December 2

Daily Devotional Theme: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Verse of the Day
Colossians 3:23
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

Reflection
As we navigate through the tasks and responsibilities of our daily lives, it is essential to remember that our efforts are not just for our own gain or the approval of others, but ultimately for God. This perspective can transform even the most mundane tasks into acts of worship and service to our Heavenly Father, who sees and values our dedication and sincerity.

Devotional Thought
In every aspect of life, whether it is at home, work, or in our community, we face moments that test our patience, diligence, and integrity. The verse from Colossians reminds us to carry out our duties with a heart full of passion and commitment, not for human recognition but as a service to God. Our Father knows the best path for us, and when we align our work with His will, we find purpose and fulfillment.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
Help us to remember that every task we undertake is an opportunity to serve You. Grant us the strength to work wholeheartedly and the wisdom to recognize Your hand guiding us. May our efforts be a reflection of our faith and devotion to You. Teach us to trust in Your perfect knowledge and plan for our lives.
Amen.

Application
Take a moment today to reflect on your current tasks and responsibilities. Consider how you can approach them with a renewed mindset of serving God. Whether you are caring for your family, working at your job, or volunteering in your community, do it with all your heart, knowing that your Father in Heaven sees and appreciates your efforts.

Thought for the Day
When we work for the Lord, every task becomes a meaningful part of His divine plan. Remember, our Father knows best, and He values our dedication and heartfelt service.

Holy Spirit of Christmas

The Holy Spirit of Christmas came to us long ago,
When in a humble manger, divine love began to glow.
A baby born in Bethlehem, a gift from Heaven above,
Sent by our gracious Father, a token of His love.

For those who seek and welcome Him within,
The Holy Spirit of Christmas breaks the chain of sin.
It lives within us daily, a light that never fades,
Guiding, comforting, and strengthening in life’s trials and charades.

Oh, the Spirit of Christmas, pure and bright,
Fills our hearts with hope, joy, and light.
It whispers peace in the quiet of night,
And shines through faith with heavenly might.

So let us honor the miracle of that sacred morn,
When the Savior of the world to us was born.
Through every season, let His Spirit remain,
Living in our hearts, again and again.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
It brings back Memories of yesteryear 

The wonderful times when I was a kid
Mom and Dad kept me very near

Pressing my nose to the window pane, searching for a glimpse of the Red light
Seeing what I thought was the Star of Bethlehem Shining so Bright

I knew Santa’s first stop was Bethlehem 
To bring gifts to the Great, I Am

The Love Santa has in His Heart for all the children in the world
Comes from his Maker above with His Love unfurled

Keep the Love of God and the Spirit of Santa close to you today 
We bow our heads and thank Him for the Love He sent our way. 

December 6, 2022
Mark Waldrop

December 1

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Reflection:
Life is a journey filled with both joy and challenges. There are moments when we may question the path we are on or the circumstances we face. However, as believers, we are reminded through Romans 8:28 that our Heavenly Father has a perfect plan for each of us. Even in times of difficulty, God is at work, weaving together every detail for our ultimate good and His divine purpose.

This verse assures us that nothing is wasted in God's economy. Every trial, every triumph, every sorrow, and every joy are all being used by God to shape us into the people He created us to be. Our Father knows best, and His plans are always for our benefit, even when we can't see it in the moment.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the assurance that You are always at work in our lives, orchestrating everything for our good. Help us to trust in Your perfect plan, even when we don't understand our circumstances. Give us faith to see Your hand in all things and to rest in the knowledge that You know what is best for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application:
Reflect on a time when a challenging situation ultimately led to something good in your life. Thank God for His wisdom and guidance during that time.
- When facing a difficult circumstance, remind yourself of Romans 8:28 and trust that God is working for your good.
- Share this message with someone who might be struggling to understand God's plan for their life. Encourage them with the truth that our Father knows best.

November 30

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Isaiah 40:28
Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

Devotional Thought:
In our moments of doubt and fatigue, Isaiah 40:28 serves as a powerful reminder of who God is. He is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. Unlike us, He never grows tired or weary. His strength and endurance are limitless, and His understanding surpasses all human comprehension.

Our human perspective is often limited and can lead to frustration and confusion when we encounter life's challenges. Yet, God's perspective is infinite. He sees the bigger picture and understands the intricate details of our lives. When we recognize His omnipotence and infinite wisdom, we can find comfort and reassurance in His ability to manage all things perfectly.

Trusting that our Father knows best means relying on His never-ending strength and wisdom. It means believing that even when we don't understand our circumstances, God is in control and working all things for our good. His plans for us are rooted in His deep love and perfect understanding.

Reflection:
Reflect on areas in your life where you feel weary or confused. How can you shift your focus from your limitations to God's limitless power and understanding? Take time to meditate on God's attributes and trust in His ability to sustain and guide you through every situation.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being the everlasting God who never grows tired or weary. Help me to trust in Your infinite wisdom and strength, especially when I feel weak and uncertain. Remind me that Your understanding is beyond my comprehension and that You are in control of every aspect of my life. Strengthen my faith and help me to rest in Your perfect knowledge and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

November 29

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Acts 9:5
"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked. "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied.

Devotional Thought:
The story of Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus is a powerful reminder that God's plans and understanding far exceed our own. Saul, who was fervently persecuting Christians, encountered Jesus in a dramatic and life-changing way. His question, "Who are you, Lord?" signifies the beginning of a profound transformation, revealing that our Father knows best how to reach us and redirect our paths.

Jesus' response, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," highlights the deep connection between Christ and His followers. It also serves as a reminder that God sees and understands our actions and motivations, even when we are misguided. Despite Saul's zeal in the wrong direction, God had a plan to use him for a greater purpose.

This encounter teaches us that no matter how far we might stray or how misguided our efforts may be, God knows best how to guide us back to Him. His plans for us are rooted in His deep love and wisdom, and He can transform our lives in ways we never imagined. Trusting in God's knowledge and direction can lead us to fulfill our true purpose and experience a profound relationship with Him.

Reflection:
Reflect on moments in your life where you might have been heading in the wrong direction. How has God intervened or redirected your path? Consider how you can remain open to His guidance and trust in His plans for your life.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless wisdom and love. Help me to trust in Your plans, even when I do not understand them. Guide me and redirect my path when I stray, so that I may fulfill the purpose You have for me. May my life be a testament to Your grace and transformative power. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Dogs Live

Dogs die. But oh, how they live,
Every moment, they have love to give.
They bound through life, so brave and true,
With hearts that shine in all they do.

They guard their homes, their chosen pack,
With courage strong, they never look back.
Their wagging tails, their playful cheer,
Make every day feel bright and clear.

They don’t fear tomorrow, nor dwell on the past,
They savor each moment, knowing it won’t last.
They teach us joy, pure and unrefined,
A lesson in living we often can’t find.

So, though dogs die, they leave us their light,
A love eternal, a beacon so bright.
For in their short lives, they show us the way,
To live fully, to love, every single day.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

November 28

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

Reflection:

As we gather on this Thanksgiving Day, surrounded by loved ones and blessings, it’s easy to give thanks for the good things—family, food, health, and happiness. But the heart of Thanksgiving is not just about acknowledging the obvious blessings. It’s about recognizing God’s hand in all circumstances, even in the ones that challenge us.

Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 call us to a higher standard of gratitude: “Give thanks in all circumstances.” This can be difficult when life feels heavy or when we’re walking through hardship. Yet, our Heavenly Father, who knows us intimately, assures us that even in difficult moments, He is working for our good.

When we look back on our lives, we can often see God’s wisdom and care in situations that were hard to understand at the time. Whether it’s a closed door, an unexpected delay, or a season of loss, God is always sovereign. His plans are higher, and His love is unwavering. Even when we don’t see it, He is crafting something beautiful from our pain and disappointment.

This Thanksgiving, let us embrace a spirit of gratitude not just for the visible blessings, but for the unseen ways God is working in our lives. Let us trust that our Father knows best—in every trial and triumph, His purpose prevails.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your constant love and guidance. Today, we give You thanks for the blessings we see and for the ones we don’t yet understand. Help us to trust Your will in all circumstances, knowing that You are always good and Your plans for us are perfect. May our hearts be filled with gratitude and peace, as we rest in the knowledge that You are in control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Challenge:
Take a moment today to reflect on a challenging circumstance in your life. Offer it up to God in gratitude, trusting that He is working through it for your good, even if you cannot yet see the outcome.

Not Alone

Screenshot
Sometimes, when shadows cloud our day,
We don’t need words to light the way.
No questions asked, no answers sought,
Just quiet company, deeply thought.

A presence near, no need to speak,
No solutions offered, no wisdom to seek.
For feelings twist and turn and ache,
And understanding sometimes takes its break.

The burden is ours, too heavy to share,
Yet their silent warmth shows they care.
They sit, they stay, without demand,
Their quiet strength, a steady hand.

No “You’re not alone” needs to be said,
The comfort’s in their stillness instead.
For in that moment, with them near,
The weight feels lighter, the world less severe.

Sometimes, a breath, a touch, a glance,
Is all it takes to shift the stance.
Not alone—that truth’s enough,
To remind us we’re held, even when life’s tough.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Peace Eternal

We must make a choice, both firm and clear,
To seek what God holds ever dear.
A deliberate path, a faithful quest,
To align our hearts with what is best.

When problems rise, perplexing, vast,
And the shadows of doubt begin to cast,
Pause and ask, with a heart sincere,
“Is this what Christ would hold near?”

Does this reflect His mercy, His grace,
Or the world’s pull, its fleeting embrace?
Is it love, or pride, that guides my hand?
Is it His truth, or shifting sand?

For the spirit opposed will lead astray,
Whispering lies to darken the way.
But Christ’s light shines, steadfast, true,
Revealing the path we are called to pursue.

So choose each moment, with faith refined,
To fix your heart, your soul, your mind.
On what brings glory to His name,
And honors the One who forever reigns.

A deliberate life, a heart aligned,
With God’s desires, His grand design.
For in His purpose, we’ll always find,
Peace eternal, both pure and kind.

Created by
MarkWaldrop