'Religion of Blackism'

Most people I know, perhaps you could say 'typical white people', were shocked, surprised and saddened to hear the hate mongering of Rev. Jeremiah Wright masquerading as a sermon in a Christian Church. The more I heard the more astounded I became. Rev. Wright's thoughts and speech certainly are not based on the Scripture and do much to destroy the progress we have made in Black/White race relations. Both Black Liberation Theology and the KKK are on equal footing and are equally repugnant. Below is an article from 'OneNewsNow' that expresses my feelings on the subject.

OneNewsNow - 3/31/2008 11:30:00 AM
African-American minister accuses civil rights leaders of promoting 'religion of blackism'
Allie Martin -

Black pastor and author Bishop E.W. Jackson says many African-American civil rights leaders promote anti-Biblical ideas like those espoused by Senator Barack Obama's former pastor.

A minister in Virginia and a former high-level official in the Christian Coalition, Bishop Jackson says while most black pastors do not promote the views of Dr. Jeremiah Wright, there are some civil rights activists who want to encourage division among the races.

Jackson calls the mindset of many civil rights leaders 'the religion of blackism.' "I call it a religion because really what it says is...the ultimate reality is one's race – in this case being black," he maintains. "They are going to be sorely disappointed when they find out the color of your skin has nothing to do with you getting into heaven. It's rather whether you have submitted yourself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ."

Christian voters, Jackson believes, must not sit out the upcoming presidential election -- whether their top choice for president is on the ballot or not. He says it is vital for Christians to call the nation back to God's holy standards, and according to Jackson, voting is one way to do that. "A vote is an offering up to God," he continues. "I believe that we must give an account for what we do politically and what public policies we support in the same way that we must give an account for how we treat people and how we behave in our private and personal lives." Jackson believes everyone is free to vote his or her own conscience. However, he points out that both Democratic presidential hopefuls support abortion rights and special rights for homosexuals.

I am in full agreement, even though we may not have the "perfect candidate" to vote for we certainly will have the "perfect candidate" to vote against. Now more than ever, Christians must be involved in the political process. If you have not registered to vote, do so immediately. If you have moved, changed your name or want to change your political party, you must re-register. The future of our nation depends on it.

Shalom, dear ones

Important Court Case Needs Prayer

I received this email from ACLJ. This is an urgent request.

The ACLJ email says, "I've come to you today, as a member of the ACLJ and a firm supporter of freedom, to ask you for prayer. On March 28, the Supreme Court of the United States will be considering both of our Supreme Court cases involving Ten Commandments displays. In order for the Court to grant review in a case, it is necessary to obtain a four-Justice vote in the conference. You can review a copy of each of the briefs we have prepared for the Supreme Court: Pleasant Grove City v. Summum (No.07-665) and Duchesne City v. Summum (No. 07-690).

As you know, our teams have put in tremendous hours preparing, researching, and meeting pressing deadlines for these two cases. We feel that the Supreme Court should grant review. These are extremely important cases, and the results of the Tenth Circuit's decision should be reversed. The idea that next to the Statue of Liberty the government would be required to erect a ''Statue of Tyranny'' is wrong. That is the logical outcome of the Sixth Circuit's flawed reasoning.

Please pray that we will get the four-Justice vote in Pleasant Grove City v. Summum (No.07-665) and Duchesne City v. Summum (No. 07-690). Thank you for standing with us in prayer."

Please do pray.

Shalom~

40 Days For Life Day 40

This is an email from David Bereit. Prayer is a powerful weapon. Read about the breakthroughs made in the past 40 days:

Today is the final day of this 40 Days for Life campaign. Reports are pouring in from around the country about the amazing miracles God has accomplished incities conducting 40 Days for Life. We will share a concise summary of these reports with you over the next few days (before I take amuch-needed break from e-mail :-) However, let's take a moment to look at the "big picture" of just SOME of the important pro-life developments that have occurred due to the power of prayer since this campaign began on February 6.

DURING THESE 40 DAYS...
1.) Ohio revoked the license of the facility operated by late-term abortionist Martin Haskell. Even though Haskell cut a deal with the state and the clinic is still open, this fresh investigation of a notorious abortion operation has been a major sign of encouragement.
2.) Numerous states, including Georgia and Colorado, conducted courageous "personhood" legislative initiatives, recognizing the humanity of every person from the moment of conception. 3.) South Dakota kicked off a new effort to ban abortion, launching a petition drive to collect enough signatures to put the abortion ban on the ballot this November.
4.) Evidence of Planned Parenthood's racist agenda gained wide-spread media attention over the past few weeks, due to the undercover investigations conducted by a UCLA student magazine editor.
5.) In Kansas, an important hearing date was set to address the 107 criminal charges filed against Planned Parenthood by heroic District Attorney Phill Kline.
6.) In Southfield, Michigan, an abortion center (where 40 Days for Life is being conducted) was exposed for callously disposing the dismembered bodies of aborted babies in a dumpster, an apparent violation of health and environmental regulations -- but more clearly, an indication of the abortion industry's disdain for human life. This shocking revelation made headlines across the Detroit area.
7.) In California, a lawsuit from a former Planned Parenthood Vice President came to light, accusing the abortion organization of over billing taxpayers by $180 million, and identifying many troubling accounting irregularities at America's largest abortion chain.
8.) One day after 40 Days for Life broadcast the story about Eileen Smith's daughter who was killed by an abortionist in Massachusetts, that abortionist lost his license, never to practice medicine again in any state.
9.) A multi-year legal battle against Planned Parenthood in Charlottesville, Virginia -- begun after the organization violated numerous zoning laws to open an abortion facility down the road from a local school -- culminated in a decisive court hearing on March 14 that could result in the closure of the abortion facility.
10.) While attorney general of New York, Eliot Spitzer launched a furious investigation of the state's pro-life pregnancy care centers --specifically targeting fall 40 Days for Life leader Chris Slattery -- threatening legal action against them, at the request of NARAL. Then as governor, Spitzer introduced a bill to loosen abortion restrictions and order religious medical centers to violate tenets of faith. But he was caught in a major scandal that forced him to resign in disgrace. The news that led to the end of his political career broke shortly before he was scheduled to speak to his supporters at a conference sponsored by Planned Parenthood --during these 40 days. Is it mere coincidence that these developments all occurred during the 40 days when you -- and tens of thousands of other people -- were praying and fasting for an end to abortion?Perhaps......But I don't think so :-) I believe that we are witnessing the beginning of the end of abortion, and for everything, God gets all the credit and the glory! But this IS just a beginning. This work must continue until no more women cry and no more children die. Today's devotional is by Father Frank Pavone, the national director of Priests for Life...
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DAY 40 INTENTION
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Let us keep our eyes fixed on the New Jerusalem, where death will be no more.
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SCRIPTURE
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"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"-- Revelation 21:4-5
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REFLECTION
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Every activity we undertake in defense of the sanctity of life is prophetic, inasmuch as it points to the day when "death will be no more." Every victory we have when an act of abortion is prevented is prophetic of that day when death itself will be definitively conquered. Every triumph of grace in this world, whereby someone is brought to see the value of life and given the strength to welcome it, is a breaking into our history of that definitive future inwhich the old order of things will have passed, and all things will be made new. As pro-life warriors, we must keep our eyes fixed on heaven, and our hearts secure in the hope that the day is coming when all evil will be conquered. It is the future that shapes the present; it is victory that informs the battle; it is the destination that determines the journey. Daily, we are called to reflect on heaven. When we weep, we are to think of the day when every tear will be wiped away. When we face the destructive power of death, we are to think of the day when death is swallowed up in victory. When we labor against abortion, we are to think of the day when we will have the rest and peace of the final triumph of life. Heaven is as real as earth, and its joys will be as real as our present sorrows.
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PRAYER
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Father, you are the God of hope. Your word fills us with the vision of the world to come, when every tear will be wiped away, and death will be no more. Father, how we need that hope, how we are strengthened by that vision! Keep our hearts focused on heaven, and diligent in the labors of earth. As we struggle against the culture of death, root our souls in the assurance of victory. We pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done to make this monumental campaign such an amazing success.

Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign
Director40 Days for Life
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Shalom~~

40 Days For Life Day 39

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DAY 39 INTENTION
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Pray that volunteers will replace exhaustion or discouragement with rejoicing over the miracles we have seen thus far, and enthusiastic service as God takes us on to victory!
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SCRIPTURE
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In this you greatly rejoice, though now for alittle while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may befound to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7
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REFLECTION
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We have reason to rejoice when we consider the many babies whose lives have been saved during the 40 Days for Life campaign. Add to those lives, the women and men who have been spared from a devastating decision and now have opportunity to make a plan for their baby that is both life affirming and God honoring. Whether directly, or indirectly, you have contributed to these testimonies of praise with your sacrificial service. Perhaps you have been grieved by various trials during your commitment to 40 days. The attacks of the enemy come in many forms --difficulties in relationships, finances, health. Or maybe you are physically and mentally exhausted and have been marking off the days on your calendar, eagerly waiting for March 16. Consider these trials in light of God's plan for you. The Apostle Paul understood the big picture when he said in Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." This is our Hope and our victory. Let us rejoice in the opportunity to give that Hope to others in our path.
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PRAYER
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Dear Heavenly Father, we sing to You a new song, for You have done marvelous things. Forgive us when we allow circumstances to defeat us. You give power to the faint and You increase strength in those who have no might. We rest in You, dear Lord, and ask You to empower us again for Your service as You work out Your plan for us and through us. May You receive glory through our victory in Christ, in whose name we pray, Amen.
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Tomorrow -- Sunday, March 16 -- is the last day of this 40 Days for Life. But this is not the end. It is merely a new beginning. :-)

Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- Thanks for your prayers for the court hearing in Charlottesville, Virginia yesterday that could result in the closure of the local Planned Parenthood abortion facility. While my family was praying outside Planned Parenthood with 40 Days for Life volunteers, others were attending the hearing. They told me that the judge did not issue his ruling yet, but indicated he would not take long to do so. It sounds like things went well. Keep praying, and we'll keep you posted!

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Shalom~~~

40 Days For Life Day 38

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DAY 38 INTENTION
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We pray for the conversion of all those who refuse to acknowledge that human life belongs only to God.
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SCRIPTURE
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Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."-- Jeremiah 1:4-5
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REFLECTION
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To be or not to be? There is no question! The question of "being" is something philosophers have long pondered. What is the meaning of being and what is the source? In the passage before us, we have our answer. We have being because we are known by God. For God to declare that he knows and sets apart the prophet Jeremiah even before he is conceived indicates that our being rests in God's own being. Because He is and because He wills we, therefore,are and do. The Apostle Paul says as much when he declares before the philosophers of his day, "In Him we live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). One of the tragedies of the abortion culture is that life in the womb has been so heartbreakingly devalued. To embrace the arguments of the "pro-choice" crowd one must conclude that the child in the womb doesn't exist, isn't there, has no being. But nothing could be further from the truth. That child is known by God and, as such, has being.
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PRAYER
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Lord God, we confess that in You we live and move and have our being. Because You are, we are. May we find grace from You to affirm the being of every human and may we labor to make this truth known to the world around us. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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What a wonderful day! Our family started off early yesterday morning in mountainous Franklin, North Carolina where the local 40 Days for Life is being held in front of the county courthouse since the town is fortunate to not have a nearby abortion facility. Their response has been wonderful! Then it was a four-hour drive to Charlotte where we joined an enthusiastic group of prayer warriors who are conducting their THIRD 40 Days for Life! We ended the evening in Salisbury, North Carolina,where I spoke for a pregnancy center fundraiser. Early this morning we go on to Raleigh, NorthCarolina, and then to Charlottesville, Virginia. In Charlottesville, we will join the 40 Days forLife folks and other faithful believers who will be praying outside the local Planned Parenthood abortion center beginning at 1:00 PM -- right before a major court hearing that is being held todetermine if that Planned Parenthood facility violated the law and should be shut down. (I don't think it's a coincidence that this hearing is being held right before 40 Days for Life ends!)

PLEASE keep this hearing, the judge, and the attorney, Mike Sharman, in your prayers. This could be the hearing that closes down Planned Parenthood's Central Virginia abortion facility!

Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- Many people were deeply touched by the audiorecording of Anita Usher talking about overcomingbig challenges. If you want to personally expressyour appreciation to Anita, her e-mail is: anita_usher333@hotmail.com If you didn't hear the recording yet, it is posted online at: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=88
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Shalom~~~

40 Days For Life Day 37

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DAY 37 INTENTION
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We are the defenders of true freedom. May our witness unveil the deception of the "pro-choice" slogan.
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SCRIPTURE
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Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.-- 2 Corinthians 3:17
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REFLECTION
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Norma McCorvey (the former Jane Roe of Roe v.Wade) used to work at an abortion mill named "A Choice for Women." She now realizes what a cruel irony that title was. She saw first hand, just as pregnancy resource center counselors see, that women don't get abortions because of freedom of choice, but rather because they feel they have no freedom and no choice. They feel trapped, abandoned, desperate and afraid, and have been led to believe that abortionis their only option. As Frederica Mathewes-Green has written, no one wants an abortion like she wants a Porsche or an ice cream; rather, she wants it like an animal caught in a trap wants to gnaw off its own leg. "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." That doesn't mean that the Spirit allows us to do whatever we want or to decide for ourselves what's right and wrong. Rather, it means that the Spirit gives us the freedom to do what is right, the power to choose what is good, when we see it before us and yet feel pulled in the opposite direction. Liberty means that we no longer have to feel doomed to dowhat we know is wrong. We are the people of the Spirit of the Lord, and when we take action on behalf of life, especiallyby being present at abortion mills, we are acting on behalf of true freedom, and imparting to those who are in bondage the power to do what is right.
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PRAYER
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Come, Holy Spirit. You are the Spirit of freedom, the source of all that is good, the power to do what is right. Fill us, and fill those who are in bondage today, feeling doomed to do what is wrong. Set them free, and help us to hasten them on the road to freedom, where your grace overcomes every temptation. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- Here's the link to the powerful audio interview with Anita: http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=88 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Shalom~~

40 Days for Life Day 36

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DAY 36 INTENTION
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Pray that those who have forgotten their purpose may discover it in God and therefore have the courage to choose life.
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SCRIPTURE
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These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season, what you give them they gather in; you open your hand they are filled with good. You hide your face, they are troubled; you take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. You send forth your Spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the earth.-- Psalm 104:27-30
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REFLECTION
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"I am a feather on the breath of God." As the quote above portrays, we are upheld by the power and purpose of God. Our very existence on earth, from our body's first breath to its last, when we leave it to return home, is our Father's choice and happens only byHis willing to do so. He who created the universe also created that which is "me." I do not "have" a soul - I AM a soul, as well as a body. My entire purpose in this life is to find my way back to my Creator.
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PRAYER
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Beloved Father, remind us today that there is no truth but you. Do not let us fall prey to the evil one's lie that we may choose death. Remind us right now that you, who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us know right now that you who created all life, are in control of all life, and let us choose life always. Father, please let us hear your voice more today than yesterday. Keep lighting the pathway home, for us and for all who participate in this 40 Days for Life campaign. Father, we're on our way. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
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Margaret, Claire, Patrick, and I just left the Louisville, Kentucky 40 Days for Life candlelight vigil which was attended by over 120 people. It was very encouraging to see so many faithful believers praying and sharing encouragement with one another on the very doorstep of a downtown abortion facility. When a 92-year-old Catholic nun -- who has been faithfully praying in front of that abortion center for years -- asked everyone to sing, the crowd began singing "Amazing Grace" and the music filled the whole block. It was heavenly! With the momentum continuing to build in cities and towns across America, I can't wait to see what God has in store for the last few days of this 40 Days for Life -- and beyond!

Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign
Director40 Days for Life
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Shalom~

40 Days For Life Day 35

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DAY 35 INTENTION
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Pray that all believers participating in this 40 Days for Life campaign will make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3).
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SCRIPTURE
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And the glory which You gave Me, I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.-- John 17:22-23
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REFLECTION
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Christ prayed that all those who would believe in Him would be united in single purpose and spirit, just as He and the Father were united. I find it convicting to consider that those who would run to Jesus with their sins, seeking forgiveness, and falling in love with the Savior, often run from Christians today. Is it because they see division and dissension instead of unity and peace? No doubt Christ is pleased to see the body unified and praying together during these 40 days. This is exactly what we see when we read about the beginnings of the church. Both the unity and the prayer are conspicuous, along with the results of unified prayer. Acts 2:46-47 tells us, "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." No doubt the enemy is disheartened to see the unity in prayer, fasting and peaceful vigil, and he will continuously try to disrupt the bond of peace among brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us guard our hearts and minds, exhibiting the love of Christ that He so graciously gives us, so that those watching will see the love among us and know that He must love them too!
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PRAYER
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Heavenly Father, give us grace in every situation to work toward unity. With humility, gentleness, and patience, may we endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There are hurting men and women Lord at the crossroads of life and death who are looking for love and peace in their lives. May they see Christ in us and be drawn to the abundant life that only He can give. It is in Christ's precious name that we pray, Amen.
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Several hours ago our family joined an exciting 40Days for Life rally in Dayton, Ohio -- outside the late-term abortion facility run by the notorious abortionist Martin Haskell who "pioneered" the partial-birth abortion procedure. Over 100 people were gathered in the public right-of-way, and -- except for the abortion-worker who intentionally swerved her car at me as I spoke to the crowd, coming within a foot of where I stood and spraying me with snow and slush-- the event was a big success. (Jesus did warn us that persecution was part ofthe deal -- Matthew 5:11)Read the story about the event from the DaytonDaily News:-->> http://snipurl.com/21h0q In a few hours we head on to Louisville, Kentucky to join another 40 Days for Life effort. We are so blessed to observe first-hand how God is moving mightily across America right now!

Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

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Shalom~

40 Days For Life Day 34

Read the Praise Report at the bottom of the blog. Good things are happening.

Go to http://www.citizenlink.org/CLBriefs/A000006735.cfm to send your U.S. lawmakers an email asking them to suspend funding for Planned Parenthood while it is being investigated in Kansas and California! Good Work. Please Pray for the emails to make a tremendous impression and have a tremendous impact.

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DAY 34 INTENTION
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We pray for the conversion of abortionists and all abortion advocates.
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SCRIPTURE
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Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil, Learn to do good; Seek justice, Rebuke the oppressor; Defend the fatherless, Plead for the widow. -- Isaiah 1:16-17
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REFLECTION
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God is just. Inscribed around the inside of the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC, are the immortal words of Thomas Jefferson: "I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just." Jefferson knew in the depths of his being that God is just. We, as Christians, ought also to reflect on this profound truth. The justice of God, like his holiness and his purity, encourages us to seek justice for all people. It is the evil deeds and wrong, selfish attitudes of our modern society that have led to the cavalier acceptance of abortion and euthanasia. But, as Jefferson also said, "his justice will not sleep forever." God is calling us today to seek justice, to encourage the oppressed, and to defend the orphans and widows of our society. It is a noble calling! It is one which every true believer, every God-fearing man and woman, should heed with no hesitation and no reluctance. To follow the God of justice and truth is to stand unequivocally for the right to life of everyone, especially the unborn, the physically disabled, and the terminally ill. God's word through the prophet Isaiah is as relevant in today's 21st century world as it was in Isaiah's 8th century BC world. May God's grace help us to defend the unborn's right to life as well as that of the already born.
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PRAYER
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O God, our heavenly Father, give us courage and wisdom as we seek to eradicate the evil in our society. Help us to realize that your divine Spirit alone can change hearts and minds so that all your human creatures may enjoy the fullness of life you intended for them. I pray this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, Amen.
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People in the state of California certainly aren't "honking" because they love Planned Parenthood. The Associated Press is reporting that the former vice president of finance and administration for the abortion chain's Los Angeles affiliate filed a whistle-blower lawsuit when he was fired after raising concerns about the organization's "illegal accounting, billing and donations practices." The federal suit contends that Planned Parenthood over billed California taxpayers by $180 million. The Los Angeles Times even confirmed that a 2004 state audit, "lends some support to Gonzalez's allegations. The report identified more than $5.2million in overbillings just during the 2003 fiscal year." Read the AP news story at: http://www.mercurynews.com/breakingnews/ci_8505013 Is it merely a coincidence that this blow to Planned Parenthood's PR image occurred while tens of thousands of people are praying and fasting during this 40 Days for Life? Perhaps. Regardless, let's pray that this development helps the people of California -- and across the nation-- decide to pull the plug on the abortion giant's $305.3 MILLION in annual tax funding!

Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

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Shalom~~~~

40 Days For Life Day 33

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DAY 33 INTENTION
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Let us affirm the unborn children by our language.
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SCRIPTURE
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Anyone who says to his brother, "Raca," is answerable to the Sanhedrin... anyone who says,"You fool!" will be in danger of the fire of hell.-- Matthew 5:22
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REFLECTION
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Before the schoolyard bully beats up his victim, he calls him names. This is a way to dehumanize the victim, and therefore make it easier to justify attacking him. In this verse from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says that using dehumanizing language is sinful. "Raca" was an Aramaic term of contempt. The respect and love we are called to have for other human lives is not limited to action alone; it also has to manifest itself in language. Professor William Brennan, in his book "Dehumanizing the Vulnerable: When Word Games Take Lives," traces the dehumanizing language used to oppress various groups of people in history, such as our African-American brothers and sisters, or our Jewish brothers and sisters in the Holocaust. He then shows that the same kind of dehumanizing language is used against the unborn, who have been called "parasites," "tissue," and "medical waste," among other things. What are we to do instead? We are to affirm one another, including the unborn, with ennobling language that inspires respect and love. The unborn are precious children, they are our brothers and sisters, they are the image of God. Let us multiply the language of affirmation, as we hasten to the day of their protection!
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PRAYER
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Lord, we ask your forgiveness for any times our words have dehumanized our brothers and sisters. We also ask you to send your grace to those who speak and write in degrading terms about the children in the womb. Convert those who do not see the dignity of these children. Loosen the tongues of those who do not know how to acknowledge the humanity and sacredness of these tiny lives. Keep us all aware of the power of language, and help us to use it rightly in the cause of life and justice. We pray through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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Shalom~~~

40 Days For Life Day 32

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DAY 32 INTENTION
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May we come to know that divine life, in relationship, creates human life. God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit worked together in the work of creation.
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SCRIPTURE
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In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.-- John 1:1-3
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REFLECTION
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"In the beginning" was God. Always, before all times, there was God. This particular God -- the God of the Bible, the God of St. John's Gospel -- is different from all other gods. This God is alive and full of life. This God is not the picture of deadness and death, aloneness and isolation. This God is the picture of life, relationship, and unity. For within this God, within this one God, there are three divine persons who live, who love, and who work -- together. This is the glorious mystery of the Trinity. The Trinity means divine life. The Trinity means three, living Persons -- Father, Son, and HolySpirit -- who relate to each other. The Trinity means mutual love and service among three Persons. The Word was always with God the Father. This Word was, is, and will be the Trinity's second person. The Word is also the Son of God or, as revealed in time, Jesus Christ. God the Father and God the Son live, love, and work for each other. As one, they create "all things" together: the Father creates all things, including all human life, through the Son. So the Father, through the Son, creates all human lives. The little one swimming in his mother's womb, the infant smiling in his father's arms, the child crying in pain in a hospital bed, the energetic teen running another mile, the old man gasping for his last breath -- all were created, at their beginning, by the Father through the Son. No exceptions. Divine life creates human life.
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PRAYER
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[O, Father, although we were created in Your image, because of sin that image was ruined. It took Jesus' death on the cross to make a way for us to call You Father again. And when we call you Father, let your Spirit remind us that even though You gave each one of us physical life, we are Your people only because we have received Jesus as our Savior and received the spiritual life purchased by His shed blood. We praise you, Father, that you sent your Son to pay the price of our sin. Now everyone who receives Jesus is saved because He shed His innocent blood and fully paid the price for our sins. May all people receive Jesus and become Your spiritual children and our spiritual brothers and sisters. Thank you, Father. In Jesus our blessed Savior's name we pray, Amen.] This prayer is from the NYFPC and not the original prayer in the email.
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Please pray today for the continued safe travels of Shawn Carney, who is on the national 40 Days for Life team. Shawn is nearing the end of a whirlwind West Coast tour of ten 40 Days for Life locations in five days, that began in Northern Washington, and concludes in Southern California. I'm hearing great reports from Shawn's stops, and hope to have a report from him to share with you over the next few days!

Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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Shalom~~

40 Days for Life Day 31

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DAY 31 INTENTION
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Pray for opportunities to share with an abortion-minded woman that the newness of life she is seeking is found only in Christ.
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SCRIPTURE
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If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.-- 2 Corinthians 5:17
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REFLECTION
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An unexpected pregnancy is perceived by many young women as the end of their life as they know it. News of an unexpected pregnancy pulls the rug from under her well laid plans. Sadly, these women may choose abortion as a matter of self-preservation, believing that an abortion will help return life to normal and give them opportunity to start anew. They don't see abortion as killing a child, but rather as saving their own life. Of course, abortion will not bring the newness of life they are seeking, but instead will bring death to their child, life long regret, and unexpected -- possibly devastating -- consequences to their own life. Abortion will be the choice made if we don't meetthem at the crossroad between life and death with a better way. Almost without exception, these young women are looking for love, acceptance, and to be valued. In their efforts to have those needs met, they have become promiscuous. Most, if honest, will admit the needs were only met momentarily, if at all, during their brief encounter, and afterward the needs returned unmet. The truth is, only Christ loves them unconditionally with an everlasting love. Only Christ will accept them as they are, and only Christ sees them for their true value in Him. He has a perfect plan for each woman and her child if only she will allow Christ to transform her life as she surrenders to Him. No, an unexpected pregnancy is not the end of life, but rather can be the beginning of two beautiful lives if God's plan for them is given opportunity to unfold.
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PRAYER
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Heavenly Father, you give us a new song, a new purpose, a new direction, a new perspective. You remind us that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but Christ came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. Give us boldness to share this Good News with those at the crossroads. May they choose life for their children and enjoy newness of life in You. Because of Christ and in His name we pray, Amen.
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Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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Shalom~~~~

Who Has Bewitched Us?

I just visited the Pacific Justice Institute website and was amazed at what I saw there.

Item 1: "A three-judge panel of the California Court of Appeals has determined parents in that state have no legal right to home school. WHAT?????? A Christian attorney in Sacramento says unless the ruling is reversed, literally thousands of students in the Golden State will be subject to criminal sanctions." IMPOSSIBLE IN AMERICA

Despite the fact that the article goes on to call it a three-judge panel in the appellate court rather than the court of appeals, I believe the article is trustworthy.

These judges obviously are unaware that "Case law in federal court and by the U.S. Supreme court [has] already recognized that parents have a fundamental right over the education of their children."

This changing the law by lower courts or legislating from the bench is outrageous and must stop.

Focus on the Family just sent me an email with the following information and the opportunity to send an email to the California Court. Please take the time to sign the petition.

From Focus on the Family:
"TAKE ACTION
We are asking concerned citizens across America to sign a petition asking the state Supreme Court to "depublish" the case, which means to apply the case to the family involved — not to all California families."

So where does the bewitching come in you may ask?
It comes with item 2:

A survey on the same website asked: "Is a publicly-owned war memorial with a cross unconstitutional?"

I hope you know the right answer.

These are the astounding results:

yes 58%
no 40%
undecided 2%

If you voted NO, you are correct. There is no "establishment clause" in the Constitution. The letter Jefferson wrote to Christians in New England said that the government could not interfere with the establishment of their church. That's where the word 'establishment' came from. Exactly the opposite of the twisted meaning the ACLU has made it. If you tell a lie loud enough and long enough people will believe it. It's perfectly OK to have a cross on a public building or memorial. We have been brain washed into thinking that we can't. Shame on us.

Pray for America and Shalom~~

40 Days for Life Day30

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DAY 30 INTENTION
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Let us pray that pastors may not be distracted from the priority of caring for human lives.
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SCRIPTURE
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In those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.-- Acts 6:1
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REFLECTION
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More folks learning left some yearning. It is the dawning of a new day. There is much excitement in Jerusalem. Many who dedicated themselves to the faith became disciples (the word disciple means "learner"). The unprecedented church growth was miraculous and undoubtedly brought much satisfaction to the new leadership. The apostles, however, were about to experience growing pains in their master plan of evangelism. Projects that engage the community, especially those that are evangelistic in nature, are high on the list of priorities for every duty-bound pastor. Church attendance is a constant concern for every pastor and often his or her worth is measured by it. Unfortunately, just as the original twelve pastors in Acts, they can be so focused on getting people in that they inadvertently end up pushing some people out. Murmuring is a deplorable deterrent to a harmonious fellowship, yet God used it to get the disciples attention. Those that needed daily attention due to their age and social status were being neglected. This neglect of the Hellenist widows during the daily distribution of food was causing undue grief and needed to be corrected by the leadership. By God's grace the problem was dealt with, but the lesson remains. And during these 40 days, let us pray that today's church not make the same mistake of forgetting the contributions of our seniors, or the needs of the weakest among us, the unborn.
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PRAYER
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Father, in the Church's desire to engage our communities with the Gospel let her not disengage from those who need their care and company the most. Let us gain wisdom from those who have gone before us and cherish their experiences and perspectives. Help us to appreciate every soul in the body of Christ and minister properly to everybody. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Like Galatians 6:9 reminds us, let's not become weary, for there is a bountiful harvest awaiting us if we don't give up when the going gets tough!

Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- We've gotten great feedback on the 12-minuteaudio recording sharing just a few of the 40 Days for Life victories from around the country. If you
haven't heard it yet, it's posted online at:-->> http://40daysforlife.com/blog/?p=80
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Shalom~~

40 Days for Life Day 29

Today's devotional is by Father Frank Pavone, the national director of Priests for Life...
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DAY 29 INTENTION
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We pray for the grace to be strong when others ridicule or oppose us.
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SCRIPTURE
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Anyone who does not take up his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.--Luke 14:27
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REFLECTION
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To stand up for what is right means we stand against what is wrong, and that means that those who love what is wrong will oppose us, just asthey opposed Christ. Taking up the cross means we continue speaking and standing for the right even when that opposition comes. We experience this, in particular, when we are out on the streets, where people are not expecting the pro-life message and where they did not go to hear it. We must remember to never take the opposition personally. When people ridicule or yell at us, we might get aguilty feeling or be tempted to think we did something wrong. We did not. The insults are not being hurled at us personally,but rather at the truth of what we are standing for, and at the demands of the moral law. There are many who are trying to run away from those demands, or who have managed to tuck the abortion problem away into a distant corner of their minds where it can no longer disturb them. By standing publicly for the cause of life, we have short-circuited that denial and frustrated those efforts to ignore the issue. Therefore, some will be angry, perhaps not fully realizing why.
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PRAYER
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Lord, thank you for the grace of being pro-life, and of standing strong when others may ridicule or oppose me. During this 40 Day campaign, may your peace fill my soul, especially when I may endure the opposition of others, and may I become more like Your crucified and risen Son. In His name I pray, Amen.
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Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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Shalom~~

40 Days for Life Day 28

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DAY 28 INTENTION
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Pray that those standing in peaceful vigil will extend mercy and grace to others as they remember that Christ did not treat us as our sins deserve.
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SCRIPTURE
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"You have heard it was said, 'you shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you."-- Matthew 5:43-44
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REFLECTION
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Perhaps it is obvious by now that not everyone thinks this campaign is a great idea! In fact, those on the front lines standing in peaceful vigil are perhaps being cursed and hated for whatGod has called you to do. Because we are all fallen creatures, our natural response may not be as Christ-like as we would hope it would be. So, how do we keep our natural response in check,while allowing the Holy Spirit to empower us to love, bless, do good, and pray for those who hateus or would do us harm? Consider first the Holiness of God. It seems that sin has clouded our ability to think clearly about God's nature. We simply don't have a clue of how outraged God is by our sin, what an insult sin is to His person, or how sin fires the flames of His wrath. Praise God that He didn't leave us in our depravity destined for His divine wrath!Ephesians 2:4-5 says, "But God, who is rich inmercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in sin, made us alive together with Christ; by grace you have been saved." Because of God's mercy and grace towards us, we who receive Him receive eternal Hope. Those who curse you, hate you, spitefully mistreat you and persecute you need that same Hope. That is the only way we can ever expect them to behave differently. Ask the Holy Spirit to love them -- through you --so they are drawn to the Hope that is in you, that is Christ Jesus.
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PRAYER
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Father, may we reflect your character of grace and kindness to those who hate us and curse us. Guard our hearts and our tongues as we respond in love to words and actions meant to rile us or cause us harm. Let others see the Hope that is Christ in all we say and do. In Jesus' precious name we pray, Amen.
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During these 40 days, may God bring about personal conversion in each of us so we can, "give witness to His love and the good news of life."
Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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Shalom~~

40 Days for Life Day 27

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DAY 27 INTENTION
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We pray for the gift of openness to children.
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SCRIPTURE
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Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?" "I don't know," he replied. " Am I my brother's keeper?" The Lord said, "What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground."-- Genesis 4:8-10
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REFLECTION
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God's intention is that we multiply and fill the earth. One of the most pernicious lies that sociologists have foisted off on the public is that the earth is becoming over populated. What kind of a sadistic god would create the earth and human creatures on it, only to have them literally reproduce themselves into oblivion? The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is our divine Creator, has commanded us to multiply and fill the earth and far from letting the population get out of control, He has, in fact, given his human creatures a dominical role over all the lesser creatures. The "birth control" movement, which had its beginnings with Margaret Sanger in the early years of the last century, has led, in many parts of the world, to a birthrate that is drastically below the normal replacement rate. God's Word assures us that children are a blessing, that they are a reward of faithfully trusting and serving God and that they are the crown of their parents' old age. The spread of the contraception mentality that has so permeated our culture is, undoubtedly, a factor in the ready acceptance of abortion. God's commandment to multiply and fill the earth has never been withdrawn. May He help us to accept the gift of children and give him thanks for everybaby who is born into the world.
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PRAYER
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Father of mercy and grace, we thank you for the gift of our children. Grant that every fiber of our being may rejoice when a new baby, our own or any else's, is born into the world. Help us to welcome them as we would welcome you, for whenever a new baby is conceived, another life to bear your image and another voice to praise and worship you, is beginning. In Christ's name we pray, Amen.
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Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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Shalom~~

40 Days for Life Day 26

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DAY 26 INTENTION
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Pray that we fully recognize in the unborn child our brother, our sister, and we recommit ourselves to care for them.
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SCRIPTURE
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Cain said to his brother Abel, "Let's go out to the field." And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, "Where is your brother Abel?""I don't know," he replied. "Am I my brother's keeper?" The Lord said, "What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground."-- Genesis 4:8-10
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REFLECTION
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After Cain committed the first murder in human history, God asked him, "Where is your brother?" He replied by saying, "I don't know." In 1973, the Supreme Court was asked the same question, and gave the same answer. Unable to admit that the unborn children are our brothers and sisters, the Supreme Court said in its Roe v. Wade ruling, "We need not resolve the difficult question of when life begins." Boil all that down to three words, and it's, "I don't know." The question, "Where is your brother?" will be asked at the final judgment. Each person will answer it and be judged by it. May we be judged to have recognized and loved all our brothers and sisters, born and unborn. By participating in the 40 Days for Life, we have been answering that question each day, going to where our brothers and sisters are killed, and proclaiming that we have a responsibility to them. By all the pro-life work we will continue to do, we likewise answer that question which reaches from one end of human history to the other.
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PRAYER
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Father, today we hear your voice, and we respond to the question you ask each of us: "Where is your brother?" We recognize in the unborn child our brother, our sister, and we recommit ourselves today to care for them. Yes, Father, you have entrusted us to the care of one another. We rejoice that you have given us the grace to respond. As we work to renew our culture, we look forward to the great day of the coming of your Son, when every eye will see him, even of those who pierced him, and every knee shall bend, and every tongue confess, to the glory of God the Father, that Jesus Christ is Lord! Amen.
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My family is in awe of the tireless efforts of the courageous people we are meeting while traveling across the Northeastern part of America... Yesterday began in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where close to 100 people processed together to the local Planned Parenthood abortion center to pray in the cold, brisk air. Then we drove to Woodbridge, New Jersey, and joined the 40 Days for Life effort as large snowflakes fell. After that we participated in a snowy 40 Days for Life candlelight vigil in Garnerville, New York with a group of dedicated prayer warriors. We're now en route to Massachusetts where later today we'll join the 40 Days for Life campaigns in Methuen and Worcester. Everywhere we go, we are inspired by the passion and dedication of the people we meet. We are honored and humbled to serve along side so many other faithful servants dedicated to speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves!

Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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Shalom~~

40 Days for Life Day 25

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DAY 25 INTENTION
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Pray that God will bless us with His gift of strength as we respond in obedience to His call.
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SCRIPTURE
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Deliver those who are drawn toward death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.If you say, "surely we did not know this," does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it?And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?
-- Proverbs 24:11-12
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REFLECTION
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In this age of technologically advanced communication, ignorance of human rights abuses isno excuse. We know there are persecuted Christians in China, there is genocide in Darfur, and there are babies aborted and women and families devastated right in our own communities. "But I can't save them all," you say. God isn't asking you to. He has equipped each of us with time, talent, and treasure to do what we can when He provides the opportunity. He has given us His Holy Spirit to empower us as we abide in Him. He is asking us to be on His side in speaking out and protecting those who can't protect themselves. When we are obedient to His calling to get in on the work He is doing, we will experience intimacy with Him in a whole new way. Our faith will increase as we see God at work! You have responded to His call during this 40 Days for Life campaign. Let your efforts be for His pleasure and His purposes. Pray without ceasing!
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PRAYER
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God Almighty, we pray for continued guidance andstrength as we intercede on behalf of the young women and their babies who are stumbling to the slaughter. Open the eyes of the mother's heart to see herchild as you do - a precious gift to be treasured.Let her feel Your loving arms around her and mayshe be assured that you have a plan and a future for her and her child. Give her reason not to enter the abortion clinic. Give her wisdom and discernment to find life options through a local pregnancy care center and may she boldly choose life. Thank you, Lord, for hearing our prayer. Because of Your Son's sacrifice and in His Name we pray, Amen.
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One more thing... Today, please keep the Dayton, Ohio 40 Days for Life in your prayers. They're standing vigil outside Martin Haskell's abortion facility. If that name rings a bell, it's because he the infamous abortionist who pioneered the technique that has come to be known as"partial-birth abortion." Haskell's facility just had its license to operate revoked by the State of Ohio on February 14, one week into 40 Days for Life! In addition, the State issued a cease and desist order on Wednesday, February 27, in response to the facility continuing operations in spite of having no license. A federal judge issued a temporary injunction allowing the facility to continue performing abortions for only 10 more days, and further hearings are expected this coming week. Pray hard! This development is the result of years of prayer and work by local pro-lifers in Dayton, and it would be a significant, highly visible victory if Haskell's facility is forced to close down -- especially if it happens during 40 Daysfor Life!

Yours for Life,
David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life
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Shalom~~~