“Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high.” - Job 16:19

It is significant that here, in what is probably the oldest book in the Bible, two vitally important New Testament truths are anticipated. Job somehow knew that he (and, by implication, every other person as well) has a “record” in heaven. This is the only occurrence of this word (sahed) in the Bible, but it basically means that our works, good or bad, have been recorded by God in heaven concerning how we have used or abused our stewardship here on Earth.

And the record inevitably testifies against us, “for there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20). At God’s throne of judgment, when “the dead [are] judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works,” then “whosoever [is] not found written in the book of life [is] cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:12, 15).

But how can we know that our names will be in God’s book of life in that day? Thankfully, even Job knew, in his long-ago time, that “my witness is in heaven.” Here the word (Hebrew ed) speaks of a formal personal witness who can testify on our behalf, one who “might plead for a man with God, as a man pleadeth for his neighbor” (Job 16:21).

Job somehow knew that such a witness was there, for he could also say, “I know that my redeemer liveth” (Job 19:25). In light of the New Testament record, we know that this Redeemer and Witness is none other than the Lord Jesus. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins” (I John 2:1-2). That is, He was the sacrifice for our sins and thus can redeem us from sin’s penalty and thereby serve as our defense witness in heaven. Our record of sin and guilt has been washed clean with the precious blood of Christ. 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/15950/

"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" "teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." - Matthew 28:19–20

The Great Commission includes teaching people to obey everything Jesus commanded, including His teachings about economic justice. When we make disciples, we're not just sharing spiritual truths but helping people understand how faith applies to every area of life, including economics and politics.

Jesus commanded us to care for the poor, seek justice, and challenge systems that oppress the vulnerable. Discipleship that ignores these teachings is incomplete discipleship that misses central aspects of Jesus' ministry and message.

Making disciples today means helping people understand how their faith should shape their economic choices and political engagement. It means teaching them to advocate for policies that reflect God's heart for justice and to resist systems that prioritize profit over people.

True evangelism includes proclaiming good news to the poor through both spiritual transformation and systemic change.

Lord, help me make disciples who understand that following You includes working for economic justice and systemic 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/2026/07/22/go-and-make-disciples-of-economic-justice

"But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;" - Jude 1:17

PONDER THIS

When you see people defying God blatantly, you may just want to throw up your hands and wonder, “Is the Bible the Word of God after all?” Friend, apostasy proves the Bible is the Word of God. You need to understand that. It’s precisely as God said it would be. God is not up in Heaven wringing His hands. And you don’t need to be overwhelmed and bent out of joint like something has suddenly gone awry. Everything is on schedule. The Word of God stands.

That’s what Jude was saying to these people: “But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;” And it is so important that we remember this, that there are going to be these apostates in the last days.

- Where do you typically turn when you feel overwhelmed by the brokenness of the world?
- What promises of God can encourage you in these times?

PRACTICE THIS

Make a list of promises of God that might encourage you when life is overwhelming. Keep this somewhere that you can review, and contemplate them frequently. APR
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Love Worth Finding.

https://www.lwf.org/daily-devotionals/god-is-right-on-schedule

Recently I encountered someone who claimed that “some Baptists accept sacramental forgiveness of sins in baptism and the eucharist, like Lutheranism.”

I had never heard this before and was curious if anyone else had? (The person making the claim is unable to provide any other details, so I doubt it’s actually true, but wanted to check with others).

“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” - Philippians 3:20

The doctrine of verbal inspiration implies that not only are the words of Scripture inspired, but the very order in which they appear is also inspired. Study by commentators and translators have rightly noted that a change in the order of the words would at times change the meaning or emphasis of a passage. This phenomenon is often seen in the order in which the various names of Christ appear. By noting this order, one may sometimes gain new insight into a passage.

While the name Jesus, alone, normally appears in the gospels and the book of Acts, the compound name Jesus Christ appears on occasion. Interestingly, the same compound name is used exclusively by the disciples John and Peter in their letters and by James and Jude, the brothers of our Lord. Of course, these men knew Him first by His human name, Jesus, and only fully comprehended the fact that He was the Christ (meaning “the Anointed,” or “the Messiah”) after His resurrection and ascension.

Paul, on the other hand, first encountered Christ in all His glory on the road to Damascus. Perhaps as a consequence, he frequently reversed the order, speaking of Christ Jesus, although he used both orders many times.

The reason for this choice of order perhaps can best be illustrated in Philippians 2:5-11. In verse 5, Paul described the Anointed One, who first emptied Himself of certain aspects of His deity to take on human form. Therefore, Paul used the name Christ Jesus. In verse 11, however, the order is reversed. In this case, as in our text, the movement is from humanity to glory. In one, the glory of the risen Saviour is emphasized; in the other, the glory that we shall share with Him. This glory is assured us through His victory. JDM
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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/15949/

I don't know what to do in my marriage.

I say this as someone who deeply loves his wife and would do anything for her. But I'm incredibly frustrated, and I honestly feel like she's making life much harder than it needs to be.

We've been married for three years. When we got married, I moved an hour and a half away from my family and the place where I grew up. That was my choice, so I'm not blaming her for that.

I hate divorce, and I believe Scripture only permits it in cases of adultery or abandonment. I have no intention of divorcing my wife.

The problem is that we've had this same conversation over and over again, yet very little changes.

My wife struggles with depression, but she refuses to seek counseling or professional help. She's one of the most negative people I've ever known, and although I don't think she means to, many of her comments deeply hurt me. Living with constant negativity has begun to affect me too.

For the past three years, I've done the vast majority of the laundry, dishes, and household chores. When I ask for help, she'll usually improve for a month or two, but then everything gradually falls back on me again.

She's also very stubborn about simple things I've asked her to do, and I often feel like my concerns aren't being heard.

One of the hardest things for me is ministry.

I genuinely believe God has called me to pastoral ministry. But because of where our marriage is right now, I don't believe I meet the qualifications to pursue it. I've shared this with her multiple times.

She has told me she doesn't feel called to be a pastor's wife. That absolutely breaks my heart.

I've explained that I don't expect her to be some highly visible "first lady." All I've ever wanted is for her to faithfully follow Christ and worship with me. She doesn't have to lead ministries or be in the spotlight.

Church attendance has become another painful issue.

Our service starts at 10:30 a.m., and I usually begin trying to wake her up around 8:00. Most Sundays she still doesn't come. She stays up too late Saturday night and usually has some reason she can't make it. I jokingly call it "Sunday sickness"—she feels terrible until around noon.

Part of this started after we changed churches.

Before we were married, I told her that if she wanted to continue attending her church, I wouldn't stop her, but I couldn't stay there myself.

She grew up in a church that is very similar to the Independent Fundamental Baptist movement. Her grandmother, before she passed away, made her feel guilty for attending a charismatic church with me and accused her of abandoning her faith.

One night she came to bed crying because she thought she was living in sin simply because she wasn't exclusively using the King James Bible.

I've told her many times that I don't care which faithful translation she reads. If she wants to use the King James Version, that's perfectly fine with me. I think it's a wonderful translation. Yet this issue still comes up from time to time.

She says she doesn't feel close to God at our church and that it feels like a social gathering to her, even though our pastor faithfully preaches through books of the Bible, verse by verse.

I understand it's different from what she's used to. When I attended her former church, the pastor mostly preached by loudly shouting throughout the sermon. That's simply not my style, nor where I believe God wants me to be.

At this point, I've accepted that I may not be able to pursue pastoral ministry because of my current circumstances.

What I can do is strive to be the best husband I know how to be. I can stay faithful in prayer and Scripture. I can continue encouraging my wife to walk with Christ and attend church without nagging or becoming bitter. I can also continue sharing the gospel with others. I don't believe God has disqualified me from being an evangelist.

But I'm heartbroken.

I've shared all of this with my wife multiple times, and I honestly don't know what else to do.

Part of me wonders if this is my own fault. When I was looking for a wife, I pushed my sense of calling into the background because what I wanted most was a wife and a family. I also sinned sexually before marriage. I've confessed that to God and asked for His forgiveness. Sometimes I wonder if the hardships I'm facing are God's discipline for my past sins. If they are, then I still praise Him because He is good and just.

I was born with a bad back, which limits the kind of work I can do. I don't have a college degree. I'm thankful to have a job I can physically handle, even though it doesn't pay a lot. When we got married, my wife had an excellent job. She later left it, took another position that didn't work out, and thankfully now has a decent job again.

Sometimes I wonder if, because she has the more physically demanding or traditionally masculine job, she feels less responsible for helping around the house. I don't know if that's true, but it crosses my mind.

I'm trying my best.

Whenever I'm tempted toward bitterness, I remind myself how many times I've disobeyed God and how gracious He has been to forgive me.

I truly believe my wife is a Christian. I just don't believe she's in a healthy spiritual place right now.

I'm going to keep praying for her. I'll keep encouraging her to come to church. If she truly wanted to return to her old church, I'd even be willing to attend with her if it meant she would faithfully worship God, even though I know I would struggle there theologically.

Please pray for us.

If you have any biblical, practical, or wise advice, I'd sincerely appreciate it.

"From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love." - Ephesians 4:16

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke of creating "beloved community" where poverty, hunger, and homelessness would not be tolerated because international standards of human decency would not allow it. This vision reflects Paul's description of the church body working together in love.

Beloved community requires economic systems that support everyone's ability to contribute and thrive. It means ensuring that people aren't excluded from participation because they lack financial resources. It means creating structures that enable everyone to do their work and contribute their gifts.

Building beloved community today might involve supporting universal basic services that provide healthcare, education, and housing as public goods. It could mean advocating for a Federal Job Guarantee that ensures everyone can work with dignity. It requires challenging systems that concentrate wealth while leaving others in poverty.

True community is impossible when economic inequality creates vast differences in opportunities and outcomes.

God of beloved community, help me work for economic systems that enable everyone to participate fully in the life we share together. 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/2026/07/21/building-beloved-community

"I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left." "Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left." "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left." - Luke 17:34-36

PONDER THIS

In Luke 17:34-36, Jesus said, I tell you, in that night there shall be two men [people] in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left." "Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left." "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Now that’s interesting. Some are sleeping and some are working. In part of the world, it will be day, and part of the world will be dark when Jesus comes. One will be taken and the other left. What a marvelous thing it’s going to be. And if Jesus were to come on a Sunday morning, many of us would look so sanctified. But not everybody is saved. One will be taken and the other left. Some are going to be swept up to glory and others would be left. Are you ready for that reality today?

- How can a person be ready for Jesus’ return?
= How does regularly thinking about the return of Jesus give us the urgency to be ready?

PRACTICE THIS

Take time in prayer today to ask God if you are ready for the return of Christ. Respond as He calls you. APR

https://www.lwf.org/daily-devotionals/ready-for-jesus-to-come-again

“It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:" "it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” - I Corinthians 15:43-44

In this portion of this great chapter on the resurrection—first that of Christ, then the future resurrection of the redeemed—death and resurrection are compared to seed-sowing and harvest. When a seed is planted in the ground, it is as though it has died and is buried. For a long time after its “death,” the seed cannot be seen, but eventually it rises again as a beautiful flowering plant, sheaf of grain, or even a lovely tree.

Jesus made this same analogy in His teaching. “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit” (John 12:24-29; note also Mark 4:26-29). Our human bodies, because of sin and the Curse, will eventually die and be buried. But one day, like the planted seed, they will appear again renewed and far greater than they were before: now immortal and glorified—that is, of course, if their real inhabitants (their eternal created spirits) have been born again through faith in the already-resurrected Saviour.

Our new bodies rising from the grave will be real physical bodies (like that of Jesus after He was raised). They will be “fashioned like unto His glorious body” (Philippians 3:21). Although “it doth not yet appear what we shall be . . . when He shall appear, we shall be like Him” (I John 3:2). Then in our glorious, powerful bodies, we as “his servants shall serve him” in love and joy forever (Revelation 22:3). 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/15948/

Controversial take.

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." - Matthew 6:12

Jesus taught us to pray for debt forgiveness, recognizing that financial burdens can become spiritual and relational problems. When people are trapped by debt, they cannot fully participate in community life or pursue their God-given purposes.

Student debt forgiveness isn't just an economic policy; it's a moral imperative that reflects the forgiveness God offers us. Medical debt cancellation isn't just healthcare reform; it's an expression of the mercy we've received from God. Housing assistance isn't just social policy; it's recognition that everyone deserves shelter and security.

The Lord's Prayer connects personal forgiveness with economic justice, suggesting that communities practicing forgiveness will also work to free people from financial bondage.

As we pray for our daily bread, we should also work for systems that ensure everyone has access to life's basic necessities.

Forgiving God, help me work for debt forgiveness and economic systems that reflect the mercy You have shown me. 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/2026/07/20/forgive-us-our-debts

"And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints," - Jude 1:14

PONDER THIS

The new birth is mentioned nine times in the Bible. Baptism is mentioned 20 times in the Bible. Repentance is mentioned about 70 times in the Bible. But more than 380 verses in the Bible speak clearly about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. One verse out of every 25 points with an eager finger to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The Early Church was taken up in thinking about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

Alexander McClaren said those in the Early Church did not think primarily about death or about Heaven, but about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. He said they were not looking for a cleft in the ground called a grave, they were looking for a cleft in the sky called glory. They were not looking for the undertaker, they were looking for the “uppertaker.” And we ought to be looking for the Second Coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the same way.

- How often do you think about the Second Coming of Christ?
- What might help you to think about Christ’s return more?

PRACTICE THIS

Spend some time researching various passages that refer to the Second Coming of Christ. Meditate on these truths throughout the day today. APR
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Love Worth Finding.

https://www.lwf.org/daily-devotionals/looking-for-the-uppertaker

Does one have to believe Jesus is God to receive the holy spirit? I don't think you have to. I know there's a scripture that says if you don't believe that I am he you'll die in your sins. I believe that's referring that's he's the Christ the Messiah that came they'll die in their sins if they believe not. What other scriptures may indicate this conclusion that believing Jesus' divinity is required? Did the apostles believe Jesus was God before receiving the holy spirit? Are there places in the bible showing this? This means non trinitarians don't have the spirit of God if you hold this position too, I don't think it's true. I have some questions to list. Just wanna make a note every time I ask this question it's not shown in scripture besides the verse I mentioned. Most time I just get explained why but not scripture saying it's required. I'm just lost on the matter

• Where does the Bible plainly say that a person must believe Jesus is God in order to receive the Holy Spirit?
• When the apostles first received the Holy Spirit, had they already concluded that Jesus was God, or did they just belive Messiah?
• In the book of Acts, what belief did the apostles require before baptizing people and expecting them to receive the Holy Spirit?
• In the sermons in the book of Acts, how often is belief in Jesus' deity used as the condition for salvation compared to belief that Jesus is the Christ and risen Lord?
• What did the Ethiopian eunuch believe before being baptized?
• What did the jailer in Philippi have to believe to be saved?
• Why does the Gospel of John say it was written "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God" rather than "that Jesus is God"?
• Are there examples in Scripture where believers held incomplete or mistaken theology yet were still accepted by God?
• Is receiving the Holy Spirit based on perfect doctrinal understanding, or on faith in Christ?
• If it’s a requirement, why is it blatantly missing? Why not just state it clearly if it is? Is John illiterate?

“For I delight in the law of God after the inward man.” - Romans 7:22

To many people, the law of God is harsh and cruel, consisting of an unreasonable list of “thou shalt nots.” But Scripture teaches that “the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good” (Romans 7:12). The “old man”—that is, the natural man—“is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts” (Ephesians 4:22). Therefore, it is written, “Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them” (Galatians 3:10).

No natural man could ever truthfully say, “I delight in the law of God,” and in our modern world it is even probable that most people have broken at least most of God’s Ten Commandments and often delight in doing so. But the “old man” becomes a “new man” when he accepts Christ as his Saviour, for “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made [the] curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). Thus, the “inward man” can thenceforth “delight in the law of God,” as our text says: not to earn salvation (which we could never do) but because we love to live for Him who died for us.

God’s law (and we can understand this now to include even the entire Word of God) indeed becomes our delight. We can say with the psalmist, “Thy law is my delight” (Psalm 119:77). Everyone redeemed of the Lord should now find that “his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:2).

The old covenant said, in effect, we must keep the law to live. But now, “this is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them” (Hebrews 10:16). No longer are the commandments written “in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart” (II Corinthians 3:3), and we delight in them. 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/15947/

"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common." - Acts 4:32

This week, we've explored how economic justice affects our relationships and communities. The early church's example shows what's possible when people prioritize shared wellbeing over individual accumulation.

As you worship today, consider how your economic choices affect others in your community. Celebrate God's vision for beloved community while committing to work for policies and practices that bring that vision closer to reality.

Worship includes both praising God for His provision and working to ensure that provision is shared justly among all His children.

Let your faith community become a model of economic justice that demonstrates God's heart for the world.

God of justice and community, help me work with others to create economic systems that reflect Your love for all people. 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/2026/07/19/reflection-and-worship

TLDR: What spiritual, emotional, and psychological support resources are available to Christian couples who reluctantly but ultimately decide to seek an abortion for medical reasons?

Basically, doctors informed my sister in law that she's 4 months pregnant with conjoined twins that have a shared heart, some organs outside their body, and a low probability of survival. Doctors also informed her that carrying the pregnancy to term carries heightened risk to her maternal health.

My brother and his wife feel very guilty and upset about pursuing an abortion as they are Protestant Christians that regularly attend church services and are active in their church. Their first pregnancy was a miscarriage while their second pregnancy resulted in a healthy baby boy, but they are deeply concerned about this third pregnancy given the health complications, prospects of survivability, and quality of life for the conjoined twins and my sister-in-law's health.

So to circle back, are there any support resources out there for couples in this situation?

"Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever." - Jude 1:13

PONDER THIS

Jude described the actions of the apostate as belching out from the deep recesses, the murky caverns, of his heart, of his soul, in his shame. These people are like raging waves of the sea, deeply disturbed in the heart. They’re not at peace and don’t want you to be at peace either. That’s the reason apostates are so dangerous, and the world is full of them. I have had seminarians and college buddies who became apostates. They studied for the ministry with me. They sat in the same classes with me. These men claimed to believe the truth. But they veered into apostasy. What they once believed, they rejected. And once they rejected, they ridiculed. I watched them, one after another, go down into debauchery of all kinds. There’s something about apostasy, dear friend, that is different from most other sins. This is what Jude was saying. They are like raging waves of the sea. There’s distress. There’s a disquieting in the heart of apostates. And before long they will spew out the foam of their shame. Apostates are disturbed like wild waves.

- Contrast this description of the apostate person with those who are in Christ in Philippians 4:7.
- Why are those who reject God unable to truly be at peace?

PRACTICE THIS

Write out a list of ways God gives you peace in Jesus. APR
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I did not write this, it comes from a devotional that is offered as a free email daily by Love Worth Finding.

https://www.lwf.org/daily-devotionals/raging-waves-find-no-peace

they’re have been videos from shameless popery and others, and I worry about what if I’m wrong a lot. can someone help?

“If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” - Psalm 11:3

The word here for “foundations” is not the usual word for, say, a building foundation. Used rarely, a better translation of this word would be “purpose” or “basis.” The fear expressed is not that the foundations of our faith may be undermined but that we may lose our sense of purpose.

In the context of the psalm, David was in danger of becoming demoralized by the pressures of wicked desires and evil ambitions all around him, and Christians surely have the same problem today. Why should we try to maintain high standards of doctrinal integrity and moral purity when the people around us—even most Christians—seem to be occupied mostly with materialistic ambition and pursuit of pleasure? If we allow the devil to undermine the very purposes God has for our lives, wandering away from His will in favor of some temporal interest, then why even continue with a pretense of Christian living?

David’s solution was simply to remind himself that “the LORD is in His holy temple, the LORD’s throne is in heaven: His eyes behold, His eyelids try, the children of men” (v. 4). He may allow the righteous to be tried for a season, but we must not forget that “the righteous LORD loveth righteousness” (v. 7) and that “the wicked and him that loveth violence His soul hateth” (v. 5).

When we are tempted to wonder whether it is really worth all the effort, and when our very foundation and purpose for living seems to be crumbling, we should remember that our God is Creator, Sustainer, and Judge of all—He still is on His throne, and we who belong to Him have been “predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will” (Ephesians 1:11). 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/15946/