From 40 Days For Life: DAY 8: I want to fast, but ...

Jesus asked His followers to fast ... and He led by example for 40 days in the desert. Fasting is key to our spiritual life -- and growing closer to God by denying ourselves. It is also easier said than done ... especially with access to so much wonderful salt, sugar, carbs and meat! We get asked all the time about how to fast. We cover the basics of fasting in the most-downloaded 40 Days for Life podcast episode. But today, we have a new podcast to help you decide what is prudent and healthy when fasting. Check it out at: https://40daysforlife.com/2017/10/03/podcast-89/

Our special guest is Lindsey Field, a dietician and adjunct professor of nutrition. Pick up hints on how to fast -- and still function healthily in your daily life! Download the "Fasting ... but constantly thinking about food" podcast: https://40daysforlife.com/2017/10/03/podcast-89/ In a culture of plenty, fasting can be a source of tremendous spiritual growth as a way to remind ourselves of our dependence upon God.

Bellevue, Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska North American campaign director Steve Karlen traveled to Nebraska to greet and encourage volunteers at three 40 Days for Life vigils. The Bellevue vigil (above) is outside infamous late-term abortionist LeRoy Carhart's business. Carhart had been flying to Maryland to do late-term abortions at a facility that is now closed. He's reportedly added another business day each week in Bellevue as a result.

In Lincoln, more than 100 people, including a number of religious education students and teachers, showed up to pray "at the biggest kickoff event they've had in years." After an hour of fervent prayer and song, the group gathered at a nearby church for a 40 Days for Life presentation from Steve.

Steve's final stop was in Omaha, where the vigil takes place outside a Planned Parenthood center. Pro-life efforts have strong support in the area around this 40 Days for Life location, with a pregnancy help center on the next block and a nearby church sporting pro-life signage.

Jackson, Michigan The team in Jackson described their opening prayer rally as a "blessed event." These volunteers are into their sixth 40 Days for Life campaign. The organizers offered their thanks to "the musicians, clergy and several hundred prayer witnesses who came to seek God's blessing and glorify Him as we embark on 40 Days of prayer to end abortion and ask for healing for those affected by its aftermath." The coordinators say they will pray "that with God's help, this will mark the beginning of the end of abortion in our city -- and beyond."

Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So, too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him." —Luke 10:30-34 Father, we are moved by the lesson of the Good Samaritan, who allowed compassion to influence him more than fear. Give us the same heart. Grant that we may never count the cost of standing up and speaking out for the unborn. See today's full devotional

For life,

Shawn D. Carney President, 40 Days for Life

40 Days for Life 4112 E 29th St. Bryan, Texas 77802 United States (888) LIFE-316