Home – Page 11 – Skyler Thomas

No Good Deed Shall Go Unpunished (Devotional and Song)

I Will Serve With Joy – A Cappella

Instrumental Duet

Male Vocal

Scripture:
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” – Ephesians 6:10-12

Devotional:

Have you ever stepped out to do something good, only to be met with resistance, criticism, or even hostility? It’s a painful reality that good deeds are not always met with appreciation. Sometimes, they invite opposition. But why?

Because we live in a world where good and evil are at war. Every act of kindness is a declaration that darkness will not have the final say. Every moment of compassion is a small victory against the cruelty of this world. And yet, the enemy does not sit idly by.

It can be discouraging when our efforts to help others are misunderstood or rejected. The enemy whispers, “Why bother? Just walk away.” But God calls us to stand firm. He reminds us that we do not battle against people, but against spiritual forces that seek to discourage, divide, and destroy.

Imagine a world where no one showed up to fight evil with good. Where sadness had no answer in joy, sorrow no relief in kindness, and despair no comfort in love. That is what happens when we choose to retreat, when we allow fear or frustration to silence the good that God has placed in our hearts.

But the Spirit calls us forward. Step in front of opportunity before it passes you by. Give what you can, even when it’s not easy. Stand strong, even when opposition comes. Do not fear, for God’s strength upholds you.

Yes, good deeds may invite difficulty. But they also invite the presence of God. They bring light where darkness looms. They plant seeds of hope in places of despair. And in the end, they reflect the love of Christ—who faced the ultimate rejection for the greatest act of love.

So today, choose to keep doing good. Choose to keep showing up. Choose to fight darkness with light. And when the enemy whispers that it’s not worth it, let your heart reply: “I will not grow weary in doing good, for in due season, I will reap a harvest if I do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for calling me to be a light in this world. I confess that at times I feel discouraged when my kindness is met with resistance. But Lord, I know that I am not fighting against people, but against the darkness that seeks to overcome good. Strengthen me to stand firm. Equip me with Your armor so I may continue to do what is right, even when it is difficult. Help me to show love, joy, and mercy, trusting that You are working through every act of kindness. I surrender my fears and frustrations to You, and I ask for the courage to keep walking in Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Writing:

We were at a park where many homeless gathered. We bought burgers and fries from 5 Guys…and were handing them out. A woman with her daughter and grandchild stepped off the bus…and started arguing with some guys that had some burgers and fries. She wanted theirs. I tried to tell her…”We can get you some too”…but that wasn’t her interest. She just wanted to argue, apparently. I stepped away and said…”No good deed shall go unpunished.” What does that mean?

It is said “No good deed shall go unpunished”

For this is just the way the world works…
…it is what it is

Because for every action there is a counter action…
…the Good deed of Joy brings Sadness
…the Good deed of Happiness brings Sorrow
…the Good deed of Peace brings Turmoil
…the Good deed of Healing brings Woundedness
…the Good deed of Fulfillment brings Emptiness

And so, I commit to do no Good deed…
…to prevent the certain punishment that follows
…thus I am justified for my inaction
…I am not held accountable to Evil
…I am satisfied

And the Spirit dwelling within me touches my soul…and whispers…
…do you expect the actions of Goodness to go unanswered?
…as if Evil will stand still to allow Goodness to prevail?
…that Evil will simply bow down…and be trampled upon?
…that Evil will surrender…simply because a Good deed is done?
…have you not heard there is a war raging between Good and Evil?
…if no one stands against Evil…
…if you don’t show up…
…who will?

…and the light grows dim
…and it vanishes
…and the darkness surrounds me
…and the emptiness engulfs me
…and in the quietness
…I cry out…but there is no answer

In the desolate wasteland of Evil…
…I see Sadness…but there was no Good deed of Joy
…and I see Sorrow…but there was no Good deed of Happiness
…and I see Turmoil…but there was no Good deed of Peace
…and I see Woundedness…but there was no Good deed of Healing
…and I see Emptiness…but there was no Good deed of Fulfillment

And the Spirit dwelling within me touches my soul…and whispers…
…step in front of opportunity, before it passes you by
…don’t walk…but run…into the stadium of Mercy
…simply do what you can
…give Joy as you can
…give Happiness as you can
…give Peace as you can
…give Healing as you can
…give Fulfillment as you can

…and then…stand strong against the shouts of Evil…for they will come…
…do not be afraid
…do not be defeated
…but know the Good deed done today is a blessing of much needed Mercy to a hungry soul

Song:

Verse 1:

Come, weary hearts, the time is near

The lost still wander, the broken fear

Who will go where mercy calls?

Who will rise and give their all?

Chorus:

I will serve with joy, I will walk in grace,

Though the darkness calls, I will take my place.

For the cross still stands, and His love remains,

I will serve with joy in Jesus’ name.

Verse 2:

The poor still hunger, the weak still fall,

Yet love can answer mercy’s call.

Though evil whispers, “Let them be,”

My Savior gave, so I am free.

Chorus:

I will serve with joy, I will walk in grace,

Though the darkness calls, I will take my place.

For the cross still stands, and His love remains,

I will serve with joy in Jesus’ name.

Verse 3:

When trials rise and doubts take hold,

I will not fear, my faith is bold.

For Christ endured the weight of sin,

And through His wounds, I rise again.

Bridge:

Do not fear, do not stray,

Love will drive the dark away.

Every kindness breaks the night,

And fills the world with Heaven’s light.

Chorus:

I will serve with joy, I will walk in grace,

Though the darkness calls, I will take my place.

For the cross still stands, and His love remains,

I will serve with joy in Jesus’ name.

Outro:

I will serve… I will stand…

Holding fast to His command.

I will love… I will give…

For in Him, true joy will live.

Ephesians 6:10-12: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the (evil strategies) of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places”

Most people will show sincere gratitude when they know someone cares…

No More Sheep

My head on my pillow
Darkness surrounds me
Before I slumber
What do I see

Around and around
I turn and I bend
Left and then right
Where does it end

Am I all alone
Is there no one here
What’s ahead of me
Where is my seer

I shall keep going
It’s not time to stop
I must keep going
I shall not drop

Suddenly it hits me
No, I’m not blind
I know where I am
In the Labyrinth of my mind

It might be scary
To be here at first
One might think
That I am accursed

It is what it is
It’s simple you see
We all have this place
From which we can’t flee

It’s the journey to sleep
That everyone must take
The journey of unwinding
Before we awake

And slowly I drift
In a place far away
Let life stand still
Out of the fray

And then I call out
To the One above
Father, please bless me
Show me your love

Give me your comfort
In this quiet hour
Let me rest in your peace
Show me your great power

Please, give me rest
For tomorrow is new
I need your refreshment
For there’s much to do

With a sigh of relief
I drift into sleep
It’s lights out for me
No more sheep

Nothing is Wasted

Last updated: 2025-10-06 08:05:10

Devotional: Nothing Is Wasted
Inspired by Genesis 22 & the song “Nothing is Wasted”

Scripture:

“So Abraham called the name of that place, ‘The Lord will provide’; as it is said to this day, ‘On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.’”
— Genesis 22:14 (ESV)

There’s a saying in Christian circles that carries profound comfort: “In the economy of God, nothing is wasted.” It means that God does not let a single tear, a single trial, a single act of surrender go unused. He redeems every loss, repurposes every waiting season, and reshapes every broken piece into something eternally valuable.

This truth pulses through the story of Genesis 22, where Abraham, in faith, prepares to offer his son Isaac. It’s a moment that tests everything—his trust, his obedience, his understanding of God. Yet Abraham moves forward, believing that somehow, the Lord will provide. And God does. A ram in the thicket. A life spared. A promise reaffirmed.

In our lives, the “mountain” might look like uncertainty, grief, or letting go of dreams we’ve clung to for too long. But like Abraham, we are invited to trust—not in outcomes, but in God Himself. The song Nothing is Wasted gives voice to this journey. It reminds us that even when the fire is hot, the silence is heavy, or the road is unclear, we are not alone. God is not indifferent. He is present in the process—and purposeful in the pain.

The economy of God doesn’t work like ours. We try to measure value by outcomes, by progress, by resolution. But God sees value in the hidden things: the unseen acts of obedience, the whispered prayers, the quiet endurance of faith. Even our regrets and failures, when surrendered, become instruments of grace in His hands.

So we lay it down again. We trust again. We believe again. Because we know this: in the economy of God, nothing is wasted. Not the waiting. Not the weeping. Not even the wondering.

Prayer:
Lord,
Thank You that Your love redeems every moment of my life. Even when I don’t understand what You’re doing, help me to trust that You are working for good. When I walk through fire, remind me that You are in the flame. When I feel like I’ve lost too much, show me that nothing is wasted in Your hands. Teach me to live with open hands and a surrendered heart. In the economy of Your grace, may my pain become purpose, and my waiting become worship.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Reflection:
Where in your life do you feel like something has been wasted? How might God be inviting you to see it differently—in light of His redeeming love and eternal economy?

Song: Nothing is Wasted

Verse 1
You asked me to let go of what I held too tight
The plans I made, the dreams I shaped, the pieces of my life
I tried to hold it all together, afraid of what I’d lose
But love means laying down the outcome
And trusting everything to You

Chorus
You will provide, You always do
Even when I don’t know what You’re leading me through
Even when I walk through fire, You stay in the flame
You hold my sorrow, You know my name
In the valley, in the waiting, I have tasted
In the economy of Your love, nothing is wasted

Verse 2
I’ve walked through days that felt like silence
And nights I couldn’t catch my breath
I said I’d follow where You led me
But I was scared of what came next
I couldn’t see beyond the moment
Still You whispered, “I am near”
You never promised all the answers
You only asked me not to fear

Chorus
You will provide, You always do
Even when I don’t know what You’re leading me through
Even when I walk through fire, You stay in the flame
You hold my sorrow, You know my name
In the valley, in the waiting, I have tasted
In the economy of Your love, nothing is wasted

Verse 3
So here I am with hands wide open
Letting go of what I thought was mine
You never asked me for perfection
Just a heart that says, “I’ll try”
And in the breaking, I found healing
In the loss, I found Your grace
You’re the God who turns my ashes
Into beauty I can’t replace

Bridge
You don’t waste the waiting, You don’t waste the pain
Even when I’m walking through fire or rain
Every breath I breathe, every pain I've tasted
In the economy of Your love, nothing is wasted

Final Chorus
You will provide, You always do
Even when I’m breaking in two
Even when I walk through fire, You stay in the flame
You never leave me alone in the pain
In the valley, in the waiting, I have tasted
In the economy of Your love, nothing is wasted

Outro
So I lay it down again
Even when I don’t understand
You are good… and nothing is wasted
You are near when I let go
You are strong when I feel low
You are kind… and nothing is wasted
You’ve seen every tear I’ve cried
Held my heart when hope had died
You stayed… and nothing is wasted
So I’ll trust You in the silence
I’ll believe You through the dark
You are faithful in the waiting
You are healing every part
I won’t fear what comes tomorrow
I won’t chase what’s not mine to hold
You are God… and nothing is wasted

Copyright © 2025 by Skyler Thomas

One Note (Devotional and Song)

One Opus – A Cappella Chorus

One Opus – Female Instrumental

St. Petersburg College (SPC Gibbs Campus) Music Arts Center, St. Petersburg, FL

Two Steinways, 4 Pianists Recital, January 9, 2015

Drawing by Kenneth Neifeld, MD

Here is a devotional based on unity in the church:

One Body, One Spirit

Scripture:
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” — Ephesians 4:4-6 (NIV)

Devotional Thought

The church is meant to be one—unified, not uniform. Just as a pianist plays many notes to create a masterpiece, God has created each of us uniquely, with different gifts, personalities, and callings. And yet, in His divine plan, He calls us to be one body, working together in harmony.

Alone, a single note can be beautiful, but when played in concert with others, it becomes part of a greater symphony. Likewise, we as believers can accomplish much on our own, but our true strength and purpose are revealed when we work together in the unity of Christ.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4 that we share the same Spirit, the same faith, and the same Lord. Our unity does not come from being identical, but from being aligned in purpose—glorifying God and sharing His love with the world. Just as a pianist must listen to the other musicians, adjusting and blending to create harmony, we must also be willing to listen to one another, bear with one another, and work together for God’s kingdom.

When we embrace unity, we reflect the beauty of God’s design for His church. Together, we become more than just individual notes—we become His masterpiece.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for calling us into Your family as one body in Christ. Help us to embrace our unique gifts while working together in unity. Give us patience and love for one another so that we may reflect Your glory in the world. May we be like notes in Your divine composition, creating a symphony of grace, truth, and love. Let our unity be a testimony to those who do not yet know You, drawing them closer to Your heart. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Writing:

I am one…I am one of many…
Yet different from every other…See me?
There I am…
No not there…one over…
Yes…that’s me…Even though I may look the same as many others…
I am very unique, as one of many…

I have an endless number of characteristics…
I can be loud…
I can be soft…
I can be restrained…
I can be sustained…

As One…
I can stand alone…
But that’s not where I do my best work…
For alone, even with all of my endless characteristics…
I am but One Note…

But in the masters hands…
One…and another one…and another…and another…
Together, each with our own endless number of characteristics…
Combined…
Blended…
At the right time…
With the right tempo…
With the right mood…
We become…
One Opus…

Song: One Opus (We Are One)

(Verse 1)

I am one, yet not alone,

A single note, a whispered tone.

A voice that longs to rise and sing,

A melody for Christ my King.

(Chorus)

One voice! (One voice!) One song! (One song!)

One heart where we belong.

One Spirit moves,

One faith, one hope, one love.

(Verse 2)

Hearts united, hand in hand,

Anchored strong in love that stands.

Different voices, yet one sound,

Grace sustains, and hope is found.

(Chorus)

One voice! (One voice!) One song! (One song!)

One heart where we belong.

One Spirit moves,

One faith, one hope, one love.

(Verse 3)

Like the notes upon the keys,

Each one plays a melody.

Every thread and every line,

Woven in His grand design.

(Bridge – A Cappella Friendly)

Oh, we rise, our voices soar,

Bound in love forevermore.

Every sorrow, every praise,

All in Christ, one song we raise.

(Chorus – Repeat)

One voice! (One voice!) One song! (One song!)

One heart where we belong.

One Spirit moves,

One faith, one hope, one love.

(Outro)

One Father’s hands, one love divine,

In Christ forever intertwined.

One people rise, one kingdom strong,

Forever singing—one voice, one song.

References:

About the Two-Piano, Eight-Hand Extravaganza at SPC 1/9/2015

2015 Rebecca Penneys’ Piano Festival

Your Dictionary: Opus

Urban Dictionary: Opus

What is an Opus Number?

One Step

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

One Step

I get a knot in my stomach when I think about how far I must climb.

All I can see right now is the hardship of getting there.

It seems daunting…
…and I know there will be sweat and exhaustion involved
…and there will be times when I fall down
…and there will be times when I feel like giving up
…and there will be times when I think it’s not worth it

But then You remind me…
…those thoughts are coming from the one who wants me to fail
…and You promise me, I don’t have to do this alone
…You will be there every step of the way
…and others will help me
…to pull me up
…and to climb to the top, beside me

I don’t have to take it all at once…
…and there will be times of rest.
…and there will be times when I can stop
….and enjoy the view out the windows
…which will get better and better the higher I go.

And I don’t have to jump to the top all at once…
…all I have to do is take
…one
…step
…at
…a
…time

Devotional Thought

Prayer

Song: One Opus (We Are One)

Copyright © 2025 by SkylerThomas