What is a Solo Retreat?

It is the time you spend with God, by yourself with no one else around to distract you. A solo retreat can be called many things, like devotions, quiet time, solitude, or a bible study. All of these names mean spending time alone with God. As children of God we should set aside time everyday to hang with our heavenly father. This week we are going to look at three areas of how to spend time with God. First, is studying the bible. Second, is memorizing scripture. Third, is talking to God. Each of these areas you should incorporate into your solo retreat.

STUDYING THE BIBLE

First, the bible is the word of God. It is full of historical accounts of what God has done for his children. It is also filled with guidelines of how we should live our lives if we want to please Him and how to stay in the center of His will. It also shows us the character and nature of God. Think of the bible as the voice of God written in print.

So how do we begin reading the bible? Since the bible is such an important part of our lives, we need to understand what it teaches. It is our instruction for daily living: Basic, Instruction, Before, Leaving, Earth. There are many ways to read the bible. We can read a verse at a time, a chapter at a time, or a book at a time. Either way we read we need to read each verse in context. That means that we should not single out a verse until we have read it with the verses in front of it, and after it. If we read the verses in context then we are less likely of interpreting the meaning of the passage incorrectly.

Here’s an example: Please read only the verse John 11:35
What is going on in this verse?

Now read the verse in context. Read John 11:1-44
Why was Jesus crying?

Notice how the meaning of John 11:35 has changed. Now we understand why Jesus is crying. It is very important to read passages of scripture together. Also understand that reading a passage in context does not mean to read it by chapter, or by verse. The bible was not originally written with chapters and verses. Those were put in later to help us find portions of scripture easily. So to read in context means to read by each thought, or story, or idea in its entirety. And remember that sometimes thoughts continue into the next chapter. Make sure that we read everything that should be included. Then we will never make the mistake of misunderstanding the meaning of a passage.