Psalm 136 stands on its own merit. It needs no extraneous efforts to prop it up. Just read this chapter. Read it aloud. In exalted language the psalm rehearses a litany of God’s wonders to Israel and his covenant care of his people. What is most memorable is the refrain (repeated 26 times!): “For his mercy endureth forever.” Above all, Psalm 136 is a psalm to be sung, and new RFPA illustrator, Kathleen DeJong, does not overlook this important aspect in her artistic renderings. The opening page of His Mercy Endureth Forever includes enhanced line drawings of ancient musical instruments, and the book closes with a musical score from Psalm 136.

Although nothing can add to this psalm, in this most recent publication by the RFPA Kathleen DeJong responds to Psalm 136 with full-paged acrylic illustrations and delicate line drawings.

Kathleen showed artistic ability already in first grade; her elementary drawings were unusually winsome. I remember especially a crayon-colored picture of a sky at night to depict a poem she had learned. Interestingly, many years later, Kathleen DeJong’s vibrant painting of a nighttime sky (Psalm 136:5) becomes the cover of His Mercy Endureth Forever.

In this delightful new book for children, Kathleen displays not only her development in art, but also her spiritual maturity in understanding this magnificent psalm. She speaks with brush and palette of God’s goodness in creation and salvation. She insightfully captures past revelations without neglecting present realities.   

The RFPA is to be commended for the quality and simple beauty of this volume. The cover invites one in; the individual pages are glossy and uncluttered; the print is clean, each word of the text distinct. Here is a book to be enjoyed by adults and profitably read to young children again and again. Children seem to love repetition in stories. How eagerly, then, a child will repeat the comforting chorus of each verse of Psalm 136: “For his mercy endureth forever.”      

Mary Beth Lubbers

January, 2019

Retail: $13.95

Book club: $11.86

BUY NOW

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

"Not all illustrations of Scripture are lawful or tasteful. However, Kathleen’s book of pictures carefully captures the beauty of God’s mercy described in Psalm 136. Each sketch has the imprint not only of a skilled artist but also of one who has meditated on God’s Word. Both children and adults will grow in gratitude to God by pondering the inspired text as it is illuminated by insightful art."  

— Rev. Jonathan Mahtani, Pastor of Cornerstone Protestant Reformed Church  

"Kathleen DeJong has beautifully illustrated Psalm 136 in this book. Some of these detailed, vibrant pictures portray actual historical events from scripture; others portray the spiritual reality behind biblical events. I especially appreciate that the book begins and ends with illustrations that remind us that the psalms were meant to be sung by God’s people—people who always rejoice in the goodness and mercy of their God."

— Karen Van Baren, Reformed Christian school teacher

• Retail: $13.95 
• 36 pages | hardcover
• This will make a great Christmas gift!
• Coming December 2018 

PREORDER

______________

*This new book release will NOT be sent automatically to RFPA book club members.

**As of September 1, 2018 book club members receive a 15% discount on new children's book releases. (This is not in addition to the normal 30 - 35% discount.)

 

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.
—Psalm 136:21, 22 (KJV)

"Not all illustrations of Scripture are lawful or tasteful. However, Kathleen’s book of pictures carefully captures the beauty of God’s mercy described in Psalm 136. Each sketch has the imprint not only of a skilled artist but also of one who has meditated on God’s Word. Both children and adults will grow in gratitude to God by pondering the inspired text as it is illuminated by insightful art."  

— Rev. Jonathan Mahtani, Pastor of Cornerstone Protestant Reformed Church  

"Kathleen DeJong has beautifully illustrated Psalm 136 in this book. Some of these detailed, vibrant pictures portray actual historical events from scripture; others portray the spiritual reality behind biblical events. I especially appreciate that the book begins and ends with illustrations that remind us that the psalms were meant to be sung by God’s people—people who always rejoice in the goodness and mercy of their God."

— Karen Van Baren, Reformed Christian school teacher

• Retail: $13.95 
• 36 pages | hardcover
• This will make a great Christmas gift!
• Coming December 2018 

______________

*This new book release will NOT be sent automatically to RFPA book club members.

**As of September 1, 2018 book club members receive a 15% discount on new children's book releases. (This is not in addition to the normal 30 - 35% discount.)

PREORDER