Isaiah 61 (résumé): The Year of the Lord's favour

Isaiah 61 is a messianic prophecy about preaching good news and freedom "in the year of the Lord's favour". This text was applied to himself by Jesus in Luke 4:17-21. The Messiah is anointed by the Spirit to preach good news to the poor and to comfort all who mourn. Then the rebuilding of ancient ruins is predicted renewing ruined cities and you will be called ministers of God enjoying everlasting joy. God then declares his love for justice and promises an everlasting covenant and their descendants will be known among the nations. The chapter concludes rejoicing for being clothed with righteousness, like bride and bridegroom, making righteousness and praise spring up before the nations.

Fire Drill

Last night we had a special session of training for volunteers who could act in the event of a fire in church or any other calamitous problem. Liz has long been saying that we have lots of fire extinguishers in church, but nobody knows how to use them! So last night our fireman Romildo trained a team of about 20 whom of course we hope we will never need to use. 

I have nearly finished my résumé of book number 23 of the Bible, Isaiah, having completed 60 of its 66 chapters.

Isaiah 60 (résumé): The Glory of Zion

Isaiah 60 is a prophetic message of hope declaring Jerusalem's dark days over saying that God's light had come. So it starts: "Arise, shine, for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you... Nations will come to your light... you will look and be radiant... and the riches of the nations will come... herds of camels will cover your land... and I will adorn my glorious temple... foreigners will rebuild your walls... the glory of Lebanon will come to you... all who despise you will bow at your feet... and will call you the city of the Lord, Zion of the Holy One of Israel... then you will know that I the Lord am your saviour... I will make peace your governor and righteousness your ruler... and the Lord will be your everlasting light... and they will possess the land forever... I am the Lord and I will do this swiftly!"

Isaiah 59 (résumé): Sin, Confession and Redemption

Isaiah 59 says "surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save... but the problem is your iniquities which have separated you from God... the way of peace they do not know... they are swift to shed innocent blood." The people then admit that "justice is far from us... like the blind we grope in the dark... we all growl like bears and moan mournfully like doves... for our offences are many... rebellion and treachery against the Lord... turning our backs on God... so truth has stumbled in the streets." Then the text says that God intervenes because there was no-one to solve the problem so he did it himself... He put on the breastplate of righteousness and the helmet of salvation and repaid wrath to his enemies... and the Redeemer will come to Zion for those who repent of their sins.... and God's spirit and word will be with his people for ever.

Isaiah 58 (résumé): True fasting

Isaiah 58 criticizes fasting and religiosity when it is just a façade for true spirituality. True sincere religion has to be inside and outside and not fasting and exploiting workers at the same time! Not fasting amidst quarrelling and strife. To fast with sincerity one has to loose the chains of injustice... you need to share your food with the hungry... provide the poor with shelter and the naked with clothes. Then, and only then will your righteousness go before you... then you will call and the Lord will answer. If you satisfy the needs of the oppressed then your night will become like noonday and you will be like a well-watered garden... and if you honour the sabbath then you will find your joy in the Lord.

Isaiah 57 (résumé): The righteous perish

Isaiah 57 condemns Israel's repeated idolatry, pagan practices and spiritual adultery. At the start the premature deaths of righteous people are mentioned as they go unnoticed by the wicked. Then Israel is condemned for spiritual adultery and rebellion, even sacrificing their children in pagan rituals! They have even put pagan signs on their doors. "You have been false to me and not remembered me... when you cry out for help let your collection of idols save you!... but the man who makes me his refuge will inherit the land. Then God declares: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit... peace, peace to those far and near... and I will heal them... but there is no peace for the wicked."

Isaiah 56 (résumé): Salvation for others

Isaiah 56 points to a more inclusive message of salvation which includes foreigners and eunuchs and which encourages one and all keep the sabbath. "These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer... which will be a house of prayer for all nations". The chapter closes warning against corrupt leaders. These "watchmen" and "shepherds" are condemned for being lazy ("they lie around and dream") and are selfish ("each seeks his own gain").

Isaiah 55 (résumé): Invitation to the Thirsty

Isaiah 55 is a messianic prophecy pointing to the salvation and grace available in the Messiah. It is a wonderful invitation to receive spiritual blessings from God. "Come, all who are thirsty... come buy wine and milk without money." It goes on to call people not to spend money on worthless things... "listen to me and eat what is good... so your soul might live... seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him whilst he is near... turn to the Lord and he will have mercy on you... my ways are higher than your ways... my word will not return to me void... you will go out in joy and be led forth in peace... and instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree"!

Isaiah 54 (résumé): The future glory of Zion

Isaiah 54's prophetic message holds Israel as a "barren woman" symbolizing the nation after the Babylonian exile. She is told to "burst into song and shout for joy" because things are about to change! For "you will spread out to the right and to the left... and dispossess nations!" God therefore says he is Israel's "husband" and "redeemer". He says: "For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with deep compassion I will bring you back." God then promises not to be angry with Israel again in a similar promise that he made to Noah, and says that even if the mountains shake his unfailing love will not be shaken! God then promises to rebuild Jerusalem using precious stones and he promises that "all your sons will be taught by the Lord." He then concludes saying that "no weapon forged against you will prevail!

There's no peace for the wicked!

How many of us use the expression: 'There's no peace for the wicked'? Do you realize that this is a direct quote from the Bible in Isaiah 48:22?

Last night Liz went to the ladies' prayer meeting and was blessed. I have been working on the agenda for our general conference next week, with a preparatory online board meeting this Saturday. Please pray.

Isaiah 53 (résumé): Who has believed our report?

Isaiah 53 is one of the most extraordinary prophetic and messianic texts of the Bible foretelling by about 700 years the amazing vicarious suffering of Christ the Messiah. I remember memorizing this chapter as a boy at Sunday School in London. The Messiah, opposite to what many might have expected, would be "despised and rejected... has no beauty or majesty to attract us to him... one from whom men hide their faces". The Messiah suffers not for anything he did but for our transgressions... for our iniquities... for the iniquity of us all. However the servant messiah was led to his death like a lamb led to its slaughter, yet he never contested it at all. Yet all was God's plan to redeem us and the suffering servant was exalted after his sacrificial atonement.

Isaiah 52 (résumé):Awake, awake, O Zion!

 Isaiah 52 brings a message of hope and restoration exhorting Jerusalem to awake and prepare for release from Babylonian captivity. "Awake, O Zion... free yourself from the chains round your neck, O captive daughter of Zion"! The text then proclaims: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news... of salvation... who say to Zion your God reigns... when the Lord returns to Zion they will see it with their own eyes". Then the people are told to depart from Babylon purifying themselves from it. And the Lord will go before his people and be their rearguard. Then the chapter concludes presenting the servant of the Lord who would suffer extraordinarily prior to being "raised and lifted up and highly exalted".

Isaiah 51 (résumé): Everlasting salvation for Zion

 Isaiah 51 brings a message of comfort to Judah: "The Lord will surely comfort Zion... and make her deserts like Eden... my salvation is on the way... my arm will bring justice to the nations... my salvation will last forever... my righteousness will last through all generations". Then comes a cry for God to reveal his power like at the Red Sea so that his people enter Zion with singing. God then exhorts people not to fear men because he is the Lord their God and says to Zion "You are my people". Finally Jerusalem is exhorted to awake from the effects of God's judgement... and from the goblet of my wrath you will never drink again.

Isaiah 50 (résumé): Israel's sin and the Servant's obedience

Isaiah 50 shows that Israel's exile is not due to lack of strength on God's behalf or of God's lack of care, but it was due to Israel's sin. The messianic servant is attentive to God's teaching: "He wakens me morning by morning wakening my ear to listen like one being taught". The servant is submissive: "I offered by back to those who beat me... I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting". However the servant has set his face like flint and feels sure he will not be shamed. "It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me". The chapter concludes challenging people to trust the Lord even if they walk in darkness, but warns that those who create their own light will be judged.

Isaiah 49 (résumé): The Servant of the Lord

Isaiah 49 is a triumphant all-embracing servant song prophesying restoration of Israel and the taking of salvation to the gentiles. The servant's messianic mission was based on preexistent calling "to bring back Jacob to him and gather Israel to himself... I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth... the Holy One of Israel has chosen you." God promises to restore Israel:  "in the day of salvation I will help you... be free!... I will turn all my mountains into roads... they will come from afar... and shout for joy!" God goes on to assure Israel that he will not forget them... as he has tattooed them on the palm of his hand... and will restore them... and God says he will also beckon to the Gentiles and lift up his banner to the peoples... "then all mankind will know that I, the Lord, am your Saviour, your Redeemer".

Isaiah 48 (résumé): Stubborn Israel

Isaiah 48 rebukes Israel for its stubbornness: "I knew how stubborn you were with sinews of your neck like iron and your forehead of bronze". Hence God tested Israel in the Babylonian furnace of affliction and "have refined you though not as silver". God says that he predicted things far ahead of time so that it couldn't be claimed that idols had brought them to pass! God goes on to say that "for my own name's sake I delay my wrath... for my own sake I do this... I will not yield my glory to another.. I am the first and the last... I am the Lord God who teaches what is best for you... Leave Babylon, flee from the Babylonians! Announce this with shouts of joy!"

Flown the nest

A pair of Ruddy Ground-Doves made a nest in our Moringa Tree in our back garden and we have observed them rearing their 2 offspring which have finally flown from the nest. They come inside our house where we have a small clay bowl of food and another of water for them. House Sparrows feed there too. 

I preached last night at the Mother's Day special service and Sacha led. The children, teens and adults had special participations, and then all the mums received a little gift. It was a lovely service.

Yesterday it snowed in the extreme south of Brazil! Meanwhile here in the north-east it was 32 degrees.

Isaiah 47 (résumé): The fall of Babylon

 Isaiah 47 predicts that Babylon will be reduced to dust: "Go down, sit in the dust, virgin daughter of Babylon; sit on the ground without a throne... no more will you be called queen of kingdoms". The text goes on to say that God had allowed Babylon to castigate Israel to fulfill his will, but they had exaggerated and acted cruelly "and showed no mercy... you have trusted in your wickedness... a catastrophe you cannot foresee will suddenly come upon you". The text goes on to condemn Babylon's use of magic spells, sorceries, astrologers and stargazers who will be unable to do anything for them.

Isaiah 46 (résumé): God of Babylon

Isaiah 46 compares the gods of Babylon, that are carried around everywhere, with the almighty sovereign Lord that "has carried the house of Jacob since their birth". "Even to your old age and grey hairs I am he who sustains you... I have made you and will carry you". "To whom will you compare me?... I am God and there is no other... my purpose will stand and I will do all that I please... what I have said I will bring to pass... listen to me you stubborn hearted... my salvation will not be delayed".

Isaiah 45 (résumé): The anointing of Cyrus the Great

Isaiah 45 is a prophecy concerning God's choice of Cyrus the Great of Persia to conquer Babylon and release the Jewish exiles. Initially God calls Cyrus "his anointed... to subdue nations before him... so that you may know that I am the Lord... I am the Lord and there is no other". The text goes on to reaffirm God's sovereignty who cannot be questioned but does what he wants and chooses who he wants to do his will like Cyrus who will rebuild Jerusalem. God then distinguishes himself from idols as "all the makers of idols will be put to shame... but Israel will be saved by the Lord with an everlasting salvation... by the creator God of which there is no other". The text then closes calling the nations to God: "Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God and there is no other... and before me every knee will bow and by me every tongue will swear". 

Two-thirds

I have now completed two-thirds of my résumé of the Book of Isaiah with 44 of the 66 chapters done.

Yesterday we went to the wake of Brother Neto's mother from the Patos church who died aged 70. As I always explain wakes here are before the burial and not after it as in the UK. 

Last night we held a special Mother's Day service at Green Pastures which I both led and preached at. Liz and deaconess Josinete gave short words too, and the children made a special presentation for their mums. It was a wonderful evening. Mother's Day is on the second Sunday in May in Brazil and Father's Day is on the second Sunday in August. 

Troubles

I am feeling much better today after a week of tummy troubles which left be feeling off-colour. Thanks for your prayers. 

A couple from our Patos church have just had a new daughter born, Priscila, to join their 5-year-old son Moisés. Mum is Rebeca and Dad is Caetano who drills wells for a living. I see that a 35-year-old woman in Ethiopia has just given birth to quintuplets - 4 boys and a girl!

Yesterday was 'World Donkey Day'! Our 3 donkeys at Green Pastures: King Solomon, the Queen of Sheba and Merrylegs II had a lovely day! 😀

Brazil's President Lula had a meeting in Washington this week with Donald Trump and explained to him, amongst other things, how the Brazilian PIX instant bank payment system works, without using credit cards, and which has attracted interest from the Americans.

Isaiah 44 (résumé): Israel the chosen

Isaiah 44 is a chapter of comfort and promise. God starts telling Israel not to be afraid because he will "pour water on the thirsty land... and pour out my spirit on your offspring". Then God declares: "I am the first and I am the last... the incomparable Rock"! God then goes on to ridicule the stupidity of idolatry saying: "All who make idols are nothing... he makes an idol and bows down to it... but they know nothing, understand nothing... and the same wood they use to cook with is what they use to make their god!" The chapter closes with God saying: "I have swept away your offences like a cloud... return to me, for I have redeemed you... burst into song, you mountains... for the Lord has redeemed Jacob... Jerusalem shall be inhabited and the towns of Judah shall be built... let Jerusalem be rebuilt and the temple's foundations laid".

Happy Birthday!

I send my warmest congratulations to David Attenborough on this his 100th birthday! Thank you for all your amazing nature films including the one we recently watched called 'A Gorilla Story'. I hope the brother who wrote to me complaining about my previous comments about this man will forgive my enthusiasm but it is a ton!

Our granddaughter Alice is 18 and at university studying psychology. At the moment she is in Campina Grande taking part in a Conference on Neuroscience, Autism and its Disorders. Alice already has qualifications as an ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) technician in the field of Autism. Please pray for Alice who does a great work with children! 

Last night's mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study was taken by Pastor Rafael who gave a further study in Zephaniah. 

Isaiah 43 (résumé): Israel's only Saviour

 Isaias 43 is a wonderful declaration of God's redeeming love: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine". When you pass by waters, rivers and fire I will be with you. God goes on to ridicule powerless idols and refers to the Israelites as "my witnesses". Then God goes on to promise to deliver his people from Babylon and for this he says "I am making a way in the desert". Then the Lord says: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!" Finally God says: "I am he who blots out your transgressions... and remember your sins no more". God's mercy is supreme.

Isaiah 42 (résumé): The Servant of the Lord

Isaiah 42 brings us the first of 4 'servant songs' presenting us with a chosen and gentle servant Messiah (Jesus) filled with the Holy Spirit. Initially the "chosen" one is presented as a gentle bringer of "justice to the nations". The servant is to be "a covenant for the people and a light for the gentiles", opening blind eyes and freeing "captives from prison". "I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols". The text then calls all to "sing to the Lord a new song, his praise from the ends of the earth... give glory to the Lord". It goes on to address "blind and deaf" Israel because "you have seen many things yet paid no attention; your ears are open, but you hear nothing".

Isaiah 41 (résumé): The Helper of Israel

Isaiah 41 is a chapter of comfort encouraging Israel saying: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God". Initially God summons everyone to witness his power through the calling up of a leader from the east (Cyrus the Great?) to deliver his people: "Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service?" God then goes on to tell Israel to trust him saying: "I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand". God then encourages "worm Israel, O little Jacob... I will make you into a threshing-sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth". God goes on to promise water where there is none for the poor and needy. Finally God stresses the futility of useless idolatry incapable of predicting the future or of doing anything! "They are all false! Their deeds amount to nothing".

Counselling

Our ministry has various aspects and angles, but one of them we often do together is counselling which has been the case this week. God has used and blessed us this week and we value your prayers for each person we minister in this way. No names no pack drill.

We ask for prayer for the difficult situation we face concerning the pound sterling which is at an all time low as a result of the Iran war. It is making things very difficult for us and the work. 

Isaiah 40 (résumé): Comfort for God's people

Isaiah 40 brings a total shift in emphasis, from now on to the end of the book, focusing on comfort and blessing rather than judgement and difficulties. "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God", says Isaiah at the start. "Speak tenderly to Jerusalem". (This chapter again reminds me of Handel's Messiah) "Every valley shall be raised up... the glory of the Lord will be revealed... the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever... the Sovereign Lord comes with power... he tends his flock like a shepherd... the nations are like a drop in a bucket... to whom will you compare God?... He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth... lift your eyes and look to the heavens: who created all these?... do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God... he gives strength to the weary... those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength... they will walk and not faint"!

Isaiah 39 (résumé): Envoys from Babylon

 Isaiah 39 and 2 Kings 20:12-19 are virtually identical telling the story of Hezekiah receiving envoys from Babylon to whom he unwisely showed off all his treasures in his storehouses. Isaiah rebuked this telling him that one day everything he had showed off would be "carried off to Babylon"! Hezekiah was relieved that this would not occur during his lifetime.

Isaiah 38 (résumé): Hezekiah's illness

Isaiah 38 has parallels in 2 Kings 20 and 2 Chronicles 32. Some people incorrectly presume that the Book of Isaiah is situated on a timescale after 2 Kings/2 Chronicles owing to its position in the Bible, but this is not the case. The chapter tells the same story seen in Kings/Chronicles of King Hezekiah's terminal illness with a divine extension of 15 years given in answer to his prayer. This 15 year healing is confirmed by the solar sign: "The sunlight went back the ten steps it had gone". Hezekiah's response to his illness and recovery was: "In the prime of my life must I die?... like a weaver I have rolled up my life... my eyes grew weak... I am troubled Lord so please come to my aid... You restored me to health and let me live... for death cannot sing your praise... the living they praise you".

One decision

Last night's Men's Fellowship street service in São Mamede was led by school teacher Claudivan with Pastor Rafael preaching. At the end one man made a commitment to Christ. PTL!

Isaiah 37 (résumé): Jerusalem's deliverance foretold

 Isaiah 37 tells us about how King Hezekiah seeking God's help through the prophet Isaiah after the King of Assyria had lashed out "to ridicule the living God". Isaiah told Hezekiah not to fear the blasphemy because God had things under control and that the king of Assyria would go home and there be killed. Hezekiah placed Sennacherib's insulting letter before God and prayed: "O Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God"! Then Isaiah spoke the words of the Lord: "You have lifted your eyes in pride against the Holy One of Israel... you have heaped insults on the Lord... you rage against me but I will put my hook in your nose... for out of Jerusalem will come a remnant... he (Sennacherib) will not enter this city... then the angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrians... and when Sennacherib was in the temple of his god his sons came and killed him".

Isaiah 36 (résumé): Sennacherib threatens Jerusalem

 Isaiah 36 registers the invasion of Judah by king Sennacherib of Assyria in 701 BC. Sennacherib "attacked all the fortified cities of Judah and captured them", and his field commander challenges King Hezekiah of Judah questioning his and Jerusalem's "strategy and military strength" as well as questioning Jerusalem's dependance on Egyptian support which he ridicules as being like a "splintered reed of a staff" which you certainly can't lean on! Then the field commander jests that Sennacherib's army is on a divine mission to defeat Judah and that Judah's god doesn't stand a chance! Then in a clear scare mongering tactic the commander speaks loudly in the language of the people banding about the Assyrian threats and humiliation. "Do not let Hezekiah deceive you. He cannot deliver you!... don't listen to Hezekiah... make peace with me... how can the Lord deliver Jerusalem from my hand?" And Hezekiah's leaders despaired! 

Half-way there!

I have completed the first half of the Book of Isaiah covering the first 33 chapters of its 66 total. This means I have now written the résumé of 60% of the Bible. The Book of Isaiah, the largest prophetic book in the Bible, is a collection of prophetic sayings about a variety of topics such as divine judgement, messianic hope and the holiness of God.

Isaiah 35 (résumé): Joy of the Redeemed

Isaiah 35 is an extremely joyful chapter of restoration and healing! A barren desert is transformed into a lush productive paradise! "The wilderness will rejoice and blossom... it will burst into bloom... they will see the glory of the Lord, the splendour of our God... strengthen the feeble... be strong and do not fear... the eyes of the blind will be opened and the deaf will hear... water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert... there will be a highway called the Way of Holiness... no lion will be there or any ferocious beast.... but only the redeemed will walk there and the ransomed of the Lord will return and enter Zion with singing!"

Isaiah 34 (résumé): Judgement against the Nations

Isaiah 34 decrees God's apocalyptic judgement on all nations focusing on Edom as a symbolic representative of these nations. For God is to ruthlessly and aggressively devastate the nations. "The Lord is angry with all nations... he will destroy them... their dead bodies will send up a stench... all the stars will be dissolved... it will be a great slaughter in Edom... the land will be drenched with blood... it is a day of God's vengeance and retribution... the desert owl and the screech owl will possess it... she will become a haunt for jackals... the falcons will gather each with its mate... they will possess the land for ever and dwell there from generation to generation".

Isaiah 33 (résumé): Distress & Help

Isaiah 33 is a declaration of God's judgement on the destroyer Assyria: "Woe to you, O destroyer... you will be destroyed!" Then God's people are encouraged to cry to God for his grace: "Be our strength every morning, our salvation in time of distress". God then promises "to fill Zion with justice and righteousness... He will be the sure foundation for your times... Now will I arise, says the Lord. Now will I be exalted... your eyes will see the king in his beauty... Look upon Zion... a peaceful abode... its stakes will never be pulled up... the Lord is our judge, lawgiver and king!"

Isaiah 32 (résumé): The Kingdom of Righteousness

Isaiah 32 promises a future king and kingdom: "a king will reign in righteousness... a shelter from the wind... like streams in the desert... no longer will the fool be called noble... the scoundrel's methods are wicked... but the noble man makes noble plans". Then Isaiah warns against complacency because coming disaster will change the women's easy lives... because the grape harvest will fail... citadel and watchtower will become a wasteland for ever... till the Spirit is poured out from on high... justice will dwell in the desert... the fruit of righteousness will be peace... my people will live in peaceful dwelling-places... how blessed you will be!"

Isaiah 31 (résumé): Woe to those who rely on Egypt

Isaiah 31 warns Judah against trusting Egypt's power as a solution to its defence against Assyria. "Woe to those who go down to Egypt... who trust in their multitude of chariots... Egyptians are men not God!... the Lord will protect Judah like a lion and like hovering birds God will shield Jerusalem... so return to God... because Assyria will fall by the sword... declares the Lord whose fire is in Zion". 

Isaiah 30 (résumé): Woe to the obstinate nation

Isaiah 30 rebukes Judah for seeking an alliance with Egypt which God says will be futile. The result will be that "everyone will be put to shame... because Egypt is an unprofitable nation... which is utterly useless". Isaiah goes on to say that the people are rebellious "unwilling to listen to the Lord's instruction... and their rejection of God's message is like a high wall which is cracked and bulging". So God points to the solution which is "repentance and rest in salvation... because in quietness and trust is your strength". For "the Lord longs to be gracious... when you cry for help... and throw away your images like a menstrual cloth... then your cattle will graze in broad meadows... and the Lord will bind up the bruises of his people". The chapter concludes prophesying that "the Lord will shatter Assyria... with his sceptre he will strike them down... with raging anger and consuming fire".

Isaiah 29 (résumé): Woe to David's City

Isaiah 29 prophecies God's judgement on Jerusalem which is called "Ariel" which means 'Lion of God' - i.e. as the capital of the tribe of Judah. God communicates through Isaiah that Jerusalem/Ariel with be besieged and "brought low, you will speak from the ground". However God says that he will deliver Judah from this enemy and "your enemies will become like fine dust". But God goes on to call the Judeans spiritually blind and drunk unable to understand divine revelation because "he has sealed your eyes and covered your heads". He goes on to say that the people are hypocrites who "come near me with their mouth and honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me". Then the chapter concludes predicting future restoration when "in that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll... and the eyes of the blind will see... no longer will Jacob be ashamed... and they will keep my name holy".

St John's Festival

They have started getting things ready early for the St John's Festival this year on June 24th and there are streamers all over the central main streets of Patos. This is the main Patos festival of the year with 5 nights of all night music and dancing in the town centre.

Did you know that the vast majority of people in Brazil call Liz 'Betinha' (pronounced Beteenya)?

Sacha led last night's communion service and Pastor Rafael preached. We received Sister Analice into fellowship and a young woman called Bianca gave a word of testimony. It was a lovely service.

Isaiah 28 (résumé): Woe to Ephraim

Initially in chapter 28 judgement is predicted for the proud wreath of "drunkards of Ephraim" (northern kingdom) with the impending destruction at the hands of the Assyrians. "That wreath, the pride of Ephraim's drunkards, will be trampled underfoot." So too, Isaiah continues, the southern kingdom of Judah's priests and prophets, who "stagger from wine and reel from beer", will also be judged by God. For "with foreign lips and strange (Assyrian) tongues God will speak to this people." So they would "fall backward, be injured and snared and captured." For the rulers in Jerusalem have made "a covenant with death" (political godless alliances) so "an overwhelming scourge will sweep them", and when this scourge sweeps by "you will be beaten down by it." God promises, however, to "lay a stone in Zion, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; and who trusts will never be dismayed," and these will survive the impending judgement. Then concluding Isaiah compares God with a wise farmer who knows when to plant and reap. "All this comes from the Lord Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom."

Preaching the Gospel

 Last night I went to lead the monthly Communion Service at Green Pastures and I preached on 'He that is without sin throw the first stone' from John 8 as I continue through John's Gospel week by week. The service was excellent with a good number present.

I saw 2 Burrowing Owls there together with many young toads and a tree frog. 

Extremely heavy rain has been falling on the coast in João Pessoa and Recife causing havoc. 6 people have been killed as a result in Recife and the main water supplies have been interrupted in João Pessoa as the pumping system has been inundated. 

Green Pastures

I went to Green Pastures yesterday and saw Cattle Egrets, Picui Ground Doves and Blue-black Grassquits. I will be back there preaching the Gospel later on.

Sadly QPR ended the season with another defeat away to Ipswich 3 x 0. This means we ended the season in 15th place out of 24 which is the same as last season. This season we won 16 games, drew 10 and lost 20.

Isaiah 27 (résumé): Deliverance of Israel

Isaiah 27 concludes the Apocalypse section of chapters 24 to 27 pointing to God's victory over evil represented by the Leviathan: "He will slay the monster of the sea." Then comes the vineyard, representing Israel, which is "fruitful... I the Lord watch over it... I water it continually... guard it day and night... Israel will bud, blossom and fill all the world with fruit." However reference is then made to Israel's suffering for its sin resulting in the removal of their pagan altars: "No Asherah Poles or incense altars will be left standing". Then Israel will be regathered for worship in Jerusalem: "Those who were perishing in Assyria and those who were exiled in Egypt will come and worship the Lord on the holy mountain."

Isaiah 26 (résumé): A song of praise

 Isaiah 26 is a song of praise to God because in God believers are safe in "a strong city; God makes salvation his walls and ramparts." "You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast , because he trusts in you." Isaiah goes on to talk about how "my soul yearns for you in the night," and he believes in God's righteous judgement. Then Isaiah does on to affirm life after death in God which is rare in the old testament. He says: "Your dead will live; their bodies will rise. You who dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy. Your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead." Then Isaiah concludes the chapter encouraging the faithful to wait for God's judgement to pass "until his wrath has passed by". 

Isaiah 25 (résumé): Praise to the Lord!

Isaiah 25 is a prophetic celebration of God's victory over death: "He will swallow up death forever and wipe away the tears from all faces". The chapter starts exalting God for his faithfulness and for God having been a refuge for the poor and needy... a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat. It then goes on to foretell a messianic banquet: "A feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine... and God will swallow up death forever." And those who trust in God will be glad and rejoice in his salvation... "surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us."

Isaiah 24 (résumé): The Lord's devastation of the earth

 Isaiah 24 is often described as Isaiah's apocalypse! For it describes a future devastation of the earth by God: "The Lord is going to lay waste the earth... and the devastation will affect all groups and classes equally... the earth will be totally plundered... a curse consumes the earth; its people must bear their guilt... cities lie desolate... terror and pit and snare await you O people of the earth... the earth reels like a drunkard... so heavy is the guilt of its rebellion... in that day the Lord will punish... kings will be herded like prisoners bound in a dungeon."  

Isaiah 23 (résumé): A prophecy about Tyre

Isaiah 23 is a prophecy of the destruction of Tyre which was a commercial giant: "Wail, O ships of Tarshish! For Tyre is destroyed and left without house or harbour." This destruction of Tyre is God's work in response to their arrogant pride: "Who planned this against Tyre?... The Lord Almighty planned it, to bring low the pride of all glory and to humble all who are renowned on the earth." Isaiah then says that Tyre will be silenced for 70 years prior to returning to trading: "Tyre will be forgotten for 70 years... at the end of 70 years she will return to her hire as a prostitute and will ply her trade... yet her profit and earnings will be set apart for the Lord". 

General Conference

This month of May we will be holding our annual General Conference, as we do every May, when our pastors and leaders gather together to discuss the work of the Lord, to give new ministers probationary status etc. Please pray for this Conference on the 22nd and 23rd of May in João Pessoa on the coast. Please pray for all decision making. We have some delicate issues to handle.

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible Study and lawyer Murilo brought an excellent study on 1 John 5:1-12. Granddaughter Beatriz (Bia) led the worship accompanied by Davi.

Last month this blog was read 42,345 times. This is the largest monthly readership ever. Our thanks and greetings to one and all. Please add your comments with your name.

InTouch #105

The bi-annual EAB magazine "InTouch" #edition 105 for May 2026 has just been published online on the EAB website at www.eabrazil.org. The hard copies will soon be with everyone by regular post. Our thanks go to editor Marian Rashleigh and graphic  designer Dave Flowers.

Our daughter Lynn, her husband Hutan and their children John David and Amanda have gone to São Paulo for an English language conference from their Cultura Inglesa language school. 

I have finished one third of the Book of Isaiah. That is 22 of the 66 chapters. This is part of my project to write a résumé of the whole Bible. This means I have now completed 59% of the chapters of the Bible.

The Life Squad (Pastor Rafael and Iara) evangelized the Patos Men's Prison yesterday and 2 decisions were made for Christ.

I have started reading a new book again given to me by my granddaughter Louisa. It is called 'One Day' written by David Nicholls. 

Isaiah 22 (résumé): A prophecy about Jerusalem

Isaiah 22 is an oracle predicting judgement on Jerusalem for lack of repentance and condemns people for self-trust as opposed to trust in God. It also proclaims the replacement of the proud steward Shebna by Eliakim. "The Lord, the Lord Almighty has a day of tumult and trampling and terror in the Valley of Vision, a day of battering down walls and of crying out to the mountains... you saw that the City of David had many breaches in its defences... you built a reservoir between the two walls but you did not look to the one who made it... the Lord called you on that day to weep and to wail... till your dying day this sin will not be atoned for." Then the Lord says to Shebna the steward in charge of the palace: "The Lord is about to hurl you away you mighty man... you will die you disgrace to your master's house!... I will depose you from office... I will summon my servant Eliakim and clothe him with your robe... and he will be a father to those in Jerusalem... I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David... the Lord has spoken."

Isaiah 21 (résumé): Prophecies against Babylon, Edom and Arabia

Isaiah 21 has 3 prophetic oracles against Babylon, Edom and Arabia predicting divine judgement upon them which involves their destruction. First of all comes Babylon: "I will bring to an end all the groaning she caused... Babylon has fallen... all the images of their gods lie shattered on the ground... O my people, crushed on the threshing-floor... I tell you what I have heard from the Lord Almighty." Secondly comes the oracle against Edom: "Watchman, what is left of the night... he replies - Morning is coming but also the night." Finally comes the oracle concerning Arabia: "They flee from the sword, from the drawn sword, from the bent bow and from the heat of battle... the survivors will be few... the Lord has spoken."

Isaiah 20 (résumé): A prophecy against Egypt and Cush.

This chapter tells how Isaiah lived out a prophetic message by walking around naked for 3 years! This act symbolized that Assyria would lead away stripped the Egyptians and the Cushites and those who put their trust in these nations will be afraid and put to shame. 

Isaiah 19 (résumé): A prophecy about Egypt

Isaiah 19 is an oracle about Egypt which predicts God's judgement on Egypt through civil strife with Egyptian against Egyptian, brother against brother, neighbour against neighbour, city against city and kingdom against kingdom. Egypt will suffer economic failure with the drying up of the River Nile: "The river bed will be parched and dry.... the canals will stink... the fields along the Nile will be parched... the fishermen will be without work". Also Egypt's leaders will be failures: The officials of Zoan have become fools... the Lord has poured into them a spirit of dizziness... in that day the Egyptians will be like women and the land of Judah will bring terror to the Egyptians. But eventually Egypt will turn to the Lord and in that day the Egyptians, Assyrians and Israel will worship together.

Isaiah 18 (résumé): A prophecy against Cush

This prophecy is against Cush which is south of Egypt in what today is Sudan and Ethiopia. It warns Cush "which sends envoys by sea in papyrus boats" to wait for God's timing. "Go, swift messengers, to a people tall and smooth-skinned... when a trumpet sounds you will hear it... I will remain quiet and look on... he will cut off the shoots with pruning knives... at that time gifts will be brought to the Lord Almighty from a people feared far and wide."

Isaiah 17 (résumé): An oracle against Damascus

 Isaiah 17 is an oracle against Damascus which includes condemnation of Israel (Ephraim) allied to Syria. The oracle also states that idolatry is worthless before God and so is all human strength. "See Damascus will no longer be a city... the fortified cities will disappear from Ephraim... in that day the glory of Jacob will fade... in that day men will look to their maker... they will not look to their handmade altars or Asherah poles... and all will be desolation... you have forgotten God your saviour... therefore the harvest will be as nothing... in the evening sudden terror and before the morning they are gone!"

Isaiah 16 (résumé): Send lambs as tribute

Isaiah 16 continues the prophecy against Moab which was started in the previous chapter. "Like fluttering birds pushed from the nest, so are the women of Moab... the oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land." Reference is made to Moabite pride: "We have heard of Moab's pride... her pride and her insolence... therefore the Moabites wail... lament and grieve... the fields of Heshbon wither... O Heshbon I drench you with tears... my heart laments for Moab like a harp... within 3 years Moab's splendour and all her many people will be despised, and her survivors will be very few and feeble."

Rain stopped Pray!

Last night's Patos Men's Fellowship meeting was cancelled owing to heavy rain falling. At Green Pastures yesterday in rained 22 mm taking the annual total up to 648.6 mm.

Isaiah 15 (résumé): A Prophecy against Moab

This chapter is an oracle against Moab: "Ar in Moab is ruined and destroyed in a night... Kir in Moab is destroyed in a night... every head is shaved and every beard cut off... in the streets they wear sackcloth... my heart cries out over Moab... they lament their destruction... the waters of Nimrim are dried up and the grass withered... nothing green is left... their wailing reaches as far as Eglaim... and Dimon's waters are full of blood!"

Isaiah 14 (résumé): The Lord will have compassion on Jacob

Isaiah 14 promises the restoration of post-Babylonic Israel: "Once again God will chose Israel and will settle them in their own land... and the house of Israel will possess the nations... and rule over their oppressors." The chapter then features a mocking taunt-chant concerning the fall of the Babylonian king: "How the oppressor has come to an end... the grave below is all astir to meet you at your coming... all your pomp has been brought down to the grave... with maggots on top of you and worms beneath... you said you would make yourself like the most high but you are brought down to the depths of the pit... like a corpse trampled under foot... I will sweep Babylon with the broom of destruction."

The chapter then closes with prophesies against Assyria and the Philistines: "I will crush the Assyrian in my land... his yoke will be taken from my people... do not rejoice all you Philistines... your root I will destroy by famine... melt away all you Philistines... the Lord has established Zion, and in her his afflicted people will find refuge."

Linda

People who have stayed in our house will remember Linda who has always helped Liz with the cooking when we have visitors. Well today, aged 72, she is getting married to a brother in the Campina Grande area who is in his 80s. Both of them have recently lost their spouses so they have decided to take the plunge! Please pray for Linda and her new husband Hermes.

Yesterday we did our usual work bringing people into the Care Centre dentist and taking them home again. 

I have just done Pilates! 🏃

Business Meeting

Yesterday morning we held a church business meeting when lawyer Murilo was chosen to be a new assistant pastor and our daughter Sacha was chosen to be a missionary which is the term used for female ministers. Both decisions were unanimous for these two who have been ministering the word in the church for a long time. We also discussed increasing our Gospel tracts distribution and we organized the training of a new emergency committee for untoward eventualities. We also defined all the church ministries leaders for the coming year. It was a very good meeting.

On Saturday 15 young people from Patos went up the mountain to Teixeira for evangelism together with folk from our church there. 9 of them went in the Kombi. The day was a blessing.

Last night Pastor Rafael and I led the service and Sacha preached an excellent sermon on John 5:1-15. I dedicated a baby called Eloah. It was a really blessed service.

Sonata Form

I have been listening to Tchaikovsky's 5th Symphony which was my set work for music GCE O level in 1965. My focus was on the sonata form of the first movement with its exposition, development and recapitulation. Those were the days at Quintin School in St. John's Wood.

QPR sadly lost their last home game of the season to Derby 3 x 2. 😖

Last night I led the service of the Green Pastures Church and preached on John 7:37-38. It was a good service.

Tchaikovsky + Elgar

I have been listening to Tchaikovsky's 1st piano concerto whilst I did devotional and administrative work. The concerto reminds me of my tropical fish aquarium when I was a boy at Grammar School because I used to listen to it a lot whilst watching the fish. I also listened to Elgar's Cello Concerto. 

I went to Green Pastures and saw a beautiful large Rufescent Tiger-Heron near the dam. Around the house and dormitories we have scores of birds nesting like the White-throated Seedeater, Red-cowled Cardinal, Campo Troupial, Scaled Dove, Picui Ground Dove, Caatinga Cacholote, Rufous-bellied Thrush etc.

It rained a further 3 mm yesterday at Green Pastures taking this year's rainfall total up to 626.6 mm. The average annual rainfall is 702 mm. I will be preaching at the Green Pastures church tonight.

Isaiah 13 (résumé): A prophecy against Babylon

Isaiah 13 is an "oracle concerning Babylon" telling of God's impending judgement on them in "the day of the Lord" because of their arrogant wickedness. He says: "Listen, a noise on the mountains... God is mustering an army for war... to destroy the whole country... wail, for the day of the Lord is near... terror will seize them... see the day of the Lord is coming - a cruel day, with wrath and fierce anger... I will punish the world for its evil... whoever is captured will be thrust through... their infants will be dashed to pieces... their wives will be ravished... Babylon, the jewel of the kingdoms, the glory of the Babylonians pride, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah... and she will never be inhabited but will be taken over by jackals, hyenas, owls and wild goats".                                      

Isaiah 12 (résumé): Songs of Praise

Isaiah 12 points to a future time when God's people will joyfully trust in God after his "anger has turned away... surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid... with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation... give thanks to the Lord... proclaim that his name is exalted... sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things... shout aloud and sing for joy for great is the Holy One of Israel among you".

Isaiah 11 (résumé): The branch from Jesse

 Isaiah 11 is a messianic prophecy about "a shoot that will come from the stump of Jesse... the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him... and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.... with righteousness he will judge the needy... and faithfulness will be the sash around his waist". In the messianic kingdom predators and pray will live in harmony... "the wolf will live with the lamb... the leopard will lie with the goat... and a little child will lead them... for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord". And "in that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner to reclaim the remnant and gather the exiles". "There will be a highway of the remnant of his people that is left from Assyria, as there was for Israel when they came up from Egypt".

Rachmaninov

I have been listening to Rachmaninov's 3rd Piano Concerto. Absolutely magnificent!

I have just prepared a sermon for this Saturday at Green Pastures on John 7:37 when Jesus said - 'If a man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink'!

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and Pastor Rafael gave the study on Zephaniah chapter 2. The worship was led by Rogério and Rogaciano. It was a nice service.

This morning it rained 9 mm at Green Pastures taking this year's total up to 623.6 mm. It is unusual for it to rain in the morning here.

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.