u/SnooRegrets4878

"For He hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath He hid His face from him; but when He cried unto him, He heard." - Psalm 22:24

This week, we've explored how faith demands action in the face of injustice. As we reflect on God's heart for the oppressed, we can worship knowing that our God hears the cries of those who suffer under unjust systems.

God is not distant from economic struggles or indifferent to systemic oppression. He hears every cry for help from families facing eviction, students drowning in debt, and workers earning wages that cannot support basic needs. His response comes through people of faith who translate their beliefs into action.

Take time today to celebrate God's faithfulness to the afflicted while committing yourself to be part of His response. Worship includes both praising God for His justice and pledging to be instruments of that justice in the world.

As you enter this new week, carry with you the conviction that faith and action are inseparable, and that God calls you to be part of His work for economic justice.

God of justice, thank You for hearing the cries of the oppressed. Use me this week to be part of Your answer to their prayers. Help me worship You through acts of love and justice. Amen. DLC
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Delman Coates.

https://delmancoates.org/blog/2026/07/05/reflection-and-worship

“Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.” - Philippians 2:16

The Bible is always the best commentary on itself—especially when the word or phrase is not frequent. In this case, “the word of life” is only used twice and might be interpreted in various ways without this qualifier: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life” (I John 1:1).

In the context of Philippians 2, the emphasis is obviously on the person and work of our Lord Jesus. We who bear His name are His “sons” and are charged with the responsibility of being “lights” to a world that is steeped in darkness (Philippians 2:15). The light that we shine is the word of life—and that is, according to the Scriptures, the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Thus, the word of life must certainly involve who Christ is (Creator, Lord, incarnate Word, King) as well as the “glorious gospel” of salvation by grace (II Corinthians 4:4). Charged with the responsibility of “holding forth the word of life,” we are to be “the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God” (I Corinthians 4:1). Thus, we should be well-versed in the written Word, since Jesus specifically said, “Search the scriptures . . . they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39).

Ultimately, of course, our “light” comes from “the Light.” Since we have been delivered “from the power of darkness” (Colossians 1:13) by our Lord’s substitutionary atonement, we who “were sometimes darkness” are now “light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). HMM III
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/15929/

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." - Galatians 5:1

On this Independence Day, we celebrate political freedom while recognizing that true liberation encompasses more than national independence. Christ offers freedom from every form of bondage, including the economic systems that trap people in poverty and debt.

Too many Americans today live under a different kind of slavery: the burden of medical debt, student loans that take decades to repay, and wages so low that full-time work cannot support basic needs. These are not individual failures but systemic issues that contradict God's desire for human flourishing.

Christian freedom calls us to work for liberation from these modern forms of bondage. When we advocate for the cancellation of student debt, we're working for freedom. When we support universal healthcare, we're ensuring that illness doesn't lead to financial ruin. When we push for living wages, we're creating pathways out of economic oppression.

True patriotism means working to fulfill our nation's promise of liberty and justice for all, not just the wealthy few.

God of freedom, help our nation live up to its highest ideals. Usen me to work for liberation from every form of economic bondage. Amen. DLC
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Delman Coates.

https://delmancoates.org/blog/2026/07/04/freedom-and-responsibility

“When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favor.” - Isaiah 27:11

Like a mighty tree towering over the forest, God raises up a mighty nation from time to time with a great leader to accomplish some purpose in the divine plan. He “hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation” (Acts 17:26).

But when that nation and its leaders become proud, and its people become lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, it becomes like a tree whose branches wither and whose core becomes riddled with decay. Finally, the boughs break, the kingdom will fall, and down will come that nation, its leaders and all!

That happened even to God’s chosen nation, Israel, though only for a time, since God’s promises cannot fail. One after another, the mighty nations that God used to chastise His wayward people—Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Rome, etc.—have in turn been judged for their own rebellion against the God who “made them” and “formed them.” God has warned that “the wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Psalm 9:17).

Is that about to happen to our beloved U.S.A. as well? The signs of self-seeking power and pride among our leaders and moral decay and spiritual rebellion among our people are widespread and growing worse. Our prayer should be that of the ancient prophet. “O LORD, revive Thy work in the midst of the years . . . in wrath remember mercy” (Habakkuk 3:2). “Wilt Thou not revive us again: that Thy people may rejoice in Thee?” (Psalm 85:6). HMM
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/15928/

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33

Jesus spoke these words in the context of economic anxiety. People worried about food, clothing, and shelter, just as many do today. But Jesus wasn't dismissing these legitimate concerns. Instead, He was redefining our economic priorities by pointing to a different kind of kingdom with different values.

In God's kingdom, the last are first, the hungry are fed, and the poor are blessed. This kingdom operates on principles of abundance rather than scarcity, cooperation rather than competition, and justice rather than exploitation. When we seek this kingdom first, we align ourselves with God's vision for economic relationships.

Seeking God's kingdom means working for policies and systems that reflect His values. It means supporting a Federal Job Guarantee that ensures everyone can work with dignity. It means advocating for free public healthcare and education because access to these basics should not depend on wealth.

When we prioritize God's kingdom economics over worldly systems that concentrate wealth among the few, we discover that God provides for our needs while we work for justice.

Father, help me seek Your kingdom above all else. Show me how to live and advocate for economic systems that reflect Your justice and love. Amen. DLC
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Delman Coates.

https://delmancoates.org/blog/2026/07/03/the-economics-of-the-kingdom

“The sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” - Philippians 2:15

The Hebrew and Greek terms for “sons of God” are essentially the same, but the Old Testament always uses the phrase in reference to angels, whereas the New Testament always references the twice-born saints of God.

Our text for this day emphasizes the precise reason that our Lord Jesus prayed, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world . . . . They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (John 17:15-16). We who share this marvelous relationship bear both the “love the Father hath bestowed upon us” and the unique rejection that “the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not” (I John 3:1).

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), and we who are His disciples are “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). We, unlike the angels, are to remain in this unfair and distorted world as lights. Consider this! We are the light that the Lord Jesus left in this world to represent Him and His message after He returned to heaven (John 9:5).

That is why the Scriptures refer to us as saints (holy ones) and disciples (followers); even the pejorative “Christians” identify us as representing the King (Acts 11:26)! We must therefore shine with the truth (John 3:19) and shed the “light of the glorious gospel of Christ” (II Corinthians 4:4), attempting to “lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9).

Finally, we are surely commanded to “walk in the light, as He is in the light” (I John 1:7). Our light should never be covered in a “bushel” (Matthew 5:15) but set on a “hill” for all to see (v. 14). HMM III
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/15927/

One of the gifts that God has giving me, is a gift for creativity. Every once in awhile, He will encourage me to write new verses to a classic song. I do not know if everyone here is familiar with the children's song 'Heaven Is a Wonderful Place', but God gave me the desire and words to write four additional verses to it.

Heaven is a Wonderful Place
Filled with glory and grace
I wanna see my Saviour's face
Cause Heaven is a wonderful place.

Jesus is my Saviour I know
Anywhere with Him I'll go
His love in me just overflows
Cause Jesus is my Saviour I know

Jesus came and died for my sins
And He's coming again
I know that I am forgiven
Cause Jesus came and died for my sins

The Bible is the word of God
His words are never flawed
It saids in Heaven we will trod
And the Bible is the word of God

All my praise to Jesus I bring
He gives me joy to sing
Someday the bells of Heaven will ring
When all my praise to Jesus I'll bring

"But let judgment run down as waters, and righteousness as a mighty stream." - Amos 5:24

The prophet Amos spoke these words during a time of great economic disparity in Israel. The wealthy lived in luxury while the poor suffered under unjust systems. Sound familiar? Today, we face similar challenges as income inequality reaches historic levels and systemic barriers prevent many from accessing basic necessities like healthcare, education, and fair wages.

God's vision of justice is not a gentle trickle but a mighty river that sweeps away oppression and creates new pathways for flourishing. This justice encompasses fair economic policies, equal access to opportunities, and systems that prioritize human dignity over profit margins.

As followers of Jesus, we're called to be part of this river of justice. This might mean advocating for living wages, supporting policies that provide healthcare for all, or challenging systems that perpetuate poverty. Justice is not a political preference but a biblical mandate rooted in God's character.

When we work for economic justice, we partner with God in creating the world He intended, where everyone has enough and no one is left behind.

Lord, make me a stream of Your justice in this world. Help me recognize where systems fail Your people and give me wisdom to advocate for change. Amen. DLC
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Delman Coates.

https://delmancoates.org/blog/2026/07/02/justice-flows-like-water

“And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and His anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.” - Numbers 11:1

The Lord is not pleased when we complain about our circumstances, no matter how grievous they may seem to us. Our example is Christ, always. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps” (I Peter 2:21).

The children of Israel complained once too much. Forgetting all of God’s blessings in miraculously freeing them from slavery and providing for all their needs, they repeatedly complained about their lot, one thing after another. “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. . . . Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer” (I Corinthians 10:5-6, 10).

God may not deal with a complaining Christian as severely as He did with His chosen people, Israel, but we can be sure He is displeased when we, who have received the blessing of eternal salvation by His gracious gift through Christ, forget His benefits and complain about His testing. “Do all things without mumurings and disputings,” He has commanded (Philippians 2:14)—that is, without complaining and arguing about our treatment.

We can be confident that He allows these difficulties for some good purpose in preparing us for our service for Him in eternity. We should not forget what happened to the complainers in ancient Israel. “Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition” (I Corinthians 10:11). HMM
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/15926/

“And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and His anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.” - Numbers 11:1

The Lord is not pleased when we complain about our circumstances, no matter how grievous they may seem to us. Our example is Christ, always. “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps” (I Peter 2:21).

The children of Israel complained once too much. Forgetting all of God’s blessings in miraculously freeing them from slavery and providing for all their needs, they repeatedly complained about their lot, one thing after another. “But with many of them God was not well pleased: for they were overthrown in the wilderness. Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. . . . Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer” (I Corinthians 10:5-6, 10).

God may not deal with a complaining Christian as severely as He did with His chosen people, Israel, but we can be sure He is displeased when we, who have received the blessing of eternal salvation by His gracious gift through Christ, forget His benefits and complain about His testing. “Do all things without mumurings and disputings,” He has commanded (Philippians 2:14)—that is, without complaining and arguing about our treatment.

We can be confident that He allows these difficulties for some good purpose in preparing us for our service for Him in eternity. We should not forget what happened to the complainers in ancient Israel. “Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition” (I Corinthians 10:11). HMM
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/15926/

I have started using an idea for my universe, a life force/energy exchange.

I have a character, the first that I did this with, Cougar. He is a western superhero who sacrifices himself to try and prevent a Native American massacre. The sole survivor of thie unidentified tribe, using a method to revive him by sacrifing the life-force of a cougar to not only heal him, but enhance him. Originally, this was it, the cougar died but my hero revived and became a vigilante. Eventually, I decided that he actually returns the life force to the cougar, while he remains enhanced, this actually binds the cougar to him.

Later, when I realized that a hero dealing with the abilities and nature of a cougar could potentially became another Wolverine, I decided to create my own Sabretooth using the same method, but with the life-force exchange of a bear. When I decided that the cougar survived and became bound to my hero, I decided to not do the same with the bear. This new character was to be a predecessor to my other hero, and I decided to leave consequences to what would happen if the animal life force was not returned.

Later, I wanted to create a Native American hero inspired by both Black Panther and Shazam. Using this same life-force exchanged, I decided to find a Native American confederacy that had six tribes. One champion would have been chosen from the six tribes with six warriors chosen from each tribe to sacrifice their life force to enhance the champion. This was when I decided to use the return of the life-force as a second step to this exchange. I also decided that the humans to human echange would be my universe's 'proper' way of performing this exchange, with the animal to human being considered a misuse od the exhange.

I then created yet another Native American hero who, instead of receiving the life-force of a living creature, was enhance in a similar way to the wind itself. Using similar energies would be considered a neutral ground, not necessarily the approved method, but not completely disproved either/

I have since began expanding this exhange even more. My vampires, werewolved and other supernatural could be the result of a similar, yet corrupted exhange.

I could have aliens using similar exchanges to bind humans to cosmic, quantum or other sci-fi energies.

I have even considered creating a couple groups of animals that were given a human life-force making them antropomorphic and sentient.

I have even considered the potential of using this same method to create my own versions of heroes like Spider-Man, the Justice League or even Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles using this idea.

I even wondered how I might apply it to machines to create my own version of Transformers or Go-Bots.

"Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." - James 2:18

James challenges us to examine the nature of authentic faith. It is easy to talk about belief, but actions reflect the true condition of our hearts. True faith manifests in what we do—how we respond to the needs of those around us and how we participate in God’s work in the world. Faith is not just a matter of words or internal conviction; it becomes real when expressed through works of love, compassion, and justice.

Sarah stared at the eviction notice taped to her apartment door. As a single mother working two minimum-wage jobs, she barely scraped by each month. Down the hall, her neighbor Marcus, a fellow believer, noticed her distress. Instead of offering empty words of comfort, Marcus organized their church community to help with rent assistance and connected Sarah with job training programs.

James reminds us that authentic faith cannot remain passive when faced with human suffering. True faith compels us to action, especially when we witness injustice and need around us. Faith without works is not just incomplete; it's dead. When we see poverty, inequality, and systemic barriers preventing people from thriving, our faith demands we respond with concrete action.

This month, examine how your faith translates into tangible care for others. Are you content with prayers alone, or do you also offer practical help? Faith in action means becoming God's hands and feet in a world desperate for justice and compassion.

God, help me live out my faith through acts of love and justice. Open my eyes to the needs around me and give me courage to respond with both prayer and action. Amen. DLC
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Delman Coates.

https://delmancoates.org/blog/2026/07/01/the-heart-of-true-faith

You have the heroine Snow White/Wendy. She is being pursued by an evil magician The Evil Queen/Desmond Spellman because a magic mirror told them that the heroine would surpass them one day.

Wendy must flee and finds refuge in a cottage, well a resort hotel, where she ends up being protected by seven figures, her three aunts, Casper and Casper's three uncles. You have you Prince Charming, Joshua Jackman, although he turns out to be a jerk and it is Casper that ends up saving Wendy in the end.

“He sent redemption unto His people: He hath commanded His covenant for ever: holy and reverend is His name.” - Psalm 111:9

It is most interesting that the adjective “reverend” is used only this once in the entire King James Bible. And there it applies to God, not to any man!

However, the Hebrew word so translated in this verse (yare) occurs therein frequently, usually being translated (some 30 times) as “terrible.” The first time it is applied to God was by Moses. “Thou shalt not be affrighted at them: for the LORD thy God is among you, a mighty God and terrible” (Deuteronomy 7:21). Note also Moses’ testimony in Deuteronomy 10:17: “For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.”

For those who would deny or oppose Him, “it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). But God is also uniquely a God of love. He is a merciful and forgiving God; He is “the God of all grace” (I Peter 5:10) and of many other wonderful attributes.

“He looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth” (God is thus omnipresent). “He fashioneth their hearts alike” (He is omnipotent). “He considereth all their works” (He is omniscient) (Psalm 33:14-15).

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). If a person truly believes the first verse of the Bible, he should be able to believe all other verses in the Bible, no matter what men or devils can say to the contrary. Our God, who has also become our Redeemer and Saviour, is “eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God” (I Timothy 1:17).

He is indeed a God of many attributes. HMM
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/15925/

Does anyone else feel that Disney missed an opportunity by not merchandising the Experiments as their own version of the Pokemon craze?

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;" "to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn;" "to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified." - Isaiah 61:1–3

As this month of devotions concludes, remember that you are commissioned for the same mission that Jesus proclaimed in the synagogue at Nazareth. You are called to bring good news to the oppressed, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to those trapped by systems of injustice. This is not just Jesus' mission—it's yours too.

Every follower of Jesus is anointed and commissioned for the work of justice, mercy, and liberation. The Spirit of the Lord is upon you to continue this mission in your community and beyond.

This commissioning is not reserved for a select few, but is the inheritance and calling of every believer. As you consider the vast needs around you—oppression, heartbreak, captivity—remember that God’s Spirit enables ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Your words, actions, and choices can bring real hope and freedom where it is most needed. Let this truth anchor your purpose and embolden your steps, knowing you are part of a much greater story of redemption that God is still unfolding through His people.

You have been anointed by God for the work of justice and mercy. Go forward with confidence, knowing that the same Spirit that empowered Jesus empowers you to be an agent of His transformative love in the world.

As you conclude this month of devotions, make a specific commitment to continue growing in faith and action for justice. Choose one area where you will maintain ongoing engagement in the work of transformation.

Spirit of the Lord, thank You for anointing us for the work of justice and mercy. Send us forward as agents of Your transformative love, bringing good news to all who need hope. Amen. DLC
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Delman Coates.

https://delmancoates.org/blog/2026/06/30/commissioning-for-continued-mission

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings:" "that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” - Philippians 2:14-15

The Holy Spirit makes sure that we do not take lightly the obligation to live godly lives. Our verse contains both warnings and promises.

Everything is to be done without “murmurings” and “disputings.” Both words are very interesting synonyms of heart attitudes that produce ungodly behavior. The Greek word translated “murmur” is goggusmos, and it is almost an onomatopoeia (sounds like what it actually is)—a secret debate, muttering to oneself. The word translated “dispute” (Greek dialogismos) suggests a logical debate with oneself.

We are commanded to excise that kind of behavior from ourselves so that we may well be blameless and harmless as the “sons of God,” living “without rebuke.” These words are powerful in their description of God’s expectations for us.

The blameless condition is first an eternal promise that comes with salvation: “To the end He may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God” (I Thessalonians 3:13). That condition “works out” in this life as a faultless reputation that is harmless. Paul uses the term this way: “I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil” (Romans 16:19).

Finally, if we eliminate “murmuring and disputings” from our inner thoughts and actively seek to be “blameless and harmless” with our external behavior, we will be “without rebuke” in the middle of this sadly sinful world. “Be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless” (II Peter 3:14). HMM III
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/15913/

"Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" - Philippians 1:6

The work of justice requires both celebration of progress and persistence for continued change. God is faithful to complete the good work He has begun, but He calls us to remain engaged in the process.

Celebrating progress offers us fuel for the ongoing journey—it reminds us that transformation really is possible and that every faithful effort matters, even in the face of setbacks or unfinished work. Taking time to acknowledge victories, both large and small, fosters gratitude and renews our commitment. Yet, we must also recognize that each milestone is a signpost, not the finish line. Our continued faithfulness ensures that momentum is not lost and that the seeds we’ve planted will ultimately bear lasting fruit in God’s timing.

Take time to honor the victories, no matter how small, and let them renew your hope for the journey ahead. Progress in justice work is often hard-won and slow, but each step forward is a testament to God’s faithfulness and your perseverance. Let moments of celebration serve as reminders that change is possible, and that your resilience inspires others to join in the mission for a more just and loving world.

God sees every step of progress in the work of justice, and He is faithful to bring His purposes to completion. Your persistent efforts are part of His redemptive work in the world.

This week, celebrate progress you've seen in areas of justice and community transformation, even if the work isn't complete. Also recommit to continued engagement in ongoing challenges.

Faithful God, thank You for the progress we've seen in the work of justice. Give us wisdom to celebrate victories while maintaining commitment to ongoing transformation. Amen. DLC
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Delman Coates.

https://delmancoates.org/blog/2026/06/29/celebrating-progress-and-persevering

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." "For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.” - Philippians 2:12-13

With an unusual play on words, in this passage we are told to give our salvation a “workout.” The Greek word is katergazomai, an interesting compound word that means to “perform.” When we are told that God is working in us, the Greek word is energeo, which is the “energy” to do work.

Paul puts it this way: “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh [energeo] in us” (Ephesians 3:20). This “energizing” is an internal and spiritual resource, demonstrated most poignantly by “the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe, according to the working [energeo] of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead” (Ephesians 1:19-20). Since the energy to produce comes from the same Creator who saved us by grace, He has every right to expect us to “will and to do of His good pleasure.”

Peter taught us that God provided “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (II Peter 1:3). The Thessalonian church was told that “the word of God . . . effectually worketh also in you that believe” (I Thessalonians 2:13). And of course, “all scripture . . . is profitable . . . that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:16-17).

Our objective, having been supernaturally supplied by the One who saved us, is to “walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness” (Colossians 1:10-11). HMM III
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by the Institute of Creation.

https://www.icr.org/article/15912/

"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." - II Timothy 2:2

Sustainable change requires training new leaders who can continue and expand the work of justice. Mentoring and developing others is one of the most important investments we can make in long-term transformation.

When we intentionally invest in the next generation—sharing both our victories and mistakes—we lay the groundwork for wisdom, resilience, and vision to be multiplied far beyond our own reach. The process of equipping others not only ensures that the mission moves forward, but also brings fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to ongoing challenges. As we walk alongside emerging leaders, we model authentic faith, integrity, and courage, empowering them to confidently carry the torch for justice and mercy in their own unique ways.

Never underestimate the ripple effect of your guidance and encouragement. Each time you mentor, teach, or equip someone with both skills and compassion, you are offering them tools that will empower their own communities and inspire others to do the same. Your example and support help shape courageous, compassionate leaders who will face the challenges of tomorrow with hope and determination. Keep pouring into the next generation, trusting that God will use your efforts to build a brighter, more just world for all.

Your investment in training others creates a legacy that extends far beyond your own lifetime. The leaders you develop today will carry forward the work of justice for generations to come.

This week, identify a young person or emerging leader you could mentor in both faith and justice work. Consider how you might share your knowledge, connections, and passion with the next generation.

Lord, help us be faithful in training the next generation of leaders for justice and mercy. Give us wisdom to mentor others and pass on both skills and passion for Your kingdom work. Amen. DLC
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Delman Coates.

https://delmancoates.org/blog/2026/06/28/training-the-next-generation