INTRODUCTION

1. We will be celebrating Bethany’s 40+9 Anniversary

(21 August 2022 at Shangri La)

2. We will also be consecrating 2 men as “Ordained Pastor”

At the Anniversary Service

a) Steve Karong

b) Jonathan Jacob

3. The theme we have chosen is “Ascribe strength to the LORD”

a) We cannot but thank God for the strength He has given to us these 49 years

b) We will certainly want to ascribe strength to the LORD

 

THE PRESENCE OF GOD

1. We cannot speak of just the strength of the LORD

2. We cannot help but speak of His Presence with us

3. Three times, the Psalmist David mentioned “The Presence of God”

4. The significance:

a) God’s Presence is likened to Fire

The wicked are compared to wax that melts in the presence of Fire

b) God’s Presence is presented as full of Power

i) The earth shakes

ii) The heavens drop rain

iii) Mighty Sinai is moved

1 Let God arise,

Let His enemies be scattered;

Let those also who hate Him flee before Him.

2 As smoke is driven away,

So drive them away;

As wax melts before the fire,

So let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

3 But let the righteous be glad;

Let them rejoice before God;

Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.

4 Sing to God, sing praises to His name;

Extol Him who rides on the clouds,

By His name YAH,

And rejoice before Him.

5 A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows,

Is God in His holy habitation.

6 God sets the solitary in families;

He brings out those who are bound into prosperity;

But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

7 O God, when You went out before Your people,

When You marched through the wilderness, Selah

8 The earth shook;

The heavens also dropped rain at the presence of God;

Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel. Psalm 68:1-8

 

THE PERSON OF GOD

1. The Acts of God are to be appreciated afresh

2. Some features highlighted:

a) He is a Father to the fatherless

b) He is a Defender of widows

c) He cares for those who are lonely (solitary)

d) He gives prosperity to those who are bound

e) He marches into battle for His people

 

THE PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES OF THE LORD

1. His divine majesty

He rides on the clouds

2. His name is YAH (The LORD)

a) The Eternal One

b) The “I AM”

 

CONCLUSION

1. Appropriate responses

a) Recognition

b) Rejoicing in the LORD exceedingly

2. Adoration of the LORD

a) Singing to the LORD

b) Extolling Him