Step forth with courage, hats held high, Your dreams like stars across the sky. But heed this word as you depart: Guard your mind and keep your heart.
The world will whisper, pull, and bind, Entangling soul and thought and mind. It tempts with gold, with praise, with fame, Yet leaves you weary, chasing name.
The more you strive with anxious hand, The tighter wraps the sinking sand. The more you grasp with frantic breath, The more it drags you close to death.
But pause—and rest—release control, Let peace of God embrace your soul. Relax your grip, the knots unwind, His love brings freedom to the mind.
For Christ is near, both guide and sword, To cut the cords and lift you toward A life of purpose, pure and true— Not bound by fear, but led by You.
So graduate, walk bold and wise, With heaven’s hope before your eyes. Rely on Him, not fleeting charms And you will rest in shepherd arms.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”
One Hundred Fifth First Running Saturday, May 3, 2025
At Churchill Downs, the roses bloom, A spectacle that sweeps the room. The 151 st a grand affair, Hearts racing in the springtime air.
The thundering hooves, the vibrant crowd, Each cheer and shout is incredibly loud. A blur of colors flashes by, Silks gleam under the May blue skies
The mint juleps, the fancy hats, Old traditions, the aristocrats. A gathering where legends tread, Dreams run fast; the track is their bed.
Two minutes where time holds its breath, Glory or heartbreak, triumph or death. The greatest of races, a sight to behold, Stories of courage and daring are retold.
Celebrating this grand jubilee, The Derby, a dance of destiny. Where every stride writes history, Here at the Kentucky Derby, we’re free.
Moms, you are cherished beyond measure, Not for the deeds your hands perform. You are treasured in His sight, For simply being the form you adorn.
God knows every layer of your spirit, More deeply than you could ever view. In His infinite wisdom and mercy, He has made His loving verdict—He cherishes you.
Across all the mornings you rise before dawn, Through nights when peace seems afar. He sees the strength in your weary eyes, Illuminated, as you are His star.
So on this day when we honor you, Let this truth in your heart be still: You are loved just for being you, With a love that no depths can fill.
Happy Mother's Day to you, A blessing from the skies above— Eternally valued, eternally held, In the boundless embrace of God's love.
“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
Isaiah 26:4 – “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD himself, is the Rock eternal.”
When life feels uncertain, and circumstances seem beyond our control, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But Isaiah reminds us to place our trust in the Lord forever. Why? Because God is not just a temporary solution or a fleeting source of comfort; He is the Rock eternal—unshakable, unchanging, and ever-present.
God knows our past, our present, and our future. He sees what we cannot. Like a loving father, He guides us with perfect wisdom and understanding. Even when we don’t fully understand why things happen as they do, we can trust that He knows best. When we place our faith in His eternal strength, we can rest in the assurance that He is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28).
Today, let go of your worries and anxieties, and trust that your heavenly Father is in control. His plans are perfect, His timing is flawless, and His love for you is endless. Remember, our Father knows best.
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust You fully, knowing that You are my eternal Rock. When my faith wavers, remind me of Your steadfast love and perfect wisdom. Amen.
Reflection: Are you holding on to something that you need to release into God’s hands today? Trust that He knows what’s best for you.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”
Reflection:
Life often presents challenges that feel overwhelming. In moments of temptation, we may wonder if we can withstand the pressure, doubting our ability to resist or make the right choices. Yet, in His infinite wisdom and love, God reassures us that we are never alone in these battles. The temptations we face are not unique—they are common to all humanity. And more importantly, God knows our limits. He promises that He will never allow us to be tested beyond what we can bear.
Our Father knows best what we can handle, and in every situation, He provides a way out. This doesn’t mean the temptation will disappear, but that God will equip us to endure it. His faithfulness never wavers, and He offers us the strength to resist, the wisdom to see the way out, and the courage to walk through it. When we trust Him, we learn that even in the hardest moments, we are never without hope.
When temptation comes, remind yourself of this truth: God is faithful. He is with you in the struggle, and He will guide you through it. He always provides a path toward victory.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in the face of temptation. Help me to trust that You know my limits and will always provide a way out. Give me the strength to endure and the wisdom to see the path You’ve prepared for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Psalm 82:3-4 “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
Reflection:
God’s heart has always been toward the vulnerable—the weak, the fatherless, the poor, and the oppressed. In His divine wisdom, He calls us to do more than just observe the struggles around us; He asks us to act. This calling isn’t a burden but a blessing. As we stand for those who cannot stand for themselves, we reflect God’s own character. He is the ultimate defender, provider, and rescuer, and He has equipped us to mirror that love in the world.
Living defensively as Christians doesn’t mean we are only guarding ourselves—it also means we are defending the helpless. When we offer a hand to someone in need, we are participating in God’s redemptive work. We become His instruments of justice, mercy, and love in a broken world. Our Father knows best how deeply we need community, care, and compassion. As we defend and rescue others, we fulfill the calling God has placed on our lives.
Today, ask yourself: How can I be a defender of the weak? Where can I offer rescue to the needy? Trust that as you serve others, God is not only blessing them—He is transforming you to become more like Him.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me how to defend the weak and care for the oppressed. Help me to see those in need through Your eyes and respond with compassion and boldness. May my actions reflect Your love and justice as I follow Your lead. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Psalm 23:6 “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Reflection:
As we journey through life, there are moments when we wonder about the path ahead. Questions arise: Why am I here? What’s next? Will everything work out? These are the moments when we must remember that our Father knows best. Just as David reflects in Psalm 23, God’s goodness and love are not distant promises but constant companions. They follow us, pursue us, and surround us each day of our lives.
In the midst of uncertainty, we can rest in the assurance that our Father has laid out a perfect plan for us. Even when circumstances don’t make sense, God’s loving care is always at work. He knows the trials we face and the triumphs that lie ahead. His goodness is a guiding force, not only for today but for all our tomorrows.
When we fully trust that God is working everything for our good, we can let go of fear. He leads us, not just to provision and peace but to an eternal home with Him. Dwelling in the house of the Lord forever is more than a future hope—it’s a present reality. As His children, we are already embraced by His eternal love, right where we are.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant goodness and love that follow me each day. Help me trust in Your perfect plan for my life, knowing that You know best. Guide my steps and remind me that I am always held in Your care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jesus first—our guiding light, He leads us through the darkest night. His love, our anchor, firm and true, In all we are, in all we do.
Others next—our hearts extend, To lift, to serve, to love, befriend. A gentle word, a helping hand, To build each other, strong we stand.
Yourself the last—but not unseen, For joy will blossom, pure and clean. When Christ and others take their place, Your soul will shine with heaven’s grace.
True joy is found when love is shown Not in ourselves, but Christ alone.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Philippians 2:3 (KJV)
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Proverbs 24:15-16 “Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous; do no violence to his home; for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.”
Reflection: Life is full of challenges, and even the righteous face trials, setbacks, and failures. Yet, what distinguishes the righteous from the wicked is not a life without trouble, but the ability to rise again after each fall. Proverbs 24:16 reminds us that although the righteous may stumble many times, they are never defeated because they rely on the strength and grace of God to get back up.
In contrast, those who live in wickedness stumble and fall, but their calamity is final because they lack the foundation of faith and hope that sustains the righteous. This passage encourages us not to fear failure or opposition, but to trust that God will help us rise again, no matter how many times we fall.
God, our loving Father, knows that we are not perfect. He understands that we will make mistakes, struggle, and face difficulties. But in His wisdom and love, He offers us grace to stand back up each time we fall. His plan is not for us to be without trouble, but for us to grow stronger and more resilient through each challenge, trusting in His strength to lift us when we are weak.
No matter what trials you are facing today, remember that falling is not the end for the righteous. Our Father knows best, and He has promised that in Him, we will rise again.
Prayer: Father, I thank You for Your unending grace and strength. When I fall, help me to remember that You are there to lift me up. Give me the courage and faith to rise again, knowing that You are with me in every trial. Protect me from the schemes of the wicked, and help me to walk in righteousness, trusting in Your wisdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Question: When you face setbacks or failures, how can you rely on God’s strength to help you rise again? What does it mean for you to trust in His wisdom, even when things go wrong?
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best BY Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Luke 12:2-3 “Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in private rooms shall be proclaimed on the housetops.”
Reflection: In our lives, there are moments when we might feel tempted to hide our thoughts, actions, or feelings from others. We may keep certain things hidden in the shadows, hoping they will never come to light. However, God reminds us in Luke 12:2-3 that nothing is hidden from Him. He sees everything—our struggles, our fears, and even our sins. Though we may cover things up from others, God knows us intimately and deeply.
This scripture can be both a warning and a comfort. It warns us that our secret actions and thoughts will eventually be revealed. We cannot hide from the truth or from God. However, it also comforts us because it means that God fully knows us—the good and the bad—and still loves us unconditionally. He sees our hearts, and His grace covers even the things we wish to keep hidden.
As we walk through today, let us remember that our Father knows best. He knows the areas where we need healing and transformation. Instead of hiding from Him or others, we can bring everything into the light. In His hands, there is redemption, forgiveness, and renewal. We do not need to carry the burden of hiding. God offers us freedom when we trust Him with all aspects of our lives.
Prayer: Father, thank You for knowing me completely and loving me despite my flaws. Help me to live in the light of Your truth, not fearing what is revealed but trusting in Your grace. Guide me to be honest with myself, others, and You. I surrender the things I have kept hidden, knowing that You can heal and restore. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Question: Are there areas of your life you have kept hidden from God or others? What would it look like to trust God with those hidden parts today?
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
In this world, the weight of our worries often feels overwhelming. Life's circumstances may cause us to question the path we're on and bring fear into our hearts. But Jesus offers us something the world can never give—His peace. This peace is not tied to our circumstances or fleeting moments of tranquility, but it comes from knowing that our Father knows best.
He sees the whole picture. He knows every trial we face, every fear that grips our hearts, and every burden we carry. When we surrender to His will and trust in His perfect timing, we open our hearts to His peace. This peace is not dependent on understanding every detail of our journey; it's rooted in trusting that our Father, in His infinite wisdom and love, has already prepared the way.
Reflection: Today, let us take comfort in knowing that we are held by a God who sees beyond what we can see, who gives us peace that surpasses understanding, and who promises to guide us safely through every storm. Whatever we face today, let's remember—our Father knows best, and His peace is ours to embrace.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for the peace that only You can give. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and rest in the assurance that You know best. Calm our troubled hearts and lead us in Your perfect path. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
