Categoria: News

Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the Israelites to make an altar on Mount Ebal after they have crossed the Jordan. They should write the law on the altar stones and sacrifice fellowship offerings eating and rejoicing in the Lord.

Then the tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin shall stand on Mount Gerizim, and the tribes of Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan and Naphtali will stand on Mount Ebal. Then the Levites will recite loudly a series of curses and after each curse all the people shall say amen. Cursed is the man who carves images or idols, cursed is the man who dishonours his father or mother, cursed is the man who moves someone’s boundary stone, cursed is the man who leads the blind astray, cursed is the man who withholds justice from the foreigner, orphan or widow, cursed is the man who has sex with his father’s wife, cursed is the man who has sex with an animal, cursed is the man who has sex with his sister, cursed is the man who has sex with his mother-in-law, cursed is the man who kills his neighbour secretly, cursed is the man who takes a bribe to kill someone and cursed is the man who does not uphold the words of the law and carry them out.

Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the Israelites to make an altar on Mount Ebal after they have crossed the Jordan. They should write the law on the altar stones and sacrifice fellowship offerings eating and rejoicing in the Lord.

Then the tribes of Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin shall stand on Mount Gerizim, and the tribes of Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan and Naphtali will stand on Mount Ebal. Then the Levites will recite loudly a series of curses and after each curse all the people shall say amen. Cursed is the man who carves images or idols, cursed is the man who dishonours his father or mother, cursed is the man who moves someone’s boundary stone, cursed is the man who leads the blind astray, cursed is the man who withholds justice from the foreigner, orphan or widow, cursed is the man who has sex with his father’s wife, cursed is the man who has sex with an animal, cursed is the man who has sex with his sister, cursed is the man who has sex with his mother-in-law, cursed is the man who kills his neighbour secretly, cursed is the man who takes a bribe to kill someone and cursed is the man who does not uphold the words of the law and carry them out.

Moses now says that after possessing the land of Canaan the Israelites should offer to the Lord baskets of the firstfruits in gratitude to God whilst rehearsing all he had done for them delivering them from Egypt and bringing them to the promised land. Then in the third year in Canaan they should tithe their produce giving this to the Levites, foreigners, orphans and widows. After doing this they were to declare before God that they had obeyed his commands and ask him to bless the ground where their crops grow. Finally Moses says that God says that if his people remain faithful to him he will bless their land, give them prosperity and honour them above all other nations.   

Moses now says that after possessing the land of Canaan the Israelites should offer to the Lord baskets of the firstfruits in gratitude to God whilst rehearsing all he had done for them delivering them from Egypt and bringing them to the promised land. Then in the third year in Canaan they should tithe their produce giving this to the Levites, foreigners, orphans and widows. After doing this they were to declare before God that they had obeyed his commands and ask him to bless the ground where their crops grow. Finally Moses says that God says that if his people remain faithful to him he will bless their land, give them prosperity and honour them above all other nations.   

Moses now says that judges will decide disputes and order up to 40 lashes of a whip if necessary. He then says that you should not muzzle an ox that is treading the corn. He goes on to say that if a married man dies his brother should have children with the widow so as to continue the brother’s name. If the brother refuses to do this the bride shall take him before the elders and take off one of his sandals, spit in his face and denounce him. Thus the man’s line shall be known as the family of the unsandalled. 

If 2 men fight and a wife intervenes grabbing her husband’s private parts then you must show her no pity and cut off her hand! Do not have differing measures and weights in your house because you must be accurate and honest. Finally Moses tells the Israelites to annihilate the Amalekites when in Canaan as retribution for them having attacked Israel shortly after they came out of Egypt.

Moses now says that judges will decide disputes and order up to 40 lashes of a whip if necessary. He then says that you should not muzzle an ox that is treading the corn. He goes on to say that if a married man dies his brother should have children with the widow so as to continue the brother’s name. If the brother refuses to do this the bride shall take him before the elders and take off one of his sandals, spit in his face and denounce him. Thus the man’s line shall be known as the family of the unsandalled. 

If 2 men fight and a wife intervenes grabbing her husband’s private parts then you must show her no pity and cut off her hand! Do not have differing measures and weights in your house because you must be accurate and honest. Finally Moses tells the Israelites to annihilate the Amalekites when in Canaan as retribution for them having attacked Israel shortly after they came out of Egypt.

Brazil’s previous president Jair Bolsonaro has been charged with an alleged coup plot, after losing the 2022 election, trying to stop the current president Lula taking up office by poisoning him and shooting dead Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes. 

I have been preparing the Bible study for Thursday night and the sermon for next Tuesday in the town of São Mamede.

I have just eaten fried egg with yams. Delicious! 😋

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and I gave the study on “Living Water” from John 4:1-26. The praise and worship was led by Érika, Rogério e Netinho with special participations from Chico, Vasti and Espedita. It was a blessed service.

Moses says that if a married couple get divorced and the woman re-marries, then the original husband could not re-marry her if she ended up divorcing her second husband or if her second husband died. (strange law!) He also says that a newly wedded man must not do military or civic service for a year as he must focus on making his wife happy in a sort of prolonged honeymoon! He then says that millstones cannot be taken for security for a loan and kidnappers must be executed.

In the case of skin diseases, which were of great concern at the time, Moses says people must be careful to follow the priests’ instructions on the matter. He also said that if someone made a loan he should not enter the person’s house to go after the pledge, but should wait for it to be brought out to him and should never exploit the poor over loans. Wages to the poor must be paid daily.

Moses then says that fathers should not be put to death for their children or vice-versa. Neither should the foreigner or the orphan be deprived of justice, and never take a widow’s cloak as a pledge. And at harvest time do not pick everything, but leave something for the foreigner, orphan and widow. 

Moses says that if a married couple get divorced and the woman re-marries, then the original husband could not re-marry her if she ended up divorcing her second husband or if her second husband died. (strange law!) He also says that a newly wedded man must not do military or civic service for a year as he must focus on making his wife happy in a sort of prolonged honeymoon! He then says that millstones cannot be taken for security for a loan and kidnappers must be executed.

In the case of skin diseases, which were of great concern at the time, Moses says people must be careful to follow the priests’ instructions on the matter. He also said that if someone made a loan he should not enter the person’s house to go after the pledge, but should wait for it to be brought out to him and should never exploit the poor over loans. Wages to the poor must be paid daily.

Moses then says that fathers should not be put to death for their children or vice-versa. Neither should the foreigner or the orphan be deprived of justice, and never take a widow’s cloak as a pledge. And at harvest time do not pick everything, but leave something for the foreigner, orphan and widow. 

Nobody with crushed or cut off genitals may enter the assembly of the Lord. This was a protest against heathen cultic practices. Nor could anyone enter the assembly who was the fruit of an adulterous or incestuous relationship or marriage. No Ammonite or Moabite or their descendants may enter the assembly of the Lord either. However the Edomites and Egyptians should be treat as friends and their third generation could enter the assembly.

When the Israelites went to war they should keep things pure and clean. If a man had a nocturnal emission he was to purify himself outside the camp during that day. People should have little shovels to cover their excrement when necessary. 

Runaway slaves should be helped and not oppressed. No Israelite man or woman should work as a cultic pagan temple prostitute. Do not charge interest on loans to your fellow Israelites, although you can charge foreigners. Take vows seriously and keep them before God. Upon entering someone’s vineyard you can eat the grapes, but don’t put them in your basket. So too when entering a cornfield pick corn but don’t use a sickle. 

Nobody with crushed or cut off genitals may enter the assembly of the Lord. This was a protest against heathen cultic practices. Nor could anyone enter the assembly who was the fruit of an adulterous or incestuous relationship or marriage. No Ammonite or Moabite or their descendants may enter the assembly of the Lord either. However the Edomites and Egyptians should be treat as friends and their third generation could enter the assembly.

When the Israelites went to war they should keep things pure and clean. If a man had a nocturnal emission he was to purify himself outside the camp during that day. People should have little shovels to cover their excrement when necessary. 

Runaway slaves should be helped and not oppressed. No Israelite man or woman should work as a cultic pagan temple prostitute. Do not charge interest on loans to your fellow Israelites, although you can charge foreigners. Take vows seriously and keep them before God. Upon entering someone’s vineyard you can eat the grapes, but don’t put them in your basket. So too when entering a cornfield pick corn but don’t use a sickle. 

Moses now gives a list of minor laws like keep your eye out for your neighbours stray animals and help them recapture them, or get the fallen ones back on their feet. Women must not wear men’s clothing or vice versa. If you find a bird’s nest with mother and young you can take the young but not the mother! When you build a new house make a parapet around the roof to avoid falls. Don’t plant 2 kinds of seed in your vineyard, don’t plough with an ox and a donkey, don’t wear clothes made of wool and linen and put tassels on the 4 corners of your cloak.

Moses goes on to say that if a couple get married but the man finds that he dislikes the woman and so slanders her saying she hadn’t been a virgin when they married, the matter will go before the elders. There the girl’s parents will produce evidence that she had been a virgin showing a cloth stained by blood from the wedding night! In this case the man will be fined 1 kilo of silver which will be paid to the father, and the man will not be allowed to divorce the woman. However if the girl’s virginity can’t be proved then she will be stoned to death.

If a man is caught having sex with another man’s wife they both must be put to death. If a man has sex with an engaged virgin both must die. She will die because she didn’t scream for help and he will die for having violated somebody else’s wife. But if a man rapes an engaged virgin only the man shall die as the girl had screamed for help out in the country where nobody heard her. If a man rapes a virgin who is not engaged he will pay a half kilo of silver fine, marry the girl, and never be allowed to divorce her. Finally Moses says that a man is not to marry his father’s wife. 

Moses now gives a list of minor laws like keep your eye out for your neighbours stray animals and help them recapture them, or get the fallen ones back on their feet. Women must not wear men’s clothing or vice versa. If you find a bird’s nest with mother and young you can take the young but not the mother! When you build a new house make a parapet around the roof to avoid falls. Don’t plant 2 kinds of seed in your vineyard, don’t plough with an ox and a donkey, don’t wear clothes made of wool and linen and put tassels on the 4 corners of your cloak.

Moses goes on to say that if a couple get married but the man finds that he dislikes the woman and so slanders her saying she hadn’t been a virgin when they married, the matter will go before the elders. There the girl’s parents will produce evidence that she had been a virgin showing a cloth stained by blood from the wedding night! In this case the man will be fined 1 kilo of silver which will be paid to the father, and the man will not be allowed to divorce the woman. However if the girl’s virginity can’t be proved then she will be stoned to death.

If a man is caught having sex with another man’s wife they both must be put to death. If a man has sex with an engaged virgin both must die. She will die because she didn’t scream for help and he will die for having violated somebody else’s wife. But if a man rapes an engaged virgin only the man shall die as the girl had screamed for help out in the country where nobody heard her. If a man rapes a virgin who is not engaged he will pay a half kilo of silver fine, marry the girl, and never be allowed to divorce her. Finally Moses says that a man is not to marry his father’s wife. 

Moses says that if a dead body is found and nobody knows who the murderer is then the elders of the nearest town should take a heifer and break its neck in a valley after which priests will give a blessing. Then the elders will wash their hands over the heifer and declare that they had not killed or see killed the deceased. In this way the blood shed in the killing will be atoned for.

Moses says that if in battle someone fancies a beautiful woman it would be fine to take her as a wife. She would need to shave her head, trim her nails, change clothes and mourn her parents for a month. If the relationship didn’t work out it could end, but she could not be sold as a slave.

Moses then goes on to emphasize the rights of the firstborn son. He says that in the case of polygamy and a man having 2 wives he couldn’t swap the firstborn’s birthright just because he preferred a particular mother. He says that independent of wifely preferences the firstborn son had to receive a double share of his father’s wealth.

Moses follows this with drastic treatment of a stubborn and rebellious son saying that he must be stoned to death! Moses also says that in the case of a man being executed and hung on a tree, the dead body should not be left there overnight because he “who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse”.

Moses says that if a dead body is found and nobody knows who the murderer is then the elders of the nearest town should take a heifer and break its neck in a valley after which priests will give a blessing. Then the elders will wash their hands over the heifer and declare that they had not killed or see killed the deceased. In this way the blood shed in the killing will be atoned for.

Moses says that if in battle someone fancies a beautiful woman it would be fine to take her as a wife. She would need to shave her head, trim her nails, change clothes and mourn her parents for a month. If the relationship didn’t work out it could end, but she could not be sold as a slave.

Moses then goes on to emphasize the rights of the firstborn son. He says that in the case of polygamy and a man having 2 wives he couldn’t swap the firstborn’s birthright just because he preferred a particular mother. He says that independent of wifely preferences the firstborn son had to receive a double share of his father’s wealth.

Moses follows this with drastic treatment of a stubborn and rebellious son saying that he must be stoned to death! Moses also says that in the case of a man being executed and hung on a tree, the dead body should not be left there overnight because he “who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse”.

Moses says that when Israel goes to war it should not be afraid even if the opposing army was greater. For God would be with his people to fight for them and give them victory.

Then preparing for battle Moses gives some exemptions (new house, new vineyard, new wife and no courage) of a compassionate nature so that nothing should distract the warriors from the objective of victory which is the Lord’s.

Moses says that when preparing to attack a city Israel should give its inhabitants a chance to surrender in which case they would be Israel’s slaves. However if they fight then the Israelites should lay siege to the city and kill all the men. However the woman, children, livestock and everything else will be taken as plunder.

Nevertheless in the case of the peoples in Canaan’s land (Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites) and their livestock everyone and everything was to be annihilated. 

Moses says that in the case of long term sieges they can chop down trees to help them, but should not use fruit trees.

Moses says that when Israel goes to war it should not be afraid even if the opposing army was greater. For God would be with his people to fight for them and give them victory.

Then preparing for battle Moses gives some exemptions (new house, new vineyard, new wife and no courage) of a compassionate nature so that nothing should distract the warriors from the objective of victory which is the Lord’s.

Moses says that when preparing to attack a city Israel should give its inhabitants a chance to surrender in which case they would be Israel’s slaves. However if they fight then the Israelites should lay siege to the city and kill all the men. However the woman, children, livestock and everything else will be taken as plunder.

Nevertheless in the case of the peoples in Canaan’s land (Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites) and their livestock everyone and everything was to be annihilated. 

Moses says that in the case of long term sieges they can chop down trees to help them, but should not use fruit trees.

Moses says that when Israel goes to war it should not be afraid even if the opposing army was greater. For God would be with his people to fight for them and give them victory.

Then preparing for battle Moses gives some exemptions (new house, new vineyard, new wife and no courage) of a compassionate nature so that nothing should distract the warriors from the objective of victory which is the Lord’s.

Moses says that when preparing to attack a city Israel should give its inhabitants a chance to surrender in which case they would be Israel’s slaves. However if they fight then the Israelites should lay siege to the city and kill all the men. However the woman, children, livestock and everything else will be taken as plunder.

Nevertheless in the case of the peoples in Canaan’s land (Hittites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites) and their livestock everyone and everything was to be annihilated. 

Moses says that in the case of long term sieges they can chop down trees to help them, but should not use fruit trees.

I went to the dentist’s this week and I survived! 😁 The dentist’s name is Dra. Sammia and she is excellent, being the dentist of the whole family. I hadn’t been to the dentist since before the Covid pandemic, and I only had one big filling to do, so not bad! I did the filling without needing anesthetic which was good.

Last night there were 16 men at the Men’s fellowship meeting which was led by chief of the Police Esau. It was a very good meeting. I gave the study on “Paul’s Epistle of Joy – Philippians” and we had a good discussion about joy and happiness in the Lord.

This Saturday I will be travelling to Ipueira in Rio Grande do Norte State to encourage the Christians there. Please pray. 

Pastor Nemias is reporting a new church plant at the Sitio Mumbassa in the Municipality of Flores in Pernambuco State. Pastor Maésio is reporting that the church up in the mountains at Teixeira is going well and growing. Please pray for these churches and their pastors.

I went to the dentist’s this week and I survived! 😁 The dentist’s name is Dra. Sammia and she is excellent, being the dentist of the whole family. I hadn’t been to the dentist since before the Covid pandemic, and I only had one big filling to do, so not bad! I did the filling without needing anesthetic which was good.

Last night there were 16 men at the Men’s fellowship meeting which was led by chief of the Police Esau. It was a very good meeting. I gave the study on “Paul’s Epistle of Joy – Philippians” and we had a good discussion about joy and happiness in the Lord.

This Saturday I will be travelling to Ipueira in Rio Grande do Norte State to encourage the Christians there. Please pray. 

Pastor Nemias is reporting a new church plant at the Sitio Mumbassa in the Municipality of Flores in Pernambuco State. Pastor Maésio is reporting that the church up in the mountains at Teixeira is going well and growing. Please pray for these churches and their pastors.

 Now Moses returns to the subject of cities of refuge in Canaan to receive accidental murderers or those guilty of manslaughter. It is strange how much text is dedicated to this subject in the Pentateuch and it would seem to have been a major problem. There were to be initially 3 cities of refuge with roads built to give good access to them, and there was a possibility of a further 3 such cities being established later. The moving of land markers was also prohibited. 

Moses then goes on to the subject of witnesses which must be at least 2 for any crime. If a witness proves to be a liar then he must be punished with exactly what he was advocating for the accused. Moses stipulates that the judges and priests must show no pity in such cases and retribution must be “life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand and foot for foot”!

 Now Moses returns to the subject of cities of refuge in Canaan to receive accidental murderers or those guilty of manslaughter. It is strange how much text is dedicated to this subject in the Pentateuch and it would seem to have been a major problem. There were to be initially 3 cities of refuge with roads built to give good access to them, and there was a possibility of a further 3 such cities being established later. The moving of land markers was also prohibited. 

Moses then goes on to the subject of witnesses which must be at least 2 for any crime. If a witness proves to be a liar then he must be punished with exactly what he was advocating for the accused. Moses stipulates that the judges and priests must show no pity in such cases and retribution must be “life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand and foot for foot”!

Moses goes on to remind everyone that in Canaan the priests and levites will not have their own land like the rest of Israel but they will live off the offerings made by the people (shoulder of the bulls or sheep + cheeks and inner parts), plus the firstfruits of corn, new wine and oil plus the first wool from sheep shearing.

Then Moses bans the imitation of the detestable customs of other nations such as infant sacrifice, divination, sorcery, witchcraft, casting spells or using mediums and spiritists to consult the dead.

Moses then says that God will raise up a new prophet like himself to communicate the word of the Lord whilst any false prophet who points to false gods must be put to death. 

 Moses now reminds Israelites to never offer sacrifices to God using animals with defects. He then went on to again prohibit pagan worship of the sun, moon, the stars or other gods. People caught practicing this by at least 2 witnesses would be stoned to death. 

Moses then says that when cases come before the courts which are very difficult the supreme court will be the priests. Their final word must be obeyed and implemented and any contempt of court would be punishable by death.

Then Moses envisaged the day when Israel would be ruled by a king. The king would have to be an Israelite, he should not have too many horses or too many wives (Solomon?!) and he should write out his own copy of the law and read it all his life. He should never over estimate himself. 

 Moses now reminds Israelites to never offer sacrifices to God using animals with defects. He then went on to again prohibit pagan worship of the sun, moon, the stars or other gods. People caught practicing this by at least 2 witnesses would be stoned to death. 

Moses then says that when cases come before the courts which are very difficult the supreme court will be the priests. Their final word must be obeyed and implemented and any contempt of court would be punishable by death.

Then Moses envisaged the day when Israel would be ruled by a king. The king would have to be an Israelite, he should not have too many horses or too many wives (Solomon?!) and he should write out his own copy of the law and read it all his life. He should never over estimate himself. 

In this chapter Moses reminds the Israelites about their pilgrimage festivals with the Passover/Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) and the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths. The instructions for all these festivals had been given in detail previously.

Then Moses told them to appoint judges for each tribe and town that God would give them in Canaan. He says that they should judge the people fairly avoiding partiality or bribery. They should “follow justice and justice alone”.

At the end Moses makes yet another warning against idolatry which is one of the things most prohibited in the Pentateuch. 

In this chapter Moses reminds the Israelites about their pilgrimage festivals with the Passover/Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) and the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths. The instructions for all these festivals had been given in detail previously.

Then Moses told them to appoint judges for each tribe and town that God would give them in Canaan. He says that they should judge the people fairly avoiding partiality or bribery. They should “follow justice and justice alone”.

At the end Moses makes yet another warning against idolatry which is one of the things most prohibited in the Pentateuch. 

In this chapter Moses reminds the Israelites about their pilgrimage festivals with the Passover/Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) and the Feast of Tabernacles or Booths. The instructions for all these festivals had been given in detail previously.

Then Moses told them to appoint judges for each tribe and town that God would give them in Canaan. He says that they should judge the people fairly avoiding partiality or bribery. They should “follow justice and justice alone”.

At the end Moses makes yet another warning against idolatry which is one of the things most prohibited in the Pentateuch. 

Please pray for rain for us! We are in the rainy season but the rains have stopped falling and if they don’t fall between now and April then it would be a catastrophe for the entire interior of northeast Brazil.

Last night I led the main service of the week in Patos. The praise was led by Fábio, Érika and João Filho backed by Rogério, Netinho e Ricardinho. The preacher was Pastor Rafael. A gift was given to our deaf pastor Luiz Carlos for his birthday and he cried with emotion. It was a good service.

Please pray for the Carnival Camp which starts a week on Saturday.

Please pray for rain for us! We are in the rainy season but the rains have stopped falling and if they don’t fall between now and April then it would be a catastrophe for the entire interior of northeast Brazil.

Last night I led the main service of the week in Patos. The praise was led by Fábio, Érika and João Filho backed by Rogério, Netinho e Ricardinho. The preacher was Pastor Rafael. A gift was given to our deaf pastor Luiz Carlos for his birthday and he cried with emotion. It was a good service.

Please pray for the Carnival Camp which starts a week on Saturday.

I have just eaten a slice of maize cake which was delicious. Dare I say that it was amazing! I wonder how the google translator will get on translating that pun to Portuguese! 😋😃

I have had my hair cut and I hope you like it? 👨

I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study and Dedé led the praise and worship. Pastor Rafael gave the study from Micah 1:11-16.

A woman who killed 3 relatives by putting arsenic in a Christmas cake in the south of Brazil has been found dead in her prison cell. Probably their prison mates “suicided” her as prison wardens say it was probably suicide. 

Liz and I have just got back from an excellent journey to Campina Grande which is a 3 and a quarter hour drive east of Patos. We travelled there yesterday afternoon and had a lovely working meal in the evening with Pastor Wostenes, his wife Gleydice and a young couple called Thyago and Letícia who are potential workers. Then this morning we were joined by pastors Umbirajara, Matheus and wives for another great meeting. Both these meetings were of strategic importance for the work of EAB/ACEV and discussed plans for growth. Please pray.

Stopping for a drink on the way to Campina Grande we met our friend Sérgio who is a crippled beggar who sits on the pavement asking for help. His broad smile is always impressive! 😀 We always give him something.

The journey to Campina Grande means you climb the Santa Luzia mountain on the way where there is a big renewable energy farm with 136 wind turbines having a generating capacity of 471.25 MW. The wind turbines today were going like the clappers!

Yesterday QPR beat Derby 4 x 0 at home! 😄😎💪🙌

This chapter shows great anti-poverty values focusing on social justice. For every 7th year was to be a year of cancelling debts for fellow Israelites. Obedience to God in this would lead to great national prosperity. Those better off are taught to not be “tight fisted” towards the poor. Rather they are to be generous to the poor and do so “without a grudging heart”. 

Then too all Israelite slaves should be released on the 7th year of release and they should not be set free empty handed but should be given sheep, grain and wine. However if a slave has become attached to his master and family and doesn’t want to leave, then his ear should be pierced as a sign of commitment and he or she will become servants for life. 

Finally in this chapter Moses reminds Israelites of their responsibility to give the firstborn of their herds and flocks to God. Any animal with a defect should be eaten and not sacrificed to God. However care should be taken not to eat blood. 

This chapter shows great anti-poverty values focusing on social justice. For every 7th year was to be a year of cancelling debts for fellow Israelites. Obedience to God in this would lead to great national prosperity. Those better off are taught to not be “tight fisted” towards the poor. Rather they are to be generous to the poor and do so “without a grudging heart”. 

Then too all Israelite slaves should be released on the 7th year of release and they should not be set free empty handed but should be given sheep, grain and wine. However if a slave has become attached to his master and family and doesn’t want to leave, then his ear should be pierced as a sign of commitment and he or she will become servants for life. 

Finally in this chapter Moses reminds Israelites of their responsibility to give the firstborn of their herds and flocks to God. Any animal with a defect should be eaten and not sacrificed to God. However care should be taken not to eat blood. 

This chapter shows great anti-poverty values focusing on social justice. For every 7th year was to be a year of cancelling debts for fellow Israelites. Obedience to God in this would lead to great national prosperity. Those better off are taught to not be “tight fisted” towards the poor. Rather they are to be generous to the poor and do so “without a grudging heart”. 

Then too all Israelite slaves should be released on the 7th year of release and they should not be set free empty handed but should be given sheep, grain and wine. However if a slave has become attached to his master and family and doesn’t want to leave, then his ear should be pierced as a sign of commitment and he or she will become servants for life. 

Finally in this chapter Moses reminds Israelites of their responsibility to give the firstborn of their herds and flocks to God. Any animal with a defect should be eaten and not sacrificed to God. However care should be taken not to eat blood. 

 On Tuesday night I travelled with the Patos Men’s Fellowship to hold a street service in the town of São Mamede. It was a joy to share the Gospel in this needy place. It was great to hear young teenager Matheus playing the guitar and Paulo Silas and Josué sang solos. After the service two women came to speak to me. The first was Marlene who told me she had committed her life to Christ and wants to be baptized. The second called Denise told me she was re-dedicating her life to the Lord and wants to be part of our church. So praise the Lord for these fruits of our regular preaching of the Gospel in this place. Please pray for Marlene and Denise. 🙌

QPR lost away to Coventry on Tuesday 1 x 0 with the goal coming in the 94th minute! 😕 

Please pray for our Carnival Camp at Green Pastures which starts a fortnight this Saturday. May God bless all the participants with good fun, fellowship and teaching!

Liz went to the Women’s Fellowship meeting last night and says it was good.

 On Tuesday night I travelled with the Patos Men’s Fellowship to hold a street service in the town of São Mamede. It was a joy to share the Gospel in this needy place. It was great to hear young teenager Matheus playing the guitar and Paulo Silas and Josué sang solos. After the service two women came to speak to me. The first was Marlene who told me she had committed her life to Christ and wants to be baptized. The second called Denise told me she was re-dedicating her life to the Lord and wants to be part of our church. So praise the Lord for these fruits of our regular preaching of the Gospel in this place. Please pray for Marlene and Denise. 🙌

QPR lost away to Coventry on Tuesday 1 x 0 with the goal coming in the 94th minute! 😕 

Please pray for our Carnival Camp at Green Pastures which starts a fortnight this Saturday. May God bless all the participants with good fun, fellowship and teaching!

Liz went to the Women’s Fellowship meeting last night and says it was good.

 I led Sunday night’s main service of the week and our daughter Sacha preached an excellent sermon on ‘How is your heart’? from Mark 7:1-23. The praise and worship group (Sacha, Marina, Fábio, Rogerio, Ricardinho, Netinho and Rogaciano) introduced 2 new songs which were blessed and refreshing. We normally do 8 songs in the main service of the week. The service was a real blessing.

The yellow Great Kiskadee is singing loudly outside our house today.

Liz led the prayer meeting last night which was a blessing. Parallel to this the youth had their own prayer meeting. There was also a planning meeting of the children’s ministry last night and a team went to hold a service on a farm near Green Pastures.

 I led Sunday night’s main service of the week and our daughter Sacha preached an excellent sermon on ‘How is your heart’? from Mark 7:1-23. The praise and worship group (Sacha, Marina, Fábio, Rogerio, Ricardinho, Netinho and Rogaciano) introduced 2 new songs which were blessed and refreshing. We normally do 8 songs in the main service of the week. The service was a real blessing.

The yellow Great Kiskadee is singing loudly outside our house today.

Liz led the prayer meeting last night which was a blessing. Parallel to this the youth had their own prayer meeting. There was also a planning meeting of the children’s ministry last night and a team went to hold a service on a farm near Green Pastures.

 I led Sunday night’s main service of the week and our daughter Sacha preached an excellent sermon on ‘How is your heart’? from Mark 7:1-23. The praise and worship group (Sacha, Marina, Fábio, Rogerio, Ricardinho, Netinho and Rogaciano) introduced 2 new songs which were blessed and refreshing. We normally do 8 songs in the main service of the week. The service was a real blessing.

The yellow Great Kiskadee is singing loudly outside our house today.

Liz led the prayer meeting last night which was a blessing. Parallel to this the youth had their own prayer meeting. There was also a planning meeting of the children’s ministry last night and a team went to hold a service on a farm near Green Pastures.

Liz and I went for a nice long walk at Green Pastures on Friday afternoon and saw an abundance of Tropidurus hispidus and Tropidurus semitaeniatus lizards. We also saw Rock Cavies, Cavies and 4 wild tortoises. Bird life was also plentiful with Rufous-browed Peppershrikes, White-tipped Doves, Spotted Nothuras, White-naped Jays and Red-cowled Cardinals. Rufous-bellied Thrushes and Campo Troupials are nesting near the meeting hall, as when the rains start the birds start nesting as rain means an abundance of caterpillars and butterflies etc. for them to eat.

Yesterday afternoon Liz went to visit Vanessa who is a member of the Patos church and is not well. She lives in the village of Campo Comprido 8 km from Patos.

Last night I led the service at our Green Pastures church and I preached too on ‘the law came through Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ’ (John 1:17). It was a lovely service with the praise led by Érika, Netinho and Rogério. Josué, Paulo Silas, Fred, Dodora, Fabricia and Julio also took part.

Last night too a youth group went to Ipueira in Rio Grande do Norte in support of Dedé and the Christians in Action group who go there weekly seeking to plant a church. We have 5 members there. Please pray for Ipueira. 

Liz and I went for a nice long walk at Green Pastures on Friday afternoon and saw an abundance of Tropidurus hispidus and Tropidurus semitaeniatus lizards. We also saw Rock Cavies, Cavies and 4 wild tortoises. Bird life was also plentiful with Rufous-browed Peppershrikes, White-tipped Doves, Spotted Nothuras, White-naped Jays and Red-cowled Cardinals. Rufous-bellied Thrushes and Campo Troupials are nesting near the meeting hall, as when the rains start the birds start nesting as rain means an abundance of caterpillars and butterflies etc. for them to eat.

Yesterday afternoon Liz went to visit Vanessa who is a member of the Patos church and is not well. She lives in the village of Campo Comprido 8 km from Patos.

Last night I led the service at our Green Pastures church and I preached too on ‘the law came through Moses but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ’ (John 1:17). It was a lovely service with the praise led by Érika, Netinho and Rogério. Josué, Paulo Silas, Fred, Dodora, Fabricia and Julio also took part.

Last night too a youth group went to Ipueira in Rio Grande do Norte in support of Dedé and the Christians in Action group who go there weekly seeking to plant a church. We have 5 members there. Please pray for Ipueira. 

Moses starts this chapter condemning pagan self-mutilation practices for the dead because they must live as God’s chosen people. From this Moses goes on to remind the Israelites of their eating laws with animals that chew the cud and divided hoofs (bull, goat, sheep etc.) being classified as clean and fine for eating, whereas animals that don’t have both these features (camel, rabbit, pig and coney etc.) were taboo.

As regards water creatures the defining factors of cleanliness was that they should have scales and fins. Those without were not to be eaten.

Flying creatures were deemed edible other than kites, falcons, vultures, owls, hawks and bats. Flying insects that swarm should not be eaten, and nothing found dead could be eaten. 

Finally in this section for the third time (Exodus 23:19 & 34:26) in the law cooking a young goat in it mother’s milk is banned. It is strange to see this emphasis and many think this is because it was something carried out in pagan rituals.

The chapter’s final section focuses on the tithing of the Israelites annual produce. Such tithes were used for the upkeep of feasts, the upkeep of the Levites and to help orphans, widows and foreigners. 

Moses starts this chapter condemning pagan self-mutilation practices for the dead because they must live as God’s chosen people. From this Moses goes on to remind the Israelites of their eating laws with animals that chew the cud and divided hoofs (bull, goat, sheep etc.) being classified as clean and fine for eating, whereas animals that don’t have both these features (camel, rabbit, pig and coney etc.) were taboo.

As regards water creatures the defining factors of cleanliness was that they should have scales and fins. Those without were not to be eaten.

Flying creatures were deemed edible other than kites, falcons, vultures, owls, hawks and bats. Flying insects that swarm should not be eaten, and nothing found dead could be eaten. 

Finally in this section for the third time (Exodus 23:19 & 34:26) in the law cooking a young goat in it mother’s milk is banned. It is strange to see this emphasis and many think this is because it was something carried out in pagan rituals.

The chapter’s final section focuses on the tithing of the Israelites annual produce. Such tithes were used for the upkeep of feasts, the upkeep of the Levites and to help orphans, widows and foreigners. 

Moses continues now to warn against idolatry. First he says that if any prophet or dreamer arises enticing the Israelites to worship other gods then they must realize that this is in fact God testing them and they must execute the offender. 

Then Moses says that even if someone really close to you tries to secretly entice you to paganism they must be executed without pity. It doesn’t matter if it is your brother, son, daughter, wife or best friend. Whoever it is must be stoned to death.

In the case of a conquered town turning to idolatry Moses says they must totally destroy the town killing all its inhabitants and livestock. Then they must set fire to the town and its plunder in the town square as a burnt offering to God.

Moses continues now to warn against idolatry. First he says that if any prophet or dreamer arises enticing the Israelites to worship other gods then they must realize that this is in fact God testing them and they must execute the offender. 

Then Moses says that even if someone really close to you tries to secretly entice you to paganism they must be executed without pity. It doesn’t matter if it is your brother, son, daughter, wife or best friend. Whoever it is must be stoned to death.

In the case of a conquered town turning to idolatry Moses says they must totally destroy the town killing all its inhabitants and livestock. Then they must set fire to the town and its plunder in the town square as a burnt offering to God.

My daughter Deborah is a veterinary doctor as well as a teacher of English at the Cultura Inglesa Patos. She is very good in both. Deborah is a voluntary veterinary doctor with the Amparar Animal in Patos which takes stray & other dogs to the Municipal Dog Programme which has already sterilized 3,700 dogs. It is a step in the right direction to solve the chronic situation of stray dogs in Patos.

My lawyer, Dr. Arthur Ivan Medcraft Dutra, is in the process of investigating the lack of snake antidote here in Patos. It is a situation which cannot continue. A poor little 6-year-old girl ended up in intensive care in Patos because she was bitten by a Rattlesnake and there was no antidote in Patos. Helloá is threatened by bad side-effects as a result of the delay in taking the antidote which was only available in Itaporanga 111 km west of Patos! I am glad to tell you that Helloá has now been sent home from hospital and is improving which is a real answer to prayer.

QPR beat Blackburn at home 2 x 1 this week. 😀

On Wednesday afternoon Liz and I went to visit Dr. Fred and Marileide who live on a farm near Green Pastures. They are Christians attending our Green Pastures church and they will be baptized at the Carnival Camp together with Julio and Joana. Also present at the meeting was Michaele. We enjoyed a lovely time of fellowship with them. I heard a Rufous-bellied Thrush which they had caged unfortunately. I also saw a Green-barred Woodpecker.

Yesterday afternoon I had a good meeting with Pastor Rafael and his wife Rayla discussing the married couples ministry.  

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study. Dedé led the praise, Vasti sang a solo and Pastor Rafael gave the study on Micah 1:8-10. It was a nice service with a good number present.

My daughter Deborah is a veterinary doctor as well as a teacher of English at the Cultura Inglesa Patos. She is very good in both. Deborah is a voluntary veterinary doctor with the Amparar Animal in Patos which takes stray & other dogs to the Municipal Dog Programme which has already sterilized 3,700 dogs. It is a step in the right direction to solve the chronic situation of stray dogs in Patos.

My lawyer, Dr. Arthur Ivan Medcraft Dutra, is in the process of investigating the lack of snake antidote here in Patos. It is a situation which cannot continue. A poor little 6-year-old girl ended up in intensive care in Patos because she was bitten by a Rattlesnake and there was no antidote in Patos. Helloá is threatened by bad side-effects as a result of the delay in taking the antidote which was only available in Itaporanga 111 km west of Patos! I am glad to tell you that Helloá has now been sent home from hospital and is improving which is a real answer to prayer.

QPR beat Blackburn at home 2 x 1 this week. 😀

On Wednesday afternoon Liz and I went to visit Dr. Fred and Marileide who live on a farm near Green Pastures. They are Christians attending our Green Pastures church and they will be baptized at the Carnival Camp together with Julio and Joana. Also present at the meeting was Michaele. We enjoyed a lovely time of fellowship with them. I heard a Rufous-bellied Thrush which they had caged unfortunately. I also saw a Green-barred Woodpecker.

Yesterday afternoon I had a good meeting with Pastor Rafael and his wife Rayla discussing the married couples ministry.  

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study. Dedé led the praise, Vasti sang a solo and Pastor Rafael gave the study on Micah 1:8-10. It was a nice service with a good number present.

My daughter Deborah is a veterinary doctor as well as a teacher of English at the Cultura Inglesa Patos. She is very good in both. Deborah is a voluntary veterinary doctor with the Amparar Animal in Patos which takes stray & other dogs to the Municipal Dog Programme which has already sterilized 3,700 dogs. It is a step in the right direction to solve the chronic situation of stray dogs in Patos.

My lawyer, Dr. Arthur Ivan Medcraft Dutra, is in the process of investigating the lack of snake antidote here in Patos. It is a situation which cannot continue. A poor little 6-year-old girl ended up in intensive care in Patos because she was bitten by a Rattlesnake and there was no antidote in Patos. Helloá is threatened by bad side-effects as a result of the delay in taking the antidote which was only available in Itaporanga 111 km west of Patos! I am glad to tell you that Helloá has now been sent home from hospital and is improving which is a real answer to prayer.

QPR beat Blackburn at home 2 x 1 this week. 😀

On Wednesday afternoon Liz and I went to visit Dr. Fred and Marileide who live on a farm near Green Pastures. They are Christians attending our Green Pastures church and they will be baptized at the Carnival Camp together with Julio and Joana. Also present at the meeting was Michaele. We enjoyed a lovely time of fellowship with them. I heard a Rufous-bellied Thrush which they had caged unfortunately. I also saw a Green-barred Woodpecker.

Yesterday afternoon I had a good meeting with Pastor Rafael and his wife Rayla discussing the married couples ministry.  

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study. Dedé led the praise, Vasti sang a solo and Pastor Rafael gave the study on Micah 1:8-10. It was a nice service with a good number present.

Moses now says that upon entering Canaan Israel must completely destroy the incumbent places of pagan worship, destroying their altars and burning their poles to the goddess Asherah. Israel must refrain from any involvement with pagan cults and must not even copy any aspects of their rituals. 

When the Israelites live in Canaan God will choose a city to be the central and exclusive place of worship and sacrifice. In the meantime Moses says that they will be able to slaughter animals, other that through the priests, and eat meat but never blood.

However Moses re-emphasized that the Israelites had to steer completely clear of any trace of pagan religious practices and philosophies as these involved “detestable things the Lord hates” with people even involved in human sacrifices of their children!   

Moses now says that upon entering Canaan Israel must completely destroy the incumbent places of pagan worship, destroying their altars and burning their poles to the goddess Asherah. Israel must refrain from any involvement with pagan cults and must not even copy any aspects of their rituals. 

When the Israelites live in Canaan God will choose a city to be the central and exclusive place of worship and sacrifice. In the meantime Moses says that they will be able to slaughter animals, other that through the priests, and eat meat but never blood.

However Moses re-emphasized that the Israelites had to steer completely clear of any trace of pagan religious practices and philosophies as these involved “detestable things the Lord hates” with people even involved in human sacrifices of their children!