Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Mark 8:29 - "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Messiah."

In Mark 8:29, Jesus asks His disciples one of the most important questions they would ever answer: "Who do you say I am?" It’s a personal, direct question, and Peter's answer, "You are the Messiah," demonstrates both his faith and understanding of Jesus' divine identity.

In our walk with God, we face the same question: *Who do we say Jesus is?* The way we answer this shapes our entire relationship with Him. When we confess Jesus as our Messiah, we acknowledge Him as the Savior, the one who delivers, guides, and knows what is best for us. Often, life presents uncertainties that can shake our faith, but when we hold fast to the truth of who Jesus is, we can rest in the assurance that He leads us according to God’s perfect plan.

Reflection:
Who is Jesus to you in your daily life? Do you trust Him as your Messiah, the one who knows what is best for you and guides you through every challenge? Take a moment to reflect on how this truth changes the way you face your day-to-day struggles.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, as the Messiah who leads me and knows what is best for my life. Help me to trust in His wisdom and power, especially when I am uncertain or afraid. May my faith in Him grow stronger each day. Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Philippians 1:9-10
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”

Reflection:
There are times in life when we face decisions that seem overwhelming, choices that test our understanding and wisdom. In those moments, it’s easy to rely on our own limited insight, but as followers of Christ, we are reminded that our Heavenly Father knows best.

Paul’s prayer in Philippians is a beautiful reminder of this truth. He prays that love—God’s love in us—will grow deeper and deeper, leading to greater knowledge and insight. With that love guiding us, we are able to discern what is truly best, making decisions that reflect purity and righteousness as we look toward the day of Christ’s return.

God doesn’t just give us rules to follow; He fills us with His love, shaping our thoughts, actions, and desires. As we allow His love to abound in us, we gain the clarity we need to live lives that are blameless and pleasing to Him. Trust in His wisdom, for He always knows what is best for our hearts and lives.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your boundless love and perfect wisdom. Help me to grow in Your love, that I may see clearly the path You want me to take. Teach me to discern what is best and to live in a way that honors You, pure and blameless in the sight of Christ. Guide my steps today and every day. Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Matthew 11:25 – “At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’”

Reflection:

In this verse, Jesus praises God for revealing His truths not to the “wise and learned,” but to “little children.” This is a powerful reminder that God’s wisdom often transcends human intellect and pride. The “little children” here represent those with childlike faith—those who humbly trust in God and are open to His guidance without trying to control or outthink Him.

We live in a world that celebrates human knowledge and achievement, but Jesus shows us a different path. God’s greatest truths—about love, grace, and salvation—are not grasped through cleverness or academic prowess. They are revealed to hearts that are simple, open, and ready to trust.

This teaches us a vital lesson: the key to understanding God’s will and purpose is not found in striving for worldly wisdom, but in coming to Him with humility. When we approach God with the innocence and trust of a child, He opens our eyes to His deeper truths, giving us peace and understanding beyond what the world can offer.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for revealing Your truths to those who come to You with a humble heart. Help me to approach You with childlike faith, setting aside my pride and intellectual striving. Teach me to trust You fully, knowing that Your wisdom is greater than anything I can imagine. Open my heart to receive Your guidance today. Amen.

Takeaway:
Today, embrace childlike faith. Trust God’s wisdom, even when you don’t fully understand it, and He will reveal His deep truths to your heart.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

No matter what challenges we face, we can trust in the wisdom and care of our Heavenly Father. He knows us better than we know ourselves and understands the obstacles and burdens we carry. When the road feels steep or overwhelming, we often question why things are happening the way they are. But our Father sees the bigger picture, and He lovingly guides us, giving us the strength to endure and persevere.

Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. Through Christ, we are empowered to overcome difficulties, not because of our own strength, but because of His. His wisdom far surpasses our understanding, and in trusting Him, we discover the peace and strength to carry on.

Reflection:
When you are faced with trials, remember that God knows what is best for you. Rather than relying on your own abilities, lean on His strength and wisdom. He has equipped you for this moment, and with Him by your side, you are able to do all things.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your strength and wisdom that guide me each day. Help me to trust in Your perfect plan for my life, especially when the way forward seems unclear. Strengthen me through Your Son, Jesus, and remind me that You know what is best. Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Reflection:
Giving is an act that reflects the heart of God. He doesn’t want us to give out of obligation or guilt, but from a place of joy and love. When we give cheerfully, whether it’s our time, resources, or compassion, we are walking in step with His will. Our Father knows best what is good for us, and He knows that a heart inclined toward generosity not only blesses others but also brings joy and fulfillment to the giver. Giving is not a chore but a privilege—an opportunity to reflect God's abundant grace in our lives. Trust that as you give cheerfully, God will provide all you need and more.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to give from my heart with joy and gratitude. Let my generosity reflect Your love and goodness in the world. Teach me to give without hesitation or reluctance, knowing that every good and perfect gift comes from You. May I find delight in being a cheerful giver, just as You delight in blessing me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Deuteronomy 31:8 - "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Reflection:
There are times in life when we feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or lost, unsure of what lies ahead. In those moments, we must remember that God already knows the path before us. He walks ahead, guiding us with His perfect wisdom and unfailing love. We may not always understand why things happen the way they do, but we can rest in the assurance that our Father knows best. He promises never to leave us, and that is where our hope and courage lie. We can step into each day with confidence, trusting that His presence goes before us, shielding us from fear and discouragement.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for going before me and never leaving my side. Help me to trust in Your wisdom and guidance, knowing that You hold my future in Your hands. Strengthen my heart when I feel afraid or discouraged, and remind me of Your faithful presence. May I always find peace in the truth that You know what’s best for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

April 26
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture
“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”* — 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV)

Reflection:
There are times in our lives when God's guidance and plans may seem difficult to grasp. For those who do not have the Holy Spirit, the ways of God can appear as foolishness. They struggle to understand because divine truths are spiritually discerned, and without the Spirit, one is disconnected from God’s wisdom.

As believers, we are blessed to have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, providing discernment and wisdom that goes beyond worldly understanding. God knows what is best for us, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment. Our finite minds cannot always comprehend the full picture, but we trust in His eternal perspective.

Application:
Today, if you face a situation that you do not fully understand, lean into the Holy Spirit. Seek God in prayer, trusting that He knows best. Though His ways may not align with worldly wisdom, He guides you with love, purpose, and perfect understanding.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit that enables me to discern Your truth. Help me to trust You more deeply, even when I do not fully understand. Remind me that You know best, and Your plans for me are good. Am

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture
“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”* — 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV)

Reflection:
There are times in our lives when God's guidance and plans may seem difficult to grasp. For those who do not have the Holy Spirit, the ways of God can appear as foolishness. They struggle to understand because divine truths are spiritually discerned, and without the Spirit, one is disconnected from God’s wisdom.

As believers, we are blessed to have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, providing discernment and wisdom that goes beyond worldly understanding. God knows what is best for us, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment. Our finite minds cannot always comprehend the full picture, but we trust in His eternal perspective.

Application:
Today, if you face a situation that you do not fully understand, lean into the Holy Spirit. Seek God in prayer, trusting that He knows best. Though His ways may not align with worldly wisdom, He guides you with love, purpose, and perfect understanding.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit that enables me to discern Your truth. Help me to trust You more deeply, even when I do not fully understand. Remind me that You know best, and Your plans for me are good. Amen.  

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Philippians 2:13 (KJV)
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Reflection:
Often, we feel the pressure to do things on our own, whether it’s trying to make the right decisions or accomplish what we believe is God’s will. But Philippians 2:13 offers a profound reassurance: it is God Himself who works in us, giving us both the desire and the ability to carry out His good purposes. We are not left to our own limited strength or wisdom.

This truth transforms our approach to life. We don't have to rely solely on our efforts or feel inadequate for the tasks God sets before us. Instead, we can trust that He is actively at work within us, shaping our will and guiding our actions according to His divine plan. Our Father knows what is best, and He equips us with everything we need to follow His path.

When we surrender our plans to God and allow Him to lead, we can experience the peace and joy that comes from knowing we are not alone in our journey. His Spirit within us empowers us to do His will—not out of compulsion, but as a natural response to His work in our hearts.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for working in me to both will and to do Your good pleasure. Help me to trust in Your strength and guidance, knowing that You are always with me. May I live each day surrendered to Your will, confident that You are directing my steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.