Perfect Love

There is no fear where love abides,
No trembling heart that tries to hide.
For perfect love, both strong and deep,
Calms the storms that haunt our sleep.

Fear has torment, sharp and loud,
It wraps the soul in heavy shroud.
It whispers lies of doom and loss,
And keeps our eyes from Christ’s own cross.

But love—His love—steps into night,
And floods the dark with holy light.
It does not shout, it does not shove,
It simply rests in truth above.

When we believe we are secure
In mercy steadfast, strong, and pure,
The dread of judgment fades away
In grace that holds us day by day.

The cross has settled every claim,
Removed the guilt, erased the shame.
What wrath remained was fully borne—
And from that death new hope was born.

He that feareth still must learn
How deep the Father’s mercies burn.
For perfected love begins to grow
When we trust what Calvary chose to show.

So let His love reshape your heart,
Let anxious thoughts and doubt depart.
For in His arms we stand complete—
Where fear must bow at mercy’s feet.

1 John 4:18 (KJV)
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

The Older I Get, the More I Don’t Know
By Mark C Waldrop

The older I get, the more I don’t know—
The less I insist, the slower I go.
The edges grow softer, the corners less tight,
And wrong isn’t always as clear as black and white.

I once held opinions like stones in my hand,
Certain I fully could understand.
But time has a way of sanding the soul,
Humbling the heart, making fractured things whole.

The older I get, the more I can see
How small I am in eternity.
How vast the sky, how deep the sea,
How wide the grace that rescued me.

Questions grow deeper than answers I’ve found,
And truth feels more holy when spoken unbound.
I’ve learned that wisdom is often this—
To listen more long than to speak amiss.

The older I get, the more I believe
In mercy to give and grace to receive.
In slower mornings and quieter prayer,
In learning to trust when life feels unfair.

I know less about how the world should run,
But more about love and what Christ has done.
Less about proving that I am right,
More about walking humbly in light.

The older I get, the more I don’t know—
And somehow, that helps my spirit to grow.

Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

When He Was on the Cross, I Was on His Mind
By Mark C Waldrop

When He was on the cross that day,
Beneath a darkened sky,
As mercy met a world of sin
And love refused to die—

When nails were driven through His hands
And thorns pressed in His brow,
He saw beyond the agony
To here… to me… to now.

Through every lash upon His back,
Through every mocking word,
He carried not just ancient souls
But hearts not yet disturbed.

He knew my name before my birth,
He knew my every fall;
Yet still He chose the rugged tree—
The greatest love of all.

When blood and water freely flowed,
When hope seemed torn apart,
He held the weight of all my shame
Deep in His holy heart.

And in that hour of deepest pain,
With grace I can’t define,
He bore my cross, He paid my debt—
For I was on His mind.

So let me live in gratitude,
Let praise in me arise;
For Calv’ry was not history—
It was love before His eyes.

When He was on the cross that day,
Though centuries unwind,
He saw my need, He saw my face—
And I was on His mind. 

Bible Verse:
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

           Still Free

Everything has gone up in price,
From daily bread to sacrifice.
The cost of living climbs each day,
And hard-earned dollars slip away.

Homes and fuel and simple things,
All feel the weight that rising brings.
What once was small now costs us more—
We feel it deep within our core.

But there’s one gift that still stands tall,
Unchanged, unpriced, untouched by all.
No tax applied, no hidden fee,
No shifting rate in history.

Salvation’s price was paid in full,
By hands once pierced on Calvary’s hill.
The debt we owed, He bore alone,
The price complete, the payment shown.

Everything else may rise and fall,
But grace still answers every call.
Though markets change and fortunes shift,
God’s saving love remains a gift.

It’s free to us—though not to Him,
For mercy flowed when hope was dim.
Forever settled, signed in red—
By Jesus’ blood so freely shed.

So when the world feels tight and strained,
And earthly treasures can’t be gained,
Remember this—let hope uplift:
Salvation still’s a free, paid gift.


Bible Verse:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” 
Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

    The Mystery of Three in One

One God eternal, strong and true,
Not three gods—One in all He’ll do.
Yet in His being, rich and deep,
A sacred mystery He will keep.

The Father speaks, the world begins,
Creator free from time or sins.
He plans, He loves, He calls by name,
The source of life, the holy flame.

The Son steps down in flesh and bone,
God with us, yet still God alone.
He lived, He died, He rose again,
To break the curse and conquer sin.

The Spirit comes with breath and fire,
To guide our hearts and lift us higher.
He lives within, both near and true,
God’s power working through and through.

Not parts of God, not roles we see,
But Three in One—eternally.
Distinct in person, one in will,
One holy God, unchanging still.

Beyond our grasp, yet meant to be
A truth embraced in humility.
We may not know the “how” or “why,”
But trust the God who draws us nigh. 💙

2 Corinthians 13:14 (KJV)

“The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.”

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

   Jesus Pilots My Ship

The soul of a man is like a ship
That sails the sea of time,
The storms may rise, the winds may blow,
And rock this heart of mine.
Yet my ship will never, ever sink,
And still today I float—
My compass is His precious Word,
And Jesus pilots my boat.

I won’t sail stormy seas again
Unless He leads the way,
I won’t drift far from Heaven’s shore
Till I can’t hear Him say.
I belong to a fleet that sails in faith
On a glorious one-way trip,
We’ll land safe on shore to sail no more—
For Jesus pilots my ship.

Psalm 107:29–30 (KJV)
“He maketh the storm a calm,
so that the waves thereof are still.
Then are they glad because they be quiet;
so He bringeth them unto their desired haven.”

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

              Purpose
A ship is safe in the harbor,
Where the water is calm and still,
Tied tight to the dock, untouched by storms,
Protected from wave and will.

But a ship was built for the open sea,
For the wind, the tide, the test,
For purpose is found beyond the shore,
Not anchored in comfort and rest.

Faith is the same—it must venture out,
Trusting the unseen way,
For we were never designed to stay safe,
But to sail where God leads each day.

Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

   You Are My Rock

I love You, Lord, my strength, my song,
When days are hard and nights are long.
You are my Rock, both firm and sure,
My Fortress strong, my Deliverer pure.

My God, my refuge when storms appear,
A Shield that drives away my fear.
The horn of salvation, my victory won,
My Stronghold sure till life is done.

In You I stand, I will not fall,
My safety, Savior, Lord of all.

Psalm 18:2 (KJV)
“The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.”

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

 The Rear-View Mirror

The rear-view mirror’s always there,
A quick small glance, a mindful care.
It helps us see what’s just behind,
So we stay safe along the line.

But we were never meant to steer
By living only in the rear.
To dwell there long would cloud our sight,
Invite confusion, fear, and fright.

Instead, our eyes must look ahead,
Trusting each path where God has led.
With thankful hearts, through grace made clear,
We move by faith—not by the rear.

Philippians 3:13–14 (NIV)
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

  Good Morning Lord

After many years of searching wide,
I met sweet Jesus by my side.
Not as I planned, yet right on time,
A holy pause in the rush of time.

That sacred moment, clear and true,
My old life ended—new life grew.
From that first breath of saving grace,
I found my home, my resting place.

No longer duty, no heavy chore,
My heart now longs to witness more.
To share God’s love with all I see,
Across the world, humanity.

Each step with Christ, both night and day,
Fulfills my heart in a brand-new way.
His gentle lead, His steady hand,
More than I’d hoped or ever planned.

With joy I rise at break of day,
And smile as I kneel and softly pray:
“Good morning, Lord—just You and me…
What shall we do today?”

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

         Speak Softly

Speak softly—let your words be few,
Let kindness shape each thing you do.
No need for noise, no boastful show,
True strength is calm, it doesn’t crow.

Carry a stick, not raised in pride,
But held with truth at mercy’s side.
Not meant for wrath or quick display,
But firm when darkness blocks the way.

A quiet voice, a steady hand,
A heart that trusts God’s greater plan.
For power ruled by humble grace
Will stand when storms erase the loudest face.

So walk in peace, yet do not yield
The ground where truth must be revealed.
Speak softly still—be strong, be wise—
For heaven backs the meek who rise.

Proverbs 15:1 (KJV)
A soft answer turneth away wrath:
but grievous words stir up anger.

“Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far” 
1901
Theodore Roosevelt,

Roosevelt believed that quiet confidence + credible strength was more effective than loud threats or empty talk.

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

     The Gift of the Pen

If I stood at a podium,
I’d stutter and sputter to no end,
Words would trip and tumble—
So He gave me the gift of the pen.

When my voice fails to carry
What my soul longs to say,
Ink becomes my witness,
And the page clears the way.

Through quiet lines and patience,
Truth flows steady then—
God speaks loud through silence
When He gives a soul the pen. ✍️📜

2Co 12:9  And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

God Uses The Simple

A theological giant I am not,
No lofty towers of wisdom I’ve got.
I stumble through verses, plain and small,
Yet still I answer when I hear Him call.

For God uses the simple, the quiet, the few,
To confound the wise who think they always knew.
Not by clever words or a polished display,
But hearts that are yielded and choose Him each day.

The proud may debate, the learned may boast,
But grace finds a home in the humble the most.
So here I stand, just clay in His hand—
Strong not in knowledge, but where faith will stand.

1Co 1:27  But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

   One Step at a Time

As colder winds begin to bite the air,
And winter hints at snow ahead somewhere,
The monks press on with quiet, steady grace,
Each mindful footstep marking time and place.

Through North Carolina roads they slowly tread,
With Virginia’s hills still rising up ahead.
Their message stays the same, both clear and strong:
Peace isn’t found where comfort proves lifelong.

This walk was never meant to feel so light,
It was forged to shine within the bite of night.
Not driven by convenience, ease, or gain,
But purpose deep enough to weather pain.

They teach us peace is practiced, not postponed,
Not waiting till the path is smooth or known.
It lives in choosing calm when trials appear,
In steady love that overcomes the fear.

Along the road, their presence softly calls,
Inviting hearts beyond imagined walls.
To live with compassion, unity, and care,
And carry peace wherever feet may dare.

With focused minds and hearts both firm and kind,
They walk for all of us who watch behind—
A living prayer in motion, strong and true,
That peace begins with me… with them… with you.

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
“You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.”

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

 Knowing Loving Walking

Many know about God — the stories, the name,
They study His wonders, His power, His fame.
They speak of His mercy, His justice, His might,
Yet keep Him at distance, just out of their sight.

To know God is deeper than facts we recite,
It’s hearing His whisper in stillness and night.
It’s trusting His heart when the pathway is dim,
And resting your questions completely in Him.

But friendship with God — oh, that’s love fully grown,
It’s walking together, not walking alone.
It’s sharing your burdens, your joys, and your scars,
And loving Him freely, not counting the cost or the stars.

To love God is choosing His will over pride,
Letting Him lead you, whatever betide.
Not knowing His name, nor just feeling His hand,
But holding His heart — and there you will stand.

John 15:15 (KJV)
“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.”

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

    Whispers From God

What words from God have you sensed in your spirit,
Not shouted aloud, yet too strong to ignore?
They come not in thunder, nor written in merit,
But whispered in peace at the heart’s humble door.

“Be still,” He says softly, when worries grow loud,
“Remember who holds you when strength feels so thin.”
Not fear, not confusion, not shame is allowed—
My child, you are known, and I’m working within.

“I see you,” He speaks, when the path feels unclear,
“I’m near in the waiting, I’m near in the fight.”
His words bring a calm that dissolves every fear,
A lamp for the steps taken faith over sight.

So listen, not hurried, not proving your worth,
For God often speaks where the noise finally ends.
His words are not earned by the wisdom of earth—
They’re given in love, as a Father to friends.

“And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”
1 Kings 19:12 (KJV)

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

     
          Pressing On

It’s not how big or how great you appear,
Not the brilliance you hold or the trophies you bear.
It’s not measured by talent, by strength, or by speed,
Nor by all the fine things others think that you need.

It’s doing your best with what’s placed in your hand,
Standing faithful and firm where you currently stand.
Pressing on with endurance when the way isn’t clear,
Refusing to quit though the goal feels not near.

For deep satisfaction is born from within,
When you trust God’s purpose and let patience begin.
Hold fast, don’t give up—stay steady, stay true,
What matters most is the faith lived through you.

Colossians 3:23 (KJV)
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

https://www.google.com/gasearch?q=Bob%20Wiland%201986%20New%20York%20Marathon%20who%20finished%20last&source=sh/x/gs/m2/5#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:01844a99,vid:csBt2_L5yTc,st:0

   Jesus Take Control

Change your want to doer, Lord,
For words are easy, deeds ignored.
We say, “I want,” yet stay the same,
Good thoughts remain a distant flame.

But when we yield our lives to Christ,
Our will aligns, our hearts suffice.
He reshapes desire, molds the soul,
A want-to-doer made whole.

What once we feared or pushed aside,
Becomes our joy with Him our guide.
New passions rise, old chains grow weak,
We do the good we used to seek.

From darkest nights and sorrowed days,
He turns our hearts toward lighted ways.
Where sadness dwelt, true joy takes part—
Such is the work of Jesus’ heart.

 Philippians 2:13 (KJV)

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop

Penned for Bruce Braun

  We Are So Blessed 

We are so blessed to be a blessing,
By God’s own hand, by His addressing.
Each breath we take, each step we tread,
Is mercy poured, by grace we’re led.

What we’ve been given is not to keep,
But meant to sow and meant to reap.
A helping hand, a caring voice,
In loving others, we rejoice.

Our cup runs over, hearts confessing,
We are so blessed to be a blessing.

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24–26 (ESV)

For God’s Honor and Glory

MarkWaldrop