Tuesday, October 13, 2009

DAY 21: No matter the cost

Dear Mike,

Today, I'd like to tell you about a Christian
business owner who has a serious challenge on his
hands. I don't want to divulge any names or
locations, as I don't want any undue publicity to
complicate the situation. But I share his story so we
may all lift him up in prayer and ask for God to
provide strength and guidance.

This businessman owns a small shopping center in a
Hispanic neighborhood, which is also the location of
his specialty supermarket. About a year ago, he was
approached by an ob/gyn who wanted to lease office
space for a clinic.

The owner's only concern was whether the doctor
planned to do abortions. She assured him that she
would not, so he agreed to a three-year lease.

The local 40 Days for Life coordinator reports that
several months later, the health department cited the
clinic for various violations and shut the office
temporarily. Among the citations -- performing unsafe
abortions.

The doctor denied that abortions were performed at
her clinic, but independent investigations found
convincing evidence that the clinic offered both
chemical and surgical abortions. That evidence was
then presented to the shopping center owner.

The 40 Days for Life coordinator told the
businessman, "I do not envy you. And I do not
understand why God has you in this position. But this
I do know. God has promised in Corinthians that with
every temptation, He will provide away of escape.
This is a promise from God!"

The 40 Days for Life team went to pray at the clinic
early one Monday and found that although the clinic
was open, it had no clients all morning. The doctor's
receptionist even came out and told the people
praying that she is "going to quit my disgusting job
in two weeks."

One week later, the clinic did not open its doors
all day.

The business owner told the clinic operator, "You
rented from me under false pretenses. I asked you if
you do abortions here and you said no. Now I find out
that you have been doing them all along. Now I want
something in writing from you that you will no longer
perform abortions here or you will have to take your
business elsewhere!"

The clinic owner complained that she has spent a lot
of money on renovations, so the landlord offered to
cut a deal if the abortions were stopped: "If you
tell me what percentage of your business is from
abortions, I will decrease your rent by that amount."

So far, there's been no response from the doctor, and
the doors remain locked. Phone calls to the clinic
are apparently being forwarded to another location,
where callers are told that no abortions will be done
at that clinic until November 6.

It's good news that this clinic is closed and not
performing abortions. It's good news that the
receptionist is seeking other employment. It's great
news that there's a business owner willing to stand
up for his convictions, regardless of the personal
cost. And this battle is taking its toll on him.

Breaking the lease would of course have a financial
price, plus there's the possibility that all of this
will end up in court.

"The clinic does have a signed three-year lease after
all," said the local 40 Days for Life coordinator.
"But the shopping center owner has taken a stand. I
told him twice when he told me this story, 'God is
going to bless you!'"

So please pray!

Here's today's devotional from Carmen Pate, co-host
of the "Point of View" radio talk show...

-----------------------------------------------------
DAY 21 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 by Carmen Pate, "Point of View"
-----------------------------------------------------

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.

-----------------------------------------------------
PRINTABLE DEVOTIONAL
-----------------------------------------------------

To download today's devotional as a formatted,
printable PDF to share with friends:

http://40daysforlife.com/docs/fall2009day21print.pdf

-----------------------------------------------------

For Life,

David Bereit
National Director
40 Days for Life

No comments: