Daily Devo

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Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” (Ps. 96:10)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 96

On the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022, the Prince of Wales became king as King Charles III. His accession to the throne brought many changes, not least the national anthem, which reverted to its former name, “God Save the King,” and now uses the masculine pronoun to refer to the new monarch.

The words of the United Kingdom’s national anthem changed in honor of the earthly and ephemeral reign of the new king, but God’s Word remains the same and never changes. In parallel, Psalm 96, considered a royal psalm, extols God’s eternal sovereignty as King, as depicted in verse 10. This psalm is divided into four parts: the first invites us to sing the Lord’s praises among the nations (vs. 1–3); the second speaks of the reasons why we should praise the Lord (vs. 4–6); the third, addressed to the nations, invites them to give glory and honor to the Lord and proclaim his kingship (vs. 7–10); and the fourth invites the creation to rejoice before the Lord and prepare for his just and faithful judgment.

Amid transient earthly reigns, God continues to reign sovereignly, reminding everyone that his reign lasts forever. We must get on board, making it known with our songs of praise among the nations, in every place and in every generation, that the Lord reigns.

Let us proclaim everywhere with our melodies that the Lord reigns.

Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing his master of divinity at Wesley Seminary (IN). He is married to Johane and has three children.

© 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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Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord (Eph. 5:19)

Expanded Passage: Ephesians 5:19

There was a time in my spiritual life when I had very controversial views on Christian music composition. I would criticize Christian artists for bringing back to the gospel whatever theme they were dealing with in their music. I began to change my mind after I witnessed a particular event at a concert by a Pagan artist I liked, who was performing at an end-of-year party at work. At the beginning of his performance, he played a musical tune composed in honor of a pagan goddess he believed had made him successful in his career. This experience and similar testimonies I heard from other non-Christian artists rallied me to the just cause of evangelical Christian artists.

After giving a series of dos and don’ts on Christian living, in Ephesians 5:15–18, the apostle ends verse 18 with, “Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Immediately afterward, he follows up with a series of instructions on music. Paul offers the music composed and sung from the Spirit and our hearts to the Lord as one way of being filled with the Spirit.

We are constantly being drawn to worldly music. May God let us be drawn to Christian music that edifies us, strengthens our faith, and enhances our relationship with him and our sisters and brothers in the Christian community.

Sing music from the Spirit and lift your heart to the Lord.

Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing a master of divinity at Wesley Seminary (IN). He is married to Johane and has three children.

© 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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Let them sing before the Lord. (Ps. 98:9)

Expanded Passage: Psalms 98:7-9

Saint Francis of Assisi is reputed to have been a friend of Mother Nature. He had an extraordinary love for the creation and God’s adorable creatures. He used to converse with animals, instruct them, and preach to them. The story goes that Francis would alternate with the birds the divine praise they gave to their Creator in their way.

Long before Francis, the author of Psalms 98 commanded the sea and all sea creatures to praise God for how his waters resound. All the inhabitants of the earth should also praise the Lord. Even the natural world is encouraged to participate: “Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy” (Ps. 98:8). From the trickling of river water to the rustle of tree leaves across the mountains, creation lifts its voice to praise the Lord. When was the last time you took a walk outside, listening to the ways that creation sings praise to the Lord?

In the same way, as God’s creatures, we must raise our voices in worship and participate in the concert of animals and elements of nature. All living, moving, and breathing creatures must bear witness to the glory of our Creator. “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; make music to the Lord with the harp . . . the world, and all who live in it” (Ps. 98:4–7).

Listen to the music of creation and join the song of worship.

Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing a master of divinity at Wesley Seminary (IN). He is married to Johane and has three children.

© 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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Shout for joy before the Lord, the King (Ps. 98:6)

Expanded Passage: Psalms 98:4-6

The Haitian National Palace Brass Band is comprised of highly talented musicians who can easily read and perform scores. These instrumentalists are often called upon to play on many special occasions, mainly when the newly elected President of the Republic is taking office. Whether the musicians voted for or against the new president in power, they must pay tribute to him on this day and in any subsequent official instances. This practice has become so ingrained in the Haitian popular malice that the term “palace musicians” describes anyone obliged to honor someone else, whether that person is on their side or not.

The author of Psalms 98 seemed to be familiar with the environment of a royal palace, complete with at least a brass band and palace musicians. With a burst of energy overflowing his whole being, he summons the entire earth to shout for joy and let it burst forth. To do this, they are called to sing jubilant hymns before the Lord, the King, using musical instruments.

Just as the Haitian National Palace orchestra musicians must honor the current president, whether they voted for or against him, so must we consider ourselves God’s palace musicians and give the Lord, the King, all due honor.

Give all due honor to the Lord, the King.

Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing a master of divinity at Wesley Seminary (IN). He is married to Johane and has three children.

© 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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He has remembered his love and his faithfulness to Israel. (Ps. 98:3)

Expanded Passage: Psalms 98:3

My wife, Johane, and I have been married for thirteen years. I joke that we are no longer children in our married life but rather teenagers. We still remember as if it were yesterday, on December 24, 2011, when, in front of our district superintendent, we swore to love each other for better or worse and remain faithful to each other until death do us part. These public vows of love and faithfulness, taken before our church, parents, family, and friends, resonate with us still today.

God has no short memory since “he has remembered his love and faithfulness to Israel” (v. 3). He is proverbially faithful and never breaks his promises. He has always remembered his everlasting love and gracious commitment to his people. His love and faithfulness compel him to save his people in the eyes of the world. It is not something he does behind the scenes. The whole earth witnesses the deliverance God brings to his people.

No matter what happens, God will always love us, remain loyal to us, and will never forget his people. By way of gratitude, one of the ways we can try to return him his unmerited favor is to sing his praise through good times and bad.

Let us dedicate all our praise to the loving and faithful God.

Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing a master of divinity at Wesley Seminary (IN). He is married to Johane and has three children.

© 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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His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. (Ps. 98:1)

Expanded Passage: Psalms 98:1-2

Our human mind cannot fully understand everything about God. To bring us closer to a better understanding of God’s person, the biblical authors, under inspiration, used anthropomorphic (human form) images. These images contain human traits, behaviors, and feelings that help us better understand God’s identity, behaviors, and actions.

Comparably, the writer of Psalms 98 used the hand and arm to talk about God. These pictorial expressions lead its recipients to a much better understanding of God and his miraculous work in connection with salvation. Correspondingly, “right hand” refers to God’s authority and victory, while “holy arm” highlights the divine and sacred character of his power. Combined, they symbolize God’s strength and holiness in our salvation. Furthermore, God proclaimed his saving deed and declared his righteousness to the world. His salvation is evidenced through public deeds, whether through the deliverance of its people from Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia, and so on, or our salvation through the sacrificial death of Jesus.

Our God is praiseworthy for his mighty acts of salvation. He deserves much more than that; his right hand and holy arm bring us salvation in a lost world. He eagerly expects us to comply. As we reflect on the work of redemption offered in Jesus Christ, we are summoned to let our hearts burst with praise and new songs and make God’s salvation known to the nations.

Praise the Lord for his right hand and holy arm.

Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing a master of divinity at Wesley Seminary (IN). He is married to Johane and has three children.

© 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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Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. (Ps. 98:1)

Expanded Passage: Psalms 98:1

Music aficionados always yearn for their favorite bands or artists to release a new album, especially after an extended lull. When they cannot produce an album, any new opus or single is a joy for fanatics and discerning music lovers. There are many causes for releasing a new song, some of which may be trivial: gratifying fanatics after a long period of inactivity or responding to a polemic from an opposing band to name but a few.

The author of Psalms 98 invites us to “sing to the Lord a new song” from the outset, for a much nobler cause, “for he has done marvelous things” (v. 1). Known in Latin as Cantate Domino (Sing to the Lord), one wonders what would have motivated the author to use such a phrase. The context would suggest that it was composed after an experience that many consider a time of restoration for the Jewish people.

The Lord has been calling you to sing a new song for all those miracles, wonders, and healings you have been blessed with.

Sing a new song of worship for the marvels God has accomplished.

Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing a master of divinity at Wesley Seminary (IN). He is married to Johane and has three children.

© 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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Blessed is the man you discipline, O Lord; the man you teach from your law. (Ps. 94:12)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 94

An apprentice spends years studying under the master to become a journeyman. A journeyman spends years more to become a master. The master, in turn, teaches an apprentice. Some lessons are difficult to learn, to understand, or to see the significance of. A master will see the potential of the apprentice and encourage them on until they understand the discipline and grow in their practice to reach their potential.

The most difficult challenges often provide the most rewarding lessons. The tiniest detail can make the difference between the science of a trade and the art of it. As iron sharpens iron, challenges will sharpen the craftsman to perfection.

For apprentices in the kingdom of God, challenges arise in similar fashion. The King sees potential in each of his subjects, encouraging them on to fullness of faith in him. He wants us to grow in our Christian craft, away from our wickedness and into his righteousness.

Some of the laws of the Old Testament may seem odd, out of date, no longer applicable, or insignificant, but each one was given for a reason. Sin is still sin; people are still people; and God is still God. For reasons that may be beyond our understanding, everything God said, says, or will say is still important for us to learn.

Listen to the Master to become an artist.

Randall A. Forbes was director of plant operations at Kingswood University (Canada). He is an artist, retired minister, follower of Christ, and lover of life.

© 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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Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the Lord your God. (Lev. 20:7)

Expanded Passage: Leviticus 11:4-8, 43-45; 19:1-2, 11-18; 20:7-8

God does everything wonderfully. Some of those things are saving us in Christ Jesus, setting the ground rules for living, and making believers holy. Even the way God picks us up when we fall back into sin and encourages us when life’s difficulties close in are wonderful and loving.

Many passages in the book of Leviticus can be frightening or confusing, yet God shows himself through them. In his wonderful and unique way, he calms our fears and clears the confusion. He will even go so far as to make it a great learning experience, if we will let him.

You may have heard it said that God is so much more than we can imagine. Stretch your imagination to think that he wants us to become holy, and that we can. Imagine that the Lord wants us to grow faster, further, and fuller in our spiritual lives than ever before. Read his Word, all of it. Learn and grow. Then go back and read again to learn a deeper lesson. There is always much more to learn from his Word.

God wants us to be his spiritually healthy children because he loves us and desires us. Let’s do all we can to be his devoted children.

Dedicate your life and actions to God today.

Randall A. Forbes was director of plant operations at Kingswood University (Canada). He is an artist, retired minister, follower of Christ, and lover of life.

© 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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I am the Lord, who makes you holy. (Lev. 20:8)

Expanded Passage: Leviticus 20:7-8

Have you ever taken credit for something you did not do? Sometimes we take credit by not saying a word and letting others attribute achievement to us. Sometimes we take credit by theft. Most patent and copyright disputes arise because someone took credit for another’s creation. Sometimes we take full credit for our success, forgetting the influences, decisions, and efforts of others, who contributed to our achievement. To take credit for another’s work is to put oneself above them. That puts us in the wrong place.

There are those who would have us think they are better, more holy, or special because of who they are, what they have done, how long they have known the Lord, or any number of reasons. They too have put themselves on a level with God. They are putting themselves in the wrong place.

God is the only reason any of us can be holy. If anyone could have achieved holiness on their own, someone would have. The apostle Paul told the Philippians and us to humble ourselves and think less of ourselves than others (2:3). In order to think less of ourselves than others, we must know our place with God. We are his children, under his authority, protection, and guidance. When God’s children put themselves under God’s authority, they are in the right place.

Ask yourself, “Am I in a right relationship with God?”

Randall A. Forbes was director of plant operations at Kingswood University (Canada). He is an artist, retired minister, follower of Christ, and lover of life.

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