Where’s your “Bethel”?
I was in my office the other day preparing for a sermon. Many times my assistants encourage me to stay in the office until I finish my studying. So, I stay there away from all the noise and distractions. It was this particular day I realized how God has spoken to me so many times while I’m in my office. My office is a “Bethel.”
The Hebrew word “Bethel,” means “House of God” or “Place of God.” On a personal, spiritual level, Bethel is the place where God was and is discovered for you.
I pray for all Christians to have a Bethel. For some it could be your church where you’ve always discovered that God is there. You go and you hear His voice and you know that because He dwells there and your heart is changed, that is the place of true transformation. But it’s not always a church.
Years ago, when I still lived in Las Vegas, I used to be a sales rep. My territory included parts of Nevada and Utah and I had to drive the distance from Las Vegas to Cedar City, Utah in order to service a couple accounts.
Just outside the city was Virgin River Gorge, which to me is the epitome of beauty in nature. I would make my way to a parking space and time out my lunch to make sure I’d make my meeting in time. From there I’d crawl down the ravine where there were raging river waters and I’d tip-toe from rock to rock to get to this huge six-foot, flat rock. I’d sit there and just worship and pray.
I still know that place. If I went back there today and saw that rock I’d be filled with emotion because God spoke to me on that river gorge in amazing, supernatural ways.
That’s a Bethel for me.
So, where’s your Bethel? You might have had several through the years. If it’s been a while, go back. And if you don’t have one, let me encourage you—find a place to make one today.
MrYouthGroupMan (Mark)
Honestly, I don’t know that I have a single place which I can call my “Bethel”. It sounds corny, but my “Bethel” is my heart, and my mind. There isn’t many times during the day, that God does not speak to me. Not in audible since, but that still small voice. You know, when you are at work and you slip up and say something (gossip or a curse word) and something pulls on your heart and says, My son, that is not how you are to behave, you need to work on being a better witness. Or just doing simple things, cutting the grass, cleaning the house, driving to the store. It is then time when “Who I am”, a child of God that I realize God is with me always, He is my Rock, my House. I am His. God Bless all of you!
David
Hey pastor Bob …your chair in the video made you look small
HA!..but the way your shirt was so tight it made you look like you have some big guns…Hey just givin ya a hard time…love you brother!…Ridgecrest Ca. ..every Sunday morn via internet…yeah I know, but I just like listening to you at your church…wish we lived there, but then you’d probably see too much of us. May God continue to richly bless you!
love in Christ
David&Cathy
Michelle Cosner
For me, my Bethel IS this church. It had been, up until last July, about 10 years since I had been in church. Since I left the church- which was not a Calvary Chapel – i had left my mother and sister without any word of where I was, had moved to West Texas, had a child out of wedlock THEN got married a month after my child was born, and felt lik eI was sinking when my husband abandoned me and our daughter, without leaving me any money to pay for th ebills and such ( I had been a stay at home mom).
I came back down to South Florida to live with my mom and sister again ( my father wants no part of my life really ). I was hurting deep inside, feeling lost, alone, confused, hurt and angry. My relationship with my mom was rocky at best, for there were times we got into som e very heated arguments, and I felt that I would be there for her in a crisis, but othewise, leave me alone.
I felt a welcome when I first came to Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale; I was asking myself if these people were for real. So many people came up to me, asking if they could help. When I heard a sermon here for the first time, I felt God calling to me, reaching to hold me and just saying that it would be all right. I started to feel a need to be involved in this church, a real wanting to belong. I have found that sense of belonging here. I get recharged here, I have made friends here, and through them, a place to cry on someone’s shoulder once in a while..God has belssed me in allowing me to volunteer in the Children’s Ministry, and I am having a blast ! I love being with the kids, and have learned things through them. God has surrounded me with very warm and caring people, and I am so lucky to come here, hear God’s word and fellowship. My hom e is now a Bethel, as well, thanks to God. He has done a great deal to make my relationship with my mother smoother, and my relationship with my daughter, while close, is even closer, as she learns about God too.
God is the ultimate Bethel. He spoke to me here at CCFL, and my spiritual growth has come from my involvemennt here, from the people God has placed in my life while learning more about Him….. To God be all the glory! Amen
Seana from NM
My “Bethel” is my closet. I go there to get away from all the bustle of life when I need to hear God or just meditate upon God, His promises and His faithfulness. It is quiet in there and no one really wants to come into such a confined space. But I love it~ And other times it is when I am sitting in my car. I thank God for you Pastor Bob! Though my family and I don’t go to CC Ft. Lauderdale anymore due to moving to NM. We go to CC Rio Grande Valley now, but you will always be my Pastor and CC Ft. Lauderdale will always be my “home” church!
Pappa Shieb
I am in the process of developing a concept that I call “Man Town” which is different for every man. Your explaination of your “Bethel” is exactly what I am getting at. A man needs a place (I need a place) where he can get away from all the demands on his time and everyone taking small bites of of him until there is not much left. We need this time to get back to hearing Gods voice and to be able to pray for those that come to mind without all the distractions. It can be a creative outlet!