Categoria: News

This chapter defines the boundaries of Canaan as to be taken over by the Israelites by God’s decree. The southern border was the Desert of Zin. The eastern border was the Dead Sea, The Sea of Galilee and the River Jordan. The northern border was from the Mediterranean Sea to Mount Hor, then on to Zedad, Ziphron as far as Hazar Enan. The west border was the Mediterranean Sea. It was stated that the land between these borders was to be distributed by lots between the tribes of Israel minus the 2 and a half tribes that had opted for land on the other side of the Jordan. 

Joshua and Eleazar were chosen by God to conduct the distribution of the last with the help of a leader from each of the 9 and a half tribes to occupy Canaan. A list of these leaders is given. 

This chapter defines the boundaries of Canaan as to be taken over by the Israelites by God’s decree. The southern border was the Desert of Zin. The eastern border was the Dead Sea, The Sea of Galilee and the River Jordan. The northern border was from the Mediterranean Sea to Mount Hor, then on to Zedad, Ziphron as far as Hazar Enan. The west border was the Mediterranean Sea. It was stated that the land between these borders was to be distributed by lots between the tribes of Israel minus the 2 and a half tribes that had opted for land on the other side of the Jordan. 

Joshua and Eleazar were chosen by God to conduct the distribution of the last with the help of a leader from each of the 9 and a half tribes to occupy Canaan. A list of these leaders is given. 

This chapter contains a long detailed list of locations through which the Israelites passed on the 40 year journey between Egypt and Canaan. The text says that the recorded stages on the journey were kept by Moses at God’s request. The long trip started on the 15th day of the first month, the day after the Passover. 

Then God gave instructions concerning the invasion of Canaan when they made the imminent crossing of the River Jordan. The Israelites were told to drive out all the Canaanites, destroy their images and idols, and demolish their open-air shrines on high points. Then they should distribute the land by lots to all the Israelites.

This chapter contains a long detailed list of locations through which the Israelites passed on the 40 year journey between Egypt and Canaan. The text says that the recorded stages on the journey were kept by Moses at God’s request. The long trip started on the 15th day of the first month, the day after the Passover. 

Then God gave instructions concerning the invasion of Canaan when they made the imminent crossing of the River Jordan. The Israelites were told to drive out all the Canaanites, destroy their images and idols, and demolish their open-air shrines on high points. Then they should distribute the land by lots to all the Israelites.

This chapter contains a long detailed list of locations through which the Israelites passed on the 40 year journey between Egypt and Canaan. The text says that the recorded stages on the journey were kept by Moses at God’s request. The long trip started on the 15th day of the first month, the day after the Passover. 

Then God gave instructions concerning the invasion of Canaan when they made the imminent crossing of the River Jordan. The Israelites were told to drive out all the Canaanites, destroy their images and idols, and demolish their open-air shrines on high points. Then they should distribute the land by lots to all the Israelites.

The Reubenites and the Gadites had big quantities of livestock and took a liking to the pasture available east of the Jordan in Gilead and Jazer. So they went to Moses proposing that they receive this land as opposed to the promised land in Canaan on the other side of the River Jordan. Initially Moses was against the idea because he felt that it could be a repetition of the negative spies in Canaan with fear of conquering Canaan. However the Reubenites and Gadites assured Moses that if he agreed with their plan then they would fight with the invasion force to take Canaan even if Gilead became their home and land. So Moses agreed as long as they did not deplete the Israelite army. This agreed Moses gave Gilead and neighbouring area to the Gadites, the Reubenites and the half-tribe of Manasseh charging Joshua and Eleazar to make sure that they kept their word. These tribes therefore invaded the desired land, conquered it and settled in it with their families, flocks and herds.

The Reubenites and the Gadites had big quantities of livestock and took a liking to the pasture available east of the Jordan in Gilead and Jazer. So they went to Moses proposing that they receive this land as opposed to the promised land in Canaan on the other side of the River Jordan. Initially Moses was against the idea because he felt that it could be a repetition of the negative spies in Canaan with fear of conquering Canaan. However the Reubenites and Gadites assured Moses that if he agreed with their plan then they would fight with the invasion force to take Canaan even if Gilead became their home and land. So Moses agreed as long as they did not deplete the Israelite army. This agreed Moses gave Gilead and neighbouring area to the Gadites, the Reubenites and the half-tribe of Manasseh charging Joshua and Eleazar to make sure that they kept their word. These tribes therefore invaded the desired land, conquered it and settled in it with their families, flocks and herds.

The Reubenites and the Gadites had big quantities of livestock and took a liking to the pasture available east of the Jordan in Gilead and Jazer. So they went to Moses proposing that they receive this land as opposed to the promised land in Canaan on the other side of the River Jordan. Initially Moses was against the idea because he felt that it could be a repetition of the negative spies in Canaan with fear of conquering Canaan. However the Reubenites and Gadites assured Moses that if he agreed with their plan then they would fight with the invasion force to take Canaan even if Gilead became their home and land. So Moses agreed as long as they did not deplete the Israelite army. This agreed Moses gave Gilead and neighbouring area to the Gadites, the Reubenites and the half-tribe of Manasseh charging Joshua and Eleazar to make sure that they kept their word. These tribes therefore invaded the desired land, conquered it and settled in it with their families, flocks and herds.

This chapter is one of those chapters in the Old Testament which is challenging to say the least. The ruthless gruesome annihilation of human life, including that of civilian prisoners of war, reflects a very primitive culture. 

God told Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for having led Israel into idolatry in Numbers 25. (however remember that Moses was married to a Midianite) The Israelites organized an army with 12,000 men, with 1,000 from each tribe, and Phinehas the priest was the “battle priest.” The Israelites routed the Midianites and killed all their men, whilst suffering no losses, and they returned from battle bringing the Midianite women, children, herds, flocks and goods as plunder. They also killed Balaam. 

Moses was angry because they brought back the women alive as they had been the cause of the trouble in Numbers 25. So the order was given to kill all the women and boys and just spare the virgin girls. The Israelite soldiers then had to go through a 7-day cleansing process for having been in contact with dead bodies, and the spoils of battle had to be purified too.

Then the spoils were divided with half going to the warriors and half going to the Israelites in general. Part of these spoils went to the High Priest Eleazar (675 sheep, 72 cattle, 61 donkeys, 32 women) and part went to the Levites (2% of the animals and persons given to the Israelites in general). The total plunder was 675,000 sheep, 72,000 cattle, 61,000 donkeys, 320,000 virgin women. 190 kilos of gold was also placed in the Tabernacle as a donation to God from the plunder of the warriors.

This chapter is one of those chapters in the Old Testament which is challenging to say the least. The ruthless gruesome annihilation of human life, including that of civilian prisoners of war, reflects a very primitive culture. 

God told Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for having led Israel into idolatry in Numbers 25. (however remember that Moses was married to a Midianite) The Israelites organized an army with 12,000 men, with 1,000 from each tribe, and Phinehas the priest was the “battle priest.” The Israelites routed the Midianites and killed all their men, whilst suffering no losses, and they returned from battle bringing the Midianite women, children, herds, flocks and goods as plunder. They also killed Balaam. 

Moses was angry because they brought back the women alive as they had been the cause of the trouble in Numbers 25. So the order was given to kill all the women and boys and just spare the virgin girls. The Israelite soldiers then had to go through a 7-day cleansing process for having been in contact with dead bodies, and the spoils of battle had to be purified too.

Then the spoils were divided with half going to the warriors and half going to the Israelites in general. Part of these spoils went to the High Priest Eleazar (675 sheep, 72 cattle, 61 donkeys, 32 women) and part went to the Levites (2% of the animals and persons given to the Israelites in general). The total plunder was 675,000 sheep, 72,000 cattle, 61,000 donkeys, 320,000 virgin women. 190 kilos of gold was also placed in the Tabernacle as a donation to God from the plunder of the warriors.

This chapter is one of those chapters in the Old Testament which is challenging to say the least. The ruthless gruesome annihilation of human life, including that of civilian prisoners of war, reflects a very primitive culture. 

God told Moses to take vengeance on the Midianites for having led Israel into idolatry in Numbers 25. (however remember that Moses was married to a Midianite) The Israelites organized an army with 12,000 men, with 1,000 from each tribe, and Phinehas the priest was the “battle priest.” The Israelites routed the Midianites and killed all their men, whilst suffering no losses, and they returned from battle bringing the Midianite women, children, herds, flocks and goods as plunder. They also killed Balaam. 

Moses was angry because they brought back the women alive as they had been the cause of the trouble in Numbers 25. So the order was given to kill all the women and boys and just spare the virgin girls. The Israelite soldiers then had to go through a 7-day cleansing process for having been in contact with dead bodies, and the spoils of battle had to be purified too.

Then the spoils were divided with half going to the warriors and half going to the Israelites in general. Part of these spoils went to the High Priest Eleazar (675 sheep, 72 cattle, 61 donkeys, 32 women) and part went to the Levites (2% of the animals and persons given to the Israelites in general). The total plunder was 675,000 sheep, 72,000 cattle, 61,000 donkeys, 320,000 virgin women. 190 kilos of gold was also placed in the Tabernacle as a donation to God from the plunder of the warriors.

This chapter emphasizes that vows were made to be kept. However there are certain exceptions, which reflect a patriarchal society. In the case of a young woman living in her father’s house the father could overrule her vow if he thought fit. In the case of a married woman her husband could also overrule if he wanted to. However in both cases of the father and the husband they would have to nullify the vow without delay or else it would stand. In the case of vows made by widows or divorcees there were no loopholes and their vows would have to be fulfilled come what may. 

This chapter emphasizes that vows were made to be kept. However there are certain exceptions, which reflect a patriarchal society. In the case of a young woman living in her father’s house the father could overrule her vow if he thought fit. In the case of a married woman her husband could also overrule if he wanted to. However in both cases of the father and the husband they would have to nullify the vow without delay or else it would stand. In the case of vows made by widows or divorcees there were no loopholes and their vows would have to be fulfilled come what may. 

Sunday night’s main service of the week was a real blessing. Our daughter Sacha led the praise and worship together with Fábio, backed by Rogério (keyboard), Netinho (drums), Rogaciano (lead guitar) and Ricardinho (bass guitar). I led the service and young lawyer and theology graduate Murilo preached his third sermon on the beatitudes which was excellent. 

I heard a Rufous-browed Peppershrike. It has a beautiful song.

Please pray for jobs for Marina (nurse) and Perlânio (nurse and sign language interpreter) who are both active members of the Patos church and need work. I have advertised them on Facebook and Instagram. Having just typed this it would now seem that Perlânio has just got a job as an interpreter for the deaf at a school.

Last night’s prayer meetings had 10 in the youth prayer meeting and 11 in the adult prayer meeting. PTL!

Sunday night’s main service of the week was a real blessing. Our daughter Sacha led the praise and worship together with Fábio, backed by Rogério (keyboard), Netinho (drums), Rogaciano (lead guitar) and Ricardinho (bass guitar). I led the service and young lawyer and theology graduate Murilo preached his third sermon on the beatitudes which was excellent. 

I heard a Rufous-browed Peppershrike. It has a beautiful song.

Please pray for jobs for Marina (nurse) and Perlânio (nurse and sign language interpreter) who are both active members of the Patos church and need work. I have advertised them on Facebook and Instagram. Having just typed this it would now seem that Perlânio has just got a job as an interpreter for the deaf at a school.

Last night’s prayer meetings had 10 in the youth prayer meeting and 11 in the adult prayer meeting. PTL!

This chapter starts with the Feast of Trumpets involving the sacrifice of 1 bull, 1 ram, 7 lambs and 1 goat together with fine flour and olive oil. These offerings are in addition to the monthly and daily offerings.

Next comes the Day of Atonement which is a day of fasting without work. On this day the offering is the same as that of the Feast of Trumpets. 

Finally in this chapter comes the 7-day Feast of Tabernacles at which each day were sacrificed bulls, rams, lambs, goats, grain offering and drink offering varying in quantities of animals from day to day. When the feast ended the priest yet offered further sacrifices on the 8th day.

This chapter starts with the Feast of Trumpets involving the sacrifice of 1 bull, 1 ram, 7 lambs and 1 goat together with fine flour and olive oil. These offerings are in addition to the monthly and daily offerings.

Next comes the Day of Atonement which is a day of fasting without work. On this day the offering is the same as that of the Feast of Trumpets. 

Finally in this chapter comes the 7-day Feast of Tabernacles at which each day were sacrificed bulls, rams, lambs, goats, grain offering and drink offering varying in quantities of animals from day to day. When the feast ended the priest yet offered further sacrifices on the 8th day.

Now comes a reminder about daily offerings as prescribed 40 years earlier in the book of Exodus, as perhaps they needed a reminder? The Israelites were to sacrifice a year old lamb every morning and another every evening, together with 2 litres of fine flour, mixed with a litre of olive oil accompanied by 4.5 litres of wine. Such offerings showed the people’s love and respect for God and atoned for their sins. However on the sabbath the offerings were apparently to be doubled.

Next came the monthly offerings on the 1st day of every month. Being monthly these offerings were much larger than the daily ones with 2 young bulls, 1 ram, 7 male lambs and 1 goat plus fine flour, olive oil and wine.

Next came the Passover which started on the 14th day of the first month and lasted with the Feast of Unleavened Bread for 7 days. This involved the same offering as the monthly offering which was offered on top of the daily offering.

Finally in this chapter came the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) which again involved the same offering as the monthly offering.

Now comes a reminder about daily offerings as prescribed 40 years earlier in the book of Exodus, as perhaps they needed a reminder? The Israelites were to sacrifice a year old lamb every morning and another every evening, together with 2 litres of fine flour, mixed with a litre of olive oil accompanied by 4.5 litres of wine. Such offerings showed the people’s love and respect for God and atoned for their sins. However on the sabbath the offerings were apparently to be doubled.

Next came the monthly offerings on the 1st day of every month. Being monthly these offerings were much larger than the daily ones with 2 young bulls, 1 ram, 7 male lambs and 1 goat plus fine flour, olive oil and wine.

Next came the Passover which started on the 14th day of the first month and lasted with the Feast of Unleavened Bread for 7 days. This involved the same offering as the monthly offering which was offered on top of the daily offering.

Finally in this chapter came the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) which again involved the same offering as the monthly offering.

Now comes a reminder about daily offerings as prescribed 40 years earlier in the book of Exodus, as perhaps they needed a reminder? The Israelites were to sacrifice a year old lamb every morning and another every evening, together with 2 litres of fine flour, mixed with a litre of olive oil accompanied by 4.5 litres of wine. Such offerings showed the people’s love and respect for God and atoned for their sins. However on the sabbath the offerings were apparently to be doubled.

Next came the monthly offerings on the 1st day of every month. Being monthly these offerings were much larger than the daily ones with 2 young bulls, 1 ram, 7 male lambs and 1 goat plus fine flour, olive oil and wine.

Next came the Passover which started on the 14th day of the first month and lasted with the Feast of Unleavened Bread for 7 days. This involved the same offering as the monthly offering which was offered on top of the daily offering.

Finally in this chapter came the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost) which again involved the same offering as the monthly offering.

 Zelophehad died leaving 5 daughters but no sons, so the daughters went to Moses to request their land rights as their father had not been involved with rebellions or things like that. God granted the request and laid this down as law from then on, but if a man had no children at all his inheritance would go to a brother. In the lack of a brother it would go to the next of kin. (It is interesting to observe initial women’s rights emerging here in a patriarchal society)

The death of Moses was approaching so God appointed Joshua as his eventual successor, as Joshua had long been his assistant. Moses took Joshua before Eleazar the High Priest and before all the people and formally commissioned him legitimizing the imminent transference of power. 

 Zelophehad died leaving 5 daughters but no sons, so the daughters went to Moses to request their land rights as their father had not been involved with rebellions or things like that. God granted the request and laid this down as law from then on, but if a man had no children at all his inheritance would go to a brother. In the lack of a brother it would go to the next of kin. (It is interesting to observe initial women’s rights emerging here in a patriarchal society)

The death of Moses was approaching so God appointed Joshua as his eventual successor, as Joshua had long been his assistant. Moses took Joshua before Eleazar the High Priest and before all the people and formally commissioned him legitimizing the imminent transference of power. 

Our little church at Passagem, which is half an hour’s drive east of Patos, has just re-done the church front and it looks lovely. The church is led by Eduardo and Cleide. Please pray for them and this church.

According to a new study by UNICEF 55.9% of children and adolescents in Brazil live in poverty. This is an improvement on the previous figures but is still awfully high.

I saw the following birds: a Red-cowled Cardinal, a Picui Ground Dove, a Southern Wren and a Crested Caracara today. And I forgot to mention that on our way home from Itaporanga on Wednesday I saw a White-eared Opossum and we all smelt a Skunk!

Yesterday QPR won 1 x 0 away to Plymouth! 😁

Last night I preached in Itaporanga in the final street service in front of our church of the 10-day evangelistic outreach. It was a lovely jubilant service. The journey home was slow owing to constant driving rain, but we made it safe and sound. We got to bed at 1:30 am.

Our little church at Passagem, which is half an hour’s drive east of Patos, has just re-done the church front and it looks lovely. The church is led by Eduardo and Cleide. Please pray for them and this church.

According to a new study by UNICEF 55.9% of children and adolescents in Brazil live in poverty. This is an improvement on the previous figures but is still awfully high.

I saw the following birds: a Red-cowled Cardinal, a Picui Ground Dove, a Southern Wren and a Crested Caracara today. And I forgot to mention that on our way home from Itaporanga on Wednesday I saw a White-eared Opossum and we all smelt a Skunk!

Yesterday QPR won 1 x 0 away to Plymouth! 😁

Last night I preached in Itaporanga in the final street service in front of our church of the 10-day evangelistic outreach. It was a lovely jubilant service. The journey home was slow owing to constant driving rain, but we made it safe and sound. We got to bed at 1:30 am.

In this chapter, on the plains of Moab by the River Jordan, God told Moses and the priest Eleazar to take the second census of men 20 years old and over who were fit to fight in the army. This census was taken about 40 years after the first one and revealed changes in size in the tribes of Judah, Manasseh and Ephraim, and that the tribe of Simeon had decreased in size considerably. God had raised up a new generation of Israelites to enter the promised land replacing those who died in the wilderness.

This census showed the following tribal strengths: Reuben (43,730), Simeon (22,200), Gad (40,500), Judah (76,500), Issachar (64,300), Zebulun (60,500), Manasseh (52,700), Ephraim (32,500), Benjamin (45,600), Dan (64,400), Asher (53,400) and Naphtali (45,400). This made a total of 601,730 fighting men (down from 603,550 in the first census). All those counted in the first census had died except Caleb and Joshua.

God said that upon entering Canaan the land was to be divided up between everyone by casting lots. The 23,000 Levites (males 1 month old upwards) would not receive land as they were set aside in the service of God.

In this chapter, on the plains of Moab by the River Jordan, God told Moses and the priest Eleazar to take the second census of men 20 years old and over who were fit to fight in the army. This census was taken about 40 years after the first one and revealed changes in size in the tribes of Judah, Manasseh and Ephraim, and that the tribe of Simeon had decreased in size considerably. God had raised up a new generation of Israelites to enter the promised land replacing those who died in the wilderness.

This census showed the following tribal strengths: Reuben (43,730), Simeon (22,200), Gad (40,500), Judah (76,500), Issachar (64,300), Zebulun (60,500), Manasseh (52,700), Ephraim (32,500), Benjamin (45,600), Dan (64,400), Asher (53,400) and Naphtali (45,400). This made a total of 601,730 fighting men (down from 603,550 in the first census). All those counted in the first census had died except Caleb and Joshua.

God said that upon entering Canaan the land was to be divided up between everyone by casting lots. The 23,000 Levites (males 1 month old upwards) would not receive land as they were set aside in the service of God.

 When Israel was at a place called Shittim the men engaged in sexual immorality with Moabite women coupled with spiritual immorality worshipping their god Baal of Peor. God was horrified with this and told Moses to kill the leaders involved with this and make a public spectacle of their executions. 

Then an Israelite man named Zimri openly brought into the Israelite camp a Midianite woman called Cozbi and took her to his tent to have sex with her. Upon seeing this disrespect for God and his people the grandson of Aaron, Phineas, took a spear and drove it through both of them, and this halted a plague of God’s anger which killed 24,000 people!

So God told Moses that from then onwards they should treat the Midianites as enemies and kill them. Quite how this worked out for Moses I don’t know as he was married to a Midianite. 

 When Israel was at a place called Shittim the men engaged in sexual immorality with Moabite women coupled with spiritual immorality worshipping their god Baal of Peor. God was horrified with this and told Moses to kill the leaders involved with this and make a public spectacle of their executions. 

Then an Israelite man named Zimri openly brought into the Israelite camp a Midianite woman called Cozbi and took her to his tent to have sex with her. Upon seeing this disrespect for God and his people the grandson of Aaron, Phineas, took a spear and drove it through both of them, and this halted a plague of God’s anger which killed 24,000 people!

So God told Moses that from then onwards they should treat the Midianites as enemies and kill them. Quite how this worked out for Moses I don’t know as he was married to a Midianite. 

This chapter starts with Balaam’s third oracle which, so different from what Balak wanted, was gushingly positive about Israel which was “as strong as a wild ox” and “like a lioness”. Israel for the third time was blessed by Balaam and certainly not cursed, which left Balak furiously giving up on his attempts at cursing Israel. 

Before parting ways Balaam yet prophesied that Israel would crush Moab, and conquer Edom, Sheth, Seir, Amalek and the Kenites. It was a message completely the opposite to what Balak had wanted. 

This chapter starts with Balaam’s third oracle which, so different from what Balak wanted, was gushingly positive about Israel which was “as strong as a wild ox” and “like a lioness”. Israel for the third time was blessed by Balaam and certainly not cursed, which left Balak furiously giving up on his attempts at cursing Israel. 

Before parting ways Balaam yet prophesied that Israel would crush Moab, and conquer Edom, Sheth, Seir, Amalek and the Kenites. It was a message completely the opposite to what Balak had wanted. 

The strange story of Balaam continues. Balaam was a practitioner of divination (Joshua 13:22) and set up, with King Balak, 7 altars with 7 bulls and 7 rams for sacrifices as was the traditional method of oriental diviners. Then, having sacrificed a bull and a ram with Balak, Balaam went alone to consult God which led to his first oracle (a message in poetic form) concerning Balak’s request to curse Israel. God however led Balaam to bless Israel, rather than curse it, which Balak didn’t like, but Balaam told him that he could not go beyond the words God puts into his mouth. (The sovereignty of God was clear here even above an oriental diviner)

So Balak insisted with Balaam on the curse and took him to another place where they set up the same diviners’ method of 7 altars, bulls and rams. So Balaam again consulted God who confirmed, in his poetic second oracle, his anti curse stance as he was not someone to change his mind, insisting on blessing “lioness” Israel much to Balak’s displeasure.

Therefore Balak took Balaam to a third site to try and get him to curse Israel, and they again set up the 7 altars, bulls and rams ritual as was the diviners’ practice. 

The strange story of Balaam continues. Balaam was a practitioner of divination (Joshua 13:22) and set up, with King Balak, 7 altars with 7 bulls and 7 rams for sacrifices as was the traditional method of oriental diviners. Then, having sacrificed a bull and a ram with Balak, Balaam went alone to consult God which led to his first oracle (a message in poetic form) concerning Balak’s request to curse Israel. God however led Balaam to bless Israel, rather than curse it, which Balak didn’t like, but Balaam told him that he could not go beyond the words God puts into his mouth. (The sovereignty of God was clear here even above an oriental diviner)

So Balak insisted with Balaam on the curse and took him to another place where they set up the same diviners’ method of 7 altars, bulls and rams. So Balaam again consulted God who confirmed, in his poetic second oracle, his anti curse stance as he was not someone to change his mind, insisting on blessing “lioness” Israel much to Balak’s displeasure.

Therefore Balak took Balaam to a third site to try and get him to curse Israel, and they again set up the 7 altars, bulls and rams ritual as was the diviners’ practice. 

 We have started a church plant at Salgado de São Felix which is a small town with a population of 12,000 at a distance of 270 km east of Patos. We already have a small church at the nearby village of Juá so the local leaders Alessandro e Talita will lead both churches. Please pray for both these works and their leaders.

On Tuesday night it rained 25 mm at Green Pastures, and on Wednesday night it rained 33 mm.

I have had important discussions with 6 of our pastors.

On Wednesday evening Liz and I went, with granddaughters Louisa and Amanda, to the 10-outreach at Itaporanga. When we arrived we had good talks with many of the participants, before going to a street service. The service was very good and was led by Pastor Robério with Pastor Betinho as the preacher. Betânia gave a wonderful testimony about how she was converted 20 years ago at Olho D’aguinha Seco and how the village was transformed by the Gospel.

On the way home we were hit by a terrific storm about half way home. It was prolonged torrential rain, thunder and lightning, and very high winds which swayed the vehicle about. I had to stop driving for quite some time as I couldn’t see anything. We eventually made it home and got to bed at 2 am.

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study. I gave the study on John 2. Dedé led the praise and Vasti and Espedita sang solos.

 We have started a church plant at Salgado de São Felix which is a small town with a population of 12,000 at a distance of 270 km east of Patos. We already have a small church at the nearby village of Juá so the local leaders Alessandro e Talita will lead both churches. Please pray for both these works and their leaders.

On Tuesday night it rained 25 mm at Green Pastures, and on Wednesday night it rained 33 mm.

I have had important discussions with 6 of our pastors.

On Wednesday evening Liz and I went, with granddaughters Louisa and Amanda, to the 10-outreach at Itaporanga. When we arrived we had good talks with many of the participants, before going to a street service. The service was very good and was led by Pastor Robério with Pastor Betinho as the preacher. Betânia gave a wonderful testimony about how she was converted 20 years ago at Olho D’aguinha Seco and how the village was transformed by the Gospel.

On the way home we were hit by a terrific storm about half way home. It was prolonged torrential rain, thunder and lightning, and very high winds which swayed the vehicle about. I had to stop driving for quite some time as I couldn’t see anything. We eventually made it home and got to bed at 2 am.

Last night I led the mid-week prayer meeting and Bible study. I gave the study on John 2. Dedé led the praise and Vasti and Espedita sang solos.

At the weekend two young couples from our Patos church got engaged. Murilo (a newly graduated lawyer and Bible College graduate who is part of our preaching team) got engaged to Karol after a 5 year courtship. The other couple are Bia Conserva (a university psychology student) and Kelvin from the extreme south of Brazil. This couple met last year through the internet. May God bless both of these dear couples.

I have just heard and seen the following birds in front of our house: Cattle Tyrant, Great Kiskadee, Caatinga Cacholote, Southern Wren and Glittering-bellied Emerald Hummingbird.

The 10-day evangelistic outreach in Itaporanga is going well. The 100-strong team is doing prayer and Bible study in the mornings, personal door-to-door evangelism in the afternoons and open-air street services in the evenings. There are already reports of commitments being made to Christ. Please praise and pray! Liz and I will be going in support of the outreach later today.

Today is our granddaughter Bia’s 15th birthday and she is away on mission at Itaporanga. Happy Birthday Bia! 😀God bless you! 🙌

Balak, King of Moab, was terrified of Israel in the light of their recent victories in battle, so he asked Balaam to put a curse on the Israelites so that he could defeat them and drive them out of the area. Balaam consulted God on the matter, and he spoke against him doing the curse or even going to speak with King Balak. Balak therefore sent further envoys to ask Balaam to invoke the curse, increasing the financial reward for it. God agreed this time that Balaam could go to Balak as long as his words were guided by God.

The following morning Balaam went on his donkey with the princes of Moab, but the angel of the Lord stood in their way. Apparently the donkey saw the angel but not Balaam. 3 times the angel of the Lord, drawn sword in hand, caused the donkey to rear off course, so Balaam beat the donkey each time. Then the donkey spoke to Balaam! He asked Balaam why he was beating him as he was his well relied upon donkey. Only then did Balaam perceive the presence of the angel who asked Balaam why he was beating his donkey because the animal was in fact saving him. 

Balaam confessed he had sinned, after which he went on to meet King Balak who proceeded to sacrifice cattle and sheep, giving some to Balaam and to the princes. They went together to Bamoth Baal. 

(Balaam is an enigmatic figure. He seems to be the sort of believer with one foot in the world and the other in the church!)

Balak, King of Moab, was terrified of Israel in the light of their recent victories in battle, so he asked Balaam to put a curse on the Israelites so that he could defeat them and drive them out of the area. Balaam consulted God on the matter, and he spoke against him doing the curse or even going to speak with King Balak. Balak therefore sent further envoys to ask Balaam to invoke the curse, increasing the financial reward for it. God agreed this time that Balaam could go to Balak as long as his words were guided by God.

The following morning Balaam went on his donkey with the princes of Moab, but the angel of the Lord stood in their way. Apparently the donkey saw the angel but not Balaam. 3 times the angel of the Lord, drawn sword in hand, caused the donkey to rear off course, so Balaam beat the donkey each time. Then the donkey spoke to Balaam! He asked Balaam why he was beating him as he was his well relied upon donkey. Only then did Balaam perceive the presence of the angel who asked Balaam why he was beating his donkey because the animal was in fact saving him. 

Balaam confessed he had sinned, after which he went on to meet King Balak who proceeded to sacrifice cattle and sheep, giving some to Balaam and to the princes. They went together to Bamoth Baal. 

(Balaam is an enigmatic figure. He seems to be the sort of believer with one foot in the world and the other in the church!)

The Canaanite king of Arad attacked the Israelites and captured some of them, but Israel vowed to God that if he gave them the victory they would destroy their cities. This is what happened so Israel destroyed the people and their cities.

The Israelites travelled on avoiding Edom and were soon complaining again about the miserable food! So God sent venomous snakes amongst them and many people died. The people recognized their error and asked that the snakes be taken away, so God told Moses to put a bronze snake up on to a pole and then anyone looking to the snake would be healed. This story is probably the best known text of the book of Numbers owing to Jesus’ use of it to point to his crucifixion in John 3:14.

The text then relates the journey of the Israelites through many places such as Oboth, the Zered Valley, Beer, and the Valley of Moab. Then Israel asked for the right of passage from the Amorites, it was refused, and the Amorite army attacked them. However Israel overcame them and captured and occupied all their cities and settled in the land of the Amorites. 

Then they went on towards Bashan and the King of Bashan sent out his entire army against Israel. Israel annihilated them completely and took over their land too.  

The Canaanite king of Arad attacked the Israelites and captured some of them, but Israel vowed to God that if he gave them the victory they would destroy their cities. This is what happened so Israel destroyed the people and their cities.

The Israelites travelled on avoiding Edom and were soon complaining again about the miserable food! So God sent venomous snakes amongst them and many people died. The people recognized their error and asked that the snakes be taken away, so God told Moses to put a bronze snake up on to a pole and then anyone looking to the snake would be healed. This story is probably the best known text of the book of Numbers owing to Jesus’ use of it to point to his crucifixion in John 3:14.

The text then relates the journey of the Israelites through many places such as Oboth, the Zered Valley, Beer, and the Valley of Moab. Then Israel asked for the right of passage from the Amorites, it was refused, and the Amorite army attacked them. However Israel overcame them and captured and occupied all their cities and settled in the land of the Amorites. 

Then they went on towards Bashan and the King of Bashan sent out his entire army against Israel. Israel annihilated them completely and took over their land too.  

In this chapter the Israelites were at the Desert of Zin and they stayed at Kadesh and there Moses’ and Aaron’s sister Miriam died. Yet again the people were moaning about the lack of water and about the bleak conditions, so God told Moses to speak to a rock so as to bring forth water, but Moses struck it twice and generated the displeasure of God causing him and Aaron being barred from Canaan. Nevertheless the rock gushed out water for the people.

(The similarities between this incident and Exodus 17 causes some theologians to suspect this is a duplication – though there are some distinctions between the texts)

Then the Israelites asked for the right of passage through the Kingdom of Edom (the Edomites descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob) but this was refused. The Israelites insisted, but they had to withdraw because Edom threatened with force.

Then the Israelites left Kadesh for Mount Hor near the border of Edom. There Moses transferred Aaron’s high priestly garments to Aaron’s son Eleazar and Aaron died and was mourned for 30 days. 

In this chapter the Israelites were at the Desert of Zin and they stayed at Kadesh and there Moses’ and Aaron’s sister Miriam died. Yet again the people were moaning about the lack of water and about the bleak conditions, so God told Moses to speak to a rock so as to bring forth water, but Moses struck it twice and generated the displeasure of God causing him and Aaron being barred from Canaan. Nevertheless the rock gushed out water for the people.

(The similarities between this incident and Exodus 17 causes some theologians to suspect this is a duplication – though there are some distinctions between the texts)

Then the Israelites asked for the right of passage through the Kingdom of Edom (the Edomites descended from Esau, the brother of Jacob) but this was refused. The Israelites insisted, but they had to withdraw because Edom threatened with force.

Then the Israelites left Kadesh for Mount Hor near the border of Edom. There Moses transferred Aaron’s high priestly garments to Aaron’s son Eleazar and Aaron died and was mourned for 30 days. 

This chapter describes the intriguing ritual of the red heifer to purify ceremonial impurity as a result of coming in contact with a dead person. But it wasn’t that a heifer was killed every time such purification was needed. To the contrary this was a low cost ritual made from the ashes of a sacrificed burnt heifer which was kept in stock for a long period of time.

A red heifer was killed outside the camp and then burnt together with cedar wood, hyssop and scarlet wool. The ashes were gathered and kept in a clean place outside the camp. When purification was needed some of the ash was mixed with water and sprinkled on the contaminated person in a 7-day ritual sprinkling the water of cleansing on the 3rd and 7th day. The person was clean after the 7-day ritual. Anyone who didn’t purify himself in this way would be excommunicated. 

This chapter describes the intriguing ritual of the red heifer to purify ceremonial impurity as a result of coming in contact with a dead person. But it wasn’t that a heifer was killed every time such purification was needed. To the contrary this was a low cost ritual made from the ashes of a sacrificed burnt heifer which was kept in stock for a long period of time.

A red heifer was killed outside the camp and then burnt together with cedar wood, hyssop and scarlet wool. The ashes were gathered and kept in a clean place outside the camp. When purification was needed some of the ash was mixed with water and sprinkled on the contaminated person in a 7-day ritual sprinkling the water of cleansing on the 3rd and 7th day. The person was clean after the 7-day ritual. Anyone who didn’t purify himself in this way would be excommunicated. 

Following on from the Korah’s rebellion God reemphasized his support for the priesthood of Aaron and his sons, supported by the rest of the Levite tribe as assistants. Aaron and his sons were to care for the sanctuary and its furnishings whilst the rest of the Levites were to support keeping the Tabernacle free from intrusions punishable by death.

Then God said that part of the offerings belonged to the priests such as the wave offerings, the finest oil, the finest wine, the first fruits of the harvest and the firstborn of all clean animals brought to the Tabernacle. The priests and their families could eat all this freely along as they weren’t ceremonially unclean. Other support for the priests came from a firstborn tax of 5 silver shekels each as too was the case with firstborn unclean animals.

On the other hand none of the Levites owned land but they received tithes from the people instead. The Levites gave a tithe of the tithes to the priests.

Following on from the Korah’s rebellion God reemphasized his support for the priesthood of Aaron and his sons, supported by the rest of the Levite tribe as assistants. Aaron and his sons were to care for the sanctuary and its furnishings whilst the rest of the Levites were to support keeping the Tabernacle free from intrusions punishable by death.

Then God said that part of the offerings belonged to the priests such as the wave offerings, the finest oil, the finest wine, the first fruits of the harvest and the firstborn of all clean animals brought to the Tabernacle. The priests and their families could eat all this freely along as they weren’t ceremonially unclean. Other support for the priests came from a firstborn tax of 5 silver shekels each as too was the case with firstborn unclean animals.

On the other hand none of the Levites owned land but they received tithes from the people instead. The Levites gave a tithe of the tithes to the priests.

Whilst I am working in my office I can hear the shrieks of laughter from our grandchildren in our front room playing a board game. Arthur and his girlfriend Bianca are there together with Louisa, Amanda and Alice. There is something really pleasurable about hearing laughter and happiness, and it’s nice that Granddad and Grandma’s house is the chosen venue!

QPR have been knocked out in the 3rd round of the FA Cup suffering a 6 x 2 defeat away to Leicester. 😕

Last night’s service in Patos was excellent with the participation of Zenilda Lua, who is a poetess from São Paulo, who brought a beautiful poem which she wrote based on Psalm 126. This was followed by a lovely sermon by our daughter Sacha on Jeremiah 7:1-7. She is a very good preacher.

The 10-day evangelistic outreach presses on well at Itaporanga but it rained last night so the evening service, which was going to be a street meeting, had to be held in a school auditorium. Please continue to pray for the outreach which runs until the 20th.

It rained 32 mm yesterday at Green Pastures and 10 mm on Saturday, so the rainy season is getting started. 

Whilst I am working in my office I can hear the shrieks of laughter from our grandchildren in our front room playing a board game. Arthur and his girlfriend Bianca are there together with Louisa, Amanda and Alice. There is something really pleasurable about hearing laughter and happiness, and it’s nice that Granddad and Grandma’s house is the chosen venue!

QPR have been knocked out in the 3rd round of the FA Cup suffering a 6 x 2 defeat away to Leicester. 😕

Last night’s service in Patos was excellent with the participation of Zenilda Lua, who is a poetess from São Paulo, who brought a beautiful poem which she wrote based on Psalm 126. This was followed by a lovely sermon by our daughter Sacha on Jeremiah 7:1-7. She is a very good preacher.

The 10-day evangelistic outreach presses on well at Itaporanga but it rained last night so the evening service, which was going to be a street meeting, had to be held in a school auditorium. Please continue to pray for the outreach which runs until the 20th.

It rained 32 mm yesterday at Green Pastures and 10 mm on Saturday, so the rainy season is getting started. 

 Following on from the previous chapter full of rebellion God further underlined his support for Aaron. He requested the staff of the leader of each tribe, with Aaron’s staff representing the tribe of Levi. The staffs were put inside the Tabernacle for the night with God saying that the person who was his choice would sprout during the night. The following morning Moses went into the Tabernacle and Aaron’s staff had not only sprouted but had budded, flowered and produced almonds! So the other staffs were returned to their owners, but Aaron’s staff was kept in the Tabernacle as a sign to the rebellious. 

 Following on from the previous chapter full of rebellion God further underlined his support for Aaron. He requested the staff of the leader of each tribe, with Aaron’s staff representing the tribe of Levi. The staffs were put inside the Tabernacle for the night with God saying that the person who was his choice would sprout during the night. The following morning Moses went into the Tabernacle and Aaron’s staff had not only sprouted but had budded, flowered and produced almonds! So the other staffs were returned to their owners, but Aaron’s staff was kept in the Tabernacle as a sign to the rebellious. 

 Following on from the previous chapter full of rebellion God further underlined his support for Aaron. He requested the staff of the leader of each tribe, with Aaron’s staff representing the tribe of Levi. The staffs were put inside the Tabernacle for the night with God saying that the person who was his choice would sprout during the night. The following morning Moses went into the Tabernacle and Aaron’s staff had not only sprouted but had budded, flowered and produced almonds! So the other staffs were returned to their owners, but Aaron’s staff was kept in the Tabernacle as a sign to the rebellious.