Your prayers are requested for our brothers and sisters in the Islamic world, particularly now during Ramadhan

A Christian brother sends us an e-mail requesting our prayers. He says: “The spiritual battle continues from one day through to the next. Every day, there are new reasons for us to want to hide. But, we continue to hold fast to our hope that is Christ Jesus, and wake up in the morning, and brave whatever is being hurled at us. I write to you a few hours after sunset, and during the Islamic Month of Ramadhan; that is when Muslims have celebrated ‘Iftar,’ and are able to eat and drink until sunrise or ‘sehr.’ Although for Muslims, this is a time to earn reward from Allah and erase some of their previous sins and is a time to spread their Islamic agenda around the world, and build awareness for their teachings; and create sympathy — and in some ways, a sense of respect in the world — for their adherance to their fast and their rules and regulations. Yet, it becomes a rod for the backs of minorities, such as Christians living in this part of the world — so, please be in prayer for us!

We are, as usual, in the midst of the spiritual battle that comes from the confrontation between Islam and Christianity.

 Pray that we may have strength and endurance through this difficult time. May this season of Ramadhan come to be a time of intimacy with Jesus as we learn to rely on Him and His Holy Spirit — in our decision making, and as we struggle to seek new ways to be a light for Christ in a world where our Christian identity must be hidden. Does Jesus not tell us in the Gospel that we must not hide our light under a bushel? For some of you, it may be very simple to share your faith: ‘Christians should declare their love for Christ.’ But in my world, that comes with a death sentence. Sometimes, God does not lead us to guide a new believer in this way. If a new believer is expelled from his community for his Christian faith, then there will be no Christian presence in their midst. Sometimes, the very silent witness of a new believer speaks louder, and brings many to Christ.

What a faithful God we serve!

In these very turbulent times, when we are constantly aware of being watched, and the Evil One is trying to destroy our ministry, we need your prayers that we would ever keep our focus locked on our King – Jesus, our Lord and Saviour!”

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Lessons from the Book of James: Heavenly versus Demonic Wisdom

Chapter 3:13 – 18

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Heavenly Father – May we grow in your wisdom that sows peace and love within the body of believers, as well as, to those all around us in our daily paths. Help us not to be hypocrites, but faithful witnesses of Your grace and mercy. Amen.

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