Upon a hill so dark and high, The Savior hung beneath the sky. No robe of gold, no royal thread— A crown of thorns upon His head.
The crowd grew still, the sky turned gray, As heaven watched love poured away. His hands were pierced, His side was torn, For every soul that would be born.
No angels came to lift Him down, No earthly throne, no victor’s crown— Yet in that stillness, mercy cried, And hope was born the day He died.
He bore our shame, He took our place, He looked with love into disgrace. Each drop of blood, each ragged breath, A path of life through gates of death.
And though we mourn this sacred loss, We do not weep without the cross. For Sunday dawns with glory bright— From death shall rise the Lord of Light.
So kneel today where shadows fall, And hear His voice—He died for all. The darkest day the world had known Became the day love overthrown… Was crowned the King upon His throne.
Upon the night so still, so deep, Before the world would wake or weep, He knelt, the King, with basin wide, And washed the feet of those beside.
No throne of gold, no crown to wear, But love poured out in servant care. The hands that shaped the stars above Now wiped the dust with holy love.
He broke the bread, He raised the cup, “This is My body—drink it up. Remember Me in all you do, My covenant, poured out for you.”
The shadows crept, the hour grew late, The Lamb would bear the sinner’s fate. Yet in that room so dimly lit, Divine compassion brightly lit.
“A new command,” He gently said, “Love one another in My stead. Not just in word, but in the way You serve, you give, you kneel, you pray.”
And so this night, with hearts made pure, We walk the path where Christ was sure. From towel to table, cross to grave, We bless the One who came to save.
For His Honor and Glory MarkWaldrop
Jhn 13:12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. Jhn 13:13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Jhn 13:14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. Jhn 13:15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Jhn 13:16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Jhn 13:17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
The streets were lined with waving palms, Hosannas rose in joyful psalms. The King rode in on borrowed steed, To fill the world’s most urgent need.
On Monday’s path, He cleansed the place, Where hearts had strayed from holy grace. With righteous fire, He cast out wrong His truth like thunder, clear and strong.
By Tuesday’s sun, He taught once more, Of Heaven’s gate and mercy’s door. The crowds grew still, the shadows near, Yet still He spoke, though death drew near.
On Wednesday, silence cloaked the land, Betrayal stirred in greed’s dark hand. A kiss was planned, a coin was paid, The Son of Man by friend betrayed.
Then Thursday came, the upper room, A basin, bread, and coming gloom. He broke the loaf, He blessed the cup, And knelt to wash—then lifted up.
In midnight’s hush, in garden deep, While others fled or fell to sleep, He bore the weight, the crushing dread “Thy will, not mine,” is what He said.
Friday’s sky turned black with grief, The Lamb was slain, the thief found belief. The veil was torn, the earth did shake The curse of sin began to break.
On Saturday, the world stood still, The tomb was sealed upon the hill. Hope seemed lost, all dreams undone Yet silence waited for the Son.
Then Sunday’s dawn lit up the skies, The stone rolled back, the dead did rise! No grave could hold, no seal contain The Risen Lord who broke all chains.
So every step of Holy Week Speaks to the soul of love we seek. From palms to cross, from death to rise Redemption’s gift before our eyes.
For His Honor and Glory MarkWaldrop
Mat 21:9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.
The sun rose soft on Vatican stone, Where faithful gathered, hearts full-blown. Palm branches waved through morning light, A sacred sign, a hopeful sight.
Then came a hush—a breath held tight, As robes appeared in gleaming white. A figure known, with steps still slow, But eyes alight with Heaven’s glow.
Pope Francis came through trial and flame, From breathless dark, he rose again. With double storm within his chest, He leaned on God, found strength and rest.
No screen today, no distant call But soul standing tall before them all. A shepherd brave, a soul restored, He blessed the crowd and praised the Lord.
A Palm Sunday no one foresaw A glimpse of grace, a breath of awe. For in his smile, the faithful see God’s mercy meet with victory.
The Man in the middle made a difference that day
When I turned my head hearing Him say
Forgive them, Father; they know not what they do
You gave them your Love, and they crucified you
I turned my head. He heard me say
Father, forgive me today
Hearing Him reply My son; you will be with Me in Paradise as you pray
Luk 23:34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Luk 23:42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
Luk 23:43 Jesus answered him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."
April 1, 2023
MarkWaldrop
In lands where the southern borders lie, Under the vast and embracing sky, In Texas, Arizona, and California’s embrace, Easter’s meaning finds a new grace.
For thousands, the message is clear and bright, As dawn dispels the shadows of night, A celebration of hope that will soon unfurl, Uniting hearts across the world.
We praise God for this season anew, For the promise of life and beginnings true, As we prepare to honor our Savior’s fight, His victory over death, a glorious sight.
In the coming days, let us all unite In gratitude for this triumph, this light, Our Savior’s love, so vast and deep, A promise He made, a promise He keeps.
So let us thank God as we draw near To celebrate Easter, so dear, For the victory over sin and grave, For the love He gave, and for the world He saved.
March 28, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop
“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
Scripture “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.”* — 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV)
Reflection: There are times in our lives when God's guidance and plans may seem difficult to grasp. For those who do not have the Holy Spirit, the ways of God can appear as foolishness. They struggle to understand because divine truths are spiritually discerned, and without the Spirit, one is disconnected from God’s wisdom.
As believers, we are blessed to have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, providing discernment and wisdom that goes beyond worldly understanding. God knows what is best for us, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment. Our finite minds cannot always comprehend the full picture, but we trust in His eternal perspective.
Application: Today, if you face a situation that you do not fully understand, lean into the Holy Spirit. Seek God in prayer, trusting that He knows best. Though His ways may not align with worldly wisdom, He guides you with love, purpose, and perfect understanding.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit that enables me to discern Your truth. Help me to trust You more deeply, even when I do not fully understand. Remind me that You know best, and Your plans for me are good. Amen.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Philippians 2:13 (KJV) For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Reflection: Often, we feel the pressure to do things on our own, whether it’s trying to make the right decisions or accomplish what we believe is God’s will. But Philippians 2:13 offers a profound reassurance: it is God Himself who works in us, giving us both the desire and the ability to carry out His good purposes. We are not left to our own limited strength or wisdom.
This truth transforms our approach to life. We don't have to rely solely on our efforts or feel inadequate for the tasks God sets before us. Instead, we can trust that He is actively at work within us, shaping our will and guiding our actions according to His divine plan. Our Father knows what is best, and He equips us with everything we need to follow His path.
When we surrender our plans to God and allow Him to lead, we can experience the peace and joy that comes from knowing we are not alone in our journey. His Spirit within us empowers us to do His will—not out of compulsion, but as a natural response to His work in our hearts.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for working in me to both will and to do Your good pleasure. Help me to trust in Your strength and guidance, knowing that You are always with me. May I live each day surrendered to Your will, confident that You are directing my steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
The shepherd must walk where the sheep have trod, Through valleys low and meadows broad. He cannot lead from heights afar, But stays beside where his people are.
The shepherd must smell like the sheep he tends, Their cries, their wounds, their needs he mends. For if his heart stays clean, untouched, His flock grows wild, unled, unloved.
Through tangled thorns and muddy ground, The faithful shepherd will be found. Not clothed in pride, nor standing tall, But stooped to lift the weak who fall.
For leadership that’s true and deep Requires the smell, the touch of sheep. To walk among, to bear their pain, To guide them gently home again.
If you’re not making mistakes each day, You might be standing still, I’d say. For those who try, who dare, who do, Will sometimes fall—but rise anew.
Mistakes are proof you’ve stepped outside, Beyond the fear, beyond your pride. They mark the path where growth begins, Where failure ends and learning wins.
So take the risk, embrace the fall, For doing nothing costs us all. But every stumble, every break, Is just another chance to wake.
If you’re not making mistakes, it’s true You’re missing life and all it grew!
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV) Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
Reflection: Giving is a personal act of worship, one that is meant to come from the heart. This verse speaks to the importance of intention in our giving. God doesn't want us to give out of obligation or with a heavy heart. Instead, He desires that we give joyfully, with love and gratitude for what He has given us.
When we give cheerfully, we reflect the nature of our Heavenly Father, who delights in blessing His children. Whether it’s our time, resources, or love, our offerings are precious to God when they come from a heart that willingly serves. It’s not the size of the gift but the spirit in which it is given that matters most to Him.
Our Father knows what is best for us, and when we trust Him with our giving, we experience the joy of partnering with Him in His work. In His kingdom, a heart that gives freely and cheerfully is one that understands the true meaning of generosity. It is a reflection of the abundant grace we have received from God and a way to show our love and gratitude toward Him.
Prayer: Lord, help me to give from a heart that is filled with joy and gratitude. Teach me to trust You fully in my giving, knowing that You love a cheerful giver. May I never give out of obligation or with reluctance, but always out of love for You and others. Thank You for blessing me so that I can be a blessing to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 (KJV) Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.
Reflection: The churches of Macedonia were going through incredible hardship, yet in the midst of their affliction, they experienced an abundance of joy. What stands out in this passage is how their joy and deep poverty overflowed into generosity. Even though they had little, they gave much—not just financially, but they first gave themselves fully to God.
In our lives, we often face trials that test our faith. It’s tempting to hold back or cling to what we think we need to survive. But the Macedonian believers remind us of a powerful truth: when we trust God with all that we are—our time, talents, and treasures—He does more than we could ever imagine.
God’s grace enables us to give beyond our own strength. It’s not about the size of the gift, but the heart that’s fully surrendered to Him. When we put Him first, He leads us to greater joy, even in the midst of affliction. Our Father truly knows best, and His ways are higher than ours. As we walk in faith, let’s remember to trust His will, offering ourselves to Him in love and obedience.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your abundant grace and the example of the Macedonian believers. Help us to trust You fully, especially in times of trial. Teach us to give not only from our resources but from our very selves, knowing that You will always provide for us. May we walk in obedience to Your will, finding joy in serving You and others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Whatever the burden, the battle, the pain, Whatever you carry in sunshine or rain, Whatever the mountain too steep or too flat— Remember this truth: God is greater than that.
When doubt starts to whisper and hope feels so small, When fear builds a wall and your back’s to the wall, When questions are heavy and answers seem thin— God’s strength begins where ours wears thin.
For faith that’s untested may sparkle like gold, But it’s fire that proves what the hands truly hold. It’s storms that reveal if the roots have gone deep, If your soul clings to promises God longs to keep.
So lift up your eyes when the valley seems wide, You’re never alone with the Lord by your side. Whatever the problem—no matter how vast— God is still greater, He’s first and He’s last.
Trust in the testing, rejoice through the strain, He’s shaping your heart through the trial and the rain. And when you emerge with your faith shining bright— You’ll know it was forged by His love and His light.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Isaiah 65:17-18 "See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind. But be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create, for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight and its people a joy."
In a world full of uncertainties, it is comforting to remember that God has a perfect plan for His creation. He promises a future where all the pain, struggles, and brokenness of this life will fade away, replaced by something far greater—a new heaven and a new earth. Our Father knows best, and He is working towards a future full of joy, peace, and delight.
Often, we get caught up in the challenges of today, worrying about what lies ahead or lamenting what has passed. But God’s word reminds us to look beyond our current circumstances. His plan is much larger than what we can see or understand. He calls us to trust Him, to rejoice in His promises, and to place our hope in the new creation He is preparing for us.
God’s wisdom far exceeds ours. He knows exactly what we need, when we need it, and how it will unfold. Even when we don’t understand, we can rest assured that our Father is in control, working all things together for good (Romans 8:28).
Let us rejoice in His promise today. The former things will pass away, and His new creation will bring endless joy. In this, we can find peace and comfort, knowing that our Father truly knows best.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise of a new heaven and a new earth. Help us to trust in Your perfect plan, even when we don’t understand what is happening in our lives. Teach us to rejoice in the future You are preparing, knowing that You always know what’s best. Amen.
