I was left in the flood waters of Hurricane Milton, to fend for myself, The future looked bleak as the waters began to swell. Then, a Trooper with a heart I caught his eye, Rescuing me, now my spirit can fly.
I will never be the same, I know it’s true, With love and care, my life starts anew. I am so proud Trooper is now my name, A symbol of hope, a life reclaimed.
I was lucky, a tender heart set me free, But there are many cousins still waiting like me. At your local shelter, they long for the same, For a chance at life, a brand-new name.
“Go down to the potter’s house,” the Lord once said, To Jeremiah, in his spirit led. For some lessons in life, we must descend, Not in our heights, but where we bend.
Down to the place where the potter molds, Shaping murky clay with gentle holds. For in our lows, we are made to see, The work of the Potter in you and me.
The clay He chooses, though flawed and weak, Is pressed and pounded, soft and meek. For the Potter knows, with every strike, The cracks will form, but He makes them right.
Are you being pressed against the wall, Feeling broken, shattered, small? Fear not, the Potter’s hands are sure, He works with love, so we endure.
In our impurities, we often break, But the Potter never makes a mistake. With patient hands, He starts anew, Forming vessels strong and true.
We are not thrown away, despite our flaws, The Potter’s love obeys no laws. With mediocre clay, He forms with grace, Vessels to adorn His holy place.
Are you broken now? Rejoice and know, In His hands, your beauty will grow. Glazed and shining, you’ll stand one day, A perfect vessel, shaped His way.
It is what it is, they say with a sigh, No sense in asking the how or the why. Life takes its course, and time will unfold, Stories of joy, and moments untold.
It is what it is, as the days drift away, Some battles we fight, some prices we pay. But in the stillness, in the quiet night, We find our peace, and we hold on tight.
It is what it is, the ebb and the flow, The highs and the lows, the things we don’t know. Yet through it all, we find strength within, For every ending begins again.
It is what it is, and that’s how it goes, Through seasons of loss, and when love grows. We rise, we fall, and then we stand, With faith in heart and hope in hand.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Romans 5:18-19 - Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.
Reflection: In the grand tapestry of history, our Father has woven a story of redemption and hope. The disobedience of one man, Adam, brought sin and condemnation into the world. It might seem unfair that one man's failure could have such devastating consequences for all of humanity. But in His infinite wisdom, our Father had a plan that would not only address this injustice but also display His boundless grace and love.
Through the obedience of one man, Jesus Christ, our Father brought about the greatest act of righteousness. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross reversed the curse of sin and death, offering justification and life to all who believe. This profound truth reminds us that our Father's plans are always perfect, even when we don't fully understand them.
1. Understanding God's Wisdom: God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). What might seem like a hopeless situation to us is an opportunity for God to reveal His glory and bring about His perfect plan. Trusting in God's wisdom means believing that He knows what is best for us, even when we can't see the bigger picture.
2. The Power of Obedience: Just as Adam's disobedience brought sin into the world, Jesus' obedience brought salvation. Our own obedience to God, though seemingly small in comparison, can have a significant impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. By following God's commands and living according to His will, we participate in His redemptive work in the world.
3. Grace and Redemption: The story of Adam and Jesus highlights the incredible grace of our Father. Despite our failures and sins, God offers us redemption through Jesus Christ. This grace is not something we can earn; it is a gift freely given out of God's great love for us. Embracing this grace transforms our lives and fills us with gratitude and hope.
Application: Today, let's reflect on the wisdom of our Father who knows best. In moments of doubt and struggle, remember that God's plans are perfect and His love for us is unending. Trust in His wisdom, obey His commands, and embrace the grace He offers through Jesus Christ. Let this truth guide your actions and fill your heart with peace and confidence.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect wisdom and unfailing love. Help us to trust in Your plans and to obey Your commands, knowing that You always know what is best for us. Thank You for the grace and redemption we have through Jesus Christ. May our lives reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day: Our Father’s wisdom and love are perfect. Trust in His plans, walk in obedience, and embrace His grace, knowing that He always knows what’s best for us.
The process is vast, with the world in debate, But God’s saving grace does not hinge on the state. Parties seek power, they care for your vote, Yet Christ’s love and mercy, they barely take note.
The pursuit of control can cloud what is right, For the Christian’s calling is love in the fight. Do not trade the Sermon for influence or gain, For in that exchange, there’s little but pain.
If politics tempts you to judge or to hate, Turn down the volume before it’s too late. Bring salt, bring light, in this heated divide, With grace, let the love of your Savior abide.
For splitting the Body over policies grim, Is a wound far greater than any party win. Vote with conviction, your conscience, and might, But remember, it’s love that defines what is right.
More precious than victories, more lasting than fame, Is a soul filled with love, glorifying His Name.
Through the prism of faith, pure and bright, God’s Light shines forth, a beacon of might. Three sides reflect in perfect form, The Father, the Son, the Spirit reborn.
God the Father, eternal and wise, His love pours down from heavenly skies. Creator of all, His hands did mold, A world of wonders, both new and old.
God the Son, the Savior, so pure, In His sacrifice, our hope is sure. Through the cross, His mercy flows, His love a light that forever glows.
God the Spirit, gentle and true, Guiding us daily in all that we do. His presence within, a whisper so near, A flame of comfort, dispelling all fear.
As light passes through, the colors break free, A spectrum of grace for all to see. Through this prism, God’s glory is shown, Reflecting His love, making it known.
In the Father, the Son, the Spirit’s embrace, We reflect His light, His boundless grace. Through us, His truth and love take flight, Shining forever in radiant light.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:13 - "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love."
Reflection: In our journey through life, we often encounter moments of uncertainty and confusion. We question the path ahead, wonder about our choices, and sometimes struggle to understand the reasons behind our experiences. During these times, it is comforting to remember that our Heavenly Father knows best.
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, emphasizes the enduring nature of three virtues: faith, hope, and love. These are not merely abstract concepts but foundational elements of a life lived in harmony with God's will.
1. Faith: Trusting in God's wisdom, even when we don't understand His plans, is the essence of faith. Our Father sees the bigger picture, orchestrating our lives with a purpose and a plan far beyond our comprehension.
2. Hope: Hope anchors our soul in times of trial. It reminds us that God's promises are true and His plans are for our good. No matter the circumstances, hope assures us that our Father is working everything together for a greater good.
3. Love: Love is the greatest of these virtues because it reflects the very nature of God. His love for us is perfect, unconditional, and everlasting. When we embrace His love, we are empowered to love others, living out the greatest commandment to love God and our neighbors as ourselves.
Application: Today, let's reflect on the truth that our Father knows best. In moments of doubt or fear, let our faith in His wisdom guide us. When we feel overwhelmed, let hope in His promises uplift us. And above all, let His love be our compass, directing us to live in a way that honors Him and blesses those around us.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unfailing love and wisdom. Help us to trust in Your plans with unwavering faith, to find strength in the hope You provide, and to reflect Your love in all that we do. Remind us daily that You know best and that Your ways are higher than ours. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day: Our Father’s wisdom surpasses our understanding. Trust in His love, hope in His promises, and walk in faith, knowing He always knows what’s best for us.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:20
But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.
Reflection: In this verse, John reminds us of the profound truth that as believers, we have been anointed by the Holy One and possess knowledge given by God. This anointing refers to the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit in our lives, equipping us with the wisdom and understanding we need to navigate life’s challenges.
Our Father knows best and has graciously provided us with the Holy Spirit to lead us into all truth. This divine anointing means we are not left to our own devices but have access to God’s wisdom and insight. The knowledge we receive from the Holy Spirit helps us discern truth from falsehood and guides us in making decisions that align with God’s will.
As we go through our day, let us be mindful of the Holy Spirit’s presence and seek His guidance in all things. Trusting in God’s wisdom and acknowledging the anointing we have received empowers us to live confidently and faithfully, knowing that our Father is directing our steps.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for anointing us with the Holy Spirit and granting us Your divine knowledge. Help us to be aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives and to seek His guidance in all we do. May we trust in Your wisdom and follow Your lead, confident that You know what is best for us. Thank You for Your constant guidance and love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day: Remember that you have been anointed by the Holy One and have access to divine knowledge. Trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance and seek His wisdom in all aspects of your life. Our Father knows best, and through His Spirit, He provides the insight and direction we need to walk faithfully in His will.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:12-14
Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.**
Reflection: In these powerful verses from Colossians, Paul reminds us of the incredible blessings we have received from our Heavenly Father. God, in His infinite wisdom and love, has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. This inheritance is not something we could earn on our own; it is a gift from our Father, who knows best and desires the best for us.
Our Father has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. This act of deliverance signifies a complete transformation in our lives. Through Jesus, we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins, which allows us to live in the light of God's love and grace.
As we reflect on these truths, we are reminded to give thanks to the Father for His incredible mercy and grace. His plan for our lives, rooted in His wisdom and love, brings us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. Trusting in His guidance and provision, we can live confidently and joyfully, knowing that our Father knows best.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for qualifying us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Thank You for delivering us from the domain of darkness and transferring us to the kingdom of Your beloved Son. We are grateful for the redemption and forgiveness of sins that we have in Jesus. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and guidance, living each day in the light of Your love and grace. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Thought for the Day: Reflect on the incredible blessings you have received from our Heavenly Father. Remember, our Father knows best and has delivered you from darkness into His glorious light. Give thanks for His wisdom, love, and the redemption you have in Jesus Christ, and let these truths guide you in your daily walk with Him.
