March 30, 2009
The abortion industry calls itself "pro-choice."
But so often we see that, in reality, their stance is
NO choice -- and if you publicly disagree with them,
they'll call the police to try and harass you.
A 15-year-old participant in the 40 Days for Life
vigil in San Francisco has found that out for himself
-- twice!
The California Catholic Daily shares the story of Will
Campbell, a high school student who was outside a
Planned Parenthood abortion center praying with seven
other people, including his parents.
Will had his iPod with him and a small portable
speaker. He was playing a pro-life rap song called
"Happy Birthday" (yes, "pro-life rap song" may sound
like a contradiction, but there are actually several
tunes out there that fit this description).
"Many people walking down the street, hearing the
music, gave thumbs-up and thank-yous," he told the
reporter. "People going into the clinic obviously were
trying to ignore the music, but kept looking over to
us praying."
But not the clinic staff. They saw fit to call San
Francisco's finest because of what Will was doing.
"The Planned Parenthood escorts immediately started
jotting down notes, making phone calls, and moving
around anxiously," said Will. The escorts seemed
excited that they finally had something to complain
about.
"When the police arrived they simply asked us if we
were playing music to ourselves. We said yes and
offered to turn it down repeatedly if we needed to,
but the police officers just told us to enjoy
ourselves," he said, adding, "the two officers thought
it was no big deal."
A week later, it happened again!
"We started playing the music again, and the escorts
called the police," said Will. "But this time the
officer did nothing but give me a thumbs-up."
You know what, Will? There are many others around the
country giving you a big thumbs-up too!
You can read Will's whole story here:
http://tinyurl.com/dlhetw
Thumbs-up for the 40 Days for Life team in Charleston,
South Carolina as well, who've had similar discussions
with the police -- and obstacles to overcome on the
sidewalk outside the abortion facility.
Vigil participants have been falsely accused of
yelling at the abortion center patrons as well as
pushing, shoving and intimidating them. "Of course,
none of these things are true and law enforcement
knows it," said Bob, one of the local coordinators.
"Nonetheless, because of numerous complaints, we are
being scrutinized."
Abortion supporters have set up their own display --
with posters of Hitler and large yellow signs in bold
lettering that read, "Don't stop. Don't roll down your
window. Don't accept pamphlets."
"We are there to keep the prayer vigil -- and provide
hope, love and referrals for mothers wanting to keep
their babies. Sometimes, women come to us after the
abortion, immediately feeling regret and loss in need
of compassion and referral. We have been given new
visibility," Bob said. "Nothing for the Lord comes
without a little persecution. We can't wait to see
what God will do!"
Today's devotional was prepared by Rev. Ben Sheldon,
president emeritus of Presbyterians Pro-life...
------------------------------------------------------
DAY 34 INTENTION
------------------------------------------------------
We pray for the conversion of abortionists and all
abortion advocates.
------------------------------------------------------
SCRIPTURE
------------------------------------------------------
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
------------------------------------------------------
REFLECTION by Rev. Ben Sheldon
------------------------------------------------------
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."
If the deist, Jefferson, knew in the depths of his
being that God is just, how much more ought we
Christians 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.
------------------------------------------------------
PRAYER
------------------------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
------------------------------------------------------
To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:
http://40daysforlife.com/docs/spring2009day34print.pdf
------------------------------------------------------
Today begins the final week of this spring 40 Days for
Life campaign, John.
Let's pull out all the stops over these last few days,
regardless of the abortion industry's desperate
efforts to silence us!
Yours In Christ,
Shawn Carney
Spring Campaign Director
40 Days for Life