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Author Archives: Mark Waldrop
May 20
Daily Devotional: Flourishing in God’s House
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture:
Psalm 92:12-14
“The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the LORD, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green.”
Reflection:
What a beautiful image of life with God—flourishing like a palm tree, strong and steady like a cedar of Lebanon. These verses remind us that when we are deeply rooted in the presence of the Lord, we grow, thrive, and even bear fruit throughout the seasons of our lives.
A palm tree stands tall and firm, its roots reaching deep into the ground to draw sustenance. Likewise, when we are planted in God’s house, we are grounded in His love, drawing from His grace and strength. The cedar of Lebanon, known for its durability and beauty, symbolizes the spiritual resilience of those who trust in the Lord. No matter what storms may come, God ensures that His people will stand strong.
In old age, even when the world might expect us to slow down or wither, God promises that we will still bear fruit and remain fresh and green. What a reassurance that in Him, our lives have purpose and vitality, no matter our age or stage in life! Our connection to God through prayer, worship, and His Word continues to nourish us, keeping us spiritually vibrant.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for planting me in Your house, where I can grow and flourish under Your care. Help me to stay deeply rooted in Your love, bearing fruit for Your kingdom throughout my life. Keep me fresh and full of life, even in my later years, so that I may continue to serve You with joy and strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thought for the Day:
When you are planted in God’s presence, you will flourish and bear fruit in every season of life, staying fresh and full of His grace.
When I Stop Thinking About Me
When I Stop Thinking About Me
When I stop thinking about me,
My first thought is You—so pure, so free.
The clamor fades, the noise grows still,
And I’m drawn again to Your perfect will.
All of my dreams start rising anew,
Not built for me—but shaped by You.
For when I surrender what I once pursued,
You fill me with joy this world never knew.
The love of God revives these bones,
Like springtime winds through desert stones.
He lifts the weight, He breaks the night,
And floods my soul with morning light.
He puts a new song in my heart each day,
A melody grace alone could play.
So I’ll think less of “me,” and far more of “You”—
And that’s where all dreams start coming true.
Psa 40:3Â Â And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
For God’s Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop
The hope of Heaven is God’s solution to sorrow
Heaven’s Hope, God’s Answer
Heaven’s Hope, God’s Answer
“The hope of Heaven is God’s solution to sorrow.”
When sorrow wraps its aching thread
Around the heart and fills with dread,
When tears fall down like silent rain,
And prayers rise up through grief and pain
There shines a light not made by sun,
A promise sealed by God’s own Son.
Beyond the veil, beyond the night,
There waits a dawn of endless light.
The hope of Heaven—pure, divine
God’s answer through the cross and time.
No wound too deep, no loss too wide,
That grace won’t reach and love won’t guide.
A place where partings turn to song,
Where broken hearts are made strong.
Where every tear is wiped away,
And sorrow has no place to stay.
So hold on tight when trials rise,
Lift up your soul, lift up your eyes.
For Heaven waits, and love is near
God’s healing hand will dry each tear.
Rev 21:4Â Â 'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
For God’s Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop
May 19
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture:
Job 2:13
“Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.”
Reflection:
In the midst of our deepest suffering, words often feel inadequate. Job’s friends sat with him for seven days and nights in silence, recognizing the depth of his pain. They didn’t try to offer explanations or solutions—they simply were there. This simple act of presence, without trying to “fix” things, is a reminder that sometimes, what we need most in difficult times is to just be still and know that God is with us.
God, our loving Father, sees our pain, our struggles, and our confusion. There are moments when the reasons behind our suffering seem unclear, when we ask, “Why, Lord?” Yet, even in those moments of silence, we are not alone. Our Father knows best. He knows what we need even when we don’t have the words to express it. Like Job’s friends, who quietly accompanied him in his suffering, God accompanies us—always present, always faithful.
Trust that in God’s perfect timing, He will bring healing, comfort, and understanding. His ways are higher than ours, and while we may not understand the trials we face, we can rest in the assurance that He knows what is best for us.
Prayer:
Father, in moments of deep pain and confusion, help me to remember that You are with me, even in the silence. Teach me to trust in Your wisdom and Your timing, knowing that You see the bigger picture. Thank You for Your constant presence and for knowing what is best for me, even when I don’t. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thought for the Day:
Even when words fail, God’s presence remains. Trust Him, for He knows what you need.
May 18
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture:
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Reflection:
In life, we often try to rely on our own understanding, analyzing situations, and making decisions based on what we know or feel. However, God invites us to trust Him with all our heart. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us that our understanding is limited, but our Father knows best.
When we trust in the Lord fully, surrendering our plans, desires, and worries to Him, He promises to guide us and straighten our paths. This doesn’t mean life will always be easy, but it means we are never walking alone. God sees the bigger picture, and when we submit our ways to Him, He leads us in the right direction.
Today, let go of the need to control everything and place your trust in God’s infinite wisdom. Submit your plans, your decisions, and your heart to Him, knowing He will faithfully direct your steps.
Prayer:
Lord, I place my trust in You today. Help me to let go of my own understanding and to submit every part of my life to Your will. Guide me and make my paths straight, for I know You always know what is best for me. Amen.
May 17
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture:
Psalm 27:14
“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”
Reflection:
Waiting is often one of the hardest things to do, especially when we face challenges or desire answers quickly. In Psalm 27:14, David encourages us to wait on the Lord, to be strong and take heart as we trust in God’s perfect timing and wisdom.
Waiting doesn’t mean inactivity; it means placing our hope and confidence in God, knowing that He knows what is best for us. Sometimes, the answers or breakthroughs we long for take time, but the Lord is faithful. While we wait, God strengthens us, shapes our character, and draws us closer to Him. He knows exactly when to move, and His timing is always perfect.
If you are in a season of waiting, remember that God is working behind the scenes. Be strong in faith, take heart in His promises, and trust that He will fulfill His plans in due time.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to wait on You with patience and trust. Strengthen my heart during this season, and remind me that Your timing is perfect. Thank You for knowing what is best for me and for working all things together for good. Amen.
The Watchful Dove
For weeks she stayed through rain and sun,
No flinch, no flight, no thought to run.
A mother’s vow, so still, so true
On my back patio, in full view.
She nested quiet, calm, and bold,
Through morning heat and evening cold.
A sentinel of feathered grace,
Guarding life in that small space.
And now—oh joy!—she lifts her wing,
To show the miracle she brings.
A tiny fluff with blinking eyes,
A breath of hope beneath blue skies.
No trumpet blared, no loud parade,
Just love in silence gently laid.
A story told without a word—
Of life renewed, and hearts assured.
So here they are—this gentle pair,
A gift from God, beyond compare.
A dove, her chick, beneath the eaves,
With faith that builds in quiet leaves.
“He will cover you with His feathers,
and under His wings you will find refuge;
His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.”
Psalm 91:4 (NIV)
For God’s Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop
The First Step to Kindness
The First Step to Kindness
If you want to be a kinder soul,
Not just in part, but in the whole,
Start with something small, yet true
Like holding a door and letting one through.
It seems so simple, hardly grand,
No need for riches or a helping hand.
Just pause a moment, let them go
And plant a seed that kindness will grow.
For every door that you hold wide,
Breaks a bit of selfish pride.
And every smile you chance to see
Reflects the heart of empathy.
So let it start—this gentle wave,
With quiet acts that make you brave.
You never know what love may do
When kindness first walks in through you.
Eph 4:32Â Â Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Mark C. Waldrop
May 16
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture:
Philippians 2:1-3
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Reflection:
Our Father knows the power of unity and humility in the life of believers. In Philippians 2:1-3, Paul urges the church to live in harmony, driven by love, tenderness, and compassion. This kind of unity comes when we follow Christ’s example of humility, setting aside selfish ambitions and valuing others above ourselves.
In a world that often encourages self-promotion and competition, God calls us to a different standard—one of humility and service. Our Father knows that true joy and peace come when we live in unity with others, fostering relationships built on love and selflessness.
As we grow in Christ, we are encouraged to be like-minded, seeking the good of others and sharing in His Spirit. When we live this way, we reflect the heart of God, who values relationships and love over personal gain. Today, let us seek to walk in humility, trusting that our Father knows what is best for us and for those around us.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to live with humility and love, valuing others as You value them. Teach me to walk in unity with my brothers and sisters in Christ, reflecting Your heart in all that I do. Amen.