Forever Home in the Eternal Family of God

Daily Encouragement for the Family of God by Kenton Cheek

22 January 2025

Reading From Matthew 14:22-36

“Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.”

–Matthew 14:22-25

     Jesus knew the value of rest and alone time.  We can see just how much He valued it by the fact that He was intentional in making a plan to be sure it happened for Him.  He sent the disciples away to where they wouldn’t be able to bother Him and He showed courtesy by taking the time to dismiss the crowds personally.  Jesus did all of this urgently, knowing that He needed time alone in prayer.  He went up on a mountainside. I love mountains and communing with God while surrounded by the majesty of His beautiful creation.

We need to value spending time alone with the Father just as Jesus did.  If my life is too busy to read the Scriptures, commune with the Lord in prayer and worship Him privately, then my schedule needs to be disrupted.  A person’s priorities are revealed by what they make time for and what they spend their money on.  God wants to be with me, and I need time alone with God.

“Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example.  You show me what it means to be a man.  I am grateful that You have given me everything I need for life and godliness in Your Word and by the power of Your Holy Spirit.  Thank You for wanting to spend time with me.  You make me feel valued and loved.  I love You and I am grateful for You.  In Jesus’ mighty Name I pray.  Amen.”

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

 –Matthew 6:5-6