Hope’s Flame

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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

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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

October 29

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
2 Samuel 10:12
"Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him."

Reflection:
In the face of uncertainty and challenge, 2 Samuel 10:12 offers a powerful call to courage and faith. As we navigate the complexities of life, it’s essential to remember that our Father knows best and is always working for our good.

The context of this verse is a call to courage in a time of conflict. It encourages us to be brave not just for ourselves but for the greater good of our community and the glory of God. This kind of courage is rooted in trust in God’s wisdom and His plans, even when they are beyond our understanding.

"Be of good courage" speaks to the strength we find in faith. True courage is not the absence of fear but the presence of trust in God. When we step forward with courage, we demonstrate our belief that God is in control and that He will guide us through any situation.

"Let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God" reminds us that our actions have a broader impact. Our faith and courage can inspire and uplift others, contributing to the strength and well-being of our community. In doing so, we become instruments of God’s purpose, reflecting His love and power to those around us.

Finally, "may the LORD do what seems good to him" is a profound expression of surrender and trust. It acknowledges that while we do our part with courage and faith, the ultimate outcome rests in God’s hands. His perspective is eternal and His wisdom is perfect, assuring us that whatever He deems good will ultimately lead to the best results.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our source of courage and strength. Help us to be brave and faithful, not just for ourselves, but for the benefit of our communities and for Your glory. Teach us to trust in Your wisdom and to surrender to Your perfect will, knowing that You always do what is best. May our lives be a testimony of Your goodness and faithfulness. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Embrace courage rooted in faith, knowing that our Father knows best. Trust Him to guide your steps and use your actions for the greater good and His glory.

Christianity Sets You Free

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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

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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

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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

October 28

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:

Ephesians 6:18
"Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."

Reflection:
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget the importance of consistent and heartfelt prayer. Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to pray at all times in the Spirit, emphasizing the need for constant communication with our Heavenly Father. This verse teaches us that prayer is not just a ritual but a vital connection with God, who knows what is best for us.

Praying in the Spirit means aligning our hearts with God’s will, seeking His guidance, and trusting in His wisdom. It involves a deep, ongoing relationship where we bring our concerns, joys, and needs before Him, knowing that He understands us better than we understand ourselves. Our Father knows what we need even before we ask, and His answers are always for our ultimate good.

The call to keep alert with all perseverance reminds us that prayer requires diligence and persistence. It’s not about quick, one-time requests but a continuous, devoted conversation with God. Through persistent prayer, we build our faith and learn to rely on His timing and understanding, confident that He knows best.

Making supplication for all the saints highlights the importance of intercessory prayer. As we pray for others, we participate in God’s work in their lives, trusting that He will provide for their needs and guide them according to His perfect plan. This practice strengthens the bond within the community of believers and reminds us of our interconnectedness in Christ.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of prayer and the assurance that You hear us. Help us to pray at all times in the Spirit, trusting in Your wisdom and guidance. Give us the perseverance to remain alert and devoted in our prayers, and inspire us to lift up our fellow believers in supplication. May we always remember that You know what is best for us and those we pray for. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Our Father knows best, and through persistent, Spirit-led prayer, we can align ourselves with His perfect will, trusting Him to guide us and care for those we lift up in prayer.

October 27

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop 

Scripture:
Isaiah 9:6
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Reflection:
The prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 is a profound declaration of God's perfect plan and His incredible gift to humanity. In this verse, we are introduced to the many facets of Jesus Christ—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Each title reveals a unique aspect of His divine nature and His role in our lives.

As our Wonderful Counselor, Jesus provides wisdom and guidance that surpass human understanding. When we seek His counsel, we can trust that He knows the best path for us, even when it diverges from our own plans. His wisdom is perfect and always aligned with our ultimate good.

As our Mighty God, He possesses the power to overcome any obstacle we face. His strength is sufficient to carry us through our struggles, reminding us that we are never alone in our battles. We can rest in the assurance that His might is at work on our behalf.

As our Everlasting Father, His love and care for us are eternal. He knows our needs and provides for us with a father's heart, always acting in our best interest. His fatherly love assures us that we are cherished and valued beyond measure.

As our Prince of Peace, He brings tranquility to our hearts amidst chaos and uncertainty. His peace is not just the absence of conflict but a deep, abiding sense of well-being and assurance that only He can provide. In His presence, we find true and lasting peace.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Help us to trust in Your perfect plan and lean on Your wisdom and strength. May we experience Your everlasting love and peace in our daily lives, knowing that You always know what is best for us. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
In every situation, trust that our Father knows best. Embrace the wisdom, strength, love, and peace that Jesus brings into your life, and let His divine nature guide you every step of the way.

May I Come With Thee

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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

The Choice Within

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     The Choice Within

Why am I lonely? Why am I sad?
Could it be my fault, that I refuse to be glad?
Do I hold on to shadows, cling to the night,
When all around me is yearning for light?

Is it the pain that I cradle so tight,
Keeping me bound, afraid of the bright?
Do I shut out the joy, turn from its call,
Building these walls that do nothing but stall?

What if the answer lies deep inside,
A choice I must make, a place I can’t hide?
To open my heart, let hope find its way,
To release all the hurt and welcome the day.

For joy is a seed that struggles to grow,
When watered with doubt, it falters below.
But with each step of faith, each moment I try,
I find that the sun is still there in the sky.

So why am I lonely? Why am I sad?
Perhaps it’s time to choose to be glad.
To loosen my grip on the sorrow I’ve known,
And let love and light reclaim their throne.

Created by 
MarkWaldrop