Jesus Meets Us Where We Are

Jesus meets us where we are,  
Whether very near or very far.
Whether I’ve been good, doing the best I can,
Or a devout sinner, wandering the land.

It’s not what we’ve done in days gone by,
Or the tears we've shed when we questioned why.
Jesus said, “It’s what you do from now that will last,
For in Me, your future is not bound by the past.”

He opens His arms, no matter our state,
With love so pure, it’s never too late.
Whether we stand in the light or in the dark,
His grace ignites a brand-new spark.

So, I’ll trust in His word, and walk His way,
Knowing He’ll guide me every day.
For Jesus meets us where we are,
And with Him, no distance is ever too far.

August 30, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Everybody gets Old

Everybody gets old, or that's what I'm told,  
With more miles behind me than ahead to behold.
I should look ahead, for the journey's not done,
And prepare my heart for the rising of the sun.

I pray that my steps will find the right way,
Guided by faith as I walk through each day.
May wisdom be with me, as time takes its toll,
For everybody gets old, but peace fills the soul.

The road may be winding, the nights may grow cold,
But I trust in the promise that love never folds.
So, I'll keep pressing on, with hope as my guide,
For the future is bright, with the Lord by my side.

And when the day comes that my journey must cease,
I pray that I find a sweet, eternal peace.
Everybody gets old, that's what I've been told,
But with grace, I'll embrace it, and let the story unfold.

August 30, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Victories on the Way

Victories on the way, though valleys we may tread,  
Through shadows deep and heavy, where hope seems almost dead,
Yet in the midst of hardships, a light begins to gleam,
For through Jesus, there's a victory waiting in the stream.

The valley rests between two peaks, a journey in between,
A place where faith is tested, where fears can be unseen,
But from the depths we gather strength, a courage firm and true,
To climb the next great mountain, with skies of endless blue.

For every valley passed, a mountaintop awaits,
Where joy and peace will greet us, beyond the narrow gates,
And as we climb each rise, with faith to guide our way,
We know the strength we gain today will serve another day.

So let each valley teach us, let each summit make us strong,
For victories are on the way, through every trial long,
And as we journey forward, our hearts will ever pray,
That faith will grow with every step, and guide us on our way.

August 27, 2024
MarkWaldrop

July 30

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Galatians 5:13 (NIV)
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.”

Reflection:
In the journey of faith, one of the most profound gifts we receive is the freedom that comes through Christ. This freedom is not just an escape from the bondage of sin but a call to live a life that reflects the love and grace of our Heavenly Father. Today's scripture from Galatians emphasizes this important aspect of our freedom.

We are reminded that our freedom is not a license to indulge in selfish desires. While the world may define freedom as the ability to do whatever we please, God's definition is rooted in love and service. True freedom in Christ sets us free from the chains of selfishness and empowers us to live for others.

Paul's exhortation to "serve one another humbly in love" highlights the heart of Christian freedom. Our Father knows best, and His best for us includes living a life of humility and service. When we serve others, we reflect the character of Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.

Serving humbly in love means putting others' needs before our own, offering our time, resources, and talents to bless those around us. It’s in this selfless love that we find true fulfillment and joy. God’s way is perfect, and in His wisdom, He knows that our greatest freedom is found in living a life of love and service.

Prayer:
Dear Father, thank You for the precious gift of freedom through Christ. Help me to use this freedom not for selfish purposes, but to serve others humbly in love. Teach me to reflect Your love in my actions and to follow the example of Jesus in serving those around me. May my life be a testament to Your perfect ways and flawless word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step:
Identify one person in your life today whom you can serve humbly in love. Whether it’s through an act of kindness, offering your help, or simply listening to them, make a conscious effort to put their needs above your own. Reflect on how this act of service brings you closer to understanding God's perfect way and His call to love.

A Beacon Bright

What if I were paralyzed and could not speak or walk?
How would I proclaim the Gospel to others if I cannot talk?
The peace He gives my soul, even though my body is not whole, is my witness to Him.
The smile on my face reflects His Love from within.
The most prominent witness I can be
Is showing the courage He has given me.

When words are trapped inside, and movement seems denied,
I let His light shine through, as in His grace I abide.
My spirit sings a silent hymn, my heart a beacon bright,
Through every trial and storm, His love becomes my light.

In the quiet of my soul, His whispers I discern,
Teaching me to trust, in every twist and turn.
Though my voice is silent, my faith speaks loud and clear,
A testimony of His strength, conquering every fear.

Each smile becomes a sermon, each glance a holy prayer,
A testament of hope, in every breath of air.
For in His arms I'm lifted, despite the earthly pain,
A living, breathing witness, of His eternal reign.

So even when I'm bound, by flesh that's frail and weak,
My life becomes a message, of the love that we all seek.
The courage that He gives, will always set me free,
A powerful testament, of His grace in me.

July 26, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

The Death of a Good Man

In the stillness of the evening's sigh,
Beneath the vast and somber sky,
A good man's soul ascends on high,
Even foes must bow and cry.

For in his heart, so pure and true,
He held a light that darkness knew,
A beacon bright, a morning dew,
Respected by the chosen few.

His deeds of kindness, words so wise,
Brought solace, light to tear-filled eyes,
In life's harsh storms, he did arise,
A hero in the silent skies.

Even those who stood opposed,
In times of strife, with hearts enclosed,
Now bow their heads, their eyes deposed,
Respect the path his spirit chose.

For goodness knows no boundary,
Nor enemy in rivalry,
In death, his grace is plain to see,
A timeless, honored legacy.

July 24, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop