Father

DEAR GOD: I Love To Pray With You Quietly By Myself~

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Jesus Prays - Believe and Obey

“And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone.” –

Matthew 14:23 (KJV)

Solitude with the Father: A Reflection on Christ’s Prayer Life

In this beautiful moment, we witness Jesus modeling the perfect example of solitude and communion with the Father. Amid the busyness of his ministry and the demands of the multitudes, he intentionally withdrew to a place of stillness to pour out his heart in prayer. This practice was not an isolated event; time and again, the Gospels recount instances of Jesus seeking solitude to align his will with the Father’s and to find renewal for his spirit.

Christ’s dedication to prayer serves as a profound reminder of the importance of maintaining a personal and intimate relationship with God. His retreat into the quiet places teaches us that even amidst the pressures of life, we too must prioritize our connection with the Divine. Prayer is not merely a ritual or obligation; it is a lifeline, a sacred conversation that draws us nearer to the heart of God.

Throughout his ministry, Jesus demonstrated a balance between public ministry and private devotion. Consider Mark 1:35, where “in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.” He often rose early or stayed late, making time for uninterrupted fellowship with his Father. This intentionality speaks volumes about his priorities and reliance on Divine guidance.

The moral lesson here is clear: if Christ, the Son of God, deemed prayer essential, how much more do we, as fallible humans, need to cultivate this habit? When we step away from the noise and distractions of life, we create space for God to speak to our hearts, to strengthen us, and to guide our steps. Solitude with God equips us to face the challenges of the day with clarity, peace, and purpose.

On a broader level, Christianity as a faith is deeply rooted in the practice of prayer. It is through prayer that we express our adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. Christ’s example invites us to move beyond surface-level prayers and into a deeper, more vulnerable relationship with God. It challenges us to seek not just answers or blessings, but the Presence of the Father himself.

Let us not forget the words of Philippians 4:6, which encourage us to “be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” In a world that often pulls us in a thousand directions, we are called to anchor ourselves in the steadfast love of the Lord through prayer.

Let us pray:

“Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of prayer and the example of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Teach us to seek You with the same fervor and devotion that He displayed. In moments of chaos and calm alike, remind us to draw near to You, to find rest in Your Presence, and to align our hearts with Your will. Thank You for Your constant love and Your willingness to meet us where we are. May our lives be a reflection of our communion with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Question for the day: How can you create moments of quiet solitude to deepen your relationship with God?

Jesus Praying On The Mountain Wallpaper

 

DEAR GOD: How Do We Handle Snapping People?

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How To Stop Gossiping About People: 7 No Nonsense Tips!

Ephesians 4:29“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

I saw a snapping turtle on the road while driving through the woods. My husband and I smiled at the huge fellow!  This ancient reptile turned to look at us and snapped in the air, as if to say, “get moving there if you know what’s good for you all.”  Well, needless to say we respect nature and wildlife, and we were on our way in seconds. “Snap.”  It reminded me of some individuals I’ve encountered in my lifetime.

You may know some of these mortals yourselves. The type that loves to “snip” and “snap” about others. Or are apt to “snap “at someone with a veracity that can only be described as “vicious.” Just downright mean! Mindless cruel gossiping is how I’d describe it.

As children of God…How do we handle these situations? How do we handle mortals with such an immoral standard of ethics? What do we do? What does God want us to do?

Well, God wants us to gently guide and admonish in a way that is constructive, without being critically impertinent. We are to be humble about it. Think fairly and go to the Word for advice, and where you will always find “sage wisdom” and full written out instructions.

Humility –Along with humility correct Biblical knowledge must ensue. We need to admonish others based solely on God’s Word. Encourage one another based on God’s Word. If something is said without Biblical truths, it will be worthless. An exercise in fertility.  Because when we know the Word, if someone tries to say or do something that is not aligned with His Word, standards, or truths; we will automatically know it’s “wrong.”

2 Tim 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it…

Patience- is an important virtue of the Spirit. We need to instruct others with respect and a manner of peace. No fighting, nor divisions. It is impossible to teach while convincing anyone of mistakes. They won’t know any better and thing that the dialogue they’re using, and the “snapping” they’re doing in natural in their minds eye.

Also do be mindful and overly cautious about not having an “ego” and using it in a way that is bragging about “how much you know” and “how little” they know!

Approach in meekness and endurance of a Christian on a mission. Not an ego stating loudly, “I’m better than you!”

Ephesians 4:2-3 “With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;”

It bears mentioned here that we shouldn’t force anyone to “believe” or to do as “we say.”  It is not about us. It’s about God and His mission, His reasons for using us as His servants. We can only gently guide through the Spirit and pave the way. It’s not our job to mold the individual, that is up to God. He is the potter; we are the clay. (Isaiah 64:8)

Respecting others and having an appropriate demeanor when addressing an issue, especially a nasty tongue or a gossiping intruder that speaks of controversial subjects.  It is important to come from an area of repose and respect and honor in the LORD’s name. But if after a time the individual is not responsive, then it’s wise to take leave and move on.

Titus 3:9- But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. (10) Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. (11) You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned.

Based on all this. We understand that a good friend, or Christian admonishes and helps to adjust Christ’s body. We hope to lead them to understand that if they only would align themselves with the Word and God’s will, life could be very different.  This can only be done with love, humility peace, meekness, and a vast amount of Biblical wisdom.

Proverbs 15:31-33- Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. (32) Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. (33) Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.

Whatever we do we must adhere to a manner in which we assume Christ’s position and commandments. We are human and of course we will all fall short, no one is perfect. Only ONE is perfect, and that is our Heavenly Father who is pure and Holy.

 Matthew 5:48-Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

We can try our best, help to shine His light where we can. And apply corrective measures in a way that can at times, be uncomfortable, but when it is done in the spirit and in a manner of Biblical standards, it will be easier to uphold.

Father, God – I thank You for Your Word, Your truth, and Your guidance, may I follow all that You purpose for my life, now and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.