July 22

Daily Devotional: 
Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:2
"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing."

Reflection:
In 1 Corinthians 13:2, Paul emphasizes the supreme importance of love in the life of a believer. Even the greatest gifts and acts of faith are meaningless without love. Our Father, in His perfect wisdom, knows that love is the foundation of all true spiritual life and growth. He desires that we prioritize love in everything we do because it reflects His own nature and character.

Knowledge, prophecy, and even mountain-moving faith are impressive, but without love, they lose their true value and purpose. Love is what gives meaning to our actions and aligns us with God’s heart. It is through love that we can truly impact others and fulfill God's calling in our lives.

Thought for Today:
God, in His infinite wisdom, knows that love is the greatest gift and the most essential aspect of our faith journey. Love transforms our actions and gives them eternal significance. When we operate from a place of love, we reflect God's character and fulfill His command to love others as He loves us. Trust that prioritizing love in all things is the wisest and most fulfilling path.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us the importance of love above all else. Help us to understand that no matter how gifted or knowledgeable we may be, it is love that truly matters. Fill our hearts with Your love so that everything we do is motivated by and rooted in love. Guide us to reflect Your love in our interactions and to prioritize it in all our actions. Amen.

Action Step:
Today, take a moment to evaluate your motivations and actions. Are they rooted in love? Seek opportunities to demonstrate love in practical ways, whether through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, or simply listening to someone in need. Remember that our Father knows best and that love is the key to a meaningful and impactful life.

July 21

Daily Devotional: 
Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14
"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."

Reflection:
In these verses from Matthew, Jesus presents a stark contrast between two paths: one that is broad and easy, leading to destruction, and one that is narrow and difficult, leading to life. This teaching highlights the reality that following God's way is not always the simplest or most popular choice, but it is the one that ultimately leads to true and eternal life.

Our Father, in His infinite wisdom, understands that the narrow path, though challenging, is the one that refines us, strengthens our faith, and draws us closer to Him. He knows that the easy path, while tempting, can lead us away from His will and purpose for our lives.

Thought for Today:
God’s guidance often leads us to choose the more difficult path because He knows it is the best for us. The narrow gate represents a life of commitment, discipline, and dependence on Him. While the journey may be tough, the destination is worth every step. Trust in God's wisdom and follow His path, knowing that He leads us to abundant life.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for guiding us toward the narrow gate that leads to life. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and strength as we navigate the challenges of this path. Give us the courage to choose Your way, even when it is difficult, and the faith to know that You are with us every step of the way. Lead us, Lord, and keep our eyes fixed on the life You promise. Amen.

Action Step:
Today, examine the choices and paths before you. Ask God to give you the wisdom and courage to choose the narrow gate that leads to life. Reflect on areas where you may have taken the easier, broader path and seek His guidance to realign your steps with His will. Trust that our Father knows best and will lead you to the abundant life He has promised.

July 20

Daily Devotional: 
Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Psalm 23:1
"A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Reflection:
Psalm 23:1, penned by David, portrays God as our shepherd—a powerful and comforting image. A shepherd is responsible for guiding, protecting, and providing for his sheep. Similarly, God takes on this role in our lives, ensuring that our needs are met and that we are led to safety and sustenance.

The phrase "I shall not want" speaks to the sufficiency and abundance found in God's care. When we trust Him as our shepherd, we can rest assured that He knows what is best for us and will provide accordingly. This trust frees us from the anxiety of lack and allows us to live in peace, knowing that our shepherd is always with us.

Thought for Today:
God, in His infinite wisdom, knows exactly what we need and when we need it. As our shepherd, He provides for us, protects us, and guides us through life's challenges. When we rely on Him, we experience the fullness of His care and provision, realizing that with Him, we truly lack nothing.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for being our shepherd and for the assurance that we shall not want. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and provision, knowing that You always know what is best for us. Guide us through life's valleys and lead us to the still waters of Your peace. May we rest in Your care and follow Your lead each day. Amen.

Action Step:
Today, take time to reflect on the areas of your life where you might be experiencing worry or lack. Surrender these concerns to your heavenly shepherd, trusting that He will provide for you. Seek to recognize His provision in your daily life, and express gratitude for His constant care and guidance

Shape Your Future

Your past shapes your future,
A tapestry finely spun,
Each thread a moment lived,
Each choice a deed well done.

To shape your future brightly,
Change today, seize your chance,
For tomorrow's history
Begins with today's dance.

Reflect on paths you've wandered,
Learn from the trails you've crossed,
For in the lessons gathered,
No effort is ever lost.

Today is where it starts,
The future in your hands,
Mold it with intention,
Create your finest plans.

For when tomorrow dawns,
Today will be your past,
Let it be a foundation strong,
So your dreams may forever last.

So, live with mindful purpose,
Embrace each precious day,
For the future you envision,
Is but a heartbeat away.

July 19, 2024
Created by
Mark Waldrop

July 19

Daily Devotional: 
Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Reflection:
John 3:16 is one of the most well-known and cherished verses in the Bible. It encapsulates the depth of God's love and the extent of His sacrifice. Our Father, in His infinite wisdom, knew that humanity needed redemption, and He provided the perfect solution through His Son, Jesus Christ.

This verse reminds us of the magnitude of God’s love for each of us. It wasn’t just a passive affection but an active, sacrificial love that led to the giving of His most precious gift. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are offered eternal life—a promise that is both profound and transformative.

Thought for Today:
God's plan for salvation, executed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, underscores that He always knows what is best for us. His love is not only vast but purposeful, providing a way for us to have a relationship with Him and a hope that transcends this life. Trust in His wisdom and love, knowing that His plans for us are rooted in an eternal perspective.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your incredible love and for giving us Your Son, Jesus, so that we might have eternal life. Help us to grasp the depth of Your love and to live in a way that reflects our gratitude and faith. Strengthen our belief in Your perfect plan and guide us to share this good news with others. May we always remember that You know what is best for us. Amen.

Action Step:
Today, take a moment to reflect on the significance of God’s love and the gift of His Son. Share this message of hope and love with someone who needs encouragement or is searching for meaning. Let your life be a testimony to the truth that our Father knows best and has provided a way for eternal life through Jesus Christ.

July 18

Daily Devotional: 
Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: Matthew 22:39
"And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Reflection:
The command to love our neighbor as ourselves is a profound and transformative principle that our Father, in His infinite wisdom, has given us. This command calls us to extend the same care, respect, and kindness to others that we naturally seek for ourselves. It is a call to empathy, compassion, and selflessness.

Loving our neighbor means recognizing their inherent worth as creations of God, just as we are. It involves going beyond mere tolerance or indifference and actively seeking their well-being. In a world where self-interest often dominates, this divine instruction reminds us of the higher path of love and service.

Thought for Today:
Our Father knows that true fulfillment and peace come from loving others as He loves us. When we put this into practice, we not only bless those around us but also experience the joy and satisfaction that comes from living in alignment with God’s heart. Loving our neighbor as ourselves is a powerful way to reflect God's love and wisdom in our daily lives.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching us the importance of loving our neighbors as ourselves. Help us to see others through Your eyes and to extend the same love, kindness, and respect that we desire. Fill our hearts with Your compassion and guide us to act in ways that reflect Your love. May our actions bring glory to You and draw others closer to Your heart. Amen.

Action Step:
Today, identify someone in your life who could use an extra measure of love and kindness. Reach out to them with a kind word, a helping hand, or a simple act of service. Let your actions be a reflection of God's love and wisdom, demonstrating that our Father truly knows best.

July 17

Daily Devotional: 
Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:11
"And to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you."

Reflection:
In a world full of noise, distractions, and constant busyness, the call to lead a quiet life can seem countercultural and even challenging. However, our Father, in His infinite wisdom, knows what is best for us. He encourages us through the words of Paul to find contentment and peace in simplicity and diligent work.

A quiet life is not one devoid of purpose or activity but one that prioritizes inner peace and focuses on what truly matters. By minding our own business and working with our hands, we honor God’s design for a balanced and fulfilling life. This doesn’t mean isolation but rather a focus on our responsibilities, fostering a life that reflects God’s peace and order.

Thought for Today:
God's wisdom often leads us to paths that the world may overlook. In striving for a quiet life, we find a rhythm that allows us to hear His voice more clearly. Our Father knows that in the stillness, we can grow, reflect, and serve Him more effectively. Trust His guidance today and embrace the peace that comes from following His direction.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing what is best for us. Help us to embrace the quiet life You call us to, finding joy and purpose in our daily tasks. Teach us to mind our own business and work diligently with our hands, reflecting Your peace and order in all we do. May our lives be a testimony of Your wisdom and love. Amen.

Action Step:
Today, take a moment to evaluate areas of your life that may be filled with unnecessary noise or busyness. Ask God to help you simplify and focus on what truly matters, finding peace in the tasks and responsibilities He has given you.

Halfway There

In the whisper of dawn's gentle light,
A promise unfolds, so pure, so bright.
"Believe you can," the echoes declare,
And in that faith, you're halfway there.

Mountains may rise, steep and tall,
Yet with belief, you’ll conquer all.
Dreams take flight on wings of dare,
"Believe you can and you're halfway there."

Through trials that test the soul's resolve,
Hold fast to dreams that fears dissolve.
In the heart's core, let courage flare,
For "Believe you can and you're halfway there."

With every step, let faith ignite,
Guiding you through the darkest night.
In the power of hope, let your spirit wear,
"Believe you can and you're halfway there."

"Believe you can and you're halfway there."
Theodore Roosevelt

July 10, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Hold Fast to God’s Will

       Hold Fast to God's Will

Condemn me if you will,
But steadfast I remain,
In the shadow of His grace,
Through sunshine and through rain.

My heart clings to His promise,
In faith, I find my way,
Through trials and tribulations,
His light guides my day.

The world may scorn and mock,
Yet I stand firm and still,
For my soul knows the truth,
I hold fast to God's will.

In whispers of the wind,
In the silence of the night,
His love speaks to my spirit,
And fills my heart with light.

Though paths may twist and turn,
And darkness might descend,
I trust His greater plan,
On His strength I depend.

Condemn me if you will,
But my faith will not sway,
For I am bound to Heaven,
In His will, I’ll always stay.

Through every storm and struggle,
His hand holds me tight,
In the embrace of my Savior,
I find eternal light.

So let the world condemn,
Let its voices grow shrill,
For I walk with my God,
And I hold fast to His will.

July 10, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Save the Wolves

Screenshot
In shadows deep, where wild winds sigh,
A pack emerges, howls to the sky.
We are the guardians, hearts unchained,
To save the wolves, our spirits trained.

In forests dense and mountains high,
We hear their calls, their mournful cry.
With strength and grace, they roam the night,
A symbol of nature’s ancient might.

Our small band, with hearts so bold,
A tale of love and care unfolds.
To repopulate, to save, to mend,
These noble creatures, our dearest friends.

We bring them food, we bring them cheer,
To keep them safe, to keep them near.
No hunter’s snare, no poacher’s game,
Shall dim their light, or taint their name.

For in their eyes, a world we see,
Of wild and free, of destiny.
With every step, with every breath,
We stand against their threatened death.

Together strong, we forge our way,
To brighter nights and safer days.
A promise made, a vow to keep,
To guard the wolves, awake, asleep.

So let the world hear our refrain,
A song of hope, amidst the rain.
For we, the pack, shall always strive,
To keep the spirit of wolves alive.

July 7, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop