April 29

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."

No matter what challenges we face, we can trust in the wisdom and care of our Heavenly Father. He knows us better than we know ourselves and understands the obstacles and burdens we carry. When the road feels steep or overwhelming, we often question why things are happening the way they are. But our Father sees the bigger picture, and He lovingly guides us, giving us the strength to endure and persevere.

Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles. Through Christ, we are empowered to overcome difficulties, not because of our own strength, but because of His. His wisdom far surpasses our understanding, and in trusting Him, we discover the peace and strength to carry on.

Reflection:
When you are faced with trials, remember that God knows what is best for you. Rather than relying on your own abilities, lean on His strength and wisdom. He has equipped you for this moment, and with Him by your side, you are able to do all things.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your strength and wisdom that guide me each day. Help me to trust in Your perfect plan for my life, especially when the way forward seems unclear. Strengthen me through Your Son, Jesus, and remind me that You know what is best. Amen.

April 28

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Reflection:
Giving is an act that reflects the heart of God. He doesn’t want us to give out of obligation or guilt, but from a place of joy and love. When we give cheerfully, whether it’s our time, resources, or compassion, we are walking in step with His will. Our Father knows best what is good for us, and He knows that a heart inclined toward generosity not only blesses others but also brings joy and fulfillment to the giver. Giving is not a chore but a privilege—an opportunity to reflect God's abundant grace in our lives. Trust that as you give cheerfully, God will provide all you need and more.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to give from my heart with joy and gratitude. Let my generosity reflect Your love and goodness in the world. Teach me to give without hesitation or reluctance, knowing that every good and perfect gift comes from You. May I find delight in being a cheerful giver, just as You delight in blessing me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

April 27

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Deuteronomy 31:8 - "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Reflection:
There are times in life when we feel uncertain, overwhelmed, or lost, unsure of what lies ahead. In those moments, we must remember that God already knows the path before us. He walks ahead, guiding us with His perfect wisdom and unfailing love. We may not always understand why things happen the way they do, but we can rest in the assurance that our Father knows best. He promises never to leave us, and that is where our hope and courage lie. We can step into each day with confidence, trusting that His presence goes before us, shielding us from fear and discouragement.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for going before me and never leaving my side. Help me to trust in Your wisdom and guidance, knowing that You hold my future in Your hands. Strengthen my heart when I feel afraid or discouraged, and remind me of Your faithful presence. May I always find peace in the truth that You know what’s best for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

April 26
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture
“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”* — 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV)

Reflection:
There are times in our lives when God's guidance and plans may seem difficult to grasp. For those who do not have the Holy Spirit, the ways of God can appear as foolishness. They struggle to understand because divine truths are spiritually discerned, and without the Spirit, one is disconnected from God’s wisdom.

As believers, we are blessed to have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, providing discernment and wisdom that goes beyond worldly understanding. God knows what is best for us, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment. Our finite minds cannot always comprehend the full picture, but we trust in His eternal perspective.

Application:
Today, if you face a situation that you do not fully understand, lean into the Holy Spirit. Seek God in prayer, trusting that He knows best. Though His ways may not align with worldly wisdom, He guides you with love, purpose, and perfect understanding.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit that enables me to discern Your truth. Help me to trust You more deeply, even when I do not fully understand. Remind me that You know best, and Your plans for me are good. Am

April 26

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture
“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”* — 1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV)

Reflection:
There are times in our lives when God's guidance and plans may seem difficult to grasp. For those who do not have the Holy Spirit, the ways of God can appear as foolishness. They struggle to understand because divine truths are spiritually discerned, and without the Spirit, one is disconnected from God’s wisdom.

As believers, we are blessed to have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, providing discernment and wisdom that goes beyond worldly understanding. God knows what is best for us, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment. Our finite minds cannot always comprehend the full picture, but we trust in His eternal perspective.

Application:
Today, if you face a situation that you do not fully understand, lean into the Holy Spirit. Seek God in prayer, trusting that He knows best. Though His ways may not align with worldly wisdom, He guides you with love, purpose, and perfect understanding.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of Your Spirit that enables me to discern Your truth. Help me to trust You more deeply, even when I do not fully understand. Remind me that You know best, and Your plans for me are good. Amen.

April 25

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Philippians 2:13 (KJV)
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Reflection:
Often, we feel the pressure to do things on our own, whether it’s trying to make the right decisions or accomplish what we believe is God’s will. But Philippians 2:13 offers a profound reassurance: it is God Himself who works in us, giving us both the desire and the ability to carry out His good purposes. We are not left to our own limited strength or wisdom.

This truth transforms our approach to life. We don't have to rely solely on our efforts or feel inadequate for the tasks God sets before us. Instead, we can trust that He is actively at work within us, shaping our will and guiding our actions according to His divine plan. Our Father knows what is best, and He equips us with everything we need to follow His path.

When we surrender our plans to God and allow Him to lead, we can experience the peace and joy that comes from knowing we are not alone in our journey. His Spirit within us empowers us to do His will—not out of compulsion, but as a natural response to His work in our hearts.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for working in me to both will and to do Your good pleasure. Help me to trust in Your strength and guidance, knowing that You are always with me. May I live each day surrendered to Your will, confident that You are directing my steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Shepherd

         The Shepherd

The shepherd must walk where the sheep have trod,
Through valleys low and meadows broad.
He cannot lead from heights afar,
But stays beside where his people are.

The shepherd must smell like the sheep he tends,
Their cries, their wounds, their needs he mends.
For if his heart stays clean, untouched,
His flock grows wild, unled, unloved.

Through tangled thorns and muddy ground,
The faithful shepherd will be found.
Not clothed in pride, nor standing tall,
But stooped to lift the weak who fall.

For leadership that’s true and deep
Requires the smell, the touch of sheep.
To walk among, to bear their pain,
To guide them gently home again.

For God’s Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

Long Lines

           Long Lines

Long Lines, what awaits at the end?
Is it worth the time and effort, my friend?

The answer to the question is both yes and no.
For some, they would wait all day.
For others, walk on by without delay.

For Eternity, there is no line either way.
Reservations are made way before the day.

For His Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

I Love to Listen

     I Love to Listen

I love to listen, soft and still,
To catch the whisper of God’s will.
The more I listen, the more I learn,
As hearts unfold and voices turn.

In quiet moments, wisdom speaks,
Through silent tears or joy that peaks.
Each story shared, each truth revealed,
Becomes a wound that’s gently healed.

I love to listen, to hearts and souls,
For every voice has deeper goals.
The more I listen, the more I see,
The thread of grace in you and me.

For His Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

If You’re Not Making Mistakes

If You’re Not Making Mistakes

If you’re not making mistakes each day,
You might be standing still, I’d say.
For those who try, who dare, who do,
Will sometimes fall—but rise anew.

Mistakes are proof you’ve stepped outside,
Beyond the fear, beyond your pride.
They mark the path where growth begins,
Where failure ends and learning wins.

So take the risk, embrace the fall,
For doing nothing costs us all.
But every stumble, every break,
Is just another chance to wake.

If you’re not making mistakes, it’s true
You’re missing life and all it grew!

For God’s Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

April 24

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV)
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

Reflection:
Giving is a personal act of worship, one that is meant to come from the heart. This verse speaks to the importance of intention in our giving. God doesn't want us to give out of obligation or with a heavy heart. Instead, He desires that we give joyfully, with love and gratitude for what He has given us.

When we give cheerfully, we reflect the nature of our Heavenly Father, who delights in blessing His children. Whether it’s our time, resources, or love, our offerings are precious to God when they come from a heart that willingly serves. It’s not the size of the gift but the spirit in which it is given that matters most to Him.

Our Father knows what is best for us, and when we trust Him with our giving, we experience the joy of partnering with Him in His work. In His kingdom, a heart that gives freely and cheerfully is one that understands the true meaning of generosity. It is a reflection of the abundant grace we have received from God and a way to show our love and gratitude toward Him.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to give from a heart that is filled with joy and gratitude. Teach me to trust You fully in my giving, knowing that You love a cheerful giver. May I never give out of obligation or with reluctance, but always out of love for You and others. Thank You for blessing me so that I can be a blessing to others. In Jesus' name, Amen.