Your Bethel

Read Genesis 28:20–22

Reflection

It is true that we can worship God in a number of ways and in a lot of places. That is because we know that He chose to dwell within us through Jesus and that being with Him is as easy as having a quiet prayer in your own heart.

At the same time, there are places that we go that can help us to see or experience Jesus in ways we might not find in the midst of our day-to-day routines. Like Jacob, there are places that might remind us of God’s Voice, Love, and Goodness towards us and, as we reflect on His Goodness, we are inspired to give back to Him in some way.

Our present-day church isn’t perfect, but it is a place where we can be reminded of God’s Presence, have our eyes opened to understand things about Jesus that we haven’t seen before, and give back to Him in some way, with the resources He has blessed us with. We can contribute towards making the gathering a place where others feel drawn to worship God.

Jacob’s vow can be read as conditional – only if God helps him will he give back to God. But it can also be read as expectant – that he trusts and knows that God will provide for him and keep him safe. Allow yourself to expect that God will take care of you and be prepared to worship God, both in your heart and in a place.

Consider and Pray

What places are you visiting to experience God? Pray that God would lead you to places of worship and allow the Holy Spirit to nudge you into using your time, skill or money to give back to Him.