40 Days For Life: DAY 29: You know you're successful when ...

Dear Deacon John,

 

Local 40 Days for Life leaders often ask, "How do I know we’re making an impact?" There are many ways to tell ... but one sure sign is when the abortion center starts a "pledge-a-picket" campaign.

It's a fundraising effort they resort to when business starts to drop off. They ask their supporters for donations to make up the income they're losing.

They also try to convince vigil volunteers that THEY are helping raise money for abortion, so if they don't want to do that anymore, they should go home.

It's all bogus, of course. Don't go home! In fact, invite more people to go pray! The show of strength will be the exact opposite of what they had hoped to accomplish.

 

Charlottesville, Virginia

 

When our national director, David Bereit, and I visited the Charlottesville vigil recently, Planned Parenthood displayed this "pledge-a-picket" sign.

While pastors from several local churches prayed for an end to abortion - and 125 faithful Christians on the sidewalk joined them in prayer - three Planned Parenthood employees put this sign in the public right-of-way next to their driveway.

Have they really raised $100,000 in Charlottesville? I doubt it. But I'm pretty sure that with a 40 Days for Life vigil outside their doors, business is way off.

Sacramento, California

 

The abortion center has printed a flyer promoting its "pledge-a-picket" campaign, using a photo of the vigil showing people peacefully standing on the sidewalk. Some are holding balloons.

One woman is holding a clearly readable "women do regret abortion" sign, and another is holding an "adoption, the loving option" poster.

The picture is a total contrast to the flyer's message about the "intimidating protesters" gathered on the sidewalk.

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

 

The local abortion facility is doing its own take on "pledge-a-picket." They’re calling it "adopt-an-anti." They also have people who stand around outside with a big pink sign that says, "Pro-choice, y'all!"

They're asking for donations whenever specific prayer vigil participants show up. If Paul is there, for instance, it's a $10 donation. If it's Claire, then it's a $5 donation.

(Someone asked Claire if she was upset that she only rated $5. It may be because it would be expensive to "adopt" her since she’s out there so often!)

One of the pro-lifers noted this was the only time this abortion center ever uses the word "adopt." The volunteer said adoption is not one of the "choices" they offer their clients.

 

Here's today's devotional from Carmen Pate of Truth in Action Ministries.

Day 29 intention

Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgressions of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us; and will subdue our iniquities.

Scripture

"Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow."

-- Micah 7:18-19

Reflection by Carmen Pate

Micah had been sent to declare God's judgment and call the people of Judah to repentance. The people had become spiritually and ethically corrupt.

Prosperity had hardened the rich, the poor were oppressed and the heirs to David's throne were practicing abominations and idolatry.

Is it not easy to see the parallels of God's people in Micah's day and God's people today in America?

Through Micah, God corrected His people by demanding justice, not burnt offerings and sacrifice. He told them to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God.

In speaking of Old Testament stories of God's people turning from God to sin and idolatry, Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10: 11, "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come."

Many biblical scholars believe God has removed His hedge of protection around our nation in response to our sins of immorality and abortion. Let us cry out in repentance for His mercy once again. And may we honor His faithfulness by doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, eternal, changeless, and faithful Lord, we recognize that we are in need of forgiveness as a nation, for turning our hearts away from you. Hear our prayer of repentance Lord and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We praise you for your tender mercies and your compassion that never fails.

Lord, it is only by Your grace that we can live lives that are just, and merciful. May Your Holy Spirit enable us to walk humbly in Your presence and may You be pleased to restore America so that a generation not yet born may praise you. In the name of Christ Jesus, who has done great things for us, Amen.

Printable devotional

To download today's devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2013day29print.pdf 

 

For Life,

 

SHAWN CARNEY Campaign Director 40 Days for Life www.40daysforlife.com

 

PS: Are you a first-time participant in 40 Days for Life? I'd love to hear about what you've experienced. Please leave a comment on today's blog posting at:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=4990