Expression

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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

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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

October 28

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:

Ephesians 6:18
"Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."

Reflection:
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget the importance of consistent and heartfelt prayer. Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to pray at all times in the Spirit, emphasizing the need for constant communication with our Heavenly Father. This verse teaches us that prayer is not just a ritual but a vital connection with God, who knows what is best for us.

Praying in the Spirit means aligning our hearts with God’s will, seeking His guidance, and trusting in His wisdom. It involves a deep, ongoing relationship where we bring our concerns, joys, and needs before Him, knowing that He understands us better than we understand ourselves. Our Father knows what we need even before we ask, and His answers are always for our ultimate good.

The call to keep alert with all perseverance reminds us that prayer requires diligence and persistence. It’s not about quick, one-time requests but a continuous, devoted conversation with God. Through persistent prayer, we build our faith and learn to rely on His timing and understanding, confident that He knows best.

Making supplication for all the saints highlights the importance of intercessory prayer. As we pray for others, we participate in God’s work in their lives, trusting that He will provide for their needs and guide them according to His perfect plan. This practice strengthens the bond within the community of believers and reminds us of our interconnectedness in Christ.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of prayer and the assurance that You hear us. Help us to pray at all times in the Spirit, trusting in Your wisdom and guidance. Give us the perseverance to remain alert and devoted in our prayers, and inspire us to lift up our fellow believers in supplication. May we always remember that You know what is best for us and those we pray for. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Our Father knows best, and through persistent, Spirit-led prayer, we can align ourselves with His perfect will, trusting Him to guide us and care for those we lift up in prayer.

October 27

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop 

Scripture:
Isaiah 9:6
"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Reflection:
The prophecy of Isaiah 9:6 is a profound declaration of God's perfect plan and His incredible gift to humanity. In this verse, we are introduced to the many facets of Jesus Christ—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Each title reveals a unique aspect of His divine nature and His role in our lives.

As our Wonderful Counselor, Jesus provides wisdom and guidance that surpass human understanding. When we seek His counsel, we can trust that He knows the best path for us, even when it diverges from our own plans. His wisdom is perfect and always aligned with our ultimate good.

As our Mighty God, He possesses the power to overcome any obstacle we face. His strength is sufficient to carry us through our struggles, reminding us that we are never alone in our battles. We can rest in the assurance that His might is at work on our behalf.

As our Everlasting Father, His love and care for us are eternal. He knows our needs and provides for us with a father's heart, always acting in our best interest. His fatherly love assures us that we are cherished and valued beyond measure.

As our Prince of Peace, He brings tranquility to our hearts amidst chaos and uncertainty. His peace is not just the absence of conflict but a deep, abiding sense of well-being and assurance that only He can provide. In His presence, we find true and lasting peace.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Help us to trust in Your perfect plan and lean on Your wisdom and strength. May we experience Your everlasting love and peace in our daily lives, knowing that You always know what is best for us. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
In every situation, trust that our Father knows best. Embrace the wisdom, strength, love, and peace that Jesus brings into your life, and let His divine nature guide you every step of the way.

May I Come With Thee

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Jesus died on the cross,
A criminal on the right, myself on the left,
The weight of sin upon us, heavy and deft.
The other, blind to grace, did not see,
But in my heart, I cried, “Lord, remember me.”

I was drowning in sin, lost and bereft,
But He turned toward me as I drew my last breath.
With tearful eyes, I asked, “May I come with Thee?”
And His voice spoke gently, setting my spirit free.

“This day, you will be with me in Paradise,”
His promise lifted me beyond earth’s ties.
I bowed my head, with peace in my heart,
And as my soul departed, I embraced a new start.

No longer bound by the chains of my past,
I entered His kingdom, redeemed at last.
In the light of His mercy, I found my place,
In the arms of my Savior, embraced by grace.

Luk 23:43  And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

The Choice Within

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     The Choice Within

Why am I lonely? Why am I sad?
Could it be my fault, that I refuse to be glad?
Do I hold on to shadows, cling to the night,
When all around me is yearning for light?

Is it the pain that I cradle so tight,
Keeping me bound, afraid of the bright?
Do I shut out the joy, turn from its call,
Building these walls that do nothing but stall?

What if the answer lies deep inside,
A choice I must make, a place I can’t hide?
To open my heart, let hope find its way,
To release all the hurt and welcome the day.

For joy is a seed that struggles to grow,
When watered with doubt, it falters below.
But with each step of faith, each moment I try,
I find that the sun is still there in the sky.

So why am I lonely? Why am I sad?
Perhaps it’s time to choose to be glad.
To loosen my grip on the sorrow I’ve known,
And let love and light reclaim their throne.

Created by 
MarkWaldrop

October 26

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop 

Scripture:
Hebrews 10:23-24
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."

Reflection:
In life's journey, it's easy to become disheartened when we face uncertainties and challenges. However, Hebrews 10:23-24 reminds us of the unwavering faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. Our hope, grounded in His promises, gives us the strength to persevere without wavering. Trusting in His wisdom and guidance, we can navigate through difficulties with confidence, knowing that He knows what is best for us.

Our Father’s plan is perfect, even when it doesn't align with our immediate desires or understanding. His timing and purposes are beyond our comprehension, but His love for us is steadfast. This assurance should encourage us to keep our hope alive and unwavering, no matter the circumstances.

Moreover, as we anchor our hope in God's faithfulness, we are called to encourage and uplift one another. By stirring each other up to love and good works, we reflect His love and faithfulness to those around us. This mutual support and encouragement are vital in our spiritual journey, helping us to grow stronger in our faith and more resilient in the face of trials.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness and the hope we have in You. Help us to hold fast to this hope without wavering, trusting that You know what is best for us. Guide us to encourage and uplift one another, stirring up love and good works within our communities. May our lives reflect Your love and faithfulness, bringing glory to Your name. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Even when we don’t understand His ways, we can trust that our Father knows best. Let this assurance be the anchor for our hope and the motivation to encourage others in love and good deeds.

October 25

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Hebrews 10:23-24
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."

Reflection:
In life's journey, it's easy to become disheartened when we face uncertainties and challenges. However, Hebrews 10:23-24 reminds us of the unwavering faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. Our hope, grounded in His promises, gives us the strength to persevere without wavering. Trusting in His wisdom and guidance, we can navigate through difficulties with confidence, knowing that He knows what is best for us.

Our Father’s plan is perfect, even when it doesn't align with our immediate desires or understanding. His timing and purposes are beyond our comprehension, but His love for us is steadfast. This assurance should encourage us to keep our hope alive and unwavering, no matter the circumstances.

Moreover, as we anchor our hope in God's faithfulness, we are called to encourage and uplift one another. By stirring each other up to love and good works, we reflect His love and faithfulness to those around us. This mutual support and encouragement are vital in our spiritual journey, helping us to grow stronger in our faith and more resilient in the face of trials.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness and the hope we have in You. Help us to hold fast to this hope without wavering, trusting that You know what is best for us. Guide us to encourage and uplift one another, stirring up love and good works within our communities. May our lives reflect Your love and faithfulness, bringing glory to Your name. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Even when we don’t understand His ways, we can trust that our Father knows best. Let this assurance be the anchor for our hope and the motivation to encourage others in love and good deeds.

October 24

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture Reading:

Mark 1:27-28
"And they were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, 'What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.' And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee."

Reflection:

In the Gospel of Mark, we witness the power and authority of Jesus as He begins His ministry. His teachings and actions left the people of Galilee in awe, especially when they saw Him command unclean spirits, and they obeyed Him immediately. This display of authority wasn't just about His power over evil but also about the truth and wisdom He brought into their lives.

When we consider the theme "Our Father Knows Best," these verses remind us that Jesus' authority is rooted in His divine wisdom and perfect understanding of our needs. The people of Galilee were amazed because they recognized something extraordinary in Jesus—His teachings were not just words; they were transformative truths delivered with divine authority.

In our lives, we may face situations that seem beyond our control or understanding. We might struggle with challenges that feel insurmountable or questions that seem unanswerable. During these times, it's essential to remember that our Father knows best. Jesus, who commanded even unclean spirits, is the same Lord who guides us with wisdom and authority today.

Our Father knows what we need before we ask Him. He understands the depths of our hearts and the intricacies of our situations. His guidance is always perfect, and His plans for us are rooted in His profound love and infinite wisdom. When we trust in His authority, we can find peace in knowing that He is in control, and He is working all things for our good.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we stand in awe of Your authority and wisdom. Thank You for guiding us with love and understanding. Help us to trust in Your perfect knowledge and to follow Your teachings with faith and obedience. May we always remember that You know what is best for us, and may Your truth transform our lives. Amen.

Thought for the Day:

In moments of doubt and uncertainty, trust in the authority and wisdom of Jesus. He knows what is best for you and will guide you with His perfect love and understanding. Allow His truth to lead you, and find peace in His divine plan.

Moral Leadership

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The question of whether it’s better to have a moral leader advocating causes you dislike or an immoral leader advocating causes you like touches on the complex relationship between ethics, leadership, and values. Here’s a breakdown of the dilemma:

	1.	Moral Leader Advocating Causes You Dislike:
	•	A leader with strong morals and integrity, even if their causes conflict with your own, can often be trusted to act in good faith, consider different viewpoints, and make decisions based on principles. While you may not agree with their stance, their honesty and ethical conduct might foster a more transparent and accountable leadership, leaving room for constructive dialogue or compromise.
	2.	Immoral Leader Advocating Causes You Like:
	•	An immoral leader, even if aligned with your views, may compromise ethical principles to advance an agenda, possibly leading to harmful practices such as corruption, manipulation, or disregard for others’ rights. While they may advocate for causes you agree with, their lack of integrity can undermine trust and lead to negative long-term consequences, even for the causes themselves.

Considerations:

	•	Ethical leadership is foundational to maintaining trust, stability, and justice in society. Without it, even causes you support may be tainted by unethical means.
	•	Ends vs. Means: Do the ends justify the means? Supporting a cause is important, but if pursued through immoral methods, it can lead to unforeseen harm or undermine the very values you hold.
	•	Sustainability: A leader’s lack of morals may eventually destabilize their ability to lead effectively, while a moral leader, though advocating causes you dislike, may foster a healthier, more robust political or social environment.

Ultimately, a moral leader is more likely to govern with transparency, fairness, and accountability, even if their cause conflicts with yours. An immoral leader, though advancing agreeable causes, may erode trust, potentially doing more harm than good in the long run.

Mark Waldrop