Daily Devo

Listen to today’s devo!

With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” (Ezra 3:11)

Expanded Passage: Ezra 3:10-11

It was a celebration! When I was in high school, my grandparents threw a party like I had never experienced before. We were celebrating the God-given covenant of marriage in general and the culmination of fifty years between them, specifically. This ceremony was not a renewal of vows. They did not need to be restored. This worship service was a celebration of the faithfulness of God in their marriage and a remembrance of his work in their lives.

The first worship service after the Israelites returned from exile was similar as they paused to sing about who God is and his covenantal loyalty to them despite their difficulties. It was also a service of remembrance. God’s activity in the past influenced their worship in the present. It was not a service renewing their covenant with God; it was one of remembering and celebrating God and his continued covenant with them.

Both the celebration for my grandparents and the inaugural worship service by the Israelites were remembrances of who God is and what he does, leading the people to worship. We can follow the Israelites’ example of worshiping despite challenges with the assurance found in the covenant of God. How does who God is and what he has done influence the way you worship?

Remember the character and activity of God, which can lead to worship.

Jay Drury is a second-year MDiv student at Asbury Seminary (KY), pursuing ordination in The Wesleyan Church. He is married to Hannah, whom he met at age sixteen.

© 2025 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!

They began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, though the foundation of the Lord’s temple had not yet been laid. (Ezra 3:6)

Expanded Passage: Ezra 3:3-6

Focus on your posture. Think about your breathing. Stretch like your running depends on it. I can still hear my cross-country coaches reminding us every practice to focus on the fundamentals, the small practices and mechanics, because every race has different, unexpected challenges. This is true in running, cooking, writing, and even relationships: we must practice the fundamentals to succeed in new, challenging situations.

The Israelites were eager not only to return from exile but also to resume the practice of worship through sacrifices. Although they did not yet have a temple, and their circumstances were new and filled with danger, they celebrated the Lord’s provision for them in the past with an expectation of his protection for them in their new start. They were not allowed to sacrifice while in exile, yet worship was their first order of business as the community of God when they returned to their destroyed homeland of Jerusalem. Their new context was difficult and dangerous, but they relied on their fundamentals: practices of community, worship, and celebration.

What are your fundamental practices? Are they helpful to rely on when you face a new and challenging beginning? During cross country, I had my practices to rely on when on a new course; the Israelites had fundamentals they could rely on during their difficult transition out of exile. By focusing on the fundamentals, these practices help us through life’s challenging transitions.

Focus on the fundamentals to face challenging circumstances.

Jay Drury is a second-year MDiv student at Asbury Seminary (KY), pursuing ordination in The Wesleyan Church. He is married to Hannah, whom he met at age sixteen.

© 2025 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!

When the seventh month came and the Israelites had settled in their towns, the people assembled together as one in Jerusalem. (Ezra 3:1)

Expanded Passage: Ezra 3:1-2

Football is considered by many to be the sport that requires the most teamwork. This is because of the number of players, individual roles, and unified movement necessary to push the ball down the field. With so many moving parts, what makes it possible? In sequential order, it combines individual practice, communal identity, and a common purpose that unifies the entire team. Lacking one of these aspects would lead an otherwise talented team to falter.

Like good football teams, the Israelites seemed to know this as well. They had to start from scratch as they returned to Jerusalem from exile. They first “settled in their towns,” making sure they were individually ready for the crucial task ahead of them. This individual preparation was their “practice.” The people then assembled as one community, under their shared identity as Israelites. They united under one common purpose: to rebuild the altar and reinstate their communion with God through worship.

The return of the Israelites beginning to rebuild and a football team scoring touchdowns teaches us three areas to pay attention to when faced with a new start. How are we doing individually? Have we rooted our identity in a fruitful community? Have we found the purpose of this new start? The Israelites knew the answer to all three as they assembled in Jerusalem. Do you?

Prayerfully evaluate your practices, your communal identity, and your purpose.

Jay Drury is a second-year MDiv student at Asbury Seminary (KY), pursuing ordination in The Wesleyan Church. He is married to Hannah, whom he met at age sixteen.

© 2025 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!

Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob. (Ps. 114:7)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 114

Nothing demonstrates God’s sovereign authority quite like our physical world. Scientists are fascinated with the laws of nature, discovering intricacy and order throughout the created world. Poets are captivated by the beauty of the universe, musing on the minutiae of a flower, a starlit sky, or an angelic face. The wise are filled with respect, fearing natural disasters like tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, or volcanoes. But only One controls everything. Throughout history, God’s complete and perfect sovereignty has been demonstrated time and time again in the most palpable way—by miraculously transcending the physical to reveal the spiritual.

In the presence of God, seas part, mountains leap, the earth trembles, and impenetrable rocks turn to pools of water (Ps. 114:8). Repeatedly through history, God has used the physical world to remind his people of his complete authority over our lives. He is in control. We can trust him, and his plans always prevail. Not only should we be in awe of the great and mighty power that is our God, but also, his strength and power should reassure us, pointing us toward his ability to move mightily in our lives.

The physical manifestations of God’s power and authority over the world are indicative of his strength. The God who moves mountains is the God who transforms hearts, minds, and souls.

Give any problem you are facing to the God who moves mountains.

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.

© 2025 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!

“Any of his people among you may go . . . and build the temple of the Lord . . . and may their God be with them.” (Ezra 1:3)

Expanded Passage: Ezra 1:1-11; 2:64-70

Quite often, God’s intervention is so profound, his blessing so obvious, that we are humbled by his graciousness. Older adults tend to have this perspective when looking back over their lifetimes, seeing all at once the multitude of blessings that they have accumulated. Grandmas and grandpas measure their wealth in terms of the relationships they have built with their children and grandchildren. Along with the inevitable pain and heartache they have endured, God’s sovereign, intervening hand is evident in the good.

As the book of Ezra opens, we see the children of Israel given such a profound, humbling blessing. Several times, we read that God moves hearts (Ezra 1:1, 5). The people are commanded to give to the children of God (v. 4), but they also give freewill offerings (vv. 4, 6). As exiles and captives, not only are they freed, but they are also recompensed and supported in their going.

The extreme and complete turnaround is the result of God’s intervention. While the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem was and is important, what he desires both then and now is to transform lives. Ultimately, God acts in order to change hearts and to bring about his kingdom. Like the people of Israel, God is calling us. He is moving our hearts toward action, to contributing to the building of his kingdom.

Reflect with thanks on the ways God has intervened in your life.

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.

© 2025 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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Moreover, King Cyrus brought out the articles belonging to the temple of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away. (Ezra 1:7)

Expanded Passage: Ezra 1:7-11

Consistent investments made over time yield results. Several years ago, my husband and I were led to a small group Bible study that explained how this financial principle works in relationships as well. We must invest often, wait for growth, and withdraw rarely. Occasionally, we lose our treasure altogether—it is stolen from us, and all we can do is pray, wait, and hope to see it returned. This is true of financial matters, and it is certainly true of relationships: in marriages, with children, and in the workplace.

After a very long wait, the children of Israel saw their silver and gold returned. This treasure was a stolen investment, “articles” belonging to the Lord that would, in turn, be used to build the temple. In other translations, “articles” of gold and silver are called “vessels” of gold and silver. In the New Testament, Paul spoke of Christ followers as earthen vessels (or “jars of clay”) that proclaim the gospel (2 Cor. 4:7). As vessels of the good news, it is through his Spirit that we become the hands and feet of Christ, children compelled to pour ourselves out to build the kingdom.

We must be aware that our greatest earthly treasures are the relationships that we build here on earth. It is not simply silver and gold that will build the kingdom of God; but rather, it is his people.

Invest in relationships to build Christ’s kingdom.

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.

© 2025 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!

Everyone whose heart God had moved—prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. (Ezra 1:5)

Expanded Passage: Ezra 1:4-6

Large families are often depicted in the media as sources of stress and chaos. Mothers-in-law are overbearing and meddling; children are rebellious and ungrateful; fathers are unreliable and dull; aunts and uncles are poor role models. The list is endless. But God did not design families to be dysfunctional. Recently, my daughter married a lovely young man. His family, like ours, is large and unwieldy, which inevitably meant a beautifully chaotic wedding. Without prompting, the bride’s family, led by her uncles, stepped into the middle of the chaos any time they saw something unraveling. They took charge and accomplished much. It’s what good families do.

The children of Israel similarly worked together. In this case, it was to bring about God’s plan. They approached the task of building God’s temple organically and selflessly. They gave of their time, their money, and their resources. As a family, God’s children, they worked together to accomplish his will. Even their neighbors were inspired to follow their lead and to help them, selflessly following their example.

In our families—individual and church—we must reclaim this type of devotion to one another, setting an example of selfless fidelity that builds the kingdom. When we are willing to follow God’s appointed leaders, and when we work together as a good and loving family, God’s plans will prevail.

Be willing to work together to accomplish God’s plan.

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.

© 2025 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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“The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and he has appointed me to build a temple.” (Ezra 1:2)

Expanded Passage: Ezra 1:2-3

As a young wife and mother, I struggled with the rules of domesticity. I remember attending several Bible studies looking for answers. At the time, I was drowning in my new roles, and I knew I needed to dig deeper into God’s Word. To my dismay, several studies focused on the importance of making the beds every morning or having a hot meal on the table every night. I was learning to build my home, and this was good, but I wasn’t learning to change my heart—and in all actuality, while it certainly was important to care for my husband and children, it was my heart that needed reconstruction.

In today’s passage, a very well-intentioned leader—a leader appointed by God—similarly undergirded the people of Israel to return to Jerusalem and to build the temple of the Lord. This was a welcome and needed step in the construction of God’s kingdom. But, of course, we know that what the people of Israel needed more than anything was to have their hearts wholly reconstructed, devoted, and transformed.

It’s very easy to be distracted by good things and consequently miss the best things. We tend to construct our lives externally, forgetting that the most important work we must do is on the inside. We must first invite God to do his work within us.

Focus on inward transformation.

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.

© 2025 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 Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation throughout his realm and also to put it in writing. (Ezra 1:1)

Expanded Passage: Ezra 1:1

It is God’s job, not ours, to move hearts. While our particular choices are our own, oftentimes, others determine our circumstances. As a college professor, I spend a great deal of time encouraging young adults to learn to navigate this tension between choice and circumstance. The middle point is a place of conscientious waiting. While we actively serve him, we must also know that God can and does move hearts according to his will.

The book of Ezra begins in this place of waiting. The Israelites, exiles in Babylon, had acclimated to captivity in spite of the fact that their circumstances had been chosen for them. But God fulfilled his promise to give them hope and a future (Jer. 29:11). At the appointed time, God moved the heart of King Cyrus, just as the prophet Isaiah had predicted (Isa. 44:28; 45:1). The Israelites were not only invited to return to Jerusalem, but they were also accommodated in their going by King Cyrus.

There are times in our lives that we simply must accept our circumstance as exiles. Perhaps a family member has rejected us. Maybe we have struggled to find favor with an employer despite our best efforts. Whatever has suspended us between choice and circumstance, we must continue to live godly lives in the waiting. At the appointed time, God will move hearts.

Be willing to wait; God has a plan.

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.

© 2025 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!

Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high, who stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth? (Ps. 113:5–6)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 113

Currently, there are over 8 billion human beings alive on this planet. God not only created them all, he knows them all. He knows every single thing about all 8 billion of them. The same can be said to be true for every human that has ever been in all of history. It can make you feel really small, insignificant even. But if God knows you personally, you are not insignificant. I would argue it doesn’t mean you are small, but that God is really big.

There is no one like our God because he doesn’t just know some fun facts about the people he has created. He stoops down to our level—the infinitely huge to the microscopically small—and cares for us. He raises people up out of the dirt and dust; he takes the barren places and brings life. He is actively involved with his creation because he loves us more than we can imagine.

What could we possibly have to offer in response? We offer him the highest praise we can muster, praise from the very depths of our heart. Praise in every place at every time for all time; that’s the praise Yahweh deserves. Think for a moment: how has God stooped down into your life and in what ways has he raised you up? If you are a servant of the Lord, praise his name

Record the ways God has cared for you and give him praise.

Ethan Zent is the pastor of worship at Follow Church in Upstate South Carolina, where he lives a beautiful life with his beautiful wife.

© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.