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Day 4 - February 25

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:

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.

Carmen Pate
40 Days for Life board of directors

Today, I’m speaking at a 40 Days for Life event in
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