Daily Devo

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“Forty more days and Ninevah will be overthrown.” (Jonah 3:4)

Expanded Passage: Jonah 3:3-8

What would you do if a doctor informed you that you had only three months to live? In one course I teach, I send students out with that question. Speaking to family, friends, coworkers, or strangers, students take a poll. The answers they receive often surprise them. In the latest batch, one person replied he would indulge all the sinful desires he could think of—and then ask God for forgiveness. Ouch!

Jonah told the Ninevites that they had only forty more days to live. These pagan people listened to Jonah as if God himself were speaking. Immediately they ceased their sinful practices and entered a time of serious repentance. They changed into their mourning clothes. They stopped eating and drinking to show their earnestness. God gave them a reprieve, a taste of new life.

How would you handle the news of your imminent death? I bet your priorities would change pretty dramatically. You might quit work to spend more time with family and friends. You would make sure your house was in order.

Typically, my students come back from their interviews sobered. If respondents gave flippant answers, my students shudder. If they hear more serious responses, they take note. This experience changes many students, who end up asking themselves, “Why should I wait until the end to do what is most important? Why don’t I start today?”

Strive to follow God each moment.

Phil Bence is a retired pastor living in Nampa, Idaho. He and his wife, Kathy, have two adult daughters and three nearly adult grandsons.

© 2024 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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You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance. (Ps. 68:9)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 68:7-18

Among all the schools in my hometown, the one I attended for seven years was the only school authorized by the regional National Education Office not to require students to wear uniforms to class. I still remember this slogan, “Always Fresh,” which my high school classmates frequently used to encourage us to maintain impeccable cleanliness by showering incessantly to stay as fresh as the morning dew.

In this excerpt from Psalm 68, which forms the basis of our meditation today, King David praised God’s omnipresence around his people during their journey through the desert. He vividly pointed out how the floodgates of heaven obeyed God’s command and opened up to pour plentiful rain on the earth, symbolizing his rich blessings. These “abundant showers” not only replenished the land but also kept God’s weary inheritance fresh. In addition, our immanent God also graciously made provision for the needs of the poor (v. 8–9).

Just as my classmates used their watchword to remind us of the importance of staying “always fresh,” Psalm 68:9 reveals a profound truth about God’s refreshing presence even in our weariness through the imagery of abundant showers. Like the rain revitalizes the earth, God’s blessings revive our spirits. While we venture through daily challenges, let us embrace God’s promise to keep us “always fresh” in his provision.

Permanently seek God’s refreshment when you feel weary.

Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing an MDiv at Wesley Seminary and studying biblical Hebrew at Israel Institute of Biblical Studies.

© 2024 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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“There is, however, some good in you, for you have rid the land of the Asherah poles and have set your heart on seeking God.” (2 Chron. 19:3)

Expanded Passage: 1 Kings 22:2-4, 41-43; 2 Kings 3:6-19; 2 Chronicles 19:1-3

During the civil rights movement, Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrated the concept of seeing the good in a political leader despite shortcomings. Despite President John F. Kennedy’s initial reluctance to commit fully to civil rights, King acknowledged Kennedy’s eventual support. In a delicate balance of advocacy and understanding, King recognized the progress made under Kennedy’s leadership, showcasing the ability to appreciate positive actions while holding leaders accountable for their shortcomings.

Ahab was known as a wicked king who trampled on God’s commandments. King Jehoshaphat did not receive God’s approval to embark on war with him against the Moabites, so when Jehoshaphat returned safely from the war, Jehu the seer admonished him for his alliance with the idolatrous and disobedient king, contrasting his role as leader of God’s people. Despite this failing, the prophet recognized Jehoshaphat’s positive action in ridding the land of the Asherah poles, stylized trees that were considered sacred monuments to the Canaanite goddess Asherah. Associated with the tree of life, Canaanites often worshiped her through these trees. Despite this misalliance, the prophet praised Jehoshaphat for setting his heart on seeking God (v. 3).

Nobody is perfect. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Let us focus on and encourage the positive side of those who lead us and learn to support them in their moments of weakness.

Capitalize on the good you see in your leaders.

Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing an MDiv at Wesley Seminary and studying biblical Hebrew at Israel Institute of Biblical Studies.

© 2024 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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And he said, “This is what the Lord says: I will fill this valley with pools of water.” (2 Kings 3:16)

Expanded Passage: 2 Kings 3:12-19

Anyone who has spent time in a desert is amazed when they discover an oasis to rest in or water to quench their thirst under the sun’s blazing rays. Sometimes, their thirsty minds are so concentrated on their need for water that they experience a phenomenon called “mirage in the desert.” This optical illusion occurs when light is deviated as it passes through layers of air of different densities, creating the appearance of a pond, puddle, or water source in the desert.

King Jehoshaphat, King Jehoram, and the king of Edom’s three armies found themselves stranded in the desert because of a crying need for water during their campaign against the Moabites. Perhaps, due to their extreme thirst, they too experienced a mirage in the desert, thinking they could see water in the distance. At Jehoshaphat’s instigation, the three kings consulted the prophet Elisha for the Lord’s decision. Then, the prophet delivered an astonishing reply with a sure promise from the Lord that stunned King Joram: “I will fill this valley with pools of water” (v. 16).

When we trust God in our moments of desert need, he will not respond to us with mirages. He will bring us streams and pools of water to quench our thirst in the wildernesses of our lives and lead us to his oasis of hope, solace, and contentment.

Believe God will fill your valley with pools of water.

Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing an MDiv at Wesley Seminary and studying biblical Hebrew at Israel Institute of Biblical Studies.

© 2024 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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But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, through whom we may inquire of the Lord?” (2 Kings 3:11)

Expanded Passage: 2 Kings 3:6-11

A close look at the events reported in the historical books helps you notice that many events are repeated in other places or under different regimes. With just a little effort, we understand that many seemingly similar historical events also occurred in different periods.

The event reported in 2 Kings 3 concerning Moab’s revolts looks like, in many respects, another one that happened earlier related to the coalition of Ahab and Jehoshaphat against the king of Aram to retake Ramoth Gilead (1 Kings 22). Despite the division of Israel, King Joram of the northern kingdom, son of Ahab, called on King Jehoshaphat in Judah and the king of Edom to put down the rebellion of the king of Moab. When Jehoshaphat asked about the attack strategy, Joram said he would go through the Desert of Edom, and the army experienced thirst there. When the king of Israel, the initiator of the war, questioned Jehoshaphat about the destiny of the war, he replied by asking for a prophet of the Lord to inquire about his will.

As we lead God’s people, desert moments symbolizing hardship will always come around. We need to call on God and keep our cool so as not to give in to panic. Those following us have their eyes set on us, and we must fix ours entirely on God.

When facing challenges in the desert, rely on God instead of panicking.

Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing an MDiv at Wesley Seminary and studying biblical Hebrew at Israel Institute of Biblical Studies.

© 2024 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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The high places, however, were not removed, and the people continued to offer sacrifices and burn incense there. (1 Kings 22:43)

Expanded Passage: 1 Kings 22:43

The name Haiti comes from the Taino language, meaning “high land” because of its numerous mountains. According to their beliefs, many Haitian Christians go to these high places and pray for several days to grow closer to God. Some would experience spiritual blessings. However, others excessively use these elevated spaces and develop a form of idolatry, believing they are the only areas where they can come into contact with God.

In Israel, there were many high places throughout the country, even in Jehoshaphat's time. They were liturgical strongholds dedicated to many pagan gods and constantly represented a source of temptation for the Israelite people to turn away from God and indulge in idolatry. People from the surrounding nations did believe that when they worshiped their deities at elevated places, they could get more connected to the divine. Despite having righteous behavior, one problem remained unsolved during Jehoshaphat’s reign: the high places. Long before this, God commanded his people to get rid of the high places and not to follow the idolatrous practices of neighboring nations (Deut. 12:2–3).

Sometimes we are tempted to limit God's presence to one place and believe we can only reach a higher dimension with him in that location. This overemphasis on place is also a form of idolatry we must separate ourselves from to deepen our relationship with God.

Steer clear of the places preventing you from serving God wholeheartedly.

Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing an MDiv at Wesley Seminary and studying biblical Hebrew at Israel Institute of Biblical Studies.

© 2024 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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In everything he followed the ways of his father Asa and did not stray from them. (1 Kings 22:43)

Expanded Passage: 1 Kings 22:41-43

We can find several sayings that reflect the continuous, identity-based relationships between fathers and sons. A son who resembles his father in every way is said to be his father's spitting image. When sons faithfully reproduce their father’s character, attitude, or appearance, we often repeat the adage, “Like father, like son.” And to speak of a son who takes the same behavioral or career path as his father, we say “walking in his father's shoes.” An African proverb about life says, “He who follows in his father’s footsteps learns to walk like him.”

In ancient biblical cultures, the identity or reputation of children was similarly linked to their parents. Appointed king of Judah, Jehoshaphat’s behavior stemmed from his lineage with his father, Asa. Jehoshaphat encouraged the authentic worship of God by waging a merciless war against immorality and idolatry as his father did. The Bible praised his right actions in the eyes of the Lord (v. 43). In these ways, Jehoshaphat walked faithfully in the footsteps of his father Asa and did not stray from them.

When we walk in the steps of our predecessors, we can fall short in many ways. Nevertheless, we will do much better when following the footprints of our heavenly Father, who never falters. As we live and lead, let us continue to walk in the footsteps of our God.

Continue to walk in your heavenly Father’s paths.

Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing an MDiv at Wesley Seminary and studying biblical Hebrew at Israel Institute of Biblical Studies.

© 2024 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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So he asked Jehoshaphat, “Will you go with me to fight against Ramoth Gilead?” (1 Kings 22:4)

Expanded Passage: 1 Kings 22:2-4

Some leaders altruistically fight for the profit of their group in many situations. Others, however, even ally to get the lion’s share, fulfilling a hidden agenda.

A similar event occurred in 1 Kings 22 when the Judean king, Jehoshaphat, visited his Israelite counterpart, Ahab, in the third year of his reign. Ahab reminded Jehoshaphat that Ramoth Gilead belonged to them and invited him to join forces to retake it from the Syrian king, Aram (vv. 2–3). The place was a Levitical city of refuge, a strategic and vital frontier post on a mountain.

Ahab wanted to win it back for his motives. Jehoshaphat was cautious enough to advise him to seek first the counsel of the Lord (v. 5). Even the prophet Micaiah forewarned Ahab not to undertake this war. Consequently, King Adab became furious and ordered that Micaiah be put in prison and fed nothing but bread and water until Ahab returned safely from battle. The results sealed the end of Ahab’s reign (vv. 26–28, 37).

In all things, caution must be the watchword. God appreciates when we consult him before getting involved in any endeavor. We must think things through before embarking on any venture and ensure we are not helping anyone achieve their hidden agenda. Even seemingly good decisions can be soured by ulterior motives.

Do not get bogged down in hidden agendas contrary to God’s will.

Handy Calixte is the national director of Christian education for L’Église Wesleyenne d’Haïti. He is pursuing an MDiv at Wesley Seminary and studying biblical Hebrew at Israel Institute of Biblical Studies.

© 2024 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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Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the Lord. (Ps. 68:4)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 68:1-6

Whoever said parenting gets easier the older your kid gets must not have been a parent at all. Sure, there is excitement and satisfaction when your little one transitions from diapers to using a toilet, but tougher lessons lurk at each new phase in life.

For young children, physical growth coincides with independence as they rely less and less on the parent. Yet, unlike the link between independence and physical growth, dependence is an indicator of spiritual maturity.

One of the best places to observe that dependence is through prayer. We are all needy, and we all tend to seek God’s assistance when things are going wrong. However, only the truly mature believers spend just as much time—if not a whole lot more—in prayers of gratitude and exaltation for all God has done for them.

Our son moved out on his eighteenth birthday. For the longest time, the only calls or text messages we received were related to things he wanted or needed. Money. Food. Clothing. Car repairs. However, more recently, that has changed. Now, we get calls or messages from him just asking how we are doing or thanking us for something we did in the past. Those moments are so fulfilling as a parent, and I imagine the same holds true for God and the type of praises we lift up to him.

Seek to honor and thank God in all you do.

John Zaktansky is the youth group leader at Port Ann Wesleyan Church in central Pennsylvania and oversees youth ministry at an annual family camp.

© 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!

[Elijah] went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. (1 Kings 19:4)

Expanded Passage: 1 Kings 17:1; 18:17-21, 31-39; 19:2-7, 13-18

Pastor Paul had led our small country church in central Pennsylvania for seventeen years, but the final few were the most challenging. The COVID pandemic required a huge shift in style and preparation for weekly services.

Then, Pastor Paul’s wife was diagnosed with cancer and died after a brutal stretch of appointments and treatments. His younger brother died from COVID. As he worked toward his planned retirement date, Pastor Paul also lost both his parents within a few months of each other. With each blow, he looked more physically, emotionally, and mentally exhausted.

I can picture Elijah in this same manner, worn out from serving God, delivering tough messages to unwelcoming people, and being constantly under fire. Then his life was threatened by Jezebel, who had a long history of having people like Elijah put to death. At this moment in Elijah’s story, he was ready to give up, exhausted to the point of passing out. But God was there. Via an angel, God provided the sustenance Elijah needed to keep going.

One afternoon I stopped at our church to help Pastor Paul with a project. We talked about all he was going through. He smiled and gestured toward the mountain behind the parsonage.

“Each time things seem out of control, I look to that mountain and continue to get reminders that God is there,” he said. “The seasons, the wildlife, the view—his presence is with me each step of the way.”

Ask God to take care of you, even while weary.

John Zaktansky is the youth group leader at Port Ann Wesleyan Church in central Pennsylvania and oversees youth ministry at an annual family camp.

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