Friday, February 26, 2021

“We have lost control; we have killed the epidemic physically and mentally. Can’t understand what more we can do; all solutions are exhausted on ground. Our only hope remains up in heaven; God rescue your people.”^[1]

Prayer

Heavenly Father, our world is in turmoil. The coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc on us. We come to you because you are loving and merciful. We pray for the sick, that you will heal them; for those who have lost loved ones, that you will comfort them; for those who are struggling financially, that you will give them relief.

Give wisdom to the doctors and scientists to find a cure and a vaccine. Yet, we know that only you can stop the spread of this disease with your mighty power. You are in control of history as well as the future.

May your Holy Spirit turn the chaos to victory for the sake of the name of Jesus our Lord. May many people run to you in faith and commitment. You are the true refuge, protector and defender. Give your children wisdom and courage to minister to others and love them.

Even though we might not understand everything about the divine purpose of this worldwide scourge, we rest assured in your love and care. You fill our hearts with hope and joy even when we are threatened by darkness and death. Thank you.

Christus Victor! Amen.

Promise

Even though I walk through the very dark valley, I will fear no harm, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, comfort me (Psalm 23:4, SAB).

Footnotes

^[1] As of this printing there is confusion on the internet about who made this statement, whether Italy’s Prime Minister or Brazil’s President.

Friday, February 19, 2021

Mephibosheth, a prince in Israel, was lame in both legs from childhood. When King Saul, his grandfather, turned away from God and disobeyed the Lord’s commands (1 Samuel 15:11), God chose David to replace him as king. Jonathan, Mephibosheth’s father who was also the crown prince, loved David. The two men were close friends and had a pact of loyalty with each other.

After Saul and his royal family were almost completely wiped out in a battle against their enemies, David was crowned the new king. When he was told that Mephibosheth had survived and was in hiding, he had the lame prince brought to his palace. He promised to restore to him all his family’s property and invited him to eat regularly at the king’s table. (Read the story in 2 Samuel 9:1-13.)

Muslims are in a situation much worse than Mephibosheth’s. They are lame because of a negative belief system that denies Christ the Lord and Savior. Satan has deprived them of what God intended them to have: eternal life in Christ. Yet, God is inviting them to the King’s table.

Prayer

Jesus Christ, our Lord and Eternal King over all the universe, thank you because you are extending an invitation to hurting, lame, paralyzed Muslims to eat at your table. You have prepared a feast for them. Your banquet hall is waiting.

Help Muslims realize that they are invited to eat at the King’s table. May they know that “The king has prepared a great banquet for them” (2 Kings 6:23). I pray that they will open their hearts to accept this invitation and receive Christ’s blessings. Restore to them, O God, what the enemy has taken away.

May Muslims receive the benefits of the cross of Jesus Christ with joy and gratitude.

In your mighty name I pray. Amen.

Promise

Don’t be afraid, I will show you kindness…. I will restore to you all the land that once belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will eat at my table always (2 Samuel 9:7, SAB).

In Every Muslim Country

Friday, February 12, 2021

Paul was imprisoned in Rome for the sake of Christ. Rather than complaining about it, he said that his imprisonment helped to spread the Gospel, and that everyone, including the palace guard, knew that he was in jail because he served Christ (Philippians 1:12-14). As he was giving his final greetings and signing off at the end of his letter to the church in Philippi, he said, “All the believers here, especially those in the king’s palace, send you their greetings” (Philippians 4:22, SAB).

May God place believers in Jesus Christ the Lord and Savior in every king’s and president’s palace in the Muslim world.

Prayer

God, our Father in heaven, you alone are the King over all kings and rulers. I pray that by the power of your Holy Spirit you will invade hearts of people in these high places. You, who channel the king’s heart like a stream of water (Proverbs 21:1), change their hearts to give total allegiance to Christ alone.

May the portals of these palaces be opened so that Christ, the King, can enter (Psalm 24:7-10). May the workers and dwellers in those stately residences be transformed by your divine power so that they bring people from death to life and from darkness to light. O Lord, make them useful in leading other Muslims to your Kingdom, who will then become useful in bringing others to Christ.

May the banner of Christ be lifted high over all these officials. May the righteousness of God rule in the “King’s Palace.”

Promise

I have heard your prayer…. God is able to accomplish far more than we might ask or imagine, according to his power at work in us (2 Kings 19:20, NLT; Ephesians 3:20, SAB).

Friday, February 5, 2021

A young girl from Israel was seized and taken as a prisoner of war by an invading army. She became a servant who worked for the wife of the commander of that army. While surrounded by her captors, she saw a tremendous opportunity to be a missionary. One day she told her mistress about a prophet in Israel who could heal her master, Naaman, of leprosy. When her master heard the message, he went to Israel and was healed by the power of the Almighty God. He then returned to his home, a believer in the God of Israel (read 2 Kings 5:1-19).

In some churches, members of the congregation think their role in the Kingdom is to pray, pay and obey. If a believer’s responsibility stops there, that is unbiblical. People who sit in the pews on Sunday should be evangelists, missionaries, and pastors on Monday. You too can be a soulwinner. We encourage you to pray for Muslims, but we also encourage you to witness to Muslims and lead them to Christ.

Prayer

Savior of the world, give me a passion for the wayward, a desire to rescue those who are on their way to eternal death (Proverbs 24:11-12). Give me a love like Jesus had, he who sought out sinners in order to set them free. Help me to experience the sorrow and anguish Paul felt for the lost (Romans 9:3-4).

“Give me the energy and the courage to share the spirit of the apostles, that like them I may truly be an ambassador of your grace.”^[1]

Help me win souls for you and disciple them into maturity. I do not feel adequate to do that in my own abilities, but I trust you to do it through me by the power of your Holy Spirit.

I pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Promise

Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say (Exodus 4:11-12, NIV).

Footnotes

^[1] Hilary of Poitiers, 315-368 A.D.