19(Psalm 103,01-05)Five Kernels of Corn
Psalm 103:1-5
The Pilgrim Fathers who landed at Plymouth Rock over 300 years ago know nothing of the affluent times which you and I enjoy today in this great country of ours.
The next time we are tempted to complain or forget the thanks in thanksgiving, remember this:
During that first long winter at Plymouth Colony, 7 times as many graves were made as homes were built.
The ship that was to bring food and relief brought 35 more mouths to feed, but not an ounce of provisions.
Think of William Brewster, rising from a scanty dinner consisting of a plate of clams and a glass of cold water, to thank God “for the abundance of the sea and the treasures hid in the sand.”
The Pilgrims didn’t have much, but they possess a great gratitude and it was upon this very thing that America was built. These stalwart people, strong, devout and sincere were the timbers upon which our nations was founded.
They had a custom of putting 5 kernels of corn on each empty plate before a dinner of “thanksgiving” was served. Each member of the family would pick up a kernel and tell what they were thankful for. It was to remind them that the first Pilgrims were in such dire straits that their allowance was only 5 kernels of corn per person each day.
We have many reasons to be thankful. Let’s take 5 kernels of corn, and using Psalm 103:1-5, think of 5 things to praise God for.
The Kernel of Forgiveness. (3a)
A. Forgiveness is a promise of the Father.
1. No mistake about it – God offers forgiveness.
2. All any person must do is repent and forsake his sin, and God will forgive him and revoke the penalty of sin.
B. Forgiveness is a provision of the Son.
C. Forgiveness is a proclamation of the Bible.
D. Forgiveness is a required practice in the Church.
E. From the depths of our heart there should be gratitude for His forgiveness, and He should hear that from us.
The Kernel of Redemption (4a)
A. You know what value a painting has for someone by the price he or she pays for it.
B. We can judge our value to Christ by the price He paid for us.
Psalms 40:2-3 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. 3 He has put a new song in my mouth-- Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the LORD.
The Kernel of Healing (3b)
A. All healing is divine healing.
B. This verse doesn’t say God heals everyone’s diseases – but He heals ALL diseases.
There are no afflictions that God cannot heal.
C. Just as surely as some disorders of the body can be cured by medicines and surgeries, so the soul of man can be healed and made whole by God.
The Kernel of Love and Compassion. (4a)
Lamentations 3:22-23 Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.
The Kernel of Satisfaction and Renewal (5)
Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
Psalms 107:9 For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.
No wonder the psalmist says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!”
As you sit down to your Thanksgiving meal, take time to thank God for these blessings – the five kernels.