Daily Devo

Listen to today’s devo!

Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen. (Ps. 77:19)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 77:13-20

The prayers of elderly saints are sometimes predictable. They have expressed the same ideas so many times that one can almost anticipate what is coming next. One such person was “Pop” Youngs, a ninety-two-year-old member of my childhood congregation. He had one sentence that surfaced in almost every prayer he offered. “Lord, we thank you for delivering us from dangers—seen and unseen.”

Most of us can recount situations where our great God has delivered us in what seems like a miraculous way from a danger that has threatened us. We love to recount these incidents to acknowledge the mighty arm of the Almighty. But how many unseen dangers have we escaped and will never know about until we step into glory? Only then may we learn of the accidents we almost had, the last-minute postponements that would have changed the course of our lives, the times his angels were there to protect us from Satan’s attacks. Yes, there are those dramatic moments when we are aware of God’s thunderous presence in quakes and storms. But there are so many places where he has led us in the paths of righteousness, even though we never noticed his footprints. In those situations, his promise, “Surely, I am with you always” (Matt. 28:20), has kept us safe from dangers—seen and unseen.

Thank God for the miracles you will learn about only in heaven.

Clarence (Bud) Bence is a retired Wesleyan pastor and college professor, and lives with his wife, Carol, in Marion, Indiana.

© 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!

So that with one mind and voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 15:6)

Expanded Passage: Romans 14:1-12; 15:1-6; 16:25-27

My grandson, now in middle school, has discovered the joy of choral singing. Previously, he joined his classmates singing in unison. Everyone unites by using the same song, same words, and same notes. Singing this way can create a sense of unity and strength.

But now Hudson is learning to sing in harmony. Yes, his choir sings the same song; but now various individuals (alto, tenor, bass) sing different notes—sometimes even different words—that combine to give a richer and more beautiful rendition. Hudson can’t sing his own song or any notes he chooses. He has to blend together with those around him, finding notes that are compatible with other members of the choir. There might be brief moments of dissonance, but those clashing sounds are eventually resolved into a more pleasing harmony.

In the body of Christ, we must learn how to conduct ourselves in both unison and harmony. All faithful believers should unite in one voice, affirming the basic truths of Scripture and the Apostles’ Creed. But there are also situations when we must learn to live in harmony, acknowledging that faithful Christians may hold different interpretations on matters of doctrine or practice. We should endeavor to remain in harmony with each other, resolving discords when they arise with love. With the Spirit’s help we can create a beautiful “Hallelujah Chorus” to share with the world.

Learn when to glorify God in both unison and harmony with others.

Clarence (Bud) Bence is a retired Wesleyan pastor and college professor, and lives with his wife, Carol, in Marion, Indiana.

© 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!

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. (Rom. 15:1)

Expanded Passage: Romans 15:1-4

David started attending our church the week after he was released from jail. Raised in a non-Christian home, as a teenager he had walked out to live on the streets. Trouble with the law put him behind bars. There he was led to faith in Christ through a lay minister.

David knew little about the Christian faith and nothing about attending church when he arrived. His behavior was certainly nonconventional. To exit the service, he crawled over the pews like one might at a baseball stadium. On one hot he stripped off his T-shirt and listened to the sermon bare-chested. Despite his inappropriate actions, David had a convert’s passion for Jesus and a deep desire to be one of his followers.

At a church board meeting soon after his arrival, a stalwart member posed the question, “What are we going to do with David?” Another board member quietly replied, “We are going to love him and help him to grow up in his faith.” David became a mission for the entire congregation, who sometimes tolerated his strange behavior and other times gently rebuked and guided him in paths of righteousness.

Eventually, David moved on. We had taught him the basics of the Christian faith. But David had taught us as well. We learned to love and accept new believers in Christ and build them up in faith.

Connect with a new convert and offer words of encouragement and guidance.

Clarence (Bud) Bence is a retired Wesleyan pastor and college professor, and lives with his wife, Carol, in Marion, Indiana.

© 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!

So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. (Rom. 9:12)

Expanded Passage: Romans 14:9-12

Giving an account for one’s action can be a stressful experience. I recall bringing report cards home to my parents. In college, I had to explain a previous night’s shenanigans to the dean. More recently, an IRS auditor wanted to review my tax return. Although giving an account can create a certain level of anxiety, there are other occasions when we share accomplishments with expressions of joy. Can you recall a time when your team was able to win the game because you played exceptionally well? Have you heard friends recount how they met and courted the person they eventually married? Have you ever told someone of an investment you made that turned out to be a winner?

A final accounting awaits each of us when this life is over. God, the righteous and loving judge, will ask us to share how we have handled the gifts of life and salvation he has offered us. Perhaps there will be some apprehension. But we rejoice that we can come into his presence with sins confessed, forgiven, and forgotten. We will have the opportunity to relate how we have lived out the gospel in faithful stewardship of what we have received and in loving actions toward others. We should live each day in hope and anticipation of the words, “well done,” spoken by the One who has our best interests at heart.

Anticipate with joy your final accounting to God.

Clarence (Bud) Bence is a retired Wesleyan pastor and college professor, and lives with his wife, Carol, in Marion, Indiana.

© 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!

So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. (Rom. 14:8)

Expanded Passage: Romans 14:7-8

One of the earliest Christian writings outside the New Testament is an account of the martyrdom of Polycarp. As a young man, he had learned the Christian faith from the apostle John. In his later years, Polycarp had become the leader of the congregation in Smyrna, a city in Asia Minor. When persecution of Christians became intense, his followers concealed him in the country until he was discovered, arrested, and brought before the Roman magistrate. Entering the arena, he heard the shouts of the crowd: “To the lions!” The magistrate took pity upon the frail condition of this elderly pastor and offered him an option. Utter a curse against Christ, and Polycarp would be released. Without hesitating he replied, “For eighty-six years I have been his servant, and he has done me no wrong. How can I swear against the King who has saved me?” Faithful to the end, he was tied to the stake and burned.

What a testimony of one who both lived and died for the Lord. You and I are not likely to face such threats of persecution, although there are those in other places who are present-day martyrs for the faith. But we, like Polycarp, can live each day for the Lord, so that we might end our lives with the same triumphant testimony—that whether living or dying, we belong to the Lord.

Remember to pray for those who risk their lives for Christ’s sake.

Clarence (Bud) Bence is a retired Wesleyan pastor and college professor, and lives with his wife, Carol, in Marion, Indiana.

© 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!

Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. (Rom. 14:5)

Expanded Passage: Romans 14:5-6

My grandfather was a man with high scruples. When driving in the city, he would never pull into a spot where there was still time showing on the parking meter. As for his grandson, I usually drive for several blocks looking for a meter that might have thirty minutes left. When I asked Grandpa why he avoided those parking spots, he replied, “Buddy, someone paid money to reserve that space for a specific amount of time. So that place belongs to him until the time has expired. What if he had forgotten something and needed to come back? That place should be his alone as long as he has rented it.”

We rarely hear the word “scruples” today. The word describes individuals who have a strong sense of conscience and hold themselves to strict account. We are probably more familiar with its opposite—people we deplore for being unscrupulous in their business dealings. Although I do not follow my grandfather’s example, I admire him for his strong sense of integrity.

One aspect of living by the Spirit is using God’s Word and the inner voice of conscience to guide us in setting appropriate standards of behavior—a balance between the freedom to live beyond legalism and forming appropriate constraints that model a life of godliness. Think of that the next time you come upon a parking meter in town.

Cultivate godly habits for yourself and live a life of personal integrity.

Clarence (Bud) Bence is a retired Wesleyan pastor and college professor, and lives with his wife, Carol, in Marion, Indiana.

© 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!

Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. (Rom. 14:1)

Expanded Passage: Romans 14:1-4

In the rolling hills of western New York, two families lived within sight of each other. Both attended a Wesleyan church in town. The family living high up on the side of one of the hills owned horses; the other family living in the valley had a backyard swimming pool. After attending church on Sunday morning, the family on the hill spent the afternoon riding their horses along trails on their farm. The folks in the valley cooled off in their backyard swimming pool.

At various times, members of each family would express their dismay to their pastor, who happened to be my father, about the inappropriate observance of the Lord’s Day by their fellow parishioners. The swimming Wesleyans could not understand how a believer could saddle and ride horses on Sunday. The horseback riders, looking down to the valley, could not abide the thought of Christians relaxing in their pool on the Sabbath.

My father, who would have abstained from both of the activities on pointed out that both families based their actions on personal interpretations of Scripture. These behaviors were not matters affecting one’s salvation; rather, they reflected different convictions about Christian conduct. Although he commended them both for having concerns about what were appropriate Sunday activities, he urged them to maintain fellowship with their friends by worshiping and serving God together.

Strive to graciously accept differing convictions within the body of Christ.

Clarence (Bud) Bence is a retired Wesleyan pastor and college professor, and lives with his wife, Carol, in Marion, Indiana.

© 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!

I will remember the deeds of the Lord: yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. (Ps. 77:11)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 77:1-12

God led my wife and me into a new direction—the wilderness. In June, I heard a clear command: “Quit your church job,” the church we’d helped build for over five years. It was a tough decision, but I aimed to obey, trusting in God’s past provisions. Three months in, that provision seemed elusive, and frustration grew. We feared losing our home, daycare, and cars. Job prospects dwindled, and it felt like God was closing every door. Nights were filled with anger and pleas for answers. Four months passed in silence, forcing me to wait and trust God, regardless of the answers or the path ahead.

Eventually, I found peace in God’s goodness and provision, allowing me to wait without anxiety or frustration. When my job assignment ended in September, God provided the perfect job the next day, albeit last-minute. I learned that God doesn’t always answer as we desire. His response may involve struggle, downsizing, or adapting to a new lifestyle. His answer may not be what we want, but it’s what we need. For me, it meant God’s provision translated into character growth, sanctification, and a stronger relationship with him. I’ve witnessed his response be ‘No, wait, or trust in my timing’ when friendships remained strained, jobs didn’t return, or sickness persisted. As the psalmist emphasizes in verses 11–12, we must remember the Lord’s works and his faithfulness during our valleys.

Continue to faithfully seek God in his silence; his answer will come.

Hunter Curtis is a husband and father who loves traveling, reading, and equipping leaders. He is a licensed minister and operates a graphic design business.

© 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!

Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. (Rom. 13:14)

Expanded Passage: Romans 12:9—13:14

I met a girl at church who was fun and attractive and had a great family. The only caveat was her family was a baseball family. I’m more on the artsy, musical side of the personality spectrum. If it wasn’t her travel ball schedule, it was her brother’s. I wanted to pursue this relationship, to be a part of the family, so I traveled with her family to the games, threw the ball with her brother, and learned the game quickly.

We can do crazy things—even things that go against our personality—to build relationship with someone else. We may not always make healthy sacrifices. We may forsake godly community out of our spouse’s fear of abandonment, go to a bar with them when we’ve been struggling for sobriety, or neglect our call from God for the sake of a relationship.

God does not want us to neglect our relationship with him. In fact, he wants us to pursue him in the ways that we often pursue a significant partner. We do this by obeying his commands to love him and to love others. Paul alludes to these concepts in Romans 12:9—13:14; he gives a multitude of examples on how to love others and how to honor God, while also rebuking the church for its private sin and neglect of holy living.

Prioritize your relationship with God first.

Hunter Curtis is a husband and father who loves traveling, reading, and equipping leaders. He is a licensed minister and operates a graphic design business.

© 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 night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. (Rom. 13:12)

Expanded Passage: Romans 13:11-14

When my wife was a kid, her mother was not the disciplinary parent. If my wife got into trouble or her mom needed something done—my wife would hear “Don’t let me get your dad in here.” It usually did the trick for her and her sister. In one sense, there was a fear of getting spanked, but the other part was fear of disappointing their loving father. In healthy homes, we are given expectations and boundaries that build, protect, and guide us into loving, productive, and successful adults.

Paul, trying to help build a healthy church, tells the Roman believers what God expects. He shares the boundaries God has placed in order for his people to become healthy, loving, and holy worshipers. What we see in the passages prior to Romans 13:11–14 are tangible, outward actions of love that emulate Christ.

In contrast, he shifts his focus onto the private, inward sin that corrupts our holiness. He gives the “just wait until your dad gets home” speech to the Roman believers. It’s a wake-up call to the sins others can’t see. Paul warns us of Jesus’ unknown return—his warning to be prepared for when our Father returns. Paul wants the church, and us, to be blameless and without blemish. There is an urgency to a holy life that will benefit us and glorify God.

Hastily put away sin and build holiness that reflects and glorifies God.

Hunter Curtis is a husband and father who loves traveling, reading, and equipping leaders. He is a licensed minister and operates a graphic design business.

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