Can we check sin off our list when we reach old age? Will we ever be “out of the woods” when it comes to temptation? Sadly, no. We’ll always have plenty of opportunities to sin, but perhaps in ways that are the opposite of the sins of youth.

If unbearable pain was the main reason people chose assisted suicide, we would naturally look to doctors to fix the problem. But it’s not the main reason. Unbearable pain doesn’t even rank as one of the top five.

She had been taken from her home and they had not allowed her to return. She'd probably seen members of her family killed, or also taken captive. This nameless servant girl probably had no hope of ever returning to Israel. But like Joseph, she maintained her faith in God and adherence to His ways.

People don’t make it an aim in life to kill their own children. In fact, when such a thing happens accidentally, it’s a great tragedy. 

As the pro-choice side puts it, “No one wants to have an abortion.” Yet there are an estimated 50 million abortions a year worldwide. How is it that so many of us arrive at that choice?

Many explanations are given, but Jesus said evil comes from our hearts (Mark 7:20-23). Abortion is a grave spiritual matter.

We come to the brink of abortion by following the “counsel of the ungodly:”

It’s your life; no one can tell you what to do.

You don’t owe God anything.

Nothing bad will happen to you.

God doesn’t hear you, or see what you do.

God can’t (or won’t) help you.

God doesn’t know what your life is like.

There is no God.*

So, while a person may not set out to get there, he or she may wind up in a situation where abortion “makes sense” . . . is “the only thing to do” . . . seems as though “it will save me from a lot of other problems.”

How do we avoid abortion? By tracking closely after God (Psalm 17:5, 23:3). The person intent on walking in “paths of righteousness” -- following hard after God, familiarizing herself with His ways, conforming to His patterns -- will be spared horrible choices.

What if you’ve had an abortion? The good news is Jesus died for people who follow ungodly advice, and even for those who give it (Romans 5:6-8).

While we were still unrepentant sinners, He paid the penalty for sin. In Him, we have eternal life and freedom from sin. This promise includes people who’ve had abortions.

Since abortion begins in the heart, its remedy begins there, too. Psalm 32 recommends quick and thorough confession. Because he knew firsthand the shame of guilt and the joy of forgiveness, David advises everyone to be open with God about sin.

If you’re thinking about having an abortion, ask God to show you another way (1 Corinthians 10:13). Your local church or pregnancy care center can help, too, with good counsel and support.

*Psalm 1:1; 2:3; 3:2; 10:6, 11, 13; 12:4; 14:1; 22:8; 42:3, 10; 53:1; 59:7; 64:5; 71:11; 73:11; 78:19; 79:10; 94:7; 115:2.

This text originally appeared on our bulletin insert for Sanctity of Human Life Sunday 2009. It sold out, but is worth revisiting here on the blog.

As news unfolded of the rampage at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs, I prayed there was only a coincidental connection. My heart sank to learn the shooter muttered something about "baby parts" upon his arrest.

Life Matters Worldwide and other pro-life groups disavow violence against abortion providers. By its very nature, being pro-life does not permit killing in the name of life. We've had a policy against violence since 1993, and we highlight it every time a murder is perpetrated by a self-proclaimed pro-lifer. (NOTE TO OTHER WOULD-BE VIGILANTES: SAYING YOU'RE PRO-LIFE DOESN'T MAKE YOU PRO-LIFE ANY MORE THAN SAYING YOU'RE A CHRISTIAN MAKES YOU A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST.)

Is it enough, though, for us to publish position papers? Or should we do more to prevent violence? Let's take this opportunity to again emphasize biblical truth:

• Violence separates people from God. (Psalm 11:5, Isaiah 59:2-8)

• Violent people are not like God. (Ps. 54:3, 86:14; Is. 53:9)

• Violent people should not be envied or imitated. (Proverbs 3:31)

• Violent people often meet a violent end. (Prov. 21:7)

• Violent people will be judged by God. (Ezekiel 7:11, 23; 8:17; 12:19; 28:16; Joel 3:19; Obadiah 1:10; Habakkuk 2:8; Zephaniah 1:9)

• Victims of violence are precious to God. (Ps. 72:14, 140:1)

• God redeems violent people. (1 Timothy 1:13)

• One day, God will bring violence to an end. (Is. 60:18)

While it's doubtful someone who is a bit deranged and bent on destruction would first check with us before shooting up an abortion clinic, we can and will repeat these words: The pro-life movement does not "persuade" opponents by pointing guns at their heads.

Yes, we call abortion murder, and yes, we shared the links to the Planned Parenthood "baby parts" videos. We also said this at the time: God is the Avenger of innocent blood, PP workers need Christ, we need to continue working through legal means to defund PP, and we need to pray our government will do the right thing.

Pro-life rhetoric is not responsible for these murders any more than organizations that hold police departments accountable are responsible for the killing of officers. Abortion clinic violence does, however, give our movement a black eye.

In response to the Colorado shooting, Abby Johnson (former Planned Parenthood director) said, "I am so thankful that the anti-abortionists who made threats against my life when I worked at Planned Parenthood never made good on them. I'm thankful that I have been able to repent from my past and find mercy in Christ...and with God's help have hopefully saved more lives than I took."

And Carol Everett, the former director of an abortion clinic, said, "Thank the Lord that I was not killed before I came to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and what He did for even me on that cross!"

Yes, let's keep praying for abortion providers and sharing the Gospel with them.

Related reading --
Noah: Violent or Righteous?
Should We Use Violence to Fight Abortion?

Photo credit -- CTRLF5

In life, there are really only two things to do: Pray or praise. When you think about it, almost everything fits on one of two lists: prayer requests or answers to prayer. 

If something induces fear, doubt, anger, stress, worry, pain, or sorrow -- it's cause for prayer. If it provokes feelings of joy, peace, gratitude, or hope -- take it to the Lord in praise!

People who follow Life Matters Worldwide on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn will notice that our messages often fall along these lines. As we relate prayer requests and answers to prayer from partners around the world, we're growing in our own habit of communicating with God and also encouraging you in that practice.

Over 1200 people have signed up to receive our monthly prayer calendars. Build your communion with God by joining them!

You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many. --2 Cor. 1:11 ESV

How much do you know about President Obama's Health Care package? Does it really include what some are calling a "Death Panel" designed to refuse medical care to those who need it most? Will this cost control work?

These are questions that Howard Dean (former Democratic Presidential Candidate) addressed on Monday. Dean authored an Op-Ed Article in the Wall Street Journal sharing his concerns regarding the law. 

As Obamacare launches, all citizens should ask the following questions: 

• Who will serve on this committee? Currently the "Death Panel" or IPAB (Independent Panel Advisory Board) will be appointed by the President. In the words of Representative Paul Ryan, the members are "15 unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats in charge of Medicare...”
• How will it affect the lives of our elderly? Dean claims, “By setting doctor reimbursement rates for Medicare and determining which procedures and drugs will be covered and at what price, the IPAB will be able to stop certain treatments its members do not favor by simply setting rates to levels where no doctor or hospital will perform them."

BUT WHAT CAN YOU DO? 

1. Become informed. Spend 2 minutes reviewing Dean's article! It will provide the information you need.
2. Pray. "pray continually," 1 Thessalonians 5:17
3. Vote. "Rescue those being lead away to death; hold back those staggering towards slaughter. If you say, "We knew nothing about this," does not HE who weighs the heart perceive it? Proverbs 24:!1-12a
4. Support programs that value the end of life. Do you know about LIFT? LIFT is a ministry of compassionate care to people with chronic or terminal illnesses. It includes their loved ones, who are facing extraordinary pressures that can be physically, emotionally, and spiritually draining. 
   

We worship a God who values all life. Let us committee, together, to follow his lead.

“If there is one single molecule in this universe running around loose, totally free of God’s sovereignty, then we have no guarantee that a single promise of God will ever be fulfilled.” 

― R.C. Sproul, Chosen by God

Many of us struggle with the concept of God’s sovereignty.  If God is good, all powerful and totally in control, then why does HE allow evil to persist?  God answers our concerns with the following verses:

“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.  The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:8-9

Today, we were reminded that the God we serve has HIS own timing.  We are grateful that in HIS perfect time HE answered the long standing prayers of so many by closing this facility. 

Do you have something that you have been praying for?  Do not be discouraged.  HE hears us and will answer in HIS perfect time!

Seventh Abortion Clinic Closes in Michigan in Eight Months

By Jill Stanek, Lansing, MI

Great news comes from Michigan of yet another abortion clinic closing - Birth Control Center in Sterling Heights.

Read Full Article...

Last week, President Obama closed an address to the Planned Parenthood Federation of America with these words:

“Thank you, Planned Parenthood. God bless you. God bless America.”

We can understand why he would thank them, having received from them substantial campaign contributions (over $4 million), but an invocation of blessing is hard to swallow. This group is the largest abortion provider in the nation.

You can read more about the triangulation of Obama, Planned Parenthood, and the scandal of Kermit Gosnell's "house of horrors" abortion clinic at links below. What we want to invoke from the Lord is conviction of sin in all their hearts. 

Only the Holy Spirit can bring true conviction. And it would be a true blessing, because conviction of sin leads to regeneration and repentance and faith. So please pray with us to that end.

Related reading:

• Obama takes swipe at pro-life activists, ignores Gosnell during Planned Parenthood speech
• Planned Parenthood, the abortion industry, and Kermit Gosnell: What did they know, when did they know it, and what did they do?
• Gloria Steinem stresses reproductive rights at Planned Parenthood gathering
• Six Degrees of Kermit Gosnell: Links to Planned Parenthood, Obama

Even though spring is taking its time establishing itself in Michigan, the calendar says it's here. Not only are flowers attempting to bloom, but our prayer calendar is bursting with prayer requests concerning springtime events hosted by centers all over the nation, like these from this past week and the coming one:

• Pregnancy Resource Center of Shiawassee County (MI) - banquet this past Tuesday
• Shared Pregnancy Women's Center, Lansing, MI - banquet Thursday (yesterday)
• Rachel's Hope in Austin, MN - abstinence rally at a local high school
• Life Walks and other fundraising events at Havelock PRC and HELP Crisis Pregnancy Center in North Carolina
• BBB campaigns for Flint Crisis Pregnancy Services (MI) between Mother's and Father's Day
• Beginnings Care for Life in Coldwater, MI - Life Walk coming up May 4
• Pregnancy Helpline of Three Rivers, MI - banquet April 29
• Modesto Pregnancy Center (CA) - Life Walk next Saturday and June volunteer training
• Metro Women's Center, Crystal, MN - Life Walk next Saturday
• Hope Women' Resource Clinice (Beaumont, TX) and Alternatives of Kalamazoo (MI) - praising the Lord for the outcome of fundraising events in April

In addition, we learned about four banquets going on to benefit the Lakeshore Pregnacy Centers in Holland, Grand Haven, Allegan, and Allendale (MI). What a lot for executive director Carolyn Doyle to manage in one week!

Events like this require a lot of preparation by staff and prayer by supporters. The centers not only want to raise money and recruit volunteers, they also want to create greater awareness of abortion, the needs in their community, and the potential for ministry.

Please access the current prayer calendar and get involved with these and other centers by praying they will succeed in all their goals for these events.