December 4

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Verse of the Day
Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."


Reflection
Life often brings challenges and uncertainties that can fill us with fear and dismay. This powerful verse from Isaiah offers reassurance and comfort, reminding us that we are never alone. Our Heavenly Father is always with us, providing strength, help, and support. His promise to uphold us with His righteous right hand is a testament to His unwavering love and faithfulness.

Devotional Thought
In times of difficulty, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and fearful. However, God’s assurance in Isaiah 41:10 calls us to trust in His presence and power. He is our strength and our help, ready to uphold us in every situation. Embracing this promise can transform our fears into faith, knowing that our Father knows best and is always by our side.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank You for Your constant presence and the assurance that we do not need to fear. Help us to trust in Your strength and support in times of trouble. May we always remember that You are our God, who upholds us with Your righteous right hand. Fill our hearts with peace and courage, knowing that You are with us every step of the way.
Amen.

Application
When faced with a challenge today, take a moment to pause and remind yourself of God's promise in Isaiah 41:10. Repeat the verse and let its truth sink into your heart. Trust that God is with you, providing the strength and help you need. Lean on His righteous right hand and move forward with confidence.

Thought for the Day
Our Father knows best and is always with us, offering strength and support. In every moment of fear or dismay, remember His promise to uphold you with His righteous right hand. Trust in His presence and power, and let His assurance fill you with peace and courage.

The Price of Grace

How many there are who rest at ease,
Believing grace requires no pleas.
“Jesus paid it all,” they softly say,
While turning their hearts the other way.

But grace is not a passive song,
A debt erased, then we move along.
It calls us forth, with hands outstretched,
To heal the wounds the world has etched.

For Christ, who bore the cross of shame,
Did not endure for hollow acclaim.
He paid it all, yes, this is true,
But left a charge for me and you.

To walk His path, to share His light,
To bring the lost from dark to bright.
To lift the broken, seek the stray,
And show God’s love in every way.

So let us not forget the cost,
Or why He came to save the lost.
The call is clear, His footsteps lead,
A life of love is what we need.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Hope in Silent Night

Snowy view in Carpathian Mountains, winter landscapes series.
In the quiet of December's embrace, I sit,
A silent night, wrapped in a wordless knit.

Moonbeams dance with tree lights so bright,
In the hush, a symphony of starlight.

Children slumber, their dreams unfold,
Yet my heart, in the silence, remains untold.

A plush red blanket, a comforting shroud,
I gaze through the window, in silence, endowed.

The wintry woods stand in tranquil repose,
As the night, like a river, silently flows.

How to find hope on this long, silent eve?
In the whispers of shadows, what stories weave?

I take a breath, seek solace in the still,
Yet my heart resists, an unquenchable thrill.

In the quiet, a journey to hope's soft light,
A dance with shadows on this silent night.

December 19, 2023
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Take Time

Screenshot
Take time to stop and smell the roses,
Life rushes by as the door closes.
In the bloom of red, the softest hue,
Lies a moment waiting just for you.

The world may spin with endless haste,
But joy is found in moments chased.
A petal’s curve, a fragrant breeze,
A quiet pause beneath the trees.

Take time to hear the robin’s song,
To watch the clouds drift slow and long.
For beauty whispers, soft and sweet,
In every corner, at your feet.

The roses wait, their story untold,
A fleeting treasure, more precious than gold.
So pause, be still, let the world compose
Take time to stop and smell the rose.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Small Things

It’s the smallest things that make a life,
A whispered word, a softened strife.
A glance, a touch, a fleeting smile,
Moments that linger, just for a while.

The morning light through windowpanes,
The rhythm of softly falling rain.
A child’s laughter, a warm embrace,
The quiet joy of a familiar face.

The scent of bread, the bloom of spring,
A songbird’s call, the joy they bring.
A cup of tea, a hand to hold,
The warmth that lingers when nights are cold.

It’s not the grand, the loud, the bold,
But tiny threads of silver and gold
That weave the tapestry of our days,
Binding hearts in intricate ways.

So cherish the little, the small, the slight,
The glow of stars on a quiet night.
For life is built on these gentle things—
A world of whispers, where meaning sings.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

December 3

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Verse of the Day
Luke 6:38
"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Reflection
In our journey of faith, generosity plays a crucial role. This verse from Luke emphasizes the abundant blessings that come from giving with a sincere heart. When we give selflessly, we not only bless others but also open ourselves up to receive God's overflowing grace and provision. Our Father, who knows what we need, promises that our generosity will be met with His boundless blessings.

Devotional Thought
Giving is not merely about sharing our material resources; it also involves our time, love, and kindness. As we extend these gifts to others, we align ourselves with God's character, reflecting His love and compassion. Trust that God, who sees your heart, will bless you abundantly. His measure is far greater than ours, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
Help us to give generously and selflessly, knowing that You see our hearts and will bless us in return. Teach us to trust in Your promises and to remember that Your measure of blessing far exceeds our own. May our acts of giving reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name.
Amen.

Application
Today, look for opportunities to give. It could be through a kind word, a helping hand, or a material gift. Remember that your generosity is a reflection of God's love and will be returned to you in ways you may not expect. Trust in His promise that as you give, you will receive abundantly.

Thought for the Day
Our Father knows best and promises that our generosity will be met with His overflowing blessings. Give with a joyful heart, knowing that God's measure is always pressed down, shaken together, and running over

A Vessel for Him

I am called to live, not for my own acclaim,
But to bear the light of His holy name.
A perfect bond with God I seek,
To let His strength shine through my weak.

Not admiration for who I appear to be,
But a yearning for Him through what others see.
For thoughts of self are chains that bind,
Hindering the work of the divine.

God’s purpose isn’t a showcase display,
But a vessel refined for His chosen way.
Not polished pride, but a heart made pure,
To carry His message, steadfast, sure.

So I surrender, let Him take control,
Molding my life to fulfill His goal.
Whatever He asks, wherever He leads,
I trust in His plan; He meets my needs.

Lord, make me useful, humble, and true,
A mirror of grace that reflects only You.
For when I am nothing, Your power is known,
Through me, may Your glory alone be shown.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

December 2

Daily Devotional Theme: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Verse of the Day
Colossians 3:23
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters."

Reflection
As we navigate through the tasks and responsibilities of our daily lives, it is essential to remember that our efforts are not just for our own gain or the approval of others, but ultimately for God. This perspective can transform even the most mundane tasks into acts of worship and service to our Heavenly Father, who sees and values our dedication and sincerity.

Devotional Thought
In every aspect of life, whether it is at home, work, or in our community, we face moments that test our patience, diligence, and integrity. The verse from Colossians reminds us to carry out our duties with a heart full of passion and commitment, not for human recognition but as a service to God. Our Father knows the best path for us, and when we align our work with His will, we find purpose and fulfillment.

Prayer
Dear Lord,
Help us to remember that every task we undertake is an opportunity to serve You. Grant us the strength to work wholeheartedly and the wisdom to recognize Your hand guiding us. May our efforts be a reflection of our faith and devotion to You. Teach us to trust in Your perfect knowledge and plan for our lives.
Amen.

Application
Take a moment today to reflect on your current tasks and responsibilities. Consider how you can approach them with a renewed mindset of serving God. Whether you are caring for your family, working at your job, or volunteering in your community, do it with all your heart, knowing that your Father in Heaven sees and appreciates your efforts.

Thought for the Day
When we work for the Lord, every task becomes a meaningful part of His divine plan. Remember, our Father knows best, and He values our dedication and heartfelt service.

Holy Spirit of Christmas

The Holy Spirit of Christmas came to us long ago,
When in a humble manger, divine love began to glow.
A baby born in Bethlehem, a gift from Heaven above,
Sent by our gracious Father, a token of His love.

For those who seek and welcome Him within,
The Holy Spirit of Christmas breaks the chain of sin.
It lives within us daily, a light that never fades,
Guiding, comforting, and strengthening in life’s trials and charades.

Oh, the Spirit of Christmas, pure and bright,
Fills our hearts with hope, joy, and light.
It whispers peace in the quiet of night,
And shines through faith with heavenly might.

So let us honor the miracle of that sacred morn,
When the Savior of the world to us was born.
Through every season, let His Spirit remain,
Living in our hearts, again and again.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
It brings back Memories of yesteryear 

The wonderful times when I was a kid
Mom and Dad kept me very near

Pressing my nose to the window pane, searching for a glimpse of the Red light
Seeing what I thought was the Star of Bethlehem Shining so Bright

I knew Santa’s first stop was Bethlehem 
To bring gifts to the Great, I Am

The Love Santa has in His Heart for all the children in the world
Comes from his Maker above with His Love unfurled

Keep the Love of God and the Spirit of Santa close to you today 
We bow our heads and thank Him for the Love He sent our way. 

December 6, 2022
Mark Waldrop