him to give it to be drunk (that is experienced) by a variety of nations in the known world. Then the chapter ends with a poetic description of the onslaught of  God's judgement: "roll in the dust you leaders of the flock... hear the cry of the shepherds and the wailing of the leaders... the land will become desolate... because of the Lord's fierce anger".

Jeremiah 24 (résumé): Two baskets of Figs

 Jeremiah 24 is a short chapter telling of a vision of baskets of figs which God gave to Jeremiah. The basket of good figs represented the Jews in Babylonian exile who God says "will return to me with all their heart... my eyes will watch over them for their good... and I will build them up". However the basket of poor figs represented King Zedekiah of Judah, his officials and the surviving remnant of the Jews in Judah... "I will make them abhorrent... and an object of ridicule... and I will destroy them".

Jeremiah 23 (résumé): Lying prophets

 Jeremiah 23 brings a strong condemnation of corrupt leadership: "Woe to the shepherds who are destroying the sheep... I will punish you for the evil you have done... and I will raise up a King who will reign wisely... and God's people will live again in their own land. Concerning the prophets... the land is full of adulterers... both prophet and priest are godless... and I will bring disaster on them... they prophesied by Baal and led my people astray... they commit adultery and live a lie... do not listen to the prophets who invent their own visions... so the storm of the Lord will burst out in wrath... for I did not speak to them but they have prophesied... I have heard what the prophets say prophesying in my name... they are lying prophets... I am against the prophets who steal and wag their own tongues with false dreams... I will forsake those who distort the words of the living God... I will surely forget you and cast you out... and I will bring upon you everlasting disgrace".

Jeremiah 22 (résumé): Judgement against evil kings

Jeremiah 22 is a prophecy for the kings of Judah. It points to the fall of the Davidic dynasty owing to sin, social injustice and idolatry. Initially God demands care for the foreigner, orphan and widow saying that the Davidic lineage depends on this. God then warns about his impending destruction of Judah and then says that King Shallum will die in captivity. He then goes on to say that his brother Jehoiakim, who succeeded him, was condemned for his worker exploitation and his desire for opulence. Jeremiah prophecies that Jehoiakim will receive the funeral of a donkey being dragged out and thrown from Jerusalem. Then the chapter concludes with a message for Coniah, Jehoiakim's son, saying that God would rip it off even if he was just a signet ring on his hand, and that he and his mother will be handed over to Nebuchadnezzar. 

Joel

Our daughter Missionary Sacha preached a superb sermon from Joel 2 last night. It was a real blessing. Numbers were down in church as many were away at the youth camp. The youth camp finished last night and was a real blessing too. Missionary Betânia preached last night in the final service. Thanks for your prayers.

Youth Camp

Liz and I spent yesterday evening at Green Pastures at the youth camp which is facing quite an uphill battle as a result of some non-Christian participants who are involved in spiritism. There is an unusually heavy atmosphere about the place which can best be described as a spiritual dark cloud of oppression. Please pray. 🙏

World Cup again

I watched Scotland lose to Morocco 1 x 0 and thought they played quite well against a good team. Scotland could still qualify for the knockout stages. We will see.

I watched Brazil beat Haiti 3 x 0 and thought Brazil played fairly well but not brilliantly. 2 of Brazil's goals were scored by Matheus Cunha (Manchester United) who is from our state of Paraiba in João Pessoa where we have 4 churches. Now next Wednesday Brazil play Scotland which should be interesting. Pundits here think Brazil will find Scotland a tough nut to crack.

Our Youth Camp at Green Pastures started yesterday and the opening service was really blessed with a sermon from Pastor Fabrício Junior who is the youth pastor at our Campina Grande Catolé church.

Donkeys & Carts

Yesterday afternoon our school took part in the St. John's Donkey Cart parade in the Patos high street. All the Patos schools have been doing these annual parades for 20 years every month of June as part of the St. John's Festival. The donkeys and carts are colourfully decorated for the parade and ours looked very good.  Please 

The Cultura Inglesa TEFL School run by our daughters and grandchildren held its certificate presentation evening yesterday and Liz and I went along in support. All went off very well.

Today the annual June youth camp starts at Green Pastures and will end of Sunday night. Please pray for the camp.

Victory

I watched England beat Croatia 4 x 2 in the World Cup last night. I thought England played very well indeed in the second half. It was a very promising start to the tournament for England.

Street Meeting

Last night I preached the Gospel at a street meeting in the town of São Mamede preaching on Jesus' raising of Jairus' 12-year-old daughter and the healing of the woman subject to bleeding for 12 years. It was an excellent service.

This morning I took 36 year 4 children on a nature trail at Green Pastures teaching them to care for creation. The children were from the Fera School in Patos and all went off very well. I enjoy doing these nature trails.

Prayer Meeting

Liz went to the ladies prayer meeting last night. Meanwhile a small group led by schoolteacher Claudivan went and held a service at Fred and Marileide's farm near Green Pastures. Also last night our dentist attended more needy people at the Care Centre. There are activities at our church every night. I was preparing my message to preach tonight at São Mamede.  

Youth take service

Last night I let the young people take the service in Patos and Rayla led, Bianca brought a lovely short word, the drama did a short excellent play and Pastor Murilo preached a good solid sermon. The service was a blessing. The church was nearly full. The children sang a song for us pastors as the second Sunday in June in Brazil is Pastors' Day, and we all were given a water bottle as a gift.

World Cup

I watched the 1 x 1 draw between Brazil and Morocco last night in the World Cup. Brazil's performance was disappointing and they will feel happy with a draw.

I also watched Scotland's excellent 1 x 0 victory over Haiti leaving them top of their group. Scotland and Haiti played very well although I would have preferred the Scotland manager to have brought on the renowned Stenhousemuir chaplain Michael Rollo. At least he did bring on Lyndon Dykes which was wonderful!

Rio Grande do Norte

Yesterday Liz and I travelled 40 km to the neighbouring state of Rio Grande do Norte to inspect the church building project in the town of Ipueira. We went there with Deacon Dedé who is the leader there. The foundations have been built and now the walls are being erected with the wall on the south side the most advanced. We were very pleased to see how the work is going.

On the way back we called into Green Pastures and heard pairs of Caatinga Cacholotes singing beautiful duets as they do. 

I will be watching Brazil play Morocco in their first game in the World Cup tonight. Next comes Haiti against Scotland and then on Wednesday England against Croatia. Brazil, Scotland and England will be the 3 teams I'll be following in this World Cup. 

Talk

Our daughter Deborah is a vet and today she will be giving a talk at the university UNIFIP on the work of sterilization of stray dogs that are taken into animal refuge centres. Deborah is a dedicated animal rights advocate working tirelessly in the Patos refuge centres. There are an estimated 20 million stray dogs in Brazil. 

Last night we had a cricket in the bedroom making an awful din! We couldn't find it but just could hear it stopping us from sleeping, but then Liz saw it and zapped it and peace was restored! 

Last night our church organized a celebration meal for married and courting couples in honour of the Brazilian equivalent of Valentine's Day. We enjoyed a happy evening of fellowship together.

Liz visited Áthila Emanuel in hospital, who is an 8-year-old boy from our church in Juru, who was knocked down by a car yesterday and his leg was broken and he will need surgery. Please pray for Áthila who will be operated on today! He had gone to buy a packet of pop-corn when the accident happened. 

Life Squad

The Life Squad ministered the Gospel at the Men's Prison yesterday afternoon composed of Pastor Rafael and Sister Iara, and 1 decision was made for Christ out of 400 prisoners.

Last night the weekly service was held in front of our Patos school when 32 gathered to hear the Gospel preached by Brother Wellington - not Lord Wellington! It was a lovely service.

Liz and I did a lot of administrative work yesterday morning, and during the rest of the day I prepared a new sermon on "The River of the Water of Life" (Revelation 22:1-2) to be preached in Campina Grande next month. We value your prayers.

Planning Meeting

Last night I chaired a planning meeting for our Pastor Frank Dyer School for the second half of 2026. There were 14 people in the meeting discussing services, sporting and educational activities, work with teens and work with children etc. Please pray for this school and for the planting of a branch church in it in this southern borough of Patos.

Liz has just got back from a long counselling session.

Custard Apple

I have just eaten another delicious custard apple. I read on the BBC that they are coming in the UK so do try one if you can although they are probably expensive there.

The man who was going to be taken to drug/drink rehab and had his foot amputated has died in hospital. He made a commitment to Christ before he died.

The vaccination of people for Dengue Fever has been suspended after half a million people were vaccinated because 42 people had adverse effects including 2 deaths. The vaccine is being administered by the Brazilian NHS known as SUS. 

I took 2 people home from the Care Centre Dentist's surgery last night and saw the usual Burrowing Owls on the way.

Shark bite

11-year-old João Lucas, who was bitten by a shark in Recife, has had to have his left leg amputated and continues in isolation in hospital to protect him from infection. Please pray for João Lucas. 🙏

Last night I led the communion service in Patos and I also preached on Isaiah 35. It was a lovely service. Pastor Rafael went with his wife Rayla and led the service at Imaculada. This too was a real blessing.

Jeremiah 21 (résumé): God rejects Zedekiah's request

Jeremiah 21 tells how King Zedekiah sent Pashhur and Zephaniah to ask for God's help against King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon who was attacking them. God's reply through Jeremiah was that to the contrary God would attack Judah owing to their persistent sin and disobedience. "I myself will fight against you with an outstretched arm in anger and fury and great wrath". God then says that he will attack Jerusalem's inhabitants with a terrible plague and will then hand over King Zedekiah and his officials to Babylon. "Whoever stays in Jerusalem will die by sword, famine or plague, but whoever surrenders to the Babylonians will survive". Then God will give Jerusalem into the hands of Babylon who will destroy it by fire. Then the chapter ends with a specific word of the Lord for the house of David telling them to administer justice and protect the vulnerable or face God's wrath... "and I will punish you as your deeds deserve".

In the dark

 I was all set to preach last night on 'the great I am' at Green Pastures when I received a call from Francisco telling me that the lighting had gone off so there was no way to hold the service in the dark as we need an electrician to solve the problem. I then proceeded to contact the different farmsteads calling off the service. God willing I will preach there next week and hold the monthly communion service.

Tonight I will be preaching on 'The Joy of the Redeemed' from Isaiah 35 in Patos at the communion service. Pastor Rafael will be preaching at Imaculada. 

Twenty chapters

Yesterday I was able to make good progress with my résumés of the prophet Jeremiah, as in recent days I did a lot of work on sermon preparation for tonight at Green Pastures and tomorrow in Patos. I also did a lot of work on EAB's Action Child and Action Schools project with first half yearly reports and children's letters. But now I have completed the first 20 chapters of Jeremiah so there are 32 chapters to go!

I have been involved in long pastoral meetings dealing with some important issues around the churches and value your prayers.

I will be preaching tonight on "The Great I am" (John 8:58) at the Green Pastures church.

Jeremiah 20 (résumé): Jeremiah and Pashhur

Jeremiah 20 tells of the clash between priest Pashhur and Jeremiah because Pashhur didn't like what Jeremiah was prophesying so he had him arrested, beaten and put in stocks for the night! When Jeremiah was released he immediately made a direct prophecy for him renaming him 'terror on every side' and foretelling that he and all Judah would soon be taken captive by the Babylonians to face death and captivity. Then Jeremiah pours his heart out to God because he feels humiliated and devastated with all he was going through just because he proclaimed God's truth. In his lowest moments Jeremiah curses the day he was born as things had got unbearable for him, but he didn't give up because God's "word is in my heart like a burning fire, shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed I cannot".