One Race

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There is no race beneath the skin,
No shade of soul, no place within.
All of humanity’s blood runs red,
Each life by breath and mercy fed.

Jesus’ Blood ran crimson bright
Upon the Cross in Heaven’s light—
A sacrifice for all who’d dare
To kneel in faith, to rise in prayer.

Not one was named above the rest,
No skin more cursed, no hue more blessed.
He died for hearts, not colors worn—
For souls reborn, not fleshly scorn.

So let us stand, not split, but one—
United by what Christ has done.
No race remains, no greater grace
Than love that flows from one embrace. 

For His Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

April 8

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty. 
Revelation 1:8

Reflection:
There’s a beautiful assurance in knowing that God is both the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega. He was there at the dawn of creation, He is present with us now, and He will reign forever. This means that nothing in our lives is outside of His sight, and no event, whether joyous or painful, is outside of His control.

Often, we try to understand the complexities of our lives, making decisions based on limited understanding and temporary circumstances. But our Father, who transcends time, knows the entire story. He knows what is best for us—not just in this moment but for eternity. When we feel uncertain or overwhelmed by the unknown, we can rest in the truth that He is Almighty and holds the complete picture of our lives.

God's eternal nature reminds us to trust Him fully. He is not bound by the things that limit us—time, space, or circumstance. As the One who "is, and was, and is to come," He sees the paths we cannot, and His wisdom surpasses our understanding. When we don’t know what the future holds, we can trust that our Father knows best.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Help me to trust Your wisdom and Your plan for my life, knowing that You see what I cannot. When I feel lost or uncertain, remind me that You hold the past, present, and future in Your hands. I find peace in Your eternal love and sovereignty. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thought for the Day:
God knows your past, He is with you in the present, and He has already prepared your future. Trust in His perfect timing and plan.

He Just Knew

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He didn’t grasp the words they said,
No charts or scans ran through his head.
But something shifted in the air—
A silence thick, a weight, a prayer.

The morning walks no longer came,
The voice he loved was not the same.
No laughter danced across the floor,
No hand reached down like times before.

So he stayed.
Closer than breath, quiet as light,
Through the trembling hours, through the night.
His eyes held questions he never voiced,
But his heart made an unwavering choice.

And then one day, the room was bare,
His person gone—just empty air.
But he believed, he still held fast,
Love doesn’t flinch, it only lasts.

They let him in.
A mercy, small. A door ajar.
He found the scent, he knew by star
And climbed into that sterile space
As if it were a sacred place.

No bark, no cry, no restless stir,
Just heartbeat next to heartbeat’s blur.
And suddenly, the machines grew still,
As love did what no drug or skill
Could hope to do. The doctors knew—
This dog had work that he must do.

He didn’t seek a single treat.
No ball, no leash, no praise, no seat.
He needed only one command:
To stay.
To press against a hand.

For sometimes love is not a sound.
It’s not a leap, it’s not a bound.
It’s presence, steady as a drum—
A quiet vow: I will not run.

He stayed.
Until the end, until the light
Grew soft and dim and slipped to night.
And even then, he wouldn’t roam—
For where his human lay… was home.

For His Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

The Happiness of Your Life

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The happiness of your life, it’s true,
Does not depend on what you do—
Nor riches gained or mountains climbed,
But on the thoughts that shape your mind.

A gentle soul with little gold
May live more joy than kings of old,
For peace is born where wisdom grows,
And calm within the spirit flows.

Arrange your thoughts like rays of sun,
With gratitude when day is done.
Let kindness be the voice you hear,
And hope the compass drawing near.

Each thought’s a seed, and if well sown,
It blooms with joy you call your own.
So guard your mind, let goodness stay—
And happiness will light your way.

For His Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

Php 4:8  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Once is Enough

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“You see, boy,” the old man said with a sigh,
A faraway glimmer still deep in his eye,
“Once in a man’s life, if he’s lucky, he’ll find
A love that stays etched in the heart and the mind.

Not the kind folks write in a song or a book,
But the kind that you feel with one single look—
The kind that don’t speak, but somehow still knows,
That walks by your side wherever life goes.

I found it once, long before you were born,
In a shaggy ol’ mutt I rescued one storm.
She weren’t much to see, not fancy or grand,
But Lord, she was loyal and sweet as the land.

She’d wait at the door, rain or shine, night or day,
And follow me close every step of the way.
Knew what I felt ’fore I’d utter a word—
A love like that, boy, it’s felt more than heard.

Now some men get two shots, but most get just one,
And when that love leaves, well, the shine leaves the sun.
But once is enough, if you hold it just right—
Don’t blink, don’t waste it, don’t lose it to night.

So listen real close and remember this true:
When love lays its hands on the soul inside you,
Don’t ever take it for granted, not once—
That kind of love don’t come back more than once.”

For His Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

Coffee

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(Christ Offers Forgiveness For Everyone Everywhere)

A morning cup, so warm and deep,
Awakes the soul from gentle sleep.
But greater still than beans we brew,
Is grace that flows from One so true.

Christ offers more than daily cheer,
Over sin, He draws us near.
Forgiveness poured without delay,
For hearts that turn and humbly pray.

Everyone—yes, all who fall,
Everywhere—He calls them all.
No need to earn, no price to pay,
Just drink of Him and start your day.

So sip your cup and raise your eyes,
To Christ, who heard our hopeless cries.
For in each breath, each dawn we share,
His love is strong. His grace is there.

For His Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

No Victory Without a Battle

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There can be no crown without the fight,
No dawn without the darkest night.
The path to triumph, bold and true,
Is lined with trials you must walk through.

No mountain moved by silent plea,
No Red Sea parts without the sea.
The strength you seek, the faith you gain,
Is forged through fire, through storm and strain.

For victory is not just given,
It’s in the wrestling, bruised but driven.
In weary steps and tear-stained eyes,
Where prayers rise up and hopes arise.

So when the battle makes you bend,
Remember this is not the end.
Each scar you bear, each cry you make,
Is proof of ground you dared to take.

God never wastes the war you face
He turns your struggle into grace.
And when you stand where fear once reigned,
You’ll know what every storm contained:

No triumph comes on peaceful breeze—
It’s born through wars fought on your knees.
There is no victory, proud and bright,
Without a battle… without a fight.

For His Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

Jas 1:12  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

April 7

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Romans 5:3-4
"And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope."

Reflection:
Life is filled with challenges that can test our faith and patience. Sometimes, we question why we face certain trials or why things don't go the way we expect. Yet, Romans 5:3-4 reminds us that our Heavenly Father knows best. Each hardship has a purpose, even if we can't see it right away. Tribulation teaches us patience, and through patience, we gain experience. This experience, in turn, strengthens our hope, a hope that is rooted in God’s perfect plan for our lives.

It’s in the struggle that we grow. Just as a muscle strengthens through resistance, our faith deepens as we endure life’s pressures. We may not understand every difficulty, but we can trust that God is using it to shape our character, build resilience, and draw us closer to Him. Each step prepares us for the next, and each trial is a stepping stone toward the hope that never disappoints.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wisdom and for the trials that shape us into who You want us to be. Help us to remember that every hardship has a purpose and that You are working through them for our good. Strengthen our patience, deepen our experience, and renew our hope in You daily. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Trust in the process, for your Father knows what is best for you—even when the path seems hard.

April 6

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Psalm 119:105* - "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Reflection:
Life often feels like a journey full of unknowns—decisions to make, paths to choose, and directions to follow. In moments of uncertainty, it’s easy to feel lost or unsure of where to turn. But God, in His infinite wisdom, has given us a guide: His Word. The Bible is described as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, illuminating the way forward when we can’t see what lies ahead.

God’s Word doesn’t just offer guidance in the big decisions but also in the small, everyday choices that shape our lives. It is through His Word that we learn His will, understand His heart, and receive the wisdom we need for every step we take. While we may not always see the entire path clearly, we can trust that God reveals enough light for the next step. His guidance is always timely, always sufficient, and always right.

Our Father knows best. He sees the whole journey and provides just what we need at the right moment. When we rely on His Word, we walk with confidence, knowing that He is leading us according to His perfect plan.

Application:
Today, seek God’s guidance by turning to His Word. Whether you’re facing a tough decision or just navigating the day-to-day, trust that the light of His Word will show you the next step. Take time to meditate on Scripture, asking the Holy Spirit to illuminate the path before you and to help you follow in obedience.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Word as a guide. Help us to trust in the light You provide, even when we can’t see the whole path ahead. Give us the courage to take each step in faith, knowing that You see the entire journey. Lead us by Your wisdom, and let us walk confidently in the direction You’ve set before us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

From Wanting More to Needing Less

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I wanted almost everything
My restless eyes could see.
If I had the cash, I’d buy it all—
Each thing felt like the key.

To quench the ache, to calm the fire,
To somehow make me whole,
But each new prize just wore away
And left a deeper hole.

Always wanting more, I chased
Each dream that danced ahead.
Thinking joy came gift-wrapped,
While peace stayed home instead.

Each night I’d dream of having that,
Believing I’d be free.
But every dawn would prove me wrong—
Still chained to want and “me.”

Then one day on a quiet path,
A man came into view.
He looked so calm, so satisfied,
With much less than I knew.

I asked him, “What sets you apart?
How do you walk so light?”
He smiled and said, “I know a friend—
He turned my dark to light.”

He introduced me to a name
That echoed through my mind:
“Jesus—the author of all life,
The Savior of mankind.”

He filled the void I could not name,
Put restless wants to rest.
He gave me joy no wealth could buy,
And peace within my chest.

Now I no longer chase the wind
Or hunger for the more.
He gives me all I truly need—
And wants? I want no more.

For His Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

1Ti 6:6  But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1Ti 6:7  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.