Meekness is Not Weakness

Meekness is not a weakness, no,
It’s a strength that only the humble know.
In the eyes of God, it shines so bright,
A beacon of grace, a guiding light.

Humility lifts where pride may fall,
A quiet strength that conquers all.
To serve with meekness, to bow the knee,
Is the greatest gift to eternity.

For power lies not in boastful claims,
But in hearts that honor His holy name.
Meekness marks the man refined,
By God’s own hand, in heart and mind.

So walk with gentleness, firm yet kind,
Let His mastery shape your soul and mind.
For the meek inherit a truth so vast:
God’s strength perfected in them at last.

MarkWaldrop

Trust In God

Trust in God should always reign,
Above the world’s uncertain gain.
No leader’s power, no system’s might,
Can match His truth, His guiding light.

For earthly rulers come and go,
Their promises fade, their plans may slow.
But God’s eternal word remains,
A refuge strong through joys and pains.

The hands of men can build or fall,
Yet He who made us rules it all.
His justice pure, His love so grand,
No earthly power can withstand.

So place your trust where it belongs,
In Him whose mercy rights all wrongs.
Let faith in God your anchor be,
Through storms of life and history.

MarkWaldrop

January 21

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:

John 17:14-15 (ESV)
“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.”

Reflection:

As believers, we often find ourselves at odds with the world around us. The values and principles we hold dear, grounded in God’s Word, are frequently met with resistance or outright hostility. This can be discouraging and isolating, making us long for a place where we are fully understood and accepted.

However, Jesus’ prayer in John 17 provides us with a comforting truth: while we are not of this world, we are still in it for a divine purpose. Jesus doesn’t ask the Father to remove us from these challenging circumstances but rather to protect us from the evil one. This implies that our presence here is intentional and significant.

God knows best. He understands the trials we face and has a perfect plan for each of us. His Word equips us with the strength and wisdom to navigate the world’s challenges while maintaining our faith and integrity. Our task is not to escape but to stand firm, knowing that His protection is ever-present.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that guides and sustains us. In a world that often rejects Your truth, help us to remain steadfast in our faith. Protect us from the evil one and give us the courage to live out Your will. May our lives reflect Your love and truth, bringing glory to Your Holy Name. Amen.

Thought for the Day:

Though we are in the world, we are not of it. Our purpose and protection come from our Father, who knows what is best for us. Trust in His plan and remain anchored in His Word.

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.