Listen to today’s devo!

The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. (1 Tim. 5:24)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 5:24-25

Over a decade ago, I was teetering on the edge of a dangerous depression. As tends to be the case, I was together on the outside—full of grace and grit—but my daily reality was a complete failure. One of my dear friends at the time would occasionally come by my house while I was away. She vacuumed the floors, laundered the clothes, washed the dishes, and tidied the house. Only a few people knew of my desperate state and so, out of respect for me and to preserve my dignity, she did this work quietly and selflessly, with the love of a sister. She did not proclaim her good works to the world. There were no self-congratulatory Facebook posts. I am still humbled by her sacrifice.

It is tempting to broadcast our good works but conceal our sin. Similarly, it is easy to notice others’ sin and miss their goodness. But in his letter, Paul reminded Timothy that the truth is not always on the surface. Not only do our brothers and sisters in Christ struggle more than we may realize, sometimes they also sacrifice more than we know.

Whether it is secret sin or quiet self-sacrifice, this Scripture passage reminds us that, ultimately, nothing remains hidden. Our posture should be that of patient goodwill as ultimately, both sin and good works will be revealed.

Never assume that you have complete understanding about another’s life or motives.

Dalene Fisher is a full-time wife, mother, and grandma. She is a former associate professor of English, dean, and assistant provost at Oklahoma Wesleyan University (IN).

© 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!

I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. (1 Tim. 5:21)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 5:16-21

Step 1: Procure an instrument. Step 2: Open the case of your instrument. Step 3: Take your instrument out of the case. Step 4: Position the instrument properly.

Is there a purpose to the steps listed above? After all, the music hasn’t even been made yet. These instructions read as a step-by-step guide for a novice, who may not be in line for first chair in the orchestra. However, this is the start. These instructions need to be followed in order to be a successful musician in the long run. Musicians who follow the first simple steps faithfully find they can learn to live by memory of their manual, not needing to refer to instructions to prepare for a concerto.

Throughout Scripture there are many guidelines shared for our benefit and good. This section of chapter 5 highlights how the family of God acts purposefully to allow each member to freely engage with the body of Christ, sharing their divine gifts.

We may feel that as we follow these simple steps we are acting as a novice. However, following God’s instructions step-by-step will lead us into fruitfulness as we each use our spiritual gifts.

Keeping the instructions given in the Word enables us to shine “like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life” (Phil. 2:15–16).

Follow God’s instructions step-by-step, without partiality.

Sarah Grace was discipled in The Wesleyan Church in the Western New York region. She enjoys camping, music, and being outdoors in all seasons.

© 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!

Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. (1 Tim. 5:7)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 5:7-8

Consider this: You have been given a project and the instruction manual. Do you choose to ignore the manual, or do you choose to follow the step-by-step instructions?

Paul tells Timothy to share his instructions with the community, which will shield them from blame. Those who live by Paul’s instruction can be confident of living a life of good repute.

So, where does that leave us? Through the Bible, we have clear instructions from the Lord. He not only has provided the way, but is the way, and empowers us to be and do all that he has planned with his original design and intent in mind.

Thankfully, Paul shared this vital message so that we, generations later, are still reading his letters. This leads to a convicting question: Do we do as we are instructed, and obey willingly? Do we count it joy though there may be trials (James 1:2)? Are we people who stand firm as more than conquerors through Christ Jesus? Or do we ignore the commands in the Bible, turning away from the Spirit-led life?

Christ in us, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27), supports and enables us. May we read his word and obey.

Follow God’s Word as your instruction manual for blameless living.

Sarah Grace was discipled in The Wesleyan Church in the Western New York region. She enjoys camping, music, and being outdoors in all seasons.

© 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!

The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. (1 Tim. 5:5)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 5:3-6

The athlete crossing the finish line obviously completed prior training. The musician at Carnegie Hall performing a memorized concerto has prepared for months prior to their debut. Neither of these people hope on a whim that they can show up tomorrow and win a longer race or perform a completely new solo without the laborious legwork.

In the body of believers, there is a call to action. There will be a time when a struggle comes up and people are in place, prepared for the good work God has called them in advance to do (Eph. 2:10). Investments have been made by generations before us that make us ready to care for the family of God. This is a way to be engaged in God’s work and please his heart.

Secondly, there is a call to question. Where does one’s hope lie? Is hope in God, or not (1 Tim. 2:5)? God will answer when his people cry out.

God promises to draw near to those who draw near to him (James 4:8), and he will hear our cry as we wait patiently for him (Ps. 40:1). With God’s strength and mercies new every morning, and the same power that raised Jesus from the dead inside of us, we continue to train faithfully in order to execute the work that God calls us to. Training leads to triumph.

Train for your calling with prayer and service.

Sarah Grace was discipled in The Wesleyan Church in the Western New York region. She enjoys camping, music, and being outdoors in all seasons.

© 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!

Exhort [an older man] as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. (1 Tim. 5:1–2)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 5:1-2

“You’ve had the notes provided to you, here’s your study guide, and tomorrow will be the examination. Report to Room 123 at 8:00 a.m. and do your best work.”

These may be familiar words to those who have taught a class. Teachers encourage their students, or themselves for that matter, to prepare, put the necessary study time in, and showcase their knowledge in the final exam or project.

In this section of 1 Timothy, Paul writes to his audience in that same manner. They have had instructions regarding their vertical alignment with Christ, and now it is time for some horizontal talk.

In relationships with one another, Paul advises Timothy and his congregation to treat people with “absolute purity” (v. 2). This is a call to be free from fault and innocent in relationships with brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers. As part of the family of God, sharing kinship with Christ, we are called to relate to one another as Christ has loved us and set the example. First John 3:3 echoes this expectation by saying: “All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.”

Jesus has given us the notes. He himself is the study guide, and each day, we need to examine ourselves in the light of his holiness.

Study Jesus’ example for holy interactions with others.

Sarah Grace was discipled in The Wesleyan Church in the Western New York region. She enjoys camping, music, and being outdoors in all seasons.

© 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!

For you yourself have taught me. (Ps. 119:102)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 119:97-104

I attended a graduate-level lecture taught by a world-recognized Bible scholar. I hoped to gain insight from this teacher but ended up walking away in total disagreement with his interpretation of Scripture. He was attempting to make a case, using Scripture, for allowing a behavior that I believed to be sinful.

There are many teachers in our world. They are often given great respect, degrees, and honors. People sit quietly in rows and listen to them talk. Given these accolades, it’s easy to assume that just because someone is a teacher, they are teaching what is true, right, and good. The fact that someone is a teacher is far less important than what they are teaching. The key question for students is whether the instruction aligns with God’s Word and ways.

Ultimately, God is our teacher. He uses a variety of methods and people to help us learn. If we can maintain an attitude of humility, we will start with open ears. We then filter the content through our brain and heart, using the Bible as a guide, and have a follow-up discussion with the Holy Spirit to help sift truth from error. When a teacher deviates from God’s divine self-revelation through Scripture and Jesus Christ, we must have the courage and critical-thinking skills to disagree respectfully, looking to God as our ultimate teacher.

Ask the Holy Spirit to be your teacher.

Jarod Osborne is lead pastor of Pathway Church in Warsaw, Indiana. He is the author of Jaded Faith (WPH).

© 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!

Do not neglect your gift. (1 Tim. 4:14)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 4:1-16

One Sunday morning before church, I asked God if there was anyone he wanted me to speak to specifically that day. I do this from time to time, and it often results in me writing a tailor-made note of encouragement to someone. This day, however, I felt that God wanted me to share a message with Bob, a member of our congregation—a message that dealt with a specific sin and temptation. I didn’t know whether Bob was actually dealing with this sin and temptation, but I wrote and handed him the note anyway. Minutes after reading it, he came to tell me that he was amazed; he had just been talking to the Lord that very morning about that very issue. I was able to encourage Bob and pray with him, and he recognized God’s care for him.

Pastoral ministry, or any form of ministry, is powerless without the Holy Spirit. God knows the needs of his people and how to meet them. He can unlock the doors of hard hearts. I’ve tried doing ministry based on my own talents and efforts. It’s exhausting and fruitless. But when the Spirit is in the lead, we can trust his timing. We can work, then rest. We can listen before we speak. Even though we get busy with our responsibilities, it’s vital to follow the Holy Spirit.

Ask God whom he wants you to share his love with today.

Jarod Osborne is lead pastor of Pathway Church in Warsaw, Indiana. He is the author of Jaded Faith (WPH).

© 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!

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. (1 Tim. 4:12)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 4:12-16

People look down on others for a variety of reasons. They think themselves superior because of their wealth, their education, their career, their beliefs, their nationality, their gender, or their age. Human nature loves to rank and classify people. We fit people into a hierarchy of worth based on these superficial factors. I became a lead pastor when I was fairly young. (For that reason, I didn’t want to use the title “senior pastor.”) I have seen the occasional person in my church assume that because of my age I am not qualified to teach, offer counseling, or minister to people in crisis. Once I reached out to an older couple who were getting divorced, and they declined my offer for counseling. Later, after the divorce, one of them shared with me that they dismissed my offer to help because of my age.

Paul reminded Timothy, a young pastor, that his authority did not come from his age but from his calling by Jesus. Timothy had Christ’s authority in his church—to teach the truth, to shape the believers, and to correct wrongs. Instead of worrying about his age, Paul instructed Timothy to focus on his character development. Being old doesn’t necessarily mean being wise, just as being young doesn’t necessarily mean being immature. God looks past these categories and sees the heart. It’s not age but character that counts.

Ask God to help you grow in one specific positive character trait.

Jarod Osborne is lead pastor of Pathway Church in Warsaw, Indiana. He is the author of Jaded Faith (WPH).

© 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!

Train yourself to be godly. (1 Tim. 4:7)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 4:7-11

While studying martial arts in China, I came to understand the true meaning of the words kung fu. In Western civilization, kung fu refers to Chinese martial arts. But in the Chinese language, the meaning is different. Kung fu essentially has nothing to do with swords, kicks, or an animated panda. Kung fu is the discipline, devotion, and practice that is required to master any skill or task. A person can apply kung fu to succeed in business, excel as a competitive swimmer, write an award-winning novel, graduate with honors, or even become a more mature Christian.

Paul has already established the message of salvation by faith in Christ. He is not insinuating that Timothy can save himself by his efforts or that his spiritual perfection is all on his shoulders. But he includes this extremely important encouragement for Timothy—devote yourself to becoming like Christ. Don’t take your spiritual growth casually. Serious athletes can spend eight to ten hours a day practicing for their sports. Shouldn’t Christians exert their best effort in that which matters most for eternity? For Timothy, this meant watching his character and actions carefully. It meant responding to life’s situations as Christ would. And it meant aligning his beliefs to the truth of the Bible. Spiritual growth is guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit, and yet it also demands our best kung fu.

Pick a spiritual growth practice and exert your best kung fu today.

Jarod Osborne is lead pastor of Pathway Church in Warsaw, Indiana. He is the author of Jaded Faith (WPH).

© 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!

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales. (1 Tim. 4:7)

Expanded Passage: 1 Timothy 4:6-7

Growing up, everyone receives an informal education in the school of “old wives’ tales.” We inherit these nuggets of wisdom from our parents or grandparents. Things like: Feed a cold, starve a fever. Toads cause warts. Eating carrots can improve your vision. And, cracking your knuckles can lead to arthritis. It turns out that many of these age-old proverbs are not true. When I was a kid and my mom wanted to get me to eat a certain healthy food, she would tell me that “it puts hair on your chest.” First of all, as an elementary-age boy, that was not something I wanted. And second, it never came true. I still have no hair on my chest!

It is very difficult for us to “unlearn” the beliefs we inherited, even if we come to realize that they contradict the teachings of Christ. We are more likely to add new Christian beliefs into our salad of convictions than we are to allow the truth of the Bible to overrule a previous belief. So how can we change the ungodly beliefs and habits we innocently picked up as kids? One by one. Each time God shows us a part of our life that conflicts with his truth, we can respond by admitting it, giving it over to God, and adopting his way.

Exchange an ungodly belief you’ve learned for the truth of God.

Jarod Osborne is lead pastor of Pathway Church in Warsaw, Indiana. He is the author of Jaded Faith (WPH).

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