Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Philippians 1:9-10
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”

Reflection:
There are times in life when we face decisions that seem overwhelming, choices that test our understanding and wisdom. In those moments, it’s easy to rely on our own limited insight, but as followers of Christ, we are reminded that our Heavenly Father knows best.

Paul’s prayer in Philippians is a beautiful reminder of this truth. He prays that love—God’s love in us—will grow deeper and deeper, leading to greater knowledge and insight. With that love guiding us, we are able to discern what is truly best, making decisions that reflect purity and righteousness as we look toward the day of Christ’s return.

God doesn’t just give us rules to follow; He fills us with His love, shaping our thoughts, actions, and desires. As we allow His love to abound in us, we gain the clarity we need to live lives that are blameless and pleasing to Him. Trust in His wisdom, for He always knows what is best for our hearts and lives.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your boundless love and perfect wisdom. Help me to grow in Your love, that I may see clearly the path You want me to take. Teach me to discern what is best and to live in a way that honors You, pure and blameless in the sight of Christ. Guide my steps today and every day. Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Reflection:
Giving is an act that reflects the heart of God. He doesn’t want us to give out of obligation or guilt, but from a place of joy and love. When we give cheerfully, whether it’s our time, resources, or compassion, we are walking in step with His will. Our Father knows best what is good for us, and He knows that a heart inclined toward generosity not only blesses others but also brings joy and fulfillment to the giver. Giving is not a chore but a privilege—an opportunity to reflect God's abundant grace in our lives. Trust that as you give cheerfully, God will provide all you need and more.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to give from my heart with joy and gratitude. Let my generosity reflect Your love and goodness in the world. Teach me to give without hesitation or reluctance, knowing that every good and perfect gift comes from You. May I find delight in being a cheerful giver, just as You delight in blessing me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Deuteronomy 31:8 - "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Reflection:
There are times in life when we feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or lost, unsure of what lies ahead. In those moments, we must remember that God already knows the path before us. He walks ahead, guiding us with His perfect wisdom and unfailing love. We may not always understand why things happen the way they do, but we can rest in the assurance that our Father knows best. He promises never to leave us, and that is where our hope and courage lie. We can step into each day with confidence, trusting that His presence goes before us, shielding us from fear and discouragement.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for going before me and never leaving my side. Help me to trust in Your wisdom and guidance, knowing that You hold my future in Your hands. Strengthen my heart when I feel afraid or discouraged, and remind me of Your faithful presence. May I always find peace in the truth that You know what’s best for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

April 26
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture
“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.”* — 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV)

Reflection:
There are times in our lives when God's guidance and plans may seem difficult to grasp. For those who do not have the Holy Spirit, the ways of God can appear as foolishness. They struggle to understand because divine truths are spiritually discerned, and without the Spirit, one is disconnected from God’s wisdom.

As believers, we are blessed to have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, providing discernment and wisdom that goes beyond worldly understanding. God knows what is best for us, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment. Our finite minds cannot always comprehend the full picture, but we trust in His eternal perspective.

Application:
Today, if you face a situation that you do not fully understand, lean into the Holy Spirit. Seek God in prayer, trusting that He knows best. Though His ways may not align with worldly wisdom, He guides you with love, purpose, and perfect understanding.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit that enables me to discern Your truth. Help me to trust You more deeply, even when I do not fully understand. Remind me that You know best, and Your plans for me are good. Am

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture
“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.”* — 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV)

Reflection:
There are times in our lives when God's guidance and plans may seem difficult to grasp. For those who do not have the Holy Spirit, the ways of God can appear as foolishness. They struggle to understand because divine truths are spiritually discerned, and without the Spirit, one is disconnected from God’s wisdom.

As believers, we are blessed to have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, providing discernment and wisdom that goes beyond worldly understanding. God knows what is best for us, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment. Our finite minds cannot always comprehend the full picture, but we trust in His eternal perspective.

Application:
Today, if you face a situation that you do not fully understand, lean into the Holy Spirit. Seek God in prayer, trusting that He knows best. Though His ways may not align with worldly wisdom, He guides you with love, purpose, and perfect understanding.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit that enables me to discern Your truth. Help me to trust You more deeply, even when I do not fully understand. Remind me that You know best, and Your plans for me are good. Amen.  

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Philippians 2:13 (KJV)
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Reflection:
Often, we feel the pressure to do things on our own, whether it’s trying to make the right decisions or accomplish what we believe is God’s will. But Philippians 2:13 offers a profound reassurance: it is God Himself who works in us, giving us both the desire and the ability to carry out His good purposes. We are not left to our own limited strength or wisdom.

This truth transforms our approach to life. We don't have to rely solely on our efforts or feel inadequate for the tasks God sets before us. Instead, we can trust that He is actively at work within us, shaping our will and guiding our actions according to His divine plan. Our Father knows what is best, and He equips us with everything we need to follow His path.

When we surrender our plans to God and allow Him to lead, we can experience the peace and joy that comes from knowing we are not alone in our journey. His Spirit within us empowers us to do His will—not out of compulsion, but as a natural response to His work in our hearts.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for working in me to both will and to do Your good pleasure. Help me to trust in Your strength and guidance, knowing that You are always with me. May I live each day surrendered to Your will, confident that You are directing my steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Reflection:
Giving is a personal act of worship, one that is meant to come from the heart. This verse speaks to the importance of intention in our giving. God doesn't want us to give out of obligation or with a heavy heart. Instead, He desires that we give joyfully, with love and gratitude for what He has given us.

When we give cheerfully, we reflect the nature of our Heavenly Father, who delights in blessing His children. Whether it’s our time, resources, or love, our offerings are precious to God when they come from a heart that willingly serves. It’s not the size of the gift but the spirit in which it is given that matters most to Him.

Our Father knows what is best for us, and when we trust Him with our giving, we experience the joy of partnering with Him in His work. In His kingdom, a heart that gives freely and cheerfully is one that understands the true meaning of generosity. It is a reflection of the abundant grace we have received from God and a way to show our love and gratitude toward Him.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to give from a heart that is filled with joy and gratitude. Teach me to trust You fully in my giving, knowing that You love a cheerful giver. May I never give out of obligation or with reluctance, but always out of love for You and others. Thank You for blessing me so that I can be a blessing to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (KJV)
Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Reflection:
The churches of Macedonia were going through incredible hardship, yet in the midst of their affliction, they experienced an abundance of joy. What stands out in this passage is how their joy and deep poverty overflowed into generosity. Even though they had little, they gave much—not just financially, but they first gave themselves fully to God.

In our lives, we often face trials that test our faith. It’s tempting to hold back or cling to what we think we need to survive. But the Macedonian believers remind us of a powerful truth: when we trust God with all that we are—our time, talents, and treasures—He does more than we could ever imagine.

God’s grace enables us to give beyond our own strength. It’s not about the size of the gift, but the heart that’s fully surrendered to Him. When we put Him first, He leads us to greater joy, even in the midst of affliction. Our Father truly knows best, and His ways are higher than ours. As we walk in faith, let’s remember to trust His will, offering ourselves to Him in love and obedience.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your abundant grace and the example of the Macedonian believers. Help us to trust You fully, especially in times of trial. Teach us to give not only from our resources but from our very selves, knowing that You will always provide for us. May we walk in obedience to Your will, finding joy in serving You and others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Isaiah 65:17-18
"See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy."

In a world full of uncertainties, it is comforting to remember that God has a perfect plan for His creation. He promises a future where all the pain, struggles, and brokenness of this life will fade away, replaced by something far greater—a new heaven and a new earth. Our Father knows best, and He is working towards a future full of joy, peace, and delight.

Often, we get caught up in the challenges of today, worrying about what lies ahead or lamenting what has passed. But God’s word reminds us to look beyond our current circumstances. His plan is much larger than what we can see or understand. He calls us to trust Him, to rejoice in His promises, and to place our hope in the new creation He is preparing for us.

God’s wisdom far exceeds ours. He knows exactly what we need, when we need it, and how it will unfold. Even when we don’t understand, we can rest assured that our Father is in control, working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).

Let us rejoice in His promise today. The former things will pass away, and His new creation will bring endless joy. In this, we can find peace and comfort, knowing that our Father truly knows best.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise of a new heaven and a new earth. Help us to trust in Your perfect plan, even when we don’t understand what is happening in our lives. Teach us to rejoice in the future You are preparing, knowing that You always know what’s best. Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Matthew 5:41
"If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles."

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls us to a radical way of living, one that goes beyond mere obligation and into the realm of grace and love. The world often tells us to do only what is required, but Jesus teaches a different path — one of selfless generosity and unexpected kindness. 

In this verse, He challenges us to go the extra mile, literally and figuratively. It’s not just about fulfilling the minimum requirements or doing what’s expected, but about serving others with a willing heart, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. When we go beyond what’s asked of us, we reflect the heart of our Father, who always knows best.

God knows that it is in these moments of going the extra mile that we grow in humility and compassion. He uses these acts of grace to shape our character and to be a light to others. This kind of love can change the hearts of those around us, breaking down barriers and showing the world what it means to live in Christ’s love.

Today, consider where God may be calling you to go the extra mile. Whether it’s in your relationships, your work, or your service to others, trust that your Father knows best and will bless you as you walk in obedience to His higher calling.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to a life of love and service. Help me to go the extra mile, not out of obligation, but out of a heart that reflects Your grace. Teach me to love others as You have loved me, trusting that You know what’s best for my growth and for the good of those I serve. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: 1 John 2:1
"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One."

We are all on a journey of faith, striving to live a life that honors God. But along the way, we stumble and fall. Sin sometimes sneaks into our lives, and it can leave us feeling ashamed, distant from God, and unworthy of His love. Yet, in His infinite wisdom and love, our Father knew this would happen, and He made provision for us.

God doesn’t want us to sin, but He also knows we are not perfect. That’s why He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to be our advocate. Jesus, the Righteous One, stands in our place, defending us before the Father when we fall short. He took upon Himself the penalty for our sins, so that we could stand forgiven and redeemed.

What a comforting truth! We are not left to bear the weight of our mistakes alone. When we confess our sins, we have a Savior who is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Our Father knows best — He knows we need grace, and He offers it freely through His Son.

Today, if you find yourself struggling with sin or guilt, remember that Jesus is your advocate. He stands in the gap for you, offering you the gift of grace and a path back to the Father. Don’t carry the burden of sin any longer — bring it to the One who knows you fully and loves you completely.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for knowing my heart and for providing Jesus as my advocate. When I fall, remind me of the grace that is available to me through Christ. Help me to turn away from sin and trust in Your forgiveness. Thank You for Your perfect plan and endless love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.