Kerusso Daily Devotional

We look for things and stuff to make us happy, don't we? Especially in the United States, where we are blessed with abundance, people from all walks of life look for more and more.That can bring us to an empty place. Spiritually and emotionally…we begin to look in the wrong places. But as we've discussed this week, that spark of joy we look for can be found only in Jesus. Everything else is, yes, clutter.John 16:24 says, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”This plays out over and over every day. We see this in dramatic ways when a famous person turns from materialism and empty fame and finds Jesus. Someone like that who has experienced uncommon wealth, comes to a place where Jesus must be dealt with.How about you? Are you tired of your empty pursuits? Has the excitement over a new career or a new car worn off? If you're listening and nodding, or maybe you're not even sure, do this today: tell Jesus what's in your heart and what's in your mind. He said to ask.Ask.Receive His joy. Then you'll be complete. You will be uncluttered.He's literally waiting for you to sit down and tell Him all about it.Let's pray. Lord, refresh us and renew us. Clean our hearts and minds. We know you can and will. We receive that! 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.

As humans, we tend to have a problem asking for help. I think we can chalk that up to our proud hearts. Often, when we are really up against it, that's when we resist seeking help.Jesus does away with all that.Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”Ask yourself: is my pride keeping me from asking for help? If so, mull that over. And then, take a step toward the Lord and ask for what you need.God opens doors when we ask Him to. And sometimes what we find on the other side isn't what we expected. When that happens, we choose patience. And we remain open to His good plans for us.When you've asked God to help, and prayers are answered, share the Good News with people you meet. Tell anyone who will listen that the Lord of the universe cared about you and delivered you from a problem no one else could solve.And if the answer He gave was totally unexpected and sent you in a different direction—share that, too! Accepting God's plan when it doesn't match up with our own best-laid plans is what faith is all about. Let's pray. Lord, please give us a heart that seeks you. God, we want to be obedient, and we know that your blessings, whatever they look like, will follow. Thank you. 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.

It's interesting to watch the outcomes of people who refuse to give in to fear.Many years ago, while America was going through a severe economic depression and a world war, President Roosevelt told Americans that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.Those listening over the radio said later that they felt a great sense of relief just from his words!Psalm 23:4 tells us, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”Our country emerged from a very scary time to become a people determined to embrace the future. Those who survived those dark days were known as the Greatest Generation. And they were, because they decided giving in to fear was not an option. It was a simple choice, honestly. They gritted their teeth and went to work. And prayed like never before.As individuals, we face our own depression and our own wars. And any of us can be overwhelmed by the life-altering decisions we must make. Doing all of that while living in fear is very unsustainable.The Psalmist clearly understood that God would rescue him, and the words that he wrote about it were words of life.Let's pray.Lord, you are great, and your love for us is the only thing that should overwhelm us. 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.

Today, just stop and consider that we're talking one-on-one. We're just talking over coffee. Go with me here. You seem like something is really getting to you. Are you about to give up on something important? If so, please listen—just for a couple of minutes.Luke 18:1 says, “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”Let's think boldly for a second. Whatever your problem is, God can fix it. He can. The Bible is full of these fixes, and so is our present day, when story after story of miraculous rescues shows us clearly that God exists, and that He cares for you as a person.Jesus knows your story, and more importantly, He knows the end of your story.Victory is waiting for you, but you must not give up. Don't give in to that voice urging you to stop. Listen to the voice of Love. Tell Jesus what you need. Right now.Will you pray with me?Lord, this thing hurts so much right now, but we aren't going to give up, because you never give up on us. Thank you for that! 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.

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 appears for the first time in Numbers 5:22.Since prayer is 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.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.

Year-end stuff is upon us. That includes those infamous New Year's resolutions. And as it happens, the Bible has things to say about how we lean into the near future. Matthew 5:37 says, “Let what you say simply be yes or no. Anything more than this comes from evil.” How many times have we pledged to do something and then followed through? Follow-through is important. Whether it's weight loss, repairing relationships, or embarking on a new career, it's time to actually do what we say we're going to do.If you make a resolution to something positive going forward, remind yourself every hour of every day that you made a promise to yourself, and then meditate on all the ways God has fulfilled His promises to you. Commitment, follow-through, perseverance. It doesn't really matter what you call it. What matters is that personally in our own goals, let our yes be yes, and our no be no. There's nothing wrong with not pledging something that's extremely difficult to achieve. You can start by building on a small goal and then going on to the next, but if you say you're going to do something, do it. Let's pray. Lord, we are going into a new year full of possibilities. Help us to do what we say we're going to do. 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.

Happy New Year! New Year's stuff is beneficial in several things. We make resolutions and we might even stick to some of them. But it's what God does that really matters. He's in the renewal business—making broken things whole again, especially people. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he's a new creation. The old has passed away and behold the new has come.” It's great for us when this involves repaired relationships or even a career boost. Yet this vital truth matters most in our relationships with Him. God fashions relationships that are sustainable over time, and the Gospel is the essence of this truth. If you feel empty, call on Jesus who's ready to make you clean, and take away your guilt and shame. One day He will restore the whole creation to its original, perfect state. But in the meantime, He will look at you with love, put His hand on your heart, and offer you eternity. If you're wondering what the new year has for you, set your sights higher. Think bigger. Step into your future this year with a real sense of who you are in Christ. He's waiting for you to come to Him for the rest you've needed for a long time. The new has come. Let's pray. Lord, thank you for the fresh start that only you can bring. Thank you for wiping off the dirt of the past and helping us see clearly a future that is always new. 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.

Have you ever experienced a power outage? You pull out your favorite flashlight, only to discover the batteries are dead. Bummer, am I right?How about light bulbs? For some reason, they all seem to go at the same time, leaving you in the shadows and looking for that flashlight—you know, the one with the dead batteries!Light bulbs burn out, tires go flat, umbrellas turn inside out on a windy day, and batteries die. Many of the things we use on a frequent basis are designed to be temporary—and sometimes they let us down when we need them most.Lamentations 3:22–23 says, “Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.”God's Holy Word, the Bible, promises that His compassion never fails. Each day is a new opportunity to experience God's love and benefit from His grace, and His faithfulness to us that will never end. Not because we've earned the Lord's favor—simply because He loves us.Let's pray.Heavenly Father, your mercy is new every morning, and your steadfast love for us is amazing. Thank you for loving us so much, and thank you that we can depend on you, always. 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.

No one is immune from burnout. It comes in our jobs, friendships, and even our church life. Sometimes even our hobbies become dry and tedious! But in Scripture, God gives us hope for the future.John 7:38 says, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”Jesus is telling us that in Him alone is true life. He is always pointing us to the future, to a time when that dry creek bed will be filled forever.In Revelation 22, He showed John a river flowing with the water of life, crystal-clear and coming from the very throne of God.The whole picture is one of healing and new life. He promises us that this scene will be very real and very permanent! The key is what we read in John 7:38…we must choose to believe! If you long for a new start and a bright future, you'll find everything you need and want in the person of Jesus Christ.The living water that He offers is perfect, and the supply is limitless.Jesus is the well that never runs dry.Let's pray.Lord, You are calling each of us to follow You and let You lead us to a place of perfect paradise. We eagerly look forward to joining You in Your Kingdom. 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.

Beryl Markham could have given up on her aviation dreams after crash-landing in Nova Scotia. But she didn't.Instead, this determined woman became the first person to fly from England to North America. She later said that in order to move forward, we can't stay in the past. In fact, she said, “Leave it the fastest way you can!”This pioneer knew that staying stuck was not inevitable—that we must choose to keep our eyes on what it is we are yet to accomplish in life.Ephesians 4:31–32 says, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”Maybe you're letting some past hurts keep you from your destiny. Don't waste another moment! Your future is waiting on you to turn your eyes to it, and stop staring at a past failure.Leave those past hurts as fast as you can!Let's pray.Father God, we are grateful that you make a way for us to forge ahead and not be limited by the things of the past. Walk with us, always, Father, and bless our efforts. 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.

Well, the gifts have been opened, the wrapping paper taken to the landfill. Leftovers are in the fridge, and maybe you're feeling a little blue, a little depressed. Christmas is over, or is it?2 Corinthians 9:15 says, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” In the West, we tend to have a letdown when the excitement and rush of Christmas is over, as if at midnight on December 25th, we're ready to go into emotional hibernation.But it doesn't have to be that way. Whether it's something as simple as leaving your decorations up a few extra days, or having a long talk with yourself, you have permission to enjoy Christmas into the foreseeable future. Why not? Whose schedule are we trying to meet when it comes to Christmas?As believers, we have every expectation that the great gift of Jesus Christ is something to celebrate and be grateful for always. If you have this change of attitude, it'll be noticed by everyone. Go ahead, keep Christmas going as long as you want.Let's pray. Lord, we celebrate this season, the birth of Your Son. We worship Him as our great Savior who brought the greatest gift of all. He's changed us, and we thank you 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.

This is the day of days. While the exact day is unknown, what we do know is that 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ came to earth as a child to rescue us from sin. Christmas is a date on the calendar that literally quickens our hearts. Everyone understands the significance of it. It's why hateful people behave differently for at least 24 hours. Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us, a child is born. To us, a son is given. And the government will be on His shoulders, and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This wonderful passage from Isaiah, recorded 700 years before Jesus was born, speaks, of course, of our Messiah—born there in a damp setting surrounded by farm animals, and a few people who began to understand that they were seeing something extraordinary. Keep Christmas in your heart this year. Today, stop and think about the one who came bearing the gift of gifts just for you. Have a Merry Christmas. Let's pray.Lord, today, we wake up with anticipation. A day unlike other days through the year, we love you for the greatest gift anyone could ever give. The gift of Jesus, the gift of eternal life. 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.

Well, hey—Merry Christmas Eve to you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We'd like to share the Christmas story from Luke Chapter 2, verses 4–20. And just a note, we've made some minor edits for length purposes in this excerpt from the King James version of the story. “Joseph went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be taxed, along with his wife Mary, who was great with child. While they were there, the days were accomplished that she could be delivered, and she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. There were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people for unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: You'll find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God and the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men.' As the angels returned into heaven, the shepherd said to one another, ‘Let us go into Bethlehem and see this thing, which the Lord has made known to us.' They came with haste and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they shared the news with everyone they met, and all who heard it wondered at the things that the shepherd told them. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart, and the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen as it was told unto them.” God bless you and yours this Christmas. 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.

Every December 25th, around the world, happenings are quite different and diverse, place to place. Celebrating Christmas is unique to each culture, but the meaning of it all we share. In Norway, Christmas Eve is the main event with bells ringing at five in the evening, followed by family dinners.In Mexico, Christmas begins on December 16th, and on the ninth evening, Christmas Eve, children walk to the local church to place a figure of the Christ child in a manger.Like nature, God put wonderful color in our world family, and Christmas has its own traditions in diverse places. Yet in each heart, the Christ child is center. Luke 2:4–5 says, “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth and Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” Wherever we celebrate, the baby in the lowly manger in Bethlehem calls to us through time. This season, reflect on that special night so long ago, and remember to give extra love to your family and friends. Let's pray. Lord, you love all people everywhere. Help us to do the same as we remember our brothers and sisters around the world at Christmas time. 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.

Celebrating Christmas with family and friends is a great time of the year, but do we know how all this started? This observance of the holiday? We're pretty sure Jesus wasn't born on December 25th. There are clues in scripture that put the date more in the springtime. In ancient times, the winter solstice occurred on December 25th. Sometime early in the 4th century, the church fathers set the date as the one we now celebrate. Even factoring in the diverse cultures around the world, Christmas is celebrated on every continent close to the same time for everyone. It's pretty much agreed that our present day celebrations have their origins in pre-Christian, Christian and secular festivals, and there's some debate about what is and isn't appropriate.However, for the believing Christian, the season is truly all about the birth of our Savior. No matter where you live or how you choose to celebrate, the scarlet thread of Christ's birth and sacrifice that runs through scripture is the tie that binds. Let's pray.Lord, it has been said that we can keep Christmas in our hearts. We thank you for sending your Son as the ultimate gift to mankind. 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.

What was Jesus' name? Most of us assume that if Jesus had a driver's license, His listed name would have been “Jesus Christ.”That's kind of funny, but as usual, our human perceptions can't define Him and box Him in. The Bible tells us that Jesus has many names, each a shining facet of Who He is.He is called the Alpha and Omega—the beginning and the end. The Lamb of God. Elsewhere, He is referred to as the Prince of Peace.Romans 10:13 says, “For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'”His names are a reminder to us that He is everywhere, aware of everything, and equipped to handle any situation or challenge in our lives. From the image of a warrior king, to a counselor who listens to us, Jesus is able to meet all our needs.Let's call on Him.Lord, you are wonderful to us, the perfect landing place for our souls. Thank you for that. 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.

In general, humans as a species have a fair amount of self-awareness. And if we're honest, we all know our weak points. Those places where character is lacking a bit.One of our biggest weaknesses is that we just want stuff. Bigger house, more expensive car—that kind of thing. In those moments, we're missing out on a big prize. Our focus is wrong.Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”The Bible—the Word of God itself—shows exactly what our priorities should be. God knows us far better than we could ever know ourselves, and He tells us that we have it exactly backwards. We look for the stuff, and then tack on the God stuff later. In fact, turn that around and that's how we should be doing life. Look for God first, and then later He'll give us the desires of our heart. Because our hearts will then be aligned with His perfect will for our lives.Try this approach, and see if it works for you. What we'll also find as a bonus is peace that the world can't give us…that stuff can't give us. When you seek first a relationship with your Creator, you find that material possessions are no substitute for knowing Him.Let's pray.Lord, thank you for our relationship with you. Thank you for loving us through our sin. 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.

Does your life feel out of control? Are you experiencing that common feeling of weaving down a busy highway, about to crash?It's a metaphor for life that a lot of folks internalize at some point. All of a sudden, what you were sure of isn't there anymore. You might as well be behind the wheel of a fast car that's heading straight into oncoming traffic.1 Peter 5:7 says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”This isn't some nice little bit of wisdom someone put on a greeting card. This is the very Word of God. It has sustained civilization for thousands of years. And it's a proven method for getting your life under control. It doesn't work though, unless you can see Jesus taking the wheel. Let Him get you to safety and peace. He's ready and waiting to take all your worries and set you on a smooth and straight path.Will you pray with me?Lord, feeling out of control is not something we want anymore. Please take over and guide us, Lord, in your perfect ways. 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.

Have you ever tried to follow God in a half-hearted way? You know what that means. You like the idea of God, but His perfect will for our lives can also feel very restrictive.That's the moment that we walk along the highway of life completely alone.Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”Notice the precise language in these beautiful verses. We are to trust Him with all of our heart. Don't take your eyes off Him and follow your own choices. Be upfront that He is your peace. It's then He picks you up, protects you, and carries you home.Today is the day you're thinking about all this. Maybe you've messed up. You've messed up in the most spectacular and disheartening way. And it is exactly at this moment that God is ready to do the greatest miracle in your life. Tell him you've messed up, and you have no idea where to turn.There—you're learning to completely trust Him. Commit your life to Him, and be consistent about it. Remember: the turning point to an awesome future can just start with reliance on God. Commit your ways to Him, and He will direct your paths.Let's pray.Lord, help us to reject our own flawed wisdom and rely totally on yours. 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.

In our humanness, we struggle at times to achieve peace.World War 1 ended 100 years ago, and all sides joined together as a League of Nations to make that conflict the “War to end all wars.”And then World War 2 happened.Our history is littered with noble attempts to make things right, but only God can bring peace to nations and to individuals. He has promised both! One day, He will make everything new, forever. While we wait for that great day, He also grants us peace in our daily lives.2 Thessalonians 3:16 says, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”We only have to ask Him for it. Jesus, as He said in Matthew 11:28, gives us peace even in our greatest trials and when we are exhausted. Then, peace comes to refresh us and give us all the strength we need.If you don't have peace in your life, simply ask God for it. He will provide.Let's pray.Father God, let your peace wash over people everywhere in this hurting world. Make them aware of your spirit of peace. 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 all screw up. We all fail in some way. We fall short of goals, or get embarrassed in some kind of career implosion or other event. It's easy then to feel like we'll never win again.That is not how God sees you.Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”   Hope and a future. That's what's ahead, not depression and failure. The Bible is full of stories of people God would not allow to slip away. Peter denied Christ, and the Savior forgave him! Sarah mocked the idea that she would ever have a child, but God let her be a mother late in life!This is the world God created. Not one of misery and losing. Does it make sense that He would create you in very specific ways, uniquely gifted as you are, and then just give up on you?Don't let that be your story. Your part in it is refusing to believe the enemy when you hear that voice that tells you it's all over.God knows the plans He has for you! Remember that.Let's pray.Lord, thank you that you don't let us sink out of sight. Thank you for setting us on our feet and helping us move forward. 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.

Let's think about something deep today:What is the endgame?In this context, we're talking about what comes after this life we are living now. Believers of course, look forward to an eternity with the Living God. And even unbelievers wonder about what comes next after you draw your last breath.It's the most important element in our discussion this week.Romans 5:3–4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”Like snowflakes and other beauty in nature, no two lives are alike. Each of us is unique. God made us that way. The Psalmist said that you are fearfully and wonderfully made!And in your unique life, you face singular challenges. If you believe in Christ, you are well aware that in this life there is pain, and struggle, and obstacles.But all through Scripture, the Lord lovingly reminds us that He is always with us, and when we pass to the next life, He has prepared a wonderful future for us. One that will never end and will never be tainted by sin.If you endure in your faith, that is what is waiting for you. Think about that today!Let's pray. Lord, your Word tells us that eternity is joy beyond our understanding now. All glory belongs to you. 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.

There's a reason the Bible uses so many metaphors. The wisdom God has for us lends itself well to short narratives, and we learn much from stories.A famous passage from Isaiah we've been discussing this week uses a powerful mental image to convey deep truths from God.Isaiah 40:31 says, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”The sight of a majestic eagle, flying high above the ground…well, it can just make us feel good. It inspires. Gliding on the wind, the eagle dominates the place we'd like to be.This gorgeous creature is exactly where God wants it to be. Free and sure of its place in the world, the eagle uses its extraordinary eyesight to see the big picture.This is the place God wants you to be, and why He uses this verse in Isaiah to let us know our aspirations are not limited to the ground, not dependent on gravity.Like the majestic eagle, let God free you to fly in every area of your life.Let's pray. Lord, your beautiful creation inspires us. Put us to flight so that we go to the place you have prepared for us. 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.

Whenever we have to overcome an obstacle in our lives, we are thinking about a million different things. Our minds race. We might even be aware that our Creator is there to help.But have you ever considered that even when life gets tough, you can still have joy?Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”Sheila Walsh has said that what got her through a bout of depression was the knowledge that God the Father loved her and wanted the best for her.Today, one of her missions in life is to help others recover their joy, by pointing them to the Lord. The truth is, this life sometimes beats us up, but those circumstances don't have to win. It isn't inevitable.It's when we learn to rejoice while clinging to hope that true joy comes.Let's pray. Lord, in our lowest moments, we cling to you and your promises. Thank you for that joy. 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.

O Holy Night is a well-known Christmas carol that began as a French poem celebrating the opening of a new church. The beloved song we know today was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight, an American minister and abolitionist, in 1855.This poignant carol reflects on the birth of Jesus as humanity's redemption.O holy night! The stars are brightly shiningIt is the night of our dear Savior's birthLong lay the world in sin and error pining'Til He appeared and the soul felt its worthA thrill of hope the weary world rejoicesFor yonder breaks a new and glorious mornA thrill of hope...what a poignant, moving way to describe the feeling in our hearts as we approach the date we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.Right now, you may be feeling a weariness you haven't experienced before. Concerns about the health and well-being of your family, and worldly troubles beyond your control, maybe weighing heavily on your heart this year.We invite you to join us as we approach Christmas Day in rejoicing in the Lord. A new and glorious morning is on the way, and our hope is still, and always, in Jesus.Let's pray.Heavenly Father, we confess this year has made us weary. We pine for your holy presence, and we rejoice in your gift of Jesus! Be present among us, Lord. Bring peace to the chaos of this world and renew our hope for the coming year. We ask these things 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.

Are you comfortable in your life? This is a little different than asking if you're always happy, or living in some sort of paradise. Comfortable just means you are relatively peaceful and content with your situation. There's nothing wrong with that, but it can be dangerous in a spiritual sense.Jesus calls us to something more.Mark 16:15 says, “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'”Of the 200 or so nations in the world today, a good portion of them have citizens who have never heard the Gospel. They've never had someone explain to them who Jesus was, is, and will be. Millions have not heard of the eternal sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross, to pay for the penalty for our sins.Do we even have the right to stay in our comfortable place?Are you called to more?Can you justify not sharing the Good News about Jesus?Your situation is unique, and Jesus knows all of it. If He isn't calling you to a remote place on the globe, maybe it's working with kids in your own church. Whatever opportunity God is giving you to change the world…take it! Let's pray.Lord, we ask you to put more people in our path. Give us more chances to change our world for you. 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.

Today, we're continuing our series on sharing the gospel, and what we're covering today is about the Great Commission. Have you heard that term before? Christianity's great at using terms the general public isn't familiar with, and sometimes we use terms even we aren't familiar with as believers. A recent study shows that more than 50% of U.S. churchgoers don't know what that term Great Commission means. And when asked if they had heard of the Great Commission, half of U.S. churchgoers say they don't know that term. Maybe our priorities need tweaking.Matthew 28:19 says, “Go and make disciples of all nations. Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” And though the Great Commission is not a term used in the Bible, it does describe the command Jesus gave us to share the Good News of His sacrifice for our sins. In this way, He provides a way for people to be reconciled to God, and this is the greatest news anyone will ever hear. Christians should be excited about this action plan.Matthew chapter seven indicates that the path leading to God is narrow, and that many are on the broad path that leads away from God. This truth should motivate us as Christians to fulfill Christ's Great Commission. And the Bible tells us that this activity will have an endpoint. We should have a sense of urgency about that. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was literally born in the Middle East. Jesus' disciples took His words to heart and began preaching and teaching about Him in Israel, then to all the regions around the Mediterranean basin. From there, the Gospel spread quickly into Europe, and beyond.Today, even with all our technology and hundreds of years of sending missionaries to remote parts of the world, not everyone has heard the Good News about Jesus. We have our marching orders. It's time to move. Let's pray.Father, we know that no matter what time is passing. We want all people to come to a saving faith in Your Son Jesus. Remind us daily that we should have a sense of urgency about sharing your good gift with everyone we come into contact with. 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.

Have you ever known someone who inherited something of great value from an obscure relative? It happens…maybe in a movie or something.The will is read by an attorney, and all of a sudden, the beneficiary goes from struggling to pay the rent to needing a financial planner. It can be an exciting time, even disorienting.The only downside to receiving a large inheritance is the knowledge that someday it will run out, or you die and can't take it with you. That's why the Bible's revelations about eternal riches are so much more important.Genesis 31:14 says, “Rachel and Leah said to him, ‘Do we still have any portion or inheritance in our father's house?'”Let's think of this as a parable: A man took the place of another and was executed. He was no ordinary man, though. Only a few days after His death, the will was read. And he left it all to you!Jesus Christ died for our sins and took the penalty for them so that we don't have to. That is what the Gospel is, the Good News that we have riches in Christ, and they last forever.Let's pray.Lord, your precious gift for each of us is something we did nothing to earn. You decided to put us in your will. We thank you forever for your grace and mercy. 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.

Table salt today is so common, it becomes another thing we take for granted. You go to the store, pick a cylinder or jar of salt off the shelf, and then go home. You don't even think about it.Now, consider that 1,000 and more years ago, if a person wanted to use salt on his dinner, this required some prior work. A lot of work! The Romans boiled seawater in huge, lead-lined pans. So valuable was salt in the Roman Empire, it was used as currency! Mainly, it was used as a critical food preservative.Matthew 5 verses 13–16 says, “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.                         Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”See there—God is telling us that we are to be the instrument that preserves and makes known the Gospel, and salt is one of the analogies.Let us say to our friends, loved ones, and even strangers: Taste, and see that the Lord's promises are good!Let's pray.Lord, help us to be salt and light for Your Word in this world. 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.

Kerusso exists to tell people about the Good News of Jesus Christ, but somehow in our information-jacked world, culture has moved further away from understanding who the most famous person in history really is. Millions of books and articles have been written about a carpenter who lived in the Middle East 2000 years ago, and Jesus has been identified as anything from a desert mystic to God Himself.Historically, He was born into a Jewish family in Judea at the time the Roman Empire controlled the area. Born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, Jesus was 30 before He gained a reputation as a great teacher. But He was much more than that. The Bible tells us that He was sent into the world by God the Father, to stand in our place and take the penalty for our sin.According to Genesis, man defied God's template for living and because He is holy, God requires that someone is accountable for sin. Had Jesus not entered the world, we'd be left without a way to reconcile with God. Long story short, Jesus Christ is much more than just a wise teacher. He's also the Son of God.The Bible also tells us Jesus is one with the Father. Remember, when Moses encountered God in the burning bush, he asked God how to identify Him to the people. And God replied, “I am who I am.”And that was in the Old Testament. In John 8:58, in the New Testament, Jesus tells the people, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” Jesus Christ is a divine being. John 1:29 says, “The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.'” This description of Him is not embraced by most people around the world. The Bible tells us that man's heart is wicked. It isn't like billions are rushing to churches so that they can have their sins forgiven. The human mind and heart don't want to focus on the messier side of the gospel. We're imperfect. We sin. And our sin is an offense to God. Who wants to hear that? We don't want to be told that we're not good. We want to be told we're good, and worthy of God's love.And the Good News, the gospel in the person of Jesus Christ, is that we have the pathway to be like Him. Romans Chapter Eight tells us that it is God's desire that we become like Jesus, and that's a goal worth reaching for. Let's pray.Father, thank You for providing us with Your word, that tells us exactly who Jesus is and what His life means to us. You could have abandoned us to sin, but You didn't. The praise and the glory belong to You alone. 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.

Psychologists and self-help gurus will all tell us that a grateful heart and a positive outlook will do wonders for health and relationships. A person with a heart of gratitude will be seen by others who will want to follow and see what he has going for him.Such a person is a magnet for sharing the Gospel, and the greatest source of wisdom has much to say on the subject. Dozens of times in the Bible, we read about the value of gratitude. Paul mentions it several times, including in the account of Elisha healing a woman's sick son.We read in 2 Kings 4:37, “She fell at his feet and bowed before him, overwhelmed with gratitude. Then she took her son in her arms and carried him downstairs.”To be overwhelmed with gratitude is an emotional reaction to kindness.Lamentations 3:22–24 says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,' says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.'”This is especially interesting because to lament means a person is sorrowful about something. In this case, it's the prophet, Jeremiah. But notice, even in his grief, he focuses on God's love and care for him. He is grateful in his circumstance. In modern language, Jeremiah was being intentional about his gratitude.The Bible tells us there are many variations of gratitude. In Second Corinthians, Paul even expressed his deep gratefulness to God for allowing him to participate in sharing the Gospel. You see, a truly grateful heart transitions from selfishness to concern for others. And we can do the same thing today. When we focus on others, gratitude follows.In Philippians 4, Paul also passes along a profound life lesson. Here, he says that we can learn to be grateful in all circumstances. Think about that. Grateful — whether in distress or good times. Abundance, or poverty.A few years ago, a youth missions group was repairing homes damaged by storms in Louisiana. A girl entered a house that was missing part of its roof, and she found an elderly woman rocking in a chair in a bedroom. “Oh, I'm just so happy to have a dry place to sit,” the woman said. She literally had no other dry areas in her home to be until help could arrive. Yet she didn't complain about her circumstances. Instead, she gave thanks to the Lord, and in so doing — inspired that 16-year-old girl.Gratitude is a perpetual gift, to us, and to others.Let's pray.Father God, you are good. You're good to us every day, and we are thankful for that. We're grateful that you didn't leave us in our sins, but you sent Jesus. We're grateful that you sustain us always, in body and in spirit. 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.

Thanksgiving isn't just a holiday — it's an attitude we can choose to fill our hearts with every day.The Bible shares many examples of gratitude in the midst of challenging circumstances.Imagine Mary, a young Galilean girl, given the news that she was to be the mother of the Messiah. She didn't panic or protest. Instead, she embraced the news and nurtured the One who would bring healing to the whole world.The story in Luke 17 tells us that of the 10 lepers who were healed, only one returned to thank Jesus.Luke 17:15–16 says, “One of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned with a loud voice glorifying God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks.”Whether He was blessing food given to thousands by a miracle, or giving thanks at the Last Supper, Jesus modeled an attitude of gratitude for us; knowing His death was imminent, Jesus still thanked His Heavenly Father.What can you find in your own life to be thankful for this week?Let's pray.Lord, thank you for the marvelous gifts you give us on a daily basis. Help us be mindful of this always. 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.

The lack of gratitude in our world can be contagious. It's kind of like a negative “pay it forward.”How did we get to this place? Are we too prideful to thank each other, or even to thank God? Too busy? Too self-absorbed, maybe?As believers, we know life is a rich blessing from God. The clearest path to becoming a person of gratitude is to choose it. If we don't choose gratitude, we choose ingratitude.Psalm 107:1 says, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”Yes, we're busy. Yes, life gets us down in legitimate ways. But research proves being intentional about gratitude on a consistent basis can bring positive benefits to almost every area of our lives.Realizing we're too negative is a great first step, but keep going by actively counting and considering your blessings each day. Before long, you'll be amazed how little you think about what you don't have. You'll be too busy enjoying what you do have!Let's pray.Lord, you never leave us. And along the way, you bless us with big and small acts of kindness and mercy. Thank you for the grace in our lives! 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.

Do you ever feel like life is passing you by, or worse — running right over the top of you?When we focus on unpleasant circumstances or people, life can really bring us down. And this perspective is a downward spiral — not a place we want to dwell.Author John Kralik was there, once. A long hike one day led him to an emotional crossroads; there, he decided to devote the rest of his life to being thankful.His life changed dramatically.John began to write thank you notes to everyone he could think of. Not emails or texts, either. Taking the time to send a handwritten note really connected with the other people. Pretty soon, he was so aware of his blessings that there was no room for depression anymore.Colossians 3:15 says, “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”Consistently thanking others will enrich them, and it will enrich you. Try it!Let's pray.Lord, your Word is a love letter to us, and our gratitude to you is our thank you note. Help us to spread your Good News to all we come in contact with. 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.

You've heard that every good thing comes from God, right? It's true. He is our example, both of how to live and how to react to others. This week, we're talking about practicing gratitude, and as usual, God shows us the way.Psalm 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”Often, we can become disappointed if we don't get everything we think we should have. But that's a dead-end when it comes to true happiness and peace. And those are things that we all really, deep down, crave.The ultimate gratitude comes from the Lord Himself. We learn in Psalm 149 that “the Lord delights in His people.” He first loved us, and that love flows down and through us. Truly, believers should be the most grateful people on the planet because we know that God has given to us His Son, Jesus Christ.Honestly, the Christian should go through each day so happy he or she can barely stand it. God has given us what we need, much of what we want, and He has already created a future for us that is so wonderful, humans can't even perceive it!Remember, God is the source of gratitude. He shows us how it's done because He knows us completely. Remember, as we go along with this topic that practicing gratitude is a huge key to finding peace.Let's pray. Lord, your goodness overwhelms us. Thank you for giving to us just because. We love you. 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.

Humans have a problem asking for help. We can probably chalk it up to our proud hearts.Often, when we are really up against it, that's when we resist seeking help.Jesus does away with all that.Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”Ask yourself: is my pride keeping me from asking for help? If so, mull that over. And then, take a step toward the Lord and ask for what you need.God opens doors when we ask Him to. And sometimes what we find on the other side isn't what we expected. When that happens, we choose patience, and we remain open to His good plans for us. When you've asked God to help and your prayers are answered, share the Good News with people you meet. Tell anyone who will listen that the Lord of the Universe cared about you and delivered you from a problem no one else could solve. And if the answer He gave was totally unexpected and sent you in a different direction — share that, too. Accepting God's plan when it doesn't match up with our own best-laid plans is what faith is all about.Let's pray. Lord, please give us a heart that seeks you. God, we want to be obedient, and we know that your blessings, whatever they look like, will follow. Thank you. 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.

You've heard of heat-seeking missiles. They are weapons so sophisticated that they appear to have a mind of their own. The missile is launched and finds its target, and destruction happens. What if a heat-seeking missile could be used for good? What if one has been launched…in your direction?Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”If you open your heart to God—even if you aren't a believer—then it's as if Jesus is now the missile launched and He is coming toward your still-beating heart. The heart that has been wounded. He finds you and connects in such a powerful way, but the connection is for life, and not for destruction.The Word tells us to simply ask Him and He will find us.Let's pray. Lord, your unwavering promises to stay with us during trials is unique in history. Thank you for loving us that much. 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.

The story of the Prodigal Son is one we can all relate to. The Bible tells the story of a brash young man who leaves his home after asking for his inheritance. His loving father complies, and let's just say the son learns some valuable lessons on his travels.Eventually, he humbles himself and comes home; he needs his father and his family.It is really a story of Jesus and us.Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”We screw up sometimes. Maybe it's so bad we can't see a way back.That's when Jesus stretches out His arms and welcomes us home. He isn't as concerned with where we've been as He is with where we end up. His perfect love and forgiveness are the only real ointment for our self-inflicted wounds. If you think you've screwed up too much, put that out of your mind and simply tell Jesus you need Him. Let's pray. Lord, your willingness to welcome us back to fellowship is something to behold. We are grateful for your grace. 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.

Have you ever seen the film, “Saving Private Ryan?” If not, it's about a group of American soldiers sent into enemy territory during World War 2 to find one lost soldier. The order comes from top leadership.This small group has a single focus the whole mission. Eventually—at great cost—they locate him and return him to his loved ones. Much of it is difficult to watch, as we see the incredible sacrifice the many make to find the one.Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”Long ago, Jesus did the same thing for all of us. God sent His Only Son to find those that are lost.If you feel totally lost, call on the Lord. Just tell Jesus you really need Him.Then you'll have your own memorable story to share! Jesus loves you and will find you if you call on Him. Let's pray. Lord, thank you forever for the sacrifice Your Son made for us, to take our sin. We love you for it. 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.

Have you ever hunted and hunted for something, maybe your car keys, and you finally find them? The old saying goes (it's very unhelpful!) that you find them in the last place you looked. There's a lot of truth to that, though.It also is very relevant to our walk with Jesus. Often, we work really hard to solve our own problems, then we finally give in and ask Jesus for help.Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”As with every other promise in the Bible, the really cool thing about this is, it is true. The promises Jesus has made are literally true. So, for example, if you're looking for a solution to an impossible situation, ask Him.It works!Let's pray. Lord, forgive us for not placing our trust in you all the time. You are our sustainer. We need to remember that. 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.

Have you ever watched a war movie and realized that the actors didn't know how the conflict would turn out? World War 2 movies are like that. When they filmed “Casablanca,” Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman weren't sure whether the Germans would win or lose.Life can be like that.Matthew 28:20 says, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”In your own life, you might be facing some really serious stuff. And it's not unusual to be staring at several problems at once. That's when God's Word is so valuable to us. Jesus has promised us that He will stick right with us all the way through. Human friends often go a long way with us, but only Jesus is sure to never, ever leave us.That's the best way to beat the uncertainties of life. Tell Jesus you can't make it without Him.It's then that the future no longer scares us at all.Let's pray.Lord, we don't know a fraction of what you do, including what our future looks like. But we do know that we can trust you, and we thank you for that. 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.

Have you ever been fooled by someone? Doesn't feel good, does it?But the absolute worst is when we fool ourselves. We try to manage some problem on our own, or analyze a situation gone awry.The Bible has a better way of thinking about it.Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”We have to do two things here: give total control to God, and de-emphasize our own judgment. Sometimes our gut is wrong. Following our heart often ends in heartache.God doesn't mess up. He doesn't get it wrong. And He really longs to make it better for you.Do you remember a time when you put your life in God's hands? Maybe it was a really important career choice. Or a relationship that needed healing. Maybe your body needed healing. Whatever it was, recall that situation today as you wrestle with a new problem.Let's pray.Lord, every time we learn to trust you, it builds our faith a little more. You are a good God who always has our back. Thank you. 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.

The Bible is full of what many would call difficult stories. Some of them don't make a lot of sense at first. Others seem contrary to what we think should happen.One such story is breathtaking if we follow it through. It involves a father trusting God more than his own instincts.2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we live by faith, and not by sight.”In Genesis, we read about Abraham being instructed by the Lord to offer his young son, Isaac, as a sacrifice.As a sacrifice?! Nothing could be more repulsive! Telling a man to kill his son? Why?We gain a different perspective when we trust God to the end of this story.Climbing a high mountain, Abraham intends to obey God all the way. As he raises a knife over his son, God stops him.God's compassion hadn't taken a vacation. He taught Abraham an important lesson about obeying Him no matter what. In fact, Abraham and Isaac would go on to become two of the greatest men of all time.Learn to trust God—even if you don't understand. Let's pray. Lord, your ways can at times be mysterious to us, but you always want the best for us. God teach us to trust you. 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.

Of all the gifts God gives His children, joy is perhaps the one closest to heaven on earthWho isn't aware just how wonderful it feels to experience true joy? It is as if the Lord has freed a prisoner.When American POWs returned from captivity in Vietnam, the looks on their faces as they emerged from the planes carrying them to freedom…well, no one will ever forget that!Psalm 16:9 says, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure.”Scripture tells us that we don't escape trouble in this life, but that for the believer, eternal joy waits for us, and the Holy Spirit gives us joy in our daily walk in the here and now.It's also ours for the taking—to reach up and pick this fruit that feeds our souls. Sometimes simply making the choice to embrace a joyful spirit is the key to having a blessed day.Let's pray.Lord, you did not create us to be defeated or to be sad. Father, your Spirit brings joy in big and small moments, sustaining us for our journey. Thank you for joy. 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.

When trouble is on the horizon, it can be hard to trust in God's promises, and to believe He has a plan for us.The book of Judges in the Old Testament gives us an awesome example of trusting God in the story of Gideon.God called Gideon to lead Israel into battle with the Midianites, who had a sizable army of 135,000 men. Gideon gathered an army of 32,000 men to battle with the Midianites, but despite odds in favor of the enemy, God told Gideon there were too many men in his army. Through a selection process, God whittled the Israelite army down to just 300 men.Though Gideon was afraid, he trusted God to fulfill His promise. And God told Gideon they needed a smaller army so people would know God won the battle, and not some large army.The night of the battle, Gideon and his servant snuck into the camp of the enemy and overheard the telling of a dream. The two Midianites interpreted the dream to mean that Gideon's small army would wipe out their larger army.Reassured, Gideon returned to camp to begin the battle. The Midianites were so frightened, many of them began fighting and killing one another, thinking that Gideon's army was all around them.Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Gideon trusted God's plan, even when he didn't understand. Because of his faith, God helped Gideon and the Israelites to conquer the Midianites with an army a fraction of the size of the enemy's.Let's pray.Lord, you are mighty to save. Help us to trust you in every battle. We love you, and believe you have a plan for us. Give us courage to face the challenges in our lives, knowing you are here with us, and you have a good plan. 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.

You know, someone may have tried to convince you at some point in your life that we're alone in the cold void of the universe, but that has never been true. It's especially false for the believer who understands what God has done for all people everywhere. He, the Creator of the universe, formed us long ago, and His Word tells us clearly that He never takes a second off in His pursuit of us. Consider this: If you're stuck in a bad relationship, you won't find your way into the light until you're reconciled to God. That relationship is number one. It's the one you cannot be without. Even if others fail you; resolve to work on that one, and the others will fall into place. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” That ‘friend' is referring to Jesus Christ, who loved us enough to step into history and take the punishment meant for us. Understand that, and cultivate a relationship with Him. Let's pray.Lord, we owe everything to you...literally everything. We worship you, and we praise your name as the One who sacrificed all for us. 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.

Today, we continue our series on healthy relationships, and we're talking about managing difficult relationships. There's a wonderful scene in the classic film To Kill a Mockingbird, when the attorney Atticus Finch is confronted by the father of a girl who has accused a black man of rape, the father, enraged walks up to Finch, played perfectly by Gregory Peck. He spits in Finch's face as the attorneys' children watch. You can see the anger in Finch's face, but he slowly and calmly maintains his composure. He simply walks past the man, who now looks pretty small in everyone's eyes. God has given us the power over difficult people. It's called not letting them set the rules. 1 Peter 3:9 says, “Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing because to this you were called, so that you may inherit a blessing.” Not always easy, definitely, but we're capable of it. Remember that. This life is very much about winning and losing. Determine that a difficult person in your life is not going to win by controlling you and getting under your skin. In wrestling terms, don't let that person pin you. Is that obnoxious person in your life really all that obnoxious, or are you a grouch, letting yourself get caught in what is really only a difference in personalities? Go home from work one evening and think about that. Make your mind up to start out the next day by being nice to that person. You'll be surprised how that can change the equation. And that's what Colossians 4:6 is talking about when it says, “Let your speech be always with grace seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man.” Or maybe you're a man frustrated with the relationship between your wife and your mother. This is always a potentially difficult situation. Maybe you think your wife should be more adaptable, but you've forgotten what God told the man in Genesis 2:24. It says, “This is why a man leaves his father and mother, and is united to his wife. And they become one flesh.” Your responsibility in that situation is to your wife, not to making sure your parents' feelings come first in all situations. So, you see, often that difficult person you're dealing with is you, or at the very least a different perspective will help you see where the fault really lies. Finally, in 1 Corinthians 5, we read that Paul advises for really difficult people, a cooling-off period is legitimate. For example, the person who is causing real strife in a church should not be allowed to go on like that indefinitely; bad behavior sometimes must be confronted for the good of the community. And even for the good of the offended person, this is sound advice. So, if we stick to what the Lord has already told us and our tried and true methods for dealing with difficult people, we can get to a better place. Let's pray.Father God, a person who is angry or a troublemaker creates chaos for everyone. Help us analyze each of these situations as unique so that we know how to handle them from your Word. And most especially help us make it a habit to pray for those who are difficult so that we might see their lives changed and brought into harmony and unity. 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.

You've heard the joke about family gatherings, haven't you?If you weren't related to these people, you'd never see them.What a horrible punchline, really.1 Corinthians 13:7 says, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”God's Word has purpose in everything. Everything.He gave you a specific family for specific reasons. It's super easy to be nice to people we aren't around very much. Short-term “love” is pretty common. It's when we get in close quarters with long-term relationships that our character really comes out.Sure, some family members are not nice people. There are still ways to manage that, taking our cues from Scripture.Love, especially family style, is for the long haul. That beautifully worded verse from 1 Corinthians says it all. We bear one another's burdens, and we hope for the best.And we endure any obstacle that blocks us from truly loving the family God gifted us with.No joke.Let's pray.Lord, remind us daily of the unique gift our families are for us. Help us look for ways to enhance these special communities you've placed us in. 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.

When we walk with God, we want to see that our relationships are healthy. It's part of the command to love one anotherFew things are more heartbreaking than damaged relationships. When those linger, the Body of Christ is weakened. Churches split because of it. Families suffer for it.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.”Notice that we are to walk in all His ways. And what did the Lord do in every situation in the Bible that involved relationships? He provided the very best.That's our mandate. Do excellence in your relationships. Has someone wronged you, or do they mock you? Take your eyes off their smug expressions and “walk in all His ways.” You'll be surprised how some people will react, in a good way!Just as we read that spouses can choose to pray for an unbelieving spouse in the hopes they come to repentance and wholeness, so too can we simply choose to want the best in all our relationships.Let's pray.Lord, relationships are difficult! But how blessed we are by You, that You created them for us. Most of all, our relationship with You, our Creator. 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.

When it comes to love, the secular world has plenty to say. Turn on the television, radio, or explore the internet, and you'll find advice on every type of relationship, from friendships to getting along with your parents, and of course — advice on romantic relationships. People are clamoring to figure love out…but what does the Bible say about love?1 Corinthians 13:4–5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”Love isn't about control or about protecting our own interests. It's not about winning, because true love doesn't keep score. God's Word gives us a beautiful picture of what love can be when we seek to follow the Lord: patient, kind, selfless, humble, and forgiving. That's the kind of love we should strive to build with family, friends, and a potential mate.If we want to take Paul's wisdom in Corinthians to heart, we must first think about what the other person needs in our relationships. And you know, if you practice this model, you'll find that soon enough, your own needs will be met, too! Pure love has a ripple effect.Let it wash over you!Let's pray. Lord, your relationship to us is perfect. Help us love as you love. 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.

Jesus, the greatest teacher who ever lived, spent a lot of time giving out wisdom in the form of stories. Once, He told His disciples a story that illustrated the importance of understanding that God never quits us, and we should not quit Him.Luke 18:1 says, “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”That story was about a woman who didn't give up in her pursuit of justice. Jesus then said that God hears our pleas for what we need, and He acts accordingly. He doesn't forget or lose interest. Ever.Isn't that one of the most comforting things you've ever heard? In all the messes of our lives, God does not give up on us, no matter where we are. He knows everything about us, and His infinite strength is far too much for evil to overcome, and His grace covers all of our brokenness.Let's pray.Lord, thank you for your willingness to stay with us in the worst of times. You are our strength, now and forever. 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.