In the hustle of our daily lives, finding a sacred space to meet with God can feel like a challenge. But in those moments—when we intentionally seek Him—we truly experience transformation, guidance, and renewal.
The Importance of a Personal Altar
The story of Jacob in Genesis 35 teaches us that God desires to meet us at a place of intentionality and surrender. Jacob’s journey back to Bethel, where God first revealed Himself to him, was not just about returning to a location but about recommitting his life to God. Jacob built an altar and declared it a place of divine encounter.
For us, a "Bethel" isn’t necessarily a physical altar but a designated space and time to meet with God. It could be your living room chair, car during a morning commute, or a quiet corner of your home. The key is consistency and an open heart. “Where is your altar? Where is that place you meet with God daily?”
Transformative Encounters at the Altar
Jacob’s experience at Bethel was transformative. God didn’t just meet with him—He changed him. Jacob, whose name meant "deceiver," was given a new identity: Israel, meaning "one who wrestles with God and prevails." This transformation didn’t just affect Jacob but also shaped the destiny of generations after him.
Similarly, the altar is where we bring our brokenness, fears, and shortcomings and allow God to rewrite our story. Maybe you’ve been known as “fearful” or “unworthy,” but at the altar, God calls you “beloved,” “chosen,” and “redeemed.” When we meet with God, He gives us a new direction, identity, and promises.
The Generational Impact of Altar Experiences
Altar experiences don’t just change us—they ripple through generations. Imagine the profound impact of one person’s decision to meet with God. That encounter can change a family’s trajectory and set a legacy of faith that extends to children, grandchildren, and beyond.
What about your family? What if the altar experiences you cultivate today could shape the spiritual future of your loved ones? The generations after us learn to worship, pray, and seek God by watching how we do it. Let’s set the tone and teach them by example.
Building Your Bethel
Here are practical steps to create and maintain your own Bethel:
A Call to Action
Dedicate yourself to the altar this year. Make it your friend. Whether at the church or in your home, create a space where the river of God flows, bringing life, healing, and transformation. The generations that follow will thank you.
So, where is your Bethel? Where will you meet with God today, tomorrow, and every day? Let this be the year you deepen your relationship with Him, allowing His promises and plans to unfold in your life and the lives of those who come after you.
Let’s build the Kingdom together—one altar at a time.
This post is the notes taken from a message delivered by Pastor Chad McAtee, Indiana AG District Superintendent, on January 12, 2025, at Issachar Church in Sheridan, Indiana.
The Importance of a Personal Altar
The story of Jacob in Genesis 35 teaches us that God desires to meet us at a place of intentionality and surrender. Jacob’s journey back to Bethel, where God first revealed Himself to him, was not just about returning to a location but about recommitting his life to God. Jacob built an altar and declared it a place of divine encounter.
For us, a "Bethel" isn’t necessarily a physical altar but a designated space and time to meet with God. It could be your living room chair, car during a morning commute, or a quiet corner of your home. The key is consistency and an open heart. “Where is your altar? Where is that place you meet with God daily?”
Transformative Encounters at the Altar
Jacob’s experience at Bethel was transformative. God didn’t just meet with him—He changed him. Jacob, whose name meant "deceiver," was given a new identity: Israel, meaning "one who wrestles with God and prevails." This transformation didn’t just affect Jacob but also shaped the destiny of generations after him.
Similarly, the altar is where we bring our brokenness, fears, and shortcomings and allow God to rewrite our story. Maybe you’ve been known as “fearful” or “unworthy,” but at the altar, God calls you “beloved,” “chosen,” and “redeemed.” When we meet with God, He gives us a new direction, identity, and promises.
The Generational Impact of Altar Experiences
Altar experiences don’t just change us—they ripple through generations. Imagine the profound impact of one person’s decision to meet with God. That encounter can change a family’s trajectory and set a legacy of faith that extends to children, grandchildren, and beyond.
What about your family? What if the altar experiences you cultivate today could shape the spiritual future of your loved ones? The generations after us learn to worship, pray, and seek God by watching how we do it. Let’s set the tone and teach them by example.
Building Your Bethel
Here are practical steps to create and maintain your own Bethel:
- Choose a Space: Identify a consistent place to meet with God daily. It doesn’t have to be elaborate—just somewhere you can focus and be present.
- Set a Time: Dedicate a specific time to spend with God, whether it’s early in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed.
- Start Small: Even five minutes of intentional prayer and worship can grow into a deeper and more fulfilling experience.
- Bring the Word: Reading and meditating on Scripture is key. To stay rooted in God's Word, consider following a Bible reading plan, like reading the Bible in a year.
- Be Consistent: Life gets busy, but consistency is crucial. Even if you miss a day, don’t let that discourage you. Keep showing up.
A Call to Action
Dedicate yourself to the altar this year. Make it your friend. Whether at the church or in your home, create a space where the river of God flows, bringing life, healing, and transformation. The generations that follow will thank you.
So, where is your Bethel? Where will you meet with God today, tomorrow, and every day? Let this be the year you deepen your relationship with Him, allowing His promises and plans to unfold in your life and the lives of those who come after you.
Let’s build the Kingdom together—one altar at a time.
This post is the notes taken from a message delivered by Pastor Chad McAtee, Indiana AG District Superintendent, on January 12, 2025, at Issachar Church in Sheridan, Indiana.