Today’s Key Scripture (all references NKJV unless otherwise noted:

And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight.

—1 John 3:22

Years ago, a little boy lived next door to a great artist. Every day the lad would go to the older man’s home and watch as the man brushed pungent, colorful oils onto the canvas.

The boy was still quite young when the artist passed away. Sadly, the lad knocked on the widow’s door and said, “I really miss your husband. I always loved to watch him paint.” Then he added, “When I grow up, I want to be just like him. Can I take one of his paintings home so I can copy it?”

She let him borrow the painting along with paint, brushes, and a canvas, but in a few days he returned dejected: “I just can’t do it. I give up.”

The widow gave the boy a big hug and said, “You must keep trying. It is the spirit of the painter who keeps going when others quit that makes all the difference.”

I sometimes ask people, “What is the greatest desire of your heart?”  Many answer, “I want the presence of God in my life.  I want to truly know the Lord.”

I know of only one way: You must spend time with Him. There are no shortcuts.

We are promised, “The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with” (James 5:16, MSG).

You can only become effective and powerful to the degree that you become effective and powerful in prayer!

A Prayer for Today:

My heavenly Father, I’m so thankful that You have provided a way to be effective and powerful in my prayers. I’m grateful for the sacrifice You made on Calvary’s cross so that I could enter into Your presence because of the blood you shed for me. I honor You with deep thankfulness for all Your gifts and blessings You continually bestow upon me. Grant me continued grace and blessings today and throughout the coming days. It is in Your Holy Name I pray, Amen!