Old Testament Scripture Reading: Psalms 74:1 -8 (KJV)
Psa 74:1 A Maskil of Asaph. O God, why have You rejected us forever? Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture?
Psa 74:2 Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old, Which You have redeemed to be the tribe of Your inheritance; And this Mount Zion, where You have dwelt.
Psa 74:3 Turn Your footsteps toward the perpetual ruins; The enemy has damaged everything within the sanctuary.
Psa 74:4 Your adversaries have roared in the midst of Your meeting place; They have set up their own standards for signs.
Psa 74:5 It seems as if one had lifted up His axe in a forest of trees.
Psa 74:6 And now all its carved work They smash with hatchet and hammers.
Psa 74:7 They have burned Your sanctuary to the ground; They have defiled the dwelling place of Your name.
Psa 74:8 They said in their heart, “Let us completely subdue them.” They have burned all the meeting places of God in the land.
New Testament Scripture Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:14 – 28 (KJV)
1Th 5:14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
1Th 5:15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
1Th 5:16 Rejoice evermore.
1Th 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1Th 5:19 Quench not the Spirit.
1Th 5:20 Despise not prophesyings.
1Th 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
1Th 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Th 5:24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
1Th 5:25 Brethren, pray for us.
1Th 5:26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
1Th 5:27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
1Th 5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Transforming Power Statements:
1) Just as in the times of Asaph there was turmoil among the children of Israel, who as a nation had discarded the teachings, and correct practices of worship, and had allowed worldly methods and practices to dominate the sanctuary, which caused God to allow the gentiles to invade Israel and dismantle their false systems of worship, which tended to exalt mankind and not God, causing God to send judgment to destroy their phony facilities ending such evil practices, which prompted the Psalmist to also cry out for mercy, as we also do in our times, but God is still there for those who continue in faith and thanksgiving!
2) In New Testament times the church had been given instructions about the completed provisions God had made by giving His Only Begotten Son Jesus Christ for the remission of the sins of all who believe in HIM, causing some to be fearful when God was sending judgment making some of the true believers to be uncertain of God’s professed plans as taught by the Apostles, which prompted Paul to write to remind the Church to Continue in faoth and thanksgiving because God has a perfect track record at delivering EXACTLY what HE has promised no matter what anyone else is doing.
3) This Thanksgiving be mindful to thank God for everything, worry about nothing, and pray about being able to Continue In Faith And Thanksgiving About Everything, God is still on the throne!!