Christian Commentary Encouraging Devotions

from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ramadan,

this year from Tuesday, August 10 to Thursday, September 9.

The fasting is intended to bring them closer to God.

In addition the month is meant to

- foster a stronger sense of family and community,

- improve one's character and

- amp up good works in the hopes of making them lifelong habits.

Here's praying that many Muslims will find Jesus as they draw closer to God this month.

Jesus has been so good to me!

I want you and them to know Him as personal Lord and Savior.

Drawing close to God should not be just a one-month-a-year intent.

We need to be on fire year-round.

"Being on fire" is an expression used to describe a real sold out, committed believer.

The underlying Greek word for "fervent" is "zeo", which means, "to be hot."

It’s used to describe the preaching of Apollos in Acts 18:25 who "spoke with great fervor."

The challenge in the spiritual life is to "keep your spiritual fervor."

We need to regularly heed Paul’s words to Timothy "to fan into flame the gift of God". 2 Timothy 1:6

And "not put out the Spirit’s fire."

From prayer at the youth centre last Friday night...

Are we convinced of the lostness of people?

People need the Lord.

WE need the Lord.

What are we doing about it?

One of my favorite portions of scripture... 2 Kings 6:13-14

There are more with us than with them.

Sure the enemy forces have ammased and are assailing.

But...God is greater!

Encourage yourself with this thought.

This reality.

There's no striving, no reliance on good works.

There's resting and trusting and waiting and believing God.

If the prayer engine isn't working...

no fire, no closeness, no life transformations.

From the Beatles, of all people,

Help me if you can, I'm feeling down

And I do appreciate you being round.

Help me, get my feet back on the ground,

Won't you please, please help me?

And now my life has changed in oh so many ways,

My independence seems to vanish in the haze.

(You know, that's a good thing...independence vanishing.

We need total dependence on God, nothing less, nothing else.)

But every now and then I feel so insecure,

I know that I just need you like I've never done before.

Remember...

The Israelities went through the sea on dry ground. Exodus 14:19

I sought the Lord and He heard me and delievered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

You, Lord, are my salvation. Psalm 35:3

With You, Lord, is the fountain of life;

in Your light we see light. Psalm 36:9