Therefore rebuke them sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith. (Titus 1:13)

Expanded Passage: Titus 1:10-14

I remember one afternoon reading the group chat and my heart sank. One of my volunteers in ministry had written an unkind message to another volunteer in the group chat for everyone to see. As the messages began to go back and forth between volunteers, I heard God tell me to correct them now, with love and kindness. I gently reminded my team that we serve together, that this conversation is not for the group, and that we should always aim to edify one another with our words. Individual messages were sent out to those involved, and a loving reminder to settle our differences with each other privately was received well by both parties.

In this passage, Paul was advising Titus about Christians who need to be corrected. Many of us struggle with the idea that correction is part of serving with others. People, including leaders, will make mistakes, and Paul wanted Titus to know that even those of the faith can be “full of meaningless talk and deception” (v. 10). Addressing this behavior in love and with grace is key to keeping people connected to church and to each other. This kind of leadership keeps us “sound in the faith.”

Our heavenly Father wants us to walk in love with one another and show grace to each other even in the hard moments of serving together.

Correct others in love with the aim of building connection.

Stacy Haynes is a mental health therapist, author, podcast host, and children’s ministry pastor in the Wesleyan Church.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. (Titus 1:4)

Expanded Passage: Titus 1:4-5

At the beginning of any pre-mission trip meeting, our pastor will remind us that by the end of the week, we will all need to show grace to one another. At the beginning of a trip, everyone is excited about the mission and ready to serve each other and the community with love. But by day four or five, after the heat has set in, people are tired, and the “joy” starts to fade, grace has to step in. After about six mission trips, I have learned to add prayer for those of us serving together for the week: grace for each other and peace throughout the week.

Serving does not mean we will be free from conflict or strife with fellow Christians. The Bible teaches us to forgive one another, and this means those that we serve alongside with. I’ve heard the phrase “Sheep bite”; it means that even those we lead will sometimes cause hurt. Whether you are serving on the short-term mission field or in full-time local ministry, we are to remember to show loving kindness towards one another, learning to forgive each other with the grace that has been shown to us by our loving Father.

Paul was encouraging Titus in their shared faith, reminding him—and us—to rely on God for grace and peace as we serve and build his kingdom.

Serve with grace toward the people you serve with.

Stacy Haynes is a mental health therapist, author, podcast host, and children’s ministry pastor in the Wesleyan Church.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

At his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior. (Titus 1:3)

Expanded Passage: Titus 1:1-3

Teenagers can tell you that joining a new friend group can be the hardest part of their experience. Whether others will like us and accept us is an underlying fear for many, even of those in ministry. When talking to new members I often hear that joining a group or ministry is the hardest part of attending church. People are often concerned with their own anxieties or feelings of acceptance, even among believers.

I could only imagine being a disciple of Christ and watching the transformation of Paul. When Paul began to preach, the Bible says that it took Barnabas to convince the others to let him into their fellowship (Acts 9:27). The other apostles were questioning whether to believe that Paul truly was called by God and if he was fit to minister with them. Paul had to make a choice at this time, to either continue to preach, or allow the opinions of others to keep him from pursuing his call to ministry.

Speaking to Titus—a gentile Christian—Paul confirmed that we are called by God and chosen to ministry. We do not have to question whether or not we belong, as God has placed a call on our lives and fills us with his Spirit for ministry.

Remember, you are chosen for such a time as this.

Stacy Haynes is a mental health therapist, author, podcast host, and children’s ministry pastor in the Wesleyan Church.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

I call with all my heart; answer me, Lord, and I will obey your decrees. (Ps. 119:145)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 119:145-152

When we get angry, hurt, or overwhelmed, is it okay to fully vent our feelings to God? I can still remember the tears as they relentlessly fell from my eyes. Life had taken unexpected turns, and nothing was going how I thought it would. Betrayals, detours, and loneliness were consuming—until I opened my mouth not only with the struggles, but with surrender as well. I’ll never forget experiencing the freedom and healing that came from giving my broken-hearted “yes” to God.

I love how today’s passage gives us the freedom to “call” to the Lord; it illustrates the “two-way street” between our cries and the Lord’s decrees. If we aren’t careful, we can be so caught up in our emotions that we miss a crucial aspect of healthily processing with the Lord. Throughout the Bible, we see God deeply cares for us and is near no matter how dark the night. However, he is also watching to see if we will continue to obey him in the midst of our struggle.

As we continue to pour out our deepest pain and disappointments, we must not neglect to follow the psalmist’s lead by speaking out with unconditional commitment as well. When we declare where our hope, trust, and reliance are ultimately rooted, we receive his supernatural strength.

Cry out and surrender in your struggle.

Nicole Wiencek is a passionate Christ follower, wife, mom, and pastor at Keystone Church in Saline, MI. She loves great food, coffee, and meaningful ministry-centered relationships.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. (2 Tim. 4:16)

Expanded Passage: 2 Timothy 4:1-8, 16-18

David, Joseph, Jesus. Do you know what they all had in common? Each one of them knew the sting of being deserted by those closest to them. They were betrayed and misunderstood, rejected and mistreated. Their circumstances differed, but their perspectives stayed consistent: they were looking beyond their current trials to eternity.

Can you hear the words of Jesus even as they nailed him on the cross? “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

How about Joseph’s response to his brothers as they bowed before him, fearing for their lives after all the wrong they had done? “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you” (Gen. 45:5).

How could David serve and honor the king who was hunting him, and how could he still be in a relationship with the family who overlooked him? We see that ultimately he chose to submit himself to God’s purposes, trusting the Lord would work out his will in his timing. It’s only when the gospel message is the most important thing to us that we can see past our present pain to eternal purposes. Will you choose to live with a perspective like these heroes of the faith?

Trust God’s timing, focusing on his eternal perspective.

Nicole Wiencek is a passionate Christ follower, wife, mom, and pastor at Keystone Church in Saline, MI. She loves great food, coffee, and meaningful ministry-centered relationships.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Tim. 4:7)

Expanded Passage: 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Have you ever felt like you just can’t give it your all anymore? Ever tempted to throw in the towel or give up? Whenever we reach the point where we have been trying and trying, yet keep hitting a wall of exhaustion, disappointment, or limitation, what can we do?

My husband, Mike, and I took a three-year break from being lead pastors. I honestly wasn’t sure he would ever choose to go back. We had somehow forgotten how to truly stay in the race for the long haul: by recognizing where our fighting spirit really comes from. God’s Word tells us over and over again that we as believers fight with weapons that aren’t of this world; we don’t fight by our own power, might, or strength—but by his Spirit! We don’t have to run the race on our own, and we certainly will not be strong all the time; that’s why Paul could “boast” in his weakness. In his weakness, Christ's power could rest on him and be evident to all. Our heart and flesh may fail, but we will never again forget that “God is the strength of [our] heart and [our] portion forever” (Ps. 73:26).

When we choose to pray these Scriptures over our lives and limitations, it will help us stay in the fight and keep the faith.

Let God’s glory shine in your weakness as the Spirit strengthens you.

Nicole Wiencek is a passionate Christ follower, wife, mom, and pastor at Keystone Church in Saline, MI. She loves great food, coffee, and meaningful ministry-centered relationships.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (2 Tim 4:5)

Expanded Passage: 2 Timothy 4:5-6

Our verse today starts with “But you . . .” While we cannot control what others may do, we are personally charged with instructions to continue faithfully serving no matter what circumstances come up.

Have you had one of those weeks, months, or even years when things just kept piling up? You couldn’t quite seem to get ahead, the responsibilities and demands took more time than there are hours in a day—maybe you felt like you were losing it? Your posture sure wasn’t peaceful and steady, instead it felt more reactive and scattered. I have noticed it’s when I’m feeling depleted that the enemy plays on my insecurities and frustrations, causing me to question why I am doing all these things in the first place!

It’s in these times we must remember who holds our lives together. We seek the Spirit with wisdom for how to endure and what priorities to pursue. Through the Spirit, we can continue to pour ourselves out, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6). Nothing we go through is wasted. God uses hardships to refine our character, enabling us to be more effective ministers.

Ask God to provide a level head in life and ministry.

Nicole Wiencek is a passionate Christ follower, wife, mom, and pastor at Keystone Church in Saline, MI. She loves great food, coffee, and meaningful ministry-centered relationships.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

They will turn their ears away from truth and turn aside to myths. (2 Tim 4:4)

Expanded Passage: 2 Timothy 4:3-4

The best leaders don’t shy away from hearing difficult things. They want to know so they can grow. We live in a culture that is increasingly drawn to whatever feels right and seems desirable. When it comes to receiving truth from the Scriptures and people in our lives, we are warned that there will come a time when human instincts will be to reject truth and turn toward more comforting myths. We may not want to admit that we ourselves could ever fall into this category, but anytime we don’t want to hear what someone has to say simply because we don’t like the content, we need to check ourselves. God’s Word says, “Wounds from a friend can be trusted” and “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Prov. 27:6, 17). These verses remind us that it is a gift when friends, mentors, or family members are willing to share sound doctrine with us that can shape us to be more like Jesus.

It has taken most of my life to finally desire to receive helpful truth even if it hurts at first. Note the part of the verse that says, “They will gather . . . teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear” (v. 3). This should make us ask ourselves: Who am I looking for and inviting to speak into my life?

Give and receive honest, helpful truth to keep growing in Christ.

Nicole Wiencek is a passionate Christ follower, wife, mom, and pastor at Keystone Church in Saline, MI. She loves great food, coffee, and meaningful ministry-centered relationships.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. (2 Tim. 4:2)

Expanded Passage: 2 Timothy 4:2

Natalie grew up in a home where the Word was preached, but with an undertone of anger and condemnation. There was plenty of rebuke, it just wasn’t balanced with encouragement or compassion. She struggled to understand what love and grace actually meant until she experienced it from strangers who took her in. Far too often, we hear about the stereotypical PK’s (preacher’s kids) who hear sermons in weekly services and hallways at home without experiencing the delivery of those messages with “careful instruction.” The question is, are we heavy-handed in one area of Scripture while malnourished in another? If so, do we recognize the gravity of impact it can have on people like Natalie, those whom we are entrusted to lead?

Every believer has a calling to share the gospel and make disciples; some are called to preach the full counsel of God’s Word and equip others to do the work of the ministry. We must all be dedicated to spending time in the Word personally and in his presence daily so that we can continually be molded, formed, and well-rounded in both content and delivery. If we are entrusted with the privilege of teaching the Word, much discernment is needed on what to preach, when to encourage, or how to admonish. This will only come as we stay in tune with his heart and in step with the Spirit.

Let your words match his Word with great care in every season.

Nicole Wiencek is a passionate Christ follower, wife, mom, and pastor at Keystone Church in Saline, MI. She loves great food, coffee, and meaningful ministry-centered relationships.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead . . . I give you this charge: (2 Tim 4:1)

Expanded Passage: 2 Timothy 4:1

Have you ever been so focused on what someone else did or said that you felt justified by your reaction? We may not realize it, but the way we interact with people flows from whatever our core internal motivation is.

In today’s Scripture, we don’t have the what that we are “charged” with yet; rather, we see why we are given instruction from the Lord on how to live, respond, and minister. Throughout life, what we are asked to do may look different, but our why should remain unchanging. I think we get so caught up in this life that we forget that one day we will all stand before God to give an account for this life.

As a mother, wife, friend, and pastor there have been many times I have lost sight of the bigger picture and responded in anger when one of my kids was acting wild, my husband hurt my feelings, or I felt someone in the church mistreated me. If I’m not careful, I could easily focus on how wrong I thought they were. But in light of this verse, I am reminded that ultimately, we are all accountable to God for our own part. He sees all, knows every thought, motive, and intention. He also sees the greater picture on how every action impacts his kingdom.

As your what changes, set eternity as your why.

Nicole Wiencek is a passionate Christ follower, wife, mom, and pastor at Keystone Church in Saline, MI. She loves great food, coffee, and meaningful ministry-centered relationships.

© 2026 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.