Former President Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown Sunday, Aug. 23, 2015, in Plains, Ga. The 90-year-old Carter gave one lesson to about 300 people filling the small Baptist church that he and his wife, Rosalynn, attend. It was Carter’s first lesson since detailing the intravenous drug doses and radiation treatment planned to treat melanoma found in his brain after surgery to remove a tumor from his liver. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Jimmy Carter said with humble grace, “I tried to make this world a better place.” With quiet strength, he carved his way, Through storms of night to brighter days.
A man of peace with steady hand, He shown goodwill across the land. From humble Plains to the world stage, He wrote his name on history’s page.
He taught us kindness, the power of care, To see each soul as someone rare. He built with hammers, brick, and heart, Giving lives and dreams a brand-new start.
A steward of justice, a friend of the earth, He showed us all what life is worth. Through decades long, his light has shown, In every heart his seeds are sown.
Jimmy Carter, with faith as guide, Brought hope where hopelessness would reside. He tried, he said, and oh, indeed, He met the world’s unyielding need.
So now we say, with love embraced, You made this world a better place. A legacy vast, a life well-spent, Your name is carved in firmament.
In battles fierce with vices, take your stand,
A warrior within, against the shadows grand.
Let peace with neighbors be your constant song,
Harmony that echoes, enduring and strong.
As the new year dawns, a chance to renew,
A better version of yourself, tried and true.
Forge ahead with wisdom, leave the past behind,
A journey of growth, in every step you find.
January 1, 2024
Mark waldrop
Created from a quote from Benjamin Franklin, in his December, 1755 edition of Poor Richard's Almanac.
In the glow of the twinkling holiday light, There are hearts cloaked in shadow, longing for night. For the laughter once shared, the love once near, Now echoes in memories, cherished yet clear.
Some face the first of the holidays alone, With aching hearts for the love that has flown. Others, the last, with each moment they hold, Precious as diamonds, more valuable than gold.
So as you revel in the season’s cheer, Pause for the silent, the grieving, the near. For joy’s bright mantle may not always show The weight of the burdens others may know.
Be kind in your words, be tender, be true, Give a smile, lend a hand, share what’s good in you. For a small spark of love, a moment of grace, Can light up the darkest, most sorrowful place.
This season of giving is more than a time, It’s a chance to heal wounds, to soothe and to climb. Together, through joy, through sorrow, we’ll find, The strength in compassion—the heart of mankind.
Scripture: Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."
Reflection: In our journey through life, there are moments when we cannot see the path ahead, and the future seems uncertain. During these times, we are called to exercise faith. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith is not just a wishful hope but a deep, unwavering assurance and conviction in what we cannot see. It is trusting that our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us, even when we do not understand His plans.
Think about a child who trusts their parent's decisions, even when they do not fully grasp the reasons behind them. Similarly, our faith calls us to trust in God's wisdom and timing. He sees the bigger picture and knows what lies ahead, orchestrating everything for our good and His glory.
Application: 1. Trust in God's Plan:** When faced with uncertainty, remind yourself that God has a plan for you. He knows what is best, and His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9).
2. Hold on to Hope: Faith is the assurance of things hoped for. Keep your hope anchored in God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them.
3. Seek His Presence: Spend time in prayer and scripture, seeking to understand God's will and building your relationship with Him. This deepens your trust and strengthens your faith.
4. Reflect on Past Faithfulness: Look back on your life and remember the times God has been faithful. Let these memories bolster your confidence in His continued guidance and provision.
5. Live Out Your Faith: Show your trust in God through your actions. Be a witness to others by living a life of courage, peace, and unwavering faith, even in challenging times.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for being the all-knowing and all-wise God who holds our lives in Your hands. Help us to trust in Your plans, even when we cannot see the way forward. Strengthen our faith, remind us of Your past faithfulness, and fill us with hope for the future. May our lives be a testament to Your goodness and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Thought for the Day: Even when the path is unclear, our faith in God's perfect wisdom and love can light our way. Trust that our Father knows best.
A brand-new year, a hopeful start, Let’s embrace it with a joyful heart. Leave behind the weight of doubt and fear, For brighter days are drawing near.
With a positive mind and spirits high, We’ll spread our wings and touch the sky. Each challenge we face, a chance to grow, Through trials, our strength will always show.
Let gratitude guide each step we take, And kindness bloom in the choices we make. Together we rise, as dreams come alive, Hand in hand, let us thrive in ’25.
For every sunrise brings a chance anew, To build, to create, to follow through. With courage and love as our steadfast guide, There’s no mountain too steep, no ocean too wide.
So onward we march, with hearts so true, In ‘25, there’s nothing we can’t do. Let’s lift each other, and together we’ll strive, To make this the year we truly thrive!
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Psalm 5:1-2 Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray.
Reflection:
Life is filled with moments when our hearts are heavy, and our spirits are burdened. During these times, it is comforting to know that we can turn to God in prayer. The psalmist David exemplifies this beautifully in Psalm 5:1-2, where he earnestly cries out to the Lord, asking Him to listen to his words and consider his groaning.
God is not distant or indifferent to our struggles. He is a loving Father who hears the cries of His children. When we pour out our hearts to Him, He listens attentively, understanding our deepest needs and concerns. Our groans and cries are never ignored or dismissed; instead, they are met with His compassion and care.
Prayer is a powerful means of communication with our Heavenly Father. It allows us to express our pain, fears, hopes, and desires. Through prayer, we acknowledge our dependence on God and invite Him to work in our lives. Trusting that He knows best, we can find peace in His presence, knowing that He is in control and has a purpose for everything we experience.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for being a God who listens to our prayers and considers our groanings. We come before You today, laying down our burdens and seeking Your comfort and guidance. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and goodness, even when we don't understand our circumstances. Strengthen our faith and remind us that You are always near, ready to hear our cries. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day:
God hears your cries and groanings. Trust in His attentive care and find peace in knowing that He is always ready to listen and respond.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Proverbs 3:34 He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
Reflection:
God's ways are often in stark contrast to the world's values. In a society that frequently celebrates pride, self-reliance, and success at any cost, the Bible teaches us a different path: humility and trust in God.
Pride can blind us to our need for God and lead us down a path of self-destruction. It sets us up as our own masters, making us resistant to God's guidance and grace. However, God extends His favor and kindness to those who are humble and oppressed, those who recognize their dependence on Him and seek His help.
Humility is not about thinking less of ourselves, but rather recognizing our true position before God. It is about being open to His leading, accepting His correction, and trusting in His provision. When we humble ourselves, we open the door to God's grace, allowing Him to lift us up and carry us through life's challenges.
As we navigate our daily lives, let us remember that our Father knows best. He sees our struggles and hears our prayers. By choosing humility and seeking His favor, we align ourselves with His will and receive the blessings He has prepared for us.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your grace and favor towards those who are humble. Help us to recognize our need for You and to walk in humility each day. Guard us against pride and self-reliance, and teach us to trust in Your wisdom and guidance. May we always seek Your favor and follow Your ways. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day:
Embrace humility and trust in God's wisdom, knowing that He shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Genesis 50:20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.
Reflection
In the story of Joseph, we see a profound example of how God's sovereignty and wisdom surpass human intentions and understanding. Joseph's brothers, driven by jealousy and hatred, sold him into slavery, intending harm. Yet, through a series of trials and tribulations, God transformed these adversities into blessings, not only for Joseph but for an entire nation.
Often, we encounter situations in our lives that seem unfair, painful, or even insurmountable. We might struggle to understand why certain events happen or why we face particular challenges. However, as we reflect on Joseph's journey, we are reminded that God has a purpose and a plan for each of us, even when we cannot see it clearly.
God can take what was meant for evil and turn it into something good. He can use our struggles to build our character, deepen our faith, and impact those around us in ways we might never anticipate. Trusting in His plan means believing that our Heavenly Father knows best, even when the path is unclear or fraught with difficulties.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your divine wisdom and sovereign plan. Help us to trust in Your goodness, even when we face challenges and hardships. Remind us that You can turn any situation for our good and Your glory. Strengthen our faith and guide our steps, knowing that You are always working behind the scenes for our ultimate benefit. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
**Thought for the Day:**
Trust in God's plan, knowing that He can turn any adversity into a blessing for His glory and our good.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best Buy MarkWaldrop
Scripture: The righteous flourish like the palm tree and grow like a cedar in Lebanon. They are planted in the house of the LORD; they flourish in the courts of our God. Psalms 92:12-13
Reflection: These verses paint a vivid picture of the life of the righteous—thriving, resilient, and deeply rooted in God's presence. The palm tree and the cedar of Lebanon are symbols of strength, longevity, and prosperity. Just as these trees grow tall and strong, those who live righteously are promised a flourishing life under God's care.
The imagery of being "planted in the house of the LORD" signifies stability and a nurturing environment where spiritual growth can occur. In God's presence, we find the nourishment and support needed to thrive, much like trees planted by streams of water. This flourishing is not just for a season but continues throughout our lives as we remain connected to Him.
Being in the "courts of our God" implies an ongoing relationship and communion with Him. It is in this sacred space that we find true growth and fulfillment. The righteous life is marked by a continual blossoming, regardless of external circumstances, because it is sustained by the unchanging and ever-present God.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for planting us in Your house and for nurturing us with Your presence. Help us to remain rooted in You, drawing strength and nourishment from Your word and Spirit. May our lives reflect the flourishing and strength that come from being connected to You. Guide us to live righteously, growing like the palm tree and the cedar of Lebanon, strong and steadfast in Your courts. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day: In God's presence, we are nourished and strengthened, flourishing like trees planted by streams of water. Remain rooted in Him to experience true growth and fulfillment.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Hebrews 13:6
Reflection: Life often presents us with challenges and uncertainties that can evoke fear and anxiety. However, Hebrews 13:6 reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. With the Lord as our helper, we are equipped to face any situation with confidence and courage. This verse assures us that God's support is unwavering, providing us with strength and peace amidst life's storms.
When we fully grasp that the Creator of the universe is on our side, fear loses its grip. The threats and obstacles posed by others pale in comparison to the omnipotent power of God. Trusting in His help means recognizing that no human threat can ultimately harm us because our eternal security is anchored in Him.
God's help is not just a comforting thought but a reality we can lean into daily. Whether we face financial difficulties, health issues, relational conflicts, or any other trials, we can declare with boldness that the Lord is our helper. This assurance transforms our perspective, enabling us to move forward with peace and confidence.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for being our helper and our source of strength. In moments of fear and uncertainty, remind us of Your constant presence and support. Help us to trust in Your power and not be swayed by the threats and challenges around us. Fill our hearts with courage and peace, knowing that with You, we have nothing to fear. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day: With the Lord as our helper, we can face any challenge with confidence and peace. Trust in His unfailing support and let go of fear.
