Dear Deacon John,
Men can and do make
a difference — just ask former abortion workers. In particular, they’ve
noticed that no-shows and cancellations go way up when a it’s a man in a
Roman collar who’s joined the vigil. The staff knows right away it’s
going to be a bad day for business.
We are thankful for all the priests and ministers who have helped make more “bad days” possible!
Many members of the clergy have led by example by praying at 40 Days for Life vigil sites these past three weeks. It takes courage ... so thank them when you see them. It’s our prayer that they will be joined by many more during the second half of the campaign.
We are thankful for all the priests and ministers who have helped make more “bad days” possible!
Many members of the clergy have led by example by praying at 40 Days for Life vigil sites these past three weeks. It takes courage ... so thank them when you see them. It’s our prayer that they will be joined by many more during the second half of the campaign.
Falls Church, Virginia
“It’s been great on the front lines,” said Ruby, the 40 Days for Life coordinator in Falls Church, “seeing new and familiar faces, young and old, mothers and fathers and their children. Even saw a young priest from St. Leo’s.”
Ruby also sent along a photo of signs that were posted in the abortion center’s window on the first day of the campaign.
The signs were from Faith Aloud – a pro-abortion group that is behind “40 Days of Prayer to Keep Abortion Safe and Legal.” They even proclaim that abortion can be a “good moral decision.” One young mom who just saw her ultrasound knows that simply isn’t true.
“Thanks to your prayers,” said Ruby, “a precious little one has been saved.” She talked to one of the counselors at the mobile ultrasound unit, who had just shown a young woman the image of her child. The mother decided not to have an abortion.
“This is usually the case when a mother sees the living image on the screen,” Ruby said. “It is no longer a clump of tissue, a product of conception or a pregnancy to be terminated … but a whole, distinct, human being deserving life.”
The young mom is single, scared and has financial challenges, but now knows that abortion is not the answer. She’s getting the help she needs – including assistance to find a job.
Spring Valley, New York
Spring Valley is in the middle of its 14th 40 Days for Life campaign. Eileen sent along a story that shows how the vigil affects not only the people we are praying for … but also the people doing the praying.
“Just wanted to tell you how moved I was today, while standing in the rain praying,” said one volunteer. “A beautiful man came up to me and gave me a container of hot coffee. I thanked him and said, ‘God bless you.’ He left and I was moved to tears. Then a van went by filled with young children and they all waved and smiled at me including the driver! I was so blessed.”
“We know the power of love transforms lives and that each life we touch is a sacred gift from God,” Eileen said. “All nationalities and all people have come together with one singular purpose: the protection of the precious gift in the womb that our God has created.”
Here's today's devotional from Carmen Pate of Alliance Ministries.
Spring Valley is in the middle of its 14th 40 Days for Life campaign. Eileen sent along a story that shows how the vigil affects not only the people we are praying for … but also the people doing the praying.
“Just wanted to tell you how moved I was today, while standing in the rain praying,” said one volunteer. “A beautiful man came up to me and gave me a container of hot coffee. I thanked him and said, ‘God bless you.’ He left and I was moved to tears. Then a van went by filled with young children and they all waved and smiled at me including the driver! I was so blessed.”
“We know the power of love transforms lives and that each life we touch is a sacred gift from God,” Eileen said. “All nationalities and all people have come together with one singular purpose: the protection of the precious gift in the womb that our God has created.”
Here's today's devotional from Carmen Pate of Alliance 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.
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
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
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)
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.
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/media/fall2014day21print.pdf
To download today's devotional as a formatted, printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/media/fall2014day21print.pdf
For Life,
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SHAWN CARNEY
Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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