Daily Devo

Listen to today’s devo!

The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life. (Ps. 121:6–7)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 121

Though I was born in the United States, I spent a few years in Hong Kong while I was growing up. While living there, I became scared of the night.

The Chinese can be superstitious. One superstition says that a person who whistles while walking on a moonlit night will soon discover that he is not alone! Whistling at night will attract ghosts who will bring bad fortune because the sound of whistling disturbs the peace of the night.

Another superstition some Chinese believe in gives the instruction that people should never point their finger at the moon. If they do, the tips of their ears will fall off or their index finger will somehow be severed in a painful manner. According to this superstition, Chang’e, the goddess who resides on the moon, regards pointing as being disrespectful and rude.

I lived with intense fear of the dark for many years, until I was told about God being able to free us from fear. When I became a Christian, the fear that had tenaciously clung onto my heart began to go away. Knowing that a big, strong, and caring God was watching over me to protect me filled me with great comfort and peace.

As 2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us [afraid], but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

Allow the Prince of Peace to set you free from fear.

Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is a retired professor from Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books published by Wesleyan Publishing House.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Listen to today’s devo!

But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. (Heb. 10:39)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 10:19-39

Accepting Jesus Christ is not seen as an individual decision in some families. This is especially true in cultures where decisions tend to be made by the community rather than by individuals. Deciding to follow Jesus can be seen as being disrespectful to one’s non-Christian parents and as a rejection of one’s heritage, culture, and ethnic background.

Being American-born Chinese, I was not introduced to Jesus Christ until I was eighteen years old. My high school friends, Andy and Nancy, told me about him. When I first told my mother that I had accepted Jesus as my Savior, she received the news nonchalantly. I have a feeling she did not take the news seriously, thinking it was just a fad which I would likely soon forget. After a few months, however, she apparently began to realize that I was serious, and I could sense the pressure from her to renounce my new-found faith.

I would not be telling the truth if I told you that I never considered turning away from Christ. There were times when I seriously considered “shrinking back.” Feeling rejected by my mother for over thirty-five years was painful for me. Yes, I loved my mom, but I realized that I needed to love Jesus more. Following Jesus has not always been an easy path to travel on, but I will never shrink back from following God!

Continue following Jesus, no matter what obstacles you face.

Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is a retired professor from Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books published by Wesleyan Publishing House.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Listen to today’s devo!

You suffered along with those in prison. (Heb. 10:34)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 10:32-39

A few years ago I took a group of students with me to China. While there, we heard about Christian men who were being beaten and thrown into jail. Their jail sentences would last up to three years. However, instead of seeing their time of imprisonment as wasted time, some of them used it to preach God’s Word to the other inmates. One of these men shared, “The government thought they could stop me from starting up a church, but little do they realize that there is a church right in their own prison.”

We were told that one of these prison churches had over three hundred people attending worship services. Upon being released from prison, some of these Christian young men would go home and spend a period of time with their families, getting reacquainted and enjoying being with each other. Then they would boldly go to the marketplace and preach the gospel, even though they knew that it was very likely that they would be thrown into prison again.

The wife of one of these men shared, “I am willing to make the sacrifice of having my husband imprisoned again, especially because I know he is able to go back and disciple those who have been converted. No sacrifice is too great for Christ!”

Thank God for believers who willingly suffer to spread the gospel.

Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is a retired professor from Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books published by Wesleyan Publishing House.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Listen to today’s devo!

Spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together . . . but encouraging one another. (Heb. 10:24–25)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 10:24-31

This report was sent from Africa: “What began as a simple outreach has blossomed into a divine encounter with God. We are filled with joy regarding what God is doing. During the outreach, we witnessed an overwhelming turnout of Muslims, who listened intently as the Word of God was taught through the pages of Dr. Jim Lo’s book, God’s Call to Holiness.”

Among those at the meeting were four Muslims who, through conviction by the Holy Spirit, surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ. They have since returned to their homes and are teaching God’s message to their families and friends. These four, who call themselves “apostles of Jesus,” are reporting about the many “hut fellowships” that are being formed, where new believers are being taught about Jesus Christ and where they are encouraging each other.

An African proverb says, “Sticks in a bundle are unbreakable.” Teaching God’s Word at these hut fellowships is giving people the head knowledge they need as they journey with Jesus. Gathering together is providing the encouragement they need to stand strong for him. This encouragement is crucial, since where they live there are many who seek to “break” Christians through severe persecution.

What a joy it has been to see the continuing effects of my service to the Lord. Let us keep encouraging one another—it may have an impact that lasts far beyond our time here.

Serve joyfully, imagining the powerful impact you may pass forward.

Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is a retired professor from Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books published by Wesleyan Publishing House.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Listen to today’s devo!

Since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God. (Heb. 10:21–22)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 10:21-23

I became a Christian because I wanted to end up in heaven and not in hell. On the day I made the decision to be a Christian, my heart was filled with great joy. Wonderful peace swept over my soul as I received God’s gift of salvation. I thought, “I now have my ticket to eternal life.” The faith I possessed was very “Jim Lo focused.”

However, my focus changed when I heard a message about Christians being called to be priests. The Latin word for “priest” refers to one who builds bridges. The pastor stated, “Christians are to be faithfully building bridges for unbelievers to be able to cross over and have a personal relationship with God.” He then ended his sermon by saying, “God needs you to respond to his call to build bridges.”

It was as if he was speaking directly to me. My heart was stirred. I realized that being a bridge builder was not optional. I knew that I had a decision to make. That day I made my way to the altar, knelt down in prayer, and made the decision that I was going to be a bridge builder for Christ.

Our salvation was never meant to be “selfish” and kept to ourselves. Instead, we who are saved by Christ are called to be building bridges for others to also come to him.

Resolve to build bridges and bring others to God.

Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is a retired professor from Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books published by Wesleyan Publishing House.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Listen to today’s devo!

A new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body. (Heb. 10:20)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 10:20

In Southern Africa, many Africans revere their ancestors who have died. As spiritual beings, these ancestors are believed to be intermediaries between the human and the spirit realms. They are seen to be the means, or “curtain,” for communicating with God. To appease the amadlozi (ancestral spirits), the practice of veneration includes ceremonial rituals which include drumming, dancing, and making offerings.

Many Africans also believe that humans are not allowed to enter into the presence of God. They can only make their needs known to him by going through the ancestral spirits, who will then do the communicating for them. The challenge is that, if the amadlozi do not feel they have been treated properly, they can decide not to present the needs of the people to God.

When I read the words of Hebrews 10:20 to Sonny Makusha, he asked, “Are you telling me that Jesus Christ is that curtain?”

When I answered that he is, Sonny sat in silence, reflecting. “Does this mean that I do not have to go through the amadlozi but can have direct contact with God?”

When I told him that he was correct, he got excited. “I want to go through the curtain that is Jesus Christ!”

What a blessing it is to know that Jesus is sitting at God’s right hand interceding for you and me!

Celebrate that Jesus is the only intermediary to God that you need.

Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is a retired professor from Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books published by Wesleyan Publishing House.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Listen to today’s devo!

Therefore, brothers and sisters . . . we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus. (Heb. 10:19)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 10:19

When I was a child, I grew up in a semi-Buddhist home. Regularly, my family members would present offerings to our deceased ancestors, who were supposedly now living in the spirit realm. I can remember bowing down before a large picture of some of those ancestors, praying that they would send me good luck. I also presented offerings to them to show them honor and assure them that they had not been forgotten. However, I also gave out of fear, because ancestral spirits can be fickle. One day they can be in a good mood, while the next day they can be in a bad mood. One day they may like what is offered to them, but the next day they may be upset by the same kind of offering that had been given the day before. I lived in a state of insecurity that if what I offered was not “acceptable,” my ancestors would wreak havoc in my life.

While I was in high school, my friend Andy shared with me about Jesus Christ. One reason I was willing to listen to what Andy shared with me was because he told me that I could have confidence that Jesus loves me and desires the best for me. I am so thankful that I can approach God with confidence because Jesus has already paid the penalty for my sin.

Rejoice that you can approach God confidently because Jesus died for you.

Jim “Umfundisi” Lo is a retired professor from Indiana Wesleyan University, cross-cultural leader, intercessor, and author of several books published by Wesleyan Publishing House.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Listen to today’s devo!

Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. (Ps. 21:6)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 21:1-7

Do you feel a bit overwhelmed? Maybe another bill showed up yesterday, and you still haven’t scraped together the funds to pay the one before that. Maybe you haven’t slept more than three hours at a time for so many days, you’ve lost count. Maybe you’re frustrated at the lack of justice for someone you love. Or maybe you’re buried in a depth of worry that no one seems to understand, so you’ve stopped trying to explain it.

Jesus didn’t hide the truth from us. He said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). He knew it would happen to us, so you can rest in the comfort that he knows right now whatever presses against your heart. But in that same verse, Jesus also said, “Take heart! I have overcome the world.” And that overcoming he promised isn’t strictly something we wait for in the future. We can live in it right now.

Psalm 21 urges us to pause so we can see God’s goodness, which is every bit as present as our overwhelming trials. He does bless our days and provide joy in the simplicity of his presence beside us. It’s our choice—and even our responsibility—to shift our focus so we can see the beauty of the blessings rather than being derailed by our dilemmas.

Let his promise of joy be greater than the pummeling of problems.

Bekah Shaffer lives in Kokomo, Indiana, and enjoys endless coffee, scrapbooking, speaking, and planning adventures with her husband, Ryan.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Listen to today’s devo!

He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Heb. 9:28)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 9:11-28

The teacher informed the class that the school principal was planning to check each classroom sometime during the school year. It would be a surprise visit. He would not announce his arrival. He would be looking for clean desks, with papers and books neatly arranged.

Mary was known for her messy desk. It always looked like a tornado had recently swept across it. Her classmates teased her about not being ready when the principal came. She said, “I will clean up my desk at the beginning of each week.” Doubting her resolve, they asked, “What if he comes at the end of the week?”

“I’ll clean it at the beginning of each day.”

“What if he comes at the end of the day?”

“Oh!” she said, exasperated, “I’ll just get it clean and keep it clean!”

Christ will appear a second time—not to take the punishment we deserve, but to bring salvation to all those who are waiting for him. Anyone who has believed in his name and accepted his offer of salvation will be able to see his face and thank him for his sacrifice.

We can offer a gift back to him right now by living in deep gratitude for the gifts he has already given and spending our days joyfully serving him with our words and actions. Let’s get ready and stay ready for his coming.

Anticipate his coming with gratitude for the gift Jesus gave.

Bekah Shaffer lives in Kokomo, Indiana, and enjoys endless coffee, scrapbooking, speaking, and planning adventures with her husband, Ryan.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Listen to today’s devo!

But he has appeared once for all. (Heb. 9:26)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 9:25-28

We really don’t understand completion. We eat breakfast, but we’re hungry again by lunchtime. We wash the car, but one drive across town in the rain leaves spots all over the windshield. We brush our teeth in the morning, but we have to do it again before bedtime. We care for the lawn, and in just a couple of days the grass waves in various unruly lengths. We put new shingles on the roof, but in a few years we have to add a fresh layer on top.

This is life as we know it. Endless maintenance. Repeating our work because it’s never done forever. And under the Old Testament covenant, atonement fell into the same category. The people sacrificed the lives of unblemished animals so they could receive forgiveness for their sins. And yet the bloodshed never ended. Over and over they had to bring new sacrifices to atone for their most recent sins.

But we read in Hebrews that Christ brought a mysterious new gift to us: completion. He didn’t sacrifice his own life over and over again. He doesn’t continue to suffer. His one-time death on the cross fulfilled the need for sacrificial blood—forever. We may not fully comprehend this mystery of completion, but we can still fully receive what it offers. Isn’t that wonderful news?

Receive the gift, even if you don’t understand the mystery.

Bekah Shaffer lives in Kokomo, Indiana, and enjoys endless coffee, scrapbooking, speaking, and planning adventures with her husband, Ryan.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.