People often say that we need to be like Jesus. Why? It was because of his character and subsequent power. As I read the Gospels and experience the recounting of Jesus' life here on earth, I am moved with awe and feel increasingly endeared to him! In these texts, we see the key to Jesus' life. We see Jesus often going alone to some quiet place to pray and to be with His Father. Wouldn't you have liked to have been a fly on the tree next to him to be able to hear him pray? Jesus, though fully God, was also fully man. (Jn 1:1) So, why did he need to go pray? Why did he need to spend time with the Father? What did he need that he didn't already have? 

Luke 5:16 But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. 

Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 

Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 

I believe, more than anything else, Jesus loved his Father and always wanted intimate relationship with him. Jesus listened to and obeyed the instructions he received from the Father during those intimate times of communication. 

As I think about how Jesus needed to be with His Father, I am drawn to my need as well! If Jesus needed to spend time with God the Father, how much more do you and me? Jesus stayed strong because of the time he spent with his Father, and this was the secret to his character, wisdom, and power. God has granted you and me the opportunity to live in this earth with the character, wisdom, and power of Jesus. The secret to your life being like Jesus will prove to be the same as Jesus' secret – he spent intimate time with His Father. 

Many people get confused when it comes to prayer and make it some complicated formula that is impossible to figure out. Know this, prayer is when you talk to God, and He listens. And, God talks to you, and you listen. Sometimes we get to the place of prayer, and all we do is talk – this is not true prayer. One of the greatest secrets to prayer is found in Hebrews 11:6, it says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” 

1. Anyone who comes to him 

2. Must believe that he exists 

3. Must believe that he rewards those who earnestly seek him 

Do you know that you must come to God? Where is he? Oh yes, this is a pertinent question. He is all around you – a trillion light-years in every direction. He is within you, literally empowering every single one of your trillions of cells to operate. You must come to the one who is all around you and within you. Yes, you must believe that he exists! God has given you the ability to recognize the unseen, and this is where you will find him. You must choose to believe that he will reward you if you pursue Him with an earnest heart. 

If you could only grasp how much God longs to spend time with you and how much he wants to impart to you the same character, wisdom, and power that Jesus walked in. I am praying that you will know how precious and powerful the gift that you have been given… Your opportunity to pray! I trust that you will make the most of this opportunity and that you will be like Jesus! How?... 

HE SPENT TIME!

If you are blessed by these Encouraging Notes, consider telling your friends and family about www.arthurwilder.com and tell them to click the button  ‘JOIN THE LIST.’ Together, we can make a difference!