Old Testament Scripture Reading: ( Psalms 100:1 – 5 KJV)
Psa 100:1 A Psalm of praise. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
Psa 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
Psa 100:3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Psa 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
Psa 100:5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
New Testament Scripture Reading: ( Philippians 4:4 – 9 KJV)
Php 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Php 4:5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Php 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Php 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
Php 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
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Transforming Power Statements:
1) There are an immeasurable number of things for which God should be thanked, praised and extolled at all times regardless of all the many negative things that occur in our day to day lives, because no matter what bad things we have to deal with, there are always others who are going through far worse circumstances than we are.
2) As the Psalmist says, God is exceedingly worthy of all our praises and thanksgiving is the very least that we should offer in response to the multitude of great things given to us all through His Goodness and Grace!
3) The Apostle Paul gives us a sufficient and challenging prescription that has the ability to heal us deeply and entirely if only we would by the power of God’s Holy Spirit make the choice to practice the spiritual mindset that is presented to the Church at Philippi!