October 12

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 98:1

A Psalm. Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.

Reflection:
This verse invites us to celebrate the marvelous works of the Lord with a new song. Psalm 98 is a jubilant call to praise God for His mighty deeds, particularly His work of salvation. The psalmist recognizes that God's right hand and holy arm have brought about redemption and victory, worthy of a fresh and heartfelt expression of worship.

Our Father knows best, and His actions are always aligned with His perfect wisdom and love. When we reflect on the marvelous things God has done in our lives—His provision, protection, guidance, and above all, His gift of salvation—we are moved to respond with gratitude and praise. Singing a new song signifies a renewed appreciation and acknowledgment of God's continuous work in our lives.

As we go through our day, let us remember to look for God's marvelous works and acknowledge them. Whether it's in moments of triumph, acts of kindness, or the beauty of creation, God's hand is evident. Trusting in His wisdom and celebrating His deeds deepens our relationship with Him and strengthens our faith.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we sing a new song to You, celebrating the marvelous things You have done. Thank You for Your salvation and for the many ways You work in our lives. Help us to see Your hand in every situation and to respond with hearts full of gratitude and praise. May our worship be a testament to Your greatness and Your unwavering love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Take a moment today to sing a new song to the Lord, reflecting on the marvelous things He has done in your life. Remember, our Father knows best, and His deeds are always for our good and His glory. Let your heart overflow with praise as you acknowledge His wonderful works.

Where Do I Stand

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As a Christian, I stand and see,
The tug of politics calls to me.
But where, O Lord, should I align?
With earthly banners or what’s divine?

Should my party’s creed or badge I wear
Outshine the cross I’m meant to bear?
For You have called me, not to fight
For man’s own rule, but Your true light.

The moral compass of the land,
Does not lie in the party’s hand,
But with the hearts that seek Your way—
Men who choose truth over sway.

To change the course of any cause,
We must return to heaven’s laws,
For it’s the heart that makes the stand—
Not the label, not the brand.

So, Lord, let me first serve You,
And let my actions speak as true.
To shift the compass of the crowd,
Start with one heart, humble and bowed.

Created by
Mark Waldrop

Wars

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Wars are won in the hearts of man,
Not through the destruction of all we can.
Hurt and ruin bring no peace,
Only through God’s love can we find release.

We battle not for land or pride,
But for the healing we hold inside.
Victory blooms where hatred ends,
When we let His peace make us friends.

Oh God, we ask, draw close once more,
Let hearts find peace instead of war.
Teach us to love, to heal, to mend,
For only through You can enemies bend.

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MarkWaldrop

Relief 

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Amidst the storm’s relentless might,
When winds and waves erase the light,
A force much stronger rises high—
The hearts of those who can’t pass by.

With hands extended, shoulders wide,
They lift the broken, stem the tide,
Not for reward, nor fleeting gain,
But to relieve another’s pain.

The hurricane may tear apart,
But can’t suppress the human heart,
For in the wreckage, hope is born,
In every hand that mends the torn.

People helping, side by side,
Guided not by fear, but pride—
The pride of knowing, when they fall,
We rise together, one and all.

In every tear, a silent vow:
We’ll build again, and we’ll stand now,
No storm can take what love can mend—
We heal, we help, until the end.

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MarkWaldrop

October 11

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture Reading:
Malachi 2:2

"If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the LORD of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart."

Reflection:
In this verse, the prophet Malachi conveys a stern warning from God to the priests of Israel. They had failed to honor God’s name and respect His covenant, leading to severe consequences. This passage reminds us of the importance of honoring God in every aspect of our lives.

Our Father knows best, and He desires that we listen to His instructions and take them to heart. When we honor God's name and live according to His will, we experience His blessings and favor. Conversely, neglecting His commands and disrespecting His holiness can lead to negative repercussions.

God’s warning serves as a reminder that our actions have spiritual significance. Honoring God is not merely a ritual but a heartfelt commitment that should permeate our daily lives. It is through this devotion and respect that we align ourselves with His will and receive His blessings.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking to honor Your name in all that we do. Help us to listen to Your voice and take Your words to heart. May our lives reflect our devotion to You, and may we experience the fullness of Your blessings as we walk in obedience. Forgive us for the times we have fallen short and guide us back to a path that glorifies You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Reflect on areas in your life where you can better honor God's name. Remember, our Father knows best, and by taking His words to heart and living in obedience, we align ourselves with His blessings and favor. Let us strive to honor Him in all we do, knowing that our devotion brings glory to His name and enriches our lives.

Hold On  I’m Coming

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Jesus said, “Hold on, I’m coming,
Through the storm, through the night,
When your heart is worn and heavy,
I’ll be there, I am your light.

When the winds of doubt surround you,
And your strength begins to fade,
I am here, just call upon Me,
In My arms, you’ll find your aid.

Hold on, I’m coming swiftly,
Through the valleys, dark and deep,
I will carry you through trials,
In My care, you’ll safely sleep.

When the world feels cold and lonely,
And the path is hard to see,
Know that I am always with you,
Trust in Me, for I am free.

Hold on, I’m coming closer,
With each prayer, I hear your cry,
I will never leave nor fail you,
My love for you will never die.

So hold on, dear child, be steadfast,
Though the road is rough and long,
I am coming, I am with you,
In My grace, you will be strong.”

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MarkWaldrop

October 10

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 5:41

And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

Reflection:
In this teaching from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges us to exceed expectations and demonstrate extraordinary kindness and service. The context of this verse stems from a Roman practice where soldiers could compel civilians to carry their gear for a mile. Jesus instructs His followers not only to comply but to willingly go beyond what is demanded.

This principle illustrates the heart of a servant, going the extra mile in our actions and interactions. It reflects a deep trust in our Father's wisdom, knowing that His ways lead to true fulfillment and reflect His love.

When we go the extra mile, we embody Christ's love and set an example of humility and grace. It is not about the obligation but about the opportunity to serve others selflessly. Our Father knows that such actions can transform relationships, soften hearts, and create avenues for His love to be displayed powerfully.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us the value of going the extra mile. Help us to embrace this principle in our daily lives, serving others with a joyful and willing heart. May our actions reflect Your love and grace, drawing others closer to You. Give us the strength and wisdom to go beyond what is expected, trusting in Your greater plan. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Consider an area in your life where you can go the extra mile today. Remember, our Father knows best, and through our willingness to exceed expectations, we can reflect His love and make a significant impact on those around us. Let us strive to serve others wholeheartedly, knowing that in doing so, we honor God and spread His love.

God’s Great Plans

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God has such great plans for you,
After all you’ve been walking through.
Through every tear, through every trial,
He’s held you close all the while.

The storm may rage, the night may fall,
Yet in His hands, He carries it all.
For every heartache, every pain,
He promises sunshine after the rain.

So trust in Him, for He knows best,
In His arms, you’ll find your rest.
What lies ahead is bright and true,
God has great plans, just for you.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Jer 29:11  For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

October 9

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture Reading: 
Psalm 133:1-3

A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
2. It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!
3. It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.

Reflection:
Unity among God's people is both delightful and precious. Psalm 133 poetically captures the beauty and blessings of living in harmony with one another. David likens this unity to two powerful images: the anointing oil on Aaron's head and the dew of Hermon.

The anointing oil represents God's consecration and blessing. As it flows down Aaron's beard and robe, it signifies the all-encompassing nature of God's favor and the sanctity of unity. Similarly, the dew of Hermon, refreshing and life-giving, nourishes the land, symbolizing how unity brings life and blessings to God's people.

Our Father, in His infinite wisdom, knows the profound impact of unity. He commands His blessings where there is harmony, bestowing life forevermore. This teaches us that living in peace with others aligns us with God's will and opens the floodgates of His grace and favor.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of unity. Help us to dwell in harmony with one another, reflecting Your love and grace. May Your Spirit guide us to build bridges, forgive freely, and cherish the bond of peace You have given us. Thank You for the blessings that flow from living in unity. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Consider how you can foster unity in your community today. Remember, our Father knows best and has promised His blessings when we dwell in harmony. Let us strive to live in peace and reflect His love to those around us.