Friday, September 25, 2020

The Quran says that Jesus was born of a virgin (Surah 19:16-21). The Muslim holy book and Islamic traditions ascribe various miracles to Jesus, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and so forth. However, the Quran states that he was no more than a human being, a prophet like all other prophets (Surah 5:72, 75, 116). Islam thinks that Christians try to elevate Jesus to be God. Yet, the reality is that Jesus is not a man whom we are trying to elevate to be God; rather, he is God who humbled himself and became man.

Islam refuses to ascribe deity to Christ and rejects the doctrine that Jesus is the Son of God.

Prayer

Eternal Christ, Master and Lord of all the universe and of all history, I pray for my Muslim friends today. I ask you to illumine their hearts and minds so they can grasp these divine, spiritual truths that are hard for them to understand. Without your Spirit, they cannot understand them or accept them (1 Corinthians 2:14). So, I am asking you now to draw them to yourself by your Spirit.

O Jesus, our Savior and Lord, come in your love and compassion and reveal yourself to many Muslims this week. May they be saved by your divine power and become participants in the Kingdom of God. May they experience your love and care. May they acknowledge you as the Beginning and the End, the Son of God, the Way, the Truth, the Life, the Good Shepherd, the Lamb of God, the Prince of Peace, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Amen.

Promise

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:4-5, NIV).

Friday, September 18, 2020

The Quran and Muslim traditions ascribe to Jesus miraculous acts and powers that are shared by no one else. However, Muslims do not believe that he died on the cross or that he has the power to redeem or save humans.

Muslims believe that Jesus came as a prophet to the Jews and that he was a religious reformer. They believe also that he will come again at the end of time as a Muslim ruler.

Prayer

Lord Christ, compassionate Master, great Shepherd of the flock, open the spiritual eyes of my Muslim friends to realize that fallen, sinful humans are in dire need of outside help—divine help. May they understand that only the redemptive work of God’s Son can save us from sin and from the power of Satan.

Jesus Christ, majestic Creator of all, yet our humble Redeemer who died on the cross, reveal to Muslims the meaning of your sacrifice for them. Show them that you are coming again to judge the living and the dead, and that you are the only hope of humankind.

O great Savior of the world, save many Muslims this week. Eternal King, open their hearts to love you; and open their minds to receive and grasp your powerful Gospel. Work in their wills to acknowledge your claims, that you are the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Amen.

Promise

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16, NIV).

Friday, September 11, 2020

In Muslim Lives

Parts of the Muslim creed and beliefs look very spiritual. However, upon careful analysis, one realizes that they have serious flaws. The entire Islamic system is like an edifice that looks very imposing. But on close examination, one finds only a fragile shell that will crumble at the first storm.

Perhaps that is the reason many Muslims sense such personal emptiness. They feel unfulfilled, even lost. They do not know the joy of having their sins forgiven, so their future is bleak with no assurance of eternal life. They believe God is unpredictable; and they do not see him as a Father.

Prayer

Lord God Almighty, thank you for your grace and forgiveness. I am praying for Muslims, not because I think I am greater or better than they are. I am very aware of my fallen, sinful nature. I am unworthy and unholy. Without your love and mercy, I would have no chance. But in your grace, you assure me of your forgiveness, salvation, and victory. Yes, that is the Gospel of Christ! Thank you.

Now I pray for my Muslim friends. They are empty because they do not know you, God of grace, God of love. Fill the void in their lives with Christ, the only Savior. Their hearts are thirsty. You alone can quench that thirst and satisfy their hunger. No one else and nothing else can fill the void in their hearts. Religion, philosophy, silver or gold can never grant them true joy. Only you can do that. Come and fill them with your presence.

O God, may they experience personally the deep and unfathomable love of Christ. Father in heaven, make them anew and whole, and give them the abundance of life and power that you have in store for your children (Ephesians 3:19). In the glorious and mighty name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Promise

[They] search for water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. But I the LORD will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will make rivers flow on barren heights, and springs within the valleys. I will turn the desert into pools of water, and the parched ground into springs (Isaiah 41:17-18, NIV).

Friday, September 4, 2020

Many Muslims are not satisfied with the religious teachings and traditions they have known all their lives. They try to find a solution to their problems, relief in their dilemmas, and in general, discover the meaning of life. Some examine Christianity by reading the Bible and Christian literature, listening to radio broadcasts, watching satellite Christian television, and talking to Christians.

Most of those who consider giving their lives to Christ are bulllied by pressures, threats, and mistreatment from family, friends, colleagues, supervisors, religious authorities, and police.

Prayer

O Lord God, you know the hearts of all people. We pray for Muslims who are searching for the truth. They have the courage to admit even to themselves that they feel unfulfilled. Show them, O Savior divine, that they need Christ. May they know him and experience his love.

I come against the spirits of darkness which use people to threaten those who seek you. Defeat them, O God, in the name of Jesus.

I pray today that the light of the Gospel and the glory of Jesus will shine in the hearts of many Muslims who are searching for the truth. May they commit themselves totally to Christ and be filled with courage, even to the point of being willing to sacrifice their lives for his sake.

Promise

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you . . . and will bring you back from captivity (Jeremiah 29:13-14, NIV).

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9, NIV).