Quote of the day:

"Study universal holiness of life. Your whole usefulness depends on this, for your sermons last but an hour or two; your life preaches all the week."

^{- Robert Murray M'Cheyne}

Today’s Headlines

Ohio Issue 1

Ohio voters approved a contentious ballot measure, Issue 1, eliminating restrictions on abortion and reproductive procedures, including gender-transition surgeries. The amendment, criticized for its vague language, removes parental-consent and notification requirements for minors undergoing such procedures. Critics argue the broad wording could lead to taxpayer-funded abortion.

The ACLU, which drafted the amendment, aims to eliminate parental involvement in reproductive decisions, emphasizing access for teenagers. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine opposed the measure, deeming it "radical" and warning of its ability to enshrine late-term abortion. Marjorie Dannenfelser of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America labeled it dangerous, impacting parental rights and women's health standards.

The vote reflects a broader Democratic focus on abortion after the Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision. Additionally, Ohioans United for Reproductive Rights reported over $28 million in contributions, with the largest, $3.5 million, coming from George Soros' Open Society Policy Center. Ohio voters also approved marijuana legalization.

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The Remnant's Response

Thanks to the Supreme Court's 2022 decision in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case, the question of abortion has finally returned to its rightful place, away from a constitutionally protected 'right' and back to the decision of the people (Joshua 24:15). The overturning of Roe was monumental. It was a correct and necessary step of judicial correction, creating an opportunity for the remnant to speak up for the "mute" and "needy" (Proverbs 31:8-9). However, Christians and allies of the pro-life cause have so far failed to face the much harder challenge of convincing a society indoctrinated with the idea that "reproductive" and "women's rights" equate to the limitless freedom for mothers to terminate the lives of their children. Tragically, despite increased scientific evidence, 4D imaging, and compelling intellectual arguments, we remain a society where tens of millions still cling to the idea that infanticide is right and good (Isaiah 5:20) and that we should not be shocked or surprised, as God's Word expects we would be, when a mother lacks "compassion on the son of her womb" (Isaiah 49:15).

1.67 million Ohioans voted against Issue 1 on Tuesday, while more than 3.15 million voted for Donald Trump in 2020. If Ohioans were as passionate about voting to protect innocent lives as they were about voting for a president, babies would be safer today. Those serious about the sufficiency and perfection of God's Word understand why the historic Christian position has been unequivocally anti-abortion (Job 31:15; Genesis 1:27; Proverbs 6:17; Jeremiah 1:15; Luke 1:41-44). Therefore, the remnant must continue advocating for a culture of life through adoption, foster care, financial support, hospitality, policies, and personal sacrifice. A vote misaligned with protecting life is a vote misaligned with Scripture.

Shooting on the Pan-Am Highway

Kenneth Darlington, a 77-year-old Panama-born U.S. citizen, shot two environmentalist protestors on the Pan-American Highway in Panama during a demonstration against a local mining operation. The protestors, Abdiel Díaz Chávez and Iván Rodríguez Mendoza, both teachers, were blocking the highway with music and flags, causing a traffic jam. Darlington, seen on video arguing with the protestors and clearing roadblock debris, shot them during a close altercation. Chávez died on the scene, while Mendoza died at a hospital. Darlington, who is also a lawyer and a professor with dual citizenship, was charged with aggravated homicide and illegal firearm possession. The protests, entering their third week against a contract allowing First Quantum Minerals to operate a copper mine for 20 more years, have caused significant economic losses and school closures. This incident is not the first instance of violence related to these protests.

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The Remnant's Response

There is a reason the Lord has given the sword to governments and not to individuals (Romans 13:1-4). Where there is no king, people do what is “right in their own eyes” (Judges 17:6), and chaos will soon follow. Due process (Proverbs 18:17) and unemotional judgments (Proverbs 12:1) are critical elements of wisdom. If we are not careful and slow to anger in seeking justice, we often will commit acts of injustice ourselves (Proverbs 19:19). While there is a clear call to provide reactive defense for the weak and destitute (Psalm 82:4), there is a much higher bar and considerable provisions made to protect against avengers and proactive vigilantism (Numbers 35:10-13). What happened in Panama is tragic. It appears a failed governmental response (Proverbs 22:10) to foolishly disruptive protests provoked a foolish and deadly response (Proverbs 29:11).

Governmental failures, like this one in Panama and those witnessed in Seattle, Washington; Kenosha, Wisconsin; and other places across our country in the summer of 2020, create societal unrest, a frustrated citizenry, and provocations that lead to even more violence. When justice is 'defunded', more violence is the default (Ecclesiastes 8:11).

Tonight, as he sits in jail, Mr. Darlington surely wishes he had meditated on the truths already mentioned above as well as the ones added now. Take advantage of The Word before a provocation takes “advantage of you.”

• “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

• “A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute.” (Proverbs 15:18)

2024 Swing States Favor Trump

A recent New York Times/Siena College poll reveals that former President Donald Trump is leading President Biden in five out of six critical battleground states, just one year ahead of the 2024 election. Trump holds leads of three to ten percentage points in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania, while Biden is ahead by only two percentage points in Wisconsin. This shift represents dissatisfaction with Biden's handling of the economy, foreign policy, and immigration, with many voters feeling that his policies have personally harmed them.

The survey also highlights a decline in support among key demographic groups that helped elect Biden in 2020. Young voters favor him by only a slim margin, Hispanic support has dwindled, and urban areas show diminished support compared to Trump's rural advantage. Notably, black voters, traditionally a strong Democratic base, are showing increased support for Trump in these states.

The economy is a critical issue for voters, with a significant trust gap favoring Trump over Biden, making it a key determinant for the 2024 election. Concerns about Biden's age and mental acuity, as well as his performance on other issues, are also contributing to his decline in these battleground states. Despite Trump's legal challenges, this poll suggests he could secure over 300 Electoral College votes if these trends persist into the 2024 election.

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The Remnant's Response

When it comes to politics, Christians should not be compelled to defend a party or a person more than they should be passionate to defend principled Truth (Joshua 6:13-15). It is God’s Word, rightly understood and applied (2 Timothy 2:15), which is to have the first and final word on informing our convictions and helps us vet our candidates (Deuteronomy 32:47). No person or party is ever to rise above our commitment to Kingdom faithfulness (Joshua 24:15) or limit our conviction and willingness to correct (Proverbs 27:5-6). We lose credibility, and the chance to improve our favored leader, when we turn a blind eye to their weaknesses and failings (1 Timothy 5:20-21). Christians especially should be comfortable with reproof, correction, and the understanding that no man other than Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:15) is without the need for admonishment and instruction (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

While we will never have a perfect candidate for any office until Christ ascends to His rightful throne (Revelation 19:1-6), the remnant should continue to pray and advocate for a spirit of humility and repentance in this country and for the Lord to raise up a leader to “stand in the gap” before the Lord “in the land” (Ezekiel 22:30).

 Other news you should know

🇺🇸 U.S. forces were targeted in three attacks in Iraq on Thursday, suffered no casualties

🇮🇱 Israel agrees to 4-hour daily pauses in Gaza fighting to allow civilians to flee

👀 Surgeons have performed the world’s first eye transplant.

👩🏻‍⚖️ Michigan judge hears lawsuit to block Trump from ballot

🗳️ Joe Manchin won’t run for reelection, giving GOP an opening to flip West Virginia seat

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