Daily Devo

Listen to today’s devo!

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that . . . we too may live a new life. (Rom. 6:4)

Expanded Passage: Romans 6:1-4

Some ancient Egyptian tombs contain honey. Though buried at the death of a king, when lifted from the tomb, it is found to be unspoiled and can be eaten as if it were one day old. Everything around it shows signs of decay; the honey does not. It is just as delicious as it ever was. A symbol of hope in the darkness.

In Paul’s time, Jewish baptism was viewed as washing away the impurities of the former Gentile life. Christian baptism was seen as something similar in that it symbolized leaving the old life behind and embracing the new life that Christ gives. Christian baptism—the act of immersion—was a picture of a person’s death and burial with Christ. For the first Christians, emerging from the water symbolized being raised to life with him. Out of his death, new life for believers was produced.

The life we have in Christ is a new life we live now. Amid struggles, we can continue because of our faith in—and our connection to—his death and resurrection. Christ died; Christ was raised. Through faith in him, we too are raised from death to life. And even while surrounded by the physical decay of a dying world, we must make sure that this new life in Christ continues to thrive in us, producing hope in others. Like honey from a tomb.

Live your life so that it is a source of hope for others.

Roland E. Cavanaugh is a Wesleyan pastor serving in North Carolina and administrator of an assistant living facility. He and his wife have ministered for thirty-five years.

© 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!

May the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. (Ps. 72:19)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 72:12-20

There’s a wonderful ambiguity in this psalm. At the beginning, it seems to be about an Israelite king. The psalm is traditionally attributed to Solomon, and we imagine Solomon wanting to become as much a man after God’s own heart as was his father, David.

Yet by the end of the psalm, we begin to wonder if the psalmist might be referring to a king who would come much later: Jesus, the Messiah, who perfectly loves the needy and oppressed, and whose name will continue forever. The ambiguity is logical, because both Jesus and Solomon, who was a just, earthly king, had a very similar job to do. The work of the faithful kings of God’s people prepared the people for God’s activity through Jesus.

The ambiguity is good for us to think about because just as a faithful Israelite king envisioned Jesus’ coming, it’s our job to faithfully reflect him. The same Jesus who said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12), said to his disciples, “You are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). As his people, we are part of the fulfillment of Psalm 72:19. As we carry on Jesus’ ministry as the body of Christ, we move closer to that day when his glory will fill the earth. In what ways does your life reflect his glory as you await his triumphant return?

Imagine the world as Christ intends it to be.

Michael Jordan is the dean of the chapel at Houghton University (NY), an ordained Wesleyan pastor, and enjoys singing, crossword puzzles, and distance running.

© 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!

Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. (Rom. 5:11)

Expanded Passage: Romans 5:1-11

Eight years had passed and I still hadn’t finished writing my historical fiction book. Motivation to finish occurred when my mom called and said, “I have stage 4 cancer.” When she went into hospice, all I needed was a foreword to finish my book. I asked a childhood classmate for his endorsement since he was an expert on the subject I had written about. His response disappointed me—he was uncomfortable endorsing my fiction since he specialized in facts—yet his words spurred me to produce a documentary instead. We watched as God brought people and resources together to create an award-winning project with global impact. The experience enriched my testimony and allowed me to boast on God’s behalf, glorifying him for his work.

I would not have produced a documentary if I had received the endorsement. Had I wallowed in resentment and quit, God could not have stretched me and blessed others in the way that he did.

If we allow God to work in all of our circumstances, he can bring peace and fulfillment, and opportunities to brag about all that he has done through our experiences.

Trust God to turn your mess into a message.

Angela Golden Bryan is a graduate of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. She and her husband live in South Florida.

© 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!

While we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son. (Rom. 5:10)

Expanded Passage: Romans 5:9-11

My husband and I walked our daughter through her first tax filing experience. We could tell she was not interested, but that changed when she learned she’d receive a refund of $2,225. She had been depositing checks electronically for a while now, so we explained to her she’d simply deposit her tax return once she received it.

Over a year had passed and our daughter was no longer employed. She had been searching for jobs and her savings account was running low. She was stressed because she was broke and job prospects seemed low. One day I went into her bedroom to retrieve a borrowed item and I noticed what looked like a check. I picked it up and it was her uncashed tax return for $2,225. The issue date was over a year, and the check had expired. When she received the check in the mail, she’d forgotten about her tax return and thought the check was a hoax. Not knowing what to do, she forgot about it. All while she thought she was broke, she had access to over $2000. All she needed to do was deposit the check, showing that she accepted it.

We have access to the saving blood of Christ, and we deposit and activate this gift when we accept it through our faith. God’s gift to us is the remedy for being spiritually “broke.”

Accept God’s love and his peace will enrich you.

Angela Golden Bryan is a graduate of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. She and her husband live in South Florida.

© 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!

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)

Expanded Passage: Romans 5:7-8

Bill had done well for himself, and his family was proud of him. However, they were disappointed when he got engaged to a young lady they did not know. They wanted Bill to settle down with a nice girl from their hometown. Word got out that Bill had paid off his fiancée’s debt. Family members scolded Bill for being naïve. They warned Bill that his fiancée might be a gold digger and that she could run off and leave him now.

Bill informed his family that his generosity was a reflection of his love for his fiancée and that she had not asked him to pay off her bills. Their engagement was Bill’s commitment to take care of his future wife and start their marriage debt free. Bill’s actions were based on love. He explained that even after they married his fiancée would always be free to leave him or divorce him because she had free will, but that their relationship was built on love and trust. No one was fully convinced that Bill was in his right mind, but Bill’s actions were a reflection of his character.

Who can understand why God would send his Son to die for us sinners? God’s actions are about his character and his love for us. God chose us, even when our backs were turned on him. God always lets us choose freely.

Choose God; he paid your debt and loves you.

Angela Golden Bryan is a graduate of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. She and her husband live in South Florida.

© 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!

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. (Rom. 5:6)

Expanded Passage: Romans 5:6

Tina was a perfectionist and wanted to “get it right.” “It” was anything that she did, and when she became a Christian, she wanted to “get it right.” When Tina learned about Stephen, the first Christian martyr, along with modern martyrs, she became insecure and fearful. The question that plagued Tina was, “Would I die for Jesus?” Tina feared that she wasn’t a good Christian because she could not answer the question with an unhesitating “Yes!”

One day, in tears, Tina said, “I’m not brave like those martyrs.” I looked at Tina and said, “Perhaps God isn’t asking you, ‘Will you die for me?’ Maybe God is asking, ‘Will you live for me?’” I asked her, “Are you willing to live your best life for God and let people see that you belong to Jesus?” I reminded her that we live in the United States during a time when we are free to practice Christianity. However, this world is counter-cultural to God’s kingdom and living for him can be challenging. Are you willing to be alienated and ridiculed for Jesus?

Tina still struggles with perfectionism, but she now has peace about being a Christian because she does her best to live for Jesus. God loves us in our imperfection and most of us will not be called to die for Jesus, but we are all called to live for him.

Live for Christ—he died for you.

Angela Golden Bryan is a graduate of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. She and her husband live in South Florida.

© 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!

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Rom. 5:3–4)

Expanded Passage: Romans 5:3-5

I was struggling with my new electric vehicle. Sometimes my car would seem to have a mind of its own and I’d have to fight for control. One day, while giving my brother a ride, he witnessed my battle. I’d turn the steering wheel one way and the car would pull in the opposite direction. This made for a jerky ride! After a few miles my brother said, “I see you’re fighting with the car.” “Yes, this happens all the time,” I complained. My brother explained that I had pushed the “autopilot” button and had therefore given the car permission to keep me in the middle of the lane; all I had to do was lightly touch the steering wheel and let the car do the work. With my brother’s guidance, I stopped struggling with the steering wheel and relaxed my grip. Immediately the ride became smooth. I had given the car permission to do a job, but then I’d fought for control.

Isn’t this just how we are with God? We say that we give him control of our lives, then refuse to surrender. There will always be challenges, but when we turn our lives over to God and allow him to take charge, the ride will be smoother and we’ll gain character and hope.

Allow the Holy Spirit to grow you through every experience.

Angela Golden Bryan is a graduate of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. She and her husband live in South Florida.

© 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!

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 5:1)

Expanded Passage: Romans 5:1-2

My maternal grandmother was a peacemaker. When I was in my twenties, my mother and I had a disagreement and we didn’t speak to each other for months. One day Grandma called me and asked me to apologize to my mother. After I explained the situation, Grandma said, “That is your mother and there is nothing more valuable than peace in the family.” I didn’t want to ask for forgiveness because I did not believe I’d done anything wrong, but I wanted to please my grandmother.

I wrote my mother a letter of apology and asked her to forgive me. When my mother received the letter, her response was immediate. She made the expensive long-distance call and forgave me. Her call opened dialogue between us, and healing took place. Grandma was right. Despite my wrong motives, God brought healing.

Isn’t it wonderful that because of our faith in Jesus, we have peace with God? As Paul writes in Romans, our faith in Christ justifies us before God. We don’t have to understand it fully. Our job is to walk in faith and allow God’s peace to unfold, because there is nothing more valuable than peace in the family of Christ.

Prioritize peace and have faith that God will bring healing.

Angela Golden Bryan is a graduate of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. She and her husband live in South Florida.

© 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!

May he defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy. (Ps. 72:4)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 72:1-11

A friend invited me to hear her preach. I’d never visited her church before, so I got there early. I walked into the sanctuary and people stared. I wondered if I was dressed appropriately or had done something wrong; or maybe people were just curious about me since it was a small church, and I was obviously a visitor. I took a seat and that was the first time anyone spoke to me directly. I was told that I needed to move because that seat belonged to someone. I felt a bit embarrassed as I moved a few seats back and hoped I was not in someone else’s seat. When I told my friend about my experience, she explained that the usher was absent, otherwise I would have been shown to an appropriate seat upon arriving.

This experience helped me to understand that we are all God’s representatives, and we shouldn’t wait to receive a title or position to lend a helping hand. I’ve fallen into this trap myself, particularly at larger churches, thinking that someone else would point the obviously lost person in the right direction. This experience has implications outside the walls of the church as well—how am I serving the lost? Am I helping them to see the hope we have in Christ?

The King is our provider, and we are his hands and feet.

Serve as God’s ambassador wherever you go.

Angela Golden Bryan is a graduate of Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University. She and her husband live in South Florida.

© 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 have made you a father of many nations.” (Rom. 4:17)

Expanded Passage: Romans 4:13-25

When we face difficult facts in our lives—the death of a spouse, disappointment with friends, financial troubles—we may be tempted either to despair or to minimize the problems. Abraham did neither. Instead, he fearlessly faced the facts of his life: his old age and Sarah’s barrenness. Because he was fully persuaded that God was powerful, he continued to believe that God’s promises would be fulfilled. Because of his faithful belief even when it was difficult, God reconciled Abraham to himself and made Abraham the father of many nations and our father in the faith. Abraham’s decision to live faithfully had consequences that echo down to the present.

This should give us hope. We don’t need to despair or to minimize our problems; we can face them squarely, as they are. We can acknowledge the real pain involved and still choose faith. When we do, we discover that our faithful choice affects more than just our own journey; it impacts the journey of all who come after us.

Do not underestimate this! As I work with college students, I see many who are afraid of the world we live in today. They fear that their faith cannot stand amid challenging facts. When we honestly face our problems and still choose faith, we help them to see that it can. We become their fathers and mothers in the faith.

Identify someone to whom you can be a mentor in the faith.

Michael Jordan is the dean of the chapel at Houghton University (NY), an ordained Wesleyan pastor, and enjoys singing, crossword puzzles, and distance running.

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