[Salvation]

Day 4 - February 20

 

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
Co-host, "Point of View" talk show

[Salvation]

Yesterday’s email:

Early Wednesday morning — the first day of this
campaign — 40 Days for Life vigil participants were
praying for a young woman who arrived for an abortion
appointment in Cleveland. On her way towards the
building, she stopped and talked to one of the
counselors on the sidewalk.

The vigil participants feared the conversation had
not made an impact. Still, they kept praying.

A short time later, the young woman left the facility
in tears. She could not go through with the abortion,
thanks to the conversation with the counselor —
and the prayers.

Michael in Cleveland says a second life was saved
around lunchtime on Wednesday. 40 Days for Life
participants were praying as a woman left the
abortion center ... smiling. The man with her —
the baby’s father — was also smiling.

She walked over to the people praying and said,
“Don’t worry. I didn’t do it!”

The young couple drove away, happy ... and still
smiling. Said Michael, “Our God is awesome!”

On Day 1 in Huntsville, Alabama, vigil participants
were praying for two young women. One had arrived
for an abortion. The other was doing her best to
try to talk her friend out of aborting her baby.

The two went inside together while the people on
the sidewalk continued to pray ...

... and pray ...

... and pray!

They were inside for two hours, which could have been
seen as a discouraging sign. But finally, the friend
came out. “Did you see how long I was in there?” she
asked ... and then she announced the good news.

“I talked her out of it!” she said.

“Thanks for everything!”

“Everything,” of course, included two hours of praying
intently that God would touch this young woman’s
heart — and inspire the friend who desperately wanted
to see the baby live.

Prayer indeed works!

People praying at the Planned Parenthood abortion
center in Providence, Rhode Island learned that as
well. A woman drove up, eager to talk.

“You were out here praying two years ago when I went
in to have an abortion,” she said. “I just want you to
know that I came out of the clinic that day. I decided
to have my baby. I love her and I wanted to thank you.”

Thank YOU ... and thank our amazing Heavenly Father,
who hears each word of prayer.

Please keep praying!