Rubber On The Road  

I love the Word of God; it’s about people, real people! 

The children of Israel were just like us! They were people with every day issues and faults that are familiar to us.  

Every time the people were confronted with their sin, they repented and promised to serve the one true God with all of their heart. Then, just like we do sometimes, they went right back to ‘life as usual’.   

God knew this and kept reminding them of the rewards and victories that accompany acknowledgement of who He is. At the same time, He told them there would be hard consequences if they turned away. (Deuteronomy and I & II Kings) 

God repeatedly cautioned the Israelites of the outcome if they chose to turn away from Him. God even had Moses write a song and sing it for the people as a lasting reminder to them that He knew what they would do and that their actions would have consequences. (Deuteronomy 31:14–Deuteronomy 32) 

As a reminder to the people of God’s mercy, Joshua set a stone before the people. The stone would be a reminder, a “witness” of their own decision to NOT serve God.  A reminder of how patient their God was.

It was not a declaration of punishment but a reminder of what would happen when they turned away—again. It was a symbol of covenant and a reminder of God’s mercy to forgive them. (Joshua 24:25-27)  

Jesus, God’s son, died to set us free from the bondage of repeated sin.  The Word says  when we turn away, we nail the Son of God to the cross, again. (Hebrews 6:4-6)  The only difference between us and the Israelites is that it isn’t a stone that is witness to our rebellion today; it’s a cross.  

Joshua 24:24 And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the LORD our God and obey him.”

When hovering over a box of fine chocolates, the only thought is the delight of the moment, the finished creation as it affects ‘me’. However, a box of fine chocolates does not just appear all yummy and ready to be enjoyed.  

The cocoa bean is huge and lumpy and almost impossible to crack open. Once the shell is open, there’s no chocolate, as we know it, inside.  The beans inside are hard, bitter and difficult to dig out. The yummy chocolates that look so perfect are a result of an intricate process.  

Christian’s are like cacao beans. We all start out ‘lumpy and raw’. Like the box of delicious chocolates, the Christians that we see as being successful have been through the ‘process’.   

The learned saint who speaks with such passion and knowledge was once fumbling through their Bible to find the book of Amos. Not even the Rev. Billy Graham sprang into ministry learned, experienced and accomplished! 

Not one single person that seems, sounds or looks ‘successful’ started out there. Satan loves to hold a magnifying glass up to these saints. He also loves to whisper in my ear about how inept, useless and failing my efforts are compared to ‘them’!  But, I must remember; even the most eloquent scholar was once a mumbling student.  

To start with, God gives each of us talents of our own according to the work He has called us to do (Matthew 25:15). Neither you nor I will ever be held up to another saint and compared to them. The most accomplished saint will be judged on the work they were given to do just as you and I will be judged on the work WE were given to do.

God will never compare my works to the works of others. What I accomplish will only be measured by the talent and directions I was, myself, given. In the parable of the talents, the master did not measure the servant with the least return by the servant with the most return. The master held each servant responsible for what they did with the talents they were, themselves, given (Matthew 25:19-23) 

The only servant that was severely reprimanded was the one who did nothing at all with their talents (Matthew 25:24-26). When satan convinces me to not do anything because I can’t do it right—-or I can’t do it as well as somebody else; the work that I was intended to do doesn’t get done at all. And for THAT, I will be held accountable.  

Mathew 25:28-30 “‘Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’

Today, I was supposed to go to the Amusement Park with my grandkids. Sadly, we wakened to the rumble of thunder and the sound of heavy rain. 

When I checked the weather channel, I learned that an unexpected front had moved in overnight. The weather guy said it was going to be an all-day event. 

Since I’d taken the day off work to spend special time with my grandkids, I decided that we’d spend the day inside, enjoying each other’s company. It turned out to be one of the best days we’ve ever had together! We laughed; we talked, played UNO and had a WONDERFUL time. 

Most often, I can’t do much to change the everyday circumstances of my life. The Holy Spirit nudges me; perhaps the reason I get so upset when ‘plans’ change is because I’m not in control of circumstances? However, I can do much to control my attitude about those circumstances; choosing to have the joy of the Lord.  

It is human nature to be self-reliant, ‘in control’ and get aggravated when things don’t work out as I planned. But, as a Christian, don’t I have the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16)? It delights satan when I pout because he rejoices in my UNhappiness.  

As a Christian, I accept God’s sovereignty for the big things, but I often allow the little, everyday things to steal my joy. Satan laughs at me when I stand strong through trials then lose my joy over the little things. Daily, I must remember that one of satan’s most frequently used tools is the magnifying glass; making the little annoying things of life needle me.  

Psalms 139:5 says that God goes before me and behind me, putting his hand on my head.  Like a loving Father, my God cares about my everyday stress, not just the disasters. Remember, the very first miracle Jesus performed was a simple every day thing, at a party, to please his mother (John 2:1-11)!  

When it ‘rains on my day’ and my normal, everyday plans are waylaid, and I pout; I give pleasure to satan. I pray that every time it “rains” and spoils my plans that I have the insight to laugh and play, giving glory to my God, instead of pouting.  Keeping the joy of the Lord through everyday life is a choice.   

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Prayer:  Father, teach me how to listen to your Holy Spirit so that I always have JOY in your presence. No matter what disappointments life brings, big or small, I want to hold tight to your presence. I want real joy, I want YOUR JOY.  I love you. Amen

Scripture References:

I Corinthians 2:16   for, “Who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?”But we have the mind of Christ.

Psalms 139:5  You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.

John 2:1-11   On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim. Then he told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.”

They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

What Jesus did here in Cana of Galilee was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

While cleaning, I put my full length mirror in the hall way so it wouldn’t get broken. Maddy, our Basset hound, came running down the hallway, floppy ears dragging the floor, tongue hanging out, eager to get wherever I was.  

As Maddy rounded the corner she saw herself in the mirror and came to a galloping halt!  Not recognizing herself, she barked at the ‘stranger’ in the mirror until her doggie voice was hoarse! We laughed till we could laugh no more! 

The parable about the Pharisee on the street corner is about not recognizing yourself.  He stood, beating his chest and proclaiming how good it was to not be like the lowly sinner. We want to focus on the poor sinner who stood and humbly prayed; confessing his own frailties and sinful nature.  In our hearts, we hope we are like him and not the holier than thou Pharisee–. 

But, let’s look at the prideful Pharisee for a moment. He obviously thought himself to be a good example or he wouldn’t have been standing on the corner reciting his  own virtues.  Comparing himself to others, he figured he looked pretty good, all things considered.  HE thought himself to be a righteous man, doing all God required! 

Since he was so certain he had Godly virtues, he must have been faithful in attending synagogue (church) or he’d have no awareness of a standard. He was a man who attended church, did good works, even paid his tithes—yet he knew nothing of the heart of a servant.  He had no concept of the need for a savior, even though he was, himself, religious. 

My own heart needs to be examined. Do I have a servant’s heart?  Am I daily seeking how to lift up, encourage, help out and do the inconvenient, UNnoticed tasks?  I have to ask myself, if I rounded a corner and suddenly saw “me” in God’s spiritual mirror—would I recognize myself?   

Luke 18: 9-12  To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable, “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “ 

The Holy Bible, New International Version®. Pradis Grand Rapids: The Zondervan Corporation, © 1973, 1978, 1984.

When my daughter was in High School, she asked me a good question; “Mom, how do I get a great testimony?” This continues to be a timely question in a world where sin often is fashionable.

What do you think is the greatest testimony of Christ that can be given? Perhaps the drug addict who was delivered and now serves God? That is, indeed, a powerful testimony of God’s saving grace.

Could the greatest testimony be the one given by a person whose heart had grown hard as their life grew busy and successful? Christ flooded into their emptiness bringing restoration and hope; emotionally, mentally and spiritually? Without any doubt, that would be an incredible testimony of God’s restoring grace.

How about the person who has become involved in the occult? They worshiped evil and practiced horrible rituals. One day, they accepted Christ as their Savior and became Born Again to a new life of purity.  Surely this testimony of deliverance would be the greatest of all?

It would be difficult to decide which of these powerful testimonies would be the greatest. God’s power to restore and deliver is awesome. However, perhaps, the greatest testimony has to be the aged man or woman who can stand with tears in their eyes and boldly proclaim; “I gave my heart to Jesus when I was young.  I have served Him my whole life.”

Every testimony is a GREAT testimony! But, if you are young and it concerns you that you “don’t have a testimony,” don’t think you must go into the world before you fully commit to Christ so you can be a success story!

Whether you gave your heart to Jesus when young, or later in life, you have the opportunity to have one of the greatest testimonies that any person can ever give; the testimony of a fully committed life. Treasure that opportunity and set your heart on living for Christ from this moment on and keep yourself only to Him so that one day, you will hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)

Psalms 37:25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

Prayer: Lord, God, help me to keep my heart clean, washed daily in the blood of Jesus. Thank you for forgiving me of my sins. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that brings conviction to my

Our son and his family are flying to Florida to visit with us!  Two days ago, with his Daddy’s help, our three year old grandson, Sam, called me.

When I answered the phone his excited voice shouted, “Mamawl, I’m Coming!”  I said, “When will you get here?”  He replied, “I don’t know, my Daddy does.”

Last night, we sat at the airport waiting for their flight to arrive. Suddenly, I saw little Sammy, running across the floor laughing with excitement, his arms outstretched yelling, “I’m HERE!”

One of the most sacred promises that every child of God clings to is the promise of Christ’s return. Throughout History, Christians have boldly stated that the time is at hand; “maybe even today could be the day!” Two thousand years ago, the apostles said the obvious signs of the times point to the soon return of Christ (I Peter 4:7; I John 2:18)! 

Like Christians today, the Apostles not only based their presumption on current events but on the scripture.  As we see the state of world affairs, we can say with more confidence than any other time in History that Jesus’ return is at hand.  

Matthew 24:36-44 says the busyness of our lives is, itself, one of the harbingers of Christ’s soon return. The scripture states that Jesus has told us, “I’m coming!” Jesus said that no man knows the time or the day, only the Father, God.  

Thessalonians 5 acknowledges that there would be those who look for Christ’s return and those who shrug and go about their business. Today, we see a great lethargy in God’s people. Note that in the parable about the 10 virgins obviously, those whose lamps had gone out once had lamps that were lit. (Matthew 25:1-13).

I must regularly examine my own heart and set my eyes on the goal of being found living fully for my Lord when He returns. Commitment is a personal matter; Satan desires to weaken my relationship with Jesus. One of his most useful tools is lethargy; he is aware that I can be easily ‘busied’ and even more easily bored.

I must examine my own life and honestly make an appraisal; am I committed to an intimate relationship with Christ? Or has the busyness of life used up the oil in my lamp?

When ‘the Father’, at last, says, ‘it’s time, my son’, and Jesus appears in the eastern sky shouting, “I’m HERE!”, I don’t want to be out hunting for oil to put in my lamp—I want to be ready. 

Mark 13:32-33 “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.”

Prayer:  Father, help me to hear the voice of your Holy Spirit so I know the direction for my life.  I want to be busy about your business when the shout comes to call us home. I love you. Amen.

Scripture References:

I Peter 4:7  The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.

I John 2:18 Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.

Matthew 24:36-44  ³⁶ “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. ³⁷ But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. ³⁸ For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, ³⁹ and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. ⁴⁰ Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left. ⁴¹ Two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and the other left. ⁴² Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour^[b]your Lord is coming. ⁴³ But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. ⁴⁴ Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Matthew 25:1-13  “At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. ² Five of them were foolish and five were wise. ³ The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. ⁴ The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. ⁵ The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.

⁶ “At midnight the cry rang out: ‘Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’

⁷ “Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. ⁸ The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.’

⁹ “‘No,’ they replied, ‘there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’

¹⁰ “But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.

¹¹ “Later the others also came. ‘Lord, Lord,’ they said, ‘open the door for us!’

¹² “But he replied, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.’

¹³ “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.

My grandson,  is only 5 and says that he is an inventor.  

One of his recent projects is a “new and improved envelope, easily opened yet totally sealed and completely waterproof.”

First, he spent a lot of time with pencil and paper.  Then, carrying a collection of ‘supplies,’ he disappeared into the guest bathroom wearing his ‘invention glasses.’  

Later, observing his “work site;” empty spools of tape, a roll of plastic wrap, a bottle of glue, numerous sheets of paper folded in shapes and water everywhere, I asked him if he’d had any success.  

He said, “Not yet, Grandma, but I’m making progress.” After a moment of deep thought, he confided to me that he wasn’t sure, but he might be very dangerous.   

I want to be dangerous!  I want to be so dangerous for Christ that when I wake up in the morning, the gates of Hell tremble and the devil’s imps moan, “ohhhhh noooo, she’s awake again—-.”  

Like Max, my success relies on my determination to keep on going.  Even when success seems elusive, I want to keep on witnessing for Jesus. Like my young inventor, I must be well equipped before I begin.  Planning and preparation are important.

Satan will do everything he can to side track me from my plan. Emotional angst, life circumstances; he will stop at nothing in his efforts to prevent me from taking the message of the Gospel to the world.  

Taking the “message to all the world” is often quoted in support for foreign missions. But, the last time I checked, the folks across the street, sitting beside me at school and on the job are on the same planet as me. I have the plan, I’ve equipped myself with prayer and Bible study and I’m very dangerous—are you?  

Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation”.

Prayer:  Father, I want to be dangerous, give me vision to see your plan, strength to continue through obstacles and wisdom that leads to direction. Amen

Luke 10:17

One weekend, I was house sitting for my daughter while they were out of town. When it came night time, I found their 170 pound Great Dane, Moo, in the bed, under the covers, her big doggie head on MY pillow.

Using my “in charge” voice, I told Moo to get OUT of my bed!  She never even opened one eye. She obviously thought that she belonged there; or wanted me to think so.  Not knowing any better, I figured she could be there because she was there and she seemed unconcerned with my concern.

During a phone conversation the next night, my daughter asked if Moo was being good.  I said she was being good but she sure was hard to sleep with.  My daughter told me that Moo was NOT allowed on the bed.

Moo knew that I was talking to “the boss” and as we spoke, she jumped on the floor. The big dog knew she wasn’t going to be allowed to take my rightful place any more because she heard “the boss” rebuke her.

Satan does the same thing; that’s why we have to know the Word of God.  Not even the archangel dared rebuke satan on his own. (Jude 1:9) When we rebuke satan without having the authority of Christ, satan ignores us.

Rebuking the devil is not a game; it’s a challenge to the forces of evil and should not be done casually.  Without the intimacy of relationship that gives us authority, we are at least ineffective and at worst, we can be assaulted, as were the seven sons of Sceva! (Acts 19: 13-16)

We should study God’s Word and have an intimate relationship with Jesus. Not until we know, through Bible study and relationship, the Lord’s power over satan, can we speak with authority. Satan knows when we are speaking empty words!  We must know the authority we have in God’s name as well as understand the sovereignty of God over our life circumstances.

Luke 10:17 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

Prayer: Father, help me to realize that all power and authority over the enemy comes from you. Within my own strength, I can do nothing and have no authority. As I read your Word and grow in knowledge, give me discernment and wisdom through the Holy Spirit so I know how to confront evil.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture References:

Jude 1:9  But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not dare to bring a slanderous accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”

Acts 19: 13-16 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.

One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

What Church do you belong to?  In the Bible, no mention is made of denominations. 

However, in Revelations, God had specific things to say to individual churches.  (Rev. 1:10-20 through Rev. 2 & 3)

Many Biblical scholars believe the seven churches that were spoken of actually existed in Asia.  It is also common belief that the 7 churches prophetically depict the progression of Christ’s Church through the ages.  Regardless of historical or prophetic view point; God assigned an angel to address each church.  (Rev. 2: 1 & 8 and Rev. 3:1, 7 &14)

God first identifies the church and reveals that He knows EXACTLY what is going on in that particular ‘body of believers.’ Then, God identifies Himself as the one who is speaking; the Angel is only the messenger.  

To each of the churches, God first advises the “church” to listen, followed by both commendation and instructions on how to fix their issues. To each church, God gave admonishment or a challenge to do better. 

As a Christian, I belong to one of these church representations.  As a part of the body of Christ; the question is what church do my personal actions associate me with?  As a believer, I must read each description and search my heart with the help of the Holy Spirit. After reading each prophesy, I must answer three questions.

1. What things are the churches doing that please my Lord?
2. Can I honestly look at my own actions as the body of Christ  (church) and say I please Him?
3.  If not— what plan am I going to make AND follow to change the church of “me”? 

Changing what church building I go to isn’t going to change me; wherever I go, there I Am.  If I’m not a vital ministering part of the body of Christ, it isn’t the church buildings fault, the Pastor’s fault or the fault of the people sitting on the bench beside me.  It’s my fault and only I can change the “church” that I personally represent (Romans 12:4-5).  

When I complain about ‘the church,’ I condemn myself, because, when I call myself a Christian, I’m the representative of Christ’s church.  The scripture says to examine myself. This is a hard examination to make, but a necessary one that can only be done through the Holy Spirit, who searches the mind of God (I Corinthians 2:11).

If the ‘church experience’ isn’t working for me—as hard as it is, I need to find out why I’m unhappy with how I’m representing Christ.  When we each do this—the church will actually be the body of Christ.  

2 Corinthians 13: 5-6 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?  And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.

Prayer:  Father, please help me to understand how I represent you as the body of Christ. Help me to always have an attitude that reflects your will.  Thank you for your Holy Spirit to direct me. I love you and want to serve you.  amen.

Scripture references:

Rev. 1:10-20 through Rev. 2 & 3  (see whole chapters Rev. 1-2-3 for messages to each church )

Rev. 2: 1 & 8  “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.

To the Church in Smyrna “To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.

Rev. 3:1, 7 &14 

¹“To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.

——

⁷ “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

——

¹⁴ “To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.

Romans 12:4-5   For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

1 Corinthians 2:11   For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.

Don’t you just love multi-tasking?  The other day, I saw an advertisement for a kitchen appliance. 

It peeled, sliced, chopped, diced,  and finally; the container could be used as a serving dish.  Oh, and it was also microwave and dishwasher safe! Quite an impressive piece of equipment. 

Did you know that the altar is a muti-tasker? Obviously, the altar is best known as a place of blood sacrifice for sins.  But, before the law for a blood sacrifice was given, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all built altars to worship, seek guidance and give thanks.  (Genesis 8:20, Genesis12:7-8, Genesis 26:25, Genesis 35:7) 

As Christians, we find the “need” for an altar as a meeting place with God is never finished. During those moments when we need wisdom for life decisions; the altar is a place of guidance.  There should be no relationship, ministry, life decision or project started without time spent at the altar.  God cares about every part of our life.

The altar is also a place of confirmation.  When we are busy at God’s work and satan attacks us, saying we don’t know what we’re doing; we often need to return to the altar. The altar where we received direction is a definite “place” that we can point to and say, “not so, devil, right here is where I heard from God!”  

When life is difficult, we often need to return to the altar for encouragement. Taking our heart back to the price that was paid at Calvary reminds us how much we are loved.  

The altar is for every season of life; every need begins to be met the moment we bow and seek God’s face. The altar is also a place for praise and thanksgiving, powerful worship can be found at the foot of the cross.  

A trip to the altar for salvation is only the beginning! The altar isn’t just for sinners; it’s also for people who have an intimate relationship with Jesus. 

Judges 6:24  So, Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord is Peace.–

Prayer:  Father, I love you so much. I’m so thankful that you have given the altar as a meeting place.  So much can be done at the altar, make me sensitive to your voice. Amen.

Scripture References:

Genesis 8:20  Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. 

Genesis 12:7-8  The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.

From there he went on toward the hills east of Bethel and pitched his tent, with Bethel on the west and Ai on the east. There he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord.

Genesis 26:25  Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the Lord. There he pitched his tent, and there his servants dug a well.

Genesis 35:7  There he built an altar, and he called the place El Bethel,^[a] because it was there that God revealed himself to him when he was fleeing from his brother.