Daily Devo

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Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. (Mark 13:33)

Expanded Passage: Mark 13:32-37

I am very time conscious. Schedules are made to be kept. Things need to start and end on time. It is important to know what time it is so you can keep on schedule. Timing is important to God too. We can believe that everything about his plan for life on this planet will start and end exactly as he orders.

As important as time is to me, I think speculating about the day or hour of our Lord’s return is a waste of time. The fact that he is returning is a foundation of orthodox Christianity. But where there is mystery, intrigue takes over and speculation begins. No one except the Father knows the timing of his return, and yet Scripture tells us to be aware of the time.

We are to live with an eye on God’s clock. Not so that the Lord’s return becomes such a preoccupation that it causes us to lose touch with our present realities, but so that we live with the knowledge and anticipation that the days are marching toward the culmination of earthly time and the establishment of eternity, when clocks won’t matter. We must be on guard against distractions, alert to dangers and opportunities. We must watch for the movements of God’s Spirit and live in anticipation of the Lord’s return.

Live as if this were the last day before the Lord’s return.

Ken Heer was an ordained minister with The Wesleyan Church prior to his death in 2016. He served as a pastor, educator, and church leader for more than forty years, helping people grow in Christ.

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

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But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:13)

Expanded Passage: 2 Peter 3:10-15

Not everyone who makes a promise keeps it. We can grow accustomed to living in a world of broken promises. We learn to distrust each other. We are skeptical when promises are made. We don’t count on anyone doing what they say. The world of deceit and distrust is not a pleasant place in which to live.

God’s world is different. He operates out of truthfulness and faithfulness. What he promises, he will do. His word is sure. You can count on him.

The truthfulness and faithfulness of God changes our outlook and our confidence in life. We look forward with optimistic expectation because God has promised. We step out to follow the call of Christ and take risks because we can count on God to fulfill his word.

God said he will create a new heaven and a new earth. His new creation will be a place where righteousness will abide. Everything wrong will be taken away, and everything right will find a home there. Sounds pretty good—like a place I want to count on.

Abraham left everything he knew for a place he did not know, because God asked him to and promised to take care of him (Heb. 11:8). Sounds risky, but Abraham decided to take God at his word—and God kept his word. Sounds like a good way to live.

Look forward with confidence and trust in the faithfulness of God.

Ken Heer was an ordained minister with The Wesleyan Church prior to his death in 2016. He served as a pastor, educator, and church leader for more than forty years, helping people grow in Christ.

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

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Make the most of every opportunity. (Col. 4:5)

Expanded Passage: Colossians 4:2-6

I grew up in basketball country. As a young aspiring athlete, I would dribble around my makeshift court in an imaginary game with only seconds left and my team down by one point. I wanted the ball so I could count down the seconds and shoot the winning basket. I practiced that scenario over and over so I would be ready if the opportunity to be the hero ever presented itself. It never happened, but if it had, I know I would have been prepared to make the most of it.

An opportunity is when a set of circumstances converge to create a favorable condition to accomplish something. Opportunities come to us in different shapes, sizes, and potentials every day. To make the most of an opportunity, you must be able to see it. Sometimes we miss opportunities because they come disguised as problems.

When you least expect it, a chance to make a difference will come to you. You must be prepared—ready to seize the moment. Suddenly the ball is in your hands. No time to second-guess, only time to take decisive action and make the most of the opportunity.

If you are a child of God, he places opportunities in your life every day to become more than you are and to accomplish his great purpose. He asks that you make the most of every one of those opportunities.

Practice readiness and a willing spirit for when God sends an opportunity.

Ken Heer was an ordained minister with The Wesleyan Church prior to his death in 2016. He served as a pastor, educator, and church leader for more than forty years, helping people grow in Christ.

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

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My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. (Ps. 119:20)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 119:17-24

When I am working on a project, whatever it may be, it usually takes up every last bit of my time. It could be a ministry project or a creative project simply for the fun of it. Big or small, I will obsess over it. Even if it is something as simple as a couple of desserts for a family Christmas party, I will scour through Pinterest, find more ideas than I will ever need, and go all out making something crazy.

For some people, once they are hit with inspiration, they cannot seem to think about anything else. They are consumed with a desire to make their dreams a reality. This level of inspiration and energy is similar to what God’s people are supposed to feel. Believers are supposed to find delight in his law and to love him with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is easy to praise God during the good times. Sometimes it is easy to cling to God during the darkest of times. Whether a person is in an enjoyable season of life or a dark season, or anywhere in between, they should continuously long to follow the Lord. That is what keeps us going and sticking close to the right path.

Follow God with a consuming passion all the time.

Tyler Hardy is a husband, pastor, substitute teacher, and camp volunteer. He enjoys writing, hiking, and perhaps most of all, cooking a good pizza.

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

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Therefore encourage one another with these words. (1 Thess. 4:18)

Expanded Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

I have occasionally been told that I am an encouraging person. However, I know that is definitely not always the case. On two or three occasions I have tried to compliment someone or cheer them up when they are a little down, but instead of having an encouraging effect, I somehow managed to insult them!

Some people are just not gifted at encouraging others. No matter how hard they try, it just does not seem to work. Sometimes it is simply best to stick with the Scriptures. In fact, it is essential that believers do. God’s Word is always applicable and can always point people in the direction of God’s life-bringing truth. Even in the darkest situations, God is the light shining in the darkness, and the darkness will never overcome him. So much of the world is wandering around in the darkness, desperate and without true hope. No matter what situations God’s people face, they are never alone. The Lord walks through even the darkest of valleys, armed with his rod and his staff. That is why it is so important that believers cling to the Lord in all situations. When life’s difficulties strike unexpectedly, it is passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 that can serve as important reminders of hope in Christ. God and his Word can always lift his people up, encouraging them to press on.

Encourage one another, knowing there is always hope in Christ.

Tyler Hardy is a husband, pastor, substitute teacher, and camp volunteer. He enjoys writing, hiking, and perhaps most of all, cooking a good pizza.

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

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And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thess. 4:17)

Expanded Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:17

There are not many people in the world who do not mind waiting. Even those who are generally considered patient can identify themselves as impatient. On a number of occasions people have told me that I am a very patient person, yet one of the things I strive to avoid most are lines! Short or long, I certainly do mind waiting.

For some, a lifetime might seem like a long time. It is filled with ups and downs, but probably most would agree the downs always seem to take too long. Difficult seasons just seem to linger on and on. Sometimes people wonder if a difficult season will ever end, if there is even a light at the end of the tunnel, a ray of hope they are working towards. Though life’s challenges may be long, they are only temporary. They may seem long, but they are nothing compared to how much time is left for the rest of eternity. Eternity just keeps going. It never ends.

Forever is a very long time. Forever, God’s people will sing praises. Forever, God’s people will be free from sickness, sin, and suffering. For the rest of eternity, the children of God will have the pleasure of being in his presence—the presence of the One who is perfectly good, loving, all-powerful, and all-knowing.

Stand firm and wait patiently, despite life’s difficulties.

Tyler Hardy is a husband, pastor, substitute teacher, and camp volunteer. He enjoys writing, hiking, and perhaps most of all, cooking a good pizza.

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

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For the Lord himself will come down from heaven. (1 Thess. 4:16)

Expanded Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:16

On my first day of an internship, I walked into the church to finally meet the boss I had been communicating with. I had only seen him in passing, but I thought I would recognize him when I saw him. However, when I walked in and began meeting people, I quickly realized I was not going to recognize him at all! I saw a few casually dressed people talking. One of them very nonchalantly turned to me and introduced himself, as if he were just some guy who worked there. It turned out that he was the lead pastor.

God often operates like this—casually appearing without making his presence known for all to see. He often leaves bigger entrances to angels or some of his faithful followers, like Elijah. However, when he wants his presence known, it most certainly is known. In these moments, the event is so important that the creator of the universe is going to be there.

When God comes down from heaven it is going to be quite the to-do. One can only imagine what it will sound like, but it does not seem like it will be quiet. No one will be left wondering whether or not it is him. On that day, the Lord himself is coming for his people. That is what we mean to him.

Watch for God in both the casual and the extravagant.

Tyler Hardy is a husband, pastor, substitute teacher, and camp volunteer. He enjoys writing, hiking, and perhaps most of all, cooking a good pizza.

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

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We who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. (1 Thess. 4:15)

Expanded Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:15

My dog loves life and he does not want to miss out on anything. Sometimes I wonder if he thinks he will be forgotten. Every time my wife and I get ready to go camping, my dog is terribly concerned he might miss out if he is not already in the car waiting. No matter how excruciatingly hot it is, he feels the need to wait in the car while we load the trunk, as if he needs to make sure he is in the right place at the right time. In reality, it has already been decided that he will not be missing anything. All those details have already been worked out. No one will be forgotten. Of course he is going!

Apparently, there were some believers who were concerned that those who had already passed away might miss out on the big day of the Lord’s return. The apostle Paul makes it very clear. No one is missing out on this. God has all the details worked out. He has the timing down to a T. It does not matter when a person passes away. All of God’s people are important to him and will be present for the big day. Sometimes, we just need to trust that God has everything planned out perfectly and he has not forgotten us.

Trust in God’s perfect plan for those who love him.

Tyler Hardy is a husband, pastor, substitute teacher, and camp volunteer. He enjoys writing, hiking, and perhaps most of all, cooking a good pizza.

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

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For we believe that Jesus died and rose again. (1 Thess. 4:14)

Expanded Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:14

A church I pastored at always had the kids put on an Easter program. All the kids would dress up, and some of the adults would too. One year, we had the biggest, buffest guy in the church dress up as an angel. When it came time to roll the stone away from the tomb, he decided to improvise. He lifted the boulder above his head and threw it backstage. What an incredible image of the power of God. It was especially powerful as I hurried to get out of the way because I was in the impromptu landing zone! Just imagine, that is only the strength of an angel of God!

Joking aside, Jesus was willing to go to great lengths to pay the price for our misdeeds and God was more than capable of raising Jesus back to life. It is by this same power that Christians find forgiveness and new life on earth. And it is by this same power that God’s people will be resurrected to spend the rest of eternity in God’s presence.

It is imperative that Christ’s followers always remember the power and love of the one they wholeheartedly follow. This is where real hope comes from. Nothing is too great for God, and everything he does is good. That is why believers can find hope in him.

Always keep in mind the power of the One we follow.

Tyler Hardy is a husband, pastor, substitute teacher, and camp volunteer. He enjoys writing, hiking, and perhaps most of all, cooking a good pizza.

© 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!

We do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. (1 Thess. 4:13)

Expanded Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:13

The first time I attended a celebration of life service, I was somewhat amazed. It was a funeral, but with a joyful spin to it. It was by far the most joyful funeral I had ever attended. While people were grieving, they were looking to God and thanking him for the good times they had, rejoicing in the fact they would all be together again someday. It was new to me, but it made sense. The joy of the Lord is our strength, not only in good times, but during difficult times too.

Faith in God is supposed to impact every aspect of life, including the rough parts. Christians who truly put their trust in God find real hope in him. There is no need to grieve like everyone else who does not have this hope! Difficult times are often still difficult. After all, even Jesus wept when Lazarus died, and he knew better than anyone else that he was going to call Lazarus out of the tomb later that day.

Everyone will experience pain, but it is important to remember that Christ’s followers do not go through it alone. We are not like the rest of the world. We find real hope in the one true God. There is a time to mourn, but a time to celebrate is also coming.

Remember that unlike the world, we have real hope with God.

Tyler Hardy is a husband, pastor, substitute teacher, and camp volunteer. He enjoys writing, hiking, and perhaps most of all, cooking a good pizza.

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