Young Adults' Group

Acknowledge God’s Mercies

by Pastor Mark
March 23, 2017

The Spirit of Bethany

It was a momentous time when we dedicated Bethany IV on Saturday. We thank God for all His blessings in bringing about the completion of this project. There was such joy as we worshipped and praised God for all that He had done for us.

As we traced the history of Bethany from Bethany I to Bethany IV, we could not but see evidence of the spirit of Bethany. Whether it was boldness to speak the word or emphasis on the work of evangelism, what is clear is that this spirit started right from the beginning and has continued till now.

Acknowledging God and His mercies

It is necessary for us to emphasis the vital importance of continuing in this spirit of Bethany. The “A” in Bethany stands for “acknowledging God’s mercies.” The psalmist who wrote Psalm 118 started and ended his psalm with this acknowledgement, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (Ps 118:1,39) This psalm is all about the mercies of God. As we see the goodness of the Lord in our lives, there should be recognition of the Lord’s mercies. The call is given for us to give thanks.

What are some thoughts that we can draw from this psalm?

1. God’s mercy is enduring

The mercies of God are forever. As God is a merciful God, He will always be merciful to us. From one generation to another, His mercies will endure on.

This is something that we see from Bethany I to Bethany IV. God’s mercies have been shown through each phase in the history of Bethany. Even right to the very last moments when we got the temporary occupation permit, it was all about the mercies of God.

2. All should acknowledge God’s mercy (Ps 118:2–4)

The psalmist called for people at all levels to acknowledge God’s mercies. Whether it was Israel as a whole or the priests in the house of Aaron or those who fear the Lord, they should declare, “His mercy endures forever.” Let us all from the young to the old acknowledge God’s mercies.

3. The Lord answers our prayers because of His mercies.

“I called on the Lord in distress; the Lord answered me and set me in a broad place.” (Ps 118:5)

The work in Bethany has always been about prayer. Prayer after prayer…through Bethany I to Bethany IV, the Lord’s mercies have been evident in the way God has answered our prayers again and again. Let us thank God for answering our prayers.

4. All that God has done for us is due to His mercies (Ps 118:6,7,14)

Whether it is the Lord being on our side or helping us in our time of need or being our strength and song, the Lord has done many wonderful things for us. This is the Lord’s goodness to us and it is all done out of His mercies. Truly, we thank God for His mercies manifested throughout the years. Let us continue to trust in the mercies of God as we move ahead into Bethany IV. Let us be challenged to always appreciate and acknowledge God and His wonderful mercies.

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