September 3

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Philippians 1:6 (ESV)
And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.

Reflection:
In our daily walk with God, it's easy to become impatient or disheartened when we don't see immediate results from our efforts or when life's challenges seem overwhelming. Yet, this verse in Philippians reminds us that God is at work within us, shaping and molding us according to His perfect plan. He is not just a distant observer but an active participant in our lives, ensuring that the good work He started in us will reach its fulfillment.

God's timing and methods might not always align with our own expectations, but His wisdom far surpasses ours. Trusting in His process requires faith and patience. When we remember that our Father knows best, we can find peace in the journey, knowing that He is guiding us towards His ultimate purpose for our lives.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the assurance that You are at work in my life. Help me to trust in Your timing and Your ways, even when I don't understand. Give me patience and faith to know that the good work You have begun in me will be brought to completion. May I rest in the knowledge that You are guiding my steps and that Your plans for me are perfect. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application:
Reflect on a time when you saw God's hand at work in your life, even if it wasn't immediately clear.
Spend a few moments in prayer, surrendering any areas of impatience or frustration to God.
Write down one way you can actively trust God's process today, whether it's through prayer, reading His Word, or an act of obedience.

Thought for the Day:
Trusting God's process means believing that He knows best and that His timing is perfect. Let go of your anxieties and rest in His promises, for He is faithful to complete the work He has begun in you.

Plan of The Day

In happy hours, praise Him high,  
Let joy-filled songs reach the sky.
For every blessing, every grace,
Lift your voice, seek His face.

In difficult hours, seek His light,
When shadows fall, and day turns night.
In every trial, in every test,
Find your solace in His rest.

In quiet hours, work for Him,
In silent moments, keep your vim.
With gentle hands and steady heart,
Do His work, play your part.

In painful hours, trust His plan,
When the road is rough, yet take your stand.
For every tear, He holds you near,
In His love, dispel all fear.

In every moment, thank Him true,
For all the good He's given you.
In each breath, and every prayer,
Know He's with you, always there.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

September 2

Daily Devotional: "Our Father Knows Best"
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Jonah 3:1-2 (ESV)
"Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time, saying, 'Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it the message that I tell you.'"

Reflection:
The story of Jonah is a powerful reminder of God’s patience and persistence. Despite Jonah's initial disobedience, God graciously gives him a second chance to fulfill his mission. This passage highlights two key aspects of our relationship with God: His relentless pursuit of His purposes and His willingness to give us second chances.

Our Father knows best, even when His instructions seem daunting or uncomfortable. Jonah's reluctance to go to Nineveh was met with God's unwavering command, showing that God’s plans are ultimately for the greater good. When we follow God's directives, even if they challenge us, we align ourselves with His perfect will, which is always for the best.

Meditation:
Consider the areas in your life where you might be resisting God's guidance. Reflect on how God’s persistence and second chances have played a role in your spiritual journey. Think about the times when following God's direction has led to unexpected blessings and growth.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your patience and persistence with me. Help me to recognize and follow Your guidance, even when it is challenging. Thank You for the second chances You provide and for always knowing what is best for me. Give me the courage to arise and go where You send me, trusting in Your perfect plan. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application:
Embrace Second Chances: Reflect on any areas where you may have resisted God’s guidance. Seek His forgiveness and be open to the second chances He offers.

Step Out in Faith: If God is calling you to do something that seems daunting, trust in His wisdom and take that step of faith. Remember that His plans are for your good and His glory.

Share Your Journey: Encourage others by sharing your experiences of God’s second chances and guidance. Your testimony can inspire and uplift those who might be struggling with obedience or fear.

May this devotional remind you that our Father knows best and that His plans for you are filled with purpose and hope. Trust in His guidance and embrace the second chances He offers.

September 1

Daily Devotional: "Our Father Knows Best"
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Psalm 27:8 (ESV)
"You have said, 'Seek my face.' My heart says to you, 'Your face, LORD, do I seek.

Reflection:
In Psalm 27:8, we hear a divine invitation and a heartfelt response. God invites us to seek His face, which signifies seeking His presence, guidance, and intimate relationship. The psalmist responds with a deep, sincere desire to pursue God wholeheartedly.

Our Father knows best, and He calls us to seek Him because He knows that in His presence, we find peace, direction, and fulfillment. When we prioritize seeking God's face above all else, we align our hearts with His will and purpose for our lives. This pursuit not only honors God but also brings us the greatest joy and contentment.

Meditation:
Think about what it means to seek God's face in your daily life. How can you prioritize His presence and guidance above all else? Reflect on the ways God has shown Himself faithful when you have sought Him. Let this verse remind you of the importance of continually seeking a deeper relationship with your Heavenly Father.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for inviting me to seek Your face. Help me to prioritize Your presence and guidance in my life. I desire to know You more deeply and to walk closely with You. Reveal any distractions or obstacles that prevent me from seeking You wholeheartedly. May my heart always respond to Your invitation with a sincere, "Your face, LORD, do I seek." In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application:
Set Aside Time: Dedicate specific time each day to seek God’s presence through prayer, reading His Word, and worship. Make this time a non-negotiable part of your daily routine.

Practice Mindfulness: Throughout your day, practice being mindful of God’s presence. Pause, pray, and acknowledge Him in every situation, big or small.
Journal Your Journey: Keep a journal of your spiritual journey. Write down how God speaks to you, answers prayers, and guides you as you seek His face. Reflect on these entries regularly to see His faithfulness.

May this devotional inspire you to seek God's face daily, trusting that our Father knows best and desires a close, personal relationship with you.

Don’t Judge, Love

When I see my neighbor, I sometimes compare,  
Judging his actions, though it’s not my affair.
But deep in my heart, I know what’s true,
I should not judge, but love like You.

Help me to be more like Jesus above,
Who came not to condemn, but to offer love.
He walked among sinners, yet did not scorn,
For His Father, God, is Love, from whom grace is born.

Let me see with eyes that care,
And a heart that’s willing to share,
For in loving others, I find my way,
To live like Jesus, day by day.

So when I see my neighbor, let judgment cease,
And may love and kindness increase.
For God is Love, this truth I know,
And in His love, my soul will grow.

August 31, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

A Woodpecker’s Tale

Screenshot
In the quiet woods where shadows fall,  
A woodpecker's tale begins to call,
To the task at hand with patient care,
Finding a tree that stands tall and fair.

The deadwood trunk, a hollowed prize,
Beneath the gaze of autumn skies,
Becomes the canvas, rough and true,
For a winter's feast in every hue.

With careful beak and measured pace,
The woodpecker starts to carve its place,
Each hole a cradle, snug and tight,
Neither too large nor small in height.

Too wide, the thieves would have their way,
Too small, the bounty would decay,
So, in between, with master’s hand,
The woodpecker crafts a storage grand.

Summer's end, the work complete,
The ripened acorns, smooth and sweet,
Are tucked within the wooden walls,
In secret chambers, nature’s halls.

Fifty thousand, a mighty store,
The woodpecker's winter—famine no more.
And as the cold winds start to sing,
The bird will rest, content with spring.

A testament to patience, skill,
And nature’s will in seasons still,
The woodpecker's legacy, so fine,
Is etched in bark, a steadfast sign.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Don’t Judge, Love

When I see my neighbor, I sometimes compare,  
Judging his actions, though it’s not my affair.
But deep in my heart, I know what’s true,
I should not judge, but love like You.

Help me to be more like Jesus above,
Who came not to condemn, but to offer love.
He walked among sinners, yet did not scorn,
For His Father, God, is Love, from whom grace is born.

Let me see with eyes that care,
And a heart that’s willing to share,
For in loving others, I find my way,
To live like Jesus, day by day.

So when I see my neighbor, let judgment cease,
And may love and kindness increase.
For God is Love, this truth I know,
And in His love, my soul will grow.

August 31, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

August 31

Daily Devotional: "Our Father Knows Best"
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Song of Solomon 2:15 (ESV)
"Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom."

Reflection:
The Song of Solomon speaks of love and relationships using the metaphor of a vineyard in bloom. This verse highlights the importance of protecting what is precious from the "little foxes" that can cause harm. In our spiritual lives, these "little foxes" can be anything that threatens our relationship with God—small sins, distractions, or negative attitudes that seem insignificant but can cause significant damage over time.

Our Father, in His infinite wisdom, knows best how to guard our hearts and our spiritual vineyards. He sees the potential threats, even the smallest ones, and guides us to address them before they cause harm. By trusting in His knowledge and following His guidance, we can protect the beautiful relationship we have with Him.

Meditation:
Consider the "little foxes" in your own life. What small habits, thoughts, or distractions are creeping into your spiritual vineyard? Reflect on how these might be affecting your relationship with God and your spiritual growth. Remember that our Father knows best and wants to help you identify and catch these foxes before they spoil what is blossoming in your life.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wisdom and guidance in my life. Help me to identify the little foxes that threaten to spoil my spiritual vineyard. Give me the strength and discernment to address these issues, no matter how small they may seem. I trust in Your knowledge and Your desire for my growth and flourishing. May Your Holy Spirit guide me in protecting and nurturing my relationship with You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application:
Examine Your Heart: Take time to pray and ask God to reveal any "little foxes" in your life. Be open to His guidance and be willing to address these areas.

Make Small Changes: Sometimes, small adjustments can make a big difference. Consider what small changes you can make in your daily routine to guard your spiritual vineyard.

Seek Accountability: Share your journey with a trusted friend or spiritual mentor. Accountability can help you stay vigilant against the small things that threaten your spiritual growth.

May this devotional encourage you to trust in our Father’s wisdom and to actively guard the beautiful vineyard of your relationship with Him. Our Father knows best, and He is always ready to help us protect what He has given us.

Jesus Meets Us Where We Are

Jesus meets us where we are,  
Whether very near or very far.
Whether I’ve been good, doing the best I can,
Or a devout sinner, wandering the land.

It’s not what we’ve done in days gone by,
Or the tears we've shed when we questioned why.
Jesus said, “It’s what you do from now that will last,
For in Me, your future is not bound by the past.”

He opens His arms, no matter our state,
With love so pure, it’s never too late.
Whether we stand in the light or in the dark,
His grace ignites a brand-new spark.

So, I’ll trust in His word, and walk His way,
Knowing He’ll guide me every day.
For Jesus meets us where we are,
And with Him, no distance is ever too far.

August 30, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Everybody gets Old

Everybody gets old, or that's what I'm told,  
With more miles behind me than ahead to behold.
I should look ahead, for the journey's not done,
And prepare my heart for the rising of the sun.

I pray that my steps will find the right way,
Guided by faith as I walk through each day.
May wisdom be with me, as time takes its toll,
For everybody gets old, but peace fills the soul.

The road may be winding, the nights may grow cold,
But I trust in the promise that love never folds.
So, I'll keep pressing on, with hope as my guide,
For the future is bright, with the Lord by my side.

And when the day comes that my journey must cease,
I pray that I find a sweet, eternal peace.
Everybody gets old, that's what I've been told,
But with grace, I'll embrace it, and let the story unfold.

August 30, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop