Daily Devo

Listen to today’s devo!

Love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. (Lev. 19:18)

Expanded Passage: Leviticus 19:11-18

One man prayed for a safe journey, then proceeded to speed down the road. An hour into the trip, a child ran into the road and was struck and killed. The driver, while feeling terrible, maintained that God had failed him in his request. Had the driver obeyed Paul’s teaching to follow the laws of the land (Rom. 13:1–6), the driver would have been miles short of the location when the child ran out into the road.

Too often we think more about how much we can get away with, meeting only the minimum expectation of the law, rather than how much further we can go into righteousness. We should exceed the minimum requirement always.

If a line were drawn between good and evil, sinners would be found living on the evil side, some deeper into sin than others. Such a line represents the minimum requirement for righteousness. The way across the line is salvation by faith in Jesus, which brings us to righteousness. As we mature in the faith, we will be found moving deeper into the righteousness of Christ.

There are thirteen “do nots” in our passage and only one “do” (love your neighbor). This tells us something about the importance of loving our neighbor.

Take one step deeper into the will of 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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“Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.” (Lev. 19:2)

Expanded Passage: Leviticus 19:1-2

When war is waged, a call goes out for soldiers to defend their country. When an epidemic strikes, a call goes out for blood donors. When the harvest is ready, a call goes out for workers to reap it.

God, too, sends out a call for those lost in sin to come home to him, to believe in the saving grace of Jesus. He then sends out a call for believers to set themselves apart for service to him. To be set apart in the world is to be different. To be set apart for service to God is to be holy.

To be set apart is not to be a stranger to the world. We still eat, need money for support, and want creature comforts and necessities. Neither is it to live in another time or lifestyle. We can live in the world. To be set apart for service to God is to be set apart from sin, resist temptation, and abide in the will of the Lord.

Just as the calls to serve in war, donate blood, or work in the harvest are each a call to action, so the call to be holy is a call to action for believers. That call is to clean ourselves up and set ourselves apart from self-service to serve the Lord. This call is a high priority.

Do something that will set you apart for God’s service 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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“Do not make yourselves unclean . . . I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy.” (Lev. 11: 44–45)

Expanded Passage: Leviticus 11:43-45

Every argument is presented to change a point of view. People argue to try to get their point across to others. Arguments do not have to be hostile, just alternative points of view presented in a convincing style. The Word of God is an argument, of sorts, intended to change our point of view from selfish and sinful to selfless and righteous.

In Leviticus, the Israelites are tasked with consecrating themselves and avoiding uncleanliness. He tells the Israelites to become more like him through obedience to his commandments. From the Israelites’ point of view, this was an impossible task, how could they become like God?

Our point of view can change significantly when we act for the right reason. If God is the reason for every action we take, we will change for the better. God gave himself as the reason for the Israelites to follow what seemed like impossible rules. By placing their focus on the perfect God, their point of view began to grow, and their actions to become less worldly, and more Godly.

Tell God, “I believe you when you say I can.”

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®.

Listen to today’s devo!

You must not eat their meat or touch their carcasses; they are unclean for you. (Lev. 11: 8)

Expanded Passage: Leviticus 11:4-8

I developed an allergy to fish as an adult. Interestingly, this also meant I could not eat turkey that had been fed fish meal. Fish is not a natural food for turkeys, and they cannot digest it completely, so fish protein is still present in the meat of those who’ve eaten it.

Just as turkey (fish) is not good for me, there were foods that were not good for Israel. Through his instruction to Moses, God protected Israel by restricting their diet to foods that were good for them. The Lord God had their best interests in mind. He knew that not every food available to them would be beneficial.

The Lord is concerned about far more than our physical health, which is a concern only while we are here on earth. His interest in our spiritual health is ever present in his Word to us. While we have been granted the freedom to choose, we have also been told what will result from our choices. We may be permitted to choose what we believe, but not every choice available to us is beneficial to our spiritual health.

Because of my allergy to fish, I choose to eat only grain-fed turkey. I want to make healthy food choices. We can make healthy choices about our spiritual food as well. Our spiritual health can improve today by good choices.

Name one healthy spiritual choice you can make 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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Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—

Expanded Passage: the Lord on high is mighty. (Ps. 93:4)

Psalm 93

I remember watching The Black Stallion as a child, mesmerized and terrified of both the horse and the tumultuous sea. The opening scenes show how powerful both were; neither could be tamed. Sometimes a similar feeling wells up inside me, turbulent and fierce, in response to a chaotic situation I'm unable to control. Try as I might, my thoughts and emotions cannot be tamed, and if my eyes and mind are focused just on the situation, I feel as if I’ll be swallowed by those stormy seas.

The psalmist too saw in his mind the swirling, raging waters. He heard their mighty voices as they raised their waves in revolt. Defiance was their battle cry. Their waves would not be checked; their breakers would not be subdued. As an ancient Hebrew, he knew the depths of the sea were mighty, the breeding ground of danger and rebellion. Neighboring peoples feared and worshiped the gods of these rebellious, untamable seas.

But greater than the seas, steadier and firmer than the rebellious waves, sat the Lord Almighty. Robed in majesty and strength, he reigned. That same King is also ruling this world today. He is over and above the chaos we face. His laws and holiness are ever faithful and steady; nothing can overwhelm or overpower him. And when we look at our eternal King, we find our footing and our peace.

When chaos closes in, be calmed by the eternal King.

Jamie Hilty lives in northern Indiana with her pastor-husband Josh. She spends her days reading aloud to her kids, planning retreats, and avoiding the dishes.

© 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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For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers. (Deut. 30:20)

Expanded Passage: Deuteronomy 29:1-4; 30:5-20

“I want to show you a photo.” I hear this story-starter regularly at my scrapbooking workshops. As I listen to the details behind the snapshot, it’s apparent the storyteller’s life has been impacted by something or someone wonderful. “I’m their grandma . . . this was my husband . . . I love watching my kids . . .”

The Israelites knew they had a story worth sharing about their faithful God and his promises. As they entered the promised land, God knew they’d need to focus on him instead of their new surroundings for that good story to continue. These families would need, and want, to cling to the Lord—not out of lack of courage, but because they knew where their good life was found. When their homes, businesses and families prospered, they’d know the Lord was at work. So, when Moses said, “The Lord is your life,” he clarified every future opportunity, decision, and focus the Israelites would face in the coming years.

The Lord delights in our delight! He gives us the most beautiful people and stories to share. But if we are only delighted by that life right in front of us rather than the Lord himself, we’ve missed the truly good life. He invites us to lean in close, listen and obey his words, see his works, and know that he is our life.

The Lord is your life! Cling to him and enjoy his delight.

Jamie Hilty lives in northern Indiana with her pastor-husband Josh. She spends her days reading aloud to her kids, planning retreats, and avoiding the dishes.

© 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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Now choose life, so that you and your children may live. (Deut. 30:19)

Expanded Passage: Deuteronomy 30:19-20

I’ve been on a quest to take better care of my health. In my early forties, I’m looking back and seeing how the choices I’ve already made have impacted me, and looking ahead to see how different choices will likely secure a better future as I age.

One piece of wisdom I keep stumbling upon is to pre-decide which food I’ll have ready to eat when I’m hungry later. Yes to regular nuts & veggies; no to regular cookies & ice cream. Deciding to leave the sweets at the store makes it much easier to avoid their temptation at 4pm in my kitchen!

As Moses spoke God’s words to his people, the wise choice was evident, and was spoken emphatically. The Israelites could indeed pre-decide how they would live in the land and whom they would follow and trust to sustain them. Deciding before they even entered their new home would have lasting consequences for future good and life in their families, many years down the road.

Pre-deciding has lasting consequences for our future and families too. When we predetermine to listen to God’s voice, to get to know him and love him, trusting that he is brilliant and wise (and then hold fast to him come what may), we are choosing life in the moment and for the future. Bless your children and grandchildren now—choose life.

Pre-deciding is a wise way to faithfully follow the Lord.

Jamie Hilty lives in northern Indiana with her pastor-husband Josh. She spends her days reading aloud to her kids, planning retreats, and avoiding the dishes.

© 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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See, I set before you today life and prosperity, death and destruction. (Deut. 30:15)

Expanded Passage: Deuteronomy 30:15-18

Choice. In my American context, the freedom to choose my own adventure is as reliable as the setting of the sun. From the moment I wake up, I’m met with choices. Do I snooze just a few minutes more? Which food sounds good for breakfast: healthy oatmeal or the quick pastry? Will I pause and be still with the Lord before rushing into my day? Will I acknowledge that he sustains me as I make business and family decisions, click the payment button as I shop online, and choose which car to drive? Will I notice my neighbor across the street, whose help I don’t need in order to survive this day, or will I glance and then avert my eyes without saying hello? Will I remember that the Lord is God, and I am not?

The Israelites likely didn’t have nearly as many choices each day. They certainly hadn’t the option to choose their breakfast food or clothing style yet. But as they prepared to enter and possess this promised land—the Lord’s choice for them and their ancestors long before—these loved children of God were faced with a grave decision that would seal their future fate. They’d learned to follow and trust their Lord through their wilderness years. Would they wisely choose to live and love in his ways for their settling and flourishing years?

Will we?

Don’t make it complicated. Choose the life God offers you.

Jamie Hilty lives in northern Indiana with her pastor-husband Josh. She spends her days reading aloud to her kids, planning retreats, and avoiding the dishes.

© 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!

Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not up in heaven. (Deut. 30:11–12)

Expanded Passage: Deuteronomy 30:11-14

Dusty is coming to our backyard via the friendly skies. This Albanian mutt adopted my sister a couple years ago as he roamed her village neighborhood. He’ll soon be slobbering, sleeping and romping in our Midwest subdivision’s fenced-in backyard.

The details for Dusty’s transfer from her home to ours have been many! Who will fly over and bring Dusty back to Indiana? Which airline accepts animals? What vaccinations, training and passport will he need? Will he jump over our fence, and how can we be proactive to keep him on our property? Will he do well with our kids and the neighborhood dogs? As soon as we were able, we signed Dusty up for training, so that he could learn to obey and lead a flourishing life in our neighborhood.

As Moses urged his people one last time toward obedience, he reminded the Israelites that God had not given them some baffling instruction too hard to obey or too distant. They didn’t need a hero to sail the seas or ascend to heaven to help them understand the covenant. Rather, they’d listened to Moses’ voice instill the laws into their memory during their forty years of desert wandering. Their God had adopted them, and given his people everything they needed to respond—his instructions had been hand delivered.

God’s confidence, detailed planning and repeated words made it possible to obey him in a new home. We also have God’s loving training deep within our souls—we can and must obey.

Cultivate obedience to lead a flourishing life: it’s not beyond your reach!

Jamie Hilty lives in northern Indiana with her pastor-husband Josh. She spends her days reading aloud to her kids, planning retreats, and avoiding the dishes.

© 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 your God will circumcise your hearts . . . so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live. (Deut. 30:6)

Expanded Passage: Deuteronomy 30:5-10

Years ago, my toddler daughter received second degree burns while helping me cook her favorite mac and cheese. We spent the weekend in the burn unit; Isabelle’s bandages were changed regularly, wounds cleansed and dead skin removed. The nurse shared her cell phone to keep her favorite little patient distracted while the painful process took place. In time, the cleansing and cutting became routine—not without pain, but bearable for mama and two-year-old, and we’d continue the procedure at home in the weeks ahead.

That cutting and cleansing process promoted fresh skin growth. A year later, her “baby” skin was good as new. We took care to cover her arm during summertime play and lotioned it consistently, and our new habits helped her fresh skin thrive.

God’s people needed heart surgery in order to understand the stories of their past and live in future obedience. Fortunately their rescuer was also their surgeon—they were in good hands. Circumcised hearts would result in one holy pursuit, to love their God with every part of their being. The surgeon was ready and waiting to delight in his favorite patients, prospering his children in all their endeavors.

He also works to make us new—cutting away hard hearts and healing our wounds in order to delight in us. Our surgeon makes our futures good as we follow him with hearts made new.

Where has your heart grown hard? Entrust it to the Healer.

Jamie Hilty lives in northern Indiana with her pastor-husband Josh. She spends her days reading aloud to her kids, planning retreats, and avoiding the dishes.

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