It's Time To Get Back to God

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For some, home is unsafe. Others are lonely, or on the run, dreaming of a better place and seeking fulfillment or reassurance out there somewhere. Maybe it’s time to get back to God (Gen. 28).

(1-5) When it’s time for a child to leave, give them counsel worth remembering and send them with your blessing. Your prayers for your child do matter and will leave a lasting impression.

(6-9) People-pleasers are often the product of a painful past and poor parenting. While we don’t endorse doing wrong to make things right [many wives], we can learn their story and be kind.

(10-16) We don’t have to be busy for God to secure His blessings, we simply need to believe. If God said it, He’ll do it. The promises of God are secured by His ethic not our effort.

v. 15. God offers the lonely or insecure about the future hope, companionship, and safety (I am with thee, will keep thee), guidance (will bring thee back), and promise (will not leave thee…).

Jacob was silent when God spoke (Eccl. 5:2-3 - Bethel’s landscape looks like steps). He’ll use what’s going on in your life to show you everything’s going to be alright in Christ (Phil. 4:6-8).

(17-22) When you need God, it’s not necessary to negotiate. God’s promises are not secured by ours (He doesn’t need your tenth). We could never give Him enough! But we can give thanks.

Perhaps Jacob thought because he bartered for blessings so too does God. Not so. God’s grace gives more than we deserve (v. 13-14). Believe it and receive it (John 1:12-14, 51).

Bethel (house of God) is the place Jacob meets with God. When Jacob was stressed, he went to the place God blessed. When he returned, he was both reassured and reminded (Gen 31:11-13).

When our flesh and fears get the best of us or our past triggers us, we might go back to our old ways. Then what? Return to Bethel and get right with God (Gen. 35:1-7 Context ch. 34).

Now, you don’t have to wait for a dream or desperation to meet with God. When we go to God’s house, whether we’re fleeing to Haran or from it, God’s waiting to reassure (Gen. 35:9-15).

Maybe it’s time to go back to Beth-el before too many more years go by. Each of us needs a place where we know God will meet with us. Pray with me that we can be the house of God for many.

If someone you know dreams of a better place, seeks fulfillment while on the run, needs recovery or reassurance - look no further than God. If it’s time to get back to God, this is the place for you.

Let’s Take the Message Home:

1. Write some places God offered reassurance or recovery from poor choices. Now identify places where you need to return (church, prayer, reading, study, belief) and meet with God.

2. In Gen. 28:15 God offers several reassurances that we obtain by believing, not behaving. Identify as many as you can and where God is doing those things in your life right now.

3. Jacob’s busyness influenced his dream (Eccl. 5:2-3). How might God be using what is occupying you to bring you to a quiet place where He can speak to you? What would He say?

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