Friday, January 31, 2020

David was the rightful king of Israel whom God had chosen and anointed. Absalom, David’s son, conspired to usurp the throne from his father. He had some strong religious and political leaders on his side. One of those was Ahithophel. When David heard about that, he prayed that God would defeat Ahithophel’s scheme (2 Samuel 15:31).

Today, there are many who oppose the rule of God in our societies. We pray for their salvation and for the defeat of anti-God, anti-Christ schemes and plans.

The Bible declares that Satan is a usurper. He attempted to usurp God’s place (Isaiah 14:12-15). Christ defeated him by dying for our sins and rising from the dead. Satan’s final demise will take place when he is thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10).

Prayer

Victorious Lord and King, I pray, just like David, that you will bring to nothing the plans of the enemy. Confound all schemes aimed against you and your Kingdom (Job 5:12-13). As the enemy seeks to use people, I pray that those plots against you will be frustrated and fail.

Above all, I pray for the salvation of people whom the enemy manipulates. Lord, turn the tables so that you use those people to advance your kingdom and facilitate your rule over communities and nations.

You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to the words [of those who] ridicule the living God (2 Kings 19:15-16, NIV). In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Promise

There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord…. no weapon forged against you will prevail (Proverbs 21:3; Isaiah 54:17, NIV).

Friday, January 24, 2020

I believe that the Holy Spirit is preparing many Muslims to receive Christ. Even before Peter saw a vision that opened his heart to minister to Gentiles, an angel visited Cornelius and told him to send for Peter (Acts 10:3-5). Even before God told Elijah to go to Zarephath, he commanded a widow in that town to receive the prophet and feed him (1 Kings 17:8-9).

Peter arrived at a Gentile home that was ready and ripe to receive Christ! Elijah arrived at a Gentile home that was ready to acknowledge that Yahweh, the God of Israel, lives!

Many Muslims are receiving visions and dreams of and about Jesus. They are ready to accept the Gospel. That’s what happened with my friend Tariq. It also happened with Tawfik and Omar and many others.

Prayer

Almighty God, Maker of all people, you love us all. You planned redemption for all. You are the only true Lord and Savior. We worship and bless you. Help me to hear the cry of millions of Muslims begging us: “Come over… and help us” (Acts 16:9). Lead me to someone who is searching for the truth. Yes, send me, Lord, to a needy Muslim today. Prepare that person. May I speak to him or her words that will lead them to salvation (Acts 11:14). May I minister your Word and your grace and love to that soul. I pray that when I open my mouth, he or she will take note that “I have been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13). I am asking this for your glory.

For the sake of Christ, our Redeemer, show them your favor, forgive their sins, heal their diseases, keep them from eternal death, and crown them with your mercy and love. Bring them into your Kingdom. Fill them with your Holy Spirit. May they in turn bring many souls to salvation.

In the precious name of your Son, my Lord Jesus. Amen.

Promise

The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him (Romans 15:12, NLT).

Friday, January 17, 2020

Mary, her sister Martha, and her brother Lazarus were close friends with Jesus. When Lazarus died, Jesus raised him from the dead. The sisters would never forget that powerful, divine act. The New Testament shows us that Mary was a true disciple, able to sit quietly at Jesus’ feet, listening to his words. She was hungry to be in his presence and feed her soul on his teaching. Read the story in Luke 10:38-42.

Moses realized the importance of waiting before the Lord. When he blessed the tribes of Israel just before he died, he said, “Truly he [God] loves his people and blesses his holy ones. They sit at his feet and receive his instruction” (Deuteronomy 33:3, REB).

Prayer

Lord God, I ask you to raise from among Muslim believers in Christ those who know how to enter into your presence and sit at your feet. Raise up a generation of leaders who are full of the Spirit, who continually long for a touch from you, and who can wait patiently at your throne. Mary received a special revelation in her inner being that Jesus would die on the cross. That is why she anointed him with oil for his burial, even before he died (John 12:7). Just as Mary received that light, I pray for many Muslim believers in Jesus to receive heavenly revelations from you.

As I pray for others to receive from you, I pray for myself. Help me realize that it is not a badge of honor to be very busy from morning to evening. In the mighty name of Jesus, I ask you to teach me to be prayerfully still in order to listen to you attentively. May I abandon myself in your presence to hear a word from you. Thank you. Amen.

Promise

You have led me to the path of life. You fill me with joy in your presence; I am always in sheer delight when I am with you (Psalm 16:11, SAB).

Friday, January 10, 2020

Martha was a loyal follower of Jesus (Luke 10:40; John 11:21-22, 27). When Jesus was in the area where Martha lived, she decided to throw a party for him and his disciples. She wanted to honor him. As she got busy with the preparations, she felt overwhelmed with the many chores that had to be done. So she rushed to the living room where Jesus and others were gathered and expressed her concern and frustration. She even blamed Jesus for not telling her sister Mary to have the courtesy to help in the kitchen. Jesus pointed out to Martha that she was concerned and troubled about many things. He added that Mary, by sitting at his feet to hear his words, had made the right choice. Martha was busy serving Jesus a meal, and that was good. But she had become distracted and troubled in her ministry to Jesus, and that was a problem. Read the story in Luke 10:38-42.

Prayer

Almighty God, our loving Heavenly Father, I pray for your church in Muslim societies. Give her men and women like Martha with a keen sense of responsibility and a readiness to serve Jesus and honor him.

Protect her leaders and members from being plagued with restless thoughts, worry and other distractions. Teach them, your servants who have come to Jesus from Islam, not to let anxiety and concern rule over them in what they are doing.

I know, Lord, that you value our service to you. At the same time, you do not want us to get troubled and distracted because of the ministry or other responsibilities. Protect us all from anxiety and agitation in our work for you. O Lord, give us Mary’s attitude and the ability to sit quietly in your presence, read your Word, pray and hear you speak to us. Amen.

Promise

Come to me… and I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28).

For Muslims in the New Year

Friday, January 3, 2020

Muslims have been continually in the news in the past several years. They are sometimes portrayed as predators and other times as the underdog. Yet, whether they are the aggressors or the mistreated, they need to receive new life in Christ. God loves them and he sent Jesus to save them.

Through the media and news reports, I believe God is trying to draw the attention of his Church to intercede for Muslims. He wants the Church to wake up to her responsibilities and take the Gospel of Jesus to them. There are 1.6 billion Muslims, which is about one fifth of the world’s population. Let us dedicate a few minutes every day just to pray for them, knowing that God will answer our prayers.

Prayer

Lord Christ, our Savior and King, Muslims need you. Help them realize and acknowledge that need.

Have compassion on them; show them your mercy. I pray that, this year, many of them will turn their lives over to you and accept you. Help them surrender their hearts unreservedly to you. The time is ripe, O God, to bring multitudes of Muslims into the Kingdom of our Lord and Master. Give them a new beginning with you. May this be a new chapter in their lives, and may many of them personally mark this year as the beginning of eternal life in you.

Help them to experience your peace, hope and joy.

Promise

For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor…. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (Isaiah 9:4; John 8:32, NIV).