Happy New Year To all those who Can Hear Only Look For The Very Best Discarding the Rest With Cheer With GOD Ahead of Me And JESUS By My Side There’s Nothing I Can’t Do or Decide In Good Times, I Will Rejoice In Hard Times, I Will Pray In All Other Times, I Will Remember To Do The Very Best, I Can Today When Time Comes to an End For Me I Will Gladly Say Thank You, GOD, for walking with me all the way. January 1, 2022 Mark Waldrop
In the glow of the twinkling holiday light,
There are hearts cloaked in shadow, longing for night.
For the laughter once shared, the love once near,
Now echoes in memories, cherished yet clear.
Some face the first of the holidays alone,
With aching hearts for the love that has flown.
Others, the last, with each moment they hold,
Precious as diamonds, more valuable than gold.
So as you revel in the season’s cheer,
Pause for the silent, the grieving, the near.
For joy’s bright mantle may not always show
The weight of the burdens others may know.
Be kind in your words, be tender, be true,
Give a smile, lend a hand, share what’s good in you.
For a small spark of love, a moment of grace,
Can light up the darkest, most sorrowful place.
This season of giving is more than a time,
It’s a chance to heal wounds, to soothe and to climb.
Together, through joy, through sorrow, we’ll find,
The strength in compassion—the heart of mankind.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture:
Psa 42:1 "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God."
Reflection:
In the quiet moments of our lives, when we feel a deep longing within our hearts, we can be reminded of the imagery in Psalm 42:1. Just as a deer desperately seeks out streams of water to quench its thirst, our souls yearn for the presence of God. This thirst is not for something fleeting, but for the eternal and fulfilling presence of our Creator.
Our Father knows the deepest desires of our hearts. He understands our need for His love, guidance, and comfort. Often, we may find ourselves chasing after the temporary pleasures of this world, thinking they will satisfy us. However, true contentment comes only from a relationship with God.
Meditation:
Take a moment to reflect on the ways you have tried to quench your spiritual thirst. Have you sought fulfillment in things that are temporary? Remember, just as the deer finds its sustenance in streams of water, we find ours in the living waters provided by our Heavenly Father.
Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for understanding my deepest needs and desires. Help me to seek You above all else and to recognize that only You can truly satisfy my soul. Like the deer panting for water, may my soul continually thirst for Your presence. Guide me in Your ways, and let me find peace and contentment in You alone.
Amen.
Application:
Today, make an intentional effort to spend time in God's presence. Whether through prayer, reading the Bible, or quiet meditation, allow His living water to refresh and renew your spirit. Trust that your Father knows best and will provide all that you need.
December 27
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 112:5
"Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice."
Reflection:
In Psalm 112:5, we find a powerful promise and a guiding principle for living a life that aligns with God's heart. This verse assures us that blessings come to those who are generous and just. Generosity and justice are not just noble ideals but practical ways to live out our faith and demonstrate God's love to others.
Generosity involves more than just giving material possessions; it includes offering our time, energy, and compassion to those in need. By lending freely, we extend a helping hand without expecting anything in return, reflecting God's unconditional love and grace.
Conducting our affairs with justice means acting with integrity and fairness in all our dealings. It requires us to stand up for what is right and to treat others with respect and kindness. This principle is foundational to building a life that honors God and positively impacts those around us.
Devotional Thought:
Our Heavenly Father, who knows best, calls us to be generous and just. He promises that good will come to those who follow these principles. When we trust in God's wisdom and live according to His ways, we open ourselves up to His blessings and the fulfillment that comes from serving others.
In a world that often values self-interest and material gain, choosing to be generous and just can set us apart as people of faith. By doing so, we become conduits of God's love and justice, making a tangible difference in our communities and beyond.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the guidance and wisdom found in Your Word. Help us to be generous and just in all our actions, reflecting Your love and grace to those around us. Teach us to trust in Your promises and to live in a way that brings honor to Your name. May we be known as people who lend freely and conduct our affairs with integrity. Amen.
Action Step:
Look for an opportunity today to practice generosity and justice. This could be through a financial gift, volunteering your time, or standing up for someone who needs support. Trust that as you live out these principles, you are aligning yourself with God's will and opening the door for His blessings in yo
After the feast, the table’s clear,
Yet leftovers linger, bringing cheer.
I thought I’d never eat again,
But hunger returned, as it always does then.
The turkey, the pie, the cranberry spread,
Flavors dance anew, though the meal’s long fled.
Somehow, they seem to taste better this time,
As if patience has seasoned them, oh so sublime.
Imagination turns scraps into treasure,
A casserole here, a soup beyond measure.
Thank You, Lord, for abundance and grace,
For meals reborn, no morsel a waste.
So here’s to leftovers, a second delight,
A testament to blessings, day and night.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 112:5
"Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice."
Reflection:
In Psalm 112:5, we find a powerful promise and a guiding principle for living a life that aligns with God's heart. This verse assures us that blessings come to those who are generous and just. Generosity and justice are not just noble ideals but practical ways to live out our faith and demonstrate God's love to others.
Generosity involves more than just giving material possessions; it includes offering our time, energy, and compassion to those in need. By lending freely, we extend a helping hand without expecting anything in return, reflecting God's unconditional love and grace.
Conducting our affairs with justice means acting with integrity and fairness in all our dealings. It requires us to stand up for what is right and to treat others with respect and kindness. This principle is foundational to building a life that honors God and positively impacts those around us.
Devotional Thought:
Our Heavenly Father, who knows best, calls us to be generous and just. He promises that good will come to those who follow these principles. When we trust in God's wisdom and live according to His ways, we open ourselves up to His blessings and the fulfillment that comes from serving others.
In a world that often values self-interest and material gain, choosing to be generous and just can set us apart as people of faith. By doing so, we become conduits of God's love and justice, making a tangible difference in our communities and beyond.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the guidance and wisdom found in Your Word. Help us to be generous and just in all our actions, reflecting Your love and grace to those around us. Teach us to trust in Your promises and to live in a way that brings honor to Your name. May we be known as people who lend freely and conduct our affairs with integrity. Amen.
Action Step:
Look for an opportunity today to practice generosity and justice. This could be through a financial gift, volunteering your time, or standing up for someone who needs support. Trust that as you live out these principles, you are aligning yourself with God's will and opening the door for His blessings in your life.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture Reading:
Genesis 50:1-2
"Then Joseph fell on his father's face and wept over him and kissed him. And Joseph commanded his servants the physicians to embalm his father. So the physicians embalmed Israel."
Reflection:
The passage from Genesis 50:1-2 presents a poignant moment in the life of Joseph as he mourns the passing of his father, Jacob (Israel). Joseph's deep sorrow is evident as he weeps and kisses his father's face, an intimate gesture showing profound love and respect. In these moments of grief and vulnerability, we see a powerful reminder of the bond between parent and child and the respect for one's heritage and roots.
Jacob, also known as Israel, had a long and storied life filled with challenges and blessings. As his life drew to a close, he requested to be buried in the land of Canaan, a wish that Joseph honored with great diligence. This act of filial piety underscores a timeless truth: honoring our parents and their wishes is a significant part of our faith journey.
Devotional Thought:
Just as Joseph trusted in the wisdom and guidance of his earthly father, we are called to trust in the wisdom and guidance of our Heavenly Father. Our Father knows best, even when we face sorrow and loss. Joseph’s actions reflect a deep understanding that fulfilling his father's wishes was part of his duty, not just as a son, but as a faithful servant of God.
In times of grief, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and lost. However, our Heavenly Father sees our pain and offers us comfort. He knows the best path for us, even when we cannot see it ourselves. By trusting in His plan and leaning on His understanding, we find peace and strength to carry on.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the love and wisdom You impart to us through our earthly parents. Help us to honor them and their legacy in ways that please You. In times of sorrow, remind us of Your presence and Your perfect plan for our lives. May we trust in Your guidance, knowing that You know what is best for us. Amen.
Action Step:
Reflect on the legacy and lessons imparted to you by your parents or guardians. If possible, take a moment today to honor them in some way—through a call, a visit, or a prayer of thanksgiving. Trust that your Heavenly Father knows best and seeks to guide you through every chapter of your life.
Amid the lights and holiday cheer,
Let us pause and make it clear,
The gifts, the songs, the joyful feast,
Point to the birth of the Prince of Peace.
Not silver, nor gold, nor worldly treasure,
But love eternal, beyond all measure.
A Savior born, a gift so pure,
For every heart, His love is sure.
The star that shone so long ago,
Guided the world to the love we know.
In a humble manger, a King was laid,
A promise kept, salvation made.
So as we gather this Christmas time,
Let His name in our hearts shine.
For all we celebrate, all we believe in,
Is because Jesus is the reason for the season.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Daily Devotional:
Our Father Knows Best
by Mark Waldrop
Scripture Reading: Matthew 2:1, 10–11
“Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem” (Matthew 2:1).
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:10–11).
Devotional Thought:
The story of the Wise Men reminds us that God’s plans are perfect and that His guidance is always right, even when we cannot see the full picture. These men, guided by a star, traveled a long and uncertain journey to find the newborn King. They trusted God’s leading and were rewarded with the joy of encountering Jesus Himself.
In the same way, our lives often feel like journeys of faith. We may not always understand where God is leading us, or why the path is difficult, but we can trust that He knows best. The Wise Men’s gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—reflect God’s wisdom in revealing Jesus as King, High Priest, and Savior. Each gift had a purpose, just as every step in our own journey serves a purpose in God’s greater plan.
This Christmas, let’s remember that our Father knows best. He guided the Wise Men with a star, orchestrating every detail of their journey, and He will guide us with the light of His Word and His Spirit. When we trust Him, we will find “exceedingly great joy,” just as they did, knowing that He is always working for our good and His glory.
Reflection Questions:
1. Are you trusting God’s guidance in the uncertainties of your life?
2. How can you, like the Wise Men, offer your gifts to Jesus this Christmas?
3. Where can you look for God’s “star” leading you in this season?
Prayer:
Dear Father, thank You for always guiding us, even when the journey feels unclear. Help us to trust in Your perfect wisdom and follow Your leading, just as the Wise Men followed the star to Jesus. May our lives be filled with worship, joy, and a desire to offer You the best of who we are. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture:
Psalm 62:5-6
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
Reflection:
In our busy and often chaotic lives, it can be challenging to find moments of true silence and stillness. Yet, it is in these quiet moments that we are reminded of where our true hope lies. The psalmist encourages us to wait in silence for God alone, recognizing that our hope comes from Him.
God is our rock and our salvation, our unshakable fortress in times of trouble. When the world around us seems unstable and uncertain, we can find refuge and strength in Him. Waiting in silence before God allows us to refocus our hearts and minds on His promises and His steadfast love.
Trusting in God's timing and His plans requires patience and faith. As we wait in silence, we are not idle but actively placing our hope and confidence in the One who never fails. Our Father knows best, and in His presence, we find the peace and assurance that we need.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us to find moments of silence in our lives where we can wait on You and place our hope in You alone. Remind us that You are our rock and our salvation, our fortress that will never be shaken. Strengthen our faith as we trust in Your perfect plans. Amen.
The Man and the Birds
(Inspired by Paul Harvey)
A kind and gentle man was he,
Full of love and honesty.
But the mystery of Christ’s descent,
To him, seemed strange and poorly spent.
“The incarnation makes no sense,”
He said, with logic as defense.
God becoming man to save,
Felt like a tale the faithful gave.
On Christmas Eve, his family went,
To church, in worship reverent.
He stayed behind with hearth aglow,
Unmoved by truths he didn’t know.
But then a sound, a frantic thud,
Shook his peace and stirred his blood.
At the window, again it came,
A muffled beat, a desperate aim.
He ventured out into the cold,
And there, a scene began to unfold.
A flock of birds, lost in the storm,
Shivered, seeking shelter warm.
His heart, so tender, swelled with care,
To save the birds from bitter air.
The barn! A haven, safe and dry,
He opened the door, the light held high.
But fear had gripped the fragile flock,
His human presence felt a shock.
He scattered crumbs, he waved them near,
But still, they fled in helpless fear.
“If only I could be like them,”
He thought, beneath the moon’s dim hem.
“To speak their tongue, to share their way,
And guide them to the light of day.”
Then from the distance, church bells rang,
A holy song the heavens sang.
And in that moment, truth took hold,
A story ancient, yet retold.
God became man, He stooped so low,
To guide the lost through blinding snow.
The man, now kneeling, bowed his head,
The bells’ sweet song, his spirit fed.
For now he saw what once was dim,
Why Christ had come to dwell with him.
Like the man and the frightened birds,
God showed His love through deeds, not words.
So on that night, beneath the star,
The man found God was never far.
And in his heart, a fire burned bright,
A newfound faith, a guiding light.
Created by
MarkWaldrop