“How strange,” said the Boy, “that the grass still stands, After winds tore the trees and scattered the lands.” He looked all around at the broken and torn, At the silence that followed the fury and storm.
“Sometimes being soft is strong,” said the Hare, His whiskers still wet from the rain-swept air. “The grass doesn’t fight, doesn’t rise up tall— It bends with the wind and survives it all.”
“The oak may boast of its height and might, But it snapped in the face of the storm last night. The grass just whispered and laid down low, Then rose again when the winds let go.”
The Boy sat quiet, letting it sink in— That strength isn’t always loud or within The hardest of things or the boldest of cries— But sometimes in softness, true courage lies.
And there in the hush of the morning light, He saw that the meek had won the fight. For when the storm has had its say, It’s the gentle things that find their way.
It doesn’t rain unless there’s a storm, The sky must darken, the winds transform. Yet in the turmoil, drops descend, To cleanse, to heal, and hearts to mend.
The thunder rolls, the night may cry, But grace falls gently from the sky. For rain, though born in tempest’s roar, Brings life to roots and strength to soar.
Showers of blessing, strangely disguised, Come wrapped in trials we never prized. Yet through the pain and bitter strife, They pour down hope and nourish life.
And when the storm has passed us by, A hush will settle on the sky. The sun breaks through, the world made new— And peace will come, serene and true.
So let the clouds roll overhead, Let faith be stronger than our dread. For after storms, God’s love is shown, And we are never left alone.
Psa 30:5 weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Through the stillness, a baritone calls, A voice that rises, and softly falls. With every note, a story unfolds, Of love unending, of grace that holds.
Then from the depths, a chorus swells, Two hundred pipers, their music tells— A tale of redemption, a hymn of might, A sound that pierces the soul’s dark night.
The bagpipes wail, their echoes soar, Through hearts and halls, forevermore. A haunting beauty, a sacred sound, That lifts the weary from earthly ground.
Amazing Grace, the timeless refrain, Of sins forgiven, of freedom’s gain. Its melody rings through the ages long, Uniting all in its holy song.
In unison, the pipes declare, The power of mercy, beyond compare. An ethereal power fills the space, A testament to God’s boundless grace.
And as the arena shakes with song, The hearts of many are carried along. For in that moment, heaven seems near, With every note so crystal clear.
A performance etched in time’s embrace, The sound, the spirit, of Amazing Grace.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Luke 10:41-42 “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
In this familiar passage, Martha is busy and anxious with many tasks, while her sister Mary chooses to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His teaching. Martha’s intentions were good, but she became overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. Jesus gently reminds her that amidst all the worries and tasks, only one thing is truly necessary — to be close to Him.
Sometimes, we are like Martha — busy, stressed, and consumed by the demands of life. We feel the pressure to get everything done, to handle every responsibility, and to solve every problem. But Jesus reminds us that our true peace and purpose come from spending time with Him. God knows what we need before we even ask. He sees the big picture, and He knows what’s best for us.
When life becomes overwhelming, we must remember to pause, seek His presence, and trust that our Father knows best. Let us choose the good part, like Mary, and rest in the knowledge that what we receive from God can never be taken away.
Prayer: Lord, help me to focus on what truly matters and not be overwhelmed by the busyness of life. Remind me to seek Your presence daily and trust in Your perfect wisdom. Amen.
Reflection: What things in your life are causing you anxiety or distraction? How can you turn to God for peace and guidance today?
Search where you may with all your might, To find a glimpse of God’s pure Light. Climb the mountains, scan the skies, Seek through tears and heartfelt cries.
But know, O soul, man’s view is small, Earth-bound eyes can’t see it all. We chase through reason, thought, and lore, Yet miss the truth we’re longing for.
For light divine, and wisdom deep, Are not in places shadows sleep. True revelation, clear and bright, Comes not by sight—but Spirit’s light.
The Word of God, alive and true, Will open hearts and minds anew. Not by flesh nor clever mind, But by His Spirit, truth we find.
So bow your heart, and seek His face, Not in the stars, but in His grace. Search not alone—His Word will guide, And with His Spirit, walk beside.
For His Honor and Glory MarkWaldrop
1Co 2:14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
As believers, we long for the day when we will be fully present with the Lord, free from the struggles of this world. It’s natural to yearn for our eternal home, where we will be in perfect union with God. Yet, while we are here on earth, we must trust that our Father knows best. He has us in this world for a reason—our work, our growth, and His purpose for our lives are not yet complete.
Though we may feel weary at times, God’s timing is perfect. There are still hearts to touch, love to share, and a journey of faith to walk. When we feel the tug of eternity pulling us, we must remember that our Father holds us in His hands, guiding us in His wisdom.
Each day we are given is an opportunity to glorify Him, to live with purpose, and to reflect His love to others. Let us trust in His plan, knowing that when the time comes, we will be at home with Him, where peace and joy are everlasting.
Prayer: Father, we trust in Your perfect timing and wisdom. Help us to live each day with purpose, knowing that You have us here for a reason. Strengthen our hearts when we feel weary, and remind us that our true home is with You. Until that day, may we serve You with joy and faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Heal me, Lord, if it is Your will, Speak to the storm and make it still. Touch this pain with mercy’s hand, Lift me up so I might stand.
But if not, if healing waits, If I must walk through shadowed gates, Then hold me close and guide me through For even then, I’ll cling to You.
I will not curse the thorn or fire, Nor trade Your love for vain desire. Though valleys stretch and skies grow dim, My song will rise, my trust in Him.
For You are God on peaks so high, And You are near when low I lie. So heal me, Lord—but if You will not, I’ll walk with You through every lot.
Through darkest nights, my soul is still I love You, Lord, and I always will.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:11
Reflection: In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to ask for “our daily bread.” These simple words reveal a profound truth: God is the source of all we need—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Asking for our “daily bread” reminds us to rely on God’s provision each day and to trust Him for our needs.
Too often, we focus on tomorrow’s worries or yesterday’s regrets. But Jesus calls us to live in the present, depending on our Father to give us what we need today. He knows exactly what’s best for us, far better than we do ourselves. He asks us to trust Him daily and receive His provisions one day at a time.
Just as the Israelites in the wilderness received manna each day, we, too, receive daily sustenance from God’s hand. This is not just physical bread but also spiritual nourishment—His grace, wisdom, and strength to face whatever the day brings. When we ask God for our daily bread, we are acknowledging that He alone is our provider, and we express our faith in His perfect timing and care.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being the source of all I need. Help me to trust You today and not worry about tomorrow. Give me the faith to rely on Your perfect provision. Teach me to seek Your will and find satisfaction in the daily bread You provide. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thought for the Day: Trust God for today—He knows what’s best and will always provide in His perfect timing.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Matthew 18:1-4
Mat 18:1 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Mat 18:2 He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. Mat 18:3 And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Mat 18:4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
In Matthew 18, the disciples ask Jesus a question many of us have probably wondered at some point: "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" We live in a world that often rewards power, status, and achievement, so it's easy to assume that greatness in God’s kingdom works the same way. But Jesus' response is both simple and profound: He places a little child before them and tells them that unless they change and become like children, they will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
What does it mean to become like a child? Children trust without reservation. They approach life with humility and wonder. They are not weighed down by pride or the need to prove themselves. Jesus calls us to that same childlike faith, one that leans wholly on the Father, trusting that He knows best, even when we don't fully understand.
True greatness in God’s kingdom is not about achieving success, but about humbling ourselves. It's about surrendering our self-reliance and pride, and acknowledging that we need God every day. Just as a child depends on a parent for guidance, provision, and protection, we must depend on our Heavenly Father in the same way.
Reflection: Today, reflect on areas in your life where you’ve been relying on your own strength instead of trusting in God's plan. Are you willing to let go of control and humble yourself like a child, trusting that your Father knows best?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to approach You with childlike faith and humility. Help me to trust You fully, knowing that Your plans are better than mine. Remind me daily that true greatness is found in surrendering to Your will. Amen.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Isaiah 40:12 – "Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?"
In the vastness of creation, it’s easy to feel small and insignificant. When we think about the oceans, the mountains, the skies, and the intricate balance of nature, we can’t help but be awestruck by the power and majesty of God. Isaiah 40:12 reminds us of the greatness of our Creator. He holds the entire universe in His hands—every drop of water, every grain of sand, and every mountain peak is under His control.
This truth brings us incredible comfort, knowing that the same God who created and sustains the universe also knows the details of our lives. If He can measure the waters and balance the mountains, how much more can He handle the concerns of our hearts? Our Father truly knows best. His wisdom is beyond measure, and His care for us is personal and profound.
No matter the challenges or uncertainties you face, remember that you are in the hands of the One who has measured the seas and marked the heavens. He is in control, and His plans for you are perfectly timed and perfectly measured.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for being the Creator of all things and for holding the universe together. Help me to trust You in every aspect of my life, knowing that Your wisdom is far beyond what I can comprehend. May I rest in the assurance that You know best and are always in control. Amen.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
1 Corinthians 10:31 – "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."
In life, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the choices we must make and the responsibilities we bear. Whether it's decisions about our career, family, or even the small daily tasks, we can sometimes feel uncertain about the best way forward. But as believers, we are reminded that our Father knows best. Every action we take—whether it's something as simple as eating or drinking—can be done in a way that glorifies God.
God's desire is for us to seek Him in all that we do, trusting that His wisdom surpasses our understanding. We don't need to have all the answers. Instead, we are called to place our faith in Him, knowing that when we live with the intent to honor Him, we are walking in the right direction.
Today, take a moment to reflect on how even the smallest actions in your life can be transformed into an act of worship. Whether it's through kindness to a neighbor, diligence in your work, or patience in trials, know that your Father is guiding you. His wisdom is perfect, and His plans for you are good. Whatever you do today, do it for His glory, and trust that He will take care of the rest.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wisdom and guidance in my life. Help me to seek Your glory in all that I do, whether in big decisions or small actions. May my life be a reflection of Your love and grace. I trust that You know what is best for me. Amen.
