When I die, ring the bell for me,
I've completed my journey, now I'm free.
Free from the cancer of this weary world,
No more sorrow, no more pain unfurled.
I've left behind the struggle, the strain,
And found the peace where joy will reign.
Forever free, in eternity's embrace,
Living again, by His boundless grace.
So when you hear that final chime,
Know I've entered a life sublime.
Ring the bell, and do not grieve—
I'm home at last, with no need to leave.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Be careful what you say today,
For when you're gone, there’ll come a day,
When words are spoken 'round your name,
Don’t make the preacher speak in vain.
Live with truth, walk the narrow way,
Let your actions, not just words, portray
The life you lived with honor and grace,
So at your end, there’s no disguise to place.
For when that time arrives, my friend,
And we all gather at the end,
Let the preacher’s words be just and true—
A reflection of the real you.
So guard your tongue and actions well,
For stories told, your life will tell.
Don't make the preacher need to try,
To cover truth or preach a lie.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Be careful what you say don’t make the preacher lie at your funeral.
2Ch 6:27 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your servants, your people Israel. Teach them the right way to live, and send rain on the land you gave your people for an inheritance.
Daily Devotional Theme: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Ephesians 3:16-19 (NIV)
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all pthe fullness of God."
Devotional:
In Paul's heartfelt prayer for the Ephesians, we see a profound desire for believers to experience the fullness of God's love and power. Our Father, in His infinite wisdom and love, knows exactly what we need for a rich and fulfilling spiritual life.
Paul prays for strength in our inner being through the Spirit. This is not merely physical strength but a deep, spiritual fortitude that sustains us through life's challenges. Our Father knows that true strength comes from within, empowered by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.
As Christ dwells in our hearts through faith, we become rooted and established in love. This foundation in love is crucial because it grounds us in our identity as God's children. Our Father understands that love is the bedrock upon which our faith stands, enabling us to weather any storm.
Paul's prayer also emphasizes the importance of comprehending the vastness of Christ's love. It's a love that is wide enough to embrace all humanity, long enough to last for eternity, high enough to take us to heavenly places, and deep enough to reach the lowest points of our lives. This love surpasses all human knowledge, and our Father desires that we experience it fully.
When we grasp the magnitude of Christ's love, we are filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. This means living a life abundant in spiritual blessings, joy, and peace. Our Father knows that when we are filled with His fullness, we are equipped to live out our purpose and reflect His glory in the world.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your glorious riches and the strength You provide through Your Spirit. Help us to welcome Christ into our hearts through faith, and establish our lives in Your boundless love. Grant us the power to understand the vastness of Christ's love and to be filled with all Your fullness. May we live each day rooted in Your love and strengthened by Your Spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reflection:
- Reflect on a time when you felt strengthened by God's Spirit in your inner being. How did it impact your faith and daily life?
- Consider how you can deepen your understanding of Christ's love. What practical steps can you take to experience and share this love more fully?
Daily Devotional Theme: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture:
Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) - "Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Devotional:
In our fast-paced, individualistic world, it's easy to neglect the importance of gathering with fellow believers. Yet, our Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, understands the significance of community and the strength we draw from one another.
The writer of Hebrews exhorts us not to give up meeting together. Why? Because our spiritual journey is not meant to be walked alone. The early Christians faced immense challenges and persecutions, yet they found solace, strength, and encouragement in their gatherings. They shared their burdens, celebrated their victories, and supported one another through prayer and fellowship.
God knows that we, too, face our own trials and tribulations. He knows that isolation can lead to discouragement and vulnerability. By meeting together, we create an environment where faith is nurtured, hope is renewed, and love is abundantly shared. We are reminded that we are part of something much larger than ourselves—the body of Christ.
As the Day of Christ's return approaches, the need for encouragement becomes even more critical. In a world that often seems dark and uncertain, our gatherings become beacons of light, places of refuge where we are reminded of God's promises and His unchanging love.
Let's commit to prioritizing our gatherings with fellow believers. Whether it's attending church services, small groups, or informal fellowship, let's embrace the gift of community that God has given us. Let's encourage one another, uplift each other in prayer, and build each other up in love.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of community. Help us to see the importance of gathering with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Strengthen our resolve to meet together, to encourage one another, and to grow in our faith. As we see the Day approaching, may we be found faithful in our fellowship, shining Your light in a world that desperately needs it. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Reflection:
- How can you prioritize meeting with fellow believers in your current season of life?
- Think of someone in your faith community who might need encouragement today. How can you reach out to them?
Time, it moves like a fleeting breeze,
Quietly stealing the years with ease.
It seems just yesterday, I was young,
With dreams of life, just begun.
I was newlywed, with hope in my heart,
A future to build, a life to start.
But now, it feels like eons away,
And I wonder how I got to today.
I know I lived each moment, each year,
Yet somehow, winter caught me here.
Where did my youth, my strength all go?
How did I age before I could know?
I saw the old folks in my past,
Thinking their winter would never last.
But now, I see it’s come for me,
A season I never thought I'd see.
My friends are grey, and moving slow,
We are the elders now, this I know.
The vibrant faces I used to see,
Are marked by time, just like me.
The days grow long, the tasks grow small,
A shower now seems like a mountain tall.
And naps, they’re no longer a simple delight,
But a necessity before the night.
And yet, though winter’s chill is here,
There’s something I hold near and dear.
For when this season’s end is due,
A new adventure will ensue.
Regrets, I have, both big and small,
For things I didn’t do at all.
But joy and love have filled my days,
In countless, beautiful, quiet ways.
So if you’re not yet in your coldest year,
Live with passion, free of fear.
Do what you love, don’t delay,
For winter may come any day.
Life is a gift, this much is true,
And your life’s gift will shine through you.
Scatter joy, not wealth or fame,
For love and laughter win the game.
And as I enter this final stage,
I smile at the wisdom of age.
For old friends, old songs, and memories sweet,
Are the treasures that make life complete.
So live it well, and live it bright,
For winter may come with morning light.
But even in its quiet cold,
A life well-lived is purest gold.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Daily Devotional Theme: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture:
Psalm 23:2 (NIV)
He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters.
Reflection:
In Psalm 23:2, David uses the imagery of a shepherd caring for his sheep to describe God's provision and guidance. This verse highlights the peace and security that God provides for His people, illustrating His deep care and perfect knowledge of our needs.
"He makes me lie down in green pastures":
Green pastures represent a place of abundance, nourishment, and rest. Just as a shepherd ensures his sheep have ample food and a safe place to rest, God provides for our needs and offers us spiritual sustenance. This part of the verse reminds us that God knows when we need to rest and encourages us to trust in His provision, knowing that He will always lead us to places where we can be refreshed and strengthened.
"He leads me beside quiet waters":
Quiet waters symbolize peace, refreshment, and safety. Unlike rushing waters that can be dangerous and unsettling, still waters provide a serene environment where the sheep can drink without fear. In our lives, God leads us to places of calm and peace, where our souls can find rest and rejuvenation. This part of the verse assures us that God is attentive to our emotional and spiritual needs, guiding us gently and lovingly to places where we can experience His peace.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our Good Shepherd who provides for all our needs. Help us to trust in Your guidance and provision, knowing that You lead us to places of rest and peace. May we always find our sustenance and refreshment in You, and may our souls be restored by Your loving care. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Application:
Today, take time to reflect on the areas of your life where you need rest and peace. Consider the ways God has provided for you and led you to places of refreshment in the past. Spend a few moments in prayer, asking God to lead you beside quiet waters and to help you lie down in green pastures. Share this verse with someone who may need encouragement and remind them of God's loving care and perfect guidance.
If you don’t quit, God won’t quit,
Through storm and fire, He walks with it.
When doubt and fear rise like the tide,
God’s steady hand stays by your side.
In darkest nights, when hope seems thin,
He whispers, "Child, just trust, begin."
For every tear and every fall,
God’s love will lift you through it all.
So press on strong, don’t turn away,
God’s grace renews you every day.
If you don’t quit, God never will,
His faithful promise stands fulfilled.
Through every trial, every test,
Hold on—He knows what’s truly best.
For in His strength, you will endure,
If you don’t quit, His love is sure.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
We look for life on distant Mars,
While here on Earth we bear the scars
The skies grow dim, the oceans rise,
Yet still we seek the farthest skies.
We send our dreams to planets new,
Chasing stars in endless blue.
But what of trees and fields we sow,
Of streams that once did gently flow?
We turn our gaze to outer space,
While here our world falls out of grace.
Can we not heal what’s in our hand,
Before we search another land?
For Earth, our home, still calls our name,
Its pulse, its breath, its steady flame.
To care for what we have below—
Is this not where our love should grow?
Created by
MarkWaldrop
In quiet prayer, I bow my head,
To seek the path where I've been led,
A whispered word, a gentle plea,
Lord, guide my steps, set my spirit free.
Through the study of Your sacred Word,
In every verse, Your voice is heard.
I meditate on truth so pure,
Your promises steadfast, ever sure.
In worship’s song, my soul takes flight,
In Christian fellowship, hearts unite.
Together we praise, our voices rise,
Lifting glory to the endless skies.
The Great Commission calls us near,
To share Your love, and spread no fear.
Focused now, we move ahead,
With every step, Your gospel spread.
To every heart, in every place,
We bear the light of heaven's grace.
In word and deed, we boldly stand,
Sharing Your love with every hand.
These disciplines, our faithful guide,
In Christ alone, we shall abide.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
5 Spiritual Disciplines
Prayer
Study of Gods Word
Worship/Christian Fellowship
The Great Commission
Focused redelivery/sharing
By Reverend Jim W Hollis
https://proactive-ministries.org/
Home
A burden shared is a burden made light,
In darkest moments, together shines bright.
What weighs heavy on one can be eased by two,
For hearts united find strength to renew.
When sorrow is carried by more than just one,
The path feels less weary, the battle half-won.
In the hands of a friend, grief starts to divide,
And hope, like a whisper, grows stronger inside.
A load shared with others is not yours alone,
In the warmth of their care, you find a new tone.
For though trials may linger, the weight we now bear
Becomes easier still when someone is there.
So lean on each other, through struggle and strife,
Together, we lighten the burdens of life.
In unity's grace, we find courage to fight,
For a burden shared is a burden made light.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Gal 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.