Dear Deacon John,
The second half of this 40 Days for Life campaign starts today!
How would your city
change if there were 1,000 fewer abortions every year? What about 2,000
fewer abortions every year? That’s what has happened in Jacksonville,
Florida since they did their first 40 Days for Life campaign back in
2007.
Jacksonville, Florida
When we are
challenged to pray at an abortion center, fear certainly comes to mind.
Fear is normal, because the vigil can be hard — especially the first
time. But this fear also offers an opportunity to stretch us … and
increase our faith. And faith in God will always overcome fear.
As we enter the
second half of this 40 Days for Life campaign, click below to watch a
short video I made in Jacksonville earlier this year that illustrates
this:
Now ... find one of
the 306 campaign locations near you ... and remember that it was our
Lord himself who told us to "be not afraid."
Beaumont, Texas
Eileen in Beaumont is also reaching out with words of encouragement to invite people to take part in the 40 Days for Life vigil.
“Please remember,
all of us who come on a regular basis were once newcomers,” she said.
“Yes, we too, had our jitters the first couple of times. But like
everything in life, we soon overcame our fears with the grounded truth
that Jesus Christ is present with us. He protects us, guides us,
consoles us.”
Eileen said some
people are nervous about what sort of sign to bring to the vigil.
However, she said the primary sign each participant brings is “the love
in your heart.”
Poughkeepsie, New York
40 Days for Life
participants in Poughkeepsie are stepping out in faith with not only
their vigil at Planned Parenthood but other community outreach
activities as well.
Pamela writes that
the prayers are being answered. “Last Wednesday, the day when surgical
abortions are performed,” she said, “eight prayer volunteers were
present.”
They watched as a
couple left Planned Parenthood – and had a long discussion in their car.
“They hugged each other and then left the facility smiling,” she said.
They departed without having the abortion.
Here's today's devotional from Carmen Pate of Truth in Action Ministries.
Day 21 intention
Pray that we each will daily put on the full armor of God, so that we are strong in the Lord and the power of His might.
Scripture
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand.
- Ephesians 6:12-13
Reflection by Carmen Pate
I am confounded to see how the battle over the issue of life is perceived more often in churches today as political rather than spiritual. Ironically, the enemy has used this twisted perception to silence many in the body of Christ.
We must see the battle for what it is and if we are to be prepared to face the spiritual enemy on the issue of abortion, we must daily "put on" the armor God has given us:
Gird your waist with Truth (vs. 14) -- Commit your emotions to believe truth and to speak truth, regardless of the repercussions.
Put on the breastplate of Righteousness (vs. 14) -It will protect our hearts -- the innermost springs of our beings -- from all unrighteousness so evident in this fallen world.
Shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. (vs. 15) -- Preparation is vital if we are to be effective in God's work.
Taking the shield of faith (vs.16) -- The Accuser will instill doubt, fear, and guilt. Faith acts as an invisible shield that deflects such false accusations.
Taking the Helmet of salvation (vs.17) -- A helmet protects the head, the brain and in turn our mind and thoughts. Satan hopes we will set aside divine revelation for human reasoning.
Taking the sword of the Spirit (vs.17) -- The Word of God, the only offensive weapon in this armor, was used by the Lord Jesus against Satan. The living Word is powerful and effective.
Our armor is complete. We are ready to wage war, and the next verse tells us how, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit." (vs.18)
Prayer
Dear Lord, as you lead us into the spiritual battle of abortion may we be reminded that the battle is truly Yours. We thank you for equipping us with Your armor. Lead us daily to put it on!
Thank you for allowing us to serve under your command, and for hearing our requests for direction and protection. Thank you for the victory that is ours because of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.
Printable devotional
To download today's devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2013day21print.pdf
Day 21 intention
Pray that we each will daily put on the full armor of God, so that we are strong in the Lord and the power of His might.
Scripture
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all, to stand.
- Ephesians 6:12-13
Reflection by Carmen Pate
I am confounded to see how the battle over the issue of life is perceived more often in churches today as political rather than spiritual. Ironically, the enemy has used this twisted perception to silence many in the body of Christ.
We must see the battle for what it is and if we are to be prepared to face the spiritual enemy on the issue of abortion, we must daily "put on" the armor God has given us:
Gird your waist with Truth (vs. 14) -- Commit your emotions to believe truth and to speak truth, regardless of the repercussions.
Put on the breastplate of Righteousness (vs. 14) -It will protect our hearts -- the innermost springs of our beings -- from all unrighteousness so evident in this fallen world.
Shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. (vs. 15) -- Preparation is vital if we are to be effective in God's work.
Taking the shield of faith (vs.16) -- The Accuser will instill doubt, fear, and guilt. Faith acts as an invisible shield that deflects such false accusations.
Taking the Helmet of salvation (vs.17) -- A helmet protects the head, the brain and in turn our mind and thoughts. Satan hopes we will set aside divine revelation for human reasoning.
Taking the sword of the Spirit (vs.17) -- The Word of God, the only offensive weapon in this armor, was used by the Lord Jesus against Satan. The living Word is powerful and effective.
Our armor is complete. We are ready to wage war, and the next verse tells us how, "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit." (vs.18)
Prayer
Dear Lord, as you lead us into the spiritual battle of abortion may we be reminded that the battle is truly Yours. We thank you for equipping us with Your armor. Lead us daily to put it on!
Thank you for allowing us to serve under your command, and for hearing our requests for direction and protection. Thank you for the victory that is ours because of Your Son, Jesus, Amen.
Printable devotional
To download today's devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2013day21print.pdf
For Life,
|
SHAWN CARNEY
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
|
PS: Please keep the stories coming! If something great is happening with your 40 Days for Life campaign, please leave a comment on today's blog posting at:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=4894
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=4894
