Miscalculation

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The single most miscalculation I made
Across these almost seventy-eight years,
Was to think intellect could forge a blade
Sharper than mercy, gentler than tears.

I once believed that wisdom’s fire
Could light the way through shadowed lands,
That reason’s climb would take me higher,
Beyond the need for softer hands.

But the head, though strong, cannot replace
The heart that bends, the soul that gives.
For mercy flows with boundless grace,
And through such love, the spirit lives.

In chasing truth, I overlooked
The simple kindness I received,
And only now, with pages booked,
Do I see where I was deceived.

Mercy mends where logic fractures,
Grace rebuilds where reason fails.
Love sustains through all life’s chapters,
When intellect’s bright flame pales.

So as I near the twilight’s gleam,
I cherish mercy’s warm embrace,
And walk with grace, my final theme
The wisest path, the truest place.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

November 26

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Psalm 119:7
I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws.

Devotional Thought:
Our journey of faith is a continuous process of learning and growing in God's wisdom. Psalm 119:7 highlights the importance of praising God with an upright heart as we learn His righteous laws. This verse reminds us that our understanding and obedience to God's laws are deeply connected to our worship and praise.

An upright heart is one that seeks to align with God's will, motivated by a sincere desire to honor Him. As we delve into His Word and discover His righteous laws, we are not merely acquiring knowledge but transforming our hearts and lives. This transformation leads us to praise God authentically, acknowledging His wisdom and goodness in every aspect of our lives.

God's laws are not burdensome rules but guidelines for living a fulfilling and righteous life. They are expressions of His love and care for us, designed to lead us to the best path. Our Father knows what is best for us, and by learning and following His laws, we experience the fullness of life He intends for us.

Reflection:
Reflect on your approach to God's Word. Are you eager to learn His righteous laws and apply them to your life? How can you cultivate an upright heart that seeks to praise God in all circumstances? Consider setting a regular time for Bible study and prayer, asking God to reveal His wisdom and guide your steps.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I praise You with an upright heart. Teach me Your righteous laws and help me to understand and apply them in my life. May my praise be a reflection of my sincere desire to honor You. Guide me in Your truth and lead me in the way everlasting. Amen.

Living Example of Humanity

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Amid the frozen mountain’s breath,
Where life contends with icy death,
A mother goat, her labor near,
Faced nature’s trial, sharp and sheer.

A shepherdess, so brave and kind,
With strength of heart and steadfast mind,
Bent to the task, no thought of rest,
She bore the mother on her chest.

Beside her, loyal through the storm,
Her faithful dog, a steadfast form,
Took up the baby, frail and new,
And carried life where none else knew.

Through jagged paths and bitter cold,
A tale of courage, fierce and bold,
Unfolded on that mountain steep,
Where love and care refused to sleep.

A frozen world, a beating heart,
Each playing their heroic part,
A girl, a dog, a life to save,
Humanity’s finest—pure and brave.

So let this moment, caught in frame,
Forever speak of love’s great claim,
That even in the harshest lands,
Hope endures by human hands.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

What You Settle For

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What you settle for is what you suffer from,
What you settle for is where your joy comes from.
Life is a balance of what we choose,
Yet God’s blessings are never meant to lose.

Don’t settle for less than you deserve,
For you are crafted with love and nerve.
His plans for you are mighty and grand,
Shaped by the touch of His gentle hand.

He wants the best for you, this is true,
Because He made you, uniquely you.
So raise your eyes, your heart, your voice,
In faith and courage, make the best choice.

Trust in His promise, follow His way,
And let His goodness brighten your day.
For what you settle for shapes your strife,
So seek His best and embrace His life.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

November 25

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Daily Devotional Theme: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop 

Scripture:
Isaiah 40:31
But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Wes Devotional Thought:
In the hustle and bustle of life, we often find ourselves exhausted and overwhelmed. The pressures of daily responsibilities and the pursuit of our goals can drain our energy and spirit. Yet, in these moments of weariness, God invites us to wait on Him.

Waiting on the Lord is not about passive idleness; it’s about actively seeking His presence and trusting in His timing. It means placing our hopes, dreams, and burdens in His hands, believing that He knows best. When we wait on God, we are renewed in ways that surpass human understanding.

Isaiah 40:31 promises that those who wait for the Lord will experience a divine renewal of strength. This strength allows us to soar to new heights, run with perseverance, and walk through life's challenges without fainting. The imagery of mounting up with wings like eagles signifies rising above our difficulties with grace and power that come from God alone.

Our Father knows best when to give us rest and when to empower us to move forward. By waiting on Him, we align ourselves with His perfect will and receive the strength we need to face each day.

Reflection:
Think about the areas in your life where you feel most weary. How can you intentionally wait on the Lord in these areas? Consider setting aside time each day to seek God's presence and trust in His perfect timing.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, teach me to wait on You with patience and trust. Renew my strength and help me to rise above my challenges with Your power. May I run and not grow weary, walk and not faint, knowing that You are with me every step of the way. Amen.

A Sunday of Thanks

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It’s Sunday, the air is calm and still,
The week of Thanksgiving, a time to feel.
No complaints on my lips, no requests to impart,
Just gratitude flowing straight from my heart.

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of this day,
For breath in my lungs, for moments to pray.
For the rising sun and the life You bestow,
For Your grace that sustains and helps me grow.

No matter the trials, the highs or the lows,
Your love is the anchor my spirit knows.
So today, I pause, with no need to strive,
Just thankful, O God, to simply be alive.

Amen!

Created by
MarkWaldrop

November 24

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Daily Devotional Theme: Our Father Knows Best 
by Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Devotional Thought:
In a world where outward appearances and superficial qualities are often celebrated, it's easy to be swayed by what seems attractive on the surface. Yet, God teaches us that true worth is not found in charm or beauty, which can be deceptive and fleeting. Instead, the essence of a person's value lies in their reverence and relationship with the Lord.

A woman who fears the Lord understands that her identity and worth come from God, not from societal standards or external validations. This fear of the Lord is not about being afraid, but about having deep respect, reverence, and awe for God. It’s about living in a way that honors Him and seeks to follow His guidance and wisdom in every aspect of life.

God knows best what is truly valuable and enduring. He sees beyond our outward appearances and understands the depth of our hearts. A life lived in fear of the Lord is marked by wisdom, humility, and genuine faith, leading to a beauty that surpasses mere physical appearance. This inner beauty, nurtured by a relationship with God, shines through and is worthy of praise.

Reflection:
Consider what you value most in yourself and in others. Are you placing importance on what is fleeting, or are you focusing on cultivating a deep, respectful relationship with God? Reflect on how you can shift your priorities to align more closely with what God values.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to see beyond the surface and to value what You value. Teach me to fear You in the way that brings wisdom and honor into my life. May my life be a reflection of Your love and grace, and may I always seek to honor You above all else. Amen.

Years in Faith

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I may have many years of faith,
From the time I first believed,
But it’s not the length of knowing Him,
That determines what I’ve achieved.

It’s not the years that count the most,
But the love in every deed,
The steps I take in faith each day,
To serve where there is need.

For faith is not a passive gift,
But a journey to impart,
A living trust, a constant walk,
With Christ within my heart.

So let my years in faith be shown,
Not in time, but in my care,
In kindness, hope, and truth I give,
And in His love I share.

May my actions speak of Him I know,
May my life His grace recount,
For it’s not the years of knowing that count,
But the faith in action that surmounts.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

November 23

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Proverbs 4:7
"The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight."

Reflection:
Proverbs 4:7 emphasizes the paramount importance of wisdom and insight in our lives. Solomon, known for his wisdom, advises us to seek wisdom as a foundational principle. This pursuit is not just about acquiring knowledge but about understanding and applying it in our daily lives.

Our Father knows that true wisdom begins with a reverent relationship with Him. It is through this relationship that we gain the insight needed to navigate life's complexities. Wisdom helps us discern right from wrong, make sound decisions, and live in a way that honors God and benefits others.

To "get wisdom" involves actively seeking it through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and learning from the experiences of others. It requires humility, recognizing that we don't have all the answers and that we need God's guidance. Insight, on the other hand, involves a deeper understanding of the principles behind the knowledge we acquire, allowing us to apply it effectively in various situations.

Living with wisdom and insight means trusting in God's perfect plan and His timing. Our Father knows best how to lead us, and by seeking His wisdom, we align ourselves with His will. This not only brings clarity and direction but also peace and confidence in our journey.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of wisdom and insight. Help us to seek Your wisdom above all else, understanding that true wisdom begins with a reverent relationship with You. Guide our hearts and minds as we navigate life’s challenges, and teach us to apply Your principles in our daily lives. Thank You for knowing what is best for us and leading us with Your perfect wisdom. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Seek wisdom and insight diligently, knowing that our Father knows best. Trust in His guidance and let His wisdom direct your path, bringing clarity, peace, and confidence to your life.

November 22

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Exodus 7:7
"Now Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron eighty-three years old, when they spoke to Pharaoh."

Reflection:
Exodus 7:7 reveals that Moses and Aaron were in their eightie when they were called to lead the Israelit out of Egypt. This fact is significant because it highlights that God’s timing and choice of instruments are perfect, regardless of human perceptions of age or capability.

Our Father knows best when it comes to using us for His purposes. Moses and Aaron might have seemed too old for such a daunting task, yet God chose them to fulfill His plan. This teaches us that we are never too old or too young to be used by God. He equips and empowers us at every stage of life to accomplish His will.

God’s call to Moses and Aaron reminds us that He values experience, wisdom, and maturity. It also encourages us to remain open and obedient to His call, no matter our age or circumstances. God’s plans often defy human logic, but they are always perfect and accomplished through His strength and wisdom.

This scripture also invites us to trust in God’s timing. Moses and Aaron spent many years in preparation before stepping into their roles as leaders. Likewise, we can trust that God’s timing in our lives is perfect, and He is preparing us for the tasks He has planned for us. When the time comes, He will provide the strength and guidance we need.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect timing and wisdom. Help us to trust in Your plans for our lives, regardless of our age or circumstances. Strengthen our faith and make us willing vessels for Your purposes. Use us, as You used Moses and Aaron, to accomplish Your will. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Trust in God's perfect timing and His ability to use you at any age. Our Father knows best and equips us for His purposes, regardless of human limitations. Be open and obedient to His call, and rely on His strength and wisdom to guide you.