A Ford Model A at the crossing stands, Dusty wheels on restless lands. Its engine hums a patient song, While the iron beast lumbers along.
The rails hum low, the ground does quake, A moment of pause for history’s sake. And then it comes—the mournful cry, A steam whistle wail beneath the sky.
Two-tone sorrow, a voice of steel, Echoing stories the tracks reveal. Of journeys made and goodbyes said, Of dreams that rode where the rails led.
The driver waits, hands firm on the wheel, Lost in the sound, the weight he feels. For time seems frozen, past meets now, As the whistle’s howl whispers its vow.
When the train moves on and the crossing clears, The pickup rolls forward, erasing fears. Yet that steam whistle song lingers still, A ghostly tune, a memory’s thrill.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Psalm 141:3 Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!
Reflection: Words hold immense power. They can build up or tear down, heal or hurt, bring peace or provoke conflict. The psalmist’s prayer for God to set a guard over his mouth is a profound acknowledgment of this power and a desire for divine help in controlling it.
Our Heavenly Father understands the impact of our words more than we do. He knows that what we say can affect our relationships, our witness, and our own hearts. This verse reminds us to seek God's guidance and restraint in our speech. When we ask Him to watch over our lips, we are inviting His wisdom and love to influence not only what we say but also how we say it.
Prayer: Dear Lord, I ask that You set a guard over my mouth today. Help me to speak words that reflect Your love and grace. Keep me from saying things that might harm others or misrepresent You. Guide my thoughts so that my words can be a blessing to those around me. Amen.
Contemplation: Take a moment to reflect on the words you have spoken recently. Were they uplifting and kind? Consider how you can make a conscious effort to speak with love and wisdom, relying on God to guide your lips.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Psalm 118:24 (ESV) This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Reflection:
Each day is a precious gift from God, a new opportunity to experience His love, mercy, and guidance. Often, we find ourselves caught up in the worries and demands of daily life, forgetting to pause and appreciate the beauty and blessings that surround us. Psalm 118:24 reminds us to shift our focus, to rejoice and be glad in each day the Lord has crafted specifically for us.
When we embrace each day with gratitude and trust in God’s perfect plan, we open our hearts to His peace and joy. The challenges and trials we face are not signs of God's absence but opportunities for us to grow in faith and resilience. Our Father knows best, and His wisdom surpasses our understanding. He orchestrates every detail of our lives with purpose and love.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of this day. Help us to rejoice and be glad in it, trusting that You have crafted it with love and wisdom. Teach us to see Your hand in every moment and to find joy in Your presence, no matter the circumstances. Strengthen our faith, and remind us that You know best. Guide us to live each day with gratitude and trust in Your perfect plan. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day:
Today, let’s choose to trust in God’s plan and rejoice in His blessings. Each moment is an opportunity to experience His love and share it with others.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:7 "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us."
Reflection:
In our journey of faith, it is essential to recognize the source of our strength and abilities. Paul’s message to the Corinthians highlights a profound truth: we carry an extraordinary treasure within us, yet we are merely fragile jars of clay. This metaphor underscores our human frailty and the incredible power of God that works within us.
God, in His wisdom, has chosen to place His divine power in our imperfect and fragile lives. This serves as a constant reminder that the strength, wisdom, and endurance we exhibit are not of our own making but are gifts from God. It is through our weaknesses that His power is made perfect and His glory is revealed.
When we feel inadequate or overwhelmed, we can find comfort in knowing that God's power is at work within us. Our imperfections do not hinder His plans; instead, they provide the perfect backdrop for His grace and power to shine through.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the treasure of Your power within us. Help us to remember that our strength comes from You and not from ourselves. Use our weaknesses to display Your glory and remind us that in our fragility, Your power is made perfect. May we rely on You in all things, trusting in Your wisdom and strength. Amen.
Thought for the Day:
Our imperfections and weaknesses are not barriers to God’s work; they are opportunities for His power and glory to be displayed in our lives. Trust in His strength, and let His all-surpassing power shine through you.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, When joy fills the air and loved ones draw near. The world seems to sparkle, both far and wide, With twinkling lights and hearts open wide.
The laughter of children, the songs that we sing, The warmth of the fire, the hope that it brings. Snow softly falling, a blanket of white, Transforming the earth in a magical light.
Families gather, their hearts intertwined, Sharing sweet moments that memories bind. Kindness and giving, a season of cheer, It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
Carols resound in the crisp winter air, Reminding us all of a love so rare. A child in a manger, a star shining bright, The promise of peace on that holy night.
So cherish these days, let love take its place, In every warm hug, in every kind face. For this is the season to hold what is dear, The most wonderful time of the year.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Jhn 13:13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am."
Reflection:
In our daily lives, we often find ourselves seeking guidance and wisdom from various sources. We look to mentors, friends, and family for advice and direction. While these relationships are important and valuable, we must remember that our ultimate Teacher and Lord is Jesus Christ. He knows us intimately, understands our struggles, and sees the bigger picture of our lives.
Jesus’ words in John 13:13 remind us of His divine authority and wisdom. When we acknowledge Him as our Teacher and Lord, we place our trust in His perfect knowledge and understanding. He knows what is best for us, even when we cannot see it ourselves. By following His teachings and submitting to His lordship, we align ourselves with His divine plan and purpose for our lives.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we thank You for being our Teacher and Lord. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and guidance, knowing that You see the full picture of our lives. Teach us to follow Your ways and submit to Your will, recognizing that You know what is best for us. Strengthen our faith and help us to lean on You in all circumstances. Amen.
Thought for the Day:
When we trust in Jesus as our Teacher and Lord, we can find peace and assurance in knowing that our lives are in the hands of the One who knows us best.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Verse of the Day Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection Life often brings challenges and uncertainties that can fill us with fear and dismay. This powerful verse from Isaiah offers reassurance and comfort, reminding us that we are never alone. Our Heavenly Father is always with us, providing strength, help, and support. His promise to uphold us with His righteous right hand is a testament to His unwavering love and faithfulness.
Devotional Thought In times of difficulty, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and fearful. However, God’s assurance in Isaiah 41:10 calls us to trust in His presence and power. He is our strength and our help, ready to uphold us in every situation. Embracing this promise can transform our fears into faith, knowing that our Father knows best and is always by our side.
Prayer Dear Lord, Thank You for Your constant presence and the assurance that we do not need to fear. Help us to trust in Your strength and support in times of trouble. May we always remember that You are our God, who upholds us with Your righteous right hand. Fill our hearts with peace and courage, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. Amen.
Application When faced with a challenge today, take a moment to pause and remind yourself of God's promise in Isaiah 41:10. Repeat the verse and let its truth sink into your heart. Trust that God is with you, providing the strength and help you need. Lean on His righteous right hand and move forward with confidence.
Thought for the Day Our Father knows best and is always with us, offering strength and support. In every moment of fear or dismay, remember His promise to uphold you with His righteous right hand. Trust in His presence and power, and let His assurance fill you with peace and courage.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Verse of the Day Isaiah 41:10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection Life often brings challenges and uncertainties that can fill us with fear and dismay. This powerful verse from Isaiah offers reassurance and comfort, reminding us that we are never alone. Our Heavenly Father is always with us, providing strength, help, and support. His promise to uphold us with His righteous right hand is a testament to His unwavering love and faithfulness.
Devotional Thought In times of difficulty, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and fearful. However, God’s assurance in Isaiah 41:10 calls us to trust in His presence and power. He is our strength and our help, ready to uphold us in every situation. Embracing this promise can transform our fears into faith, knowing that our Father knows best and is always by our side.
Prayer Dear Lord, Thank You for Your constant presence and the assurance that we do not need to fear. Help us to trust in Your strength and support in times of trouble. May we always remember that You are our God, who upholds us with Your righteous right hand. Fill our hearts with peace and courage, knowing that You are with us every step of the way. Amen.
Application When faced with a challenge today, take a moment to pause and remind yourself of God's promise in Isaiah 41:10. Repeat the verse and let its truth sink into your heart. Trust that God is with you, providing the strength and help you need. Lean on His righteous right hand and move forward with confidence.
Thought for the Day Our Father knows best and is always with us, offering strength and support. In every moment of fear or dismay, remember His promise to uphold you with His righteous right hand. Trust in His presence and power, and let His assurance fill you with peace and courage.
How many there are who rest at ease, Believing grace requires no pleas. “Jesus paid it all,” they softly say, While turning their hearts the other way.
But grace is not a passive song, A debt erased, then we move along. It calls us forth, with hands outstretched, To heal the wounds the world has etched.
For Christ, who bore the cross of shame, Did not endure for hollow acclaim. He paid it all, yes, this is true, But left a charge for me and you.
To walk His path, to share His light, To bring the lost from dark to bright. To lift the broken, seek the stray, And show God’s love in every way.
So let us not forget the cost, Or why He came to save the lost. The call is clear, His footsteps lead, A life of love is what we need.
