But we do see Jesus, . . . now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. (Heb. 2:9)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 2:7-13

“You have a very aggressive cancer,” the oncologist reported to my friend Don. “And the treatment will be a grueling regime of surgery and chemotherapy. It’s going to be difficult.”

To this, Don replied, “I can hardly wait to see what the Father is going to do with this!”

“Sir,” responded the doctor, “I don’t think you are aware of the seriousness of your condition.”

“I most certainly am!” said Don. “And I can hardly wait to see what the Father is going to do with this!”

Over the next several months, Don’s faith continued to shine through the darkness as he walked through the valley of suffering: an inspiration to all who knew him. His resilience in the face of such a challenge inspired everyone he encountered along the way. How could Don exhibit such faith throughout the ordeal? He looked beyond the fog and saw Jesus.

Long ago, Jesus entered the human condition. He suffered with us and for us—and continues to be present even in our most grueling struggles. He stands in our stead and brings glory that breaks through the clouds of gloom.

What challenges loom in your life and cloud your path? Look again. Jesus is with you in your suffering. He has already been there making a way for you. Look again—beyond the fog—and you will see Jesus breaking through.

Look through the clouds and see Jesus!

Mark O. Wilson serves as Division of Religion chair at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina.

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

But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him?” (Heb. 2:6)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 2:5-6

“Nobody cares,” the retired pastor lamented. “When I was a pastor, my life was full of activity and opportunities. Everybody wanted my attention. But now, I’m overlooked on the shelf. The invitations have vanished. It’s like I don’t even exist, and I am so lonely.” My heart broke for this disheartened saint who had served God so faithfully for decades.

Isolation is a very real challenge, and loneliness is such a widespread problem that the United States Surgeon General declared it a national health epidemic. Researcher Julianne Holt-Lunstad discovered a lack of social connection shortens life and is comparable to smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. Humans were designed for companionship.

It helps to remember that even if others shut us out, we are never alone. When Noah entered the ark, “the Lord shut him in” (Gen. 7:16). Like Noah, the Lord is in the boat with us! We are shut in safely with Jesus every moment of every day. Through the storms and struggles of life, he has promised to be with us always. What a precious and faithful friend we have in Jesus! He knows all about us and cares far more than we will ever know. Nothing can separate us from his love. Even if everyone else has forgotten, Jesus is still mindful of us. When life is looking down, look up to see his smiling face.

Remember the friend you have in Jesus when you feel isolated.

Mark O. Wilson serves as Division of Religion chair at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina.

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

God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. (Heb. 2:4)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 2:4

“Buc-ee’s 171 miles,” the sign read as we traveled on the interstate. Then, every few miles, other billboards announced how much further to reach this glorious destination: 84 miles; 21 miles; 7 miles, and finally, “Buc-ee’s Next Exit!” The signs guided us and other motorists all the way to a crowded spot that felt more like a county fair than a rest stop. The Buc-ee’s marketing strategy is quite impressive, but their signs are not the point. The signs simply point to the point.

Miracles, like Buc-ee’s road signs, are not the point themselves; they just point to the Point. When God works wonders, he reminds us of who he is and what he wants.

We find different types of miracles in the Bible. Some divine interventions are of healing and supply. Others are over nature, demonic power, and even death. If you have walked with God for any length of time, you most likely have experienced answers to prayer and miracles of some sort. Remember these amazing things God has done for you. When God intervenes, joy follows in the wake.

Perhaps you need a miracle today. Trust God to show up and do something beautiful! And any good things he does are not the point themselves—they just point to the Point—which is far better than Buc-ee’s: Jesus Christ, Lord of all!

Watch for signs, but remember the Point.

Mark O. Wilson serves as Division of Religion chair at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina.

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

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. (Heb. 2:1)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 2:1-3

One sunny May afternoon, two Florida teens, Heather Brown and Tyler Smith, skipped school and headed to the beach with friends from Christ Church Academy. The adventuring high school seniors saw an island in the distance and thought it would be fun to swim to it. However, before they realized their danger, the tide pulled them in the wrong direction and out to sea. Without life jackets, the flailing teens found themselves in a desperate situation. For over two hours they treaded water, called for help, and prayed desperately. When all seemed hopeless, Heather and Tyler were miraculously rescued by a boat, appropriately named Amen.

In the spiritual realm, without vigilance, we can unwittingly drift from biblical faithfulness and wholehearted devotion to Christ. We swim in cultural tides increasingly antagonistic to a Christian life and worldview. Before realizing it, undercurrents can tug us into swirling seas of doubt, spiritual compromise, and lukewarmness. Like Heather and Tyler, we unwittingly fail to see the danger even as the tide carries us from safety.

But help is on the way! God provides a lifeboat: his Word! He rescues us with a hearty “Amen!” The word amen means “so be it.” Drifting is dangerous and there is a better way to be! We can guard against losing our first love by renewing our devotion to Jesus and clinging to his Word.

Keep your focus on your destination.

Mark O. Wilson serves as Division of Religion chair at Southern Wesleyan University in Central, South Carolina.

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

I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. (Ps. 13:5)

Expanded Passage: Psalm 13:1-6

Our feelings often lie and try to control us. And with the introduction of social media, we find ourselves experiencing the ups and downs of our feelings more than ever before. Many of us spend a significant amount of time on our phones checking to see what our friends are posting. We also spend quite a bit of time examining the responses to our own posts. Research shows that when we receive positive responses, such as likes on a post, it triggers the production of dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure. The production of this chemical causes us to feel happy and experience an emotional high. When the dopamine leaves our body, our emotional high and happiness often do the same. Rather than basing our joy on objective truth, we allow our feelings to determine when we are happy.

The Word tells us to place our joy and happiness in the unchanging truth of God’s unconditional love and gift of salvation. And when we allow ourselves to find joy in the things of God, then we will experience never-ending joy that exists even when our feelings don’t align.

The world and all it has to offer cannot provide a joy that transcends feelings. True joy and happiness that transcends comes from the objective truth of God’s unfailing love.

Find joy in God’s love for you when circumstances steal your happiness.

Tara Klein is a lover of words who shares her imperfect, unconventional Christian journey as a woman, wife, and mother to invite others into God’s unconditional love.

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

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Heb. 1:14)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 1:1-14

Serving others brings me joy. I led a team of approximately fifteen real estate agents several years ago. And, as the team leader, I recognized the team was only as successful as our poorest performing agent. Thus, I spent more time helping the agents who performed poorly rather than focusing on the agents who were already successful and profitable. This did not go over well. The norm is to follow the 80/20 rule. Since 20 percent of the agents bring in 80 percent of the income, team leaders should focus on improving the productivity of the performing 20 percent even more. However, I felt that despite its theoretical accuracy in business, it was spiritually incorrect. It’s important to serve and encourage the 80 percent who are struggling to perform. Rather than serve up the profitability scale, as most do, I decided to serve down and raise the performance levels of the 80 percent.

As disciples of Christ, we are called to follow Jesus’ example and go after the lost sheep. It is not our primary focus to serve those who are already saved. That responsibility belongs to God’s army—his angels are called to watch over us. They will protect us as we go forth to protect those outside of the family.

Spiritually, God’s kingdom is designed to serve downward. When leaders learn to serve those who follow them, then God’s kingdom profits from raising everyone up.

Look for an opportunity to be a servant leader.

Tara Klein is a lover of words who shares her imperfect, unconventional Christian journey as a woman, wife, and mother to invite others into God’s unconditional love.

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

“Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” (Heb. 1:13)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 1:13-14

I was teased as a child. And, after several years of enduring harsh words, I developed a defensive spirit. They were hurting me and I wanted to hurt them in return. I wanted to make them pay. I wanted to lash out at the individuals who were taunting me. In my eyes, they were my enemies. However, as a shy and timid child, speaking out against them was not an option. Instead, I chose to avoid my perpetrators. Rather than confront them, I found it easier to become friends with the teachers and spend my time socializing with them. At their side, I felt safe.

As Christ followers we have the ultimate friend to run to when someone is mistreating us. We don’t have to seek revenge on those who hurt us mentally, physically, or spiritually. We can stand in community with the One who sits at the right hand of God. He can intercede for us against our enemies and defeat them.

As a teased child, I sat next to my teachers for comfort. Now, I can find comfort in knowing Jesus is sitting next to God. And that he intercedes for those who know and love him, protecting them and placing enemies under his feet. Jesus will remain at God’s right hand, interceding, until he returns to earth to claim his followers.

Surrender an enemy to the One who has the power to subdue.

Tara Klein is a lover of words who shares her imperfect, unconventional Christian journey as a woman, wife, and mother to invite others into God’s unconditional love.

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

“You remain the same, and your years will never end.” (Heb. 1:12)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 1:10-12

As a new mom, there is nothing more precious than holding your newborn baby. Yet, those moments fade away just as quickly as they occur. When I had my son, it was a life-changing moment. I remember just sitting and staring at him in wonder. Yet, before I realized it, my newborn baby was walking, talking, and developing relationships apart from me. He grew. He changed. And the reality of his pending independence was hard to ignore. As much as I wanted to keep him small and in my arms, that’s not how the world works. Mentally, we grow and mature based on the experiences we have in life, while physically, we grow and mature based on our genes and behaviors.

God, however, is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. And, while this is a concept that is somewhat difficult for us to understand, it provides a level of assurance otherwise unattainable. We do not have to worry that our salvation has an expiration date or that his promises will run dry.

As parents, we know our babies will one day grow up. They will create their own families and live their own lives. However, as Christ followers we can rest in the knowledge that our Abba, Father, will remain the same. We can lean into God knowing he will always be exactly who he is right now.

Replace an unpredictable worry with a thought of God’s predictable love.

Tara Klein is a lover of words who shares her imperfect, unconventional Christian journey as a woman, wife, and mother to invite others into God’s unconditional love.

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

“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever.” (Heb. 1:8)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 1:7-9

As a child, death is extremely hard to understand. When my father died, it was devastating. I could not understand why he was taken away from me. Despite assurances he would always be with me and adults explaining how he was not really gone, I knew it was not true. I saw him at the funeral home in the casket and I watched as he was physically lowered into the ground. He was gone! The experience caused me to wonder if there was anything I could depend on without the fear of one day having it taken away.

When Jesus died on the cross, he overcame the world we live in and established his eternal throne. Thus, for those who love God, life continues eternally with him. He transcends time. The physical death of our loved ones is not indicative of the ending of his reign. Rather, if we choose personal salvation through him, our lives continue forever. There are no additional battles or wars he must overcome. There are no additional demons he must defeat. It is done.

Sometimes my focus on the world overtakes my knowledge of the finality of Jesus’ sacrifice. It is imperative to always know Jesus is enough. God reigns over his kingdom and he cannot be overthrown. Eternal life through salvation is an eternal gift available to all.

Pause today and give thanks for a salvation unearned, undeniable, and unchangeable.

Tara Klein is a lover of words who shares her imperfect, unconventional Christian journey as a woman, wife, and mother to invite others into God’s unconditional love.

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

When God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” (Heb. 1:6)

Expanded Passage: Hebrews 1:5-6

Success in America is mostly about money and fame. As a little girl, my American dream was to become a famous writer, have a luxurious marriage, and obtain lots of wealth. I dreamed of one day owning all my heart desired, including the praise of others. I longed to win awards and perhaps even have one of my works made into a movie. I would become rich and famous. My name would flow from the mouths of others. That, for me, was the ultimate level of success. What I didn’t realize was that I was asking to be God.

See, the Bible tells us there is only One who deserves this type of praise. The Bible does not instruct Christ followers to work harder or do more until they are applauded and recognized by their peers, nor does it instruct us to praise and honor those around in that way. In fact, the Bible is very specific in that only God deserves ultimate praise. He, through his unconditional love, mercy, and grace, deserves all praise for the gift of unmerited salvation.

Yet, yielding the spotlight is no easy task. Our egos crave attention. What matters most is not the attention our actions bring, nor the financial reward earned. What matters most is the intent of the heart. All that we do must come from a place of worship.

Replace a worldly dream of yours with giving the praise to God.

Tara Klein is a lover of words who shares her imperfect, unconventional Christian journey as a woman, wife, and mother to invite others into God’s unconditional love.

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