The Shield

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          The Shield

Come back with your shield,
or come back on it
for honor is not earned
through comfort or quitting.

The battle may tremble,
the night may roar,
but courage stands firm
where fear keeps score.

For some fight with weapons,
and some fight with prayer
yet both stand unbroken
because God is there.

So face every trial,
every valley, every test
not seeking the easiest path,
but choosing the noblest and best.

If you stumble, rise stronger
if you weep, let it flow
for victory isn’t just winning,
but refusing to let go.

So march with conviction,
with faith as your song
come back with your shield,
or come back carried true
but never come back wrong.

Eph 6:11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

Jesus Is the Reason for the Season

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Amid the lights and holiday cheer,
Let us pause and make it clear,
The gifts, the songs, the joyful feast,
Point to the birth of the Prince of Peace.

Not silver, nor gold, nor worldly treasure,
But love eternal, beyond all measure.
A Savior born, a gift so pure,
For every heart, His love is sure.

The star that shone so long ago,
Guided the world to the love we know.
In a humble manger, a King was laid,
A promise kept, salvation made.

So as we gather this Christmas time,
Let His name in our hearts shine.
For all we celebrate, all we believe in,
Is because Jesus is the reason for the season.

MarkWaldrop

December 2

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Daily Devotional Theme: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Verse of the Day
Colossians 3:23
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

Reflection
As we navigate through the tasks and responsibilities of our daily lives, it is essential to remember that our efforts are not just for our own gain or the approval of others, but ultimately for God. This perspective can transform even the most mundane tasks into acts of worship and service to our Heavenly Father, who sees and values our dedication and sincerity.

Devotional Thought
In every aspect of life, whether it is at home, work, or in our community, we face moments that test our patience, diligence, and integrity. The verse from Colossians reminds us to carry out our duties with a heart full of passion and commitment, not for human recognition but as a service to God. Our Father knows the best path for us, and when we align our work with His will, we find purpose and fulfillment.

Prayer
Dear Lord, 
Help us to remember that every task we undertake is an opportunity to serve You. Grant us the strength to work wholeheartedly and the wisdom to recognize Your hand guiding us. May our efforts be a reflection of our faith and devotion to You. Teach us to trust in Your perfect knowledge and plan for our lives.
Amen.

Application
Take a moment today to reflect on your current tasks and responsibilities. Consider how you can approach them with a renewed mindset of serving God. Whether you are caring for your family, working at your job, or volunteering in your community, do it with all your heart, knowing that your Father in Heaven sees and appreciates your efforts.

Thought for the Day
When we work for the Lord, every task becomes a meaningful part of His divine plan. Remember, our Father knows best, and He values our dedication and heartfelt service.

Once an Outlaw

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        Once an Outlaw

I hunted down every outlaw
that crossed my line of sight—
chasing shadows of old memories,
restless days and sleepless nights.

The desert winds kept whisperin’,

“Boy, you can’t outrun your past,”

but stubborn hearts are slow to learn,
and trouble always rides in fast.

Nowhere left to turn,
no friendly trail to follow,
just dust beneath my boots
and pride that’s grown too hollow.

Most days I kept to darkness,
living quiet, laying low
haunted by the choices made
and the seeds I helped to sow.

But somewhere in the silence,
as the moon began to glow,
my soul cried out in tremblin’ words

“Lord… help me before I go.”

Because even the hardest drifter,
beneath the scars and grit and steel,
still hopes there’s grace enough for him
a place where broken hearts can heal.

So I stand here with hands open,
no guns, no lies, no show
just a weary man asking mercy…
Oh Lord… help me before I go.

MarkWaldrop

IN THE LAST DAYS

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🕊️IN THE LAST DAYS 🕊️
by Mark C. Waldrop

The Lord is pouring His Spirit out
in these final, trembling days
and hearts once cold are burning,
and silent lips now praise.

Dreams are stirring in the weary,
visions rise in young and old
and the Gospel flame grows brighter
as the ancient words unfold.

Chains are breaking in the shadows,
truth is marching through the land
for the Spirit of the Living God
is moving by His sovereign hand.

Prodigals are turning homeward,
the broken lift their heads
and the thirsty find their filling
where His living waters spread.

Signs remind us time is closing,
but fear has lost its voice
for the Bride is being readied
and the heavens soon rejoice.

So let the trumpet echo softly
through every soul awake
The Lord is pouring His Spirit out
His promise no man can break.

And when the sky splits open,
and the King of Glory comes
every knee shall bow before Him,
and every tongue proclaim:

Jesus is Lord 
forever the same.

Jol 2:28  And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

December 1

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Reflection:
Life is a journey filled with both joy and challenges. There are moments when we may question the path we are on or the circumstances we face. However, as believers, we are reminded through Romans 8:28 that our Heavenly Father has a perfect plan for each of us. Even in times of difficulty, God is at work, weaving together every detail for our ultimate good and His divine purpose.

This verse assures us that nothing is wasted in God's economy. Every trial, every triumph, every sorrow, and every joy are all being used by God to shape us into the people He created us to be. Our Father knows best, and His plans are always for our benefit, even when we can't see it in the moment.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the assurance that You are always at work in our lives, orchestrating everything for our good. Help us to trust in Your perfect plan, even when we don't understand our circumstances. Give us faith to see Your hand in all things and to rest in the knowledge that You know what is best for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application:
Reflect on a time when a challenging situation ultimately led to something good in your life. Thank God for His wisdom and guidance during that time.
- When facing a difficult circumstance, remind yourself of Romans 8:28 and trust that God is working for your good.
- Share this message with someone who might be struggling to understand God's plan for their life. Encourage them with the truth that our Father knows best.

November 30

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Isaiah 40:28
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

Devotional Thought:
In our moments of doubt and fatigue, Isaiah 40:28 serves as a powerful reminder of who God is. He is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. Unlike us, He never grows tired or weary. His strength and endurance are limitless, and His understanding surpasses all human comprehension.

Our human perspective is often limited and can lead to frustration and confusion when we encounter life's challenges. Yet, God's perspective is infinite. He sees the bigger picture and understands the intricate details of our lives. When we recognize His omnipotence and infinite wisdom, we can find comfort and reassurance in His ability to manage all things perfectly.

Trusting that our Father knows best means relying on His never-ending strength and wisdom. It means believing that even when we don't understand our circumstances, God is in control and working all things for our good. His plans for us are rooted in His deep love and perfect understanding.

Reflection:
Reflect on areas in your life where you feel weary or confused. How can you shift your focus from your limitations to God's limitless power and understanding? Take time to meditate on God's attributes and trust in His ability to sustain and guide you through every situation.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the everlasting God who never grows tired or weary. Help me to trust in Your infinite wisdom and strength, especially when I feel weak and uncertain. Remind me that Your understanding is beyond my comprehension and that You are in control of every aspect of my life. Strengthen my faith and help me to rest in Your perfect knowledge and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Stuff

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                 Stuff

I’ve got so much stuff
old memories and dust,
things I once needed,
and things I bought just… because.

I look at it now and scratch my head
Why did I keep this?
What was I thinking ahead?

The kids don’t want it
not the knick-knacks, not the chair,
not the lamp from ‘84,
not my souvenir underwear.

So someday when I’m gone
and they sort through it all,
they’ll donate half to charity
and maybe keep… a photo on the wall.

And if you’re wandering aisles
at Goodwill or Salvation Army
and see something odd that makes you laugh
well… that just might be part of me.

So take it with a smile,
or leave it where it stands
just know I lived a good life
(and bought way too much in clearance bins).

And when I’m finally home
where no earthly clutter follows,
I’ll leave behind the shelves and drawers
and trade them for peace—and golden hollows.

But if you ever find my treasures
priced ninety-nine cents or two
smile, friend…
because somewhere I’m laughing, too.

Mark C. Waldrop 🪶

Hallelujah

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        Hallelujah

When the morning breaks with mercy,
and the darkness runs from light
when hope returns like sunrise glowing
after a long and restless night
Hallelujah.

When tears fall soft but healing,
and the heart begins to mend
when grace steps in and whispers,
“This is not where it will end”
Hallelujah.

When mountains finally crumble,
and chains fall to the ground
when freedom sings its victory
in a voice both soft and loud
Hallelujah.

When we don’t yet see the answer,
but we trust the One who knows
when faith stands firm in silence
as the unseen blessing grows
Hallelujah.

For every breath,
for every trial,
for the triumphs still in view
for the God who walks beside us
and makes all things good and new
Hallelujah.

Rev 19:1  “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

November 29

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Acts 9:5
"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied.

Devotional Thought:
The story of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus is a powerful reminder that God's plans and understanding far exceed our own. Saul, who was fervently persecuting Christians, encountered Jesus in a dramatic and life-changing way. His question, "Who are you, Lord?" signifies the beginning of a profound transformation, revealing that our Father knows best how to reach us and redirect our paths.

Jesus' response, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," highlights the deep connection between Christ and His followers. It also serves as a reminder that God sees and understands our actions and motivations, even when we are misguided. Despite Saul's zeal in the wrong direction, God had a plan to use him for a greater purpose.

This encounter teaches us that no matter how far we might stray or how misguided our efforts may be, God knows best how to guide us back to Him. His plans for us are rooted in His deep love and wisdom, and He can transform our lives in ways we never imagined. Trusting in God's knowledge and direction can lead us to fulfill our true purpose and experience a profound relationship with Him.

Reflection:
Reflect on moments in your life where you might have been heading in the wrong direction. How has God intervened or redirected your path? Consider how you can remain open to His guidance and trust in His plans for your life.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless wisdom and love. Help me to trust in Your plans, even when I do not understand them. Guide me and redirect my path when I stray, so that I may fulfill the purpose You have for me. May my life be a testament to Your grace and transformative power. In Jesus' name, Amen.