Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
John 11:35
Jesus wept.

Reflection:
In this shortest verse of the Bible, “Jesus wept,” we witness a profound moment of compassion and empathy from our Savior. This scene takes place at the tomb of Lazarus, where Jesus is deeply moved by the sorrow of Mary, Martha, and those mourning Lazarus’s death. Despite knowing He would soon raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus shared in their grief.

This moment reveals the depth of Jesus' love and His understanding of our human emotions. It shows that our Father knows our sorrows and pains intimately. He is not distant or detached from our struggles but is right there with us, feeling our hurt and offering comfort.

God’s wisdom and compassion are perfectly intertwined. He understands our needs, our heartbreaks, and our joys. His response to our pain is not just a solution but a shared experience of love and empathy. Jesus weeping assures us that our Father’s heart is tender towards us and that He cares deeply about every aspect of our lives.

Application:
1. Acknowledge Your Emotions: Allow yourself to feel and express your emotions, knowing that Jesus understands and shares in your experiences. Write down what you’re feeling and bring it to God in prayer.

2. Seek Comfort in God’s Presence: When you’re hurting, remember that God is with you. Spend time in His presence, reading scriptures of comfort and peace, and allowing His love to soothe your soul.

3. Offer Compassion to Others: Just as Jesus showed empathy to those around Him, seek to understand and comfort those who are hurting. Your compassion can be a reflection of God’s love to someone in need.

4. Trust in God’s Plan: Even when we don’t understand why we’re experiencing pain, trust that God knows best. He sees the bigger picture and has a plan for healing and restoration.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the depth of Your love and understanding. Thank You for the compassion You showed through Jesus, who wept with those in sorrow. Help us to feel Your presence in our pain and to trust in Your perfect plan. Give us the strength to offer the same compassion to others, reflecting Your love in all we do. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
In moments of grief and sorrow, remember that Jesus wept. Our Father knows our pain and walks with us through every tear. Trust in His compassionate heart and His perfect plan for your life.

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Joshua 24:21
And the people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the LORD.”

Reflection:
In this verse, the people of Israel make a profound commitment to Joshua: they vow to serve the LORD wholeheartedly. This decision comes after Joshua recounts the numerous ways God has guided, protected, and blessed them. The people recognize that despite their many challenges, God has always known what is best for them.

In our daily lives, we are often faced with choices that test our faith and commitment to God. Like the Israelites, we must decide whom we will serve. Will we trust in our own understanding, or will we place our faith in the One who knows us better than we know ourselves?

God’s wisdom surpasses our limited perspective. He sees the bigger picture and understands the path that leads to true fulfillment and joy. When we choose to serve the Lord, we are acknowledging that His plans and purposes are greater than our own.

Application:
1. Reflect on God’s Faithfulness: Take a moment to recall the ways God has guided and blessed you in the past. Write them down as a reminder of His faithfulness.
   
2. Commit to Trusting God : In your prayers today, reaffirm your commitment to serve the Lord. Ask for the strength to trust Him, especially when His plans are not immediately clear.

3. Seek God’s Wisdom: Before making decisions, seek God’s guidance through prayer and scripture. Trust that He knows what is best for you.

4. Encourage Others : Share your journey of faith with friends or family. Encourage them to trust in God’s wisdom and to serve Him wholeheartedly.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for always knowing what is best for us. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and to serve You with all our hearts. Strengthen our faith, especially in times of uncertainty. May our lives reflect our commitment to You, and may we find peace in knowing that You are always guiding us. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
When we choose to serve the Lord, we are choosing the path of wisdom and blessing. Trust that our Father knows best, and let Him lead you to His perfect plan.

Our Father Knows Best
Daily Devotional: 
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Col 1:16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.  
Col 1:17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Reflection:
These verses from Colossians remind us of the absolute sovereignty and supremacy of Christ. Everything in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, was created by Him and for Him. This includes all powers and authorities, emphasizing that nothing exists outside of His creative power and purpose.

Our Father knows best because He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Understanding that Christ is before all things and that in Him all things hold together gives us profound comfort and assurance. When life feels chaotic or uncertain, we can find peace in knowing that Christ holds everything together. His wisdom, power, and love are beyond our comprehension, yet they are the foundation upon which all creation rests.

Meditation:
Reflect on the vastness of God's creation and His supreme authority over all things. Consider how this truth affects your perspective on the challenges and uncertainties in your life. How can acknowledging Christ's preeminence and sustaining power bring you peace and confidence?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for creating all things through and for Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to remember that You are sovereign over every aspect of my life and that in You, all things hold together. When I face difficulties or uncertainties, remind me of Your supreme power and sustaining grace. Fill my heart with peace and confidence, knowing that You are in control. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Step:
Today, take time to marvel at the beauty and complexity of God's creation around you. Whether it's a walk in nature, observing the night sky, or reflecting on the intricate design of a flower, let these moments remind you of God's creative power and sustaining presence. Share a word of encouragement with someone, reminding them of Christ’s supremacy and how He holds all things together.

Closing Thought:
Our Father knows best. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, holding everything together by His power and love. Trust in His supreme authority and find peace in His unchanging presence.

May this devotional help you rest in the knowledge of Christ's preeminence and His constant, sustaining power in your life.

Our Father Knows Best
Daily Devotional: 
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Psa 100:1 A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!  
Psa 100:2 Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!  
Psa 100:3 Know that the LORD, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.  
Psa 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!  
Psa 100:5 For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.*

Reflection:
Psalm 100 is a beautiful call to worship and a reminder of our relationship with God. It invites us to make a joyful noise, serve with gladness, and come into His presence with singing. This Psalm emphasizes thanksgiving, praise, and the recognition of God's goodness, steadfast love, and enduring faithfulness.

Our Father knows that a heart filled with gratitude and praise is a heart that remains close to Him. By making a joyful noise and serving with gladness, we acknowledge His sovereignty and celebrate our identity as His creation, His people, and the sheep of His pasture. Entering His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise helps us to focus on His goodness and love, fostering a deeper connection with Him.

Meditation:
Consider how you can incorporate more joy, thanksgiving, and praise into your daily life. Reflect on the ways God has shown His goodness, love, and faithfulness to you and your family. How can these reflections inspire a more joyful and thankful attitude in your worship and service to the Lord?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of thanksgiving and praise. Thank You for Your goodness, Your steadfast love, and Your faithfulness that endures forever. Help me to serve You with gladness and to come into Your presence with singing. May my life be a joyful noise unto You, and may my heart always be filled with gratitude for all You have done. Bless Your holy name, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Step:
Today, make a conscious effort to express your gratitude and joy to the Lord. Sing a song of praise, write down things you are thankful for, or share with someone how God has been good to you. Let your actions and words reflect a heart full of thanksgiving and praise.

Closing Thought:
Our Father knows best. He desires our joy, thanksgiving, and praise, which draw us closer to Him and remind us of His enduring love and faithfulness. Embrace this call to worship and

Our Father Knows Best
Daily Devotional: 
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
1Pe 4:7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.

Scripture furnished by Mark Daniluk

Reflection:
Peter’s exhortation in this verse reminds us of the urgency and importance of living a disciplined and clear-minded life. With the recognition that the end of all things is at hand, we are called to be self-controlled and sober-minded. This state of being is crucial for effective prayer, as it allows us to stay focused on God’s will and purpose.

Our Father knows best what we need to navigate these times with wisdom and clarity. Being self-controlled means managing our desires and actions in a way that honors God. Sober-mindedness involves having a clear and sound judgment, free from distractions and clouded thinking. These qualities help us stay spiritually alert and connected to God through prayer.

Meditation:
Reflect on areas in your life where you need to exercise more self-control and clear-mindedness. Consider how these virtues can enhance your prayer life and overall spiritual well-being. How can you cultivate a more disciplined and focused approach to your relationship with God?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder to be self-controlled and sober-minded, especially in these times. Help me to live a disciplined life that honors You and to stay clear-minded so that my prayers are effective. Grant me the wisdom and strength to focus on Your will and purpose for my life. Keep me alert and connected to You through prayer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Step:
Today, practice self-control in an area where you feel challenged. Whether it’s in your thoughts, actions, or habits, make a conscious effort to align your behavior with God’s will. Set aside dedicated time for prayer, free from distractions, and ask God to help you maintain a sober and focused mind.

Closing Thought:
Our Father knows best. By living a self-controlled and sober-minded life, we can enhance our connection with Him through prayer and be better prepared to fulfill His purpose. Trust in His wisdom and allow His guidance to lead you in every aspect of your life.


May this devotional encourage you to embrace self-control and clear-mindedness, drawing you closer to God and strengthening your prayer life.

Our Father Knows Best
Daily Devotional: 
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Psa 34:1 Of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, so that he drove him out, and he went away. I will bless the LORD at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Scripture furnished by Les Connell Jr

Reflection:
David’s declaration to bless the Lord at all times, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, is a powerful testimony of faith and trust in God. When David feigned madness before Abimelech to escape danger, he still found reason to praise the Lord. This verse reminds us that our Father knows best and is worthy of praise in every situation, whether in times of joy or in times of trial.

Praising God continually, as David did, shifts our focus from our problems to His greatness. It strengthens our faith and brings us into a closer relationship with Him. By keeping His praise on our lips, we acknowledge His sovereignty and trust in His perfect plan for our lives. This act of worship not only honors God but also transforms our perspective, filling us with hope and gratitude.

Meditation:
Consider the times when you have faced difficulties and how praising God has helped you navigate those moments. Reflect on God’s faithfulness and provision in your life. How can you incorporate continual praise into your daily routine, regardless of your circumstances?

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I choose to bless Your name at all times. Help me to keep Your praise continually in my mouth, no matter what I face. Thank You for Your faithfulness and for guiding me through every situation. Teach me to trust in Your wisdom and to find joy in Your presence. Fill my heart with gratitude and my lips with praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Step:
Today, make a conscious effort to praise God throughout your day. Set aside moments to thank Him for His blessings and to acknowledge His goodness. Whether through prayer, singing, or speaking words of praise, let your heart and mouth be filled with continual worship. Share a testimony of God’s faithfulness with someone to encourage them in their faith.

Closing Thought:
Our Father knows best. Praising Him continually helps us to stay connected to His heart and to trust in His perfect will. Let His praise be ever on your lips, bringing you strength and joy in every circumstance.

May this devotional inspire you to keep God's praise continually in your mouth, drawing you closer to His presence and filling you with His peace and joy.