Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
1 John 4:7 – “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”

Reflection:
In a world that often feels divided and distant, love can seem like a rare and precious thing. But in God’s family, love is more than just a nice idea—it is the very essence of who we are called to be. 1 John 4:7 reminds us that love originates from God, and when we truly love one another, it is evidence that we are born of God and know Him.

Our Heavenly Father knows what’s best for us, and His greatest commandment is love—because through love, we reflect His character. This love isn’t limited to those who are easy to love, but extends to all, even those we find difficult to connect with. When we love, we are walking in step with God’s heart, aligning ourselves with His perfect will.

As His children, we can trust that His call to love one another is for our ultimate good. Love heals, strengthens, and draws us closer to God and each other. And the more we practice this love, the more we come to know Him in a deeper, more intimate way.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for showing me what true love is through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to love others as You have loved me, with grace, patience, and kindness. May my actions today reflect Your heart, and may I grow in my knowledge of You through love. Amen.

Action:
Today, reach out to someone who may need to feel God’s love, whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or a thoughtful prayer. Let your love be a reflection of God’s love, trusting that in loving others, you are drawing closer to Him.

June 21
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
John 15:11 – “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Reflection:
As we journey through life, we often seek joy in fleeting moments or worldly achievements. Yet, true, lasting joy remains elusive when it is tied to circumstances or possessions. In John 15:11, Jesus offers us a different perspective—He desires that His joy be in us and that this joy would be complete.

This joy Jesus speaks of isn’t dependent on external situations but flows from an intimate relationship with Him. It’s rooted in His love, His truth, and His guidance. Just as a loving father knows what is best for his children, our Heavenly Father knows how to lead us to genuine, enduring joy. When we follow His word and abide in Him, we tap into a deep well of joy that sustains us even through trials.

Our Father doesn’t just want us to experience a shallow happiness; He wants our joy to be full. This fullness comes when we trust in His wisdom and let His plans guide our lives. Though we may not always understand His ways, we can rest assured that His path leads us to peace and joy beyond measure.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for desiring fullness of joy in my life. Help me to trust in Your wisdom and follow Your Word, knowing that You always know what’s best for me. Fill me with Your joy today, that I may reflect Your love and grace in all I do. Amen.

Action:
Today, pause and reflect on areas where you may be chasing temporary happiness.
Surrender them to God and ask Him to fill you with His joy, trusting that He knows what's be