Abdurrahman

Friday, January 28, 2022

Caliph Abdurrahman III was the Muslim ruler of Cordoba, Andalusia, Spain about a thousand years ago. He had a long history of military victories. His fleet was the most powerful in the region. He was very wealthy, he built mosques and monuments, and he was a patron of arts and literature. His country flourished economically. He lived to be 70. When he died, they found this statement in his own handwriting:

I have now reigned almost 50 years in victory or peace; beloved by my subjects, dreaded by my enemies, and respected by my allies. Riches and honors, power, and pleasure have been mine to command. I have lacked no earthly blessing. In this situation, I have diligently numbered the days of pure and genuine happiness which have fallen to my lot: they amount to 14!

By contrast, the Apostle Paul was bitten by a snake, thrown into prison several times, whipped numerous times, beaten with sticks three times, stoned one time, in shipwrecks three times, and left for dead at least one time (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). And in all that, he said he was full of joy that his life was being sacrificed for the sake of Christ (Philippians 2:17).

Prayer

Eternal Father, only you are the source of eternal joy. Help us realize that such lasting joy is not based on money or income, education or position, religion or success. None of these! You are the only one who can give us true satisfaction, peace and rest. May we never waste our years here on earth in worldly pursuits. These will never satisfy, never fulfill.

I pray that Muslims will run to Jesus to receive forgiveness of sin and new life in him. Then they will know the meaning of true and lasting joy. Smile upon them and reveal to them your love and compassion. Only you can fill them with heavenly delight.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Promise

The joy that the Lord gives makes you strong! (Nehemiah 8:10, SAB).

Friday, January 21, 2022

Islam has gained ground in sub-Saharan Africa through Muslim traders and missionaries who have, over the centuries, propagated their religion throughout most of the continent. Today several black African countries have a strong Islamic presence, and Islam continues to grow. Petrodollars pour into Africa from Arab nations to build mosques and gain converts.^[1]

Yet, there is an encouraging harvest of souls coming to Christ from Islam in Africa. Many are taking Bible correspondence courses, tuning in to Christian radio, watching Christan TV, and attending revival meetings to receive healing and invoke God’s intervention in their affairs. Certainly, Muslims in Africa are coming to Christ in encouraging numbers.

Prayer

I bless you, O Lord, for your triumphant Church in sub-Saharan Africa. I praise you for the flames of revival spreading in many areas of the continent. I thank you for including Muslims in this revival. May the Holy Spirit sweep over thousands and millions of them and draw them to Jesus Christ, the only Savior and Lord.

I praise you for the thousands of missionaries going out of Africa to other parts of the world. I pray that many Muslim converts to Christ will also go out as missionaries to evangelize other Muslims in various countries. Call them, O Lord, empower them, and send them out.

Thank you for the hundreds of pastors, evangelists, and Bible teachers who have come to the Kingdom of God from Islam.

I pray for countries that have not yet experienced this revival. May your Word be proclaimed in those dark places. In the Savior’s name I pray, amen.

Promise

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6, NLT).

Footnotes

^[1]It is estimated that there are 250 million Muslims in Sub-Saharan Africa as compared to 685 million Christians ( accessed 2021/05/12).

Friday, January 14, 2022

Five countries make up this region: Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, and Mauritania. In the early history of Christianity, there were fledgling but thriving churches in most parts of North Africa. They were obliterated, however, by Islam.

It is estimated that 105 million people live in these countries. Most of them are Muslims. Evangelization is mainly against the law. To hold a Christian meeting in one’s home is considered illegal. Yet, in the past few decades, small churches have been birthed in all of the five countries. Though accurate statistics are not available, converts to Christ in this region are taking a more courageous stand to declare that they indeed are believers in Christ.

Years ago, my wife and I “cut our teeth” in mission work in North Africa, and here God put in our hearts to start the Sharif Bible translation.

Prayer

God Almighty, King of kings and Lord of lords, I present myself in your presence to intercede on behalf of the peoples of North Africa. Help them to hear and heed the Gospel message and commit themselves to the only Savior from sin. I pray for the political and religious leaders that you open their eyes to see the truth, open their minds to accept the truth, and open their mouths to declare the truth.

Thank you for the believers in this area. I pray that you grant them to think of what is true and honorable, right and pure, lovely and admirable (Philippians 4:8). Fill them with the power of the Holy Spirit to reach out to their compatriots with the love of Christ that sets people free and gives them hope, peace and joy.

Send your church in North Africa a fresh breath from heaven. Raise up strong, dedicated leaders among them.

I pray for those who are suffering for the sake of the Gospel in these countries. Comfort them, encourage them, and reveal Christ in his might and power to them.

Promise

Ask of me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession (Psalm 2:8, NIV).

Friday, January 7, 2022

Al-Azhar, the most prestigious Islamic center of learning in the world, is located in the city of Cairo, Egypt. Established more than 1000 years ago, it is the brain that shapes Islam worldwide. Its published decisions and rulings serve as decrees for other institutions and groups. Any Islamic scholar of esteem and stature is expected to have studied at Al-Azhar.

As a center of education, its main goal is to serve as a guardian of Islam and to spread that religion, both creed and culture, all over the world.

Prayer

Almighty and most holy God, there is no one equal to you. You are faithful to your Word. You have promised that when we ask you will answer, when we seek we will find, and when we knock you will open the door (Matthew 7:7). We are here, Lord, asking, seeking and knocking at your door!

We pray that you will reveal yourself to many people at Al-Azhar: the Grand Imam and all officials, heads of departments, professors, students, workers and others. Only you can move in this situation, O God. Open their eyes to see the love of God in Christ the Lord. Open their hearts to receive the truth. Take captive all opposition to your Word.

Inside that huge institution, there are people who are thirsty for the truth. Their tongues are parched, their hearts are aching, and only Jesus can quench their thirst (Isaiah 41:17; Revelation 21:6). Only he can fill their hearts with peace. I entreat you, O merciful God, to reveal Jesus to them.

The prodigal has been away for too long. Bring him home, my Lord and my God.

In the strong name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Promise

The LORD… will comfort all those who live among its ruins. He will make its desert like Eden. He will make its wilderness like the garden of the LORD. Joy and gladness will be found in it, thanksgiving and the sound of singing (Isaiah 51:3, GW).