Hidden (Krypto) Treasures

To get pearls, one must dive deep!

Category: Thanksgiving Page 2 of 3

Thanksgiving Series: God, the Smiter and our Rescuer

By

On December 18, 2015

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 10 and 11.
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:

These verses indicate that God is not only a smiter of our enemies, but is one who is a rescuer of slaves. The people of God were in physical bondage and slavery under the rule of the Pharoah in the land of Egypt and God heard their cries. He sent unto them his deliverer, Moses, who with the aid of God, led God’s people of out the land of slavery. During this exodus from Egypt, God’s power was manifested and the unrelenting obstinacy of Pharaoh, brought on Egypt many plagues and calamities, including costing the people of Egypt, their firstborn son.

Points to ponder:
At the onset, it may be easily misunderstood that God was a cruel God, who according to some atheists and anti-theists, was a murdering God, with no compassion for the firstborn. But, let us not forget that in order to save all of mankind from spiritual slavery, being in bondage and under the power of the devil, God did not ever spare his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. God sent him as the ultimate deliverer from spiritual slavery, to be born of a virgin, in a manger, overshadowed by the Cross. Let us not forget that God smote the adversary, Shaitan (or Satan) and the last enemy which is death (1 Corinthians 15:26), freeing all who believe in him and his son, who was sent to and for us. God indeed is the smiter of our enemy and the rescuer from spiritual slavery and that is all the reason that we can be thankful for.

It is Christmas season and while many focus on Jesus as a baby in the manger, let us not forget to see him as the rescuing Knight that he really is.

Psalm 136:10-11 (KJV)
10 To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
11 And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:

Thanksgiving Series: For the LIGHT and lights

By

On December 17, 2015

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 7 to 9.
To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

These verses speak of two great lights that were made to rule, but according to the creation account recorded in Genesis 1:3, it is written, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” This not only establishes that fact that the sun, moon and stars are not the source of true light, but it was this LIGHT that was in the beginning (even before the creation of the sun, moon and stars (great lights)) that is the true source of LIGHT that dispels real darkness. This is further accentuated in the scripture, where it is written that Jesus, the Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God who dispels spiritual darkness (sin) of the world, is the light in the city of God (heaven) which does not have the need for the sun or the moon (Revelation 21:23). Jesus is the LIGHT. He was not created. He simply was and is and forever will be – from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 90:2). In the beginning was the LIGHT and that LIGHT was with God and the LIGHT was God (John 1:1) for Jesus said, “I am the LIGHT of the World (John 8:12), and whoever follows him shall not walk in darkness – spiritual darkness, separated from God, but have the light of life.” 

Points to ponder:
It is Christmas season and as one ponders about the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger, sometimes getting lost in the festivities, let us not forget that on Christmas night, Jesus had his birth in the form of a man, but not his beginning, but more importantly let us not overlook the true meaning of Christmas and that is “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.” (Isaiah 9:2; Matthew 4:16). Jesus is the greatest of all lights, the maker and ruler of all other lights. Are you still in darkness? Is your life a slave to sin? Ask Jesus to be born in your heart so that he can dispel all darkness and by that you can have the light of life. Now, that is a great reason to be thankful for.

Psalm 136:7-9 (KJV)
7 To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
8 The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
9 The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Revelation 21:23 (KJV)
23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

Isaiah 9:2 (KJV)
2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Matthew 4:16 (KJV)
16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

Thanksgiving Series: Wise & Creator God

By

On December 15, 2015

In Christian, 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 5 and 6.
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Not only does this verse establish the fact that, God is wise, but it also asserts that God is a creator God. In fact, only God is wise (Romans 16:27; 1 Timothy 1:17; Jude 1:25), for even our wisdom is foolishness before God (1 Corinthians 3:19). You could take the smartest of the smart in this world, even Solomon the wise, who when pitched against God in wisdom, would turn out to be a fool. Our God is a creator God. Out of nothing, he can create (ex nihilo bara). When the earth was formless and void (nothing), God’s Holy Spirit hovered it and God created everything by his wisdom (Genesis 1) 

Points to ponder:
Out of the barrenness / emptiness / voidness of our life, when the Holy Spirit of God hovers over our dark and tumultuous life, as the waves (circumstances) of life try to engulf us, God can speak fullness of life (abundant life) into us (John 10:10), when we believe and trust in him.  He can stretch forth his hand over those waters and command “Peace” (Mark 4:35-41); a peace that passeth all understanding (Philippians 4:7) given to those whose mind is fixed on Jesus trusting him (Isaiah 26:3; Hebrews 12:2)  and assure us to “Be still and know that he is God” (Psalm 46:10)

Psalm 136:5-6 (KJV)
5 To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
6 To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.

 

Thanksgiving Series: Wonder Working God

By

On December 10, 2015

In Christian, 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 4.
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Not only does this verse establish the fact that, God does wonder, but that he does great wonders, besides asserts that it is he alone who does great wonders. God does great wonders, because he is a great God (Psalm 86:10). When Jesus’ birth was prophesied, it was recorded that his name shall be called WONDERFUL. (Isaiah 9:6-7) During his time on earth as man, Jesus did many wonders and signs, and miracles, as one approved of God (Acts 2:22) – from turning water into wine, to turning enemies into friends (Luke 23:12). 

Points to ponder:
Not only did Jesus perform mighty wonders when he was on earth as man, but even today as the Son of Man in heaven, he continues to do the greatest miracle of all, which is, he accepts all those who believe in him (even his enemies who are friends with this ephemeral world) as his friend – a friend of God. That truly is wonderful, and indeed Jesus is a wonder working God.  We can give thanks for He is a Wonder Working God – truly Wonderful – full of wonders. Are you a friend of God?

Psalm 136:4 (KJV)
4 To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Thanksgiving Series: Sovereign & Supreme God

By

On December 3, 2015

In Christian, 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 2 and 3.
O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

We can give thanks because he is God of gods. God here is a reference to Elohim or YHWH – the Almighty One. All other gods are man made – creations of God’s own creation. We can give thanks because he is the Lord of lords. Lord here is a reference to God as Adonai (the Hebrew name for God). He is the Master of masters and the King of kings. He is not only the Almighty, but is the Authority. In other words as God of gods and as Lord of lords, He is the Sovereign and Supreme; Almighty with Authority. 

Points to ponder:
In John chapter 13, we read that the disciples referred to Jesus as Master and Lord to which Jesus purposefully reverses their reference and asserts that he is first Lord and then Master.

Is God sovereign and the almighty in your life and mine?
Is the Lord supreme with total authority over your life and mine?
We can give thanks for He is God of gods and Lord of lords.

Psalm 136:2-3 (KJV)
1 O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Thanksgiving Series: God is good

By

On November 30, 2015

In Christian, 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.

We celebrated Thanksgiving this past week and are entering into the Christmas season. 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 this Psalm 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 1.
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

We can give thanks because first and foremost we can see here that the Lord is GOOD. Even when man disobeyed the Lord, by eating from the forbidden tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3), God did not show his bad side to man but instead channelled his wrath toward his innocent creation and cursed the land so that man need not be cursed. He further demonstrated his good side (love) toward man, so much so, that he cursed (Galatians 3:13) and poured out his only begotten son (John 3:16), forsaking him on the Cross of calvary (Mark 15:34; Matthew 27:46), to bear our sin (badness) (1 Peter 2:24). O taste and see that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8).

Points to ponder:
Man lost his experience of seeing the good side of God perpetually by eating from the forbidden tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3). Man can regain his experience of seeing the good side of God perpetually by taking in (as in the Lord’s supper) the forsaken tree of life (which is Jesus Christ). O taste and see that the Lord God (Jesus Christ) is good.

Have you experienced the goodness of God? Even when things around and in your life don’t seem to be good, the goodness of God never wavers. O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good.

Psalm 136:1 (KJV)
1 O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Give Thanks, why and then what?

By

On November 27, 2014

In Christian, Thanksgiving, Through the Bible

It is thanksgiving day … a day wherein we remember the various things that we are thankful for and spend our time with our family and friends. The Bible innumerably counsels us that we ought to give thanks to the Lord, our God, for he is good and his mercy endures forever.

While it is certainly apt for us to express our gratitude for God’s goodness and his enduring merciful nature, what other reason is given to us, as to why we must give thanks.

We must give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning us (1 Thessalonians 5:18). So it is pretty clear that to give thanks is to conform to God’s will for us. So now that we know why we must give thanks, what are we required to do upon giving thanks? We must make known his deeds among the people (1 Chronicles 16:8).

Points to ponder:
This thanksgiving, are you in God’s will? i.e., are you giving thanks? Also, in addition to giving thanks, are you making known his deeds to the people around us?  In other words, this thanksgiving, let us remember to be in God’s will and do God’s work.

1 Thessalonians 5:8 (KJV)
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Chronicles 16:8 (KJV)
8 Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, make known his deeds among the people.

Jesus Gave Thanks :: to Show us He is The Lord and The Master

By

On November 22, 2012

In Christian, Thanksgiving

It is thanksgiving season and there are many reasons for us to be thankful to God for, but have you ever wondered what Jesus was thankful for. Luke 24 records the account of Jesus appearing to the two men, who were walking on the road to Emmaus. When the two sad men encounter Jesus, not recognizing who he is, they tell him, how they trusted that Jesus to be their redeemer but it is three days since he was murdered and yet there was no sign of any salvation (Luke 24:21). Jesus then expounds to them, from all the scriptures, things concerning himself, and as evening fell, they urged him to stay with them (as their guest). Jesus agreed to stay but does not take the position of a guest (Luke 24:13-21). Instead the Bible records, that he took bread and blessed (gave thanks for) it, broke it and gave it to them (Luke 24:30). It was customary for the Master or Head of the household to be the one taking the food and serving it. As soon as the two saw the Master Jesus at the table, their eyes (spiritual) were opened and they recognized (knew) him as Lord (Luke 24:31), for the witness that they immediately take back to the eleven disciples in Jerusalem is “The LORD is risen.” (Luke 24:34)

Jesus gave thanks to God as The Master and not as the guest, and was recognized as The Lord. In the washing of the feet of his disciples, the disciples addressed Jesus as Master and Lord and Jesus recognizes this, but purposefully reverses what he is to be known (recognized) as. The disciples called him Master and Lord (and yes he is) but Jesus refers to himself first as Lord and then as Master (John 13:13-14). Jesus thanked God and was recognized as Lord.

Points to ponder:
Even today, Jesus expounds from all of the scriptures all the things concerning himself to you and me. As darkness surrounds us, do we urge him to stay in our lives, not just as the guest but as our Master and as he communes with us, do we recognize him as Lord? If you have not trusted in Jesus as your Lord and Master, tarry no further, but instead place your trust in him, today. Let today, be your day of real thanksgiving (2 Corinthians 6:2) and for those who have trusted in Jesus, we can give thanks this thanksgiving season, for Jesus is not only Master (of our lives), but the Lord (of our lives) as well.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Luke 24:13-36 (KJV)
13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
14 And they talked together of all these things which had happened.
15 And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them.
16 But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
17 And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad?
18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?
19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:
20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.
21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done.
22 Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre;
23 And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive.
24 And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.
25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:
26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory
27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.
29 But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.
30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?
33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them,
34 Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon.
35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread.
36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.

Jesus Gave Thanks :: to Show us He is Life

By

On November 21, 2012

In Christian, Thanksgiving

It is thanksgiving season and there are many reasons for us to be thankful to God for, but have you ever wondered what Jesus was thankful for. John 11 records the account of Jesus miraculously resurrecting his friend, Lazarus, back from the dead. But before Jesus performed this miracle, the Bible records, that Jesus was glad that he was not in the city where Lazarus was, when he was alive, so that people may believe in him (John 11:15) and he gave thanks (John 11:41-42). Upon seeing what Jesus did through the miracle of resurrection, many of those who had gathered around the tomb of Lazarus believed (John 11:45).

Points to ponder:
Jesus gave thanks to God for the miracle of resurrection, not only as an event (where Lazarus is raised) (John 11:44), but also in his person (so that people may see and believe that Jesus is indeed who he claimed to be – the resurrection and the life) (John 11:15,25,42,45). Today Jesus, our friend, may not seem to be where we want him to be. In the midst of our troubles that seem to take the life out of us, we may feel that we have no hope. Jesus is glad that he is not where we want him to be, so that we may believe, when we see (with our spiritual eyes), that he is indeed the resurrection and the life and those who believe in him, even though they are dead, yet they shall life. Have you seen life? Have you seen Jesus Christ – our resurrection and our life? Have you believed in him? We can give thanks this thanksgiving season, for Jesus who shows us that He is Life!

John 11: 15,25-26,41-45 (KJV)
15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him
…
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:
26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
…
41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me.
42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.
44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.
45 Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him.

Jesus Gave Thanks :: to be the Sacrifice for us

By

On November 20, 2012

In Christian, Thanksgiving

It is thanksgiving season and there are many reasons for us to be thankful to God for, but have you ever wondered what Jesus was thankful for. Luke 7 records the account of what we generally refer to as the Lord’s supper, wherein Jesus communes with his apostles on the evening of the passover. But before Jesus served his apostles the elements of the cup and the bread, the Bible records, that Jesus first told them, how he, with desire, desired to eat the passover with them (Luke 7:15) and he gave thanks (Luke 7:17, 19). Symbolically the bread he broke and the cup he passed over to his apostles, signifies the willful sacrifice of Jesus’ body and blood, which he desired with joy to share with us, for us (Hebrews 12:2).

Points to ponder:
Jesus gave thanks to God for being the perfect, unblemished and acceptable sacrifice (Isaiah 53:10; Hebrews 10:10). He willfully broke himself from his Godship, and humbled himself, to death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-7), shedding his blood by which we all have pardon from our sins (Matthew 26:28). Jesus’ desire is to commune with you and me. Are we willing to take him in? We can give thanks this thanksgiving season, for Jesus who became the sacrifice for us. Jesus himself did!

Luke 7: 14-20 (KJV)
14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

Page 2 of 3

Previous

Next

Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén