PERKINS COUNTY - I THESSALONIANS

66 Books of the Bible Release to 66 Counties of South Dakota

 Our 52nd county to pray for in South Dakota is Perkins County, with the city of Bison being the county seat.  We release the book of I Thessalonians to Perkins County.  The two major themes in I and II Thessalonians are the return of Jesus Christ and the ministry of the local church.  Paul's purpose in writing this letter of I Thessalonians was to ground the church in the doctrine of Christian faith, especially in reference to Christ's return.  He encouraged them to live holy lives.  They were confused about the return of Jesus, and he endeavored to help their understanding.  Some believers thought the day of the Lord had arrived because of the intense persecution, but Paul showed them otherwise. Paul makes the point that the suddenness of the coming of the Jesus will not surprise prepared Christians who have the appropriate armor (5:8), which works in all dimensions of time: past, present, and future with faith, hope, and love.  He also corrected some of the weaknesses in the church. 
II Thessalonians is a letter from a spiritual father to his spiritual children.  Paul pictured the church as a family and the word "brethren" or "brother" is used 19 times.   Throughout this book is an emphasis upon steadfastness in the Lord and a continuing growth in faith and love in our relationship with God and one another.

Jesus is clearly seen as the believer's salvation - both now and at His Second Coming.  "For God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him" ( I Thessalonians 5:9-10).  He will deliver, reward, perfect, resurrect, and sanctify all who trust Him.

Father, in the name of Jesus, we pray and declare these following verses over Perkins County:
"Rejoice always.  Pray without ceasing.  In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (I Thessalonians 5:16-18).  We pray that a spirit of prayer, thanksgiving, and the joy of the Lord be upon the people of this county.

"And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father . . ." (I Thessalonians 3:12-13).   We pray that the people in Perkins County are living in holiness before God, loving one another.
"Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He who call you is faithful, who also will do it" (I Thessalonians 5:23-24).  That Perkins County will experience the peace of God and His faithfulness to complete the good work of holiness in them and around them. 

We declare through the name of Jesus, that the people of Perkins County will live as "sons of light" ever ready for "the Day of the Lord!"