TOPIC : RETREAT

Opening Prayer: Grant me grace dear Lord to apply what you will teach me today as I read this passage.

Scripture: Genesis 35: 1‐15

Question(s) for Reflection
• What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
• Is there any command for me to obey?

Following the event in Genesis 34:30, Jacobs’ life was at its breaking point; not knowing what next. It is a common thing in life to experience challenges; but how we handle them matters. God stepped in and told him what to do and why? See v.1. Bethel means the house of God. The instructions here are very important in our relationship with God.

Perhaps, God uses our many crises in life to get our attention. It could also be an opportunity for us to draw close to Him. Read vs.2‐7 again and note how Jacob went about obeying the given instruction. To have fellowship with God, nothing should stand between us and Him. Anything that takes the place of God in our lives is an idol. It could be a desire, an idea, physical or material things.

Read also 1 John 1:6,7. Despite the interruption in v.8, God revisited His covenant with Jacob (vs.9‐13) and confirmed his new name. Obedience to God’s leading attracts His blessings.

Practice/Word Application
And so: When situations around us seem hopeless and we are perplexed on every side just like Jacob, it is time to return to God and not to despair (see Psalm 42:1‐6).

Closing Prayer
• Father, may my altar be a living one, with constant flow of fellowship

Offer a prayer of faith in line with
Philippians 4:7; Hosea 4‐6