Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Proverbs 12:22
"Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who act faithfully are his delight."

Reflection:

In a world where truth is often twisted and honesty can feel like a rarity, the words of Proverbs 12:22 stand as a clear reminder of God’s standard for His people. Our Heavenly Father values truth deeply because He is the embodiment of truth. When we speak lies, we not only hurt others but also distance ourselves from God, for lying lips are an abomination to Him.

Lying can be tempting, especially when we believe it will spare us from trouble, make us look better, or avoid hurting someone’s feelings. However, every time we choose dishonesty, we stray from God’s path and diminish the trust others place in us. Lies create a tangled web that ensnares our hearts and leads to further deceit.

In contrast, those who act faithfully, living in truth and integrity, are a delight to the Lord. Faithfulness isn’t just about being reliable; it’s about being true in word and deed. When we choose to be truthful, even when it’s hard, we align ourselves with God’s character and become a reflection of His light in the world. Our faithful actions and honest words become a testimony of God’s righteousness, drawing others closer to Him.

Today, let us commit to being people of truth, knowing that our Father delights in our faithfulness. Let us remember that truth-telling builds trust, strengthens relationships, and honors God. In a world where lies are often justified, may we stand firm in the truth, knowing that our Father knows best and delights in our integrity.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God of truth. I confess that there have been times when I’ve been tempted to lie or bend the truth. Help me to live a life of integrity, being faithful in all I say and do. Let my words and actions reflect Your truth so that I may be a delight to You and a witness to others. Give me the strength to speak the truth in love, even when it’s difficult. Thank You for guiding me in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Question:

Are there areas in your life where you’ve been tempted to be less than truthful? Ask God to help you embrace truth and live faithfully in all your interactions today.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Psalm 40:2-3
"He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD."

Reflection:

Life often feels like a journey filled with unexpected twists, turns, and challenges. There are times when we find ourselves in deep pits of despair, confusion, or fear—places where it seems impossible to find solid ground. Yet, it is in these very moments that our Heavenly Father shows His unmatched power and love.

Psalm 40:2-3 reminds us that God is not distant or indifferent to our struggles. He sees us when we are sinking, trapped in the "miry bog" of life, and He is faithful to pull us out. He doesn’t just leave us on shaky ground; instead, He sets our feet upon a rock, providing stability and security in an otherwise unstable world.

This act of deliverance doesn’t just change our circumstances—it transforms our hearts. God puts a "new song" in our mouths, a song of praise and gratitude that flows from the deep well of His salvation. When we experience His deliverance, our response is one of worship, and this worship becomes a testimony to others. As we praise God for His mighty works, those around us are drawn to His power and goodness. Our lives become a beacon of hope, pointing others to trust in the Lord.

Today, no matter what pit you find yourself in, remember that your Father knows best. He knows how to lift you out of your darkest moments and place you on firm ground. Trust in His ability to rescue you, and let the new song He gives you be a testimony of His grace and power to the world.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my rescuer and my rock. When I am sinking in the struggles of life, You lift me up and set me on solid ground. I praise You for Your faithfulness and love. Help me to trust You in every situation, knowing that You have

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Psalm 32:5
"I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,' and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

Reflection:

One of the most profound truths we can hold onto is that our Heavenly Father knows us completely—our strengths, our weaknesses, our triumphs, and our failures. He sees the very depths of our hearts, including the sins we try to hide. Yet, despite knowing everything about us, He still loves us with an everlasting love.

In Psalm 32:5, David reflects on the power of confession and forgiveness. When we come before God, acknowledging our sins without trying to cover them up, we experience the incredible grace and mercy of our Father. He is not shocked by our mistakes, nor is He unwilling to forgive us. In fact, He is eager to cleanse us and restore our relationship with Him.

Confession is not about informing God of something He doesn’t already know. It’s about bringing our hearts into alignment with His truth, allowing His light to penetrate the dark corners of our lives. When we confess, we are reminded of the all-encompassing forgiveness that Jesus secured for us on the cross. This forgiveness is not conditional or partial—it is full and complete.

Today, let us rest in the knowledge that our Father knows best. He knows our sins and shortcomings, and yet He invites us to come to Him with open hearts, ready to receive His forgiveness and love. There is no need to hide or cover up. He waits for us with open arms, ready to forgive and restore.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing me completely and loving me. I confess my sins to You, trusting in Your great mercy and forgiveness. Help me to walk in the light of Your truth, free from the burden of hidden sins. Thank You for the cleansing power of Jesus’ sacrifice and for the peace that comes from being in right relationship with You. May I always remember that Your ways are higher than mine, and that Your love for me is unfailing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Question:

Is there anything you’ve been trying to hide from God? Take time today to bring it before Him, trusting in His grace and forgiveness.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Luke 8:45-46
And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!” But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.”

Devotional Thought:

In this passage from the Gospel of Luke, we see a moment where Jesus, surrounded by a pressing crowd, asks a seemingly simple question: "Who touched me?" To the disciples, especially Peter, the question might have seemed unnecessary or even confusing. After all, many people were pressing against Jesus in that crowd. How could He distinguish one touch among so many?

Yet, Jesus knew. He wasn't merely aware of a physical touch but of a deep, desperate act of faith. A woman, suffering for years, reached out in her pain, believing that just a touch of Jesus' garment would heal her. And it did. Jesus felt the power flow from Him, not because He was unaware of what had happened, but because He wanted to acknowledge the faith that had drawn that power.

This story reminds us that God knows everything about us, even the smallest acts of faith we might think go unnoticed. When we reach out to Him in our need, our Father knows. He discerns our cries amidst the noise of the world, understanding the depth of our heartache, the sincerity of our faith, and the purity of our trust in Him.

Just like the woman in the crowd, we may feel overlooked or insignificant at times. We may think our prayers or actions are too small to matter. But remember this: God knows. He sees. He responds. Our Father knows best, and He is attentive to the cries of His children, no matter how small or hidden they may seem.

Reflection:

- Are there areas in your life where you feel overlooked or unheard? 
- How can you remind yourself today that God is attentive to even your smallest acts of faith?
- Take a moment to thank God for His deep knowledge of you and His faithfulness to respond.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing me so intimately and for caring about even the smallest details of my life. Help me to reach out to You in faith, trusting that You are always aware and always working for my good. Strengthen my belief that You know best, even when I cannot see or understand. In Jesus' name, Amen.