Good Friday

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     The Shadow of the Cross

Upon a hill so dark and high,
The Savior hung beneath the sky.
No robe of gold, no royal thread—
A crown of thorns upon His head.

The crowd grew still, the sky turned gray,
As heaven watched love poured away.
His hands were pierced, His side was torn,
For every soul that would be born.

No angels came to lift Him down,
No earthly throne, no victor’s crown—
Yet in that stillness, mercy cried,
And hope was born the day He died.

He bore our shame, He took our place,
He looked with love into disgrace.
Each drop of blood, each ragged breath,
A path of life through gates of death.

And though we mourn this sacred loss,
We do not weep without the cross.
For Sunday dawns with glory bright—
From death shall rise the Lord of Light.

So kneel today where shadows fall,
And hear His voice—He died for all.
The darkest day the world had known
Became the day love overthrown…
Was crowned the King upon His throne.

For His Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

Maunday Thursday

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The Towel and the Table

Upon the night so still, so deep,
Before the world would wake or weep,
He knelt, the King, with basin wide,
And washed the feet of those beside.

No throne of gold, no crown to wear,
But love poured out in servant care.
The hands that shaped the stars above
Now wiped the dust with holy love.

He broke the bread, He raised the cup,
“This is My body—drink it up.
Remember Me in all you do,
My covenant, poured out for you.”

The shadows crept, the hour grew late,
The Lamb would bear the sinner’s fate.
Yet in that room so dimly lit,
Divine compassion brightly lit.

“A new command,” He gently said,
“Love one another in My stead.
Not just in word, but in the way
You serve, you give, you kneel, you pray.”

And so this night, with hearts made pure,
We walk the path where Christ was sure.
From towel to table, cross to grave,
We bless the One who came to save.

For His Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

Jhn 13:12  When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them.
Jhn 13:13  "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am.
Jhn 13:14  Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet.
Jhn 13:15  I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.
Jhn 13:16  Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.
Jhn 13:17  Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

April 18

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
  
Scripture:
Hebrews 10:35 – "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded."  
Hebrews 10:36 – "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised."

Reflection:
In moments of hardship, doubt, or waiting, it's easy to lose confidence in God's promises. We might wonder if we're on the right path or feel discouraged when we don’t see immediate results. But these verses remind us to hold on to our confidence and trust in God’s faithfulness.

God sees the bigger picture. When we do His will, even in seasons of difficulty, we are storing up a reward far greater than anything this world can offer. It takes perseverance—holding firm in faith, trusting that God knows what’s best and that His promises are sure. Just as we cannot rush the growth of a seed, so too must we wait with patient trust for the fulfillment of God's promises. Our Father, who is faithful, will reward those who hold fast and stay the course.

Prayer:
Lord, strengthen my faith to trust in Your timing and plans. When I feel weak or discouraged, remind me of Your promises. Help me to persevere in doing Your will, knowing that Your rewards are eternal and sure. Amen.

Reflection Question:
How can you strengthen your confidence in God's promises today, especially in areas where you are waiting for His reward?

Now I Lay Me Down Once More

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My mother led me in this simple prayer
When I was just a lad, with tousled hair.
She knelt beside me, soft and kind,
And helped me speak with heart and mind:

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.

Those words were seeds, so gently sown,
That bloomed in years as I had grown.
Through battles fought and joys well earned,
To God I turned, in peace or burned.

I prayed through storms, both fierce and wide,
With trembling lips or lifted pride.
Some prayers were bold, some whispers low,
But He was there through all I’d know.

And now, as twilight veils the day,
And earthly light begins to fade,
The time has come—He calls me near,
And all that’s left is trust, not fear.

I mouth the words I’ve always known,
No grander speech, no prideful tone:

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.

So take me, Lord, in arms of grace
To heaven’s rest, to love’s embrace.
A child once more, I close my eyes,
And rise with You beyond the skies.

For His Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

April 17

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
  
Scripture:
1 John 2:17 – "The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever."

Reflection:
In a world filled with fleeting pleasures, success, and distractions, it can be easy to chase after things that won’t last. The desires of this world—wealth, status, and temporary happiness—are often seen as the ultimate goals. But Scripture reminds us that these desires are passing, mere shadows that will fade away.

God, our loving Father, knows what is truly best for us. He calls us to focus not on temporary pursuits, but on His eternal will. When we align ourselves with God's purpose, we find meaning that transcends this world and leads to everlasting life. The fulfillment we find in God’s will is not fleeting, but enduring—promising joy and peace that lasts forever.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to seek Your will above all else. Teach me to recognize the temporary nature of this world’s desires, and guide me to pursue what matters eternally. Thank You for the promise of eternal life through obedience to You. Amen.

Reflection Question:
Are there any desires or pursuits in your life that may be distracting you from God's eternal will? How can you shift your focus toward His lasting purpose?

April 16

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop 

Psalm 90:14

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

Each day is a gift from God, and as we rise each morning, we have the opportunity to be filled with His unfailing love. This verse from Psalm 90 reminds us that true satisfaction and joy are found not in our circumstances, but in the love of our Heavenly Father. When we begin our day by seeking His presence, we are renewed, strengthened, and able to face whatever comes our way with a heart full of gladness.

Life can often feel overwhelming, but God offers us the peace and joy that transcend any trial. He satisfies our deepest needs with His love, and this satisfaction brings about a lasting joy that nothing else can provide. As we trust in Him, we find that the joy He gives becomes our strength for the entire day and beyond.

Today, invite God to satisfy you with His love. Make space in your morning to connect with Him, and let the joy of His presence fill your heart, so that you may carry that gladness throughout all your days.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, satisfy me this morning with Your unfailing love. Let Your presence fill my heart with joy and peace, no matter what lies ahead. Help me to find my true contentment in You alone, and may Your love be the source of my gladness all the days of my life. Amen.

April 15
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Romans 12:5

So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

In the body of Christ, we are not meant to walk this journey alone. Every believer is a unique part of a greater whole, each with gifts, roles, and responsibilities. God, in His infinite wisdom, has designed us to need one another, to support, encourage, and uplift each other as we serve Him.

Though we come from different backgrounds and have different experiences, in Christ, we are united. We belong to one another, called to love, serve, and carry one another’s burdens. When one part of the body rejoices, we all rejoice. When one part suffers, we all feel the weight of that pain.

This interdependence is part of God’s perfect plan. He knows that through community, we grow stronger, reflect His love more clearly, and accomplish more for His kingdom than we ever could alone. By leaning into this truth, we acknowledge that our gifts are not for ourselves alone but for the building up of the entire body of Christ.

Today, remember that you are a vital part of God's family. Ask Him to show you how you can contribute to the growth and well-being of others in the body of Christ. Our Father knows best, and He has placed us together for a reason.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for placing me within the body of Christ. Help me to see the ways I can serve, encourage, and support my brothers and sisters. Remind me that my gifts and talents are meant for the good of others, and may I always seek to glorify You in how I live in community.

Today is The Day

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The clock keeps ticking, the moments pass,
Like shadows sliding on panes of glass.
You’ve waited long, you’ve felt the call
A whisper deep, beyond it all.

Don’t delay, make your decision today,
Tomorrow might steal the chance away.
The door stands open, the light shines through,
And Heaven waits with love for you.

The world will offer empty gain,
But only Christ can break the chain.
So take the step, don’t turn aside—
Let grace and mercy be your guide.

For life begins when you kneel and pray
Don’t delay, make your decision today.

For His Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

2Co 6:2  (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)

April 15

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Romans 12:5

So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

In the body of Christ, we are not meant to walk this journey alone. Every believer is a unique part of a greater whole, each with gifts, roles, and responsibilities. God, in His infinite wisdom, has designed us to need one another, to support, encourage, and uplift each other as we serve Him.

Though we come from different backgrounds and have different experiences, in Christ, we are united. We belong to one another, called to love, serve, and carry one another’s burdens. When one part of the body rejoices, we all rejoice. When one part suffers, we all feel the weight of that pain.

This interdependence is part of God’s perfect plan. He knows that through community, we grow stronger, reflect His love more clearly, and accomplish more for His kingdom than we ever could alone. By leaning into this truth, we acknowledge that our gifts are not for ourselves alone but for the building up of the entire body of Christ.

Today, remember that you are a vital part of God's family. Ask Him to show you how you can contribute to the growth and well-being of others in the body of Christ. Our Father knows best, and He has placed us together for a reason.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for placing me within the body of Christ. Help me to see the ways I can serve, encourage, and support my brothers and sisters. Remind me that my gifts and talents are meant for the good of others, and may I always seek to glorify You in how I live in community. Amen.

April 14

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By MarkWaldrop

Matthew 5:23-24

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Our Heavenly Father cares deeply not only about our relationship with Him but also about how we relate to others. In this passage, Jesus teaches us that reconciliation with one another is so important that it takes precedence even over worship. God knows that unresolved conflict can hinder our prayers, our peace, and our ability to experience His presence fully.

When we harbor bitterness or leave conflicts unresolved, it creates a barrier in our hearts. Offering gifts and prayers at the altar is important, but God calls us first to be at peace with one another. By seeking reconciliation, we open the door to healing and restore the unity that God desires in our relationships.

This teaching reminds us that our love for God is deeply intertwined with our love for others. To worship God in spirit and truth, we must first do the work of reconciliation—whether it’s offering forgiveness or seeking it.

Today, ask God to show you any relationships in need of healing. He knows what’s best for you and wants you to experience the freedom and peace that come from restored relationships.

Prayer:
Father, help me to take the steps necessary to reconcile with those I have wronged or those who have wronged me. Soften my heart and give me the courage to seek peace in my relationships. May my worship be pure and my heart free of burdens. Thank You for teaching me the importance of reconciliation and for Your guidance in every step I take. Amen.

Holy Week

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The streets were lined with waving palms,
Hosannas rose in joyful psalms.
The King rode in on borrowed steed,
To fill the world’s most urgent need.

On Monday’s path, He cleansed the place,
Where hearts had strayed from holy grace.
With righteous fire, He cast out wrong
His truth like thunder, clear and strong.

By Tuesday’s sun, He taught once more,
Of Heaven’s gate and mercy’s door.
The crowds grew still, the shadows near,
Yet still He spoke, though death drew near.

On Wednesday, silence cloaked the land,
Betrayal stirred in greed’s dark hand.
A kiss was planned, a coin was paid,
The Son of Man by friend betrayed.

Then Thursday came, the upper room,
A basin, bread, and coming gloom.
He broke the loaf, He blessed the cup,
And knelt to wash—then lifted up.

In midnight’s hush, in garden deep,
While others fled or fell to sleep,
He bore the weight, the crushing dread
“Thy will, not mine,” is what He said.

Friday’s sky turned black with grief,
The Lamb was slain, the thief found belief.
The veil was torn, the earth did shake
The curse of sin began to break.

On Saturday, the world stood still,
The tomb was sealed upon the hill.
Hope seemed lost, all dreams undone
Yet silence waited for the Son.

Then Sunday’s dawn lit up the skies,
The stone rolled back, the dead did rise!
No grave could hold, no seal contain
The Risen Lord who broke all chains.

So every step of Holy Week
Speaks to the soul of love we seek.
From palms to cross, from death to rise
Redemption’s gift before our eyes.

For His Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

Mat 21:9  And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest.