I'm Back, Day 21 of 40 Days of Prayer

We had a wonderful vacation in the Massachusetts Berkshires. We feel energized and over due to be back on the blog. Our computer was not working well for about a week so it was impossible to get online and write. Everything is fine now, praise God. I think the angels fixed it. Again, praise God!!!!

The 40 Days of Prayer against abortion is going well. I hope you have signed up to get the emails yourself. Today's entry is quite lengthy but it explains putting on the full armor of God which is extremely important for us to have on when ever we pray about spiritual/political matters. The blood of Jesus and the Full Armor of God are our protective coverings and we should put them on every day and put them on our children and grandchildren too. Here is today's entry.

"40 DAYS FOR LIFE: DAY 21, OCTOBER 16
Daily Devotional by: Carmen Pate

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. Let's consider what the full armor entails:

1) Girding your waist with the Belt of Truth (vs. 14) -- The waist was generally thought to be the seat of emotions. To gird this area with truth is to commit your emotions to believe truth and to speak truth, regardless of the repercussions.

2) Putting on the Breastplate of Righteousness (vs. 14) -- The righteousness of Christ is glorious armor for us to wear in a world of sin. Satan has already assailed the righteousness of Christ with all the resources at his disposal and found it impenetrable. It will protect our hearts -- the innermost springs of our beings -- from all unrighteousness so evident in this fallen world.

3) Shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. (vs. 15) -- The Christian is to be about the Father's business, that of sharing the Good News of Christ, which brings peace and reconciliation. Preparation is vital if we are to be effective in God's work.

4) Taking the Shield of Faith (vs.16) -- The Accuser of the brethren will send his fiery darts to instill doubt, fear, and guilt. Faith acts as an invisible shield that deflects such false accusations.

5) Taking the Helmet of Salvation (vs.17) -- A helmet protects the head, the brain and in turn our mind and thoughts. God's salvation must encompass what we think. Satan hopes we will set aside divine revelation for human reasoning. He would like for us to be mistaken about the plan of salvation and the daily practice of Christianity.

6) 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. In Jesus' Name, AMEN.

Pressing On With the Full Armor,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director40 Days for Life"

Shalom, Prayer Warriors!!!