April 4, 2009
As 40 Days for Life comes to a close the opposition is
getting more vocal -- but it's wonderful to see YOU
responding in a Christ-like manner!
Thank you!!
"The Planned Parenthood people are getting more and
more upset at our presence as time goes on," said
Terese in Napa, California. "They have been taking
pictures of people, trying to make it look like we are
approaching the women going into the clinic and
calling the police because we are loitering."
One man kept demanding to know when the pointless
"protesting" would end. "He told us abortion will
never end," said Terese. "He doesn't know this, but
because of him we began to pray even harder."
People are praying even harder -- in spite of the
weather. While it's starting to get warmer in the
South, and many areas been drenched in rain over the
last few days, a wave of blizzards has created
challenges in other regions.
David in Kalispell, Montana said he was inspired by
praying with a local pastor, late at night, during a
snowstorm. "The Planned Parenthood folks are
undoubtedly hoping to simply outlast us," he said,
"but I for one am ready to commit to keeping on."
He added, "I feel certain that we are close to our
goal if we but persevere in faithfulness until another
'for rent' sign appears."
I also hear from many people who bring their children
to the 40 Days for Life vigil -- and not just infants
and toddlers, but children who are old enough to
understand what's going on -- and old enough to beg
God to make it stop.
Jenna in St. Louis writes that this was her first time
taking part in 40 Days for Life. Once she got to the
clinic, "I couldn't stop crying for two straight
hours," she said. "I was so saddened when I realized
what was going on in the facility."
After that first day, she went back again with her
husband and children. She said her youngest, Joel,
prays from his heart: "Lord, please let the ladies
know these babies are a blessing from you!"
A picture can say a lot, and that's certainly the case
with the picture of Joel that Jenna sent me. I have to
believe the Lord undoubtedly hears the prayers of
children like this!
See the photo at:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=229
"Thank you all for your hard work," Jenna added. "I
have truly been blessed!"
Speaking of the prayers of children -- I told you
yesterday about the young people I met in Mobile,
Alabama. Here's an opportunity for you to hear their
amazing story firsthand.
I recorded a quick audio interview with these young
prayer warriors, who are praying very hard for an end
to abortion and posted it for you online at:
http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=229
Today's devotional is from Carmen Pate, a 40 Days for
Life board member and the co-host of the nationally
broadcast Point of View radio talk show...
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DAY 39 INTENTION
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Pray that volunteers will replace exhaustion or
discouragement with rejoicing over the miracles we
have seen thus far, and enthusiastic service as
God takes us on to victory!
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SCRIPTURE
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In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a
little while, if need be, you have been grieved by
various trials, that the genuineness of your
faith, being much more precious than gold that
perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be
found to praise, honor, and glory at the
revelation of Jesus Christ.
-- 1 Peter 1:6-7
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REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, Point of View
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We have reason to rejoice when we consider the
many babies whose lives have been saved during the
40 Days for Life campaign.
Add to those lives, the women and men who have
been spared from a devastating decision and now
have opportunity to make a plan for their baby
that is both life affirming and God honoring.
Whether directly, or indirectly, you have
contributed to these testimonies of praise with
your sacrificial service.
Perhaps you have been grieved by various trials
during your commitment to 40 days.
The attacks of the enemy come in many forms --
difficulties in relationships, finances, health.
Or maybe you are physically and mentally exhausted
and have been marking off the days on your
calendar, eagerly waiting for April 5.
Consider these trials in light of God's plan for
you.
The Apostle Paul understood the big picture when
he said in Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the
sufferings of this present time are not worthy to
be compared with the glory which shall be revealed
in us."
This is our Hope and our victory. Let us rejoice
in the opportunity to give that Hope to others in
our path.
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PRAYER
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Dear Heavenly Father, we sing to You a new song,
for You have done marvelous things. Forgive us
when we allow circumstances to defeat us. You give
power to the faint and You increase strength in
those who have no might.
We rest in You, dear Lord, and ask You to empower
us again for Your service as You work out Your
plan for us and through us.
May You receive glory through our victory in
Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.
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PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
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To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/spring2009day39print.pdf
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Today -- Saturday -- is typically the busiest day of
the week for abortions in many locations.
To ensure that this 40 Days for Life finishes strong,
if there is any way you can carve out one extra hour
this weekend to go pray outside the nearest abortion
facility (even if it isn't an official 40 Days for
Life location) it could make a world of difference.
Who knows -- God might even use you to help save a
life!
Yours In Christ,
Shawn Carney
Spring Campaign Director
40 Days for Life