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Author Archives: Mark Waldrop
The Visible God
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Matthew Cole
The Chair and the Call
Up from the chair, Matthew arose,
From the hum that held him in its throes.
A vibrating seat that would not release,
Bound to its fifteen minutes of peace.
It buzzed and it whirred, a steady refrain,
A comfort, a habit, a gentle chain.
Holding him there in its timed embrace,
Keeping him fixed in one small place.
But something within said, âNow is the hour,â
A whisper of freedom, a stirring of power.
So up he stood, though the chair still called,
No longer content to remain installed.
For life is not lived in cycles confined,
Nor purpose fulfilled by a resting mind.
Sometimes we rise, though comfort is near,
To answer a call weâre meant to hear.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 (KJV)
âWhatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy mightâŚâ
For Godâs Honor and Glory
Mark C Waldrop
April 8
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture:
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 1:8
Reflection:
Thereâs a beautiful assurance in knowing that God is both the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega. He was there at the dawn of creation, He is present with us now, and He will reign forever. This means that nothing in our lives is outside of His sight, and no event, whether joyous or painful, is outside of His control.
Often, we try to understand the complexities of our lives, making decisions based on limited understanding and temporary circumstances. But our Father, who transcends time, knows the entire story. He knows what is best for usânot just in this moment but for eternity. When we feel uncertain or overwhelmed by the unknown, we can rest in the truth that He is Almighty and holds the complete picture of our lives.
God's eternal nature reminds us to trust Him fully. He is not bound by the things that limit usâtime, space, or circumstance. As the One who "is, and was, and is to come," He sees the paths we cannot, and His wisdom surpasses our understanding. When we donât know what the future holds, we can trust that our Father knows best.
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Help me to trust Your wisdom and Your plan for my life, knowing that You see what I cannot. When I feel lost or uncertain, remind me that You hold the past, present, and future in Your hands. I find peace in Your eternal love and sovereignty. In Jesusâ name, Amen.
Thought for the Day:
God knows your past, He is with you in the present, and He has already prepared your future. Trust in His perfect timing and plan.
The Big Blue Marble
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April 7
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture:
Romans 5:3-4
"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope."
Reflection:
Life is filled with challenges that can test our faith and patience. Sometimes, we question why we face certain trials or why things don't go the way we expect. Yet, Romans 5:3-4 reminds us that our Heavenly Father knows best. Each hardship has a purpose, even if we can't see it right away. Tribulation teaches us patience, and through patience, we gain experience. This experience, in turn, strengthens our hope, a hope that is rooted in Godâs perfect plan for our lives.
Itâs in the struggle that we grow. Just as a muscle strengthens through resistance, our faith deepens as we endure lifeâs pressures. We may not understand every difficulty, but we can trust that God is using it to shape our character, build resilience, and draw us closer to Him. Each step prepares us for the next, and each trial is a stepping stone toward the hope that never disappoints.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wisdom and for the trials that shape us into who You want us to be. Help us to remember that every hardship has a purpose and that You are working through them for our good. Strengthen our patience, deepen our experience, and renew our hope in You daily. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Thought for the Day:
Trust in the process, for your Father knows what is best for youâeven when the path seems hard.
Artemis IIÂ Â
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Artemis II
Honor Courage & Faith
Not steel alone, nor fire and flame,
But beating hearts that dare to claim
The path once walked, now walked anewâ
Through silent skies, by faithful few.
They carry more than suits and gear,
They carry hope, and human fear.
A glance at Earth, so small, so bright,
Reminds them what they hold so tight.
No crowd above, no sound, no cheer,
Just whispered prayers that God may hear.
For in that vast and endless blue,
Itâs still a human point of view.
And as they arc âround moonlit gray,
They bring our fragile dreams their wayâ
Not just to reach what lies afar,
But show us who we truly are.
Psalm 8:3â4 (KJV)
âWhen I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers,
the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man, that thou art mindful of him?
and the son of man, that thou visitest him?â
Mark C Waldrop
No One Left Behind
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No One Left Behind
Through distant lands and silent skies,
Where sacrifice in valor lies,
A warrior fell, yet not aloneâ
For Heaven marked and called him home.
Across the miles, through grief and prayer,
A nation felt his absence there.
But love does not forget its own,
Nor leaves a soul where seeds are sown.
With steady hands and hearts so true,
They brought him back as heroes do.
Through shadowed paths and battles long,
Carried by honor, courage strong.
No fallen one is cast aside,
No name forgotten, none denied.
For every life in duty given
Is etched in earthâand crowned in Heaven.
God is good, through loss and pain,
Through falling tears and skies of rain.
For even death cannot divide
The bond of those who stand with pride.
So home he comes, where flags still wave,
From distant field to honored grave.
A promise kept, a sacred vowâ
No one left behind⌠not then, not now.
âGreater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.â â John 15:13 (KJV)
For Godâs Honor and Glory
Mark C Waldrop
April 6
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Psalm 119:105* - "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
Reflection:
Life often feels like a journey full of unknownsâdecisions to make, paths to choose, and directions to follow. In moments of uncertainty, itâs easy to feel lost or unsure of where to turn. But God, in His infinite wisdom, has given us a guide: His Word. The Bible is described as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, illuminating the way forward when we canât see what lies ahead.
Godâs Word doesnât just offer guidance in the big decisions but also in the small, everyday choices that shape our lives. It is through His Word that we learn His will, understand His heart, and receive the wisdom we need for every step we take. While we may not always see the entire path clearly, we can trust that God reveals enough light for the next step. His guidance is always timely, always sufficient, and always right.
Our Father knows best. He sees the whole journey and provides just what we need at the right moment. When we rely on His Word, we walk with confidence, knowing that He is leading us according to His perfect plan.
Application:
Today, seek Godâs guidance by turning to His Word. Whether youâre facing a tough decision or just navigating the day-to-day, trust that the light of His Word will show you the next step. Take time to meditate on Scripture, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate the path before you and to help you follow in obedience.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Word as a guide. Help us to trust in the light You provide, even when we canât see the whole path ahead. Give us the courage to take each step in faith, knowing that You see the entire journey. Lead us by Your wisdom, and let us walk confidently in the direction Youâve set before us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
The Stone
