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.
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.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: 1 John 4:19 (ESV) - "We love because he first loved us."
Reflection: Love is the cornerstone of our faith and our relationships. This simple yet profound verse from 1 John reminds us of the source of our love: God's love for us. It is because He first loved us that we are capable of loving others.
God's love is unconditional, sacrificial, and boundless. He demonstrated His love by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. This act of divine love is the foundation upon which we build our lives and relationships. Understanding that we are loved by God gives us the capacity to love others genuinely and selflessly.
Our Father's love is a model for us to follow. In our daily lives, we are called to reflect His love to those around us. This means showing kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, even when it is difficult. By loving others as God loves us, we fulfill His commandment and bring glory to His name.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us first. Your love is the foundation of our faith and our ability to love others. Help us to reflect Your love in our daily interactions, showing kindness, forgiveness, and compassion. May we be vessels of Your love, bringing hope and light to those around us. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Application: Today, take a moment to reflect on the ways God has shown His love to you. Consider how you can extend that love to others in your life. Whether it's through a kind word, a forgiving heart, or a compassionate act, strive to be a reflection of God's love to everyone you encounter.
Strolling down the walk along the barrier, by the sea, Reflections from the wet street cast their glow on me. The colossal coach lights pierce the night’s gentle veil, Guiding our steps along this shimmering trail.
On the other side, red maples weep their leaves, A fiery cascade beneath autumn’s eaves. The mist embraces us, soft and serene, A dreamlike world of golds and greens.
Just me and my honey, lost in the haze, Bound together through the fleeting days. The whispers of waves, the rhythm of time, Eternity captured in this moment sublime.
The pastels of dusk, a canvas divine, Etch their hues in this heart of mine. Forever entwined, like the sea and the sky, Strolling together as the world drifts by.
Thank You, God, for the promise of peace, For wars to wane and hatred to cease. In Your wisdom, may healing begin, Uniting all hearts, removing all sin.
Thank You, God, for Your steadfast love, A light unyielding from heaven above. Through trials and tears, it gently mends, A love eternal that never ends.
May swords be broken, the earth restored, And nations kneel to call You Lord. With every sunrise, Your mercy sends Hope for a world where conflict ends.
Thank You, God, for the grace You show, For teaching us how true love must grow. Your love endures, forever our friend, A bond unbroken, that will never end.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Hebrews 12:1 (ESV) - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: Life can often feel like a race, filled with obstacles, challenges, and moments of weariness. Yet, we are reminded in Hebrews that we are not alone in this race. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses—those who have gone before us and have faithfully endured their own journeys.
The imagery of laying aside every weight and sin speaks to the things that hinder us from fully living out our faith. These could be doubts, fears, distractions, or habitual sins that cling to us and slow us down. As we strive to run with endurance, it's essential to identify and release these burdens, trusting that our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us.
God's wisdom and guidance are ever-present, like a loving coach who knows the course better than we do. He sees the finish line and the path we need to take to get there. By relying on His strength and direction, we can overcome the obstacles and keep moving forward with confidence.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us, cheering us on in our journey of faith. Help us to lay aside every weight and sin that entangles us. Grant us the endurance to run the race set before us, trusting in Your perfect wisdom and guidance. May we glorify Your holy name in every step we take. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Application: Today, take a moment to identify any weights or sins that are holding you back. Pray for God's help to release these burdens. Reflect on the encouragement from those who have gone before you, and renew your commitment to run your race with endurance, knowing that your Father knows best.
Their lives are brief, a fleeting spark, A lantern’s glow against the dark. You know the pain, it lies ahead, The day you’ll grieve, the tears you’ll shed.
Yet still, you open wide your heart, Accepting joy with every part. A wagging tail, a gentle paw, Their boundless love, their only law.
For dogs are honest, pure, and true, They live for now, for me and you. No promises of endless days, Just stolen moments, fleeting praise.
And so, you laugh, you chase, you run, You share their light beneath the sun. You love them knowing all too well, That time will toll its final bell.
But maybe in this fragile bond, We glimpse a truth to dwell upon: That love is worth its weight in pain, A fleeting joy, a sweet refrain.
For every loss, a lesson taught, To cherish life, the love it brought. A dog’s short life, a tender cost, A bittersweetness never lost.
So hold them close, these gifts divine, Their time is brief, but wholly mine. No lifelong ties, no grand charade Just love, unbroken, till they fade.
Created by MarkWaldrop
Inspired by Dean Koontz - The Darkest Evening of the Year
There’s no love like the love that a dog has for its boy, Pure and steadfast, a source of endless joy. By the country gate, in the soft twilight glow, The dog waits patiently, tail wagging slow.
Falling autumn leaves whisking in the wind, A golden dance where the day begins to dim. The air carries whispers of footsteps near, And the dog’s ears perk with a joy sincere.
Every rustle, every sound, a promise of return, As the fading sun sets the fields to burn. His eyes gleam bright, filled with trust so true, For a boy’s love is the world he knew.
When at last, the boy comes down the lane, The dog leaps forth, all heart, no restraint. Together they walk, the bond fully complete, Two souls united, where love and loyalty meet.
So by the country gate, through seasons and time, The dog will wait, his devotion sublime. For there’s no love like the love that a dog has for its boy, A love eternal, untouched by life’s ploy.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 22:1 (KJV)
"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold."
Reflection:
In a world often obsessed with wealth and material success, this verse from Proverbs reminds us of the true value of a good name and loving favor. A good name represents our character and reputation. It is built on integrity, honesty, and the way we treat others. Unlike riches that can be lost or stolen, a good name endures and brings lasting respect and trust.
The pursuit of wealth and material possessions can sometimes lead us away from what truly matters. Our Father, who knows best, calls us to prioritize our character and the relationships we cultivate. When we focus on living righteously and showing genuine love and kindness, we not only honor God but also build a legacy that money cannot buy.
This verse challenges us to reflect on our priorities. Are we striving for riches at the expense of our integrity? Are we seeking favor with God and people through our actions and words? Let us choose to value a good name and loving favor above all else, trusting that God will provide for our needs as we walk in His ways.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom of Your Word. Help us to prioritize our character and the way we treat others above the pursuit of material wealth. Teach us to value a good name and loving favor, and to live in a way that honors You. May our lives reflect Your love and integrity, and may we find contentment in Your provision. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Action Step:
Take time today to assess your priorities. Are there areas where the pursuit of wealth or success is compromising your integrity or relationships? Make a conscious decision to focus on building a good name through acts of honesty, kindness, and love. Seek ways to show genuine care and favor to others, trusting that these investments will bring lasting blessings.
