I was crucified one day in a most horrible way. There were three of us that day. I deserved what I got The man in the middle did not.
When I got to Heaven, they asked me why I was there. I had no deeds to show, no Scripture to declare. They asked me once more why I had come. I had no answers, no merit, none.
Then the silence was broken, a voice pure and true: “The man in the middle—He said I could too.”
So here I stand, not by works of my hand, But by grace undeserved, in the promised land. Not for my record, my effort, or good, But only because the Man in the Middle said I could.
Just as the trapeze artist, high in the air, Leaps with a trust beyond all compare, Reaching with faith, no fear in his heart, Knowing strong arms will do their part
So must we reach with courage untold, Extending our arms to the One who holds. Our God will not falter, His grip will not cease, He offers His children a refuge of peace.
He will never let go, He will never grow weak, His strength is unending, His love what we seek. Through the gift of His Son, His mercy shines through, And His peace will sustain in all that we do.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: John 10:28-29 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.” Scripture provided by Jim Hartzler
Reflection: In these comforting verses from John 10, Jesus assures us of the eternal security we have in Him. He promises that those who belong to Him will never perish and that no one can snatch them out of His hand or the Father's hand. This powerful declaration speaks to the depth of God's love and the strength of His protection over us.
Our Father knows best, and in His infinite wisdom, He has given us the greatest gift: eternal life through Jesus Christ. This gift is not fragile or fleeting; it is a secure promise guaranteed by the omnipotent Creator. Knowing this, we can find peace and confidence in our daily lives, no matter what challenges we face.
God's protection is absolute. When we are in His hands, we are safe from any force that tries to separate us from His love. This does not mean we will not face trials or difficulties, but it assures us that nothing can ultimately defeat us or take away the eternal life we have in Christ.
Application: 1. Rest in God's Security: Meditate on the assurance that no one can snatch you out of God's hand. Let this truth bring peace to your heart, especially in times of uncertainty.
2. Celebrate Eternal Life: Take time to rejoice in the gift of eternal life that Jesus has given you. Reflect on the hope and joy this brings to your present and future.
3. Strengthen Your Faith: When doubts or fears arise, remind yourself of God's promise of protection. Speak these verses over your life and trust in God's unwavering care.
4. Encourage Others: Share this message of security and hope with those around you. Help others understand the steadfastness of God's love and protection.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for the assurance that no one can snatch us out of Your hands. Help us to live in the confidence of Your protection and to trust in Your perfect wisdom. Strengthen our faith and give us courage to face each day, knowing that we are securely held by You. Amen.
Thought for the Day: Our Father's hands are the safest place we can be. Trust in His eternal security and live confidently, knowing that His protection over you is unbreakable and His love is unfailing.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By MarkWaldrop
Scripture: Psalm 31:24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!
Reflection: This verse from Psalm 31 encourages us to be strong and courageous as we wait for the LORD. Waiting is often challenging, especially when we face uncertainties or difficulties. However, this verse reminds us that strength and courage are essential qualities for those who trust in God’s timing and wisdom.
Our Father knows what is best for us, even when His timing seems slow or His plans are not clear to us. He calls us to be patient and to have faith that He is working all things for our good. As we wait on the LORD, we can find strength and courage in His promises and in His presence.
Being strong and courageous does not mean we never feel fear or doubt. Instead, it means we choose to trust God despite our fears and uncertainties. It means we rely on His strength rather than our own, and we draw courage from His unwavering love and faithfulness.
Application: 1. Trust in God’s Timing: Reflect on past experiences where God’s timing proved perfect, even if it wasn’t what you expected. Write these down as a reminder of His faithfulness.
2. Seek Strength in Scripture: Spend time each day reading and meditating on Bible verses that emphasize God’s strength and promises. Let His Word encourage and fortify your heart.
3. Pray for Courage: In your prayers, ask God to fill you with His strength and courage. Be honest about your fears and uncertainties, and invite His peace to guard your heart.
4. Support Others: Encourage those around you who are also waiting on the LORD. Share words of hope and be a source of strength and support for them.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being our source of strength and courage. Help us to trust in Your perfect timing and to wait patiently for Your plans to unfold. Fill our hearts with Your peace and fortitude, especially in times of uncertainty. May we always find our courage in Your unfailing love and faithfulness. Amen.
Thought for the Day: Waiting on the LORD requires strength and courage. Trust that our Father knows best and let His presence empower you to stand firm and courageous in all circumstances.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: John 11:35 Jesus wept.
Reflection: In this shortest verse of the Bible, “Jesus wept,” we witness a profound moment of compassion and empathy from our Savior. This scene takes place at the tomb of Lazarus, where Jesus is deeply moved by the sorrow of Mary, Martha, and those mourning Lazarus’s death. Despite knowing He would soon raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus shared in their grief.
This moment reveals the depth of Jesus' love and His understanding of our human emotions. It shows that our Father knows our sorrows and pains intimately. He is not distant or detached from our struggles but is right there with us, feeling our hurt and offering comfort.
God’s wisdom and compassion are perfectly intertwined. He understands our needs, our heartbreaks, and our joys. His response to our pain is not just a solution but a shared experience of love and empathy. Jesus weeping assures us that our Father’s heart is tender towards us and that He cares deeply about every aspect of our lives.
Application: 1. Acknowledge Your Emotions: Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions, knowing that Jesus understands and shares in your experiences. Write down what you’re feeling and bring it to God in prayer.
2. Seek Comfort in God’s Presence: When you’re hurting, remember that God is with you. Spend time in His presence, reading scriptures of comfort and peace, and allowing His love to soothe your soul.
3. Offer Compassion to Others: Just as Jesus showed empathy to those around Him, seek to understand and comfort those who are hurting. Your compassion can be a reflection of God’s love to someone in need.
4. Trust in God’s Plan: Even when we don’t understand why we’re experiencing pain, trust that God knows best. He sees the bigger picture and has a plan for healing and restoration.
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the depth of Your love and understanding. Thank You for the compassion You showed through Jesus, who wept with those in sorrow. Help us to feel Your presence in our pain and to trust in Your perfect plan. Give us the strength to offer the same compassion to others, reflecting Your love in all we do. Amen.
Thought for the Day: In moments of grief and sorrow, remember that Jesus wept. Our Father knows our pain and walks with us through every tear. Trust in His compassionate heart and His perfect plan for your life.
No eye has seen, no ear has known, The wonders God calls His own. Beyond the reach of mortal mind, A treasure eternal, vast, divine.
The world may dream of wealth and fame, But heaven’s glory outshines the same. For those who love Him, pure and true, God’s prepared a life brand new.
And yet His Spirit makes it clear, Reveals the truth while we are here. The deep things hidden, now made known, Through Christ, the Word, the Cornerstone.
So live with faith, be bold, be strong, For in His grace, you can’t go wrong. With heaven’s promise as your home, For God — go big, or never roam.
1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
When shadows fall and trials rise, When questions linger, cloud the skies, God whispers softly, “Child, be still, Each step is guided by My will.”
Though burdens press and roads seem long, His purpose weaves a brighter song. What seems like loss, what feels untrue, He’s shaping good in all we do.
For those who love Him, hearts made sure, His promises are strong, secure. Each moment fits His grand design, A work of love, both yours and mine.
So walk in faith, lift up your eyes, His plan is perfect, strong, and wise. For all things work, both dark and bright, Together for good in His holy light.
Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Hope in the Lord, your strength will renew, Each trial endured, He carries you through. On eagle’s wings, you’ll rise above, Lifted by mercy, sustained by His love.
You’ll run the race and never tire, Fueled by His Spirit, set aflame with fire. You’ll walk each step, steadfast and true, For God is your strength in all that you do.
For God’s Honor and Glory MarkWaldrop
Isa 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
God gave me a pen in hand and words in my heart, A gentle reminder of His love from the start. Each line that I write is a prayer taking flight, A whisper of grace in the stillness of night.
I am humbled by the blessings He has sent, Each moment a treasure, a gift Heaven-lent. If my words can bring comfort, or lift up a friend, Then I’ll use this sweet blessing till life’s journey end.
