Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

John 15:4-5
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

In these powerful words, Jesus reminds us that true fruitfulness in our lives only comes from a deep connection with Him. Like a branch attached to the vine, we draw our strength, our nourishment, and our ability to flourish from Jesus Himself. When we abide in Him—rest in His presence, lean on His wisdom, and depend on His love—we are empowered to bear fruit that will last. 

Apart from Him, we can do nothing of lasting significance. Our plans and efforts may seem successful in the moment, but without the life-giving connection to the true Vine, they fade away. Yet, when we rely on Jesus, trusting Him with our hearts and lives, we will see fruit that brings glory to God and blesses others.

Abiding in Christ is not a one-time event; it’s a daily choice. It’s choosing to stay connected to Him in prayer, to listen to His voice in the Word, and to trust His leading in every situation. Our Father knows best, and as we abide in Jesus, we can be confident that He will bring forth the fruit He desires for our lives.

Prayer
Father, help me to abide in Your Son, Jesus, each and every day. Teach me to depend on You fully and to trust that apart from You, I can do nothing. May my life bear the fruit of Your love and grace, as I remain connected to the true Vine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

As we walk through life’s ups and downs, it can be difficult to always rejoice or give thanks in the midst of trials. Yet, these verses remind us that God’s will for us is not just to endure our circumstances but to embrace them with joy and gratitude. He knows what is best for us, even when we don’t fully understand.

Rejoicing always doesn’t mean that we ignore pain or pretend struggles don’t exist. It means we trust that God is at work, even in the difficulties. When we pray without ceasing, we keep an open, ongoing conversation with our Father, leaning on Him through every moment of our day. And when we give thanks in all circumstances, we acknowledge that His plans are greater than our own, that He is working all things together for good.

Today, as you move through your day, remember that our Father knows best. Rejoice in His goodness, pray in every moment, and give thanks, even when it’s hard to see the bigger picture. His will for your life is filled with purpose, and He is with you every step of the way.

Prayer
Father, thank You for Your constant presence and Your perfect plan. Help me to trust You more each day, to rejoice in Your goodness, to pray continually, and to give thanks in all things. You know what’s best for me, and I surrender my will to Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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?

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.