Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Verse of the Day
Matthew 6:18
"so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you."

Reflection
In our spiritual journey, the acts of devotion and worship we perform in private hold a special significance. This verse from Matthew highlights the importance of sincerity and humility in our relationshiwith God. When we engage in practices like fasting, praying, or giving, it is not for the recognition or praise of others but to deepen our connection with our Heavenly Father, who sees and values our heart's true intentions.

Devotional Thought
True devotion is characterized by actions done in secrecy, known only to God. Our Father, who sees everything, including the hidden corners of our hearts, values these private acts of faith. When we fast or pray in secret, we are expressing our dependence on Him and our desire to draw closer to Him without seeking the approval of others. This genuine devotion is what God rewards, for He knows and appreciates our sincere efforts.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
Grant us the grace to seek You in the quiet moments, away from the eyes of the world. Help us to practice our faith with sincerity and humility, knowing that You see our hearts and our secret devotions. May our actions be a true reflection of our love and reverence for You. Reward us with Your presence and blessings as we seek to honor You in all that we do.
Amen.

Application
Today, find a moment to engage in a private act of devotion, such as prayer, fasting, or giving. Do it with a heart fully focused on God, without seeking recognition from others. Trust that your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you in ways that are far beyond human praise.

Thought for the Day
Our Father knows best and values the sincerity of our hearts. When we practice our faith in secret, we honor God and open ourselves to His divine rewards. Let our acts of devotion be for His eyes alone, reflecting our true love and commitment to Him.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
1 Timothy 4:12
"Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

Reflection:
Paul’s words to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12 are a powerful reminder that our age does not define our ability to make a significant impact for God’s kingdom. Timothy, a young leader in the early church, is encouraged to lead by example in various aspects of his life. This call to exemplary living is relevant to all believers, regardless of age.

Our Father knows best the potential He has placed within each of us. He calls us to rise above societal expectations and to live out our faith with integrity and conviction. Setting an example in speech means using our words to build up, encourage, and speak truth. In conduct, we are called to act in ways that reflect Christ’s character, demonstrating kindness, humility, and righteousness.

In love, we are to embody the selfless, sacrificial love that Jesus showed, extending grace and compassion to others. In faith, we should display unwavering trust in God, standing firm in our beliefs and relying on His promises. In purity, we are to maintain moral integrity, resisting the temptations that can lead us astray.

Living out these principles not only strengthens our own faith but also inspires and encourages those around us. It shows that our Father’s wisdom and guidance are sufficient for us to lead impactful, godly lives, no matter our age or circumstances.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Timothy and the reminder that age does not limit our ability to serve You. Help us to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Empower us to live lives that reflect Your character and inspire others to follow You. Thank You for Your wisdom and guidance, knowing that You always know what is best for us. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Live as an example of Christ in every aspect of your life. Trust that our Father knows best and has equipped you to make a meaningful impact, regardless of your age or circumstances.

Daily Devotional:Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Matthew 6:33-34
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

Reflection:
In these verses from the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. By seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, we are placing our trust in our Father’s perfect wisdom and provision. He knows what we need and promises to provide for us when we put Him first in our lives.

Seeking God’s kingdom means aligning our desires, actions, and thoughts with His will. It involves pursuing a life that reflects His values of love, justice, mercy, and truth. When we focus on God and His righteousness, we cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, and our lives begin to reflect His character and priorities.

Jesus also addresses the common human tendency to worry about the future. He reassures us that our Father knows best and is aware of our needs. By encouraging us not to be anxious about tomorrow, Jesus invites us to live in the present, trusting that God will take care of our future. Worrying about tomorrow distracts us from the opportunities and blessings of today.

Living one day at a time, with our hearts set on God’s kingdom, allows us to experience His peace and provision. It frees us from the burden of anxiety and enables us to focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God and the fulfillment of His purposes in our lives.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise to provide for us when we seek Your kingdom and righteousness first. Help us to prioritize our relationship with You above all else and to trust in Your perfect wisdom and provision. Teach us to live one day at a time, free from anxiety about the future, knowing that You hold our tomorrows in Your hands. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and trust that our Father knows best. Live in the present, free from anxiety about tomorrow, and experience the peace and provision that come from placing your trust in Him.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Isaiah 55:7
"Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

Reflection:
Isaiah 55:7 presents a powerful message of repentance and forgiveness. It calls us to turn away from our sinful ways and thoughts and to return to the Lord. This verse highlights the boundless compassion and abundant pardon that God offers to those who seek Him.

Our Father knows the depths of our hearts and understands our struggles with sin. He invites us to forsake our wicked ways and unrighteous thoughts, not to condemn us, but to restore us. God’s desire is for us to experience His compassion and forgiveness, which are far greater than any of our shortcomings.

Returning to the Lord requires humility and a genuine desire to change. It means acknowledging our sins and choosing to follow His ways instead. When we do this, we open ourselves to His grace and mercy. Our Father knows best how to heal and transform us, leading us to a life of righteousness and peace.

The promise of abundant pardon is a testament to God’s infinite love and mercy. No matter how far we have strayed, He is always ready to forgive and restore us. This assurance encourages us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is compassionate and eager to welcome us back.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless compassion and abundant pardon. Help us to forsake our sinful ways and thoughts and to return to You with humble hearts. Thank You for Your forgiveness and for the transformation You bring into our lives. Guide us in Your ways and help us to trust in Your perfect wisdom. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Trust in God's infinite compassion and abundant pardon. Forsake your sinful ways and return to the Lord, knowing that our Father knows best and is eager to forgive and restore you.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Matthew 28:19-20 
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Reflection:
These verses, known as the Great Commission, are Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples. They emphasize the importance of spreading the Gospel and making disciples of all nations. This mission reflects our Father’s perfect wisdom and His desire for all people to come to know Him.

Our Father knows that the message of Jesus Christ is the hope of the world. He calls us to share this message, to baptize, and to teach others about the life and teachings of Jesus. This commission is not just for the original disciples but for all believers. It’s a divine mandate that transcends time and place, underscoring the importance of evangelism and discipleship in the Christian faith.

Jesus reassures us with the promise, "I am with you always, to the end of the age." This assurance of His presence gives us the courage and strength to fulfill this great mission. We are not alone in this task; the Holy Spirit empowers and guides us as we share the Gospel and make disciples.

Trusting in God’s wisdom means embracing this calling with confidence. Our Father knows best how to reach the hearts of people, and He uses us as His instruments. As we go forth to make disciples, we can trust that He is with us, guiding our steps and giving us the words to speak.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the Great Commission and the calling to make disciples of all nations. Help us to embrace this mission with courage and faith, knowing that You are with us always. Empower us through Your Holy Spirit to share the Gospel effectively and to teach others to follow Your commands. May our lives reflect Your love and truth, drawing others to You. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Embrace the Great Commission with confidence, knowing that our Father knows best. Trust in His guidance and presence as you share the Gospel and make disciples, knowing that He is with you always.