Pray for the Best

Pray for the best, with hope in your heart,
A whisper to Heaven, a sacred start.
Dreams may soar or paths may stray,
But trust in His plan each step of the way.

Expect the least, with humble grace,
For life is a journey, not a race.
Gratitude blooms where pride recedes,
And blessings grow from simple seeds.

Serve the in-between, with love as your guide,
For this is where purpose and joy reside.
In moments unseen, in acts so small,
We find the truth: to serve is all.

So pray, expect, and humbly serve,
A life of meaning we all deserve.
For in the balance of what may seem,
We find God’s love in the in-between.

MarkWaldrop

True Happiness

Jesus is synonymous with Happiness,
A light that shines through the dark distress.
In every heart where He is near,
His love casts out all doubt and fear.

He is the joy that lifts the soul,
The healer who makes the broken whole.
When burdens press and sorrows stay,
He whispers peace and shows the way.

Through every trial, His presence sweet,
Turns pain to purpose, defeat to feat.
For in His grace, true gladness flows,
A boundless love the heart well knows.

Jesus, the name that calms the storm,
In every season, His love is warm.
Happiness lives where He abides,
In Him, eternal joy resides.

MarkWaldrop

America Nothing Impossible

In America, the impossible stands,
As dreams take flight in determined hands.
Where mountains are moved, and rivers are crossed,
What once seemed impossible is never lost.

From fields of hope to the stars above,
Fueled by courage, faith, and love,
We dare to build, to strive, to create,
Defying the odds, reshaping fate.

Through trials faced and battles won,
We rise again with each new sun.
With grit and grace, we pass each test—
In America, the impossible is what we do best.

For limits bend to the will to try,
And failure fuels the will to fly.
Together we march, our hearts possessed,
By a vision where the impossible rests.

MarkWaldrop

We Stand Tall

We stand tall, unwavering, proud,
Voices strong, our hearts unbowed.
With freedom’s light, we pave the way,
Americans bold, come what may.

Our flag flies high, its colors bright,
A symbol of courage, justice, and might.
Yet in our strength, we humbly see,
Our true foundation: divinity.

For we kneel to God and God alone,
The cornerstone of the land we own.
His guidance leads, His grace sustains,
Through every triumph, through every pain.

No throne of man, no worldly creed,
Can shape our hearts or meet our need.
We stand as one, united and free,
But bow to God, our destiny.

Americans strong, with faith in hand,
Under His watch, we’ll always stand.
With trust in Him, forever known,
We kneel to God and God alone.

MarkWaldrop

Power Under Grace

Ordinary people, humble and true,
Rising each day with purpose anew.
With steady hands and hearts that sing,
They do extraordinary things.

Under the shelter of democracy’s light,
They fight for justice, they stand for what’s right.
Guided by faith, their courage is broad,
Empowered by Our Almighty God.

From fields to cities, from sea to land,
They build and heal, they lend a hand.
With love as their banner and hope in their stride,
They serve the world with God as their guide.

Ordinary lives, yet brightly they shine,
Reflecting a power both human and divine.
For under His grace, all greatness springs—
Ordinary people, doing extraordinary things.

MarkWaldrop

January 20

Daily Devotional: Focus on the Family
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
John 3:16 (ESV) - "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."

Reflection:
John 3:16 is one of the most well-known and cherished verses in the Bible, encapsulating the essence of God’s love and the gift of salvation. This verse also provides a powerful foundation for understanding and nurturing our relationships within the family.

God's love is sacrificial and unconditional. He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of the world. This ultimate act of love sets a precedent for how we should love our family members. Our love should be selfless, putting the needs and well-being of our loved ones above our own.

Focusing on the family means embodying the same sacrificial love that God showed us. It involves patience, forgiveness, and a commitment to nurturing the spiritual and emotional growth of each family member. Just as God’s love brings eternal life, our love within the family can create an environment of safety, growth, and eternal significance.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible love You demonstrated by giving Your only Son for our salvation. Help us to reflect this love within our families. Teach us to be patient, forgiving, and selfless, putting the needs of our loved ones before our own. May our homes be filled with Your love, creating a haven of peace and growth. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application:
Today, take a moment to express love to your family in a tangible way. Whether it's spending quality time, offering a kind word, or performing a selfless act, let your love be a reflection of God’s love for us. Consider how you can create an environment that fosters spiritual and emotional growth for each family member, focusing on their needs and well-being. Let God’s sacrificial love be the cornerstone of your family relationships.

January 19

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
John 7:17 (ESV) - "If anyone's will is to do God's will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority."

Reflection:
Discernment is a vital part of our spiritual journey. Jesus assures us that when our will aligns with God's will, we gain clarity and understanding about His teachings. This verse from John emphasizes the importance of seeking to do God's will above all else.

When we genuinely desire to follow God's will, He provides us with the wisdom to distinguish His truth from falsehood. Our willingness to obey God opens our hearts and minds to His guidance, allowing us to recognize His voice amidst the many voices that vie for our attention.

God's teachings are often counter-cultural and may challenge our preconceived notions or comfort zones. However, when we commit to doing His will, we find a deep sense of peace and assurance that comes from knowing we are following His divine plan.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we seek to do Your will in all aspects of our lives. Grant us the discernment to recognize Your teachings and the courage to follow them wholeheartedly. Help us to align our desires with Yours, so we may clearly understand Your truth and live according to Your purpose. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application:
Today, reflect on areas of your life where you need discernment. Ask God to reveal His will to you and commit to following His guidance. Spend time in prayer and study of His Word, trusting that He will provide the clarity and wisdom you need to navigate your path. Let your desire to do God's will guide your decisions and actions, bringing you closer to His truth.

Be Still

Be still, weary soul, and know He is near,
God sees your struggle, your doubt, your fear.
He knows you’re tired, He knows your fight,
He watches you pressing on through the night.

He sees your heart, the effort you give,
The way you endure, the way that you live.
Though the future feels hazy, the path unclear,
His hand is steady, His love sincere.

Be still and trust, for He has a way,
A plan unfolding, though hidden today.
He lights your steps, one by one,
Guiding you gently until the race is won.

If you’re holding to faith, through trials untold,
If you trust in His promise, both new and old,
Know this: He’s with you, your hope and guide,
In His perfect timing, He’ll provide.

So, be still, beloved, let worry cease,
For God’s plan is love, His promise is peace.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

 A Life That Matters

At the end of the day, when the sun fades away,
What truly remains is the life we portray.
It’s not what we bought, the treasures or gold,
But the bonds that we built, the stories we told.

It’s not what we got, the things we possess,
But what we have shared in times of duress.
Not the heights of our skill, our sharpness, or flair,
But the strength of our character, the love that we bear.

It’s not in success, the applause or acclaim,
But in lives we’ve uplifted, the hearts we’ve inflamed.
It’s the difference we make, the lives we improve,
The kindness we offer, the hearts that we soothe.

So live a life that matters, a life filled with grace,
Let love be the light that time can’t erase.
For at the day’s end, when all’s said and done,
A life lived in love is a life truly won.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

The Crowd Draws Near

Allan Wylie
He sits by the court, headphones in place,
A young man with no sight, but full of grace.
The crowd roars loud, the sneakers squeak,
The rhythm of basketball is the language he speaks.

His world isn’t painted in colors or light,
For his eyes hold darkness, the absence of sight.
But vision? Oh, vision runs wild and free,
He sees the game as clearly as you or me.

He hears the dribble, the pass, the shot,
Every movement, he knows the plot.
Through sound and feel, he builds the frame,
And with his words, he brings life to the game.

“The pass is swift, a no-look play!
A step-back three—he’s on fire today!”
He calls the action, each move, each run,
The beauty of basketball, the art, the fun.

For sight may be lost, but vision’s a spark,
It lights up the mind when the world feels dark.
He doesn’t need eyes to see what’s real,
His heart and his mind give him the feel.

Vision is knowing the story you tell,
It’s hearing the rhythm and knowing it well.
Sight is a gift, but it’s not the only way,
To see the game and bring it to play.

So he paints the court with his vibrant words,
A commentator whose voice is heard.
For though he lacks sight, his vision is clear,
And with every call, the crowd draws near.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Dedicated to
Allan Wylie