Ballot initiatives seek to clarify state level abortions; The rise of the nones may be slowing; What if prayed for 15 minutes more?

Good News for Today

There are thirteen states potentially considering abortion-related ballot initiatives this election year. At least 11 of them have been labeled anti-life by the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.

In Florida, the ballot initiative amends the Florida constitution by barring the government from “prohibiting, penalizing, delaying, or restricting abortion” before fetal viability or to protect a woman’s health when a medical provider determines that it is necessary. This amendment would undo existing pro-life laws. It requires a 60 percent affirmative vote for passage.

Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, the ERLC says voters will consider an initiative establishing in the state constitution that residents of the state are not guaranteed a right to taxpayer-funded abortions and that there is no fundamental right to an abortion. This amendment would aid in the passage of future pro-life legislation and other restrictions on abortion. The initiative is still working its way through the state legislature.

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Christian researcher Ryan Burge says the rise of the nones – those who claims no religion – seems to be slowing.

Paul Worcester, NAMB’s national collegiate director, said he can list multiple SBC collegiate ministries that saw 40 to 80 students make professions of faith in Christ this past school year.

“We are seeing a growing movement of collegiate leaders who have a relentless focus on equipping students to become laborers on campus, and the results are exponential spiritual multiplication,” Worcester told BP. “The best person to reach a student with the Gospel is another student.”

Chuck Lawless says you might be surprised if you added 15 minutes to your daily

prayers. He says you might be:

1. You’ll be more focused on God. Even if only for a few more minutes, looking toward heaven can move your heart.
2. You’ll be more convicted over your sin. That happens when you spend time with God, but that’s a good thing. Conviction leads to repentance, which leads to forgiveness and cleansing.
3. You’ll have more confidence as you lead. Leaders who pray more sense God’s presence more keenly as they lead.
4. You will be more grateful. Most of us do indeed need to pray more – and our hearts are thankful when God helps us to make and keep that commitment.
5. You will be a godlier spouse and parent. I’m assuming, of course, that your time with God leads to genuine change, but you’ll humbly hold your head higher in your home if it does.
6. You’ll get more work done. Taking time to be with God doesn’t take away our time to work; it refocuses it on the eternal, and it forces us to use our remaining time more wisely.