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Thanksgiving Series: God of Heaven, Above All

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On January 15, 2016

In Christian, Christmas, Perspectives, Thanksgiving

Psalm 136 can be touted as the “The Psalm of Thanks” or the “Thanksgiving Psalm.” It is a Psalm that is rich in content, apropos the character of God and since each verse in the Psalm is suffixed with “For his mercy endures forever”, it is a Psalm that is easy to read and memorize as well.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, giving thanks for the ultimate reason of sending us his only begotten Son, we will be looking at each verse in Psalm 136 and glean out the character of God from these verses, which would be reason enough to be grateful and give thanks to our LORD God.

Today we look at final verse – verse 26.
O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

The final verse in this thanksgiving song, seem to be not much, other than a summation of the Psalm and an assignment of the known title to God – the God of heaven. But closer scrutiny reveals, that God is the God of heaven. Though no one alive knows of the exact location of heaven, it can be deduced that heaven is above our realm – for when Jesus ascended to God the Father, he went ‘up’ in a smoke. Furthermore, the Bible describes heaven to be God’s throne and earth his footstool (Acts 7:49) indicating that heaven is above the earth. And if God is God of heaven, he is above all.

Points to ponder:
On Christmas, Jesus left his heavenly abode and came to dwell among men, becoming one of us. After his death and resurrection, he ascended to God the Father. Being made ruler over all things (Ephesians 1:22), he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father in heaven (Hebrews 12:2). He is above all things – but the most important question is – “Have you let God to be the ruler over you?” Jesus is the God of heaven, but what is important to answer is “Is God in your heart?”. Have you believed in Jesus as your Savior, Lord and King – for he is above all and his mercy endures forever.

Psalm 136:26 (KJV)
26 O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Thanksgiving Series: God, The Giver of Food to all Flesh

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On January 14, 2016

In Christian, Christmas, Perspectives, Thanksgiving

Psalm 136 can be touted as the “The Psalm of Thanks” or the “Thanksgiving Psalm.” It is a Psalm that is rich in content, apropos the character of God and since each verse in the Psalm is suffixed with “For his mercy endures forever”, it is a Psalm that is easy to read and memorize as well.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, giving thanks for the ultimate reason of sending us his only begotten Son, we will be looking at each verse in Psalm 136 and glean out the character of God from these verses, which would be reason enough to be grateful and give thanks to our LORD God.

Today we look at Verse 25.
Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.

This verse indicates that God is the giver of food – not just to a select few, but to all. The simplest explanation of this can be that God takes care of providing for all of his creation – sea creatures, beasts, birds and man. Jesus himself eludes to the fact that God the Father knows of the needs of even the sparrows and not one of them fall to the ground without his will (Matthew 10:29). The book of Jonah ends with God posing a question “Should he not spare the people of Nineveh and its cattle?” (Jonah 4:11). Thus all flesh here could very well mean, all living things. All flesh could also be extrapolated to refer to those who are in a relationship – a relationship as that of a husband and a wife. When Adam saw his wife Eve, he described her as bone of his bones and the flesh of his flesh (Genesis 2:23).

And God is the provider of food for all.

Points to ponder:
On Christmas, the Spirit of God was cloaked by flesh for the Bible says that Jesus, the Word of God became flesh and dwelt amongst men (John 1:14). Those who believe in Jesus, become part of his body – and in that sense – his flesh, as if Christ, the bridegroom is lovingly expressing of his bride (the Church) that we are flesh of his flesh.

Jesus also expressed that to do the will of God the Father was his food (John 4:34).

While man may think that it is his or her job or work that provides for his family, it is God and God alone who is the provider of food – both physical food and spiritual food (doing God’s will). There is no reason for anyone to starve – for everyone who comes to Jesus Christ, shall never hunger nor thirst (John 6:35). God is the provider of food for all flesh. Are you hungry?  Will Christ be able to describe you and me as flesh of his flesh? Are you in a love relationship with Jesus Christ?

Psalm 136:25 (KJV)
25 Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Thanksgiving Series: God, The Redeemer

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On January 13, 2016

In Christian, Christmas, Perspectives, Thanksgiving

Psalm 136 can be touted as the “The Psalm of Thanks” or the “Thanksgiving Psalm.” It is a Psalm that is rich in content, apropos the character of God and since each verse in the Psalm is suffixed with “For his mercy endures forever”, it is a Psalm that is easy to read and memorize as well.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, giving thanks for the ultimate reason of sending us his only begotten Son, we will be looking at each verse in Psalm 136 and glean out the character of God from these verses, which would be reason enough to be grateful and give thanks to our LORD God.

Today we look at Verse 24.
And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

This verse starts with the word “and” implying that God not only remembered his people (as the previous verse stated) but also redeemed them from their enemies. God is not only a God, who remembers his people and leaves them in their low estate. Instead, God is an Action God who acted on the situation that his people were subjected to, due to their own disobedience, and redeem them for their enemies.

Points to ponder:
On Christmas, God acted on the situation of hopelessness that was the outcome of man’s disobedience and sin, and sent his son to redeem us, whom he remembered in our state of being slaves to sins. Man was made (deemed) upright when God created him (for he was created in the image of God), but man sought to follow his own downward path  (Ecclesiastes 7:29; KJV & NLT) and disobeyed God, which warranted God to send us his son, to Re-Deem us worthy of being upright before God. Jesus redeemed us from the enemy – Satan and his power, which is death – for everyone who believes in Jesus shall have eternal life. Are you redeemed? In other words, do you believe in Jesus as your Lord, Savior, King and Redeemer?

Psalm 136:24 (KJV)
24 And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Thanksgiving Series: God, who Remembers us

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On January 12, 2016

In Christian, Christmas, Perspectives, Thanksgiving

Psalm 136 can be touted as the “The Psalm of Thanks” or the “Thanksgiving Psalm.” It is a Psalm that is rich in content, apropos the character of God and since each verse in the Psalm is suffixed with “For his mercy endures forever”, it is a Psalm that is easy to read and memorize as well.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, giving thanks for the ultimate reason of sending us his only begotten Son, we will be looking at each verse in Psalm 136 and glean out the character of God from these verses, which would be reason enough to be grateful and give thanks to our LORD God.

Today we look at Verse 23.
Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:

This verse establishes the fact that God remembered his people when they were in their low estate. The people of Israel were subject to physical bondage and slavery in the hands and lands of their oppressors. As slaves they were in real low estate. But God did not forget them and remembered them.

Points to ponder:
Charles Haddon Spurgeon writes, that God’s covenant is an everlasting covenant because it does not hinge on our remembrance of him, but instead it relies on his remembrance of us. When we were still sinners and enemies of God, sinking in the horrible pit of sin (Psalm 40:2), subject to spiritual bondage, God remembered us in that low estate, and sent us his son, Jesus Christ, the Rock of our Salvation, on whom he set our feet on (Psalm 40:2), so that we would not drown. He remembered us in our low estate as he did the Israelites.

You may have forgotten God and about God and gone your wayward ways like the prodigal son, but you can be assured that God does not and will never forget you. He remembers you even today, seeking for you to remember. Remember, Repent and Return to God (Revelation 2:5), who like the father of the prodigal son is ever willing to accept you back, no matter what. (Luke 15:11-32).

Psalm 136:23 (KJV)
23 Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Thanksgiving Series: God, the Good Donor Master

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On January 11, 2016

In Christian, Christmas, Perspectives, Thanksgiving

God Gave Us HeavenPsalm 136 can be touted as the “The Psalm of Thanks” or the “Thanksgiving Psalm.” It is a Psalm that is rich in content, apropos the character of God and since each verse in the Psalm is suffixed with “For his mercy endures forever”, it is a Psalm that is easy to read and memorize as well.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, giving thanks for the ultimate reason of sending us his only begotten Son, we will be looking at each verse in Psalm 136 and glean out the character of God from these verses, which would be reason enough to be grateful and give thanks to our LORD God.

Today we look at Verses 21 and 22.
And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.

From these verses, we can learn that God, who fought for his people – the Israelites – defeated the giant kings who opposed and fought against them, and when he had defeated these warrior kings (Sihon and Og), he gave their land to Israel, their land as an inheritance. Israel is referred to here in these verses as a servant, indicating that God was their Master. He was not just a Master but a good Master who cared for his people and gave them property to possess.

Points to ponder:
In this day and age, when we work for our earthly masters, seldom does one work for them as an expression of loyalty. In most situations, it is out of a sense of dread and fear – as we mistakenly feel that our jobs and future are in their hands, and we do not want to be let go (fired). Additionally, most earthly masters are generally pursuing their own desires, seeking to answer “What’s in it for me?” rarely thinking about the ones who serve them (work for them). And here, God sets the model for earthly masters – they must be seeking out to give to their servants and not take from them. That is godly leadership.

God is a good donor Master. Just as in the days of the Moses and Joshua, God fought their enemies and gave their land as an inheritance. God sent his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, who fought the good fight against our enemy – the devil and his power, which is death – donating his very life – so that you and I could call his land (heaven) our inheritance. This is what Christmas is. Do you know and believe in God, the Good Donor Master? Are you and I his servant?

Psalm 136:21-22 (KJV)
21 And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
22 Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Thanksgiving Series: God, the Giant Slayer

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On January 8, 2016

In Christian, Christmas, Perspectives, Thanksgiving

Psalm 136 can be touted as the “The Psalm of Thanks” or the “Thanksgiving Psalm.” It is a Psalm that is rich in content, apropos the character of God and since each verse in the Psalm is suffixed with “For his mercy endures forever”, it is a Psalm that is easy to read and memorize as well.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, giving thanks for the ultimate reason of sending us his only begotten Son, we will be looking at each verse in Psalm 136 and glean out the character of God from these verses, which would be reason enough to be grateful and give thanks to our LORD God.

Today we look at Verses 17 to 20.
To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever: Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever: And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:

We have already seen that God is the smiter of oppressors and rescuer of slaver (verses 10 and 11), the overthrower of rulers and kings (verse 15). In these verses, we also learn that God smote and slew, not just ordinary kings, but great and famous kings, namely two kings – Sihon and Og. Sihon was a famous Amorite king, who had gone after the Moabites and conquered their lands (Numbers 21:26-29), in whom, was no fear of God, for when the people of God, sought to pass through his land, he refused (Numbers 21:21-23). They even built a city named after him (Numbers 21:26). Og was the last of the Rephaites – a giant whose bed is described as being 13 feet long and 6 feet wide (Deuteronomy 3:11).

Points to ponder:
God is more powerful than famous and gigantic kings and he can smite and slay anyone or any issue, despite its colossal nature, if we trust and believe in him. What is the roadblock that is keeping you from reaching the promised land? Who or what is the giant that is standing in your way, coming up against you. Trust in the LORD God, who promised to never leave you nor forsake you, and engage in (spiritual) battle, donning on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), and see to it yourself – that God who is true to his word and unchanging – is indeed your giant slayer. When Jesus came into the world, he smote the prince of the power of the air (the devil) (Ephesians 2:2) and slew the slayer – death itself (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). Let Jesus be your giant slayer.

Psalm 136:17-20 (KJV)
17 To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
18 And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
19 Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:
20 And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Thanksgiving Series: God, The Leader

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On January 7, 2016

In Christian, Christmas, Perspectives, Thanksgiving

Psalm 136 can be touted as the “The Psalm of Thanks” or the “Thanksgiving Psalm.” It is a Psalm that is rich in content, apropos the character of God and since each verse in the Psalm is suffixed with “For his mercy endures forever”, it is a Psalm that is easy to read and memorize as well. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, giving thanks for the ultimate reason of sending us his only begotten Son, we will be looking at each verse in Psalm 136 and glean out the character of God from these verses, which would be reason enough to be grateful and give thanks to our LORD God.

Today we look at Verse 16.
To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.

In the account of the Israelites journey from their land of Egypt, where they were in physical bondage, to the land promised to them, they wandered in the wilderness for a period of forty years, because of their hardened heart, disobedience and unbelief in God’s promises, except for two – Joshua and Caleb (Numbers 14). Yet, we read from the Psalmist that while they wandered in the wilderness, they were not orphaned by God. In fact, this verse establishes that God was their leader through the wilderness – a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night – to lead and show them the way – because his mercy endures for ever.

Points to ponder:
At times, we may feel that in our life, we are wandering in the wilderness as well. The journey through what may seem desolate and deserted, with no one around in our life, may make us feel that we are all alone and that God has left us. It is likely that our own hardened hearts, disobedience and unbelief has made us reach that point in life. Yet, take solace in the fact, that God is unchanging and that through life’s wilderness, he continues to lead us. Do not be afraid; Be strong and of good courage – for the LORD God goes with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6) . He made his promise come true when he sent his son Jesus to come into the world for us who promised and assured, I will never leave you nor forsake you and lo, I am with you always (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). Are you willing to let God be your leader?

Psalm 136:16 (KJV)
16 To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Thanksgiving Series: God, The Overthrower of rulers and armies

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On January 6, 2016

In Christian, Christmas, Perspectives, Thanksgiving

Psalm 136 can be touted as the “The Psalm of Thanks” or the “Thanksgiving Psalm.” It is a Psalm that is rich in content, apropos the character of God and since each verse in the Psalm is suffixed with “For his mercy endures forever”, it is a Psalm that is easy to read and memorize as well. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, giving thanks for the ultimate reason of sending us his only begotten Son, we will be looking at each verse in Psalm 136 and glean out the character of God from these verses, which would be reason enough to be grateful and give thanks to our LORD God.

Today we look at Verse 15.
But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

As God guided and made the people pass through the midst of the Red sea, through the watery walls, after his people passed over safely, the Lord caused the waters to return and drowned the chosen captains of Pharaoh and Pharaoh with his hosts (armies) in the Red sea (Exodus 15:4). In other words, he overthrew the most powerful ruler of that time along with his army.

Points to ponder:
What is that powerful thing or who is the powerful person that rules and govern over our life? Remember, God is far greater and the absolute powerful one. He can overthrow the rulers and the armies, in our lives that seek to enslave us, for he is the Overthrower of rulers and armies – and that is reason enough to be thankful for. Submit to God for he is all powerful, who can overthrow the enslaving rulers and their armies in our lives.

Psalm 136:13-14 (KJV)
15  But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Thanksgiving Series: God, The Way

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On January 5, 2016

In Christian, Christmas, Perspectives, Thanksgiving

Psalm 136 can be touted as the “The Psalm of Thanks” or the “Thanksgiving Psalm.” It is a Psalm that is rich in content, apropos the character of God and since each verse in the Psalm is suffixed with “For his mercy endures forever”, it is a Psalm that is easy to read and memorize as well. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, giving thanks for the ultimate reason of sending us his only begotten Son, we will be looking at each verse in Psalm 136 and glean out the character of God from these verses, which would be reason enough to be grateful and give thanks to our LORD God.

Today we look at Verses 13 and 14.
To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Though Hollywood often gets it wrong when it comes to the depiction of Biblical accounts, for once, in the 1956 movie, The Ten Commandments, I think, that the scene where Moses calls on the mighty (strong) hand of the Lord to part the Red sea, is as accurate as movie effects can capture the event to be. The Red sea is parted with walls of water on either side as the Israelites pass through the midst of it, escaping from the hands of the Pharoah and his Egyptian army. On one side, the Red sea would have been the watery grave for the Israelites, while on the other side, they would have been killed by the Egyptian army. In other words, there was no way out. At this juncture, we see the mighty hand of God at work, wherein God not only made a way for the Israelites, but He made a way for his people, through the midst of their problems. If it was left to man’s wisdom, man would have attempted to build a boat or ark to go over the waters, but that is not always God’s plan. Now also think for a moment, as to what the Israelites would have felt when they saw walls of waters on either side of them. Had they not trusted God, they would have doubted that the watery walls may collapse and they would not have crossed over. God guided and made the people pass through the midst of the Red sea.

Points to ponder:

When the walls of despair and death surround us, let us believe in God, who with his mighty hand, makes a way for us and makes us pass through the midst of the problems of life that threaten to drown us.  God made the way out for the Israelites when death surrounded them. On Christmas, he has made a way out for all of us, when spiritual death surrounds us. Jesus say, I AM The Way (and the truth and the life) and no one can come to God the Father, except through him. Trust in God and in Jesus Christ, the Way and you will be led by God to safe haven in heaven. Now, that is reason enough to be thankful to God for. His mercy truly endures for ever – for he is The Way.

Psalm 136:13-14 (KJV)
13 To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:

The movie clip of the parting of the Red sea from the 1956 movie “The Ten Commandments” can be seen by clicking on the picture below.

Parting of the Red sea

Parting of the Red sea from the movie “The Ten Commandments”.
Copyright © American Broadcasting Company / Paramount Pictures / Paramount Home Video

Thanksgiving Series: God, the Strong Armed One

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On January 4, 2016

In Christian, Christmas, Perspectives, Thanksgiving

Hand of God

The Creation of Adam

Psalm 136 can be touted as the “The Psalm of Thanks” or the “Thanksgiving Psalm.” It is a Psalm that is rich in content, apropos the character of God and since each verse in the Psalm is suffixed with “For his mercy endures forever”, it is a Psalm that is easy to read and memorize as well. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, giving thanks for the ultimate reason of sending us his only begotten Son, we will be looking at each verse in Psalm 136 and glean out the character of God from these verses, which would be reason enough to be grateful and give thanks to our LORD God.
Today we look at Verse 12.
With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.

When visiting the Vatican City, we were blessed to see the wondrous work of Italian Renaissance artist, Michelangelo Buonarroti on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Between 1508 and 1512, Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel with a series of frescoes, portraying several biblical stories. One central painting which is commonly misnamed as the Hand of God, but which is correctly named The Creation of Adam, depicts God giving life to the first of his creation, Adam (man). In this painting, Michelangelo puts the viewer’s attention on the two outstretched arms – one that is of Adam, limp with drooping fingers as if without any energy, resting upon one bent knee as if it is too heavy for him to hold it up without support, and the other, the assertive strong powerful hand of God himself, reaching out and ready to discharge the vital spark of life.

God does not just have an outstretched arm, but a strong outstretched (reaching) arm.

Points to ponder:
Just as God rescued the Israelites with his outstretched arms from their enemies, he continues to reach out to us today. Like Adam, by ourselves, we cannot hold ourselves up. Without God’s Spirit in our lives, we are languid and limp. When Jesus came into this world, it was God’s strong outstretched arm, reaching out to all of mankind, to give our limp lives, the vital spark of eternal life. We thank God for the outstretched strong Hand of God – yes, his mercy truly endures for ever.

God is reaching out to you! Accept Jesus by acknowledging him to be your Lord and Savior and get life – eternal life – by become a living soul (Genesis 4:7).

Psalm 136:12 (KJV)
12 With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.

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