Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By MarkWaldrop

Scripture:
Jude 1:24-25 - "To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."

Reflection:
In this powerful doxology from the book of Jude, we are reminded of the immense power and faithfulness of our God. He is not only our Creator but also our Sustainer and Protector. The promise that God is able to keep us from stumbling is a profound assurance in our daily walk of faith. Life is full of challenges, temptations, and uncertainties, but our Father knows best how to guide us through them all, ensuring that we do not fall away from His grace.

God's ability to present us before His glorious presence without fault is a testament to the work of Jesus Christ. Through Christ, we are cleansed of our sins, and we stand before God, not in our righteousness, but in the perfect righteousness of Jesus. This reality fills us with great joy because we know that our salvation is secure, not by our efforts, but by God's grace and power.

Meditation 
As we meditate on this passage, let us give glory to God for His majesty, power, and authority. He reigns supreme over all things, from the beginning of time to eternity. Our lives are in His hands, and we can trust that He will keep us, guide us, and ultimately bring us into His glorious presence with joy.

Prayer:
Almighty God, I praise You for Your power and faithfulness. Thank You for keeping me from stumbling and for the promise that I will one day stand before You without fault, filled with joy, because of what Jesus has done for me. Help me to live each day in the confidence of Your love and protection. May I always give You the glory, majesty, power, and authority that You alone deserve. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step:
Reflect on the areas of your life where you feel uncertain or prone to stumble. Bring these concerns before God in prayer, as2king Him to strengthen and guide you. Throughout the day, remind yourself that God is able to keep you from stumbling and that your future is secure in His hands. Praise Him for His majesty and power, and let this truth fill you with joy and confidence as you go about your day.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By MarkWaldrop

Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 5:19 - "Do not quench the Spirit."

Reflection:
The Holy Spirit is a precious gift given to us by God to guide, comfort, and empower us in our daily walk with Him. The Spirit whispers to our hearts, leading us in the way of truth, prompting us to love, serve, and obey. However, there are times when we might ignore or resist these promptings, allowing the noise of the world or our own desires to drown out the gentle voice of the Spirit.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:19, we are given a clear instruction: "Do not quench the Spirit." To quench means to extinguish, as one might snuff out a flame. When we quench the Spirit, we hinder His work in our lives, suppressing the very power and guidance that God has graciously provided to us. This can happen when we neglect our spiritual disciplines, resist His convictions, or choose to follow our own path instead of His.

Our Father knows best how vital the Spirit's work is in our lives. He has sent the Holy Spirit to be our constant companion, guiding us toward righteousness, helping us grow in faith, and empowering us to live out God's will. When we yield to the Spirit, we allow His power to flow freely through us, enabling us to fulfill the good works God has prepared for us and to experience the fullness of life in Christ.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the times I have quenched the Spirit's work in my life by ignoring His promptings or choosing my own way

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By MarkWaldrop

Scripture:
Psalm 34:4 - "I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."

Reflection:
Fear is a powerful emotion that can grip our hearts and minds, paralyzing us and preventing us from living the abundant life God desires for us. Whether it's fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or fear of the future, these anxieties can weigh us down. But in Psalm 34:4, we are reminded of a profound truth: when we seek the Lord, He hears us and delivers us from all our fears.

Our Father knows best how to calm the storms within us. He understands the burdens we carry and the fears that haunt us. When we turn to Him in prayer, seeking His presence, He responds with comfort, peace, and deliverance. His love casts out fear, replacing it with the assurance that He is in control and that He cares deeply for us.

This verse invites us to bring our fears before God, trusting that He will not only hear our cries but will also act on our behalf. He is faithful to deliver us, guiding us through our fears and leading us to a place of peace and security in His love.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being a refuge in times of fear. When I am overwhelmed, remind me to seek You first, knowing that You hear my prayers and deliver me from all my fears. Fill my heart with Your peace and help me to trust in Your perfect love, which casts out fear. May I rest in the assurance that You are always with me, guiding and protecting me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step:
Identify a specific fear that has been troubling you. Take it to God in prayer today, asking Him to deliver you from it. As you seek Him, meditate on His promises, and trust that He will replace your fear with His peace. Keep this verse in mind throughout the day, reminding yourself that our Father knows best and is always ready to deliver you from all your fears.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best 
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Reflection:
Every one of us is a masterpiece, crafted with care by the hands of our Heavenly Father. As we navigate through life, it's easy to forget that we are not here by accident or chance. We are God's handiwork, uniquely designed for a purpose that only we can fulfill.

In Christ Jesus, we are not just made new; we are set apart for good works that God has already planned for us. These works aren't just random acts of kindness; they are intentional, meaningful, and part of His grand design. Whether it's lending a helping hand to someone in need, speaking words of encouragement, or simply living out our faith, we are walking in the path He has laid out for us.

Our Father knows best what we are capable of and what the world needs. He has prepared opportunities for us to shine His light and make a difference. When we embrace this truth, we begin to see our daily tasks, challenges, and interactions in a new light—as divinely appointed moments to fulfill the good works He has already set before us.

Prayer:
Dear Father, thank You for creating us with purpose and for the good works You have prepared in advance for us. Help us to recognize these opportunities in our daily lives and to step into them with faith and confidence. May we always remember that we are Your handiwork, created in Christ Jesus, to bring glory to Your name through the good we do. Guide us, Lord, to fulfill the purpose You have set for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step:
Take a moment to reflect on your day ahead. Ask God to open your eyes to the good works He has prepared for you today. Whether big or small, embrace each opportunity to serve, knowing that you are walking in the path He has uniquely designed for you. Trust that in doing so, you are fulfilling His purpose for your life.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture
1 Corinthians 10:13
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

Reflection
Life is full of challenges and temptations that can sometimes feel overwhelming. It’s easy to think we’re alone in our struggles, facing unique trials that no one else can understand. But Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians remind us that the temptations we face are not uncommon. Every believer, throughout time, has encountered similar struggles.

The key message here is the faithfulness of God. He knows our limits, and He promises not to let us face anything beyond what we can bear. This doesn’t mean life will be easy or that we won’t feel the weight of our burdens. It means that God, in His perfect wisdom and love, understands what we can handle and equips us to endure it.

Moreover, God promises to provide a way out. When temptation comes, it’s not just about resisting in our strength, but about trusting in God to show us the escape route. This might come in the form of a scripture that comes to mind, the support of a friend, or the strength to simply walk away from the situation. God always provides the means to overcome if we are willing to seek His guidance.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your faithfulness in the midst of my struggles. Thank You for knowing my limits and for always providing a way out when I face temptation. Help me to rely on Your strength and to seek Your guidance in every challenge. May I always remember that You are with me, offering the grace and power to endure and overcome. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Step
Take a moment today to identify an area of your life where you feel particularly tempted or overwhelmed. Pray and ask God to show you the way out that He has promised. Trust that He knows best and that He is with you, providing the strength and wisdom you need to endure.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
1 Corinthians 1:17
"For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power."

Reflection:
In our daily walk with God, it's easy to become consumed with doing all the right things, checking off every spiritual task on our list. We may feel the pressure to do it all—to serve, to lead, to speak eloquently, and to make sure every detail of our spiritual life is perfectly aligned. But today, let’s pause and reflect on Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 1:17.

Paul reminds us that his mission, and ours, is not necessarily about the tasks themselves—like baptizing or preaching with eloquence—but about the heart and purpose behind those tasks. Paul knew that the power of the gospel didn't come from human wisdom or polished speech. It came from the message of the cross, pure and simple. 

Our Father, in His infinite wisdom, knows what is truly best for us and for His kingdom. He doesn't demand perfection or eloquence; He desires obedience, faithfulness, and a heart that seeks to glorify Him. Paul’s mission was clear: preach the gospel and let the power of the cross speak for itself.

In our lives, we too must remember that it's not about how impressive our service looks to others, but about how faithfully we fulfill the calling God has placed on our lives. God has a unique plan for each of us, and He knows the best way to use our gifts for His glory. 

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that it's not about our wisdom, eloquence, or ability, but about Your power working through us. Help us to stay focused on the mission You've given us, and to trust that You know best. May we preach the gospel with our lives, letting Your love and truth shine through us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application:
Today, take a moment to reflect on the specific mission God has given you. Are there areas where you are striving for perfection rather than relying on God’s grace and power? Surrender those areas to Him, and ask for His guidance in fulfilling your calling with a heart of obedience and faithfulness.

Remember, our Father knows best, and His power is made perfect in our weakness. Trust in Him, and let His purpose for your life unfold in His perfect timing.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
1 Samuel 16:7 - "But the LORD said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.' "

Reflection:
In this powerful moment, God redirects Samuel’s focus from the external to the internal, teaching a lesson that resonates through the ages: God's perspective is vastly different from ours. While we often judge by appearances—whether it's someone’s looks, status, or accomplishments—God looks deeper, into the heart.

When Samuel was sent to anoint the new king of Israel, he naturally gravitated towards those who appeared strong and kingly by human standards. But God had a different plan, one that wasn’t based on outward appearance but on the condition of the heart. David, the youngest and least likely in the eyes of his family, was chosen because God saw in him a heart after His own.

This verse challenges us to examine how we perceive others and ourselves. Are we quick to judge by what we see on the outside? Do we place too much value on appearances, social status, or achievements? God invites us to look deeper, to value what He values—integrity, character, and a heart that seeks after Him.

Moreover, this scripture offers comfort. Even if the world overlooks us or judges us by shallow standards, God sees us for who we truly are. He knows our hearts, our desires, our struggles, and our love for Him. What truly matters to God is not how we appear to others but the sincerity and purity of our hearts.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to see as You see. Teach me to look beyond appearances and to value the things that matter most to You. Purify my heart, so that it reflects Your love and goodness. And when I feel overlooked or underestimated, remind me that You see my heart and that Your approval is all I need. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Point:
Today, take some time to reflect on how you perceive others and yourself. Ask God to help you see people through His eyes, valuing what He values. If there’s someone in your life who you’ve judged based on outward appearances, reach out to them and get to know them on a deeper level. Trust that God sees your heart and let that knowledge guide how you interact with others.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
1 Samuel 16:1 - "The LORD said to Samuel, 'How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.' "

Reflection:
Change is never easy, especially when it involves letting go of something or someone familiar. Samuel had anointed Saul as king, and now he was mourning the loss of a leader who had fallen out of favor with God. Samuel's grief was deep, but God’s words to him were clear: it was time to move forward. God's plan was unfolding, and He had already chosen a new king from the sons of Jesse.

This passage teaches us about the importance of trusting God's timing and His plan, even when it means letting go of the past. Mourning is a natural part of life, especially when we experience loss or disappointment. However, there comes a time when God calls us to rise from our grief and step into the new things He has prepared for us.

God’s rejection of Saul as king did not mean the end of His plans for Israel. In fact, it was the beginning of a new chapter that would lead to the rise of David, a man after God’s own heart. When God closes one door, it is often because He is about to open another, better one. But to see what lies ahead, we must be willing to let go of what is behind.

Today, consider what you may be holding onto that God is asking you to release. Is there something in your life that you need to let go of in order to move forward in God’s plan? Trust that our Father knows best, and He has a purpose and a future that is full of hope for you.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to trust in Your plan, even when it means letting go of things or people that I hold dear. Give me the courage to move forward when You call me to, and the faith to believe that Your plans are always for my good. Lead me into the new things You have prepared, and help me to follow You with a willing heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Point:
Take a moment to reflect on any areas of your life where you may be holding on to the past. Pray and ask God to help you release those things and to give you the strength to move forward into the new chapter He has for you. Trust that His plans are good and that He will guide you every step of the way.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
1 Samuel 16:11-12 - "So he asked Jesse, 'Are these all the sons you have?' 'There is still the youngest,' Jesse answered. 'He is tending the sheep.' Samuel said, 'Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.' So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, 'Rise and anoint him; this is the one.' "

Reflection:
In the story of David's anointing, we witness a powerful example of God's ability to see beyond human expectations and perceptions. When Samuel was sent to anoint the next king of Israel, he initially looked at Jesse's older, stronger sons, assuming that one of them would be God's chosen. But God had different plans. The one who was overlooked by everyone else—young David, tending sheep in the fields—was the one whom God had chosen to lead His people.

This passage reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways. While humans often judge by outward appearance, God looks at the heart. David, though seemingly insignificant in the eyes of his family, was chosen because of the qualities that only God could see within him. God knows our true potential and purpose, even when others may not recognize it.

Just as David was found faithful in the small tasks of tending sheep, we too are called to be faithful in the everyday responsibilities we are given, trusting that God sees and values our faithfulness. When the time is right, God will call us to the roles He has prepared for us, regardless of how others may perceive us.

If you ever feel overlooked or undervalued, remember that God sees you. He knows your heart, your struggles, and your faithfulness. Trust in His timing and His plans for your life, knowing that He will call you to greater things in His perfect timing.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for seeing beyond the surface and knowing the depths of our hearts. Help us to be faithful in the tasks You have given us, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. May we trust in Your timing and Your plans for our lives, knowing that You will call us to greater things according to Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Point:
Reflect on an area in your life where you feel overlooked or undervalued. Commit this to prayer, asking God to help you be faithful in your current responsibilities. Trust that He sees your heart and will guide you to the roles He has prepared for you in His perfect timing.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Psalm 119:14 - "I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches.”

Reflection:
True joy is often sought in the fleeting pleasures and material wealth that the world offers, yet these things never fully satisfy. The psalmist, however, found a deeper, lasting joy—one that surpasses even the allure of great riches—in following God’s statutes. 

Psalm 119 is a profound meditation on the beauty and worth of God’s Word. The psalmist rejoices in God’s commandments, understanding that they are not just rules to be followed, but treasures that lead to life, wisdom, and closeness with the Creator. When we align our lives with God’s Word, we experience a sense of fulfillment and joy that the world’s riches cannot provide.

The joy of following God’s statutes comes from the relationship we cultivate with Him through obedience. As we walk in His ways, we experience His presence, guidance, and peace. The world’s riches may offer temporary happiness, but they cannot compare to the eternal rewards and the inner joy found in living according to God’s will.

Today’s verse challenges us to evaluate what we truly treasure. Are we seeking after worldly wealth and success, or are we rejoicing in the spiritual riches found in God’s Word? When we value God’s statutes as our greatest treasure, we find a joy that is unshakeable, regardless of our external circumstances.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to find true joy in following Your Word. May I treasure Your statutes more than the riches of this world, and find my greatest delight in walking according to Your ways. Teach me to value Your commandments and to rejoice in the wisdom and life they bring. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Point:
Reflect on your current priorities. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking fulfillment from worldly sources instead of from God’s Word? Spend time today reading and meditating on a passage of scripture, asking God to deepen your love for His commandments and to fill you with the joy that comes from following Him.