The Essence of Love

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Chief Dan George
In a world torn by strife and fear,  
Where brother wars with brother, dear,  
And Nature bears the wrath of man,  
A plea for love, to heal and span.  

How can one hate yet claim to love?  
When skies darken and storms move above,  
Each act of malice, a wound so deep,  
On this earth where we sow, we reap.  

Love is the breath, the vital air,  
The essence that all souls must share.  
For without it, our spirits starve,  
Diminished in the dark we carve.  

Our self-esteem, once bold and bright,  
Without love’s touch, loses its light.  
Our courage fades, we falter, fall,  
In shadows that our fears install.  

No longer can we gaze with hope,  
But inward turn, with ourselves cope.  
Feeding on our lonely cries,  
In this self-made void, our spirit dies.  

So let us love, not just some, but all,  
From the mighty right to the meekly small.  
For love alone can break these chains,  
Restore our souls, and heal our pains.

Crested by
MarkWaldrop

"It is hard for me to understand a culture that not only hates and fights his brothers but even attacks Nature and abuses her. Man must love all creation or he will love none of it. Love is something you and I must have. We must have it because our spirit feeds upon it. Without love our self esteem weakens. Without it our courage fails.
Without love we can no longer look out confidently at the world. Instead we turn inwardly and begin to feed upon our own personalities and little by little we destroy ourselves."
- Chief Dan George -

Be Like Jesus

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Live like Jesus, pure and kind,  
With His heart and His mind.  
Walk the path He showed with grace,  
Reflect His love in every space.  

Love like Jesus, deeply true,  
In all you say and all you do.  
Reach out to others, hand in hand,  
A light of hope across the land.  

Lead others to Jesus, share His way,  
Through gentle words and how you pray.  
Let your life be a shining guide,  
That brings lost souls to His side.  

Live, love, and lead as He commands,  
Trusting fully in His plans.  
For in His footsteps, peace you'll find,  
And draw more hearts to the divine.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

September 13

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Romans 8:11 (ESV)  
"If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."

Reflection:

Romans 8:11 is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of the Holy Spirit within us. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in every believer, bringing new life and vitality to our mortal bodies. This assurance is a testament to God's immense love and wisdom, ensuring that we are equipped with divine strength to face life's challenges.

Our Father knows that we often feel weak and inadequate in our human frailty. By placing His Spirit within us, He empowers us to overcome these limitations. The Holy Spirit rejuvenates us, not only spiritually but also physically, giving us the endurance and vitality to fulfill God's purposes in our lives.

This promise of life through the Spirit is not just for the future resurrection but impacts our daily lives. It is an invitation to live in the power of the Spirit today, experiencing His life-giving presence in every aspect of our existence. We are called to trust in God's provision, knowing that He has equipped us with everything we need through His Spirit.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit who dwells within me. Help me to live each day in the power and vitality that Your Spirit provides. Strengthen my body, mind, and spirit to fulfill Your purposes. Remind me of Your promise that the same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is at work in me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Action Step:

Today, take a moment to consciously invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with His life-giving power. Reflect on areas of your life where you need His strength and vitality, and trust that He will rejuvenate you as you rely on Him.

Closing Thought:

Our Father, in His wisdom and love, has given us His Spirit to dwell within us, bringing life and strength to our mortal bodies. Embrace this divine power and let the Holy Spirit guide and empower you in all that you do.

Equal Time

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Too many speak of politics and pride,  
With passion for votes, they do not hide.  
Yet in the silence, where souls are lost,  
They've forgotten the cross and what it cost.  

They debate with fervor, their voices loud,  
But of Jesus' name, they're timid not proud. 
Where is the zeal to share the light,  
To bring the wandering to His sight?

For votes will fade and kingdoms fall,  
But His Word remains, the call for all.  
So let us turn from worldly ways,  
And lift up Jesus in all our days. 

The harvest is plenty, the workers are few,  
Will you speak of Him, or just argue what's due?  
It's time to share the greatest gift,  
And let the name of Jesus lift.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

My Vote

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If the person I vote for doesn’t win,  
I believe in tomorrow, where hope begins.  
For in the ebb and flow of days,  
There's always light in future ways.  

A single loss is not the end,  
For time will heal, and hearts will mend.  
New voices rise, new dreams take flight,  
And through the dark, we find the light.  

Though outcomes may not go my way,  
I trust in what the dawn will say.  
For every season has its turn,  
And through it all, we live and learn.  

So if today my choice may fall,  
I believe tomorrow will still call.  
In faith, I plant tomorrow’s seed,  
For hope remains in every deed.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

September 12

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: John 14:16-17 (ESV)  
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."

Reflection:

In John 14:16-17, Jesus promises His disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit, the Helper who will be with them forever. This promise extends to all believers, reassuring us that we are never alone. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, dwells within us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to live according to God’s will.

Our Father, in His infinite wisdom, knows that we need help navigating the complexities of life. He understands our weaknesses and provides the Holy Spirit to support us. Unlike the world, which cannot recognize the Spirit, we are blessed with His presence, offering us divine insight and strength.

The Holy Spirit's indwelling presence is a constant reminder of God's love and care. He teaches us, reminds us of Jesus' words, and helps us discern truth from falsehood. With the Spirit as our guide, we can confidently face challenges, knowing that God’s wisdom and power are at work within us.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help me to recognize and embrace the Spirit's presence in my life. Guide me in truth, comfort me in times of need, and empower me to live according to Your will. May I always seek Your wisdom and trust that You know what is best for me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Action Step:

Take a moment today to quiet your heart and listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Reflect on how the Spirit has helped you in the past and seek His direction for any current challenges or decisions you face.

Closing Thought:

Our Father knows best and provides us with the Holy Spirit to ensure we are never alone. Embrace His presence, trust His guidance, and let the Spirit lead you on the path of truth and life.

A Day to Remember

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Let us honor those we lost,  
On that fateful September day,  
By renewing our faith in each other,  
And finding hope along the way.

We commit to a unity strong,  
Where love outshines the darkest night,  
Where hearts are bound in courage,  
And we rise together in the fight.

We never forget the fallen,  
Their memories etched in stone,  
Their sacrifice forever with us,  
Their legacy our own.

We are never afraid to stand,  
Though the storm may rage and roar,  
For in the face of every trial,  
We find strength to endure once more.

We endure through tears and sorrow,  
Through the ashes of our pain,  
For we are a people resilient,  
Who rise and rise again.

We overcome what seeks to break,  
With hands held firm and true,  
For we are the United States,  
And there is nothing we can’t do.

So let us remember and renew,  
With faith, with love, with grace,  
For we are one, unshaken,  
A mighty and enduring place.

September 11, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

September 11

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Matthew 7:14 (NIV)  
"But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Reflection:

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves at crossroads, facing decisions that test our commitment to God's path. Matthew 7:14 reminds us that the way to true life is not the broad, easy road but the small gate and narrow path. This road may be less traveled, demanding more of us in terms of faith, obedience, and perseverance.

The narrow path can feel daunting and lonely at times. It requires us to turn away from worldly temptations and embrace a lifestyle that reflects God's principles. This might mean making sacrifices or enduring hardships that others might not understand. But we can take comfort in knowing that our Father knows best.

God, in His infinite wisdom, has designed this path for our ultimate good. He understands the trials we face and walks with us every step of the way. His guidance ensures that we stay on track, even when the road is rough and the journey seems long. Trusting in His plan, we can find strength and courage to continue, knowing that the destination is worth every struggle.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to trust in Your wisdom and follow the narrow path that leads to life. When I face challenges, remind me that You are with me, guiding me with Your loving hand. Give me the strength to stay faithful, knowing that Your way is the best way. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Action Step:

Today, reflect on areas in your life where you might be tempted to take the easier, broader path. Ask God for the strength to choose His way, even when it's difficult. Seek His guidance in your decisions and trust that He knows what is best for you.

Closing Thought:

Choosing the narrow road is not about perfection but about faithfulness. Our Father, who knows us intimately, also knows the best path for our lives. Embrace His direction, and you will find the true life that He promises

Old Barns

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Old barns have a history all their own,  
Where hay once piled and tobacco was grown.  
Cows, horses, sheep, and goats alike,  
Made it home through day and night.  

On barn-raising day, it gleamed so bright,  
A sturdy frame in morning light.  
But years of storms, of wind and rain,  
Have left their mark, a lasting stain.  

Now the beams are worn, the paint has peeled,  
The echoes of life no longer revealed.  
But in my heart, those days remain,  
Bringing a tear, a sweet, soft pain.  

For though the barn now stands in rust,  
Its memory holds a sacred trust.  
A symbol of toil, of life once shared,  
Where love and labor stood prepared.  

Old barns may fade, but never die,  
For in our hearts, they still stand high.  
A testament to days gone by,  
Bringing a tear to my grateful eye.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Our Flag

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Our flag is a symbol, pure and bright,  
Of patriotism, honor, and courage's light.  
We remember the fallen, their sacrifice dear,  
Giving their lives so freedom stays clear.  

To forget the past, we'd surely stray,  
In guiding the future, we find our way.  
So let us hold our banner high,  
For God and country, we'll never deny.

September 10, 2024
MarkWaldrop