Young Adults' Group

Setting Our Affections On The House Of The Lord

by Pastor Mark
May 29, 2014

Thank God for a great YAG retreat

Last week, we had our 19^th YAG retreat. And it was another wonderful retreat that we truly want to thank God for. We had a total of 160 participants, which was one of the higher numbers that we have had for our retreats. We thank God for all who prayed and sponsored the retreat. The Lord indeed blessed us richly through all that we learned at the 5 Bible study sessions. We thank God also for the great time of fellowship that helped to forge deeper bonds with each other. Let us give thanks for His manifold blessings upon the retreat.

Deep lessons learned from heart of David

The theme “Setting our affections on the house of the Lord” was most apt. It was timely for us to check our hearts with regards to the house of the Lord in anticipation of Bethany IV. One lesson that struck me was how David prepared with all his might to give towards the Lord’s house. (1 Chron 29:2-3) All of us make special provisions for our life’s needs, for a house and even for our future, such as our retirement. Should we not do the same as David did to prepare to give to the Lord’s house? David had set his affections on the house of the Lord and reflected that love by making significant provisions for the building of the Lord’s house. I was deeply challenged to do the same by making preparations for the house of God. Let us all be inspired by the example of David who set his heart on the Lord and His house .

Deep appreciation for Pastor’s example

At the same time, I could not but be thankful to God for our dear Pastor Charlie. We all recognise how much work he had to put in to prepare the Bible lessons for the retreat. Not only did he have to teach us standing up but it was done with much pain due to his knee problems. It reflected his true heart of love for the Lord and for all us as his flock. He is willing to go through all the pain for our sake. We thank God for giving to us such a loving and sacrificial shepherd.

Looking ahead to Bethany IV

We thank God for giving to us the vision of building Bethany IV. I count it a real privilege that I can be part of this great work. I have been through 2 building projects before and the Lord has always given more than what we ask or think. (Eph 3:20) Our hope is that the Lord will continue to lead and to provide for us a land that we can build Bethany IV on. Let us be much in prayer and to seek the Lord for His provision. Let us with a great sense of oneness and hope look ahead to the time when we would able to see Bethany IV becoming a reality.

Praising the Lord in His house

“Blessed are those who dwell in Your house, they will still be praising You.” (Psalm 84:4)

We should count ourselves blessed to be in the house of the Lord…to be in Bethany. There are so many things that we can rejoice in. Let us continue to find great joy in being in His house and to give Him the praise that He rightly deserves.

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