The darker the night, the brighter the dawn
As the sun rises, to Him I am closer drawn
Each step I take, each move I make
With excitement, my heart
becomes awake
After the storm, the calmer the sea
Looking back, He was carrying me
Thank you, The Great I Am, for making me who I am
By MarkWaldrop
God has such great plans for you,
After all you’ve been walking through.
Through every tear, through every trial,
He’s held you close all the while.
The storm may rage, the night may fall,
Yet in His hands, He carries it all.
For every heartache, every pain,
He promises sunshine after the rain.
So trust in Him, for He knows best,
In His arms, you’ll find your rest.
What lies ahead is bright and true,
God has great plans, just for you.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 133:1-3
A Song of Ascents. Of David.
1. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
2. It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!
3. It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the LORD has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
Reflection:
Unity among God's people is both delightful and precious. Psalm 133 poetically captures the beauty and blessings of living in harmony with one another. David likens this unity to two powerful images: the anointing oil on Aaron's head and the dew of Hermon.
The anointing oil represents God's consecration and blessing. As it flows down Aaron's beard and robe, it signifies the all-encompassing nature of God's favor and the sanctity of unity. Similarly, the dew of Hermon, refreshing and life-giving, nourishes the land, symbolizing how unity brings life and blessings to God's people.
Our Father, in His infinite wisdom, knows the profound impact of unity. He commands His blessings where there is harmony, bestowing life forevermore. This teaches us that living in peace with others aligns us with God's will and opens the floodgates of His grace and favor.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of unity. Help us to dwell in harmony with one another, reflecting Your love and grace. May Your Spirit guide us to build bridges, forgive freely, and cherish the bond of peace You have given us. Thank You for the blessings that flow from living in unity. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day:
Consider how you can foster unity in your community today. Remember, our Father knows best and has promised His blessings when we dwell in harmony. Let us strive to live in peace and reflect His love to those around us.
The Election will come, the Election will go,
Promises made, but what will they show?
Will we be better off, or lost in the fray,
As leaders rise, then fade away?
Voices will shout, banners will wave,
But is it progress or just a charade?
Change on the horizon, or more of the same,
Who will we trust, and who’s to blame?
The Election will come, and soon it will pass,
Leaving us asking how long it will last.
Will hope be restored, or doubts still grow?
Will we be better off? Only time will know.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Words are a poor way to communicate with God, I must say,
Love with action seems to be the way to reach Him today.
Talk without action leaves me in the dark,
But prayer with motion lights the spark.
For faith without deeds is hollow and still,
But love in action moves within His will.
So let my words be few, but my heart be true,
And through my life, His grace shine through.
For in the steps I take, His love I’ll show,
In acts of kindness, His glory will grow.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture:
John 15:10 "If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love."
Reflection:
In our journey of faith, obedience to God is crucial. Jesus set the perfect example of obedience by keeping His Father's commands and remaining in His love. He demonstrated that obedience is not about following rules out of obligation, but about maintaining a close and loving relationship with God.
Our Heavenly Father, in His infinite wisdom, has given us commands not to restrict us, but to guide us toward a life of fulfillment and joy. When we obey His commands, we align ourselves with His will and purpose for our lives. This obedience keeps us within the circle of His love, where we find peace, protection, and blessings.
Just as children trust their parents to know what is best for them, we must trust that our Father in Heaven knows what is best for us. His commands are rooted in His deep love for us, and by keeping them, we demonstrate our love and trust in Him. Obedience to God's commands is a pathway to experiencing His love more deeply and fully in our lives.
Prayer:
Loving Father, thank You for Your commands, which guide us and keep us close to You. Help us to obey Your Word with willing hearts, trusting that You know what is best for us. May our obedience be a reflection of our love for You, just as Jesus demonstrated His love through His obedience. Keep us in Your love as we walk in Your ways. Amen.
Application:
Reflect on your daily actions and decisions. Are there areas where you struggle with obedience to God's commands? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand the importance of these commands and to give you the strength to follow them. Remember that obedience is a demonstration of your love for God and a way to remain in His love. Trust that your Heavenly Father knows what is best for you and commit to walking in His ways.
Surviving old age on a low wage,
A humble life upon life’s stage,
Counting coins with weathered hands,
Building dreams in shifting sands.
Each dollar stretched, each penny saved,
Memories rich, though times enslaved,
By rising costs and shrinking pay,
Yet still, you face another day.
The world grows fast, but you slow down,
Your wisdom far outshines the crown
Of wealth and gold some strive to wear
Your treasure’s found in love and care.
For though your pockets may be light,
Your spirit stands, unbowed in flight,
Surviving old age with grit and grace,
Living with pride in every space.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
A neighbor’s smile, a welcome sight,
In morning’s calm or evening’s light,
A friendly wave, a helping hand,
That shows we share the same small land.
Through every season’s turn and tide,
A neighbor stands there by your side,
With kindness in the simplest way,
Brightening both cloudy and clear day.
We share a fence, a street, a wall,
But hearts can reach beyond them all.
For neighbors, true, don’t need to roam,
They make the world feel like a home.
In laughter shared or burdens eased,
The bond between us never seized.
A neighbor’s gift, a priceless friend,
Whose care and warmth will never end.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture:
1 Corinthians 13:11 "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.
Reflection:
As children, our understanding of the world is limited. We see things simply, act on impulse, and trust our immediate desires. Our reasoning is based on what we know at that moment, which is often incomplete and immature.
However, as we grow and mature, we begin to see things differently. Our perspectives expand, our reasoning deepens, and we start to appreciate the complexities of life. This transformation mirrors our spiritual journey. Initially, our faith might be simple and undeveloped, but as we grow in our relationship with God, we gain a deeper understanding of His ways.
God, our Heavenly Father, knows what is best for us. His wisdom far exceeds our own. Just as a loving parent guides their child through growth and learning, God guides us through life, encouraging us to move beyond childish thinking and to embrace a mature, faith-filled perspective. He sees the bigger picture and understands the intricate details of our lives, working all things together for our good.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wisdom and guidance. Help us to trust in Your plan and to grow in our faith. Teach us to put away childish ways and to seek Your wisdom in all things. May we always remember that You know what is best for us, even when we cannot see the full picture. Amen.
Application:
Take a moment today to reflect on areas in your life where you might still be holding onto childish ways of thinking. Ask God for the wisdom to see these areas and the strength to grow beyond them. Trust that your Heavenly Father knows what is best for you and is guiding you towards a fuller, more mature faith.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture Reading:
Psalm 46:1-4 (NIV) - "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells."
Reflection:
Life often brings unexpected challenges and overwhelming situations that can shake us to our core. In these moments, it is comforting to remember that our Father knows best and is always present to help us. Psalm 46 beautifully captures this assurance.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. This promise is not conditional or limited. It means that no matter what we face, God is with us, offering His protection and power. When the very foundations of our world seem to crumble, we can remain steadfast, knowing that our God is unshakable.
The imagery of the earth giving way and the mountains falling into the sea paints a picture of utter chaos. Yet, even in such extreme turmoil, we are called to fear not. This confidence comes from knowing that God is in control and His plans for us are perfect, even when we cannot see the way forward.
Amidst the chaos, there is a river whose streams make glad the city of God. This river represents God's peace, provision, and presence. It flows through the holy place where God dwells, symbolizing the sustenance and joy that come from being in His presence. No matter the external circumstances, we can find peace and gladness in the spiritual sanctuary of our relationship with God.
Today, let us rest in the knowledge that our Father knows best. He is our refuge and strength, our ever-present help in times of trouble. Trust in His unwavering presence and allow His peace to flow through your life, bringing gladness and reassurance even in the midst of life's storms.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our refuge and strength. Help us to trust in Your presence and power, especially when we face difficulties and uncertainties. Remind us that You are in control and that Your plans are perfect. Fill our hearts with Your peace and gladness, and let us find comfort in Your everlasting love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day:
No matter how chaotic life becomes, our Father is our refuge and strength, offering peace and gladness to those who trust in Him.