It’s April Fools’ Day—don’t be led astray, Believe nothing you hear, in no kind of way. Trust no fisherman, with tales long and bold, Their stories grow taller each time they’re told.
Today is a jest, but so is the year, Deception and laughter walk hand in hand here. Just like any other day, truth wears a disguise, With a wink in its eye and mischief that flies.
So laugh at the lies, and cherish the jest, For sometimes the fibs are simply the best. But if someone says they caught “one this big,”— Just smile and nod… and call out their gig.
“How strange,” said the Boy, “that the grass still stands, After winds tore the trees and scattered the lands.” He looked all around at the broken and torn, At the silence that followed the fury and storm.
“Sometimes being soft is strong,” said the Hare, His whiskers still wet from the rain-swept air. “The grass doesn’t fight, doesn’t rise up tall— It bends with the wind and survives it all.”
“The oak may boast of its height and might, But it snapped in the face of the storm last night. The grass just whispered and laid down low, Then rose again when the winds let go.”
The Boy sat quiet, letting it sink in— That strength isn’t always loud or within The hardest of things or the boldest of cries— But sometimes in softness, true courage lies.
And there in the hush of the morning light, He saw that the meek had won the fight. For when the storm has had its say, It’s the gentle things that find their way.
It doesn’t rain unless there’s a storm, The sky must darken, the winds transform. Yet in the turmoil, drops descend, To cleanse, to heal, and hearts to mend.
The thunder rolls, the night may cry, But grace falls gently from the sky. For rain, though born in tempest’s roar, Brings life to roots and strength to soar.
Showers of blessing, strangely disguised, Come wrapped in trials we never prized. Yet through the pain and bitter strife, They pour down hope and nourish life.
And when the storm has passed us by, A hush will settle on the sky. The sun breaks through, the world made new— And peace will come, serene and true.
So let the clouds roll overhead, Let faith be stronger than our dread. For after storms, God’s love is shown, And we are never left alone.
Psa 30:5 weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Through the stillness, a baritone calls, A voice that rises, and softly falls. With every note, a story unfolds, Of love unending, of grace that holds.
Then from the depths, a chorus swells, Two hundred pipers, their music tells— A tale of redemption, a hymn of might, A sound that pierces the soul’s dark night.
The bagpipes wail, their echoes soar, Through hearts and halls, forevermore. A haunting beauty, a sacred sound, That lifts the weary from earthly ground.
Amazing Grace, the timeless refrain, Of sins forgiven, of freedom’s gain. Its melody rings through the ages long, Uniting all in its holy song.
In unison, the pipes declare, The power of mercy, beyond compare. An ethereal power fills the space, A testament to God’s boundless grace.
And as the arena shakes with song, The hearts of many are carried along. For in that moment, heaven seems near, With every note so crystal clear.
A performance etched in time’s embrace, The sound, the spirit, of Amazing Grace.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
John 15:4-5 “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
In these powerful words, Jesus reminds us that true fruitfulness in our lives only comes from a deep connection with Him. Like a branch attached to the vine, we draw our strength, our nourishment, and our ability to flourish from Jesus Himself. When we abide in Him—rest in His presence, lean on His wisdom, and depend on His love—we are empowered to bear fruit that will last.
Apart from Him, we can do nothing of lasting significance. Our plans and efforts may seem successful in the moment, but without the life-giving connection to the true Vine, they fade away. Yet, when we rely on Jesus, trusting Him with our hearts and lives, we will see fruit that brings glory to God and blesses others.
Abiding in Christ is not a one-time event; it’s a daily choice. It’s choosing to stay connected to Him in prayer, to listen to His voice in the Word, and to trust His leading in every situation. Our Father knows best, and as we abide in Jesus, we can be confident that He will bring forth the fruit He desires for our lives.
Prayer Father, help me to abide in Your Son, Jesus, each and every day. Teach me to depend on You fully and to trust that apart from You, I can do nothing. May my life bear the fruit of Your love and grace, as I remain connected to the true Vine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Heroes don’t wear capes that fly, They don’t soar through a painted sky. No masks to hide, no flashy suits Just dog tags clinking, combat boots.
They walk through dust, through fire and rain, Shouldering silence, bearing pain. With steady hearts and watchful eyes, They fight for peace beneath the skies.
No spotlight finds them in the fray, Yet still they rise, day after day. For love of country, kin, and right, They stand as shields through darkest night.
So if you seek a hero true, Look not to myths of red and blue But to the ones who serve and stand With honor etched in calloused hands.
No capes, no fame, no scripted lines Just courage lived a thousand times.
Reason falters when emotions dance, And truth is dulled by the thirst of chance. We join the wild crowd, swept along For in the chaos, we feel we belong.
A cause embraced, no matter the cost, Feeds the ego, though truth is lost. It lifts our minds, ignites our pride, While truth stands quiet, pushed aside.
But still, a whisper calls us near: “Be still, and let your soul draw clear.” For when the heart finds holy peace, The noise of self and strife will cease.
Calm your soul, and still your mind The light of Truth you soon will find. Hold fast to Jesus, pure and bright, And walk forever in His light.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
As we walk through life’s ups and downs, it can be difficult to always rejoice or give thanks in the midst of trials. Yet, these verses remind us that God’s will for us is not just to endure our circumstances but to embrace them with joy and gratitude. He knows what is best for us, even when we don’t fully understand.
Rejoicing always doesn’t mean that we ignore pain or pretend struggles don’t exist. It means we trust that God is at work, even in the difficulties. When we pray without ceasing, we keep an open, ongoing conversation with our Father, leaning on Him through every moment of our day. And when we give thanks in all circumstances, we acknowledge that His plans are greater than our own, that He is working all things together for good.
Today, as you move through your day, remember that our Father knows best. Rejoice in His goodness, pray in every moment, and give thanks, even when it’s hard to see the bigger picture. His will for your life is filled with purpose, and He is with you every step of the way.
Prayer Father, thank You for Your constant presence and Your perfect plan. Help me to trust You more each day, to rejoice in Your goodness, to pray continually, and to give thanks in all things. You know what’s best for me, and I surrender my will to Yours. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Luke 10:41-42 “And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”
In this familiar passage, Martha is busy and anxious with many tasks, while her sister Mary chooses to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His teaching. Martha’s intentions were good, but she became overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. Jesus gently reminds her that amidst all the worries and tasks, only one thing is truly necessary — to be close to Him.
Sometimes, we are like Martha — busy, stressed, and consumed by the demands of life. We feel the pressure to get everything done, to handle every responsibility, and to solve every problem. But Jesus reminds us that our true peace and purpose come from spending time with Him. God knows what we need before we even ask. He sees the big picture, and He knows what’s best for us.
When life becomes overwhelming, we must remember to pause, seek His presence, and trust that our Father knows best. Let us choose the good part, like Mary, and rest in the knowledge that what we receive from God can never be taken away.
Prayer: Lord, help me to focus on what truly matters and not be overwhelmed by the busyness of life. Remind me to seek Your presence daily and trust in Your perfect wisdom. Amen.
Reflection: What things in your life are causing you anxiety or distraction? How can you turn to God for peace and guidance today?
Search where you may with all your might, To find a glimpse of God’s pure Light. Climb the mountains, scan the skies, Seek through tears and heartfelt cries.
But know, O soul, man’s view is small, Earth-bound eyes can’t see it all. We chase through reason, thought, and lore, Yet miss the truth we’re longing for.
For light divine, and wisdom deep, Are not in places shadows sleep. True revelation, clear and bright, Comes not by sight—but Spirit’s light.
The Word of God, alive and true, Will open hearts and minds anew. Not by flesh nor clever mind, But by His Spirit, truth we find.
So bow your heart, and seek His face, Not in the stars, but in His grace. Search not alone—His Word will guide, And with His Spirit, walk beside.
For His Honor and Glory MarkWaldrop
1Co 2:14 The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
2 Corinthians 5:8 “We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
As believers, we long for the day when we will be fully present with the Lord, free from the struggles of this world. It’s natural to yearn for our eternal home, where we will be in perfect union with God. Yet, while we are here on earth, we must trust that our Father knows best. He has us in this world for a reason—our work, our growth, and His purpose for our lives are not yet complete.
Though we may feel weary at times, God’s timing is perfect. There are still hearts to touch, love to share, and a journey of faith to walk. When we feel the tug of eternity pulling us, we must remember that our Father holds us in His hands, guiding us in His wisdom.
Each day we are given is an opportunity to glorify Him, to live with purpose, and to reflect His love to others. Let us trust in His plan, knowing that when the time comes, we will be at home with Him, where peace and joy are everlasting.
Prayer: Father, we trust in Your perfect timing and wisdom. Help us to live each day with purpose, knowing that You have us here for a reason. Strengthen our hearts when we feel weary, and remind us that our true home is with You. Until that day, may we serve You with joy and faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.
