| Genesis 35:1 Then God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and live there, and make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau.” 2 So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods which are among you, and purify yourselves and change your garments; 3 and let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and has been with me wherever I have gone.” (NASB)
It was in the mid to late 60’s when I first remember thinking about the existence of God—it was very troubling. My sister and I were sleeping outside our family tent under the starlight sky of Wyoming. As the intensity of the stars bore into my conscience and the call of the coyotes brought loneliness to my soul, I began to wonder about God. This was the beginning of the work of God in my heart which culminated in my salvation and a life lived by the mentoring hand of God. This happened in the Grand Teton National Park, which became my Bethel (house of God).
Jacob was introduced to God at a place he named Bethel, and it was Bethel to which Jacob returned at the bidding of God. It was there Jacob separated himself unto God and worshiped Him. Jacob was reminded of his first encounter with God and undoubtedly spent time reflecting and seeking direction from God. It was his house of God. His place to commune with God.
As a Christian believer, I have the privilege of communing with God at any time and in any place. Yet, it helps me to go back to the beginning, to the place God sought me out and began to draw me to Himself. The Tetons is a place I reflect upon God and the life He has been leading me through. And it is a place to seek His guidance and direction for life. It is a place of physical rest, mental rejuvenation and spiritual renewal. Deb and I will be gone a couple weeks.
In our last prayer letter, I wrote that I intended to send several more communiques in the coming days. Those updates will need to wait until we return from the West.
You are wonderful supporters and we greatly appreciate you,
Bill and Deb |
