Pressing On

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          Pressing On

It’s not how big or how great you appear,
Not the brilliance you hold or the trophies you bear.
It’s not measured by talent, by strength, or by speed,
Nor by all the fine things others think that you need.

It’s doing your best with what’s placed in your hand,
Standing faithful and firm where you currently stand.
Pressing on with endurance when the way isn’t clear,
Refusing to quit though the goal feels not near.

For deep satisfaction is born from within,
When you trust God’s purpose and let patience begin.
Hold fast, don’t give up—stay steady, stay true,
What matters most is the faith lived through you.

Colossians 3:23 (KJV)
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

https://www.google.com/gasearch?q=Bob%20Wiland%201986%20New%20York%20Marathon%20who%20finished%20last&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:01844a99,vid:csBt2_L5yTc,st:0

January 15

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture Reading:
Luke 6:43-45 (KJV)

"For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

Reflection:

In these verses, Jesus uses the analogy of trees and their fruit to teach us about the nature of goodness and evil. Just as a tree is recognized by the fruit it produces, so are we known by the actions and words that stem from our hearts. A heart filled with goodness and love will naturally produce good deeds and kind words, while a heart harboring evil will yield harmful actions and speech.

Our Father, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, knows our hearts intimately. He understands the treasures stored within and sees the fruit they bear. He desires for us to cultivate hearts that are rich in goodness, compassion, and love, reflecting His own nature.

This passage challenges us to examine the state of our hearts. Are we bearing good fruit that glorifies God and blesses others, or is there something within us that needs to be transformed by His grace? Let us seek His guidance and allow His Spirit to work in us, so that our lives may bring forth the good fruit that He desires.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your wisdom and for the lessons You teach us through Your Word. Help us to cultivate hearts that are rich in goodness, filled with Your love and compassion. Remove any evil or bitterness within us and transform our hearts to reflect Your nature. May our words and actions bring glory to Your name and bear good fruit for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Action Step:

Take a moment today to reflect on the condition of your heart. Ask God to reveal any areas that need His healing touch. Commit to daily nurturing the good treasures within by spending time in prayer, reading His Word, and practicing acts of kindness and love. Let your life be a testament to the goodness of God, bearing fruit that blesses others and glorifies Him.

January 14

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture Reading:

John 14:6 (KJV)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Reflection:

In John 14:6, Jesus makes one of the most profound and definitive statements about His identity and mission. By declaring Himself as the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus emphasizes that He is the exclusive path to a relationship with God the Father. This statement is not only a declaration of His divinity but also a guide for our faith and life.

Jesus is the Way. 
In a world full of confusion and myriad paths, Jesus provides clear direction. He leads us through life's challenges and uncertainties, showing us the way to the Father. When we follow Jesus, we can be confident that we are on the right path, regardless of the circumstances we face.

Jesus is the Truth. 
In an age of relative truths and shifting moral standards, Jesus stands as the eternal and unchanging truth. His teachings, life, death, and resurrection reveal the truth about God, humanity, and the way to eternal life. By adhering to His truth, we find clarity and purpose.

Jesus is the Life. 
He offers us not just existence, but abundant and eternal life. Through Him, we experience the fullness of life that God intends for us—life that is rich in love, joy, peace, and hope. Jesus' resurrection assures us of our own resurrection and eternal life with God.

Application:

1. Follow Jesus' Path: Reflect on the paths you are currently taking in life. Are they aligned with Jesus' way? Seek His guidance in prayer and scripture to ensure you are walking in His footsteps.

2. Embrace Jesus' Truth: Evaluate the truths you hold. Are they based on the teachings of Jesus? Dive deeper into His word and let His truth shape your beliefs and actions.

3. Live Jesus' Life: Consider the quality of your life. Are you experiencing the abundant life Jesus promises? Foster a deeper relationship with Him through worship, community, and service, allowing His life to flow through you.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the way, the truth, and the life. Help us to follow Your path, embrace Your truth, and live the abundant life You offer. Guide us to the Father and strengthen our faith as we trust in You. May our lives reflect Your love and grace, drawing others to the saving knowledge of You. Amen.

Thought for the Day:

In every decision and situation, let us remember that Jesus is our guide, our truth, and our source of life. Trusting in Him leads us to a deeper relationship with the Father and a life filled with His eternal blessings.

January 13

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture Reading:

Luke 22:41-44 (KJV)
And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed,
Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Reflection:

In these verses, we find Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, facing the most excruciating moment of His earthly life. Knowing the suffering that lay ahead, He earnestly prayed to His Father, asking if there might be another way. Yet, despite His deep anguish, He surrendered completely to the Father's will: "Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done."

This moment of profound surrender is a powerful reminder of the importance of trusting God's wisdom and plan, even when it leads us into difficult and painful places. Jesus' obedience and submission to His Father's will highlight a key aspect of our faith journey – the acknowledgment that our Father knows best.

Application:

1. Trust in God's Plan: When we face challenging situations, we might be tempted to ask God to change our circumstances. It is natural to want relief from pain and hardship. However, like Jesus, we must learn to trust that God's plan is ultimately for our good and His glory, even if we do not fully understand it at the moment.

2. Seek Strength in Prayer: Notice how Jesus prayed more earnestly in His agony, and an angel appeared to strengthen Him. Prayer is not just a ritual; it is a vital source of strength and comfort. When we are overwhelmed, turning to God in earnest prayer can bring us the support we need to persevere.

3. Surrender to God's Will:mJesus' words, "not my will, but thine, be done," should resonate deeply within us. Surrendering to God's will requires humility and trust. It means letting go of our desires and accepting that God's wisdom and love guide His decisions for our lives.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Help us to trust Your wisdom and plan for our lives, even when we face difficulties and pain. Strengthen us through prayer, and teach us to surrender our will to Yours. May we always seek to glorify Your holy name in everything we do. Amen.

Amen Thought for the Day:

Trusting in God's will means believing that He knows what is best for us, even when the path is hard and the future is uncertain. Let us find peace in His perfect wisdom and love.

The Older Years

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     The Older Years

As we grow old, the outside ages,
Lines are written like well-read pages.
Hair turns silver, steps slow down,
Time leaves footprints all around.

Yet deep within, where truth appears,
The spirit walks untouched by years.
It learns, it loves, it gently grows,
In ways the mirror never shows.

The body bends to time’s decree,
But the soul still tastes eternity.
For flesh may fade and days may flee,
The spirit lives—forever free.

2 Corinthians 4:16 (KJV)
“For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.”

For God’s Honor And Glory

MarkWaldrop

Jesus Take Control

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   Jesus Take Control

Change your want to doer, Lord,
For words are easy, deeds ignored.
We say, “I want,” yet stay the same,
Good thoughts remain a distant flame.

But when we yield our lives to Christ,
Our will aligns, our hearts suffice.
He reshapes desire, molds the soul,
A want-to-doer made whole.

What once we feared or pushed aside,
Becomes our joy with Him our guide.
New passions rise, old chains grow weak,
We do the good we used to seek.

From darkest nights and sorrowed days,
He turns our hearts toward lighted ways.
Where sadness dwelt, true joy takes part—
Such is the work of Jesus’ heart.

 Philippians 2:13 (KJV)

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

Penned for Bruce Braun

A Trustworthy Saying

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    A Trustworthy Saying

Here is a saying, faithful and true,
Worthy of all that my heart can do.
Christ Jesus came to this broken place,
To save lost souls by boundless grace.

Not for the righteous, proud, or whole,
But for the wounded, sin-scarred soul.
I stand not first, but last in line,
The worst of sinners—yet still made mine.

If mercy reached this heart of stone,
Then none are left to walk alone.
His love runs deeper than my past,
His grace outshines my shame at last.

So I will cling to this truth confessed,
Received, believed, and fully embraced:
The Savior came—His work is done—
To save the lost… and I am one.

1Ti 1:15  Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

So Let it Be

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         So Let it Be

I’ve lived a life both whole and free,
By grace unseen that carried me.
Each borrowed breath, each step I trod,
A quiet gift entrusted, God.

I’ve known the ache, I’ve tasted joy,
Been shaped and softened, not destroyed.
Through valleys low and mountains high,
His faithful hand was ever nigh.

So if He calls my name one day,
And bids my wandering heart to stay,
I’ll rest within His sovereignty—
If God chooses to take me,
So let it be.

Philippians 1:21 (KJV)
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

Aaron’s Blessing

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       Aaron’s Blessing

The Lord bless you and keep you near,
A shelter strong, a presence clear.
May mercy guard each step you take,
And love surround you when you wake.

May His face shine with gentle light,
Dispelling fear, restoring sight.
Grace poured out in quiet ways,
Enough for all your numbered days.

May He turn toward you, heart inclined,
With favor true and peace refined.
A calm that holds, a rest profound
In Him, true peace is always found.

  "'"The LORD bless you and keep you;
Num 6:25  the LORD make Num 6:24his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
Num 6:26  the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace."'

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

January 12 but

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Psalm 109:30
 "I will greatly praise the LORD with my mouth; yea, I will praise him among the multitude."

Reflection:
Psalm 109:30 speaks of a commitment to praise the Lord openly and with great fervor. The psalmist declares his intention to praise God not just privately but publicly, among the multitude. This act of public praise is a powerful testimony of God's greatness and a reminder that our faith is not meant to be hidden but shared boldly.

Praising God with our mouths involves more than just words; it is an expression of our gratitude, reverence, and love for Him. It is an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and goodness in our lives. When we praise God publicly, we inspire and encourage others to see His work and to join in the celebration of His grace and mercy. Our Father knows best, and our praise is a response to His unfailing love and provision.

Application:
1. Make Praise a Habit: Regularly take time to praise God for His goodness, both in private and in public settings.

2. Share Your Testimony:
Don’t hesitate to share with others the wonderful things God has done in your life. Your testimony can encourage and uplift those around you.

3. Be Bold in Worship: Worship God openly and without fear. Let your praise be a reflection of your deep love and reverence for Him.

4. Inspire Others: Use your public praise as a way to inspire others to seek God and to recognize His work in their own lives.

5. Live a Life of Praise: Let your actions and words continually reflect a heart that is full of praise for God, demonstrating His love and grace to the world.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of praise. We thank You for Your unfailing love and for all the ways You bless and sustain us. Help us to praise You not only in private but also publicly, so that others may see Your greatness and be drawn to You. Give us the courage to share our testimonies and to inspire those around us with our worship. May our lives be a continuous reflection of our love and gratitude for You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Let your praise for God be bold and public, a testament to His greatness and love. Trust that our Father, who knows best, is worthy of all our praise and adoration.