Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Day 15: Unity of the faithful

Have you heard the one about the Priest, the Rabbi, and
the Baptist preacher?

No, I'm not referring to the latest joke.

I'm referring to the awe-inspiring way that God is
bringing people of faith and conscience together across
America through the 40 Days for Life effort.

Today, the Florida Baptist Witness published an article
about the unity that is developing around 40 Days for
Life, stating:

"Pro-life advocates in five Florida cities are in the
midst of 40 Days for Life, an intensive effort of
prayer and fasting, peaceful vigils and educational
outreach. They join a myriad of pro-life
organizations participating in the campaign in 80
cities nationwide Sept. 26 - Nov. 4.

Organizations in Jacksonville, Port St. Lucie,
Pensacola, Sarasota and West Palm Beach plan
observances that involve members of several
denominations. The Sarasota campaign has garnered
the support of several churches and organizations
including Baptist, Catholic, Episcopalian, Greek
Orthodox, Jewish and Nazarene.

Gayle Luper, director of the Southwest and Central
Florida 40 Days for Life campaign, welcomed the
broad spectrum of support.

'Rarely can so many people from different religious
beliefs come to agree on a single issue,' she said.
'Obviously, this issue is important to a great
number of people throughout our community.'"

We've seen this same scenario playing out in other
cities around the country, with Rabbis, Pastors,
Priests, and Bishops joining together with members of
their congregations on the sidewalk outside of abortion
facilities during 40 Days for Life.

This aspect of 40 Days for Life is very touching -- and
very personal -- for me and my wife, Margaret.

You see, I was raised Protestant, and Margaret was
raised Catholic. When we met, fell in love, and got
married, we had to find constructive ways to work
through our differences.

A wise mentor advised us: "Celebrate your similarities,
and respect your differences." 15 years of marriage and
two children later, we think that was very wise advice!

During the rest of 40 Days for Life, let's find ways to
"celebrate similarities" while "respecting differences"
and invite ALL people of faith and conscience to join
in this history-making initiative.

Even though we may not see eye-to-eye on theological
issues, we can stand arm-in-arm, committed to speak up
for those who cannot speak for themselves!

Here's today's devotional...

*******************************************************
40 DAYS FOR LIFE: DAY 15, OCTOBER 10
Daily Devotional by: Carmen Pate
*******************************************************

INTENTION:

Pray to God who is able to do immeasurably more than
all we ask or imagine, to end abortion in America.

SCRIPTURE:

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly
above all that we ask or think, according to the power
that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by
Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Amen." -- Ephesians 3: 20-21

REFLECTION:

God's power working in and through His people is
unlimited and far beyond our comprehension when we
submit to God's Word and Spirit. He receives glory when
we are obedient to His calling and faithfully serve Him
in His strength.

Consider God's hand of providence on this nation
because of the faithfulness of a few who were totally
committed to God and His truths. It is interesting to
note the words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta who wrote,
"Yours is the one great nation in all history which was
founded on the precept of equal rights and respect for
all humankind, for the poorest and weakest of us as
well as the richest and strongest."

Just as a few totally committed to God can establish a
nation whose moral standing can inspire the entire
world, a few intent on evil can destroy that standing
by destroying the weakest among us.

As a result of the Supreme Court decision in Roe v.
Wade, one of the greatest human rights violations of
our time is being perpetrated by the United States. And
to think abortion is the official policy of the United
States government!

Mother Teresa, in addressing the Supreme Court of the
United States said, "Human rights are not a privilege
conferred by government. They are every human being's
entitlement by virtue of his humanity. I have no new
teaching for America. I seek only to recall you to
faithfulness to what you once taught the world. Your
nation was founded on the proposition very old as a
moral precept, but startling and innovative as a
political insight that human life is a gift of
immeasurable worth, and that it deserves, always and
everywhere, to be treated with the utmost dignity and
respect."

It is time to restore that dignity and respect. Our God
is able. Are we willing to remain faithful until His
work through us is done?

PRAYER:

God Almighty, Who is powerful and willing to supply,
our hearts cry in unison for You to restore dignity and
respect to human life, not only in America, but around
the world.

Lord, may our hearts remain faithful to your calling,
and may You begin Your transforming work with me. Keep
me ever mindful that with You Lord, nothing is
impossible; without You, I can do nothing.

To You be glory forever and ever, AMEN.

*******************************************************

Your Servant In Christ,

David Bereit
National Campaign Director
40 Days for Life

P.S.- If you've missed any of the previous 40 Days for
Life daily updates and devotionals, they are now all
posted online at: http://www.40daysforlife.com/blog


P.P.S.- If this message was forwarded to you by a
friend, you can sign up for these updates yourself by
visiting: http://www.40daysforlife.com


40 Days for Life
3515-B Longmire #316
College Station, TX
77845

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