March 9, 2009
Through the coordinated 40 Days for Life campaigns of
the past 18 months, we know of at least 13 people who
have had conversions and quit their jobs in the
abortion business.
How did it happen? Grace.
It happened because people just like you brought the
love of Christ to the abortion facilities.
We believe that again during this campaign, God will
change hearts when we show up, get out of his way, and
show his infinite love and mercy to shine through us.
There is much hope in the stories I am hearing...
I won't give the locations, because these are works in
progress but these stories show that a smile and a
friendly word can be a first step towards rescuing
people from jobs that are jeopardizing their souls and
destroying human lives.
One of the local campaign coordinators says a
relationship of sorts is developing with staff members
at the abortion facility where a 40 Days for Life
vigil is in progress.
The vigil participants simply stand and pray and the
workers at the clinic have even noticed there's
something different about 40 Days for Life.
"When I was there early one morning, a staff person
came out to introduce herself and to see if we had any
questions or needed anything," said the local campaign
coordinator. "I, of course, told her that we were
praying for her."
Seeds have been planted! When you're at church today,
please pray for this woman -- and all those who, for
whatever reason, earn a living in the abortion
industry.
Another local 40 Days for Life campaign director
reports that a car with two women drove up to the
clinic while people were praying. "One lady got out of
the car and went to the staff entrance of the clinic,"
she reported. "The other lady rolled down her window
and was looking at me, so I approached her."
The young woman in the car said it was her mother who
had just entered the abortion center. "We don't
believe in abortion," said the daughter. "It's just
her job."
The 40 Days for Life campaign director smiled and
said, "She is participating in this, and that's a
problem. I gave her something to read, and she was
anxious to accept it. I told her that if her mother
needs help to get another job that we know nurses and
doctors and we can help her. She was grateful for the
suggestion."
Please pray for this mother and daughter, too. "This
story is another example of why we have to be there at
the clinic praying and not just pray at home," said
the 40 Days for Life volunteer.
"We need to be a public witness. We came out at 6:30
AM, and it was about 10 degrees. It seems like when it
is raining or very cold, God rewards our sacrifices
the most."
Today's devotional was prepared for you by Carmen
Pate, a 40 Days for Life board member and co-host of
the nationally syndicated Point of View radio talk
program...
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DAY 12 INTENTION
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Pray to God who is able to do immeasurably more than
all we ask or imagine, to end abortion in America.
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SCRIPTURE
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Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly
above all that we ask or think, according to the power
that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by
Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Amen.
-- Ephesians 3:20-21
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REFLECTION by Carmen Pate, Point of View
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God's power working in and through His people is
unlimited and far beyond our comprehension when we
submit to God's Word and Spirit. He receives glory
when we are obedient to His calling and faithfully
serve Him in His strength.
Consider God's hand of providence on this nation
because of the faithfulness of a few who were totally
committed to God and His truths.
It is interesting to note the words of Mother Teresa
of Calcutta: "Yours is the one great nation in all
history which was founded on the precept of equal
rights and respect for all humankind, for the poorest
and weakest of us as well as the richest and
strongest."
Mother Teresa, in addressing the Supreme Court of the
United States said, "Human rights are not a privilege
conferred by government. They are every human being's
entitlement by virtue of his humanity. I have no new
teaching for America. I seek only to recall you to
faithfulness to what you once taught the world.
She continued, "Your nation was founded on the
proposition very old as a moral precept, but startling
and innovative as a political insight that human life
is a gift of immeasurable worth, and that it deserves,
always and everywhere, to be treated with the utmost
dignity and respect."
It is time to restore that dignity and respect. Our
God is able. Are we willing to remain faithful until
His work through us is done?
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PRAYER
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God Almighty, Who is powerful and willing to supply,
our hearts cry in unison for You to restore dignity
and respect to human life, not only in America, but
around the world.
Lord, may our hearts remain faithful to your calling,
and may You begin Your transforming work with me.
Keep me ever mindful that with You Lord, nothing is
impossible; without You, I can do nothing. To You be
glory forever and ever, 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/spring2009day12print.pdf
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John, on this, the Lord's day, let's pray for a
profound conversion of heart for all those who work in
the abortion industry!
Yours In Christ,
Shawn Carney
Spring Campaign Director
40 Days for Life