Daily Devo

Listen to today’s devo!

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged. (Col. 3:20–21)

Expanded Passage: Ephesians 6:1–4; Colossians 3:20–21

“But why?” asks almost every child who has lived. “Because I said so,” replies the exhausted parent. This conversation has been repeated millions of times, in thousands of places, and in hundreds of languages throughout history. In Ephesians 6, Paul reached back thousands of years, when he instructed children, “Honor your father and mother . . . so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth” (Ephesians 6:2–3). The instruction here is clear: Children, obey your parents if you desire a good life. The loving and wise parent knows what is best for their children.

Paul then issued a parallel instruction to parents: “Do not embitter your children.” It seems the Christian parental system relies on both obedient children and wise, patient, and loving parents. Parents are instructed here to be careful not to provoke anger or resentment in their children. This admonition requires parenting without unnecessarily embittering children through excessively harsh punishment, unreasonable demands, abuse of authority, unfairness, nagging, and humiliation.

I have been on both sides of the opening conversation: a once-disobedient child and an impatient, sometimes-harsh father. Here is a prayer for both parents and children:

God, please help me to parent with encouragement and wisdom, help me to honor my own parents, and please forgive me for getting it wrong in the past.

Remember that honoring God requires honoring your parents.

Branden Petersen is the cofounder/pastor of Resurrection Life NYC in Manhattan with his wife, Jenn. He is also the founder and director of the urban church planting network, Global Cities Network.

Listen to today’s devo!

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. (Eph. 5:31)

Expanded Passage: Ephesians 5:31–33

As a pastor, I have read this Scripture passage many times at weddings throughout the years. This verse, a quote from Genesis 2:24, is sometimes called the “leaving and cleaving” verse. It describes how the man will leave his household and cleave to his new wife as they form a new home together. Cleaving literally refers to a physical gluing or bonding together. The husband and wife do not only physically leave their homes of origin and establish a new home, but Paul refers also to a mystical, spiritual union that happens in marriage. Paul calls this “a profound mystery,” comparing marriage to the spiritual union that occurs between Christ and the church. Marriage is not only physical and biological, but also sacred and holy.

How is this type of relationship possible? How can husbands and wives experience this spiritual aspect of marriage? It is only possible through the loving example of Jesus, the true Bridegroom, who gave himself up for the church, the bride of Christ. God loves the world with a different kind of love. In the same way, husbands and wives, with God’s help, can learn to support and love one another with Christ at the center.

God, please be present in our marriage, and help us to love and support one another just as you love us.

Love one another with a unifying love

Branden Petersen is the cofounder/pastor of Resurrection Life NYC in Manhattan with his wife, Jenn. He is also the founder and director of the urban church planting network, Global Cities Network.

Listen to today’s devo!

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. (Col. 3:18–19)

Expanded Passage: Ephesians 5:21–24; Colossians 3:18–19

Our early years of marriage were a mixture of both excitement and struggle as we learned to live with one another and establish a home together. If you are married, perhaps your experience was similar. Marriage is wonderful, but can also be difficult and confusing at times. In today’s Scripture, Paul gave instructions to married couples, redefining what it means to be a husband and a wife in a Christian marriage.

First, Paul instructed wives to “submit” themselves to their husbands “as is fitting in the Lord.” Ben Witherington explains this instruction as a call for wives to voluntarily submit to their husbands. It is not a command for a wife to become subordinate to the husband. The verb submit used here is the same word used for Christ’s relationship to his Father, and of all believers to one other in Ephesians 5:21.

Equally, husbands are called to love their wives by cherishing and not domineering them. The word for love here is agapaō. This Greek word for love was not used in the wider culture to describe love in marriage, but was used to describe the love God has for people. For both husbands and wives, Paul defied cultural norms, calling both spouses to love one another with a different kind of love—God’s kind of love.

God, please help me to love and support my spouse today.

Marriage requires a different kind of love for one another.

Branden Petersen is the cofounder/pastor of Resurrection Life NYC in Manhattan with his wife, Jenn. He is also the founder and director of the urban church planting network, Global Cities Network.

Listen to today’s devo!

We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. (Ps. 78:4)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 78:1–39

I’ve long marveled at the African American tradition of the family cookout. Once a year, generations of the same family travel from far and near to come together and celebrate. You may have seen this long-held custom depicted in many movies, complete with the food, games, and even quarrels. These gatherings are also times when the older members of the family share stories and pass down wisdom.

As a people, it’s important that we do not forget where the Lord has brought us from and how truly amazing he is. When we turned our backs on God or were disobedient, God was merciful. Therefore, in addition to sharing the Bible with our loved ones, we ought to share our own testimonies, things that we have seen God do for us. Taking the time to remark on God’s faithfulness helps us to be thankful for the journey we’ve been on. It can also help others avoid the mistakes we made.

What God did for the children of Israel was nothing short of miraculous. Yet our human minds can sometimes overlook the great things that God has done for us. We can become entitled and presume that God will just give us all we ask. Each time we reflect, we glean new insights about the heart of God for us.

Build your faith by recounting the goodness of God.

Olivia Isra’el is a wife and mother, and a psychological practitioner. Her love for writing has led her to convey the love of God through text.

Listen to today’s devo!

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (Col. 1:17)

Expanded Passage: Colossians 1:15-20, 27

I heard a tragic story on the radio of a couple whose baby died soon after birth. The father described how every appropriate medical intervention had been given but all to no avail. The heart-warming part was that a small charity stepped in and offered support. A worker from the charity helped the couple to put together a memory box including their baby’s footprint. Despite not leaving the hospital with their baby, the parents shared that the memory box is a special gift that they will keep for life.

Jesus is the gift of God to us. Through him we have been brought into the family of God. We must acknowledge that the new birth that we have through Jesus could not be earned. The eternal life that we have been promised is not what we deserve, but we have been made worthy.

In a modern world where many things are disposable, it’s quite easy to become complacent. If we overlook how much God loves Jesus or if we do not take notice of what Jesus did for us out of the love he has for God, we may miss the special gift. Sometimes it is through pain or loss that we receive something beautiful. Let us cherish what we have found in Jesus and hold on to the love that we have found in God.

Thank the Lord for the precious gift of salvation.

Olivia Isra’el is a wife, mother, and a psychological practitioner. Her love for writing has led her to convey the love of God through text.

© 2024 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!

God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Col. 1:27)

Expanded Passage: Colossians 1:27

Every year since 1947 the National Basketball Association in America has drafted players from colleges and various leagues. The tension and the nerves can be felt at the draft. Everyone wants to make the cut and have that golden opportunity. The dream of playing in the NBA would be life changing for them and their loved ones.

The way that God chooses us to be drafted into his kingdom is different. God does not separate us on the grounds of our ability and strength. Rather he chooses those who will accept Christ in them and forsake everything else. Those who accept Jesus as their personal Savior receive eternal life and take on God’s identity. While we remain on earth we ought to live in a way that demonstrates the goodness of God and calls others to turn to God.

Moreover, God chooses to continually reside in the hearts of people who make a home for him. God’s presence in us enables us to put aside every issue that could clutter our hearts. As we live daily in the presence of God, we get to know him more intimately and we no longer seek after the things that people who do not know Jesus may do. As believers what distinguishes us is who we love and how we love.

Give God thanks for the privilege to bear his identity.

Olivia Isra’el is a wife, mother, and a psychological practitioner. Her love for writing has led her to convey the love of God through text.

© 2024 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!

Through him [Jesus] to reconcile to himself [God] all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood. (Col. 1:20)

Expanded Passage: Colossians 1:20

Children are instructed to say sorry when they have done something wrong. Even when they are aware that what they’ve done is not right, they usually need prompting to apologize. Once the apology is made the child can then resume play or is then praised for doing the right thing. Interestingly, the utterance of the word sorry is often enough to move things along. It appeases the innocent and also frees the perpetrator.

As we grow in faith the Holy Spirit prompts us to do right by others. Many times, our human nature struggles with the idea of letting go of what has hurt us and to forgive. Much more difficult to do at times is to apologize and seek to mend broken relationships. Yet this is what God did for us through Jesus.

The verse speaks of God’s desire to have relationship with us and finding a way to make that a reality. Jesus was the one who made peace between God and humans. Jesus took on our wrongdoings so that we could be free of the stain of sin and dwell in God’s presence. Now the mandate is for us to extend the same forgiveness that was offered to us to others. That will then give space for us to relate to one another in a healthy manner.

Ask God to help you to make peace with others.

Olivia Isra’el is a wife, mother, and a psychological practitioner. Her love for writing has led her to convey the love of God through text.

© 2024 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!

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him. (Col 1:19)

Expanded Passage: Colossians 1:19

The Mona Lisa sits in the biggest room in the Louvre Museum in Paris. Due to its high value it is kept under top security. It is a painting that has been written about, spoken about, and admired for centuries. People travel from all around the world just to marvel at the work of art.

Likewise, we are God’s masterpieces from the point that we are born again. To God, we have been found worthy of redemption. Much like great works of art, God takes pride in us and takes care of us. We may find ourselves in situations where we are viewed as less than, but we should remind ourselves of who we belong to and how precious we are to him. The Bible says that all of creation waits for the manifestation of the children of God (Rom. 8:19).

Our spiritual being is what Jesus has been appointed to refine and perfect. Our physical bodies will die and decay, but our inner being will live on. Rather than concentrating on the enrichment of our temporal bodies, let us, like Jesus, live a life that pleases the Father. God wants us to host his presence in our bodies. However, that requires us to live a life that is holy. We can do this by aligning our spirit to God, then our bodies will be transformed along with our spirit.

Pray today that God will be pleased with you.

Olivia Isra’el is a wife, mother, and a psychological practitioner. Her love for writing has led her to convey the love of God through text.

© 2024 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 he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead. (Col 1:18)

Expanded Passage: Colossians 1:18

At the age of fourteen one of my teachers asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. That was the first time I gave my future any serious thought. I remember thinking about what I’d be good at doing. At that point I decided that one day I’d like to be a psychologist because I wanted to understand and help people. I recognized that I was a compassionate person. I did go on to study psychology and became a therapist.

Some of us can trace where our drive to work in a particular profession or to go into ministry came from. We can maybe remember early conversations we had or that lightbulb moment. God places who he wants us to be on our heart and then we go on the journey of actualizing it, with his guidance. At times we may feel lost, but God has a way of navigating us back to the path that he has chosen for us.

Jesus came to earth with a specific assignment. Everything he did was leading up to his death, resurrection, and ascension. His purpose was to redeem us. In the passage, Paul outlined the roles that Jesus fulfilled and pointed to Jesus’ dominion. God has created each of us to occupy various positions and to truly reflect all that he is.

Pray and seek God’s purpose for your life.

Olivia Isra’el is a wife, mother, and a psychological practitioner. Her love for writing has led her to convey the love of God through text.

© 2024 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 Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. (Col. 1:15)

Expanded Passage: Colossians 1:15-17

A wedding speech often details the stages of the bride or groom falling in love with their spouse. Words about an individual finding their “better half” or their “missing piece” are uttered. The idea is that within that special person, both their hopes and desires are fulfilled. The Bible speaks of Jesus as being the bridegroom and we are his bride. He is more to us than we could ever imagine. He understands our human experiences because he is the Son of Man. He is also wholly God because he is the Son of God.

Jesus is the embodiment of sovereignty and majesty. Yet we have the ability to know him personally. When we think about an ideal partner and the characteristics they should bear, Jesus is all of that and more. So we have the awesome privilege of fellowship with God through Jesus and as a result of knowing Jesus we can emulate his ways. Our life should reflect the God that we serve, through our words and conduct.

Again, the perspective shift comes about when we recognize that we never have to doubt God’s love for us. He has demonstrated the lengths he would go to ensure that our eternal destiny is secure. Now the onus is on us to devote ourselves to God completely, through worship, prayer, and the reading of the Word.

Ask God to help you to cultivate his character.

Olivia Isra’el is a wife, mother, and a psychological practitioner. Her love for writing has led her to convey the love of God through text.

© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.