The Ways We Choose

There’s the way to do it, clear and right,
A path well-lit, in steady light.
A careful choice, a thoughtful turn,
Where wisdom guides, and lessons earn.

Then there’s the way not meant to be,
A winding road, no clarity.
The steps unsure, the outcome blurred,
A path where doubt and fear are stirred.

And then, the way you took that day,
The choice you made, come what may.
Looking back now, wish you’d known,
How seeds of regret could be sown.

But every way, each step we tread,
From things we wish were left unsaid,
Becomes a lesson, sharp and true
A guide to show what next to do.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Breaking Through

Don’t try to break through to God,
Be still, let Him come to you
In quiet places, hearts are stirred,
His presence soft and true.

Stilling soul and mind, listen for His call,
An ever-calm, sweet voice that changes all.
Though the world may try to lead astray,
His peace descends as you humbly pray.

For in the silent, sacred space,
His love flows deep, His gentle grace.
Be patient, still, and you will see
God’s love unfolds, eternally free.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

The Hand That Heals

On Sabbath’s calm, with whispered grace,
A hand once withered found its place.
No rule, no law, could bind the might,
Of love that heals, of purest light.

The critics watched with eyes of stone,
Yet mercy stood, unbowed, alone.
A touch, a word, a heart made whole—
A spark of grace to heal the soul.

To choose compassion, brave and clear,
To stand for love when others fear.
For sometimes faith must bend the rule,
To teach that love is Heaven’s school.

And so we learn, in steps so small,
To heal, to lift, to answer the call.
In hands we hold, let kindness flow,
And walk with peace where others go.

Created by
MarkWAldrop

Mat 12:13  Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.

October 30

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:

Acts 24:2
"And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: 'Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation.'”

Reflection:
In Acts 24:2, we see Tertullus speaking before the governor Felix, acknowledging the peace and reforms brought about under his leadership. While Tertullus' words are part of a legal proceeding against Paul, they remind us of the broader truth about leadership, peace, and divine foresight.

As believers, we recognize that true peace and meaningful reforms in our lives and communities come from our Heavenly Father, whose foresight is perfect. Our Father knows best, and His plans are designed for our ultimate good, even when they unfold through human authorities or challenging circumstances.

Acknowledging God's foresight helps us to trust Him more deeply. His divine perspective encompasses all time and creation, allowing Him to guide us in ways we cannot comprehend. Just as Felix's leadership brought tangible benefits to his nation, so too does God's leadership in our lives bring spiritual and practical benefits that we may not always immediately recognize.

When we face accusations, trials, or uncertainties, we can find solace in knowing that God’s foresight is at work. He orchestrates events in our lives according to His perfect wisdom. Our role is to remain faithful, trusting that His plan is unfolding exactly as it should, bringing peace and transformation in ways that are ultimately for our benefit.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect foresight and the peace You bring into our lives. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and plan, even when we face challenges or uncertainties. May we recognize Your hand at work in every situation, bringing about good for us and those around us. Strengthen our faith to remain steadfast, knowing that You always know what is best. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Trust in God's perfect foresight and His plan for your life. Even in the midst of trials, remember that our Father knows best, and His wisdom will bring peace and transformation in due time.

Hope’s Flame

The more the Christian suffers on the outside,
The more hope rises on the inside.
In trials fierce and burdens deep,
Our faith grows strong, our spirits leap.

Though darkness falls and tempests roar,
God’s grace shines brighter than before.
In every scar, a story told,
Of strength renewed, of courage bold.

For as we bear the cross’s weight,
Our souls draw near to Heaven’s gate.
With every tear, our hope does grow,
A steady light through winds that blow.

So let the trials come our way,
In Christ alone, we stand and stay.
For on this path, though shadows fall,
His hope within us conquers all.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

God Seeks Your Heart

God would rather have your availability,
Not the heights of your skill or ability.
He calls the willing, not just the strong,
Those who’ll follow His path, journey long.

He’s not impressed by talent alone,
But by hearts that seek Him, fully shown.
For in His hands, the meek can soar,
Doing things they never dreamed before.

He sees the heart, pure and true,
And He knows exactly what it can do.
If you’ll say, “Here I am, use me, Lord,”
He’ll give you strength, love as your sword.

So bring Him your willingness, not just your might,
For God can turn the darkest night bright.
He’ll use the humble, the broken, the small,
If they’re simply ready to answer His call.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Christianity Sets You Free

Christianity is not a bondage; it sets you free,
It’s grace that unshackles and helps you to see.
While religion may bind you, with rules to obey,
Faith in Christ opens the true, living way.

For laws and traditions can weigh on the heart,
But a life in His Spirit brings a brand-new start.
It’s not about rituals, or duties to keep,
It’s the joy of His promise and a love that runs deep.

Religion may tether, with chains that confine,
But the freedom in Jesus is a gift so divine.
It’s not striving or earning, or fearing you’ll fall,
It’s resting in Him who has answered the call.

He breaks every burden, lifts off every yoke,
Breathes life into hearts where His Spirit spoke.
It’s not about striving for a mark to achieve,
But living in freedom, by grace we receive.

So step out of bondage, and walk in His light,
For His truth sets you free, and His love gives you flight.
Christianity is freedom, not walls that confine,
It’s a journey with Jesus, where your soul can truly shine.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Expression

Expression can move you from the depths of despair,
Release the pain that lingers, and breathe fresh air.
Words, like a river, can wash the darkness away,
Unburden the heart and let the spirit sway.

When sorrow wraps tightly, and hope feels thin,
Let the voice within rise and begin.
Paint the sky with your thoughts, let the colors flow,
For through the act of sharing, your courage will grow.

A song, a whisper, or the stroke of a pen,
Each expression declares you’re alive again.
It’s not just the speaking, but the freeing of the soul,
Letting out what’s hidden can help make you whole.

Depression may stifle and weigh on the chest,
But expression can ease the ache, bring rest.
So let feelings unfurl, give them space to roam,
For in their release, you may find your way home.

Speak your truth, write your fears, draw your dreams,
Let the light inside burst through the seams.
For in every word, every note, every hue,
Expression can lift you, and bring life anew.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Be Kinder Than Necessary

Be kinder than necessary, each step that you take,
For every soul’s a traveler, with burdens they don’t forsake.
A gentle word, a tender touch, may lift a heavy load,
And brighten up the weary path on life’s uncertain road.

The smile you share, the time you give, could be a needed light,
To someone lost within the dark, who’s searching for the right.
You may not see the impact made, the change that you inspire,
But kindness is a spark that grows, igniting heart’s desire.

So pause to show compassion, when it’s easiest to walk away,
Extend your hand, forgive the fault, choose gentleness today.
For kindness given freely, more precious than we know,
Can heal the unseen wounds of those who hide their tears below.

Be kinder than necessary, for life is brief and swift,
And every act of kindness is a precious, lasting gift.
In a world that craves more love, your heart’s unselfish grace,
May be the very thing that helps to fill another’s space.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

May I Come With Thee

Jesus died on the cross,
A criminal on the right, myself on the left,
The weight of sin upon us, heavy and deft.
The other, blind to grace, did not see,
But in my heart, I cried, “Lord, remember me.”

I was drowning in sin, lost and bereft,
But He turned toward me as I drew my last breath.
With tearful eyes, I asked, “May I come with Thee?”
And His voice spoke gently, setting my spirit free.

“This day, you will be with me in Paradise,”
His promise lifted me beyond earth’s ties.
I bowed my head, with peace in my heart,
And as my soul departed, I embraced a new start.

No longer bound by the chains of my past,
I entered His kingdom, redeemed at last.
In the light of His mercy, I found my place,
In the arms of my Savior, embraced by grace.

Luk 23:43  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Created by
MarkWaldrop