Daily Devotional: "Our Father Knows Best"
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Judges 18:6 (ESV)
"And the priest said to them, 'Go in peace. The journey on which you go is under the eye of the LORD.'"

Reflection:
In our daily lives, we often face decisions and journeys that can fill us with uncertainty and doubt. Whether it's a new job, a move to a different city, or a challenging life decision, the unknown can be intimidating. But in these moments, we can find solace in the assurance that God is always watching over us.

The verse from Judges 18:6 reminds us of a powerful truth: God sees and knows the journey we are on. The priest’s words, “Go in peace,” are not just a farewell; they are a blessing that acknowledges God's presence and guidance. Our Father in heaven knows what lies ahead, and He watches over us with love and care.

Meditation:
As we go about our day, let's meditate on the fact that nothing in our lives escapes God's notice. Every step we take, every path we choose, is under His watchful eye. We can rest in the peace that comes from knowing that our Father knows best. He understands our fears, our dreams, and our needs better than we do.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant watch over my life. Help me to trust in Your guidance and to find peace in knowing that You are with me on every journey I take. When I face uncertainty, remind me that You are in control and that Your plans for me are good. May Your presence give me the courage to move forward in faith, confident that You know best. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application:
Trust in God's Guidance:Whenever you are faced with a decision or a new path, take a moment to pray and seek God’s guidance. Trust that He sees the bigger picture and has your best interests at heart.

Seek Peace: When anxiety or doubt creeps in, remember the priest’s words: “Go in peace.” Let this be a reminder to cast your worries on God and rest in His peace.

Reflect on Past Journeys: Look back at previous times in your life where you felt uncertain but later saw how God was guiding you. Let these reflections strengthen your trust in His ongoing guidance.

May this devotional inspire you to walk confidently, knowing that your journey is under the eye of the Lord. Our Father knows best, and His watchful care is ever-present in our lives.

By Mark Waldrop

**Scripture: Judges 18:6 (ESV)**

“And the priest said to them, ‘Go in peace. The journey on which you go is under the eye of the LORD.'”

Reflection:

In our daily lives, we often face decisions and journeys that can fill us with uncertainty and doubt. Whether it’s a new job, a move to a different city, or a challenging life decision, the unknown can be intimidating. But in these moments, we can find solace in the assurance that God is always watching over us.

The verse from Judges 18:6 reminds us of a powerful truth: God sees and knows the journey we are on. The priest’s words, “Go in peace,” are not just a farewell; they are a blessing that acknowledges God’s presence and guidance. Our Father in heaven knows what lies ahead, and He watches over us with love and care.

Meditation:

As we go about our day, let’s meditate on the fact that nothing in our lives escapes God’s notice. Every step we take, every path we choose, is under His watchful eye. We can rest in the peace that comes from knowing that our Father knows best. He understands our fears, our dreams, and our needs better than we do.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant watch over my life. Help me to trust in Your guidance and to find peace in knowing that You are with me on every journey I take. When I face uncertainty, remind me that You are in control and that Your plans for me are good. May Your presence give me the courage to move forward in faith, confident that You know best. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Application:

Trust in God’s Guidance:Whenever you are faced with a decision or a new path, take a moment to pray and seek God’s guidance. Trust that He sees the bigger picture and has your best interests at heart.

Seek Peace: When anxiety or doubt creeps in, remember the priest’s words: “Go in peace.” Let this be a reminder to cast your worries on God and rest in His peace.

Reflect on Past Journeys: Look back at previous times in your life where you felt uncertain but later saw how God was guiding you. Let these reflections strengthen your trust in His ongoing guidance.

May this devotional inspire you to walk confidently, knowing that your journey is under the eye of the Lord. Our Father knows best, and His watchful care is ever-present in our lives.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
John 10:28-29
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.”
Scripture provided by Jim Hartzler

Reflection:
In these comforting verses from John 10, Jesus assures us of the eternal security we have in Him. He promises that those who belong to Him will never perish and that no one can snatch them out of His hand or the Father's hand. This powerful declaration speaks to the depth of God's love and the strength of His protection over us.

Our Father knows best, and in His infinite wisdom, He has given us the greatest gift: eternal life through Jesus Christ. This gift is not fragile or fleeting; it is a secure promise guaranteed by the omnipotent Creator. Knowing this, we can find peace and confidence in our daily lives, no matter what challenges we face.

God's protection is absolute. When we are in His hands, we are safe from any force that tries to separate us from His love. This does not mean we will not face trials or difficulties, but it assures us that nothing can ultimately defeat us or take away the eternal life we have in Christ.

Application:
1. Rest in God's Security: Meditate on the assurance that no one can snatch you out of God's hand. Let this truth bring peace to your heart, especially in times of uncertainty.

2. Celebrate Eternal Life: Take time to rejoice in the gift of eternal life that Jesus has given you. Reflect on the hope and joy this brings to your present and future.

3. Strengthen Your Faith: When doubts or fears arise, remind yourself of God's promise of protection. Speak these verses over your life and trust in God's unwavering care.

4. Encourage Others: Share this message of security and hope with those around you. Help others understand the steadfastness of God's love and protection.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of eternal life through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for the assurance that no one can snatch us out of Your hands. Help us to live in the confidence of Your protection and to trust in Your perfect wisdom. Strengthen our faith and give us courage to face each day, knowing that we are securely held by You. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Our Father's hands are the safest place we can be. Trust in His eternal security and live confidently, knowing that His protection over you is unbreakable and His love is unfailing.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By MarkWaldrop

Scripture:
Psalm 31:24
Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!

Reflection:
This verse from Psalm 31 encourages us to be strong and courageous as we wait for the LORD. Waiting is often challenging, especially when we face uncertainties or difficulties. However, this verse reminds us that strength and courage are essential qualities for those who trust in God’s timing and wisdom.

Our Father knows what is best for us, even when His timing seems slow or His plans are not clear to us. He calls us to be patient and to have faith that He is working all things for our good. As we wait on the LORD, we can find strength and courage in His promises and in His presence.

Being strong and courageous does not mean we never feel fear or doubt. Instead, it means we choose to trust God despite our fears and uncertainties. It means we rely on His strength rather than our own, and we draw courage from His unwavering love and faithfulness.

Application:
1. Trust in God’s Timing: Reflect on past experiences where God’s timing proved perfect, even if it wasn’t what you expected. Write these down as a reminder of His faithfulness.

2. Seek Strength in Scripture: Spend time each day reading and meditating on Bible verses that emphasize God’s strength and promises. Let His Word encourage and fortify your heart.

3. Pray for Courage: In your prayers, ask God to fill you with His strength and courage. Be honest about your fears and uncertainties, and invite His peace to guard your heart.

4. Support Others: Encourage those around you who are also waiting on the LORD. Share words of hope and be a source of strength and support for them.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our source of strength and courage. Help us to trust in Your perfect timing and to wait patiently for Your plans to unfold. Fill our hearts with Your peace and fortitude, especially in times of uncertainty. May we always find our courage in Your unfailing love and faithfulness. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Waiting on the LORD requires strength and courage. Trust that our Father knows best and let His presence empower you to stand firm and courageous in all circumstances.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
John 11:35
Jesus wept.

Reflection:
In this shortest verse of the Bible, “Jesus wept,” we witness a profound moment of compassion and empathy from our Savior. This scene takes place at the tomb of Lazarus, where Jesus is deeply moved by the sorrow of Mary, Martha, and those mourning Lazarus’s death. Despite knowing He would soon raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus shared in their grief.

This moment reveals the depth of Jesus' love and His understanding of our human emotions. It shows that our Father knows our sorrows and pains intimately. He is not distant or detached from our struggles but is right there with us, feeling our hurt and offering comfort.

God’s wisdom and compassion are perfectly intertwined. He understands our needs, our heartbreaks, and our joys. His response to our pain is not just a solution but a shared experience of love and empathy. Jesus weeping assures us that our Father’s heart is tender towards us and that He cares deeply about every aspect of our lives.

Application:
1. Acknowledge Your Emotions: Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions, knowing that Jesus understands and shares in your experiences. Write down what you’re feeling and bring it to God in prayer.

2. Seek Comfort in God’s Presence: When you’re hurting, remember that God is with you. Spend time in His presence, reading scriptures of comfort and peace, and allowing His love to soothe your soul.

3. Offer Compassion to Others: Just as Jesus showed empathy to those around Him, seek to understand and comfort those who are hurting. Your compassion can be a reflection of God’s love to someone in need.

4. Trust in God’s Plan: Even when we don’t understand why we’re experiencing pain, trust that God knows best. He sees the bigger picture and has a plan for healing and restoration.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the depth of Your love and understanding. Thank You for the compassion You showed through Jesus, who wept with those in sorrow. Help us to feel Your presence in our pain and to trust in Your perfect plan. Give us the strength to offer the same compassion to others, reflecting Your love in all we do. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
In moments of grief and sorrow, remember that Jesus wept. Our Father knows our pain and walks with us through every tear. Trust in His compassionate heart and His perfect plan for your life.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Joshua 24:21
And the people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the LORD.”

Reflection:
In this verse, the people of Israel make a profound commitment to Joshua: they vow to serve the LORD wholeheartedly. This decision comes after Joshua recounts the numerous ways God has guided, protected, and blessed them. The people recognize that despite their many challenges, God has always known what is best for them.

In our daily lives, we are often faced with choices that test our faith and commitment to God. Like the Israelites, we must decide whom we will serve. Will we trust in our own understanding, or will we place our faith in the One who knows us better than we know ourselves?

God’s wisdom surpasses our limited perspective. He sees the bigger picture and understands the path that leads to true fulfillment and joy. When we choose to serve the Lord, we are acknowledging that His plans and purposes are greater than our own.

Application:
1. Reflect on God’s Faithfulness: Take a moment to recall the ways God has guided and blessed you in the past. Write them down as a reminder of His faithfulness.
   
2. Commit to Trusting God : In your prayers today, reaffirm your commitment to serve the Lord. Ask for the strength to trust Him, especially when His plans are not immediately clear.

3. Seek God’s Wisdom: Before making decisions, seek God’s guidance through prayer and scripture. Trust that He knows what is best for you.

4. Encourage Others : Share your journey of faith with friends or family. Encourage them to trust in God’s wisdom and to serve Him wholeheartedly.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for always knowing what is best for us. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and to serve You with all our hearts. Strengthen our faith, especially in times of uncertainty. May our lives reflect our commitment to You, and may we find peace in knowing that You are always guiding us. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
When we choose to serve the Lord, we are choosing the path of wisdom and blessing. Trust that our Father knows best, and let Him lead you to His perfect plan.

Our Father Knows Best
Daily Devotional: 
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Col 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.  
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Reflection:
These verses from Colossians remind us of the absolute sovereignty and supremacy of Christ. Everything in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, was created by Him and for Him. This includes all powers and authorities, emphasizing that nothing exists outside of His creative power and purpose.

Our Father knows best because He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Understanding that Christ is before all things and that in Him all things hold together gives us profound comfort and assurance. When life feels chaotic or uncertain, we can find peace in knowing that Christ holds everything together. His wisdom, power, and love are beyond our comprehension, yet they are the foundation upon which all creation rests.

Meditation:
Reflect on the vastness of God's creation and His supreme authority over all things. Consider how this truth affects your perspective on the challenges and uncertainties in your life. How can acknowledging Christ's preeminence and sustaining power bring you peace and confidence?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating all things through and for Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to remember that You are sovereign over every aspect of my life and that in You, all things hold together. When I face difficulties or uncertainties, remind me of Your supreme power and sustaining grace. Fill my heart with peace and confidence, knowing that You are in control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Step:
Today, take time to marvel at the beauty and complexity of God's creation around you. Whether it's a walk in nature, observing the night sky, or reflecting on the intricate design of a flower, let these moments remind you of God's creative power and sustaining presence. Share a word of encouragement with someone, reminding them of Christ’s supremacy and how He holds all things together.

Closing Thought:
Our Father knows best. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, holding everything together by His power and love. Trust in His supreme authority and find peace in His unchanging presence.

May this devotional help you rest in the knowledge of Christ's preeminence and His constant, sustaining power in your life.

Our Father Knows Best
Daily Devotional: 
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Psa 100:1 A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!  
Psa 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!  
Psa 100:3 Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  
Psa 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!  
Psa 100:5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.*

Reflection:
Psalm 100 is a beautiful call to worship and a reminder of our relationship with God. It invites us to make a joyful noise, serve with gladness, and come into His presence with singing. This Psalm emphasizes thanksgiving, praise, and the recognition of God's goodness, steadfast love, and enduring faithfulness.

Our Father knows that a heart filled with gratitude and praise is a heart that remains close to Him. By making a joyful noise and serving with gladness, we acknowledge His sovereignty and celebrate our identity as His creation, His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Entering His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise helps us to focus on His goodness and love, fostering a deeper connection with Him.

Meditation:
Consider how you can incorporate more joy, thanksgiving, and praise into your daily life. Reflect on the ways God has shown His goodness, love, and faithfulness to you and your family. How can these reflections inspire a more joyful and thankful attitude in your worship and service to the Lord?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of thanksgiving and praise. Thank You for Your goodness, Your steadfast love, and Your faithfulness that endures forever. Help me to serve You with gladness and to come into Your presence with singing. May my life be a joyful noise unto You, and may my heart always be filled with gratitude for all You have done. Bless Your holy name, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Step:
Today, make a conscious effort to express your gratitude and joy to the Lord. Sing a song of praise, write down things you are thankful for, or share with someone how God has been good to you. Let your actions and words reflect a heart full of thanksgiving and praise.

Closing Thought:
Our Father knows best. He desires our joy, thanksgiving, and praise, which draw us closer to Him and remind us of His enduring love and faithfulness. Embrace this call to worship and

Our Father Knows Best
Daily Devotional: 
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
1Pe 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.

Scripture furnished by Mark Daniluk

Reflection:
Peter’s exhortation in this verse reminds us of the urgency and importance of living a disciplined and clear-minded life. With the recognition that the end of all things is at hand, we are called to be self-controlled and sober-minded. This state of being is crucial for effective prayer, as it allows us to stay focused on God’s will and purpose.

Our Father knows best what we need to navigate these times with wisdom and clarity. Being self-controlled means managing our desires and actions in a way that honors God. Sober-mindedness involves having a clear and sound judgment, free from distractions and clouded thinking. These qualities help us stay spiritually alert and connected to God through prayer.

Meditation:
Reflect on areas in your life where you need to exercise more self-control and clear-mindedness. Consider how these virtues can enhance your prayer life and overall spiritual well-being. How can you cultivate a more disciplined and focused approach to your relationship with God?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder to be self-controlled and sober-minded, especially in these times. Help me to live a disciplined life that honors You and to stay clear-minded so that my prayers are effective. Grant me the wisdom and strength to focus on Your will and purpose for my life. Keep me alert and connected to You through prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Step:
Today, practice self-control in an area where you feel challenged. Whether it’s in your thoughts, actions, or habits, make a conscious effort to align your behavior with God’s will. Set aside dedicated time for prayer, free from distractions, and ask God to help you maintain a sober and focused mind.

Closing Thought:
Our Father knows best. By living a self-controlled and sober-minded life, we can enhance our connection with Him through prayer and be better prepared to fulfill His purpose. Trust in His wisdom and allow His guidance to lead you in every aspect of your life.


May this devotional encourage you to embrace self-control and clear-mindedness, drawing you closer to God and strengthening your prayer life.

Our Father Knows Best
Daily Devotional: 
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Psa 34:1 Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away. I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Scripture furnished by Les Connell Jr

Reflection:
David’s declaration to bless the Lord at all times, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, is a powerful testimony of faith and trust in God. When David feigned madness before Abimelech to escape danger, he still found reason to praise the Lord. This verse reminds us that our Father knows best and is worthy of praise in every situation, whether in times of joy or in times of trial.

Praising God continually, as David did, shifts our focus from our problems to His greatness. It strengthens our faith and brings us into a closer relationship with Him. By keeping His praise on our lips, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust in His perfect plan for our lives. This act of worship not only honors God but also transforms our perspective, filling us with hope and gratitude.

Meditation:
Consider the times when you have faced difficulties and how praising God has helped you navigate those moments. Reflect on God’s faithfulness and provision in your life. How can you incorporate continual praise into your daily routine, regardless of your circumstances?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I choose to bless Your name at all times. Help me to keep Your praise continually in my mouth, no matter what I face. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for guiding me through every situation. Teach me to trust in Your wisdom and to find joy in Your presence. Fill my heart with gratitude and my lips with praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Step:
Today, make a conscious effort to praise God throughout your day. Set aside moments to thank Him for His blessings and to acknowledge His goodness. Whether through prayer, singing, or speaking words of praise, let your heart and mouth be filled with continual worship. Share a testimony of God’s faithfulness with someone to encourage them in their faith.

Closing Thought:
Our Father knows best. Praising Him continually helps us to stay connected to His heart and to trust in His perfect will. Let His praise be ever on your lips, bringing you strength and joy in every circumstance.

May this devotional inspire you to keep God's praise continually in your mouth, drawing you closer to His presence and filling you with His peace and joy.