Daily Devo

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But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do. (Est. 2:20)

Expanded Passage: Esther 2:19-20

Esther is in a situation that reeks of absolute injustice. Let’s not sugarcoat it: Esther is brought to the king against her will (think sex trafficking, not beauty pageant), because the former queen wouldn’t parade her body around the king’s banquet. The circumstances that brought Esther into her role as queen were insane; and (much like Jesus) Esther recognized that the godly response to insanity is wisdom: wisdom that knows when to speak, and when to remain silent.

And so Esther did the hard work of silence long before she did the hard work of speaking—by the shrewdness of Mordecai, and empowered by God’s invitation, she decided not to react off the cuff but to respond with maturity, looking not only to her own interests but instead thinking about how to help the interests of others.

One of the hardest components of discipleship is reading the times—knowing when is the time to speak, and when is the time to listen. Discretion is necessary; but silence can also come at a cost. Esther made decisions to respond rather than react. A question worth considering: When we speak, do we speak out of reaction, or defensiveness, hoping to insist on our own “rights”? When we remain silent, is our silence a wise pause, or a temptation toward inaction or fear?

Consider your motivation next time you choose between speaking and silence.

Ethan Linder is the pastor of discipleship at College Wesleyan Church (IN) and contributing editor for Education and Clergy Development of The Wesleyan Church.

© 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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Judah became God’s sanctuary, Israel his dominion. (Ps. 114:2)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 114:1-8

We rub our eyes each Sunday morning and prepare to go to church. Those of us who are pastors look over our sermon notes or brush up on the news to see whether there is anything we should include in the morning’s prayers. Laypeople think of the service ahead, hoping that certain songs will be sung, wondering what texts will be preached, what nuggets of wisdom might be shared, or whether this is a Communion Sunday. This is the ordinary stuff of Sundays, the joyous rhythm and blessed routine of the people of God.

But we must never forget that the people of God are more than just ordinary. The psalmist reminds us that God’s people are his sanctuary and his dominion. In the New Testament, Peter reminded us that we are “being built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5), a house where God the Holy Spirit lives. We are his people, those with whom God himself is pleased to dwell. Where we go, God goes. The things we say represent God to a waiting and hopeless world. The things we do represent God to a world in need of his presence.

In a very real sense, we house God and display him to the world. This honor is not to be taken lightly, but to be entered into with reverence, soberness, and deep reflection.

Pray that your local church will be God’s sanctuary for the world.

Michael Jordan is associate professor of theology at Houghton University (NY), and the author of Worship in an Age of Anxiety (IVP, 2024).

© 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 I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Cor. 12:9)

Expanded Passage: Esther 1:2-4, 10-12; 2:1-2, 5-7, 15, 17-18

We live in a world that glorifies power. Nations seek power; political leaders try to project power to reassure voters and secure elections. We look to climb a career ladder that gives us more power in the workplace. In interpersonal situations, we love to be the person with power, the person who is in charge and can get our way in a given situation.

If we are not careful, the church can look an awful lot like the world in this way. Often we too are mesmerized by power. We sometimes pay special attention to speakers who project power; we aggressively promote ourselves and our churches in a display of power. You can even argue that we create a Christian celebrity culture that parallels our secular celebrity culture of fame and power. Power and celebrity are not entirely bad things. We should encourage young people to discover their own spiritual power, so they can impact the world for good.

But we dare not forget that our power means nothing; we have no power of our own. Esther and Paul knew it; the widow and disciples discovered it when they met Jesus. Only Christ’s power means anything. And his power does not require our cleverness or strength, but our weakness, our humility, and our submission. Shrug off your shame like Paul and boast in your weakness!

Watch Christ’s power be perfected in your weaknesses.

Michael Jordan is associate professor of theology at Houghton University (NY), and the author of Worship in an Age of Anxiety (IVP, 2024).

© 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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When the turn came for Esther . . . to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai . . . suggested. (Est. 2:15)

Expanded Passage: Esther 2:1-2, 5-7, 15, 17-18

Much is made of Esther’s simplicity. Esther vied with other women for the affection of King Xerxes; the rules of the contest permitted each woman to take whatever she wanted with her when she appeared before Xerxes. Most women chose to bring many things, but Esther took nothing but a few essentials. Many have read this decision as a sign of Esther’s commitment to modesty, thinking that it referred to the fact she didn’t need alluring makeup or clothing. But this reading imposes modern evangelical concerns on to a story in a way that doesn’t quite ring true.

It’s better to read this story like we would read many other Old Testament stories, where God rescued his people in a way that showed that it was he who got the credit, not the people. David defeated Goliath in a way that can be credited only to God. The Israelites escaped slavery only when God parted the Red Sea. And Esther became queen only when God made it possible, against all odds.

Likely you are in need of God’s touch right now; something in your life seems like such a huge obstacle that it can only be moved by God’s hand. Queen Esther’s story is about so much more than rewarding modesty. It reminds us that nothing is hopeless for the people of God.

Pray with boldness, knowing God can make a way for you.

Michael Jordan is associate professor of theology at Houghton University (NY), and the author of Worship in an Age of Anxiety (IVP, 2024).

© 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 when the attendants delivered the king’s command, Queen Vashti refused to come. (Est. 1:12)

Expanded Passage: Esther 1:2-4, 10-12

As a show of his power, the king had been giving a seven-day banquet for many nobles. Much food—and wine—had been consumed, and the king wanted to show off his beautiful wife to the men to make them jealous. Vashti faced a predicament: Go to the king and allow herself to become an object for men’s leering eyes, or say no and risk her very life.

My wife and I are raising three brilliant daughters. In my professional life, I pastor at a college with about six hundred female students. Vashti’s predicament is all too familiar for young women today. In a world where powerful men constantly objectify women, where many women bear the scars of powerful men behaving badly, I want the young women in my care to have Vashti’s spirit. I want them to refuse to participate in their own objectification.

And I want the men in their lives to do better. We are also raising two sons, and I pastor around three hundred and fifty young men. I want them to know that power is not drunken revelry, that manliness doesn’t mean treating women as objects. I want them to know that chastity is possible, that they are more than their base impulses.

I want them all to show by the way they live that they follow not King Xerxes, but King Jesus.

Pray that young people would honor God by honoring each other.

Michael Jordan is associate professor of theology at Houghton University (NY), and the author of Worship in an Age of Anxiety (IVP, 2024).

© 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 he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9)

Expanded Passage: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Scholars have long debated the nature of Paul’s “thorn in the flesh.” Paul apparently struggled with some physical, emotional, or spiritual difficulty, a long-term torment. He pleaded with God to take this suffering away, but God refused, saying instead that his grace would be enough for Paul to bear this torment, and indeed that God’s power would be perfected in Paul’s weakness.

I think we have romanticized Paul’s thorn. However he dealt with it, Paul struggled sincerely with the thorn and probably felt great shame over it. He may have experienced persistent temptation to sin, or a physical ailment that caused him shame when others were healed so frequently in those days. Paul, who often shares personal details about himself in his letters, can’t even bring himself to describe his difficulty to his readers.

Like Paul, we may struggle with realities we don’t want to share with others; we might not even want to admit them to ourselves. We have difficulty shaking an addiction; we have a child who is running away from the faith; we experience doubt. Yet God in his mercy enables even these disappointments to serve a purpose: They remind us of our inability to do this life ourselves. And when we remember that we can’t do it ourselves, we remember that there is One who is always with us, sticking closer than a brother.

Cling to God’s power even when problems remain.

Michael Jordan is associate professor of theology at Houghton University (NY), and the author of Worship in an Age of Anxiety (IVP, 2024).

© 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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“Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others.” (Luke 21:3)

Expanded Passage: Luke 21:1-3

It’s time again for the morning offering. Ushers bring around wooden plates, and people silently put in their money, taking great pains to hide how much they give. Checks are folded; cash is put in envelopes; tithing is preached, but each respects the other’s right to decide on how much to give without any extra pressure.

This was not the case in Jesus’ day, when giving was done by throwing coins into a big, resounding metal funnel. The more money you gave, the more others recognized your generosity. Even a noisy courtyard would stop and notice when a wealthy man poured in a chunk of change, and the resounding clang echoed his virtue to everyone.

“Clink! Clink!” Two copper coins, dropped in by an insignificant widow, a nobody in that culture. No one stopped what they were doing; no one even noticed except Jesus. He recognized that in this gift, this woman gave her fortune, risking her next meal. Jesus noticed that she had given all and had simple faith that God would provide.

Nothing is sweeter to Jesus than when his disciples give all they have, whether a little or a lot. He is not impressed with flashy gifts, with wealth that is never missed once given. But he does notice sacrificial giving. He takes note of you and me when we give everything we have.

Give freely, knowing that God will take care of you.

Michael Jordan is associate professor of theology at Houghton University (NY), and the author of Worship in an Age of Anxiety (IVP, 2024).

© 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 he answered, “You give them something to eat.” (Mark 6:37)

Expanded Passage: Mark 6:34-44

The disciples glanced nervously at each other as they processed the most recent command Jesus had given them: “You give them something to eat.” Really? Five thousand men—many with their families—sat scattered on the grass, waiting for Jesus either to give another class session or to dismiss them for the evening. The disciples thought it was time to let them go and get some dinner, when Jesus challenged them to feed the vast crowd.

You and I have likely never faced such a crowd, but we have felt what the disciples felt. Surely sometime the Master has called you to do something that feels impossible: to raise a child with special needs, to care for a spouse in failing health, or to make your church a welcoming place in a difficult neighborhood. Facing these obstacles feels insurmountable; we realize that we ourselves don’t have enough resources.

Disciples of Jesus have more than we think we do. God’s ministry isn’t accomplished through our own cleverness or resources, but by the Holy Spirit. We use our little gifts: we practice faithful care, we love well, and we work to change hearts and minds. As we do, we discover that though these gifts are insignificant on their own, the Holy Spirit can use them to bless the world. Therefore, we use what we have—and we have more than we think.

Seek God’s direction, even when the task seems impossible.

Michael Jordan is associate professor of theology at Houghton University (NY), and the author of Worship in an Age of Anxiety (IVP, 2024).

© 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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From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. (Ps. 113:3)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 113:1-9

The Super Bowl is the game to watch for both fans and nonfans of football. Nonfans will focus on the celebrities present, advertisements, and the half-time show, while fans will go all-in for the game. However, there are two types of football fans. The first is the team-loyal fan. These individuals will watch football only when their team is participating. After their team is eliminated, they are done for the season until the Super Bowl. Then, they join the individuals watching the advertisements and half-time show. The all-in football fan watches all the way to the Super Bowl. Even if their favorite team loses, they simply find another team to support. They watch the game because they love football. For them, what team is playing doesn’t matter. They simply love the sport.

The all-in football fan reminds me of how we should respond to God. Just as they watch the game because they love the sport, our praise should come from our love for God regardless of how our situation currently looks. From sunup to sunset, we should praise simply because we love him, even if the circumstances of life are not working in our favor.

When we learn to praise God through our circumstances, then we make room for him to use our circumstances to influence the lives of others.

Position yourself as an all-in follower, even when the going gets tough.

Tara Klein, a lover of words, shares her imperfect, unconventional Christian journey as a female, mother, and wife to invite others into God’s unconditional love.

© 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!

Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. (Jonah 3:8)

Expanded Passage: Nehemiah 8:1-10, 18; 9:1-3

My parents sacrificed daily for my siblings and me. We were not an affluent family by any means. Yet, as kids we never saw just how difficult things were financially in our household. My birthday and Christmas presents were always exactly what I wanted. If I needed money to go somewhere with friends or attend an event, my parents provided. I had no idea money was a concern. And my parents never mentioned it or demanded attention and thanks for the sacrifice. However, I now know that behind the scenes my parents were willingly sacrificing for my benefit. I feel confident they would both agree it was a sacrifice they would willingly make again as an act of love.

Although immeasurably greater than my parents’ sacrifice, we call Jesus’ death on the cross a sacrifice for our sins—one he willingly endured for each of us. And likewise, his death was an act of love. He loved us so much that no sacrifice was too great to endure.

Yet, I do not always act for him with the same level of willingness and love. The truth is, I am not always excited to sacrifice, and holiness is not always easy, but it is attainable. With a selfless attitude and love that honors his sacrifice, we can live a holy life that glorifies him alone.

Look for opportunities to run toward Christ and his holiness.

Tara Klein, a lover of words, shares her imperfect, unconventional Christian journey as a female, mother, and wife to invite others into God’s unconditional love.

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