Friday, May 27, 2022

Islamic banks do business according to the guidelines of Islamic law (Sharia). That law does not allow for interest of any kind on loans. Further, investments are to be made only in goods considered permissible by Islam (halal). For example, they do not invest in alcohol or pork products or gambling.

Islamic banks have the same goal as all other banks: they want to make a profit. So, how do they do that? They change words used in the financial industry in order to avoid their religious prohibitions. Accordingly, instead of lending money and collecting interest on it, they “rent” the money and collect “rent” on it! Instead of collecting interest for credit card purchases, they collect “penalties” for not paying the full balance immediately!

When you plan to buy a home, you need a mortgage. If you go to an Islamic bank, the bank buys the house from the original owner and turns around and sells it to you at a profit. Then they let you pay the price in monthly installments!

Each Islamic bank has a board of Muslim scholars to make sure that transactions comply with the rules of religious law.

Prayer

O the depth of your riches and wisdom and knowledge, Lord God! How unsearchable are your judgments and how inscrutable your ways! (Romans 11:33).

You care for all peoples, tribes and nations. You know about the exponential growth of the Islamic financial industry around the world. You also know that fanatic fundamentalist beliefs initiated these banks, and that the incredible income from oil has nurtured and amplified their success.

I pray for the owners of these banks, for their employees and workers, for shareholders, investors and borrowers. Bless them by leading them to the knowledge of Christ the Lord and Redeemer of all humankind. May they confess Jesus as their Lord and King. Help them dedicate their lives and talents to the cause of the Gospel of grace and love.

I pray for the scholars on the Sharia boards of these banks. Bring them to Calvary to see Jesus, who gave himself to save humans from sin. In his name I pray. Amen.

Promise

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones (Proverbs 3:7-8, NLT).

Friday, May 20, 2022

Let us pray that our authority over the enemy will be released. Remember your position and authority in Christ. You are God’s child, redeemed by the blood of His Son and destined to the throne. We are not pawns in this world’s power play.

We are rulers; in Christ we have been given authority over all the power of the enemy to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness (Matthew 10:1; Mark 16:17-18; Luke 10:19). Our God and Redeemer has made us more than conquerors. He has given us the power to lead a victorious life in all circumstances (Romans 8:37-39).

Satan is a usurper; he tries to deprive you of the authority that you have over him.

Prayer

Blessed are you, Lord God Almighty. Thank you for your trust in me and your generous provision. In myself I have no authority or power. I have no latitude.

Anything I have is from you and by your grace, O Lord God. In Christ, you have showered many blessings upon me. You have forgiven my sins. You have given me abundant life, and you fill me with the Holy Spirit. Thank you.

Help me use my authority in you. In the name of Jesus I rebuke the enemy. I tear down his strongholds and push back the forces of darkness.

I pray with authority in Jesus’ name that hearts of Muslims will be changed. This very week may many Muslims be reconciled to you. Deliver them from the snares of the enemy and build your Church, O God, among Muslims.

In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, amen.

Promise

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you (Luke 10:19, NIV).

Friday, May 13, 2022

William was born to an affluent family in Chicago in 1887. When he graduated from high school, his graduation gift from the family was a year-long world tour. Upon his return from that trip, he announced he wanted to be a missionary to Muslims in northwest China. While he pursued his studies at Yale and later at Princeton, he ministered to others and prepared himself for missionary service.

When William finished his studies, he went to Cairo, Egypt, to study Arabic. His plan was to continue his travels on to China. But in Cairo, he became sick with cerebral meningitis. Two weeks later, William Borden died! He was only 25 years old. His epitaph said, “Apart from faith in Christ, there is no explanation for such a life.”

Prayer

Almighty God, our Father in heaven, we thank you for the story and legacy of this young man. We owe our lives to you, O Lord. No sacrifice for you is too dear, because by your grace you have brought us from darkness to light.

I pray that you will raise up many thousands of young men and women like Borden to be on fire with divine zeal and passion to bring the lost to your Kingdom. Fill them with the Holy Spirit and power so they can speak your truth without fear and declare your holiness and righteousness.

May you burst forth from heaven to show your glory to Muslims (Isaiah 64:1). Manifest your mighty power by changing their lives. Revive their hearts and give them hope, joy and peace. May they boast in nothing other than the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 6:14).

In his precious name, amen.

Promise

I know the things you do, and though you have little strength, you have obeyed my word and have not denied my name. That is why I have opened a door for you that no one can close (Revelation 3:8, SAB).

Friday, May 6, 2022

Several times a day Muslims repeat the Islamic creed which states: “I witness that there is no god except God and that Muhammad is the apostle of God.” The mere recitation of this creedal statement makes one a Muslim.

In ancient times, pagan Arabs worshipped many gods. The Quran strongly denounces this and orders people to worship God alone.

The belief that Muhammad is the “seal” of the prophets is central to Islam. It means that he is the final prophet, the most authoritative, and the “crown” of all. No Muslim would stop short of asserting their belief in Muhammad.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I pray that Muslims will come to realize that reciting this creed does not make people acceptable in your sight. May they come to know Jesus Christ, the Way, and understand the scriptural passage which declares that confession and faith in him are necessary for salvation (Romans 10:9).

Lord God, I pray that many Muslims today will realize that eternal life is “that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you sent” (John 17:3). May they repent and accept Jesus as their Savior from sin and Lord and King over their life and affairs.

O God, as every knee in heaven and on earth and under the earth shall bow to him, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, I pray that the creedal statement of Islam, particularly shouted from the top of mosques, will be replaced by a declaration of faith in the only Almighty Savior and Lord. Amen.

Promise

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John ; 10:10, NIV).