House Democratic leaders Thursday abandoned a long struggle to strike a compromise on abortion in their ranks, gambling that they can secure the support for President Barack Obama's sweeping health care legislation with showdown votes looming as early as next week...
The Daily Caller reports:
Two pro-life House Democrats did not sound optimistic Thursday about the prospects for reaching a compromise on abortion language in the health care bill.
Rep. Bart Stupak, mobbed by reporters on his way into a meeting of House Democrats to examine parts of the bill, was asked if he will require a guarantee that the Senate fix the language if the House passes it.
“There is no guarantees in this town,” Stupak said.
Today, March 10, is the National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers. The many health care professionals who make abortion access a reality by providing counseling, scheduling appointments, and assisting with or performing abortions are doing necessary work despite immense stigma and hatred, and they have my heartfelt thanks.
With this in mind, I would ask that you watch the following videos and then pray for a Mass Exodus of workers out of the abortion industry!
This led to speculation that Rep. Bart Stupak - who has been a spokesperson for a group of democrats opposed to current abortion language in the health care legislation - may be ready to compromise on the language of the bill and cut a deal.
Yesterday, The Weekly Standard reported this:
Michigan Democrat Bart Stupak said yesterday at a townhall in his home state, "I'm more optimistic than I was a week ago" that a deal could be reached to pass a health care bill that bans public funding of abortion. Some speculated that this meant Stupak was ready to cave. "Obviously they don’t know me," Stupak said in an interview this afternoon with THE WEEKLY STANDARD. "If I didn’t" cave in November, "why would I do it now after all the crap I’ve been through?"
“We’re getting a lot of pressure not to say anything, to try to compromise this principle or belief,” Stupak said. “[T]hat’s just not us. We’re not going to do that. Members who voted for the Stupak language in the House – especially the Democrats, 64 Democrats that voted for it – feel very strongly about it. It’s been part of who we are, part of our make up. It’s the principle belief that we have. We are not just going to abandon it in the name of health care.”
Yes, Stupak is getting pressure from leadership in his party to keep his mouth shut and even compromise, but it is vital to remember that we battle not with flesh and blood but with principalities and powers in heavenly places (Eph. 6:12). Folks we are waging war against spiritual wickedness. And the enemy is not taking any of it lying down...
One of the problems with the atrocity of abortion and the attitude we have toward it is our cultural desensitization of the Bible. We talk often about how abortion is a term that’s lost its meaning to many, but we neglect the undertones that drive abortion, which are financial. The classic parallel Scriptures in Matthew 6:24 and Luke 16:13 are ones most of us have heard since we were children: “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Luke 16:13) We’ve grown up knowing worshiping money instead of God is bad, and we don’t do it. Do we?
Mammon can’t simply be translated money, as we often use it. It’s about more than money. Mammon was actually the god of riches. The word itself encompasses more than just how much money we have, but it also places value on wealth, possessions, and our heart toward these things.
A dramatic pro-life rescue recently took place in Las Vegas, after a woman who had already started the process of a late-term abortion was convinced to reverse the procedure and save her unborn child, and in the process overcame a drug addiction.
The National Catholic Register reports:
...most pro-life activists and doctors are not aware that the process of some late-term abortions can be reversed once it has begun. But luckily for Jamie Stout and her healthy unborn baby, two pro-life activists knew this was the case and were able to reach out her and convince her that she still had a window of opportunity to stop the death of her child.
"During the 111th congress, opponents of Democratic legislative initiatives incorrectly began to refer to the budget reconciliation process as the nuclear option."
We have been talking about "reconciliation" for some time now. And while it has only been rumored that Senate democrats will use this method to push through health care legislation, I think everyone saw this coming.
It’s not okay to be silent and claim peace in the name of tolerance and love. Increasingly, I’m struck by the passivity of believers on the issue of abortion.
As I read John 17 the other day, a familiar verse took on deeper meaning for me. Scarcely a Christian alive doesn’t recognize that this is Jesus’ prayer for the unity of the believers when He says:
I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. (John 17:9)
When I read Jesus specifically saying His request was only for believers, I began meditating on this. I know many Christians who think that we should be peaceful at all times, including being silent about abortion. They tell me we have no right to judge what another person does as long as we don’t do it since we know it is wrong.
I had an ingenious idea this morning. You know those red lights? The ones that stop you in your tracks when your least expecting it. You’re soaring down the road, blasting your favorite tunes, hoping to get to work before the boss sees your cubicles empty. You're right about to pass through the promised land, when the beautiful yellow turns a darker shade. “Noooo!!! you cry..not red..ahh!”. Next thing you know that 20 second pause turns into an eternity of waiting...
This morning I was in that predicament when a thought came to my mind. "What if I prayed the LIFE band prayer”? It was a new and quite wonderful thought. I saw the light (no pun intended...ha), glanced down at my LIFE band and before you know it I was praying for the ending of abortion.
I realized something today when I was staring at a box of life bands. On the package plain and clear it proclaims "Bound 4 Life Covenant“….
H.R. 1822, the Prenatal Non-Discrimination Act (PreNDA), could be our Solution to Abortion Industry's Targeting of Minorities.
On January 18, 2010, many pro-life people gathered to pray and stand for life in America. I truly believe and live my life in such a way in which confirms that power of prayer! Yet, I also yearn to see myself and others rise up to be the answers to our prayers. As we see a massive prayer movement arise in America for the ending of abortion and righteousness in this nation, we also want to see “feet” to our prayers.
Congressman Trent Franks has written a fairly new bill that would be an answer to ending the abortion industry's targeting of minorities. Here is part of his speech regarding the bill and its intent:
"Today, we remember Martin Luther King, Jr. for dedicating his life to the fulfillment of a truth outlined in the Declaration of Independence: that all men are created equal, regardless of their skin color. While we have come a long way in the 40+ years since his death, another major hurdle in the Civil Rights Movement still looms before us: the disturbing targeting of minority populations by the abortion industry."
I recently had the pleasure of attending a baby shower held on behalf of a beautiful, 15 year old girl. This African-American teenager went through the shock and pain of a “crisis pregnancy”. Her mother and then boyfriend strongly encouraged her to abort her unexpected child. Her believing Grandmother spoke up and refused to let that happen. She stepped in and offered to take the girl into her home and help her raise her baby. As the grandmother later told me “Abortion is murder, and no matter how this child has come into the world, I would not let my granddaughter kill her”.
Obviously, the phrase itself isn’t the problem; it’s when it’s used for absolution, not action.
God is on the throne. God uses His people to carry out His work. These facts are not mutually exclusive. Throughout the Bible, we see God telling His people to petition Him to move to solve a problem. The oft-quoted corporate prayer verse, II Chronicles 7:14, actually is nestled between two verses we don’t hear so much...
I was one of thousands who gathered in Houston to take a stand in prayer against the Planned Parenthood abortion Super Center Jan. 18. The experience was awesome, encouraging, and sobering, all at once, but the one element that has not left me was a small one: the group of pro-abortion protesters who were barricaded by police directly across from where I spent the first two hours of the Siege.
We tweeted this picture earlier today but I wanted to make sure everyone had a good chance to see this.
This image is seriously one of the saddest things I have ever seen. Please pray for the ending of abortion.
As we prepare to take a massive stand this weekend in Houston against the Planned Parenthood clinic being erected, my heart has been stirred by a Scripture that hold s a principle we in America often like to ignore.
Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil. (Ecc. 8:11)
In our nation, we have not begun to see trouble on a widespread basis. One reason 9/11 stunned us so much is because we felt invulnerable. It seemed unless we chose to go to war, we were immune. But just like war, sometimes if we don’t choose to go, we will suffer greater. A delayed judgment isn’t an absence of judgment.
It can be easy, when years go by and we remain comfortable, to think that that judgment stuff is “Old Testament law” and since God is merciful and it will be okay. We say things like “I hate abortion but there are so many problems in the world, and we can’t fight them all.”
But we can fight this...
The hour is late and we are at a turning point in America. A time where our nation could plunge deeper into depravity and death or be lifted up to life. The hour is urgent and every single second counts. What you do now, in this very minute, counts in the courts of heaven. As I write this, the 2nd largest abortion clinic in the world is being built in Houston, TX. I feel impressed from the Lord, to not just consider this a massive abortion clinic. The term is too normal, too familiar for many of us. This is much more than a abortion clinic. This is an altar for child sacrifice and demon worship.
Throughout history men have slaughtered their children to appease the gods and offer them worship. Think of the nations of this world filled with temples and monuments built for ritual killings. We visit those nations and shudder to see the altars they've erected to false gods. Yet those altars pale in comparison to what is being built in Houston, TX.
Earlier this year the Lord gave us something very special - something that has become very near and dear to my heart. It became a simple yet powerful website called "First Of All." The premise is this:
As an African American woman, abortion survivor and general lover of mankind, I have to say that I am outraged over what is happening in Houston, TX right now. Even now as I write this the 2nd largest abortion facility in the world is being constructed in our nation. This is atrocious beyond words. What's particularly grievous to me is the fact that this death-center is being built right in the middle of 4 minority neighborhoods. Three of these neighborhoods have an average 85% Hispanic population and the fourth is 80% Black American. Planned Parenthood founder, Margaret Sanger's agenda from the start of her organization, was to use birth control and abortion to bring about black genocide.
The second largest abortion clinic in the world is being built at this present moment in Houston, Texas. This six-story Planned Parenthood abortion "Super Center" is right in the middle of four (4) minority neighborhoods. Three average to 85% Latino in population and the other is 85% Black American. Planned Parenthood is targeting these minority pro-family communities, both for their finances and the restriction of their populations. But, there is a voice rising out of Houston and out of Texas, declaring, "We don't want this in our neighborhoods!"
On Martin Luther King Jr.'s holiday, January 18th, 2010, thousands are gathering to march against this Goliath to pray, fast, and peacefully siege this massive injustice in the spirit of that great liberator Martin Luther King Jr. This is a great hour for the Hispanic pro-LIFE people, Catholic and Evangelical, to raise their voices against abortion and for adoption. Public opinion over abortion is shifting radically in America to pro-LIFE at the same time this facility is exalting itself above the humble and oppressed.
While we have known that some Christian denominations have swayed to a liberal side on issues such as abortion, even the United Methodists have now joined the ranks of publicly petitioning against the very amendment we cry out to God and to our nation’s leaders to support. This letter to the Senate appeared Monday and is a disturbing reflection of a tolerant religious spirit that is sweeping across Christianity. The amendment, once again, doesn’t even take away abortion; it simply means we don’t have to pay for it. Some people within the streams of Christianity now feel that we should not limit abortion at all:
The groups say their position is that there is a "social and moral obligation to ensure access to" abortions "at every stage in an individual’s life."
President Obama is arguing that it’s necessary to pull the Stupak Amendment banning federal funding of abortions because he doesn’t think we should alter the status quo. The definition of status quo is the existing state of affairs, the ways things are. With that definition, he is arguing against himself because currently my money does not pay for the shedding of innocent blood without my having a choice. The status quo, in this case, works for me. There is a cultural definition of status quo that it appears the president likes better. It says:
“The existing order of things; present customs, practices, and power relations: ‘People with money are often content with the status quo.’ ”
On the siege line, there is a battle that rages around and within. Shouts of profanity might fill your ears. Sorrow might fill your heart as you witness firsthand such brazen infamy. What seemed so noble at first begins to feel distasteful. “Don’t you have anything better to do? Mind your own business!” Or so the voices say.
Yet there is a motivation that surpasses the discouragement of injustice and disdain. It is a motivation that surpasses human ability, and has strengthened my hope, time and time again. It is something more powerful than death, and to which all resistance must ultimately give way – the persevering love of Jesus Christ.
The nation was gripped a couple weeks ago when up to 20 people watched a gang rape of a 15-year old girl take place and no one spoke up or called the police. CNN reported on the psychology of bystanders and looked at the history of those who have stood passively by while acts of violence occurred.
Often we remain horrified at these acts, declaring we would certainly intervene, but don’t see the parallel in our own call to contend for the ending of abortion in America.
Pregnancy is an encounter with God Himself. Every child newly formed in the womb reveals the presence of our Father in heaven. It is God at the height of His loving wisdom and brilliant artistry. It represents His commitment as our Creator to newness of life, the wellbeing of humanity and our very redemption. It represents hope.
One of the schemes of the evil one in our generation has been to shroud pregnancy with shame. Yet the Word of God portrays it as a cause for great rejoicing!...
"We're working very closely with Bart Stupak (D-MIch.) and that coalition of Democrats to write a the bill in a way that makes it absolutely clear that no public dollars can go to funding abortions as part of the health reform bill," Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), the assistant to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), said during an appearance on Fox News this morning.
"We're trying to codify the Hyde amendment as part of the health care reform bill," Van Hollen explained.
On Monday the Senate Finance Committee’s health care bill was filed in the Senate. Take a look at the 1,502 pages, and it’s what you won’t find that is so unsettling. To date every single attempt by pro-life lawmakers to insert language that guarantees what President Obama promised has been blocked or voted down. That promise from his speech to the joint session of Congress was that there would be:
“No government funding of abortion.”
The Committee’s bill has no language that expressly prevents the inclusion of abortion under government-run health care. Disinformation and confusion persist even as polls show that the overwhelming majority of Americans DO NOT want taxpayer-funded abortion.
When I was a little over 18 weeks pregnant with my now pre-school child, I did a second trimester abortion for a patient who was also a little over 18 weeks pregnant. As I reviewed her chart I realised that I was more interested than usual in seeing the fetal parts when I was done, since they would so closely resemble those of my own fetus.
We (Bound4LIFE) are a prayer focused organization. It's what we do. It's who we are. Before anything else, we believe that prayer is our greatest weapon in the ending of abortion AND we believe firmly that history belongs to the intercessor!
Needless to say, when I hear "ministers" praying for God to bless abortion doctors and nurses and enable them to continue to provide abortion services to all women, I get more than a little creeped out.
“Gracious and loving God, be with all of those brave souls who make abortion possible. Hold them in your loving embrace and keep them safe— doctors, nurses, clinic staff, administrators, janitors and counselors and receptionists—all those who labor to provide abortions to those in need. Bless them and keep them safe from harm and harassment, intimidation and fear. Hear us, O God, as we lift up our voices to you, and say in all your many names- Amen.”
Last night CNN ran an extraordinary report called "Abortion support falls sharply, new research finds." In it they cite a new Pew study released yesterday that strongly reinforces research that emerged at the beginning of the summer showing that the majority of Americans have switched from being pro-choice to being pro-life. This dramatic shift in public opinion marks a turning point in the nation and the abortion debate. Intrigued by this unexpected turn, Pew Research conducted a more in-depth study and released a six-page report breaking down the pro-life shift in detail.
As we continue in this season, of turmoil and tension, in our nation it is good to be reminded how we are to fight. There is a huge difference between being politically minded in attacking a giant like abortion and being spiritually minded. Thinking only politically will always have you watching the headlines, using only common sense, and thinking out loud constantly. It really is impossible to fight the logic driving abortion with our own man made logic. For example, activist that are “pro-life” and go protest yet use hate as their derivative for propaganda. This is beneficial to no one.
After all the blunt force trauma of August's town hall meetings there seemed to be a possible compromise on the horizon for a mandated public option in ObamaCare. We all heard the President say in the last week that he would be open to passing a bill that doesn't include it. But that might be changing. One wonders what special interest pressures are being exerted behind the scenes. Media outlets are now pondering if the President has been rolled on it again.
I was thinking this morning about the very real possibility of Planned Parenthood in Sioux Falls, SD being shut down this week and South Dakota becoming the first abortion-free state in America (see "Planned Parenthood License Could Be Suspended"). I can't think about something like that and not think about my dear friend Dr. Patti. She used to perform abortions for Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota. Now she loves Jesus and carries a profound message of his love, forgiveness and the power of his blood. I hope watching this again (or for the first time if you've never seen it) blesses you and acts like gasoline on the fire of your prayers.
(see video after the jump)
We're really excited today by what we're seeing happen with the new First of All campaign. We launched the new site only 12 days ago, and already we're approaching 2,500 prayers posted to the site. Thanks to everyone who's joined in on all the excitement.
Weekly updates from Bound4LIFE with Executive Director Matt Lockett.
FoxNews released a report today stating that China currently performs a mind-numbing 13 million abortions per year. In addition to that approximately 10 million abortion pills are sold each year.
My team and I have been "prayer walking" the House office buildings in the morning this week. First thing today it was reported from House Majority Leader Hoyer and Speaker Pelosi that it had been decided to postpone a vote on the current Health Care Bill until after Labor Day. This comes as a specific answer to prayer to slow this process down. I feel as though our prayers have been sand in the gears for what seemed impossible to stop not many days ago.
We are in the final days of working out the bugs of a new interactive website called "First of All." In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 Paul wrote to Timothy, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority..." A few months ago the Lord began to speak to us specifically about how He wanted prayer for members of Congress. Now it's one thing to pray for them all together as "Congress," but it's its an entirely different feat to pray for them all individually by name... All 535 of them!
I am not my bible college study,
I am not my favorite store,
I am not my unique brands,
I am something deeper to my core.
When Vic Pentz opens his arms to welcome newcomers, it takes on a different meaning now. That's because the Atlanta pastor recently made a promise from the pulpit to take in any newborn baby brought to the church.
Bound4LIFE wants to invite you to become part of the prayer revolution to end abortion.
Well exactly how are you supposed to do that anyway?
Supreme Court justice nominee, Sotomayor, starts her interviews today.
When the Lord called me directly into the pro-life movement, He first established that my posture was to be rooted and grounded in the prayer movement. As we all process this horrendous event even as the debate heats up concerning the next Supreme Court nominee and tax-paid-for abortion in health care reform I’d like to offer some encouraging words.
Executive Director of Bound4LIFE, Matt Lockett, talks about Supreme Court nominee Sotomayor.
This text was found on a scrap of paper in the home of an African pastor shortly after he was martyred.
Be encouraged! Be patient and endure. Our cause is worthy and our victory is secure.
Weekly updates from Bound4LIFE with Executive Director Matt Lockett.
And, insomuch as we know that, by His divine law, nations like individuals are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war, which now desolates the land, may be but a punishment, inflicted upon us, for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole People? We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God.
Just as John was a sign to His generation, I believe that we are called to be a sign in our generation. We are to stand unshaken by the winds until we see the promise. We are to stand to minister and appeal to the Lord not to impress anyone with our appearance or wise and persuasive words. There will be a day when our lifestyle and our stand with LIFE tape on our mouths will be proven WISE!
Please listen to this brief recorded message from Troy Newman together with Pat Mahoney. Troy calls for emergency prayer today (and particularly this morning) concerning the jury and instructions for their deliberation.
I am writing to you today to let you know that we will be relocating our headquarters to the DC area at the beginning of next week. So far we’ve been splitting our time in each office, but this will be the final move for all staff and equipment.
Hannah understood that she could make a difference! Her prayers moved and shifted a nation. Her faithfulness to the Lord to dedicate Samuel and raise him in the fear of the... She bore fruit in the midst of barrenness through intercession.
Weekly video updates from Bound4LIFE with Executive Director Matt Lockett.
Matt Lockett, Executive Director of Bound4LIFE, and Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, call for urgent prayer as well as, for all who can, to travel to Wichita, KS, to pray during the George Tiller trial.
“There also now, says the Lord, turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting and with weeping, and with mourning: And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God…” (Joel 2:12-13)
In the summer of 1991 the eyes of the nation were focused on Wichita, Kansas as tens of thousands of committed Christians gathered there to passionately cry out for an end to abortion. The event became known as “The Summer of Mercy.”
As part of “The Summer of Mercy”, over 70 local pastors publicly gathered on the streets of Wichita and covenanted together for the killing of the innocents to stop. Below is that powerful prophetic response:
Weekly updates from Bound4LIFE with Executive Director Matt Lockett.
Matt Lockett, Executive Director of Bound4LIFE, and Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, discuss recent events surrounding the up coming trial of abortionist George Tiller, as well as the need for specific and strategic prayer.
Weekly updates from Bound4LIFE with Executive Director Matt Lockett.
The race is on between Montana and North Dakota for the first Personhood legislation in our nation's history, as Montana's Personhood Amendment continues on to its House of Representatives, and North Dakota's Personhood legislation continues on to its Senate.
For us here at Bound4LIFE the similarities between abortion, slavery, and the holocaust are painfully clear and sobering. Abortion – like slavery and the holocaust – will be seen as a scourge upon humanity and will be ended.
…I remember the day I saw an angel, she had red tape covering her mouth SCREAMING LIFE!!! God’s eyes were upon me when she looked at me. I was fighting my guilty conscience. I felt her yes breaking through the ice of my fear. Not with condemnation, but with a spiritual voice, whispered to my heart… there is hope.”
We are rolling out a brand new campaign! If you have a camera phone and can send a text or email, you my friend are able to “take this bull by the horns”. Introducing: Gotcha.
Bound4LIFE’s impact is not only being felt in our Nations capitol but in neighborhoods all across the country. The following story was sent to us from Jim and Teri Kohl in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Jim and Teri not only serve as leaders of a Bound4LIFE chapter they have also pioneered the Heartland House Of Prayer (HHOP).
About a week and half ago I posted a blog entry titled Y.O.P.P. that has become rather explosive. In it Bound4LIFE featured a 12-year-old young lady named Lia that is currently caught up in a remarkable series of events that God is using to encounter countless people. With this story I wanted to take the opportunity to encourage everyone with what I believe God is restoring in the Church–for or children to be about their Father’s business at an early age.
The last time I wrote on this blog, I wrote about my personal abortion story and my path to healing. As I continue to share on the blog, I would like to expound on what I am learning through my experience and my study of Hannah. Before I go too deep into this though, I would like to take a moment and specifically talk to those of you that have experienced an abortion personally or know someone who has had one.
What happens when groups of young people start praying? The thin veneer of “reproductive health” is pealed away exposing the true heart and intent of the pro-choice movement. Watch this:
Last night during the Presidential debate the candidates took a moment to discuss the finer points of their bracelets. I’d like to do the same and remind the 325,000 people out there that wear the same one as me to remember their commitment.
The simple red wristband that marks so many wrists represents a set of priorities that is unpopular to say the least. Beyond the rhetoric it calls the wearer to a standard close to the heart of God–perhaps something that all the other issues hinge on–ending the shedding of innocent blood. Those that have voluntarily taken this solemn pledge have made a sober commitment to three things.
This officially kicks off a short string of thoughts as we approach Passover on April 26th. The purpose of this blog is to draw our attention to and focus on the blood of Christ. I’d just like to start things off strong with a quote from E.M. Bounds.
“Only glimpses of the great importance of prayer could the apostles get before Pentecost. But the Spirit coming and filling on Pentecost elevated prayer to its vital and all-commanding position in the gospel of Christ. The call now of prayer to every saint is the Spirit’s loudest and most exigent call. Sainthood’s piety is made, refined, perfected, by prayer. The gospel moves with slow and timid pace when the saints are not at their prayers early and late and long.”
-E.M. Bounds, “Praying Pulpit Begets a Praying Pew”
Abortion Abortion Industry Barack Obama Bound4LIFE Congress Fetus God Health Care Health Care Reform Houston Infanticide Intercession JHOP DC Jesus Justice Life Lou Engle Margaret Sanger Matt Lockett Obama Planned Parenthood Prayer President Obama Pro-Abortion Pro-life R2H Rep. Bart Stupak Silent Siege Supreme Court senate
