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Day 29 - October 20

Intention:

Praise God for His compassion in pardoning our sins and forgiving our transgressions. Give praise that He delights in showing mercy.

Scripture:

Who is a God like You, pardoning iniquity and passing over the transgressions of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. He will again have compassion on us; and will subdue our iniquities.

-- Micah 7:18-19

Reflection:

Micah had been sent to declare God's judgment and call the people of Judah to repentance. The people had become spiritually and ethically corrupt. Prosperity had hardened the rich, the poor were oppressed and the heirs to David's throne were practicing abominations and idolatry. Is it not easy to see the parallels of God's people in Micah's day and God's people today in America?

Through Micah, God corrected His people by demanding justice, not burnt offerings and sacrifice. He told them to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God.

In speaking of Old Testament stories of God's people turning from God to sin and idolatry, Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10: 11, "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come."

Many biblical scholars believe God has removed His hedge of protection around our nation in response to our sins of immorality and abortion. Let us cry out in repentance for His mercy once again. And may we honor His faithfulness by doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, eternal, changeless, and faithful Lord, we recognize that we are in need of forgiveness as a nation, for turning our hearts away from you. Hear our prayer of repentance Lord and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We praise you for your tender mercies and your compassion that never fails.

Lord, it is only by Your grace that we can live lives that are just, and merciful. May Your Holy Spirit enable us to walk humbly in Your presence and may You be pleased to restore America so that a generation not yet born may praise you. In the name of Christ Jesus, who has done great things for us, amen.

Carmen Pate
Co-host, "Point of View" Talk Show

Today’s email:

One of the constant themes I hear is that there is
incredible darkness at abortion facilities. Even on a
bright, sunny day, there is darkness. You can feel it.

Christ said that we are the light of the world. Thank
you for bringing peace to places that have no peace ...
and light to places that dwell in darkness.

AUSTIN, TEXAS

The idea of being a light in darkness was present at
the midpoint event in Austin, where the local team
organized a candlelight vigil at the abortion center.

There’s a picture of an adult and two small children
that shows the spirit of that event most clearly. To
see the photo, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1332

The light is indeed shining in Austin — another young
woman has changed her mind about abortion.

“She and her boyfriend talked to a sidewalk counselor
who was standing next to the driveway,” said Elizabeth,
the local coordinator in Austin.

“They never got out of their car! After chatting for
a couple minutes, they told the counselor thanks and
drove home,” she said. “They are keeping their baby!”

SIOUX CITY, IOWA

Every time I tell a story about children praying at a
40 Days for Life vigil, I get more stories! Here’s
another one.

Karmen in Sioux City sent pictures of two groups of
students praying at their vigil on a day that abortions
were being performed at Planned Parenthood.

“One school traveled one hour to our site and the
other traveled around 45 minutes,” she said. “We had
at least 50 students and it was very exciting!”

To see the photos, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1332

ITHACA, NEW YORK

Mary Anne in Ithaca also sent a picture of children
praying at the 40 Days for Life vigil.

“It is their innocence that touched me,” she said.
“There is certainly something that happens when
children are outside praying.”

Mary Anne watched as a van passed by. The driver
stopped, backed up, and gave the children a thumbs-up.
“I am sure it was encouraging for them as it was for us
adults,” she said. “I was blessed by the presence of
the children knowing that the Lord is raising up a new
generation for Him.”

To see the picture, please go to:

http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=1332

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA

Suzanne took her three children — ages 7, 9 and 14 —
to the 40 Days for Life vigil in Pittsburgh. Shortly
after they got there, the 7-year-old put one foot
across the white stripe that marks Planned Parenthood’s
property line.

An employee came charging out and issued a sharp order
to “MOVE AWAY!”

The children got rattled ... and Suzanne started
wondering if bringing the family was such a good idea.
But about that time, a man tapped her on the shoulder.
After what had just happened, she wasn’t sure what
to expect.

But a very big guy with a very gentle voice said, “I
just have to tell you that I am so pleased to see that
you are teaching your young children how important it
is to stand up for what is right. You are doing the
right thing, you know. God bless you, ma’am, and God
bless your children.”

“That man was sent by God — no doubt about it,” said
Suzanne. “Thank you, Jesus, for giving me just what
I needed, just at the most perfect time!”