The next morning Jacob got up very early. He took the stone he had rested his head against, and he set it upright as a memorial pillar. Then he poured olive oil over it. He named that place Bethel (which means “house of God”) – Genesis 28:18-19

As a young girl, I always had a dull curiosity about why so many churches incorporated “Bethel” in their names.

There was “New Bethel Baptist Church,” “Greater Bethel A.M.E Church,” “New Bethel Church of God in Christ,” and the list goes on.

Now that I fully comprehend the biblical significance of Bethel, I completely understand why so many churches have that name in the title.

In the book of Genesis, Jacob is sent to a place called Haran by his father Isaac to find a suitable wife.

On the way there, Jacob dreamt of God standing at the top of a stairway to heaven.

In this dream, God made a powerful proclamation to Jacob of blessings to come and an assurance that He would be with Jacob to protect him wherever he goes.

This encounter with God moved Jacob so deeply, that he anointed the rock he slept on with oil and declared the entire territory “Bethel” or “house of God.”

He truly felt the supernatural, life-changing presence of God in that place.

He felt God’s presence so strongly that it frightened him. It was that momentous.

And I have to note that before he had this experience, Jacob was about as deep as a kiddie pool.

It was after he witnessed God for himself that he became 20,000 leagues deep in reverence for the Lord…

I remember my first life-altering, supernatural, “drop to my knees in worship” encounter with God. From now on, I’ll call that place in my life my “Bethel” place.

Do you have a “Bethel” place? A place in your life where you had a powerful encounter with God?

Whenever you feel down or discouraged, travel back to that place to remind yourself of His awesome power!

If you haven’t had a “Bethel” moment in your life yet, pray for God to reveal Himself to you and He will.

Be blessed,

Alexia