Have you never heard of Garth Brooks song, "Unanswered Prayers"? Why would we tell the God of wisdom what to do. I think of Him as Abba Father. A dad to come to, to seek shelter, wisdom and comfort. Very childlike. I trust Him with my life and my eternity. I get to know Him through His love letters written to me. Like you might talk to your dad, I tell him what's on my heart but I trust Him completely with hIs choices for my life. By the way, I had a real father and two step father's but I didn't have a dad until I had a relationship with My Heavenly Father. No hypocrisy or self interest. I want my life to be a fragrance. Without a word I desire my life to honor Jesus. It is so simple yet people try to make it so complicated. I agree with you. I too have no time at all for a god who panders in return for flattery. I do have time for a God who loves me and wants a relationship with me. Not only does he love me and wants a relationship with me He wants it with every other sinner. Thanks be to God!!
Some people assume that God will act on our idea because we pray. He wants us to pray, to lay needs before Him and be agents of the blessing God brings. Pray for direction in relating to others in a way that honors Jesus and your motive will be pure and in God's will.
The verse from Luke is the reason I chose Lot's wife to speak on. Your picture of the salt pillars at the Dead Sea didn't post but I have seen them online. Thank you for your comments and your time. I only posted this question because I had listened to a sermon on Lot's wife online and the pastor said people have told him that you could look through the salt and see her. I didn't want to repeat something that iI haven't seen and I don't know factually is true. The clarity of the salt is not the reason I picked Lot's wife to speak on. If I share something not true I feel it will leave the door open to doubt the truth that I will be sharing. The validity of the event I never doubted for the same reasons you gave. I felt if Jesus thought it was important enough to mention it is important enough to share with the women in my church.