I was at the 40 Days For Life prayer vigil at the Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in Pembroke PInes this afternoon. There was a lot of client traffic in and out of the clinic.
I was told by Sharon, the campaign leader for this prayer site, that abortions are not performed on Friday afternoons. So presumably the clients were there for other reasons including perhaps securing an appointment for an abortion or drugs for chemical abortions.
I noticed more clients bringing their children with them today than at the other times.
I think it would be a difficult place to bring children if one knew that just down the hall at a different time of day the lives of unborn children are being violently murdered while still in the womb of their mothers.
Just today I read that Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider, killed 329,445 unborn children in 2010 which generated an income of over $148 million.
Jesus identified who is behind the killing. Speaking to those he knew were intent on killing him, He said, "...you are ready to kill me because you have no room for my word.” (John 8:37) and then a few verses later, “...you are determined to kill me, a man who has told you the truth that I heard from God.” (vs. 40) Then Jesus identified who their father was. “You belong to your father the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire. He was a murdered from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44 NIV)
Chilling words when applied to the abortion industry but a perfect fit. Murder often, if not always, surrounds itself with lies. It’s always at odds with the truth.
Jesus identified the enemy. It is not the abortion promoting politician. It is not the abortionist. It is not the abortion minded mother, the abortion clinic counselor or the abortion clinic owners. They, unknowingly, are his victims as well.
As I see the women go in and out I’m aware of the deception that is endemic to the abortion industry. The four words I have heard over and over from the post-abortive is, “They lied to me.” One study of those having abortions revealed that,
“Even though the majority felt rushed and uncertain, 67% received no counseling; 79% were not told about alternatives to abortion.” (VM Rue et. al., Medical Science Monitor) So much for having the opportunity to make an “informed” choice.
So we share truth with the signs we hold and we pray. Strategically. While “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4) “...the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13 NIV)
We do not have personal access to the clients, but we rely on the ministry of His Spirit as we intercede for them. Christ has not left us without weapons.
“But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me; in regard to righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.(John 16:2-11 NIV)
His Spirit can access the hearts of those behind closed doors and out of our sight.
Abortion is a gospel issue. This is the inescapable truth that the Church is still wrestling with. There is a political fight to be fought. There are social implications to be wrestled with. But first and foremost, when seen through a Biblical paradigm, abortion is a spiritual issue. The battle will be won or lost at that level.
The enemy has been identified. His strategy has been exposed. Our weapons have been issued - the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. He waits for His body the Church to enlist and engage the enemy.
You can join the remaining 16 days of this campaign of prayer and fasting by going to
http://40daysforlife.com/miami/index.cfm?load=page&page=2.
Jim McGarvey
Church for Life
Serving the Church in its response to America’s abortion crisis as it: communicates the Biblical message of the sanctity of human life; ministers healing and restoration to the post-abortive; and provides compassionate and practical help to those at risk for abortion.
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