Daily Devo

Listen to today’s devo!

“If after all this you will not listen to me. . . . I will break down your stubborn pride.” (Lev. 26:18, 19)

Expanded Passage: Leviticus 26:18-20

The smell from under the kitchen sink has been wafting for some time—perhaps decades. Most days, it was part of the “character” of our two-hundred-year-old country house. But this week, an exploratory search under the cabinets quickly evolved into a complete kitchen demo. Faulty pipes and water damage have wreaked havoc down below. We need a total remodel.

The image of our gutted kitchen reminds me that God is a strong and tender contractor. Unsatisfied to leave us as we are, he allows us to be undone. Examining our hearts is not always a pleasant journey. Prayers like “Search me, God, and know my heart” (Ps. 139:23) often lead to disruptive discoveries. Beneath our varnished exteriors, we unearth self-reliance, pride, and unholy ego. When we let God reveal us down to our “studs,” our hearts can feel vulnerable. In short, we are humbled.

And yet, even with the joists and crawl space exposed, there is good news. As we submit to God’s purifying Spirit and allow our rotten parts to be renewed, our foundation becomes strong. As surrendered children of God, our lives become strong and solid places of blessing in our world. No wind or storm will shake us. And in place of our fragility and offense, our lives are like warm, inviting kitchens with large tables of hospitality and compassion for others.

Look for the ways God has humbled and rebuilt you.

Michaela Moore enjoys country road runs, coffee with friends, beautiful books, and long, laugh-filled walks with her husband and co-pastor, Jackson. She has an MA in ministry and spiritual formation from Wesley Seminary (IN).

© 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!

“But if you will not listen to me and carry out all these commands. . . . You will plant seed in vain” (Lev. 26:14, 16)

Expanded Passage: Leviticus 26:14-17

Each year our church plants a community garden. Behind the fellowship hall, four generations pull weeds, snack on sugar snap peas, and watch pumpkins balloon into massive rust-colored orbs. Like most gardens, it is a place of wonder and delight!

The whole process begins in late winter when the children plant seeds in clear, plastic cups and place them by the window. Over several weeks, we water, rotate, and wait. All the while, the possibility of new life stirs excitement in us! Sometimes, that excitement evolves into restlessness. More than one child has pocketed a few seeds to bury in February only to find mush come spring! Together, we learn the hard lessons of submitting to nature’s laws. Fruitful planting requires us to obey the rules of the garden: to listen, wait, and cultivate faithfully.

Our Heavenly Gardener also gives us laws for fruitful life. Abundant life thrives in loving submission to God’s good commands. However, from Eden until now, humankind often resists God’s ways of life. Instead, we grasp. We hurry, hustle, and attempt to create life on our own terms and timeline. We quickly find that our attempts to “make” life are as fruitful as planting seeds in frozen soil.

Abundant life flourishes in submission to the Divine Gardener. Our Creator God will show us the way as we listen and obey.

Plant a seed and patiently wait for the fruits of faith.

Michaela Moore enjoys country road runs, coffee with friends, beautiful books, and long, laugh-filled walks with her husband and co-pastor, Jackson. She has an MA in ministry and spiritual formation from Wesley Seminary (IN).

© 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!

“I will put my dwelling place among you.” (Lev. 26:11)

Expanded Passage: Leviticus 26:9-13

Julian of Norwich is perhaps one of the most mysterious Christian writers of the Middle Ages. Not much is known about her life. Even her name, Julian, is assumed. We do know Julian lived alone as an anchoress or hermit in her little English church. Paintings of Julian depict her surrounded by cats—the original “cat lady,” indeed!

But as strange as Juilan seems, her presence was powerful. As the bubonic plague ravaged Europe, many worried neighbors would visit Julian so she could pray for them. Most left filled with peace. Others left with their bodies miraculously healed. When Julian herself became ill in 1373, she was given sixteen visions and dreams about Jesus. These meditations remain the earliest surviving English works written by a woman.

In these writings, Julian taught about the “oneing” of God and her own soul: “The place which Jesus takes in our soul he will nevermore vacate, for in us is his home of homes, and it is the greatest delight for him to dwell there.” Later she wrote, “God is nearer to us than our own soul.” Echoing God’s promise in Leviticus, Julian knew that through every sacrifice and obedience, the goal of faith was togetherness with God. In whatever strange or unlikely place we find ourselves today, may we also find our home in God as God makes his home in us.

Consider how this “oneing” impacts you.

Michaela Moore enjoys country road runs, coffee with friends, beautiful books, and long, laugh-filled walks with her husband and co-pastor, Jackson. She has an MA in ministry and spiritual formation from Wesley Seminary (IN).

© 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!

“I will grant peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid.” (Lev. 26:6)

Expanded Passage: Leviticus 26:6-8

One of my favorite poems is titled “The Peace of Wild Things” by Kentucky-born writer and farmer, Wendell Berry. The poem begins with Berry awakened at night afraid, full of anxiety about the future of the world and his children. When the weight feels crushing, he goes out into the night and lays down by the pond where the birds drink and swim and nest. And as if in exhale, Berry concludes “For a time / I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.”

This pastoral image reminds me of the poetry of Psalm 23: “He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul” (2–3). Wendell Berry, the psalmist, and God’s promise in Leviticus all echo our human hope for a shepherding God that graciously tends to our worried and anxious hearts. We cling to the promise that we can let go, lay down, and rest knowing that God holds all things together. Even as the pressures and fears of this world close in, God’s strong arm will provide a place of rest as we trust him. In relinquishing our fear and the illusion of control, we find deep peace and freedom.

Take a walk outside today and notice the peace around you. God is here in the “grace of the world” offering you peace.

Look for the “grace of the world” and experience God’s peace.

Michaela Moore enjoys country road runs, coffee with friends, beautiful books, and long, laugh-filled walks with her husband and co-pastor, Jackson. She has an MA in ministry and spiritual formation from Wesley Seminary (IN).

© 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!

“If you follow my decrees and are careful to obey my commands, I will send you rain in its season.” (Lev. 26:3–4)

Expanded Passage: Leviticus 26:3-5

When we are young, we learn nursery rhymes about weather. In “Rain, Rain, Go Away” and "It's Raining, It's Pouring,” children learn that sunny days are far preferable to slow, rainy days. Besides, who wants storms when bright, warm days offer so much more freedom for play? However, as we grow, we witness the vibrant green that results from rainy days. All seasons nourish a fruitful world.

As part of God’s creation, we too live “seasonally” with God. Pete Scazzero teaches that following the Lord includes seasons like spring—full of fresh vision, new life, and glimpses of future beauty. At other times, we find ourselves in summer seasons where growth is all around and life is high energy. In autumn, we take in all we have worked for, and we also prune the fading, old works. And, as much as we would like to avoid it, there are winters. Winters are slower seasons where we rest, reflect, and trust that God is at work beneath the surface.

It is easy to imagine the rewards of obedience in spiritual springs and summers. But Leviticus reminds us that life with God includes all seasons. Faithfulness means knowing our season and cultivating the Kingdom accordingly. Winter requires patient waiting while summer demands active tending. What season are you in today and how can you live obediently in it?

Live obediently in your spiritual season.

Michaela Moore enjoys country road runs, coffee with friends, beautiful books, and long, laugh-filled walks with her life partner and co-pastor, Jackson. She has an MA in ministry and spiritual formation from Wesley Seminary (IN).

© 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!

As they make music they will sing, “All my fountains are in you.” (Ps. 87:7)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 87

Humans like to build cities. Cities are places where we gather to show off humanity’s greatness. The powerful rule from cities. The wealthy amass more for themselves through the bustling economy driven by cities. The artists seek fame and validation in cities. However, cities also have a dark side where the poor and vulnerable are exploited by the greed and corruption bred by the pursuit of humankind's need to make a name for themselves. It is a corruption of God’s mandate to be fruitful and multiply,

There exists another type of city, one built by God. In this city, all people groups are invited to be citizens, even those once considered to be enemies of God’s people. To be birthed in God’s city is to be welcomed into his kingdom, established and rooted in a foundation that cannot be shaken. It is to partake in the fountain flowing from God’s throne, caught in the overflow of his abundant blessing.

The Psalmist’s song invites us to rejoice in God’s city, the place he has prepared for his people to dwell with him. It is both a future place and one we experience wherever God’s blessing flows. This blessing reaches beyond us and beckons us to expand our table of welcome to include people of all nations, languages, and tribes with whom we sing of the awesome goodness of God.

Look for glimpses of God’s city breaking into the world around you.

Shaunna Sturgeon is the pastor of the Watershed Collective, a microchurch movement in rural Kansas. She loves helping people discover God’s purpose for their lives.

© 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!

“Keep my decrees and laws, for the person who obeys them will live by them. I am the Lord.” (Lev. 18:5)

Expanded Passage: Leviticus 18:1-6, 29-30, Numbers 5:1-7

When was the last time following Jesus in your everyday life was fun? Obedience to God’s commands should be delightful. Five years ago, when my family moved to a new community, I remember driving through the neighborhoods and praying for the people I saw. As I prayed, the Holy Spirit sparked a thought that gave me a fresh perspective on the joy of following Jesus—“Look at these people. You get to show them who Jesus is. How wonderful!”

The privilege we have as God’s people to honor the dignity of every person we meet as an image bearer is an exhilarating calling. We get to love them and help awaken them to their true purpose. In a world riddled with overwhelming pain and brokenness caused by human sin, the presence of Christ’s love flowing in and through his people is desperately needed.

God’s commands are not burdensome, not even those regarding our sexuality. They exist for our good so that by them, we will live. This living by obedience is not about following a list of rules but about flourishing and experiencing an abundant life that is full, free, and fun. When we follow Jesus alongside a faith community, we learn what it means to give of ourselves for the sake of others rather than take from them, and as a result, we experience the joy of seeing Jesus.

Try a fresh way to share Jesus’ love; make it fun.

Shaunna Sturgeon is the pastor of the Watershed Collective, a microchurch movement in rural Kansas. She loves helping people discover God’s purpose for their lives.

© 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!

. . . And must confess the sin they have committed. They must make full restitution for the wrong they have done. (Num. 5:7)

Expanded Passage: Numbers 5:5-7

We are afraid of confessing our faults and failures. Such vulnerability leaves us feeling exposed and under threat of destruction. We wonder, “If I confess, will it be the end of me? Will I be worthy of love? Will anyone stay once they know the truth?” Our fear of rejection, of not being enough, causes us to hide our shame, and shame thrives in the dark, keeping us isolated from one another and the healing only exposure to the light can bring.

God taught the Israelites the value of confession. He also commanded them to go beyond admitting their offenses against one another by making full restitution. Restitution is restoring what was lost or stolen. It is seeking as much as is within our power to make right what we have made wrong. It does not involve making excuses for sin by justifying wrong actions. It’s calling it like it is and doing the hard work of mending the broken. It is done primarily for the good of the one harmed, which means the wrongdoer must be sent away or cut off if doing so promotes healing.

The beauty of righting wrongs is that even though it may lead to painful consequences, it is how God heals those who have been hurt and those who have caused hurt because only by bearing witness to the truth are we set free.

Take one step today toward righting a wrong you caused.

Shaunna Sturgeon is the pastor of the Watershed Collective, a microchurch movement in rural Kansas. She loves helping people discover God’s purpose for their lives.

© 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!

Send away male and female alike; send them outside the camp so they will not defile their camp, where I dwell among them. (Num. 5:3)

Expanded Passage: Numbers 5:1-4

Living in a culture where individual freedom is the highest value makes it challenging to understand decisions that infringe upon an individual’s rights to serve the overall good of the community. This tension between individual and communal well-being was felt acutely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those influenced by a strong sense of individualism struggled with decisions regarding masks and business and school closures.

Ancient Israel was a collectivist culture where the community’s good outweighed the individual’s. Understanding this difference helps when grasping passages like this one in Numbers, where those who had become ceremonially unclean due to exposure to and contact with situations and substances associated with death were sent outside the camp. It seems cruel. However, God intended it to be life-giving for the community and the individual.

Removing unclean persons reminded Israel of the serious effects of sin and ensured God’s presence could dwell amongst his people, whose mandate was to be holy. It also provided a safe space for those who were not holy to become clean and healed. It was temporary, and no one was sent away alone. All who needed to be cleansed were sent together. By enacting this practice, Israel protected the community and offered compassionate care for individuals in need of restoration. Today, followers of Jesus are to join Jesus outside the camp, creating loving community for the lost and hurting.

Offer care to someone who feels sent away from closeness to God.

Shaunna Sturgeon is the pastor of the Watershed Collective, a microchurch movement in rural Kansas. She loves helping people discover God’s purpose for their lives.

© 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 who does any of these detestable things—such persons must be cut off from their people.” (Lev. 18:29)

Expanded Passage: Leviticus 18:29-30

When my husband and I reported the abuse our daughter suffered from one of her high school teachers, we were quickly silenced. This teacher was popular among students and had a successful career as a coach. The school administration decided maintaining the status quo was easier than seeking justice and protecting future students. While we were able to remove our daughter from the situation, further damage was done to others before the teacher was brought to justice. Sadly, our story is not unique.

After God gave instructions prohibiting sexual relationships within Israel’s community that harmed the weak and vulnerable, he commanded Moses to remove anyone who violated those boundaries. Those persons who disobeyed God’s teachings and were guilty of grave abuse were to be cut off from the community. The consequences were swift and resolute because of the destructive nature of sexual sin and the havoc it wreaked on families and the surrounding community. Abuse destroys both the victim and the perpetrator. Once it is brought to light, it must be stopped.

Worldwide, humanity faces an epidemic of sexual brokenness that is woven through every part of society. God’s people are to be on the front lines, protecting the vulnerable, healing the wounded, and advocating for justice. Failure to do so is to turn away from Jesus, who stands in solidarity with the lost and hurting sheep he loves.

Refuse to look away and choose to stand, protect, and heal.

Shaunna Sturgeon is the pastor of the Watershed Collective, a microchurch movement in rural Kansas. She loves helping people discover God’s purpose for their lives.

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