Categoria: News

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!   

This is another chapter in which Moses reminds the Israelites of the past to prepare them for the future in the promised land. He tells them to teach everything to their children as they had not experienced God’s multiple miracles like at the Red Sea or when the earth swallowed up Dathan, Abiram and their families. Moses stressed that the people must love God and keep his commands. He says that they will live long and blessed in Canaan if they are loyal to God.  For God will send them abundant rain for their crops and cattle if they are faithful, but if they are not then God will withhold the rain. Moses says that they should fix his advice in their hearts, tie it on their hands and bind it on the foreheads because they must love God, walk in his ways and hold fast to him. If they do this they will conquer the land in the strength of the Lord.

Moses says that he is setting a blessing and a curse before them. The blessing will be assured if they obey God and the curse will come if they disobey. He says they should pronounce the blessings from Mount Gerizim and the curses on Mount Ebal. 

This is another chapter in which Moses reminds the Israelites of the past to prepare them for the future in the promised land. He tells them to teach everything to their children as they had not experienced God’s multiple miracles like at the Red Sea or when the earth swallowed up Dathan, Abiram and their families. Moses stressed that the people must love God and keep his commands. He says that they will live long and blessed in Canaan if they are loyal to God.  For God will send them abundant rain for their crops and cattle if they are faithful, but if they are not then God will withhold the rain. Moses says that they should fix his advice in their hearts, tie it on their hands and bind it on the foreheads because they must love God, walk in his ways and hold fast to him. If they do this they will conquer the land in the strength of the Lord.

Moses says that he is setting a blessing and a curse before them. The blessing will be assured if they obey God and the curse will come if they disobey. He says they should pronounce the blessings from Mount Gerizim and the curses on Mount Ebal. 

 Moses in this chapter continues to prepare the Israelites for their entrance into Canaan by reminding them of their past errors which must not be repeated. He reminds them how God in his mercy replaced the stone tablets with the law after the original ones were smashed as a reaction to the golden calf episode. He remembered too how God had set aside the Levites to minister and pronounce blessings on them in his name.

Moses stresses that the Israelites must always fear the Lord, walk in his ways, love him and serve him with all their heart and soul. He says that they must circumcise their hearts and not be stiff necked as regards the God of gods and Lord of lords, who defends the fatherless and the widow and loves the alien. He reminds Israel how they started out as just 70 when they went down to Egypt but God had made them “as numerous as the stars in the sky.”

 Moses in this chapter continues to prepare the Israelites for their entrance into Canaan by reminding them of their past errors which must not be repeated. He reminds them how God in his mercy replaced the stone tablets with the law after the original ones were smashed as a reaction to the golden calf episode. He remembered too how God had set aside the Levites to minister and pronounce blessings on them in his name.

Moses stresses that the Israelites must always fear the Lord, walk in his ways, love him and serve him with all their heart and soul. He says that they must circumcise their hearts and not be stiff necked as regards the God of gods and Lord of lords, who defends the fatherless and the widow and loves the alien. He reminds Israel how they started out as just 70 when they went down to Egypt but God had made them “as numerous as the stars in the sky.”

 Moses in this chapter continues to prepare the Israelites for their entrance into Canaan by reminding them of their past errors which must not be repeated. He reminds them how God in his mercy replaced the stone tablets with the law after the original ones were smashed as a reaction to the golden calf episode. He remembered too how God had set aside the Levites to minister and pronounce blessings on them in his name.

Moses stresses that the Israelites must always fear the Lord, walk in his ways, love him and serve him with all their heart and soul. He says that they must circumcise their hearts and not be stiff necked as regards the God of gods and Lord of lords, who defends the fatherless and the widow and loves the alien. He reminds Israel how they started out as just 70 when they went down to Egypt but God had made them “as numerous as the stars in the sky.”

I am glad to report that our 9-year-old granddaughter Amanda is finally on the mend in her health. Thank you for praying. She had 2 visits to the hospital to go on a drip for dehydration but now she is getting back to normal. And our 17-year-old granddaughter Alice has just started her university course in Psychology this week. Please pray for her too. 

Please pray for the little 6-year-old girl called Helloá who was bitten by a rattlesnake. Sadly it took a long time to give her the antidote as they had run out here in Patos and the nearest place which had it was Itaporanga. Now the doctors fear the child will be left with side effects as her eye sight is strange, and blood tests show something wrong with her kidneys too.

Liz was involved in a long counselling session yesterday about a very delicate subject I can’t go into here.

I am glad to report that our 9-year-old granddaughter Amanda is finally on the mend in her health. Thank you for praying. She had 2 visits to the hospital to go on a drip for dehydration but now she is getting back to normal. And our 17-year-old granddaughter Alice has just started her university course in Psychology this week. Please pray for her too. 

Please pray for the little 6-year-old girl called Helloá who was bitten by a rattlesnake. Sadly it took a long time to give her the antidote as they had run out here in Patos and the nearest place which had it was Itaporanga. Now the doctors fear the child will be left with side effects as her eye sight is strange, and blood tests show something wrong with her kidneys too.

Liz was involved in a long counselling session yesterday about a very delicate subject I can’t go into here.

Moses went on to tell Israel that upon crossing the Jordan God will give the victory despite the strength of the opposing armies and warriors. The Israelites will drive out the incumbent people and annihilate them. But Israel should be careful not to think that their victories are because of their own righteousness. God will give the victory to Israel because of the incumbent nations’ wickedness and because of his covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Moses then goes on to remind the Israelites of two classic examples of their stiff-necked rebellious attitudes to God. First of all the case of the creation of a golden calf idol when Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the law from God. Just because Moses took a long time the people slipped into rebellious idolatry. (Exodus 32) In the second place was the case of Israel abandoning faith in God and becoming despaired at the negative reports by the majority of spies sent into Canaan. (Numbers 13 and 14) In both these cases God was tremendously angry and was about to destroy the Israelites, had Moses not fervently interceded for forgiveness from God.  Thus Moses reminded Israel of their weaknesses which could not be repeated in Canaan. 

Moses went on to tell Israel that upon crossing the Jordan God will give the victory despite the strength of the opposing armies and warriors. The Israelites will drive out the incumbent people and annihilate them. But Israel should be careful not to think that their victories are because of their own righteousness. God will give the victory to Israel because of the incumbent nations’ wickedness and because of his covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Moses then goes on to remind the Israelites of two classic examples of their stiff-necked rebellious attitudes to God. First of all the case of the creation of a golden calf idol when Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the law from God. Just because Moses took a long time the people slipped into rebellious idolatry. (Exodus 32) In the second place was the case of Israel abandoning faith in God and becoming despaired at the negative reports by the majority of spies sent into Canaan. (Numbers 13 and 14) In both these cases God was tremendously angry and was about to destroy the Israelites, had Moses not fervently interceded for forgiveness from God.  Thus Moses reminded Israel of their weaknesses which could not be repeated in Canaan. 

 Moses now goes on to remind Israel how God had guided them in the desert, humbled them, tested them and fed them with manna so that they might realize that “man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” During 40 years the people’s clothes never wore out!

So the Israelites must observe the commands of the Lord because he is bringing them into a land with abundant water, full of wheat, barley, vines, figs, pomegranates, olive oil and honey so that they “will lack nothing.” But the people must be careful not to forget the Lord in their plenty. Moses says that they must remember that all they have with nice houses, herds and flocks has come from God. For if the people forget God the Lord will destroy them.

 Moses now goes on to remind Israel how God had guided them in the desert, humbled them, tested them and fed them with manna so that they might realize that “man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” During 40 years the people’s clothes never wore out!

So the Israelites must observe the commands of the Lord because he is bringing them into a land with abundant water, full of wheat, barley, vines, figs, pomegranates, olive oil and honey so that they “will lack nothing.” But the people must be careful not to forget the Lord in their plenty. Moses says that they must remember that all they have with nice houses, herds and flocks has come from God. For if the people forget God the Lord will destroy them.

 Moses now goes on to remind Israel how God had guided them in the desert, humbled them, tested them and fed them with manna so that they might realize that “man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” During 40 years the people’s clothes never wore out!

So the Israelites must observe the commands of the Lord because he is bringing them into a land with abundant water, full of wheat, barley, vines, figs, pomegranates, olive oil and honey so that they “will lack nothing.” But the people must be careful not to forget the Lord in their plenty. Moses says that they must remember that all they have with nice houses, herds and flocks has come from God. For if the people forget God the Lord will destroy them.

On Saturday we held a training course on child evangelism for our Sunday School teachers and our regular school teachers in Patos. The course was taught by Pastor Beto, Sister Geneci and team from Londrina in the south of Brazil. I also had a lovely meeting with Pastor Beto, Pastor Lindon Carlos and Geneci. The course was also administered at our Matureia, Imaculada, Princesa Isabel, Vazante e Diamante churches. 

A little 6-year-old girl in Patos has been bitten by a Rattlesnake and is in the Children’s hospital receiving treatment in intensive care. She is the niece of Jordânia who is a member of our church. Please pray!

Saturday night’s service at Green Pastures was a real blessing. A good number were present. I led and preached. Nega and Vilene led the worship. The folk there sang happy birthday to me. It was lovely. 

35-year-old Hugo Motta from Patos has been elected as the president of the Brazilian national congress’s lower house of federal deputies. As far as I know it is the highest national political post that someone from Patos has ever earned.

I led the main service of the week yesterday and Pastor Rafael preached. The church kindly gave me gifts for my birthday (a pair of jeans, a shirt and pyjamas). It was a blessed communion service.      

On Saturday we held a training course on child evangelism for our Sunday School teachers and our regular school teachers in Patos. The course was taught by Pastor Beto, Sister Geneci and team from Londrina in the south of Brazil. I also had a lovely meeting with Pastor Beto, Pastor Lindon Carlos and Geneci. The course was also administered at our Matureia, Imaculada, Princesa Isabel, Vazante e Diamante churches. 

A little 6-year-old girl in Patos has been bitten by a Rattlesnake and is in the Children’s hospital receiving treatment in intensive care. She is the niece of Jordânia who is a member of our church. Please pray!

Saturday night’s service at Green Pastures was a real blessing. A good number were present. I led and preached. Nega and Vilene led the worship. The folk there sang happy birthday to me. It was lovely. 

35-year-old Hugo Motta from Patos has been elected as the president of the Brazilian national congress’s lower house of federal deputies. As far as I know it is the highest national political post that someone from Patos has ever earned.

I led the main service of the week yesterday and Pastor Rafael preached. The church kindly gave me gifts for my birthday (a pair of jeans, a shirt and pyjamas). It was a blessed communion service.      

The culture at this time was one of ‘kill, conquer and plunder’ which stretches our understanding.

God now tells the Israelites to massacre the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites to possess the promised land. They are to show no mercy, are to kill everyone, and are to destroy all their cultural symbols such as their altars, idols and the symbols of the goddess Asherah. They are not to inter-marry with the inhabitants of the promised land. 

The text says that this invasion of Canaan is in keeping with God’s covenant with the Israelites’ forefathers which he calls “a covenant of love” which will bring them great blessing as long they “follow the commands, decrees and laws” of God. God tells Israel not to fear the fact that the peoples they will drive out are stronger than them as he will give them victory bit by bit. However they were not to keep the silver and gold from the idols as it was “detestable”.     

The culture at this time was one of ‘kill, conquer and plunder’ which stretches our understanding.

God now tells the Israelites to massacre the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites to possess the promised land. They are to show no mercy, are to kill everyone, and are to destroy all their cultural symbols such as their altars, idols and the symbols of the goddess Asherah. They are not to inter-marry with the inhabitants of the promised land. 

The text says that this invasion of Canaan is in keeping with God’s covenant with the Israelites’ forefathers which he calls “a covenant of love” which will bring them great blessing as long they “follow the commands, decrees and laws” of God. God tells Israel not to fear the fact that the peoples they will drive out are stronger than them as he will give them victory bit by bit. However they were not to keep the silver and gold from the idols as it was “detestable”.     

The culture at this time was one of ‘kill, conquer and plunder’ which stretches our understanding.

God now tells the Israelites to massacre the Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites to possess the promised land. They are to show no mercy, are to kill everyone, and are to destroy all their cultural symbols such as their altars, idols and the symbols of the goddess Asherah. They are not to inter-marry with the inhabitants of the promised land. 

The text says that this invasion of Canaan is in keeping with God’s covenant with the Israelites’ forefathers which he calls “a covenant of love” which will bring them great blessing as long they “follow the commands, decrees and laws” of God. God tells Israel not to fear the fact that the peoples they will drive out are stronger than them as he will give them victory bit by bit. However they were not to keep the silver and gold from the idols as it was “detestable”.     

I have just seen a little yellow and black Common Tody-Flycatcher in the creeper outside our kitchen window where I was having my breakfast. I also saw some baby House Sparrows on the garden wall.

Yesterday I went to Green Pastures and saw and heard the following birds: Striped Cuckoo, Pigmy Nightjar, Caatinga Cacholote, Campo Troupial and White-tipped Dove.

Geraldo, whom we visited a few days ago who has cancer, is very happy that since we prayed for him he has been sleeping better and he is feeling stronger and eating more. His wife Linda phoned Liz to tell us. Please pray for Geraldo.

My co-pastor Rafael and his wife Rayla are on holiday in João Pessoa having a well-deserved break. Please pray for them.

This blog had 3,386 visits and reads last month. May God bless all the readers.

We had 166 mm of rain at Green Pastures in January. Thank you for your prayers, and please keep praying! 🙏We need 1,000 mm in the rainy season, between now and May, to get us through the year.

I have just taken part in an excellent EAB Board Meeting online. The meeting was held at Neil and Naomi Parson’s house at West Wellow.

I have just seen a little yellow and black Common Tody-Flycatcher in the creeper outside our kitchen window where I was having my breakfast. I also saw some baby House Sparrows on the garden wall.

Yesterday I went to Green Pastures and saw and heard the following birds: Striped Cuckoo, Pigmy Nightjar, Caatinga Cacholote, Campo Troupial and White-tipped Dove.

Geraldo, whom we visited a few days ago who has cancer, is very happy that since we prayed for him he has been sleeping better and he is feeling stronger and eating more. His wife Linda phoned Liz to tell us. Please pray for Geraldo.

My co-pastor Rafael and his wife Rayla are on holiday in João Pessoa having a well-deserved break. Please pray for them.

This blog had 3,386 visits and reads last month. May God bless all the readers.

We had 166 mm of rain at Green Pastures in January. Thank you for your prayers, and please keep praying! 🙏We need 1,000 mm in the rainy season, between now and May, to get us through the year.

I have just taken part in an excellent EAB Board Meeting online. The meeting was held at Neil and Naomi Parson’s house at West Wellow.

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.

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.

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.  

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

I both led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study, and I gave the study on John 3:1-21. The study was blessed and participative with good discussions about the new birth, what it means to be “born of water and the Spirit”, that “God loved the world” (v16) but “men loved darkness”, and we discussed the serpent being lifted up in the desert (Numbers 21:4-9) so it would be with Jesus being lifted up on the cross. Espedita and Vasti sang solos and Dedé, Madá and Maria brought Bible verses. Adolescent Maria Fernanda wrote the prayer requests on the flip chart. 

We have a large Jasmine bush in our front garden, about 3 metres high and about 1 metre 60 cm wide, and it is flowering at the moment. It is one great big mass of white flowers whose perfume is absolutely intoxicatingly beautiful. 

Yesterday I saw the following birds at Green Pastures: Cactus Parakeet (flock), White-tipped Dove, Great Kiskadee, Caatinga Cacholote, Chalk-browed Mocking Bird and Pale Baywing. We have a large black snake consuming bats in one of the Green Pastures buildings! 

The ex-mayor of a neighbouring town to Patos, Netto Gomes, was tragically killed yesterday by a bee sting! He was a lovely person aged just 51. 

It rained 5 mm at Green Pastures last night.

I both led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study, and I gave the study on John 3:1-21. The study was blessed and participative with good discussions about the new birth, what it means to be “born of water and the Spirit”, that “God loved the world” (v16) but “men loved darkness”, and we discussed the serpent being lifted up in the desert (Numbers 21:4-9) so it would be with Jesus being lifted up on the cross. Espedita and Vasti sang solos and Dedé, Madá and Maria brought Bible verses. Adolescent Maria Fernanda wrote the prayer requests on the flip chart. 

We have a large Jasmine bush in our front garden, about 3 metres high and about 1 metre 60 cm wide, and it is flowering at the moment. It is one great big mass of white flowers whose perfume is absolutely intoxicatingly beautiful. 

Yesterday I saw the following birds at Green Pastures: Cactus Parakeet (flock), White-tipped Dove, Great Kiskadee, Caatinga Cacholote, Chalk-browed Mocking Bird and Pale Baywing. We have a large black snake consuming bats in one of the Green Pastures buildings! 

The ex-mayor of a neighbouring town to Patos, Netto Gomes, was tragically killed yesterday by a bee sting! He was a lovely person aged just 51. 

It rained 5 mm at Green Pastures last night.

This chapter gives details of Moses’ recollections about the Israelites 40 year wanderings in the desert, their passing through Edom and Moab, and their crossing of the Zered Valley which marked the end of their meanderings in the desert.

Moses remembered how God told him not to clash with the Edomites in the country of Seir because he had given that land to the descendants of Esau. God similarly told Moses not to provoke the Moabites and Ammonites to war as he had given their land to them as they were the descendants of Lot. 

However Moses recalled how God gave them victory over King Sihon of Heshbon and the Amorites. The Israelites massacred the entire army of the king, and they went on to kill every woman and child too, leaving no survivors. They kept all their livestock and goods as plunder. 

This chapter gives details of Moses’ recollections about the Israelites 40 year wanderings in the desert, their passing through Edom and Moab, and their crossing of the Zered Valley which marked the end of their meanderings in the desert.

Moses remembered how God told him not to clash with the Edomites in the country of Seir because he had given that land to the descendants of Esau. God similarly told Moses not to provoke the Moabites and Ammonites to war as he had given their land to them as they were the descendants of Lot. 

However Moses recalled how God gave them victory over King Sihon of Heshbon and the Amorites. The Israelites massacred the entire army of the king, and they went on to kill every woman and child too, leaving no survivors. They kept all their livestock and goods as plunder. 

This chapter gives details of Moses’ recollections about the Israelites 40 year wanderings in the desert, their passing through Edom and Moab, and their crossing of the Zered Valley which marked the end of their meanderings in the desert.

Moses remembered how God told him not to clash with the Edomites in the country of Seir because he had given that land to the descendants of Esau. God similarly told Moses not to provoke the Moabites and Ammonites to war as he had given their land to them as they were the descendants of Lot. 

However Moses recalled how God gave them victory over King Sihon of Heshbon and the Amorites. The Israelites massacred the entire army of the king, and they went on to kill every woman and child too, leaving no survivors. They kept all their livestock and goods as plunder. 

 I have just eaten a load of delicious Red Mombins (seriguela). Our front gate bell rang and it was Neto from our church with a bag of them for us. Liz washed them and then we got stuck in! 😋

On Tuesday QPR won away to Hull 2 x 1 and are now up to 10th place in the Championship just 4 points off the play-offs! Come on you Rrrrsss! 

I have been having detailed discussions with various pastors, but I can’t go into detail here. I would just ask for prayer regarding two important strategic decisions we will need to take in the coming weeks.

I am very pleased to have concluded the résumé of the book of Numbers. I started the résumés exactly 4 months ago to the day, and I have now completed the 4 books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. So now it’s Deuteronomy’s 34 chapters here we go!

 I have just eaten a load of delicious Red Mombins (seriguela). Our front gate bell rang and it was Neto from our church with a bag of them for us. Liz washed them and then we got stuck in! 😋

On Tuesday QPR won away to Hull 2 x 1 and are now up to 10th place in the Championship just 4 points off the play-offs! Come on you Rrrrsss! 

I have been having detailed discussions with various pastors, but I can’t go into detail here. I would just ask for prayer regarding two important strategic decisions we will need to take in the coming weeks.

I am very pleased to have concluded the résumé of the book of Numbers. I started the résumés exactly 4 months ago to the day, and I have now completed the 4 books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. So now it’s Deuteronomy’s 34 chapters here we go!

 I have just eaten a load of delicious Red Mombins (seriguela). Our front gate bell rang and it was Neto from our church with a bag of them for us. Liz washed them and then we got stuck in! 😋

On Tuesday QPR won away to Hull 2 x 1 and are now up to 10th place in the Championship just 4 points off the play-offs! Come on you Rrrrsss! 

I have been having detailed discussions with various pastors, but I can’t go into detail here. I would just ask for prayer regarding two important strategic decisions we will need to take in the coming weeks.

I am very pleased to have concluded the résumé of the book of Numbers. I started the résumés exactly 4 months ago to the day, and I have now completed the 4 books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. So now it’s Deuteronomy’s 34 chapters here we go!

The book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ farewell speech, or speeches, and the final chapter concludes with his death. This book probably is the fruit of Moses’ final weeks in the plains of Moab when his people, but not him, were about to finally enter the promised land of Canaan. Moses reminds his people of God’s law and warns them against disobedience.

The first chapter is dated on the 1st day of the 11th month of the 40th year, in the desert on the east of the River Jordan, after he had defeated King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan. Moses reminded the people of how God had commanded them to leave Mount Sinai (Horeb) 40 years earlier, and to proceed to Canaan and conquer the land. 

Moses then recalled how he had appointed judges from each tribe to help him govern the people and resolve disputes. He also recounted how 12 spies had been sent into Canaan to assess the land and the enemy, and the majority verdict was very negative leading to generalized grumbling and revolt. God was angered and said that that generation would not enter Canaan except for Caleb and Joshua, who were the only positive spies. The people tried to rectify things with God but his decision had been taken so the Israelites were made to wander in the wilderness for 40 years whilst the older generation died off.

The book of Deuteronomy is Moses’ farewell speech, or speeches, and the final chapter concludes with his death. This book probably is the fruit of Moses’ final weeks in the plains of Moab when his people, but not him, were about to finally enter the promised land of Canaan. Moses reminds his people of God’s law and warns them against disobedience.

The first chapter is dated on the 1st day of the 11th month of the 40th year, in the desert on the east of the River Jordan, after he had defeated King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan. Moses reminded the people of how God had commanded them to leave Mount Sinai (Horeb) 40 years earlier, and to proceed to Canaan and conquer the land. 

Moses then recalled how he had appointed judges from each tribe to help him govern the people and resolve disputes. He also recounted how 12 spies had been sent into Canaan to assess the land and the enemy, and the majority verdict was very negative leading to generalized grumbling and revolt. God was angered and said that that generation would not enter Canaan except for Caleb and Joshua, who were the only positive spies. The people tried to rectify things with God but his decision had been taken so the Israelites were made to wander in the wilderness for 40 years whilst the older generation died off.

Here the question of Zelophehad’s daughters comes up again, further to chapter 27. The question raised now was that if they married outside their tribe then eventually Zelophehad’s name and inheritance would be lost. God agreed with this and said that the solution would be for the daughters only to marry within their tribe, so the women married their cousins and the problem was solved. It was from this decreed as a general law that no inheritance must pass from tribe to tribe.

Here the question of Zelophehad’s daughters comes up again, further to chapter 27. The question raised now was that if they married outside their tribe then eventually Zelophehad’s name and inheritance would be lost. God agreed with this and said that the solution would be for the daughters only to marry within their tribe, so the women married their cousins and the problem was solved. It was from this decreed as a general law that no inheritance must pass from tribe to tribe.

The Levites didn’t inherit any land, as they were exclusively dedicated to God, so the question was where would they live upon entry into the Land of Canaan? This was solved by each tribe giving a total of 48 towns to the Levites, with surrounding pasture land for their animals, and 6 of these towns were towns of refuge. The land around each Levite town measured about 900 metres on each side.

The towns of refuge were places that killers could go to before standing trial. If there were multiple witnesses they would receive capital punishment as murderers. If the killing was judged to be accidental then the killer would be safe in the town of refuge from any would be avenger, and the killer would have to stay there until the death of the high priest.

At the end of the chapter the concept that shedding blood pollutes the land is found. Some theologians link such a concept to the flood being a purification for such defilement of the land.

The Levites didn’t inherit any land, as they were exclusively dedicated to God, so the question was where would they live upon entry into the Land of Canaan? This was solved by each tribe giving a total of 48 towns to the Levites, with surrounding pasture land for their animals, and 6 of these towns were towns of refuge. The land around each Levite town measured about 900 metres on each side.

The towns of refuge were places that killers could go to before standing trial. If there were multiple witnesses they would receive capital punishment as murderers. If the killing was judged to be accidental then the killer would be safe in the town of refuge from any would be avenger, and the killer would have to stay there until the death of the high priest.

At the end of the chapter the concept that shedding blood pollutes the land is found. Some theologians link such a concept to the flood being a purification for such defilement of the land.