Ten done

 I have done the first 10 chapters of Isaiah in my résumé of the Bible and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I went past familiar texts such as 1:18 "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow". Then 6:8 "Who shall I send? And who will go for us? And I said, Here am I. Send me!" Then 7:14 "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel". Then 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given... and he will be called Wonderful Counsellor... Prince of Peace".

Liz went to the women's fellowship meeting last night and enjoyed it. 

Isaiah 10 (résumé): Woe to those who make unjust laws!

Isaias 10 proclaims God's judgement on wayward leaders. "Woe to those who make unjust laws... who deprive the poor of their rights and rob orphans... making widows their prey". God therefore uses Assyria as "the rod of his anger" to castigate Israel. "I send him against a godless nation. I dispatch him against a people who anger me... when the Lord has finished all his work against Zion he will punish the king of Assyria because of his pride thinking that he can do what he likes! Then the light of Israel will become a flame and God will keep a faithful remnant of his people... the survivors of the house of Jacob... a remnant will return... O my people do not be afraid of the Assyrians who beat you with a rod... the Lord will lash them with a whip... the yoke will be broken... see the Lord Almighty will lop off the boughs with great power... Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One."

Isaiah 9 (résumé): To us a child is born

Isaiah 9 points to a messianic hope: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light... for to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders... and of it there will be no end... he will reign on David's throne". This is followed by a message of judgement against the northern kingdom of Israel. "The Lord will cut off from Israel both head and tail... the elders and prominent men are the head and the prophets who teach lies are the tail... everyone is ungodly and wicked... wickedness burns like a fire... by the wrath of God the earth will be scorched... no-one will spare his brother... each will feed on the flesh of his own offspring!"

Isaiah 8 (résumé): Assyria, the Lord's instrument

Isaiah 8 is a continuation of the Immanuel prophecy in chapter 7:14 and God is with his people during the Assyrian crisis. Isaiah directs Judah to fear him rather than the Syrian-Israel alliance because God told Isaiah that before his new-born son could say Dad and Mum Assyria will defeat Damascus and Samaria. Then God again told Isaiah that because the people of Judah had "rejected the gently flowing waters of Shiloah" (peaceful trust in God) they would face "the mighty flood waters of the River  - the king of Assyria... and this water would flood them up to their necks!" Then God told Isaiah not to adhere to the conspiracy theories of the people but to fear him. Isaiah then seals up the prophecy among his disciples, and then concludes warning against "mediums and spiritists... why consult the dead on behalf of the living... and warning against those who do not speak according to this word". 

Isaias 7 (résumé): The sign of Immanuel

Isaiah 7 describes God ready to back King Ahaz of Judah when faced with the threat of a Syro-Israel alliance between King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of Israel. God sent Isaiah to go and meet Ahaz telling him to keep calm and not be afraid. God said that the Syro-Israel alliance would not be successful but Ahaz had to stand firm in his faith. God told Ahaz to seek a divine sign, but Ahaz refused. So Isaiah prophesied: "The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son who will be named Immanuel. However Ahaz trusted in the aid of Assyria rather than God and for this reason Ahaz would suffer the humiliation of having his head and beard shaved by an Assyrian and the land of Judah will be covered by briers and thorns. 

Isaiah 6 (résumé): Isaiah's commission

In the year that King Uzziah died (about 740 BC?) the prophet Isaiah had a vision of the holiness of God in which he heard God's call on his life: "I saw the Lord seated on his throne high and exalted... and the accompanying angels cried Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty... and the temple was filled with smoke... and Isaiah cried out Woe to me... I am a man of unclean lips... but then one of the seraphs touched his lips with an altar coal and purified him... then God asked whom shall I send?... and Isaiah replied Here I am, send me!" God then warns that the people will not heed but that Isaiah should continue prophesying until the houses are deserted and nearly everyone has gone away". 

Isaiah 5 (résumé): The Song of the Vineyard

Now there comes a parable where God prepares a vineyard representing Israel/Judah with clear links to the branch of the Lord in chapter 4 where righteousness should be its product. However it only produced bad fruit which angered God. Chapter 5 starts talking about the planting of the vineyard which only yielded bad fruit bringing it in line for God's destruction: "I will break down its wall and it will be trampled... and stop the rain... the vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the house of Israel... woe to you that add house to house... the great houses will become desolate... and they will go into exile... and their men of rank will die of hunger... both low and high will be humbled... the Lord Almighty will be exalted by his justice... woe to those who call evil good and good evil... woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine... the Lord's anger burns against his people... he lifts up a banner for the distant nations... their arrows are sharp... they roar like lions... in that day they will roar over it".

Isaiah 4 (résumé): The Branch of the Lord

Initially verse 1 of chapter 4 concludes what was said in chapter 3, continuing to show the breakdown in societal norms with 7 women per man. The shortage of men is probably due to war. Then Isaiah goes on to talk about "the Branch of the Lord" where branch or shoot is the newly created and sprouting Judah... and those left in Zion will be called holy... the Lord will cleanse the filth of Zion's women... and God will place a cloud of smoke and a flaming fire over Zion.

Isaiah 3 (résumé): Judgement on Jerusalem and Judah

 God decides to judge Judah for its rebellion by impeding supplies and causing organizational chaos: "I will make boys their officials; mere children will govern them". This will bring about societal breakdown with young fighting old and neighbours falling out. Then comes the condemnation of the women of Zion for their pride and vanity "flirting with their eyes... ornaments jingling on their ankles". God says he will snatch away their finery of bangles, ear-rings, sashes, signet rings etc. "Instead of fragrance there will be stench, instead of well-dressed hair they will be bald... the gates of Zion will lament and mourn."

Another book

I have completed my résumé of the 22nd book of the Bible which is the Song of Songs. This means I have done 57% of the chapters of the Bible with this very romantic and affectionate book. Now I move on to Isaiah. 

Liz and I had an important meeting with Pastor Umbirajara and his wife Conceição from João Pessoa discussing the work of the Lord. We have also had some long counselling sessions with different people. 

QPR lost at home to Swansea yesterday 2 x 1. 😓I will comment on England, Scotland and Brazil in the World Cup in June/July. What about a Brazil x England final!?

Last night I led a street meeting in the town of São Mamede, Deacon Dedé led the worship and Pastor Rafael preached the Gospel from John 21. The couple whose house we were in front of, José and Maricô, sang a duet. It was a nice service. 

It rained a further 5 mm at Green Pastures last night taking the annual total rainfall to 614.6 mm.

Isaiah 2 (résumé): The mountain of the Lord

Initially chapter 2 focuses on the mountain of the Lord to which all nations will stream. "The law will go out from Zion and the Lord will judge between the nations... and they will beat their swords into ploughshares... Come, O house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord."

Then God says, through Isaiah the prophet, that the day of the Lord will come to humble the lofty. He will condemn the superstitions, divinations and idols... the arrogance of man will be brought low on the day of the Lord... the idols will disappear and only the Lord will be exalted... men will flee to the rocks and hide in holes... and men will throw their idols to rodents and bats... stop trusting in man!

Isaiah 1 (résumé): A rebellious nation

Isaiah is a major prophetic book written approximately between 737 BC and 681 BC. In chapters 1 to 39 the focus is on God's impending judgement upon Israel, Judah and Jerusalem via Assyria and Babylon for their sins of idolatry, social injustice and illicit international alliances. Then in chapters 40 to 66 the focus changes to comfort and hope of return from exile plus extensive messianic texts involving the suffering servant and visions of a new heaven and new earth.

Chapter 1 commences charging Judah with rebellion and corruption. "They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him.... your country is desolate... your fields are being stripped by foreigners". God refers to Israel as Sodom and Gomorrah and tells them "Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me". Their festivals, he says, have become a burden to me... even if you offer many prayers I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood. Wash and make yourselves clean... Stop doing wrong, learn to do right!" "Come now let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow... if you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land; but if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword... how the faithful city has become a harlot! Your choice wine has been diluted with water... your rulers are rebels... they don't defend the cause of the fatherless... so I will turn my hand against you and purge you... and afterwards you will be called the city of righteousness... but you will be ashamed because of the sacred oaks... the mighty man will become tinder and his work a spark; both will burn together, with no-one to quench the fire."

Song of Songs 8 (résumé): If only you were to me like a brother

The concluding chapter starts with the bride wishing she was the king's sister so that she could always kiss him, bring him in-doors, give him spiced wine to drink and embrace. She then says: "Place me like a seal over your heart... for love is as strong as death... it burns like blazing fire... many waters cannot quench love!" Some friends then discuss the protection of a younger sister prior to marriage. The Shulammite then remarks about how she brings contentment to her husband, and he replies that he likes to hear her voice, before she calls him to come away with her like a gazelle or young stag.

It should be noted that in the first place this book gives God's blessing upon human love and romanticism. However Song of Songs can also have an allegoric interpretation of Christ's love for his people/church.

Song of Songs 7 (résumé): How beautiful your sandalled feet

Chapter 7 starts where the previous chapter left off with the kingly lover extolling his bride's feet, legs, navel, waist, breasts, neck, eyes, nose, head and hair! Her legs are graceful, her navel is a rounded goblet and her breasts are like two fawns. How beautiful you are, he exclaims. Your breasts are like clusters of fruit, your breath has the fragrance of apples and your mouth is like the best wine. To this the Shulammite replies "I belong to my lover, and his desire is for me", and invites him to spend the night with her in the villages and "there I will give you my love... both old and new I have stored up for you, my lover."

Meaningless

I have concluded the writing of the résumé of the Book of Ecclesiastes and it started and finished saying that everything is meaningless like chasing the wind. Or as Bob Dylan sings, "The answer my friend is blowing in the wind"! This means I have concluded the first 21 books of the Bible which is 56% of its chapters. Now it's on to the Song of Songs.

I took people home from the dentist's at the Care Centre yesterday and saw 3 Burrowing Owls on the way. 

At Green Pastures it rained 7 mm yesterday.

Song of Songs 6 (résumé): Where has your lover gone?

 Chapter 6 starts with friends asking the Shulammite where her lover had gone? She answered that he had gone to care for his garden to gather lilies, but she assured them of the sureness of their relationship saying "I am my lover's and my lover is mine". The king returned saying "you are beautiful my darling and your eyes overwhelm me. Your hair is like a flock of goats and your teeth are like a flock of sheep. You are unique and better than 60 queens, 80 concubines and countless virgins. You are as fair as the moon, as bright as the sun and as majestic as the stars."

Song of Songs 5 (résumé): I have come into my garden

Chapter 5 starts with the lover king going into his bride's garden and eating honeycomb and drinking wine and milk! The bride then hears her love knocking on her door. His hair was damp from the night air and he asked whether he needed to put his robe back on? He put his hand through the latch opening and her heart pounded! When she finally opened the door for her lover he had gone. She couldn't find him anywhere! Her lover, she said, is radiant and ruddy with black wavy hair. His eyes are like doves, his lips are like lilies, his arms are like rods of gold, his body like ivory, his legs like marble and his mouth is sweetness itself. He is altogether lovely!

Song of Songs 4 (résumé): How beautiful you are my darling!

 "How beautiful you are, my darling", exclaims the king. "Your eyes behind the veil are like doves... your hair is like a flock of goats... your teeth are like a flock of sheep... your lips are like a scarlet ribbon... your neck is like the tower of David... your breasts are like two fawns... you are totally beautiful without a flaw... come with me my bride because you have stolen my heart... how delightful is your love my bride and much more pleasing than wine... your lips are as sweet as honey my bride and milk and honey are under your tongue.. you are a garden fountain, a well of flowing water." To this the Shunammite called upon the wind to come and spread the fragrance of her love saying "Let my lover come into his garden and taste its choice fruits."

Song of Songs 3 (résumé): All night long on my bed

Chapter 3 is the Shunammite speaking non-stop as she looks for her king but can't find him. "I will search for the one my heart loves". She searched and eventually found him and so she held him and would not let him go. Then she again envisages the King coming from the desert perfumed with myrrh and incense and escorted by 60 warriors with a gold and silver carriage on a purple seat. He is wearing his crown and she calls on the daughters of Zion to come and see him.

Song of Songs 2 (résumé): Rose of Sharon

The romantic dialogue continues with the Shunammite declaring that she is a rose of Sharon and a lily of the valleys, to which the king replies that his darling is a lily among thorns. She responds comparing him to an apple tree with sweet fruit, and that he has taken her to the banquet hall and his banner over me is love! Refresh me with apples, she sighs, because she is faint with love. They embrace. My lover, she says, is like a your stag who called to arise because the winter is past and the rains have gone. Flowers appear for the season of singing has come and the blossoming vines spread their fragrance. The King responds asking for his dove to show her lovely face from her hiding place in the clefts of the rock. She reacts saying her lover is hers and she is his until day break. 

Song of Songs 1 (résumé): Let him kiss me!

The Song of Songs involves a strong poetic loving and sensual dialogue between a young bride or Shulammite (6:13) and her lover King Solomon or a shepherd-king. The bride starts asking to be kissed because her lover's love is better than wine. His name is like perfume, she says, and she asks him to hurry to take her way! She remarks how sun-tanned she is and she hopes to meet her lover grazing his sheep. The lover replies calling the Shulammite the most beautiful of women and his darling and he promises her ear-rings of gold. My love, she replies, is myrrh resting between her breasts. The king remarks on her beautiful eyes and she responds about how handsome he is and how verdant their bed is.

Ecclesiastes 12 (résumé): Remember your Creator!

Solomon begins the final chapter of Ecclesiastes saying the famous words: "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come... before the sun, moon and stars grow dark... when the house keepers tremble... when the grinders cease...when the doors close... when men are afraid of heights... when the almond tree blossoms... and the grasshopper drags itself... then man goes to his eternal home." "Meaningless! Meaningless! Everything is meaningless!" Thus the author concludes his writings saying that people should fear God and keep his commandments. Then finally everything will be judged by God.

Ecclesiastes 11 (résumé): Bread upon the waters

In this chapter 11 Solomon starts talking about casting your bread upon the waters to eventually find it again. This is apparently a reference to investment without immediate returns and maybe ("give portions to seven, yes to eight") of a charitable nature. Then the author warns against hesitation and procrastination awaiting ideal conditions which paralyze action. "Sow your seed in the morning" as you never know what will succeed. He then encourages the enjoyment of life despite its meaningless and especially encourages happiness in youth. "Follow the ways of your heart," he says, although all will be judged of God and be meaningless.

The Potter's House

I led the service last night and young lawyer Murilo preached on Jeremiah 18: "You are the potter, I am the clay". We also had a special focus on autism in the middle of the service with our daughter Sacha interviewing Eva Jeminne who is the mother of 7-year-old Ester who is autistic and lovely. It was a wonderful interview raising awareness and empathy for families with autism. So all in all it was a very good service.

Amputation

Please pray for Sister Pergentina of our Teixeira church up in the mountains. She is the 90-year-old mother of the pastor's wife there and she has circulation problems in a leg which may mean she has to have her leg amputated. She is in the Patos General Hospital. 

The EAB musical concert last night at Cadnam Methodist Church went very well. Marian Rashleigh sent us live photos of the proceedings taken from the balcony which was very good. Philip tells us it was a very good concert.

A special evangelistic event was held yesterday for the teenagers who we still help and work with at our Patos school and 23 of them made commitments to Christ. Please pray that these teens might put down roots in the Lord and become part of the church as practicing Christians.

It rained 5 mm at Green Pastures last night, taking the total rainfall this year up to 602.6 mm, so past the 600 mark for the first time.

Ecclesiastes 10 (résumé): Dead flies give perfume a bad smell

Ecclesiastes 10 gives a list of sayings emphasizing the good of wisdom and the negativity of folly. He starts with: as dead flies give perfume a bad smell so folly outweighs wisdom and honour... fools lack sense... I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves... if a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer... words from a wise man are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips... the fool multiplies words... blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birth... if a man is lazy the rafters sag... a feast is made for laughter and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything! 

Ecclesiastes 9 (résumé): A common destiny for all

Now the author re-states that all men share the common destiny of death - whether they be righteous of wicked, good or bad, or clean or unclean. The same destiny overtakes all. But whilst you're alive you have hope because "even a live dog is better off than a dead lion"! The total absence of the concept of life after death brings Solomon to encourage eat, drink wine and be merry! He says: "Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life. I have come to the conclusion, says Solomon, that "the race is not to the swift, or the battle to the strong, or wealth to the brilliant... but time and chance happen to them all"! No-one knows when his time will come. So Solomon's confused words come to the close of the chapter saying wisdom is better than strength, but the poor man's wisdom is despised.... but wisdom is better than weapons of war.

Ecclesiastes 8 ( résumé): Who is like the wise man?

The author now advocates obedience and respect for the king (it doesn't sound like King Solomon speaking!)... obedience to the king... not speaking out of turn... no-one has power over the day of his death... or power over the wind... no-one knows the future...I saw the wicked buried who used to receive praise in the city... when the sentence for a crime is delayed hearts of men scheme... I know it will go better with God-fearing men. He then goes on to say that something else meaningless is when righteous men get what the wicked deserve. I commend that we eat, drink and be merry as there is nothing better for us to do. It is simply not possible to understand the ways of God.

Ecclesiastes 7 (résumé): A good name

Ecclesiastes 7 starts saying that a good name is better than a good perfume, but the day of your death is better than the day you were born! It is better to mourn than to feast.. sorrow is better than laughter... for all is meaningless... patience is better than pride... don't be quickly provoked in your spirit... don't keep talking about the good old days... who can straighten what God has made crooked?... I have seen the righteous man perishing in his righteousness and a wicked man living long in his wickedness so don't go to extremes of righteousness or wickedness because "the man who fears God will avoid all extremes". No-one never sins... don't pay attention to everything people say... the man who pleases God will not be ensnared by a dangerous woman... true wisdom is rare and often unattainable.

Ecclesiastes 6 (résumé): Another evil under the sun

 Solomon's dirge of negativism proceeds just the same in chapter 6 as he decries people having wealth which others end up benefitting from which he sees as meaningless and a "grievous evil". A man may have a 100 children and live long, yet he will not enjoy his prosperity. He says that even if a rich man lives 2 millenniums he will always fail to enjoy his prosperity because death will always end everything. He says that everything is meaningless with no advantage for a wise man over a fool. For "whatever exists has been pre-ordained and it's no good arguing about it with God who is stronger than us." 

Ecclesiastes 5 (résumé): Stand in awe of God!

 Solomon exhorts reverence in God's house in Ecclesiastes 5: "Guard your steps when you go to the house of the Lord listening to God rather than speaking". He also exhorts caution with vows making sure you fulfill your vows. He says that much dreaming and many words are meaningless. "Therefore stand in awe before God". Then Solomon goes on to discuss love for money saying: "Whoever loves money never has money enough"! Rich people are never satisfied and it all adds up to a meaningless life. He says that a labourer sleeps well whereas a rich man has plenty of insomnia. For hoarded wealth harms its owner! "Naked a man is born and as he comes he departs!" Thus he says that the important thing in life is to find satisfaction in your work which is a gift of God.

Projects

This year our projects' goal is to drill and equip 2 wells, set up 1 market garden, distribute 15 goats, build 4 toilet/shower units, construct 2 chicken runs and continue running 16 small schools. Then there is the on-going dental surgery, food hampers for the hungry, daily bread for the poor, sport in action for kids and teens, and work with the deaf and seniors. All this work goes hand in hand with evangelism, church planting, leadership training and Bible teaching. Please support the wide variety of EAB/ACEV ministries and pray for us and all our pastors and workers!

At Green Pastures I saw a Savanna Hawk and a flock of Cattle Egrets around a neighbour's cattle. 

Liz has been very busy sorting out the Waterboard that switched off our water supply at church by mistake. She finally got them to fix the problem yesterday a week later! Bless her heart. 

Last night I had a meeting with our youth leaders to plan for the annual youth camp at Green Pastures in June. It was an excellent meeting.

Sadly QPR lost away to Millwall 2 x 0 today.

Ecclesiastes 4 (résumé): Oppression, Toil, Friendlessness

Initially in Ecclesiastes 4 Solomon spoke of the oppression he saw "under the sun". He said "I saw the tears of the oppressed without a comforter" and he felt that the dead were happier than the living, but better still would be to never have existed! He then goes on to discuss man's toil which "springs from envy of his neighbour" and which is "meaningless and chasing the wind". He proceeds to focus on those without friends. All the lonely people - where do they all come from? Thus he defines friendlessness as "a miserable business". He say that "two are better than one so that if one falls the other can help him up". He then concludes the chapter saying that a poor wise youth is better than an old foolish king. But, he ends saying, all is meaningless just chasing after the wind!

Ex-President

94-year-old ex Brazilian President Fernando Henrique Cardoso has advanced Alzheimer's and his children are now administering his finances. He was president from 1995 to 2003 and was a good president.

This morning we have had Great Kiskadees and Sayaca Tanagers flying around the garden at home. 

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and Rayla gave the study on 1 Samuel 2. It was a good service.

New Hospital

A big new hospital is being built in Patos on the eastern side of town with a capacity for 245 to 300 beds. I would imagine that it will be completed within about a year.

I went for a spin to Green Pastures and saw lots of birds: Southern Lapwing, Crested Caracara, Red-cowled Cardinal, Dark-billed Cuckoo, Blue-Black Grassquit, Campo Troupial and Caatinga Cacholote. The reproduction of the Red-cowled Cardinals is full steam ahead with them making their second round of nests! 3 further young deer have also been observed near the lake.

Liz went to the Patos Women's Fellowship weekly meeting last night and enjoyed it. 

Twentieth

I have completed writing the résumés of the 20th book of the Bible which is the book of Proverbs. This means I have finished 55% of the chapters of the Bible. I now press on with Ecclesiastes which is not a very inspiring book! It reminds me of Bob Dylan singing "Blowing in the Wind"!

It was great to receive news from Marian Rashleigh yesterday of a new EAB Action School sponsor and of a new EAB Action Child sponsor. This is very encouraging as we desperately need more sponsors for our 16 little schools and 850 children. Thank you to all who support this so important aspect of EAB's work, and thanks to Marian for coordinating this work so well. 

Last night I took part in the Patos Men's Fellowship meeting where we enjoyed a nice time of fellowship which was very good.

Yesterday it rained another 15 mm at Green Pastures taking the year's total rainfall to 597.6 mm.

Ecclesiastes 3 (résumé): A time for everything

Proverbs 3 presents the natural phases of life showing that God "has made everything beautiful in its time". There is a time for birth and death, a time to plant and harvest, a time to cry and laugh, a time to mourn and dance, a time to love and a time to hate etc. Solomon goes on to say that there is nothing better for men to do than be happy and do good. For God, he says, will bring to judgement the righteous and the wicked. For God tests everyone. Man has no advantage over the animals and ends up in death in the same way. So Solomon's conclusion is that the best you can do is enjoy work as beyond this is unknown.

Driving Test

Yesterday our 18-year-old granddaughter Alice passed her driving test at the first attempt. Alice is a university student in psychology and is doing very well and enjoying her course. She has already done two extra courses linked to autism. Well done Alice!

We brought more people into the Care Centre yesterday to be attended by our dentist. These are people who are poor and can't get in for lack of public transport. 

Ecclesiastes 2 (résumé): Pleasures & work are meaningless

 Solomon embarked on an experiment to test what makes life worthwhile and first of all he said "I will test pleasure to find out what is good" but it turned out to be meaningless. Then he tried great projects to see if this gave meaning to life and he planted vineyards, made reservoirs etc. but it all ended up leaving him with an empty feeling "chasing after the wind". Then the author turned to comparing following wisdom and folly to see which worked out best and neither gave meaning to life because both the wise man and the fool will both die and get forgotten. Hence despair took over as nothing gave meaning to living - and the chapter closes defining everything as meaningless "chasing after the wind".

Ecclesiastes 1 (résumé): Everything is meaningless

The book of Ecclesiastes is another wisdom book as was Proverbs, and it too is attributed to Solomon as was Proverbs. The author thinks through human life and considers that human endeavour and the seeking of pleasure to be "chasing the wind" in that nothing lasts, with the inevitability of death being the great party pooper. 

Chapter 1 explodes initially with: "Meaningless... utterly meaningless! Everything is meaningless... what does man get out of all his work?... the earth and all its forces just carries on... what has been will be again... there is nothing new under the sun... I, says Solomon, have studied this and can see that everything under the sun is meaningless just chasing after the wind... and so wisdom, madness and folly all add up to the same thing as with wisdom comes much sorrow".

Proverbs 31 (summary): Sayings of King Lemuel and Epilogue

This final chapter of Proverbs starts with sayings of King Lemuel followed by an epilogue in honour of a noble woman. Lemuel recalls his mother's teachings against sexual immorality ("do not spend your strength on women") and against excessive drinking ("not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to crave beer). Remember to "speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves... defend the rights of the poor and the needy".

Then comes the final epilogue saying that a wife with a noble character is worth far more than rubies... she brings her husband good all the days of his life... she gets up early and gets the food for the family... she has the autonomy to purchase land and plant vineyards... she cares for the poor... she clothes the family well in the winter... she speaks with wisdom... her children bless their mother and her husband praises her... charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised!"

Proverbs 30 (résumé): Sayings of Agur

Proverbs 30 contains the sayings of Agur son of Jakeh. Agur starts recognizing his ignorance and insufficiency before God whereas "every word of God is flawless". He then goes on to pray that God "give me neither poverty or riches but give me only my daily bread". He goes on to decry those who curse their fathers and don't bless their mothers... those who are pure in their own eyes... and those that devour the poor from the earth... sad, he says, is he that mocks a father and scorns obedience to a mother. Agur goes on admiring the way of an eagle flying, the way of a snake on a rock, the way of a ship at sea and the way of a man with a girl. He also considers small creatures (ants, conies, locusts and lizards) who are very small but very wise and then stately creatures (lion, cockerel, he-goat and king) which should be respected for their stately bearing. 

Proverbs 29 (résumé): Stiff-necked

Proverbs 29 brings to a close the long sequence of Solomon's wisdom sayings saying: a man who remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed - without remedy... when the righteous thrive the people rejoice but when the wicked rule the                         people groan... an evil man is snared by his own sin... the rod of correction imparts wisdom but a child left to itself disgraces his mother... fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

Proverbs 28 (résumé): The wicked man flees

Proverbs 28 expresses further wisdom sayings... The righteous are as bold as a lion... evil men don't understand justice... if anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable... he who conceals his sins does not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy... like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked man ruling over a helpless people... a tyrannical ruler lacks judgement... he who trusts in himself is a fool... he who gives to the poor will lack nothing. 

Proverbs 27 (résumé): Don't boast about tomorrow

Proverbs 27 says: Don't boast about tomorrow because you don't know what it will be like... let another praise you... stone is heavy and sand a burden, but provocation by a fool is heavier than both... the kisses of an enemy may be profuse, but faithful are the wounds of a friend... like a bird that strays from its nest is a man who strays from his home... don't forsake your friend or your father's friend... if a man loudly blesses his neighbour early in the morning it will be taken as a curse... the crucible for silver and the furnace for gold, but man is tested by the praise he receives... riches don't endure for ever.

Proverbs 26 (résumé): Like snow in summer

Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honour is not fitting for a fool. This is how Solomon's wisdom sayings start in Proverbs 26. They continue: Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse doesn't come to rest... like cutting off one's feet is the sending of a message with a fool... as a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly... as a door turns on its hinges so a sluggard turns on his bed... like one who seizes a dog by its ears is a passer-by who meddles in a quarrel not his own... without wood a fire goes out and without gossip a quarrel dies down. 

Proverbs 25 (résumé): More proverbs of Solomon

The chapters of Solomon's wisdom sayings continue now: As the heavens are high and the earth is deep, so the hearts of kings are unsearchable... a word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver... like an ear-ring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise-man's rebuke to a listening ear... like the coolness of snow at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him... if you find honey, eat just enough or else you will vomit... like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble... give your enemy food and drink so as to heap coals of fire on his head...like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land... like a city with broken down walls is a man who lacks self-control.

Proverbs 24 (résumé): Do not envy wicked men

 Proverbs 24 continues Solomon's wisdom sayings: Do not envy wicked men... eat honey, my son, for it is good... though a righteous man falls 7 times, he rises again... don't  gloat when your enemy falls... the evil man has no future hope... to show partiality in judging is not good... an honest answer is like a kiss on the lips... finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house.

Cadnam

Next Saturday the Cadnam Methodist Church will be holding its annual fundraising musical concert for the work of EAB. Please support this wonderful event which produces some top class music. You can purchase tickets from Howard Babey at hbabey42@gmail.com  The church is in the New Forest 11 miles from Southampton and the concert starts at 7 pm. The address is Old Romsey Road, Cadnam, SO40 2NP.

I preached last night on Psalm 86 and Pastor Rafael led the service. It was a lovely service.

Last night it rained 18 mm at Green Pastures taking our total this year to 582 mm.

Proverbs 23 (résumé): When you sit to dine with a ruler

Proverbs 23 contains yet more of Solomon's wisdom sayings: Do not wear yourself out to get rich... do not eat the food of a stingy man because he is always thinking about the cost... punish a child with the rod and save his soul from death... don't envy sinners... don't join those who drink or eat too much... don't despise your mother when she is old... buy the truth and don't sell it... a wayward wife is a narrow well... don't gaze at wine when it is red because in the end it bites like a snake.... drinking too much makes you as confused as someone tossed about on the high seas!

Follow up

I asked Deaconess Dodora of the ex-landless settlement if she could do a follow-up visit to sister Maria who accepted the Lord on Tuesday in São Mamede, and she found Maria happy in the Lord. She also visited sister Novinha who was baptized a few months ago.

QPR drew 0 x 0 at home to Bristol City yesterday.

Last night I preached at Green Pastures on John 7:14-24. It was a lovely service with a good crowd present. Folk came from the town of São Mamede and from the village of Picotes.

Proverbs 22 (résumé): A good name is more desirable than great riches

Solomon's wisdom sayings continue to be displayed in Proverbs 22: A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold... rich and poor have one thing in common; the Lord is their maker... train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it... the sluggard says there is a lion outside!... do not exploit the poor... do not make friends with a hot-tempered man or you may end up like him.

Proverbs 21 (résumé): The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord

Progressing with Solomon's pithy sayings Proverbs 21 says: all a man's ways seem right to him but the Lord weighs the heart... better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife!... if a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered... better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and ill-tempered wife... in the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has... there is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord... the horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord.

Green Pastures

Tonight I will be taking the monthly communion service at Green Pastures and preaching on the teaching of Jesus as from John 7:14-24. I value your prayers. 

I am progressing well with my résumés of the Bible and have completed another 10 chapters of Proverbs to complete up to chapter 20.

Proverbs 20 (résumé): Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler!

Proverbs 20 brings further sayings of Solomon's wisdom: Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise... the righteous man leads a blameless life... who can say, I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin?... even a child is known by his actions... a gossip betrays confidence; so avoid a man who talks too much!... if a man curses his father or mother, his lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness... the lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man; it searches out his inmost being... the glory of young men is their strength, grey hair the splendour of the old. 

Proverbs 19 (résumé): Better a poor man whose walk is blameless

Proverbs 19 contains yet more of Solomon's wisdom sayings: it is not good to heave zeal without knowledge... many curry favour with a ruler... he who cherishes understanding prospers... it is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury - how much worse for a slave to rule over princes... a quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping... houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a prudent wife is from the Lord... he who is kind to the poor lends to the Lord... what a man desires is unfailing love... flog a mocker and the simple will learn prudence.

Proverbs 18 (résumé): An unfriendly man pursues selfish ends

Solomon's wisdom sayings continue in Proverbs 18: A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions... the words of a gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man's inmost parts... one who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys... the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe... don't answer before listening... a man's spirit sustains him in sickness... a gift opens the way for the giver... the tongue has the power of life and death... he who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favour from the Lord... there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 17 (résumé): Better a dry crust with peace and quiet

 Solomon's wisdom sayings continue now saying: Better a dry crust with peace and quiet that a house full of feasting with strife... better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly... if a man pays back evil for good, evil will never leave his house... a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity... a cheerful heart is good medicine but a crushed spirit dries up the bones... even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent!

Proverbs 16 (résumé): To man belong the plans of the heart

Proverbs 16 continues the wisdom sayings of Solomon. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed... through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for... when a man's ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him... better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice... how much better to get wisdom than gold... pride comes before a fall... pleasant words are a honeycomb... there is a way which seems right unto man but in the end it leads to death... grey hair is a crown of splendour; it is attained by a righteous life.

Proverbs 15 (résumé): A gentle answer turns away wrath

More of Solomon's sayings are in chapter 15: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger... the eyes of the Lord are everywhere... the tongue that brings healing is a tree of life... a happy heart makes the face cheerful... better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil... better a meal of vegetables where there is love than a fattened calf with hatred... a hot-tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel... how good is a timely word... the fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom.

Proverbs 14 (résumé): The wise woman builds her house

Here is the continuation of Solomon's pithy wisdom sayings starting with: The wise woman builds her house but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down... stay away from a foolish man... fools mock at making amends for sin... there is a way that seems right unto man, but in the end it leads to death... a simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps... a fool is hotheaded and reckless... a quick-tempered man does foolish things... all hard work brings a profit... he who fears the Lord has a secure fortress... the fear of the Lord is a fountain of life... a heart at peace gives life to the body... he who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their maker... righteousness exalts a nation.

Proverbs 13 (résumé): A wise son heeds his father's instruction

Proverbs 13 is another chapter of Solomon's wisdom sayings starting with: a wise son heeds his father's instruction, but a mocker does not listen to rebuke... he who guards his lips guards his soul... the righteous hate what is false... the light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out... dishonest money dwindles away... the teaching of the wise is a fountain of life... a longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul... he who walks with the wise grows wise, but the companion of fools suffers harm... spare the rod and spoil the child.

Proverbs 12 (résumé): Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge

This chapter has further random words of wisdom from Solomon: He who hates correction is stupid!... the Lord condemns a crafty man... a wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones... men with warped minds are despised... better to be a nobody and yet have a servant than pretend to be somebody and have no food... a righteous man cares for the needs of his animal... the way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice... reckless words pierce like a sword... the Lord detests lying lips... an anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.

Proverbs 11 (résumé): The Lord abhors dishonest scales

 Proverbs 11 continues with further random wisdom sayings from Solomon. He starts saying that God abhors dishonest scales and that accurate weights are his delight. He then says that pride comes before disgrace... when a wicked man dies his hope perishes... the righteous man is rescued from trouble... a man who lacks judgement derides his neighbour, but a man of understanding holds his tongue... a gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret... the Lord detests men of perverse heart, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless... like a gold ring in a pig's snout is a beautiful women who shows no discretion... the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

Mid-week

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and Pastor Rafael gave the study on Zephaniah 2:8-11 and the words of judgement against the Moabites and the Ammonites. Tiago led the praise and Espedita and Vasti sang solos. It was a nice service.

In the Overflow!

Patos has 3 reservoirs and the main one, called Farinha, is now overflowing. PTL! The other 2, called Jatobá and Capoeira, are also taking in lots of water from the persistent rainfall, and the reserve reservoir at Coremas, from where Patos has a 60 km pipeline, is nearly half full. Thank you for praying.

Yesterday it rained 16 mm at Green Pastures taking this year's rainfall up to 564 mm.

Yesterday I did a lot of work on the agenda for next month's General Conference which will be held on the coast in João Pessoa on May 22nd and 23rd. Please pray for this important gathering of all our pastors and leaders. 

I read on the BBC that a lady pastor in Birmingham managed to drown a man whilst baptizing him and has been charged with manslaughter. I always baptize together with Pastor Rafael making such an accident virtually impossible!

The Mission goes on!

EAB marches forward evangelizing children, youth, adults and seniors, forming disciples, resourcing churches and impacting society with wells, toilets, market gardens, goats & hair sheep, chicken runs & schools. Thank you for helping us make a difference in the name of Jesus!

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

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

Proverbs 10 (résumé): The proverbs of Solomon

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

Proverbs 9 (résumé): Invitations from Wisdom & Folly

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

Baptism

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

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

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

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

Proverbs 8 (résumé): Wisdom's appeal

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

Proverbs 7 (résumé): Warning against the adulteress

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

Proverbs 6 (résumé): Warnings against Folly

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

Proverbs 5 (résumé): Warning against adultery

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

Proverbs 4 (résumé): Wisdom is supreme

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

Proverbs 3 (résumé): Further benefits of wisdom

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

Resurrection Sunday Service

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

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

Proverbs 2 (résumé): Moral benefits of wisdom

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

Another book

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

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

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

Caatinga Cacholotes

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

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

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

Singing in the rain!

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

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

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

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

Praise the Lord!

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

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

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

Proverbs 1 (résumé): The Proverbs of Solomon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Faith that perseveres

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

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

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

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