Good Afternoon Friends,

Today’s blog is a devotional by Pastor Mark and myself intended to help you reflect on God’s goodness as we prepare to explore this concept of testifying what good things God has done in our lives, on Sunday.

Take some time to read the text below- a couple of times- read Pastor Mark’s summary and reflection questions, and then take a listen to the songs listed below. When you are done, pray this prayer:

“God, give me memories of seasons & moments that you have shown me great kindness and goodness in my life.”

Psalm 136

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

4 to him who alone does great wonders,
His love endures forever.
5 who by his understanding made the heavens,
His love endures forever.
6 who spread out the earth upon the waters,
His love endures forever.
7 who made the great lights—
His love endures forever.
8 the sun to govern the day,
His love endures forever.
9 the moon and stars to govern the night;
His love endures forever.

10 to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt
His love endures forever.
11 and brought Israel out from among them
His love endures forever.
12 with a mighty hand and outstretched arm;
His love endures forever.

13 to him who divided the Red Sea[a] asunder
His love endures forever.
14 and brought Israel through the midst of it,
His love endures forever.
15 but swept Pharaoh and his army into the Red Sea;
His love endures forever.

16 to him who led his people through the wilderness;
His love endures forever.

17 to him who struck down great kings,
His love endures forever.
18 and killed mighty kings—
His love endures forever.
19 Sihon king of the Amorites
His love endures forever.
20 and Og king of Bashan—
His love endures forever.
21 and gave their land as an inheritance,
His love endures forever.
22 an inheritance to his servant Israel.
His love endures forever.

23 He remembered us in our low estate
His love endures forever.
24 and freed us from our enemies.
His love endures forever.
25 He gives food to every creature.
His love endures forever.

26 Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.

From Pastor Mark Nsimbi:

“Chronic negativity has become widespread in our society today. We are surrounded by so much negativity, through news and social media, that it is starting to influence the thought patterns in our brains to see life from a negative filter. But the good news is that, we can break free from negativity in our lives. First, we have to identify and understand the root of the negativity within us then we can address it and defeat it.  

One of the many ways we can defeat negativity is by turning to the word of God. Psalm 136 reminds us of the goodness of God towards His people. When we are tempted to linger in a place of negativity, instead choose to reflect on the goodness of God in your life and around you. How can you testify to God’s goodness in your life today?”

Leaving you this afternoon with a handful of songs to listen to, reminding us that God’s goodness indeed endures forever. It doesn’t fade over time, and it isn’t just in the past. The God who parted the Red Sea to deliver Israel from Egypt is the Alpha and Omega, the God who was, the God who is, and the God who always will be.

Join us Sunday for more on God’s goodness at 10:30am in-person or online.

See you soon,

Chelsea Maitland

Koryn Hawthorne - Won't He Do It (Lyrics) - Bing video

Do It Again | Official Lyric Video | Elevation Worship - Bing video

Bryan & Katie Torwalt - Remember (Official Lyric Video) - Bing video

The Blood Is Still The Blood : ft. Chandler Moore and Naomi Raine with lyrics - YouTube

Remembrance Lyric Video - Hillsong Worship - Bing video

God, give me memories of seasons & moments in my life that you have shown me great kindness and unwavering goodness. Forgive me for those times I have forgotten or missed what you have done for me, and what you are currently doing. Give me the courage to testify of your love and kindess in my life. Amen.