Deeper Love
Bible in a Year:
Exodus 27–28; Matthew 21:1–22God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8
Today's Scripture & Insight:
When they first met, Edwin Stanton snubbed US president Abraham Lincoln personally and professionally—even referring to him as a “long-armed creature.” But Lincoln appreciated Stanton’s abilities and chose to forgive him, eventually appointing Stanton to a vital cabinet position during the Civil War. Stanton later grew to love Lincoln as a friend. It was Stanton who sat by Lincoln’s bed throughout the night after the president was shot at Ford’s Theater and whispered through tears on his passing, “Now he belongs to the ages.”
Reconciliation is a beautiful thing. The apostle Peter pointed followers of Jesus there when he wrote, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). Peter’s words cause me to wonder if he was thinking of his own denial of Jesus (Luke 22:54–62) and the forgiveness Jesus offered him (and us) through the cross.
The deep love Jesus demonstrated through His death on the cross frees us from the debt for our sins and opens the way for our reconciliation with God (Colossians 1:19–20). His forgiveness empowers us to forgive others as we realize we can’t forgive in our own strength and ask Him to help us. When we love others because our Savior loves them and forgive because He has forgiven us, God gives us strength to let go of the past and walk forward with Him into beautiful new places of grace.
By James Banks
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Sophisticated Child Sacrifice |
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Posted: 31 Jan 2019 03:50 PM PST
 We’re shocked by pagan child sacrifice. But our modern culture celebrates it when it’s called “reproductive rights.” Whenever evil acts are approved, they always escalate (Romans 1:21-32). Previously, New York law allowed a woman to kill her unborn child up to six months of her pregnancy. Now she can kill her child any time before birth. A New York senator said this shows that New York cares about women’s health, women's lives,* and women's decisions. (source) In Old Testament times, children were sacrificed on altars of pagan gods. Now they are sacrificed on altars of selfish decisions. God says killing our children profanes, provokes, and pollutes: 1. Profanes His name (Leviticus 18:21) 2. Provokes His anger (2 Kings 17:17). 3. Pollutes the land (Psalm 106:38). My heart aches for the babies but also for the fathers and mothers who must live with the knowledge of their sin. I pray that these mothers and fathers will turn to the Lord where they can find forgiveness, healing, and comfort (Isaiah 1:18). Will you join me in that prayer? ---------------- See also: What Scripture Says about Abortion. * Note: What if the life of the mother is at risk? 1. The purpose of extending the date for abortions is not based on the need to save a mother's life. It was already legal in New York to have late term abortions if the mother's life was in jeopardy (source). 2. Third trimester babies have very good chances for survival. In the extremely rare cases where a mother's health might be threatened by continuing her pregnancy, she can deliver the baby live instead of killing him/her. 3. New York believes it is inhumane to give lethal injections to convicted murderers because it's a painful way to die. But they approve giving a lethal injection to a baby who feels pain during the third trimester (source). Lethal injection also poses a risk for the mother. In light of these facts, we can be pretty sure that this law has nothing to do with concern for women's health and lives. If you've aborted a child, you might be interested in these articles: My child would have been 22 this year. How can I experience healing after my abortion? 
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