How to Pray Effectively

Here are 4 key ingredients in praying effectively:

1. Humility
   Ephesians 3:14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
   James 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
   I believe that when we are humble, we will come to God in prayer. We realize how much we need Him. The proud have no need of God.
   
2. Sincerity
   Psalm 145:18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.
   Matthew 6:7-8 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
   Psalm 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me:
   
3. Consistency:  We can be in a constant attitude of prayer that no matter where we are or what we are doing, we are in tune with the Father.
   Colossians 4:2  Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
   1Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.
   
4. ExpectancyJohn 14:13-14 And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it.
   We must have faith, for the Bible says, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.(Hebrews 11:6)

Hope this helps encourage you today to keep praying.   God is faithful!!

Enjoying the Reign

Jesus clearly taught that "the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:21)

I'm not waiting for Jesus to return to earth to set up an earthly Kingdom.
Jesus said that His Kingdom was not of this world. (John 18:36)
Instead, I believe the Kingdom of God is a spiritual Kingdom in the hearts of all believers.

I'm not waiting to crown Him King...He was born a King, lived a King, and is alive today as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The Bible teaches us that we, as Christians, are not waiting for a future kingdom to reign in.
Instead, the Bible teaches us that we are "kings and priests unto God and His Father" (Rev. 1:6)
Therefore, we can and DO reign today w/Christ as He reigns in our hearts and lives.

So, I encourage you to enjoy Kingdom living today...even in the midst of a sinful world.
He reigns in my heart, and I'm thankful for the glorious Kingdom of God.
It's a life of victory over sin, self, and the devil.
Yes, I am anxiously awaiting going home to be with my Lord and Savior.
But, until He returns and takes me home, I'm enjoying the reign with Jesus today!

"Tis a Kingdom of peace, it is reigning within.
It shall ever increase in my soul.
We possess it right here when He saves from all sin.
And 'twill last while the ages shall roll."

Barney E. Warren "A Kingdom of Peace"