Tuesday, 20th December, 2022
Bible Reading: Mark 6:31
Memory Verse: Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. Mark 6:31 (NLT)
A retreat is a time of withdrawal from the usual every day activities for the purpose of evaluation and planning.
I was thrilled to know that some captains of industry also practice this. Before the end of the year, they take top policy makers in their company to a secluded place in order to retrospect and plan for the incoming year. If people in the secular world know the importance of a retreat, how much more we as Christians?
A father in faith suggested that an end of the year retreat should be for at least two full days. The first day should be ONLY for thanksgiving. Let God lead you.
Do well to bring all the different facets of your life into the search light of the Spirit of God, and be sincerely blunt with yourself. Areas such as your spiritual life, your academic life, your family, your health, your finances, your relationship (intra and inter personal), your mental life, etc.
Score yourself from 1-10. Ask valid questions for personal appraisal in the aforementioned areas of your life: Was I able to achieve my goals for Year 2022? If not, give valid reasons. Did I develop myself academically, financially, etc? Why didn’t I take that professional examination I have longed talked about? Relationship wise, how do I fair with myself? Am I at peace with myself despite pressure from every side?
Spiritually, any monumental growth? I wasn’t able to hear from God last year, can I hear God now? Are my spiritual senses sharper than before? What problem did I bring into my life due to my ignorance, carelessness, and lack of discernment? How’s my prayer, evangelical, and Bible study life?
Family wise, how do I get along with my spouse and children? Do I still nag? Am I better composed? Do I possess the ability to manage conflict effectively? Am I horning my conflict resolution skills? “Sometimes you need to be a little hard on yourself before you can experience an all-round progress.”
Quote: If tomorrow will be better than today, then you need to do something you have never done, or do something you are presently doing in a better way.
Prophetic Decree: Receive grace to encounter God daily, in Jesus name.
Prayer Focus
1. I will not retire, but I shall refire, in Jesus name.
2. Thank you for how far you helped me in Year 2022.
3. As I plan for a retreat, I receive deep insights to areas of my life in need of a divine touch, in Jesus name.
4. Holy Spirit, please empower me to forge ahead better and stronger in the new year, in Jesus name.
5. Power of all-round advancement in Year 2023, fall upon me, in Jesus name.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1 Peter 1-5
