Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Psalm 61:1-2
"For the director of music. With stringed instruments. Of David. Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

In times of weariness, when the weight of the world seems too heavy to bear, it's natural to cry out to God, as David did. David knew where to turn when his heart grew faint — not to his own strength, but to the One who holds all strength and wisdom. He sought refuge in a rock higher than himself, a place of security and peace that only God could provide.

Sometimes we don’t understand why we face certain trials or why our hearts feel so heavy, but it is in these moments that we must trust that our Father knows best. Like a child running into their parent’s arms, we find rest in His embrace, knowing that He sees the bigger picture, even when we cannot. His ways are higher than ours, and His love for us is unfailing.

Today, whatever burden you are carrying, remember to call upon the Lord. Allow Him to lift you up to that higher place — a place of safety, trust, and rest in His divine plan. Though our hearts may grow faint, our Father hears every cry, and He knows exactly what we need. He is our rock, and we can trust in Him.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You today, trusting that You know what’s best for me. As I cry out to You with my burdens, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I. Help me to rest in Your wisdom and love, knowing that You hear my prayers and will guide me through every trial. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
  
Scripture:
Hebrews 10:35 – "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded."  
Hebrews 10:36 – "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised."

Reflection:
In moments of hardship, doubt, or waiting, it's easy to lose confidence in God's promises. We might wonder if we're on the right path or feel discouraged when we don’t see immediate results. But these verses remind us to hold on to our confidence and trust in God’s faithfulness.

God sees the bigger picture. When we do His will, even in seasons of difficulty, we are storing up a reward far greater than anything this world can offer. It takes perseverance—holding firm in faith, trusting that God knows what’s best and that His promises are sure. Just as we cannot rush the growth of a seed, so too must we wait with patient trust for the fulfillment of God's promises. Our Father, who is faithful, will reward those who hold fast and stay the course.

Prayer:
Lord, strengthen my faith to trust in Your timing and plans. When I feel weak or discouraged, remind me of Your promises. Help me to persevere in doing Your will, knowing that Your rewards are eternal and sure. Amen.

Reflection Question:
How can you strengthen your confidence in God's promises today, especially in areas where you are waiting for His reward? 

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
  
Scripture:
1 John 2:17 – "The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."

Reflection:
In a world filled with fleeting pleasures, success, and distractions, it can be easy to chase after things that won’t last. The desires of this world—wealth, status, and temporary happiness—are often seen as the ultimate goals. But Scripture reminds us that these desires are passing, mere shadows that will fade away.

God, our loving Father, knows what is truly best for us. He calls us to focus not on temporary pursuits, but on His eternal will. When we align ourselves with God's purpose, we find meaning that transcends this world and leads to everlasting life. The fulfillment we find in God’s will is not fleeting, but enduring—promising joy and peace that lasts forever.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to seek Your will above all else. Teach me to recognize the temporary nature of this world’s desires, and guide me to pursue what matters eternally. Thank You for the promise of eternal life through obedience to You. Amen.

Reflection Question:
Are there any desires or pursuits in your life that may be distracting you from God's eternal will? How can you shift your focus toward His lasting purpose? 

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop 

Psalm 90:14

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

Each day is a gift from God, and as we rise each morning, we have the opportunity to be filled with His unfailing love. This verse from Psalm 90 reminds us that true satisfaction and joy are found not in our circumstances, but in the love of our Heavenly Father. When we begin our day by seeking His presence, we are renewed, strengthened, and able to face whatever comes our way with a heart full of gladness.

Life can often feel overwhelming, but God offers us the peace and joy that transcend any trial. He satisfies our deepest needs with His love, and this satisfaction brings about a lasting joy that nothing else can provide. As we trust in Him, we find that the joy He gives becomes our strength for the entire day and beyond.

Today, invite God to satisfy you with His love. Make space in your morning to connect with Him, and let the joy of His presence fill your heart, so that you may carry that gladness throughout all your days.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, satisfy me this morning with Your unfailing love. Let Your presence fill my heart with joy and peace, no matter what lies ahead. Help me to find my true contentment in You alone, and may Your love be the source of my gladness all the days of my life. Amen.

April 15
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Romans 12:5

So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

In the body of Christ, we are not meant to walk this journey alone. Every believer is a unique part of a greater whole, each with gifts, roles, and responsibilities. God, in His infinite wisdom, has designed us to need one another, to support, encourage, and uplift each other as we serve Him.

Though we come from different backgrounds and have different experiences, in Christ, we are united. We belong to one another, called to love, serve, and carry one another’s burdens. When one part of the body rejoices, we all rejoice. When one part suffers, we all feel the weight of that pain.

This interdependence is part of God’s perfect plan. He knows that through community, we grow stronger, reflect His love more clearly, and accomplish more for His kingdom than we ever could alone. By leaning into this truth, we acknowledge that our gifts are not for ourselves alone but for the building up of the entire body of Christ.

Today, remember that you are a vital part of God's family. Ask Him to show you how you can contribute to the growth and well-being of others in the body of Christ. Our Father knows best, and He has placed us together for a reason.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for placing me within the body of Christ. Help me to see the ways I can serve, encourage, and support my brothers and sisters. Remind me that my gifts and talents are meant for the good of others, and may I always seek to glorify You in how I live in community. 

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Romans 12:5

So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

In the body of Christ, we are not meant to walk this journey alone. Every believer is a unique part of a greater whole, each with gifts, roles, and responsibilities. God, in His infinite wisdom, has designed us to need one another, to support, encourage, and uplift each other as we serve Him.

Though we come from different backgrounds and have different experiences, in Christ, we are united. We belong to one another, called to love, serve, and carry one another’s burdens. When one part of the body rejoices, we all rejoice. When one part suffers, we all feel the weight of that pain.

This interdependence is part of God’s perfect plan. He knows that through community, we grow stronger, reflect His love more clearly, and accomplish more for His kingdom than we ever could alone. By leaning into this truth, we acknowledge that our gifts are not for ourselves alone but for the building up of the entire body of Christ.

Today, remember that you are a vital part of God's family. Ask Him to show you how you can contribute to the growth and well-being of others in the body of Christ. Our Father knows best, and He has placed us together for a reason.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for placing me within the body of Christ. Help me to see the ways I can serve, encourage, and support my brothers and sisters. Remind me that my gifts and talents are meant for the good of others, and may I always seek to glorify You in how I live in community. Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By MarkWaldrop

Matthew 5:23-24

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Our Heavenly Father cares deeply not only about our relationship with Him but also about how we relate to others. In this passage, Jesus teaches us that reconciliation with one another is so important that it takes precedence even over worship. God knows that unresolved conflict can hinder our prayers, our peace, and our ability to experience His presence fully.

When we harbor bitterness or leave conflicts unresolved, it creates a barrier in our hearts. Offering gifts and prayers at the altar is important, but God calls us first to be at peace with one another. By seeking reconciliation, we open the door to healing and restore the unity that God desires in our relationships.

This teaching reminds us that our love for God is deeply intertwined with our love for others. To worship God in spirit and truth, we must first do the work of reconciliation—whether it’s offering forgiveness or seeking it.

Today, ask God to show you any relationships in need of healing. He knows what’s best for you and wants you to experience the freedom and peace that come from restored relationships.

Prayer:
Father, help me to take the steps necessary to reconcile with those I have wronged or those who have wronged me. Soften my heart and give me the courage to seek peace in my relationships. May my worship be pure and my heart free of burdens. Thank You for teaching me the importance of reconciliation and for Your guidance in every step I take. Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop 

Isaiah 43:16-19

“This is what the LORD says—he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

There are times when we become so focused on the past that we miss what God is doing in the present. We may cling to past victories or failures, afraid to move forward or uncertain of what lies ahead. Yet, in Isaiah 43, God reminds us that He is always at work, creating new paths and opportunities, even in the wilderness of our lives.

Just as He parted the Red Sea and led His people to safety, God knows what is best for us. He asks us to trust Him, to look forward rather than backward, and to believe that He is making a way where there seems to be no way. 

No matter how desolate or uncertain your situation feels, God is preparing streams in the wasteland, a fresh source of hope, peace, and provision. He’s asking us to let go of what’s behind and embrace the new things He’s doing.

Today, trust that our Father knows best. He sees the bigger picture, and He is leading us into His perfect plan. Let us move forward with faith, trusting that He will provide every step of the way.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing what is best for me even when I cannot see the way ahead. Help me to let go of the past and trust in the new things You are doing in my life. Guide my steps and strengthen my faith, knowing that You are always with me, making a way in the wilderness. Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Ephesians 2:19
“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”

As believers, we often face challenges that test our faith. We may feel lost or uncertain about our path in life, wondering if we're truly understood or if we belong. Yet, in moments like these, we must remind ourselves that we are no longer strangers, no longer foreigners in a distant land. We are members of God’s household—a family chosen and loved by Him.

When we accept Christ, we step into a family where our Father knows us intimately and perfectly. He sees the full picture of our lives, both the past and the future. Even when our circumstances seem confusing or hard to navigate, we can trust that our Father knows what is best for us. His wisdom surpasses our understanding, and His plans are always good.

Like a loving parent, God knows our strengths and weaknesses. He knows the trials we face and the growth we need. And just as a parent disciplines out of love and leads out of care, our Father guides us in ways that may not always make sense at the moment but are designed for our ultimate good.

No matter what you're going through today, rest in the assurance that you belong to God's household. You are His child, part of a heavenly family where you are known and loved. Trust that He knows best, and let His wisdom and care guide you through every season of life.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for welcoming me into Your family. Help me to trust in Your wisdom, especially when I do not understand the way forward. I believe that You know what’s best for me and that Your love will guide me through all things. Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Proverbs 15:16
"Better a little with the fear of the LORD than great wealth with turmoil."

In a world that constantly pushes us to strive for more—more money, more success, more possessions—this verse from Proverbs reminds us of a profound truth: peace with God is far more valuable than anything material wealth can offer. When we live with reverence and trust in the Lord, even if we have little by worldly standards, we possess something far greater—true contentment and peace of heart.

Our Father knows best what we need, and He understands the dangers of chasing after wealth at the expense of our relationship with Him. Great wealth, when gained without the foundation of godly wisdom and fear of the Lord, can bring anxiety, greed, and endless turmoil. But living with trust in God's provision and placing Him first brings peace that surpasses all understanding.

Today, consider where your focus lies. Are you striving for earthly success, or are you seeking to live in alignment with God's will, trusting that He will meet your needs? Remember, it is far better to have little with God’s peace than to have much with the chaos of an unsettled soul.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of what truly matters in life. Help me to trust in Your provision and not chase after things that bring turmoil. May I live with a heart that reveres You, knowing that peace with You is more valuable than any wealth this world could offer. Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: John 13:13-14
"You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet."

Jesus, our Teacher and Lord, gave us an extraordinary example of humility and service. In the upper room, He did something that shocked His disciples: He knelt and washed their feet. In doing so, He turned their understanding of greatness upside down. He, the very Son of God, took on the role of a servant to demonstrate what true love and leadership look like.

Our Father knows best how we can grow in our faith and live in a way that honors Him. He knows that real greatness is not found in power or status, but in serving others. As Jesus washed the feet of His disciples, He showed us that no act of service is beneath us if it is done in love.

We are called to follow in His footsteps, serving one another with the same spirit of humility. When we serve others, we reflect the heart of Jesus, showing the world that love is more than words—it is action. Our Father, in His wisdom, teaches us that in serving others, we are ultimately serving Him.

Today, ask yourself: How can I serve those around me as Christ served His disciples? How can I show love through humble service, following the example of my Lord and Teacher?

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me the true meaning of love through Your example of humble service. Help me to follow Your lead, serving others with a heart of humility and grace. Teach me to see every opportunity to serve as a way to honor You and reflect Your love to the world. Amen.