February 25

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Luke 6:43* - "No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit."

Reflection:
In this verse, Jesus uses the metaphor of trees and their fruit to teach us about the connection between our inner character and our outward actions. Just as a tree is known by the fruit it produces, so too are our lives recognized by the deeds we carry out. A tree rooted in rich, nourishing soil will naturally produce good fruit, while one planted in poor, dry soil will struggle to yield anything of value.

The "tree" in this metaphor represents our hearts and minds, and the "fruit" symbolizes our actions and behaviors. A heart rooted in God’s truth and love will produce good, wholesome actions—kindness, patience, humility, and love. Conversely, a heart that harbors bitterness, anger, or selfishness will struggle to produce anything other than negativity.

Our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us, and He desires that we be like the good tree, producing fruit that glorifies Him and blesses others. This transformation begins from within, by allowing the Holy Spirit to cultivate our hearts, weeding out the bad and nurturing the good.

Application:
Examine Your Roots: Take time today to reflect on what is influencing your heart and mind. Are you rooted in God’s Word, or are there areas where you’ve allowed worldly influences to take hold?
Pray for Growth: Ask God to help you grow in areas where you struggle. Invite Him to prune away any bad fruit and to nurture the good.

Bear Good Fruit: Consider one way you can show God’s love through your actions today. It might be an act of kindness, a word of encouragement, or a gesture of generosity.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for being the perfect gardener of our souls. Help us to be like the good tree, bearing fruit that reflects Your love and goodness. Prune away anything in us that does not honor You, and nurture in us the qualities that bring glory to Your name. May our lives be a testament to Your grace and truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

February 24

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By MarkWaldrop

Scripture:
Jude 1:24-25 - "To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen."

Reflection:
In this powerful doxology from the book of Jude, we are reminded of the immense power and faithfulness of our God. He is not only our Creator but also our Sustainer and Protector. The promise that God is able to keep us from stumbling is a profound assurance in our daily walk of faith. Life is full of challenges, temptations, and uncertainties, but our Father knows best how to guide us through them all, ensuring that we do not fall away from His grace.

God's ability to present us before His glorious presence without fault is a testament to the work of Jesus Christ. Through Christ, we are cleansed of our sins, and we stand before God, not in our righteousness, but in the perfect righteousness of Jesus. This reality fills us with great joy because we know that our salvation is secure, not by our efforts, but by God's grace and power.

Meditation 
As we meditate on this passage, let us give glory to God for His majesty, power, and authority. He reigns supreme over all things, from the beginning of time to eternity. Our lives are in His hands, and we can trust that He will keep us, guide us, and ultimately bring us into His glorious presence with joy.

Prayer:
Almighty God, I praise You for Your power and faithfulness. Thank You for keeping me from stumbling and for the promise that I will one day stand before You without fault, filled with joy, because of what Jesus has done for me. Help me to live each day in the confidence of Your love and protection. May I always give You the glory, majesty, power, and authority that You alone deserve. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step:
Reflect on the areas of your life where you feel uncertain or prone to stumble. Bring these concerns before God in prayer, as2king Him to strengthen and guide you. Throughout the day, remind yourself that God is able to keep you from stumbling and that your future is secure in His hands. Praise Him for His majesty and power, and let this truth fill you with joy and confidence as you go about your day.

February 23

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By MarkWaldrop

Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 5:19 - "Do not quench the Spirit."

Reflection:
The Holy Spirit is a precious gift given to us by God to guide, comfort, and empower us in our daily walk with Him. The Spirit whispers to our hearts, leading us in the way of truth, prompting us to love, serve, and obey. However, there are times when we might ignore or resist these promptings, allowing the noise of the world or our own desires to drown out the gentle voice of the Spirit.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:19, we are given a clear instruction: "Do not quench the Spirit." To quench means to extinguish, as one might snuff out a flame. When we quench the Spirit, we hinder His work in our lives, suppressing the very power and guidance that God has graciously provided to us. This can happen when we neglect our spiritual disciplines, resist His convictions, or choose to follow our own path instead of His.

Our Father knows best how vital the Spirit's work is in our lives. He has sent the Holy Spirit to be our constant companion, guiding us toward righteousness, helping us grow in faith, and empowering us to live out God's will. When we yield to the Spirit, we allow His power to flow freely through us, enabling us to fulfill the good works God has prepared for us and to experience the fullness of life in Christ.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit. Forgive me for the times I have quenched the Spirit's work in my life by ignoring His promptings or choosing my own way

In a Quiet Place

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In a quiet place, I stand in Your Grace,
A refuge of peace in this sacred space.
Without Your love, where would I be?
Lost in the storm, adrift at sea.

But You, O Lord, are ever near,
Your whispered truth, so calm, so clear.
For Grace and Mercy flow from above,
Poured out in boundless, endless love.

These gifts are found in Jesus’ name,
The Lamb of God, the One who came.
He walked among us, pure and true,
Revealing all that Love can do.

For Jesus said, “Come, follow Me,
If you have seen Me, then My Father you see.”
Through Him, we learn, through Him, we live,
And in His light, our souls forgive.

So in this quiet, here I stay,
Wrapped in Grace, I kneel and pray.
For all I need is found in Thee,
My Savior, Lord—eternally.

God is Love.

MarkWaldrop

February 22

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By MarkWaldrop

Scripture:
Psalm 34:4 - "I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears."

Reflection:
Fear is a powerful emotion that can grip our hearts and minds, paralyzing us and preventing us from living the abundant life God desires for us. Whether it's fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or fear of the future, these anxieties can weigh us down. But in Psalm 34:4, we are reminded of a profound truth: when we seek the Lord, He hears us and delivers us from all our fears.

Our Father knows best how to calm the storms within us. He understands the burdens we carry and the fears that haunt us. When we turn to Him in prayer, seeking His presence, He responds with comfort, peace, and deliverance. His love casts out fear, replacing it with the assurance that He is in control and that He cares deeply for us.

This verse invites us to bring our fears before God, trusting that He will not only hear our cries but will also act on our behalf. He is faithful to deliver us, guiding us through our fears and leading us to a place of peace and security in His love.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for being a refuge in times of fear. When I am overwhelmed, remind me to seek You first, knowing that You hear my prayers and deliver me from all my fears. Fill my heart with Your peace and help me to trust in Your perfect love, which casts out fear. May I rest in the assurance that You are always with me, guiding and protecting me. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step:
Identify a specific fear that has been troubling you. Take it to God in prayer today, asking Him to deliver you from it. As you seek Him, meditate on His promises, and trust that He will replace your fear with His peace. Keep this verse in mind throughout the day, reminding yourself that our Father knows best and is always ready to deliver you from all your fears.

Masterpiece

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         Masterpiece

Each one of us, a masterpiece rare,
Crafted by God with infinite care.
Not born of chance, nor lost in the tide,
But shaped by His love, with purpose inside.

Through winding paths and trials unknown,
We never walk this road alone.
His hands have formed us, strong and true,
With a work to fulfill, a calling to do.

In Christ, we’re made not just anew,
But set apart with a mission in view.
Not random acts, but plans divine,
Threads of grace in His grand design.

A word of kindness, a hand to lend,
A light to shine, a heart to mend.
Each step we take, His love displays,
Guiding our lives in wondrous ways.

So walk with faith, stand bold and free,
For you are His—His artistry.
A vessel of hope, a spark of His grace,
A masterpiece held in His warm embrace.

MarkWaldrop

February 21

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best 
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Reflection:
Every one of us is a masterpiece, crafted with care by the hands of our Heavenly Father. As we navigate through life, it's easy to forget that we are not here by accident or chance. We are God's handiwork, uniquely designed for a purpose that only we can fulfill.

In Christ Jesus, we are not just made new; we are set apart for good works that God has already planned for us. These works aren't just random acts of kindness; they are intentional, meaningful, and part of His grand design. Whether it's lending a helping hand to someone in need, speaking words of encouragement, or simply living out our faith, we are walking in the path He has laid out for us.

Our Father knows best what we are capable of and what the world needs. He has prepared opportunities for us to shine His light and make a difference. When we embrace this truth, we begin to see our daily tasks, challenges, and interactions in a new light—as divinely appointed moments to fulfill the good works He has already set before us.

Prayer:
Dear Father, thank You for creating us with purpose and for the good works You have prepared in advance for us. Help us to recognize these opportunities in our daily lives and to step into them with faith and confidence. May we always remember that we are Your handiwork, created in Christ Jesus, to bring glory to Your name through the good we do. Guide us, Lord, to fulfill the purpose You have set for us. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step:
Take a moment to reflect on your day ahead. Ask God to open your eyes to the good works He has prepared for you today. Whether big or small, embrace each opportunity to serve, knowing that you are walking in the path He has uniquely designed for you. Trust that in doing so, you are fulfilling His purpose for your life.

February 20

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

Reflection:
In our journey of faith, we often face challenges, doubts, and moments of uncertainty. It's during these times that the wisdom of our Heavenly Father becomes our guiding light. He knows what we need before we even ask and provides the strength to persevere. But His guidance is not meant for us to hoard alone; it's given so that we may also uplift those around us.

Just as the Apostle Paul urged the Thessalonians, we are called to encourage and build each other up. God places people in our lives who need a word of comfort, a reminder of His love, or simply a smile that brightens their day. When we take the time to support others, we reflect the character of our Father, who knows the power of encouragement in sustaining His children.

Think about how you can be a source of strength and encouragement today. Perhaps it’s a phone call to a friend, a prayer for someone in need, or a kind word to a neighbor. Our Father knows best, and He delights when we follow His example by lifting each other up.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing our needs and providing for us in every situation. Help us to be mindful of those around us who need encouragement today. Give us the words to speak, the compassion to act, and the love to share Your light with others. May we always seek to build each other up, just as You have called us to do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action Step:
Identify one person in your life who may need encouragement today. Reach out to them with a word of kindness, a prayer, or a simple gesture that shows you care. Trust that as you do, God will use you to bring His comfort and strength to those who need it most.

February 19

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture
Mark 9:37
"Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me."

Reflection
In this passage, Jesus teaches a profound lesson about humility and the heart of God. When the disciples were debating who among them was the greatest, Jesus took a child in His arms and used this moment to illustrate a vital truth: true greatness in the Kingdom of God is not about power, status, or recognition, but about humility, love, and service.

When we welcome others—especially those who are vulnerable, like children—we are welcoming Jesus Himself. More than that, we are also welcoming God the Father, who sent Him. This act of welcoming goes beyond mere hospitality; it is an expression of recognizing the inherent value and dignity of every person as being made in the image of God.

In a world that often prioritizes status, power, and influence, Jesus calls us to a different standard. He invites us to see greatness through the lens of servanthood and to understand that when we care for the least among us, we are honoring God Himself.

Prayer
Lord, help me to have a heart that welcomes others as You do. Teach me to see the value in every person, regardless of their status or ability, and to extend love and kindness in Your name. May I always remember that when I serve others, I am serving You and welcoming Your presence into my life. Amen.

Action Step
Today, take a moment to reach out to someone who might be overlooked or undervalued. Whether it’s offering a kind word to a colleague, helping a neighbor, or simply listening to someone who needs to be heard, remember that in doing so, you are welcoming Christ into your midst.

The Highest Calling

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To serve another, hand to hand,
to lift the weary where they stand,
to give with love, to walk with grace,
to bring the light to every place.

No greater work, no nobler way,
than easing burdens day by day.
A word, a touch, a kindness shared,
a life devoted, one that cared.

Not for the riches, not for fame,
but for the calling, not the name.
For in the giving, hearts will find
a joy that lingers, pure and kind.

So go and serve, stand strong, stand true,
let love and mercy shine through you.
For in this life, when all is done,
the greatest gift is love begun.

For His Glory
MarkWaldrop