Walk in the way of the Lord

What beautiful words are these from Deuteronomy 5:32-33. "Be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or to the left. Walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess."

Today is my birthday and I have so much to thank God for all his blessings to me, my wife and family. It is a joy to continue in the work of the Lord enjoying health, strength and fruitful ministry. Thank you for your prayers and support.

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and I gave the Bible study on 'John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus' from John 1:19-34 and John 3:22-36. Vasti and Espedita sang solos, Erika, Rogério and Netinho led the worship, and Deborah Maria, Dedé, Erika and Espedita brought Bible verses. We also had a good time of prayer. It was a lovely service.

Deuteronomy 6 (résumé): Love the Lord your God

In this chapter the preparations continue for the Israelites to cross the Jordan and possess the promised land of Canaan, stressing that their priorities must be love for God and obedience to his commandments. These key factors of love and obedience must be instilled in the children Moses says. Deuteronomy 6 is an important text as it contains the Jewish confession of faith known as the Shema. 

Moses declares that the people must love the Lord, their God, with all their hearts, souls and strength. Moses says that people must impress this on their children and that everyone should imbibe this in their hearts. People should always talk about this wherever they go and should surround themselves with this conviction and commitment. 

Moses also stresses that everyone must be careful to not forget God once they are installed in cities they did not build and have vineyards and olive groves they did not plant. Moses continues that they must keep clear of other gods and they must do what is right and good in the Lord's sight.

Then when the children ask why so many laws and decrees the parents should recount all that God had done for Israel leading to their commitment and covenant with him.  

Deuteronomy 5 (résumé): The 10 Commandments

Moses now reminded the Israelites of the 10 commandments: 1. Do not make idols. 2. Do not worship other gods. 3. Do not use the name of the Lord in vain. 4. Observe the Sabbath. 5. Honour your father and mother. 6. Do not commit murder. 7. Do not commit adultery. 8. Do not steal. 9. Do not lie. 10. Do not covet that which belongs to your neighbour. 

Moses then reminded Israel about all the extraordinary circumstances when God gave him the 10 commandments on tablets of stone and how the elders heard the voice of God and were afraid. The elders had asked Moses to spare them hearing God's terrifying voice, preferring for Moses to hear from God privately and pass it on to them. But now Moses was reminding Israel of all this just prior to them entering Canaan. Above all else the Israelites had to obey God.

Deuteronomy 4 (résumé): Obedience commanded

Moses now goes on to review the commandments of God given to his people so that as they go into the promised land they might prosper. Moses says the Israelites must never add or subtract from God's law, and they must revere the law as an exclusive national treasure, teaching it to their children and to their children's children.

Then Moses repeats God's ban of idolatry in whatever form. As God gave the law at Horeb without revealing any form so Israel must not create gods of any shape or form. Neither should Israel worship the sun, moon or stars. For God is a jealous God who requires exclusive devotion. If however Israel forgets God's law and goes after strange gods then God will scatter them amongst the nations. Then God would only bless his people if they repent as he would not forget his covenant with their forefathers. 

Moses went on to underline the exclusive extraordinary relationship which Israel had with God. God revealed himself to them through many signs and wonders and was about to give them the promised land. He says the people should acknowledge God exclusively and keep his decrees and commands so that they might live long in the land.

Moses then recalled the creation of cities of refuge (Numbers 35) for people who committed manslaughter. Then Moses speaks some words about the law preparing for his words on the 10 commandments in the following chapter.

Runners

Our Campina Grande - Catolé church has also started a keep fit and healthy group! They have formed a running group led by Pastor Wostenes!

I spent the entire day Monday catching up with a variety of administrative issues both linked to churches in Brazil and with churches in the UK.

6 people have been injured in the interior of São Paulo whilst swimming in a lake. They were attacked by Piranhas which are in their breeding season and have rather sharp teeth!

Please pray for our 17 Action Schools as they come to the end of their holidays and prepare for another school year.

Please pray too for our 9-year-old granddaughter Amanda who is unwell with dehydration and was put on a drip yesterday in hospital outpatients. 

We are now doing aquarobics twice a week to keep us fit. We enjoy it very much.

Last night Liz and I visited Geraldo, a 73-year-old car mechanic who has cancer. We read the Bible and prayed with him. Geraldo is a backslidden Christian. Please pray for him.

It is encouraging to see how blessed my book on the history of the work here is being to our leaders. All glory be to God.

Deuteronomy 3 (résumé): Defeat of the King of Bashan

Moses relates now the victory of the Israelites over King Og of Bashan and all his army. They captured their 60 cities despite them being walled and having gates and bars, and they massacred all their men, women and children, capturing all their livestock and goods as plunder. King Og had been a giant sleeping on an iron bed measuring 4 metres long and 1.8 metres wide!

The distribution of this land to the Gadites, Reubenites and half the tribe of Manasseh was recalled, as previously seen in Deuteronomy 32, and Moses reminded these tribes of the agreement for them to fight together with Israel when they invaded Canaan.

Then Moses encouraged Joshua, who was about to replace him as leader, to trust the Lord as they crossed the Jordan because the same God would be with him as the God who gave victory over King Sihon, King Og and their armies. Moses again tried to get God to change his mind and let him go into Canaan, but God was resolute. Instead God told Moses to view the promised land from the top of Mount Pisgah. He could view it but not go into it.

Ladies' Health Walk

Many ladies from the Patos church went on a walk together at 6 am on Saturday in an effort to maintain and improve their health. The excellent initiative is the brain child of Juliana who is a half-marathon runner. The plan is to do this once a month to start with.

On Saturday night I both led and preached at the Green Pastures service and the praise was led by Marina and Lucas. I preached on John 1:1-9, 'The Word became Flesh'. It was a good service with plentiful participation. We had strong competition from a very raucous Peacock during the service! I saw 3 Burrowing Owls and a Little Nightjar on the way there. 

Sadly QPR lost at home to Sheffield Wednesday 2 x 0 on Saturday. 😖

A young man was shot and murdered in Patos yesterday bringing the total of killings in Patos this year to 3, and we are still in January. Please pray for Patos. 

Last night I led the main service of the week in Patos and I preached too. I preached about "God is in control" adding the question "of what?". The sermon explored the issue of the balance between what God does and what we have to do. The sermon was based on Ephesians 4:1-3 and 25-32. It was a good service.