College Park, Maryland -- but I wanted to share some
exciting news about what's happening 10,000 miles away. Earlier this week, we sent you the video David Bereit
and I recorded in London. Today, we have a video from
Australia. We've never been to Australia, but this
short video shows how God is using 40 Days for Life
Down Under. Enjoy the video!
-------------------------------------------------------
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
------------------------------------------------------- The campaign in Sydney kicked off with a procession to
the vigil site -- the Pre-Term Foundation, the oldest
abortion facility in Sydney. An estimated 400 people
took part, including Bishop Terry Brady of the Catholic
archdiocese. "As in previous years, the procession saw its fair
share of hecklers," reports one of the local team
leaders. "One lady began screaming and writing on the
ground with chalk in front of the facility, until a
sudden downpour of rain stopped her mid-sentence." "This Lent, we are going to Calvary, to take love where
there is no love, where innocence is crucified," said
local coordinator Paul Hanrahan. To see some photos of the Sydney campaign -- along with
that video a local group produced -- please go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2717
-------------------------------------------------------
CARSON CITY, NEVADA
------------------------------------------------------- 40 Days for Life in Nevada's capital city started with
a well-attended candlelight vigil. The volunteers will
be praying outside a new Planned Parenthood facility
for these 40 days. The location is not far from Nevada's legislature,
supreme court and governor's mansion -- "just a short
walk away," said one of the Carson City leaders. To see some photos of the Carson City event, please
go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2717
-------------------------------------------------------
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
------------------------------------------------------- This spring, Birmingham is holding its EIGHTH 40 Days
for Life campaign! More than 100 people took part in the candlelight vigil
in front of the Planned Parenthood facility, launching
40 days of prayer and fasting. "We had four pastors
lead us in prayer. We sang in praise and heard
encouraging words from our local pregnancy resource
center director," said Ed in Birmingham. "Over these last four years of 40 Days for Life, we
have grown our pro-life participation greatly and
become more unified in all of our local projects as
we stand for life," he said. "We left that evening
ready to start. Thanks be to God!" To see some pictures of the Birmingham campaign,
please go to: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2717
Today's devotional is from Carmen Pate, a member of
the 40 Days for Life board of directors.
------------------------------------------------------
DAY 4 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, 40 Days for Life
------------------------------------------------------ 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 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. Thank you 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/spring2012day04print.pdf
------------------------------------------------------ Deacon -- let's press on with the truth! For Life, Shawn Carney
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life PS: As always, if you have a story to share about the
blessings of 40 Days for Life, please post a reply at
the bottom of today's blog entry at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=2717 40 Days for Life 10908 Courthouse Road
Suite 102229
Fredericksburg, VA
22408
US
