October 31

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best 
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Isaiah 9:7
"Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this."

Reflection:
Isaiah 9:7 presents a powerful vision of the eternal and righteous reign of Jesus Christ. This prophecy reassures us that the government and peace brought by Christ will never end. His reign is established and upheld with justice and righteousness, and it is driven by the zeal of the Lord.

In our daily lives, it’s comforting to know that our Father’s wisdom and foresight extend beyond our present circumstances. His plan, executed through Jesus, is one of everlasting peace and justice. Even when the world around us seems unstable and unjust, we can trust that God’s ultimate plan is one of perfect order and righteousness.

The phrase "the zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this" underscores God’s passionate commitment to His promises. Our Father’s zeal guarantees that His plan for justice and peace will be fulfilled. This divine enthusiasm should inspire confidence and hope within us, knowing that God is actively working for our good and the good of His kingdom.

When we face moments of doubt or uncertainty, remembering this prophecy can bolster our faith. God’s kingdom, established through Jesus, is a kingdom where peace and justice reign eternally. We are invited to participate in this kingdom, trusting that our Father knows best and His plans are always for our ultimate good.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of Your eternal kingdom, established and upheld by Jesus Christ. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and zeal, knowing that You are committed to justice and peace. Strengthen our faith and inspire us to live righteously, reflecting Your kingdom values in our daily lives. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
In a world of uncertainty, trust in the eternal peace and justice of God's kingdom. Our Father knows best, and His zeal ensures that His perfect plan will be accomplished.

Breaking Through

Don’t try to break through to God,
Be still, let Him come to you
In quiet places, hearts are stirred,
His presence soft and true.

Stilling soul and mind, listen for His call,
An ever-calm, sweet voice that changes all.
Though the world may try to lead astray,
His peace descends as you humbly pray.

For in the silent, sacred space,
His love flows deep, His gentle grace.
Be patient, still, and you will see
God’s love unfolds, eternally free.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

The Hand That Heals

On Sabbath’s calm, with whispered grace,
A hand once withered found its place.
No rule, no law, could bind the might,
Of love that heals, of purest light.

The critics watched with eyes of stone,
Yet mercy stood, unbowed, alone.
A touch, a word, a heart made whole—
A spark of grace to heal the soul.

To choose compassion, brave and clear,
To stand for love when others fear.
For sometimes faith must bend the rule,
To teach that love is Heaven’s school.

And so we learn, in steps so small,
To heal, to lift, to answer the call.
In hands we hold, let kindness flow,
And walk with peace where others go.

Created by
MarkWAldrop

Mat 12:13  Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.

October 30

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:

Acts 24:2
"And when he had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: 'Since through you we enjoy much peace, and since by your foresight, most excellent Felix, reforms are being made for this nation.'”

Reflection:
In Acts 24:2, we see Tertullus speaking before the governor Felix, acknowledging the peace and reforms brought about under his leadership. While Tertullus' words are part of a legal proceeding against Paul, they remind us of the broader truth about leadership, peace, and divine foresight.

As believers, we recognize that true peace and meaningful reforms in our lives and communities come from our Heavenly Father, whose foresight is perfect. Our Father knows best, and His plans are designed for our ultimate good, even when they unfold through human authorities or challenging circumstances.

Acknowledging God's foresight helps us to trust Him more deeply. His divine perspective encompasses all time and creation, allowing Him to guide us in ways we cannot comprehend. Just as Felix's leadership brought tangible benefits to his nation, so too does God's leadership in our lives bring spiritual and practical benefits that we may not always immediately recognize.

When we face accusations, trials, or uncertainties, we can find solace in knowing that God’s foresight is at work. He orchestrates events in our lives according to His perfect wisdom. Our role is to remain faithful, trusting that His plan is unfolding exactly as it should, bringing peace and transformation in ways that are ultimately for our benefit.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect foresight and the peace You bring into our lives. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and plan, even when we face challenges or uncertainties. May we recognize Your hand at work in every situation, bringing about good for us and those around us. Strengthen our faith to remain steadfast, knowing that You always know what is best. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Trust in God's perfect foresight and His plan for your life. Even in the midst of trials, remember that our Father knows best, and His wisdom will bring peace and transformation in due time.

Hope’s Flame

The more the Christian suffers on the outside,
The more hope rises on the inside.
In trials fierce and burdens deep,
Our faith grows strong, our spirits leap.

Though darkness falls and tempests roar,
God’s grace shines brighter than before.
In every scar, a story told,
Of strength renewed, of courage bold.

For as we bear the cross’s weight,
Our souls draw near to Heaven’s gate.
With every tear, our hope does grow,
A steady light through winds that blow.

So let the trials come our way,
In Christ alone, we stand and stay.
For on this path, though shadows fall,
His hope within us conquers all.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

God Seeks Your Heart

God would rather have your availability,
Not the heights of your skill or ability.
He calls the willing, not just the strong,
Those who’ll follow His path, journey long.

He’s not impressed by talent alone,
But by hearts that seek Him, fully shown.
For in His hands, the meek can soar,
Doing things they never dreamed before.

He sees the heart, pure and true,
And He knows exactly what it can do.
If you’ll say, “Here I am, use me, Lord,”
He’ll give you strength, love as your sword.

So bring Him your willingness, not just your might,
For God can turn the darkest night bright.
He’ll use the humble, the broken, the small,
If they’re simply ready to answer His call.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

October 29

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
2 Samuel 10:12
"Be of good courage, and let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God, and may the LORD do what seems good to him."

Reflection:
In the face of uncertainty and challenge, 2 Samuel 10:12 offers a powerful call to courage and faith. As we navigate the complexities of life, it’s essential to remember that our Father knows best and is always working for our good.

The context of this verse is a call to courage in a time of conflict. It encourages us to be brave not just for ourselves but for the greater good of our community and the glory of God. This kind of courage is rooted in trust in God’s wisdom and His plans, even when they are beyond our understanding.

"Be of good courage" speaks to the strength we find in faith. True courage is not the absence of fear but the presence of trust in God. When we step forward with courage, we demonstrate our belief that God is in control and that He will guide us through any situation.

"Let us be courageous for our people, and for the cities of our God" reminds us that our actions have a broader impact. Our faith and courage can inspire and uplift others, contributing to the strength and well-being of our community. In doing so, we become instruments of God’s purpose, reflecting His love and power to those around us.

Finally, "may the LORD do what seems good to him" is a profound expression of surrender and trust. It acknowledges that while we do our part with courage and faith, the ultimate outcome rests in God’s hands. His perspective is eternal and His wisdom is perfect, assuring us that whatever He deems good will ultimately lead to the best results.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our source of courage and strength. Help us to be brave and faithful, not just for ourselves, but for the benefit of our communities and for Your glory. Teach us to trust in Your wisdom and to surrender to Your perfect will, knowing that You always do what is best. May our lives be a testimony of Your goodness and faithfulness. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Embrace courage rooted in faith, knowing that our Father knows best. Trust Him to guide your steps and use your actions for the greater good and His glory.

Christianity Sets You Free

Christianity is not a bondage; it sets you free,
It’s grace that unshackles and helps you to see.
While religion may bind you, with rules to obey,
Faith in Christ opens the true, living way.

For laws and traditions can weigh on the heart,
But a life in His Spirit brings a brand-new start.
It’s not about rituals, or duties to keep,
It’s the joy of His promise and a love that runs deep.

Religion may tether, with chains that confine,
But the freedom in Jesus is a gift so divine.
It’s not striving or earning, or fearing you’ll fall,
It’s resting in Him who has answered the call.

He breaks every burden, lifts off every yoke,
Breathes life into hearts where His Spirit spoke.
It’s not about striving for a mark to achieve,
But living in freedom, by grace we receive.

So step out of bondage, and walk in His light,
For His truth sets you free, and His love gives you flight.
Christianity is freedom, not walls that confine,
It’s a journey with Jesus, where your soul can truly shine.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Expression

Expression can move you from the depths of despair,
Release the pain that lingers, and breathe fresh air.
Words, like a river, can wash the darkness away,
Unburden the heart and let the spirit sway.

When sorrow wraps tightly, and hope feels thin,
Let the voice within rise and begin.
Paint the sky with your thoughts, let the colors flow,
For through the act of sharing, your courage will grow.

A song, a whisper, or the stroke of a pen,
Each expression declares you’re alive again.
It’s not just the speaking, but the freeing of the soul,
Letting out what’s hidden can help make you whole.

Depression may stifle and weigh on the chest,
But expression can ease the ache, bring rest.
So let feelings unfurl, give them space to roam,
For in their release, you may find your way home.

Speak your truth, write your fears, draw your dreams,
Let the light inside burst through the seams.
For in every word, every note, every hue,
Expression can lift you, and bring life anew.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Be Kinder Than Necessary

Be kinder than necessary, each step that you take,
For every soul’s a traveler, with burdens they don’t forsake.
A gentle word, a tender touch, may lift a heavy load,
And brighten up the weary path on life’s uncertain road.

The smile you share, the time you give, could be a needed light,
To someone lost within the dark, who’s searching for the right.
You may not see the impact made, the change that you inspire,
But kindness is a spark that grows, igniting heart’s desire.

So pause to show compassion, when it’s easiest to walk away,
Extend your hand, forgive the fault, choose gentleness today.
For kindness given freely, more precious than we know,
Can heal the unseen wounds of those who hide their tears below.

Be kinder than necessary, for life is brief and swift,
And every act of kindness is a precious, lasting gift.
In a world that craves more love, your heart’s unselfish grace,
May be the very thing that helps to fill another’s space.

Created by
MarkWaldrop