Kerusso Daily Devotional

Communism kept half of Europe locked up for much of the 20th century. For 75 years, the oppressive system took most freedoms away from its ordinary citizens. The political system, responsible for tens of millions of deaths, seemed almost indestructible.    Then, almost suddenly, the system built on restricting freedom just collapsed. The end came so quickly that all the most experienced analysts and diplomats were caught off guard.    How did that amazing turnaround happen?    It didn’t happen with guns and tanks and planes. Not a single missile silo was opened. Instead, it took the strategic efforts of a religious leader, a Polish labor union activist, and countless regular citizens in countries like Hungary and East Germany, among many others, to expose evil and demand a better way of life.    In a similar way, God defeats evil by showing us a strategy that might go unnoticed at first.    2 Corinthians 10:4 states, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”    Only a reliance on God and continual prayer will win the day.    The battles you are fighting cannot depend on vengeance or worldly efforts. We’re fighting spiritual battles and conventional weapons just won’t work. As believers, we’re called to duty, called to minister to others, to tell others of His Word, His love for us, and His actions to help us overcome.    There are many examples in the Bible of people relying only on God for their victory. Not once did they lose. We won’t either if we lay aside our own perceived strength and trust completely in His divine power.    Let’s pray.    Father, help us see that our own plans are often wrong. We get into a battle and become blinded by our own strategies or a thirst for our own kind of victory. But the time to fight must come with a commitment to trust in your infinite power, to rely on the victory that only comes through Christ, and to tell others about our Lord and Savior. Bring this to our minds when the battle rages. In Jesus’ name, amen.    Arm yourself for battle with courage-inspiring Christian T-shirts, Caps, and more. Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Jenna stopped in her tracks, sighing in frustration as she bent down to pick yet another rock out of her shoe. “Why on earth am I suddenly picking up rocks every time I walk the dog,” she wondered.    They finished their usual route, and at home, Jenna slipped off her shoes and discovered the problem: she’d worn down those old slip-ons for so long that she wore a hole right through the soles of both shoes!      Philippians 4:6 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”     Sometimes our prayer lives are like Jenna’s old shoes: we take them for granted, setting aside a daily prayer habit and coming back when it’s convenient—putting off prayer until we can find the time, or in a time of trouble or desperation, when we really need God to intervene.     But prayer isn’t meant to be a sometimes thing.      We cultivate a healthy prayer life when we communicate with God often—daily, or even more than once a day. When we let our communication with the Lord wear thin, we’re missing out on the blessings of His listening ear. He wants to hear from us: both our praises and our problems!     Don’t tuck your prayer life away for later, like an old pair of shoes in the back of the closet. Pray throughout the day whenever you have a quiet moment to reach out to God, and build regular prayer into your day to ensure there are no holes in your communication with your Heavenly Father.     So—why don’t we pray right now?     Lord, thank you for being available to us through prayer. God, we are so grateful for your love for us, and your desire to hear from us, your children. Remind us to keep the lines of communication open. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Every single person you’ll ever meet needs Jesus. Are you ready to make that introduction? Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Humans were built for language and communication.    It’s one of the bits of creative genius God used when He formed His highest creation. And apart from regular communication, whether it’s the written word or verbal, we have a great gift from a loving God: prayer.   Prayer is an intensely personal way to communicate with our Creator, the One who knows everything about us.   Jeremiah 29:12 says, “Then you will call on Me and come and pray to Me and I will listen to you.”   All through scripture, we see that God is available to us all the time. No regular hours or standing meetings. We can talk to Him anytime we want. There are 650 recorded prayers in the Bible, and we read about people praying while sitting, standing, kneeling, with faces to the ground or hands lifted up.   By the way, Amen means “let it be,” or “so be it.” The word “prayer” appears for the first time in Numbers 5:22.   Since prayers are human communication with God, we see that the first prayers were way back in Genesis 3 and 4 when Adam and Eve, and later Cain, talked with God. In the second exchange, even though Cain was angry and had just killed his brother, he was having a conversation with God.   Jesus famously modeled prayer in Luke 11; and notice that He was talking to God the Father.   It can be a fine line when thinking about how prayer is initiated. Often, thoughts come to our minds, or we’re reminded to pray for someone. However, there’s an indication that God prompts us to talk with Him.   Galatians 4:6, that from our hearts we cry out, “Abba Father,” and that the indwelling spirit of the Lord prompts this in us. Of all the great gifts God has given us, prayer is one of the most special. It's how our spirits commune with the One who loves us with perfect love. And He’s always ready and waiting to hear from us.   Let’s pray.   Father God, we worship you for who you are. We love you, and thank you for loving us. Thank you for making a way for us to talk with you about the things that lie hidden in our hearts. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Wear it, then share it! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

In the book of Romans, Paul tells us the evidence for the existence of God is so numerous in nature that anyone can believe in God. Surely one of the most compelling examples is in our night sky. When we look up at the heavens, it takes our breath away. The twinkling lights are like our own personal message from God.   All those stars…   Philippians 2:15 says, “Shine...like the stars in the sky.”   Astronomers tell us that each star is as unique as we are. We can see some burning dramatically, others are smaller but no less beautiful. All those infinite numbers dot the black backdrop, causing even the most cynical of us to marvel.   God has always intended for you to share your faith. Like a message written with stars, your story will resonate with people who wonder why you have joy in a crazy world. They will stop and consider what you have to say, because the light of Christ shines from the inside out.   That is a message worth sharing!   Let’s pray.    Lord, would you give us the courage to tell our stories, to share the Good News of what Christ has done for us! It’s in Jesus' name that we pray, amen.   Inspire conversations about faith every time you get dressed! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

When we look at the amazing diversity all around us in nature, we see that no detail escaped God’s attention. He created all things to live in harmony.   That includes our individual physical bodies. He intends for us to be healthy and whole—mind, body, and soul.   Joshua 22:5 says, “Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.”   In order to fully serve God, we can’t neglect anything. So that we can be a faithful witness of His love and sacrifice, we gotta take care of ourselves, including our health.   You will not be able to effectively witness for Christ if you don’t take care of yourself. One of the easiest ways to do that is to take a walk each day. Make a real effort to walk in the fresh air, to strengthen your heart of love for a hurting world.   Get out there!   Let’s pray.   Lord, you direct our steps. Help us to be at the top of our game, including physically. In Jesus’ name, amen.   What does your favorite T-shirt say about you? Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Have you ever spent time out in the country? If you’re used to the noise of city life—neighbors coming and going, traffic, dogs barking...then spending a few nights in the country can feel almost too quiet.   A brilliant sunrise without buildings to block the view, the most stars you’ve ever seen shining across the night sky, and a unique feeling of peace can all be found in the country, if you get the chance to enjoy these simple pleasures.   Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”   Sometimes God’s blessings come in bold strokes, and sometimes He shows His love for us in sweet, simple ways...warm sunshine; a soft breeze; fragrant blooming flowers; quiet countryside views.   Every good thing in life comes from our Heavenly Father, and there are so many reasons to smile, and so much joy to be found, if we keep our eyes open to all the blessings God bestows.   Will you pray with me?   Lord, thank you for the quiet beauty you’ve created for us to enjoy in nature. God help us to seek you first, and to count our blessings. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

We live in an amazing world of rich diversity. In nature, we see almost countless stunning animal species. We linger on pictures of beautiful landscapes. And different cultures give us amazing experiences.   There are also many different religions. Some of them offer a measure of peace. Some have reflections that can help us be better people. Today we’re talking about salvation, and that is one thing only Jesus offers. That’s a harsh thing to say in this day and age, but if we are true to God’s Word, we affirm it.   Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”   Founders of other religions can’t save you. God tells us in Scripture that He alone saves, through the sacrifice on the cross by his Son, Jesus Christ. Maybe you’ve been offended by that seemingly exclusive offer, but what could it hurt, really, to reflect on it?   Choose to do that today. Privately, tell Jesus that you want to know Him.    He’ll answer.    Let’s pray.    Lord, your world is beautiful but flawed. The world to come that you’ve prepared for us will be perfect and without end. Thank you for that. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Want to share Jesus on a T-shirt? Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Have you ever talked to someone who doubted the existence of God? Someone who says God couldn’t have created everything in our world?    Watch that same someone stare in wonder at a mountain range like the Rockies, the delicate bloom of a flower, or a sunset on a beach in Greece. It’s pretty hard to deny God in such a moment.    In fact, all throughout scripture, we’re told that God’s majesty is seen in our natural surroundings. He made everything. Literally—all matter. He created the conditions for a waterfall, the light of the moon and the stars, and the horses that gallop across a prairie.    There’s infinite beauty in our world, and He made it.   Amos 4:13 says, “He who forms the mountains, who creates the wind, and who reveals his thoughts to mankind, who turns dawn to darkness and treads on the heights of the earth, the Lord God Almighty is his name.”   The Prophet Amos had seen the beauty of the land, from golden deserts to lush pastures. He’d also seen the power of God even in earthquakes and storms. He knew it was possible to worship God without limitations, and the splendor of nature He’d created.    We have the same opportunity. Just stand in a favorite spot and meditate on the power and majesty of the living God. Take a walk in the fresh air to revive your spirit. There’s something healing about connecting with your Creator in a spot that highlights just how much beauty is in our world.   The next time you hear someone question the existence of God, or if you encounter someone who’s feeling a bit down, get them out in nature. Take time to soak it all in. Reflect on His wondrous works. It’ll have a positive effect.   Let’s pray.    Father, thank you so much for creating a world that we can enjoy. We’re aware of you and know you made the lakes, and the valleys, and the mountains—all of it. You filled it with amazing animals and fresh air. We praise your name for all of this, Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Want to wear your faith on your sleeve? Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Spring is the season of new life. As we finish up our series on the Psalms, we come to the most famous one of all.   Psalm 23:1–2 says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”   This psalm contains some of the most famous words ever written. It has everything: beautiful language, a man’s raw honest heart for God, and a universal theme of love that God has for all people.   It echoes in the universe.   Think of the picture that God is painting here for us.   We are bone weary, but He has actually made a place for us to rest in a garden. We hear the flowing water. We are refreshed inside and out. And He is with us.   Do yourself a favor this spring. Memorize every line of the 23rd Psalm. Put it in your heart so that when you’re in that dark valley, you will remember that the one true God loves you absolutely and completely.   Goodness and mercy follow you. Close your eyes and sit in the cool grass. He is with you.   Let’s pray.   Lord, you are the Great Shepherd who provides a sanctuary for us. Thank you, thank you for making a place of safety for us as we go through life. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at www.kerusso.com with code KDD15.

One of the things that sets God apart from all others is His ability to tell us what is going to happen. We read about this in Isaiah 46, where He says only He knows the end from the beginning.   An amazing example of this is found in Psalm 22, and it’s almost surprising how many people are not aware of it.   Psalm 22:11 says, “Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.”   If you read the entire chapter carefully, you begin to realize that this is a conversation that Jesus had on the cross.   This psalm was written a thousand years before that world-changing event!   It describes a man being mocked on the cross. A man who is so thirsty his mouth feels like a piece of dry pottery. He even mentions that his tormentors are casting lots for His clothes. All these things are described in the New Testament, and even some of the language Jesus used on the cross is seen here in this psalm for the first time.   God is in charge of all things, all the time. And that includes your situation. He raised Jesus from the dead, and He will provide life eternal for you if you call on Him.   He knows the end from the beginning.   Let’s pray.   Lord, you know all things. No one else does. That alone should give us confidence that you will be with us always. It’s in Jesus’ name that we pray, amen.   Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at www.kerusso.com with code KDD15.

From the time he was a young shepherd in the wilderness, David had deep relationship with God. He escaped enough dangerous situations to know that God was always with Him, and was his deliverer.   Psalm 91:1–2 says, “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”   This psalm is famous for its descriptive language. We can see a picture of this in our minds. And the specific things listed in this passage are very personal for each of us.   We are not to fear. When we call on Him, He hears. His angels watch over us.   One of the most beautiful images in the Bible is found in this psalm, as God, like a strong eagle, covers us with His wings so that we are protected.   Remember the words of Psalm 91 and call on Him day or night.   Let’s pray.   Lord, your protection for us is just one of the things that separates you from anyone or anything else. We are grateful for your wings that draw us near and cover us. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at www.kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Nothing is more basic to life than creation itself. The Bible tells us that God alone has the power to truly create, and the beauty of language in Psalm 139 explains this fully. Some believe the psalmist was writing in part about the creation of Adam.   Psalm 139:1–3 says, “You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.”   The writer of the Psalms marvels at the ways in which God understands each of us intimately, and is present everywhere   Are you aware that God loves you with a supernatural love? He created you to be a singular presence in the world…what we call “unique.” You might feel sometimes that you are worthless, or that no one cares. But that’s not so.   The Creator of the Universe, in that vast space, took time to make only one of you. You are precious to Him and you should never forget it, even when things look depressing.   God sees you when you sit in that chair and when you get up. He knows what you’re thinking and what’s in your heart.   You are on His mind.   Let’s pray.   Lord, it’s comforting knowing that you are with us in each moment of our day. Help us to live in that moment. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at www.kerusso.com with code KDD15.

One of the greatest gifts God has given us is the collection of songs and poetic works known as “Psalms,” originally written as music for worship— especially in the Temple in Jerusalem.   Today, we celebrate them as prayers for the most part, and they give us a beautiful picture of who God is.   Psalm 1:6 says, “For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.”   Traditional authorship is assigned mostly to King David, who loved to worship God with music and even dancing. His heart was open to God, and this inner life could be seen by anyone; this earthly king worshiped the King of kings.   In this introductory psalm, we read about the contrast between those who love God and those who don’t. And we are encouraged to meditate on His Word every day.   Our God is the great God, and loves each of us more than we can even imagine. And that love is a song we can carry in our hearts.   Let’s pray.   Lord, your love for us is eternal and we are so blessed to receive it, as David did, all the days of our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at www.kerusso.com with code KDD15.

God chose Jesus, His Son, to make the greatest sacrifice mankind has ever known. The Son of God became a son of man, experiencing humanity in full as He was born, nurtured by Mary and Joseph, and ministered to and healed people He encountered.   The miraculous birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of our Christian faith. It is powerful to consider that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ shared our human experience.    Jesus was chosen by His Father to pay the ultimate price for the sins of all mankind, in order to save our souls for all eternity. None of us can fathom how it would feel to be in that position, but the Bible tells us in Hebrews that Jesus suffered anguish as He pondered God’s plan for Him.    Hebrews 5:7 says, “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.”   Jesus could have refused His calling, leaving us to bear the punishment for our sin, but instead, He obeyed His Father and gave His life in exchange for our redemption. What an incredible gift His grace is for us.    Let’s pray.    Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for giving your life in exchange for our sins. God called you to be born, live a human life, and die on the cross, and you obeyed your Father and gave your life for us. Thank you for loving us that much. In your name, amen. 

Gideon was hiding from the Midianites in a winepress when an angel of the Lord came to him, saying, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” And Gideon… just wasn’t buying it.    He questioned how the Lord could be with him when his community was under the thumb of the Midianites, and they had never experienced the wonders and miracles their ancestors spoke of in the past. He felt abandoned by God.   Then the Lord Himself spoke to Gideon, saying, “Go with the strength you have, and rescue Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you!”   And how did Gideon respond? Basically, he told God to prove it.    Judges 6:15–16 says, “‘Pardon me, my lord,’ Gideon replied, ‘but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.’ The Lord answered, ‘I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.’”   Gideon asked for not one, not two, but three signs to prove it was really the Lord speaking to him. God accomplished His plans with Gideon’s participation, but his lack of self-confidence continually limited his potential.    From an outsider’s perspective, we may shake our heads at Gideon’s decision to question God again and again, but if we’re honest, most of us have had times in our own lives when our confidence as Christians was on shaky ground. That’s when the Lord requires us to seek firm footing in our faith.    Let’s pray.    God, when we are unsure of your calling and don’t fully understand your plans, please remind us you are our strength, and you will give us everything we need. We can do what you ask, because you say so. Thank you that we can depend on you. In Jesus’ name, amen.   

Isn’t it awesome to wake up on a Saturday morning with the whole day before you? Whether you decide to chip away at a big project, get your grocery shopping done, or enjoy a restful day around the house, your time is your own.    When the Lord chooses us for His purposes, the timing of His plans may surprise us, big time. But following Jesus means prayerfully obeying His call, even if it’s not part of our personal agenda.    Esther in the Bible was a hesitant leader, but eventually, she understood that God was blessing her with an opportunity to help her people in their time of need.   Esther won the heart of King Xerxes, but hid her Jewish heritage as she stepped into the role of queen. Haman, an advisor to the king, made a plan to exterminate the Jews. As a brand new queen, she was in a tough spot.    In Esther 4:14, Esther’s uncle Mordecai says to her, “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”     God’s timing is no accident. Esther took a risk and went before Xerxes, even though seeking an audience with her husband the king—without permission—could have cost her life. She was able to save her people, because she responded to the Lord’s call on His timeline.    Let’s pray.    Lord, your timing is not our timing. Give us ears to hear, eyes to see, and a mind open to your calling, whenever and wherever it happens. May your will be done, as you see fit. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

When God chooses someone to be part of His work, sometimes it requires incredible courage to step up to what He is asking.    God had heartbreaking news in store for Israel: the nation would face military conquest, and the people would be exiled from their homeland for many years, because of their sins. The entire nation would become a wasteland. Imagine delivering life-altering news like that to an entire nation.    Isaiah 6:8 says, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’”   God needed someone to deliver some of the toughest bad news imaginable…life was about to change in devastating ways for the people of Israel, and someone had to tell them what was coming.    Isaiah stepped up in a big way, and God empowered him to communicate with the people of Israel in a meaningful way. Through the Lord, we can do hard things—and if He chooses us, He can and will equip us for the task.    When we feel God’s calling on our hearts it can be a wonderful, exciting time, leaving us filled with joy. Sometimes, though, God chooses us for something painful or difficult, and we may not want to do what God is asking. It is then we must lean into our faith and ask for God’s encouragement.    Let’s pray.    Heavenly Father, I ask for the strength and courage to say, “Here I am, Lord,” when you call my name. Give me what I need to answer and follow through with your wise plans, and to trust you fully. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Throughout the Bible, God chose men and women to serve as part of His plan. Some answered eagerly, with hearts and minds prepared for the Lord’s work. Some were reluctant—hiding from God, or even disobeying Him. They came from all different backgrounds and classes, showing us that God can choose anyone, even you and me, to serve.    Matthew worked as a publican, collecting taxes from his fellow Jews for the occupying Roman government; as you might guess, he was pretty unpopular in his community. Yet God chose Matthew as one of His disciples, helping to spread Jesus’ message throughout the Middle East and beyond.   Matthew 9:9 says, “As Jesus passed on from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax booth, and he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ And he rose and followed him.”   Jesus begins everyone’s Christian calling with this essential step: “Follow me and be my disciple.” As you prepare your heart to hear the Lord’s call, ask yourself: Have you asked Jesus into your heart? Do you need to recommit yourself to faith at this point in your life? Spend time in God’s Word, the Bible, and in prayer, asking God to choose you, and to use your gifts as He sees fit.    If the desire of your heart is to be called by Jesus, you must begin with this step: follow Him.    Let’s pray.    Lord, make me worthy to be chosen by you, to do your good work here on earth. Help me to follow you in mind, body, and spirit, so that I am prepared to answer when you call. In Jesus’ name, amen.  

A really cool thing about God is that He has a solution for literally every situation. And that includes mental health.    We see this especially in the ministry of Jesus, who walked the land healing people of all sorts of terrible things. One day He encountered a man driven insane by demons.   Mark 5:15 says, “They came to Jesus and observed the man who had been demon-possessed sitting down, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the ‘legion’; and they became frightened.”   The “Legion,” those who possessed this man’s mind, were no match for Jesus, who simply commanded them to leave the man in peace. And they did!   Now, not every mental health problem is related to possession. But—mental illness is so devastating to the patient, and family and friends, that it often feels like evil lives there.   Not so in the peaceful kingdom of our Lord.    If you or a loved one struggles with mental issues, ask God to help you. He has done it many times. That man with the peaceful face and clear mind all those years ago is proof of that.   Let’s pray.   Lord, you own the universe and can solve any problem. Please especially today be with those afflicted by mental illness. Come to them and comfort them and heal them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

For some reason, people sometimes tell big lies when it comes to fishing. You know—what was really a small fry becomes a man-eating shark in the retelling of the story.   But that is nothing compared to a really incredible story in the Old Testament book of Jonah.   It seems the prophet didn’t want to preach in the pagan city of Nineveh, so he sailed away on a ship. He forgot that God controls the sea and everything in it, and Jonah found himself tossed overboard, and then swallowed by a huge fish.   Jonah 1:17 says, “Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”   Let’s just say that Jonah learned his lesson, and God delivered him in a dramatic way.   This story is also a picture of Jesus, lying for three days in the tomb, only to be raised to life by the Father.   He will do the same for you, if you call on Him to rescue you!   Let’s pray.   Lord, when life swallows us up, you are there for us, never forgetting us. We praise you for your provision. In Jesus’ name, amen.