Kerusso Daily Devotional

Usually, when we're looking for some kind of emotional lifeline to get us through the day, we only want to know what God can do for us.How do we get that peace of mind we desperately need?One component is simple obedience. At first, this sounds like a test that's too hard. We need relief right now!Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”Wow, that sounds like real peace of mind. It requires that we concentrate on ejecting all the junk in our heads and replacing it with God's Word. Learning obedience is key because it reveals the Father's perfect will for our lives.In this way, we almost back into the peace we were already looking for. This brings us into harmony with our Creator.A renewed, fresh, and clean mind is also a mind that is at rest.Let's pray.Lord, teach us your ways. Help us uncover the peace of mind that those without God don't have. Then help us show them the way. 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 often hear that it's harder to raise kids today than ever before. That isn't true, of course. All eras down through history have been challenging. We live in a world scarred by sin, after all, and children grow up among all sorts of temptations.That's why the role of a parent is something to take seriously, as a sacred duty.We've been discussing the best practical guide for living: the Bible. Nowhere is this truer than in its practical wisdom for raising successful children.Although we all have the freedom to make our own choices, and your kids certainly will make their own decisions, they benefit greatly from a loving father or mother who also loves the Lord.Proverbs 22:6 says, “Start children off in the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”This isn't the kind of thing you hope for — this is scripture, the Word of God, and can be relied on to bring about the promise made. The Lord will honor your commitment to raising children who love their Creator.One way to do that is to be bold in your discussions with your children, who likely hear anti-God stuff from school, and entertainment. For example, talk with them as if you believe the Bible is really true. Then point out that the book of Exodus commands all of us to value our parents.Exodus 20:12 says, “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God has given you.”It doesn't hurt to point out the bonus: long life.Make sure you also share with your children the wonderful practical tips from the Bible. Much of it will save them a broken heart down the road.For example, Proverbs 18:24 says, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”This is repeated in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 15:33, which says, “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.”God's Word promises us a sound mind. This state of being will help your children in everything they do from completing school assignments to caring for elderly relatives. A child who knows the Lord, and prays consistently, will become a human being you can be proud of.Let's pray.Father God, children are a gift from you. They are a sacred treasure — entrusted to us for a little while. Remind us daily of our role in shaping their lives, so that they are healthy and content, in the world that you made for them. 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.

If you've been fortunate enough to hold a newborn, you know what it's like to be thunderstruck by the delicate features. Everything is miniature.And then the eyes open. You're in love.Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.”A baby is a blessing and gift from the Lord. All life is precious; it doesn't matter if the parents are famous or completely obscure. In that warm bundle is a whole lifetime waiting to unfold. Will he be adventurous? Will she run the country?Man is capable of much, but creating life as God creates will always remain outside the borders. Only a great and all-powerful God could give us such a beautiful life, and He makes each one of us truly unique.It is an inescapable fact that a human being, separate from everyone else in terms of physicality and emotions, becomes fully formed in its mother's womb. This is perhaps the greatest miracle in all the universe, and one deserving of our awe and respect.Let's pray.Lord, you form us in the womb, and walk with us each step of the way through life. Thank you for your mercies and grace that you freely give each of 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.

Picture what it would be like to lose everything in one fell swoop. Your house burns to the ground. The stock market plummets, and all your money is gone. Worst of all, your children fall ill and die. Suddenly, you've lost not only your material possessions, but your family, too.When people refer to someone as having “the patience of Job,” they say that for a reason.Job was a man of immense wealth, the richest man in the region, and was the father of 7 sons and 3 daughters he loved dearly. He was also a faithful servant of the Lord, and grateful for every blessing.In a terrible turn of events, Job lost his fortune in a single day. His crops, property, livestock, and servants were gone. Most devastating of all, Job lost his children. But Job didn't blame God. He accepted that God had a plan for him, and was patient as he waited for the Lord to reveal that plan. He knew that sometimes bad things happen to good people, and he continued to praise the Lord in the midst of trial.Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."Job lost everything, but he didn't take matters into his own hands to seek justice for what he had lost. He fell to his knees and worshipped the Lord, and then he was still. In the quiet of his soul, Job knew God had a plan, and in the end, God restored to Job twice as much as he had in the beginning.A godly man is patient.Let's pray.Lord, waiting is hard to do. Waiting for an answer. Waiting for resolution. Waiting for things to get better. Restore peace and patience as we grow in faith and learn to wait on you. We 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.

One of the things that mark a healthy society is the consistency between generations. In other words, adults who care about the future of their children will invest the time to make sure tomorrow is bright.God the Father is the ultimate parent, and we would do well to model His love for us.Luke 18:1 says, “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”Passing the torch, or training up the next generation involves taking the time to do it properly. If you love your kids, you will make time for them. You won't take the easy way out and settle for schools or the culture at large to raise them.Teach them that we all experience tough times in this life, but sticking to God's plan for their lives is the key to winning. Living the abundant life Jesus taught about, and sharing His Good News is the ultimate win.But we don't get there by quitting when the going gets tough.Let's pray.Lord, you never leave us, and you never abandon the human community to evil. You are a great God, and we thank you for your commitment to 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.

Moses was the father of two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, and he also served as a father figure to the entire Hebrew people as they escaped from slavery in Egypt.He loved his people and helped discipline and provide for them on their 40-year journey to the Promised Land. Imagine leading a frustrated, tired, hungry group of travelers through the desert — without air conditioning or handheld electronics — for four decades!So many aspects of Moses' life story seem larger-than-life, and he was indeed a hero of his time — but he was also merely a man. Moses' perseverance in the face of incredible challenges over the course of his life shows today's fathers that overwhelming tasks can be achieved when we stay close to God.Exodus 16:11–12 says, “The Lord said to Moses, ‘I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.'”The Israelites were afraid they would starve in the barren desert after fleeing Egypt, and complained to Moses that it would have been better if they had died by the Lord's hand in Egypt, where they had enough to eat, than to wander the desert without provisions. Imagine how frustrated Moses must have been! The Lord had miraculously saved the Israelites from slavery, and now they worried God wouldn't provide what they needed to survive.Through God's faithful guidance, Moses was able to shepherd the Israelites through 40 years of wilderness living. They quarreled with Moses. They accused him of leading them to disaster and ruin. They complained frequently — even after they had seen God's promises fulfilled. Yet still, Moses carried on. He brought every concern to the Lord, and with God's blessing and guidance, he was able to keep going.Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”Moses teaches fathers that with God, all things are possible.God answers prayer, and desires intimate fellowship with every believer.No one can follow God's laws perfectly. We all need a Savior.Let's pray.Heavenly Father, sometimes parenting is exhausting! Thank you for the blessing of children, and we ask you to bless dads with patience to spare and to make your presence known to tired dads in the trenches who need your wisdom, and 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.

Are you struggling right now? Are you listening to this while gripping the steering wheel, wondering how you're going to go on? 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, “May God himself, the God who makes everything holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together—spirit, soul, and body—and keep you fit for the coming of our Master, Jesus Christ.”He has a purpose for you; He really does. God wants to use you for things no one else can do. And He wants you to do these things with a spirit of peace in your heart. Maybe your biggest dream died a really spectacular death. Like—one that everyone saw and still talks about. That doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that you call on Jesus to comfort you and show you the way. Ask Him to do that right now, right where you are. He wants you to be whole and healthy. And if you ask Him to help you live a holy life, He will cleanse your spirit, leaving you squeaky clean inside and out.This is very personal. You might feel that you don't have anyone to turn to; that's a lie. Your Savior and your champion says otherwise. Turn to Him right now.Let's pray.Lord, thank you for making us completely whole. Complete people, capable of sharing the Good News 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.

The Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is widely looked upon as the most famous painting in the world.By some historical estimates, the Mona Lisa took as many as 16 years to finish! Capturing Mona Lisa's famous smile on a poplar plank was no hack job; Leonardo accepted a commission for the work in the year 1503, and completed his masterpiece supposedly around the time of his death in 1519. Clearly, this level of artistic achievement takes time.When you hear the word “masterpiece,” what do you think of? A famous painting? A beautiful building maybe? Your child's latest artwork?What about a giant sequoia tree? A symphony? A pink flamingo? The intricate, miraculous design of the human heart?Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”Before you were even born, God knew you, and He had a plan for your life. He created you for a purpose, and He considers you one of his personal works of art. You are a living, breathing miracle capable of wonderful things—God's own masterpiece.Let's pray.God, we thank you and praise you that in all of creation, you have chosen to make us in your image, and to fashion us as a masterpiece—a work of art designed with care. Help us to be worthy of your effort. 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 struggle to wonder what God's will is for your life? Many of us do. Although it isn't a quick answer, the best way to find God's will for your life is to read His Word. The Bible will tell you the answer to that question.Romans 8:31 tells us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”Actually, finding God's will isn't the hardest part. Deciding to follow His will is where we get tripped up.People need the skill and the discipline of being persistent. Too often the impulse is to give up and then, if we're honest, pretend that God hasn't revealed His will to us.Good old Abe Lincoln had it right when he said that the only important response is to make sure we are on God's side, not whether He's on ours. God has already told us that He's on our side. He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the penalty for our sin. It doesn't get any more “on our side” than that. Change your thinking a bit. Don't focus on what you think God is supposed to do. Resolve instead to follow God, and to do it every day.Let's pray.Lord, your will is the thing that drives us on, to find our purpose in this life. Thank you for sticking with us. Help us to stick with 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.

Roaming, travel, wandering…all have been part of the human psyche since the beginning. Because we all have that God-shaped hole in us, needing to be filled with Him, we search.Some find God, and some don't.The sense of aimlessness and lack of purpose haunts some. We think of the classic novel “On the Road,” which is the story of two characters traveling the country. At first, the lure of freedom is fun to think about, but the truth is, if people don't fill that God-shaped hole with God, despair can set in.We are left rootless in the worst possible way.Colossians 2:6–7 says, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”Wherever you put down your physical roots, your spiritual roots are at least as important. In Christ, we are no longer wandering and discouraged. In Him, we live and move and have our being.If you feel that you're not anchored to anything, pour out your heart to Jesus. He will keep you close.Let's pray.Lord, your mercies are always in fresh supply. We thank you that you plant us in good soil and hold fast to us even when we wander. 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 wondered what your place in this world is?Of course, you have. That's the human experience. Alone with our thoughts, we wonder who we even are, and what we're meant to do. It's a mysterious journey, but the fog lifts and the way becomes clear when we get to know King Jesus.Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”You were made for something! You were made to do things for your Lord. The truly beautiful thing is, God created a custom plan just for you. If you aren't a famous athlete like Tim Tebow, you can still share your faith in wonderful ways. Ways that are life-changing for those you encounter.Think of that verse again. God made you for a purpose! Created to have the mind of Christ in making this world a better place and making disciples for Him. And God prepared it all long, long ago. You are His child. That's who you are.Let's pray.Lord, when we begin to understand even a little bit of your love for us, it transforms us, and it renews our minds and hearts. Thank you so much 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.

A lot of us like action movies. And if they have a faith theme or element, even better. The iconic film “Raiders of the Lost Ark” comes to mind. In fact, the wild ride taken by Indiana Jones really typifies what we're talking about this week: finding the grit to move beyond failure.As he pursues the famous Ark of the Covenant, Jones chases and fights Nazis, and his own doubts. Along the way, his physical and mental stamina are challenged like never before. 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.”In a sense, Indiana was sorting out his faith, too, as he looked for the most famous relic of all time. For sure, in the end, he had enough evidence to believe in the God of the Bible.That's kind of the way faith is. We look at it with skepticism. Sometimes for years! But then something happens to us that we can't explain. Then we turn a corner on the street, and there He is: Jesus.If you are wrestling with your faith, stop and go back to the source: think on who Jesus really is. Your Savior. Your path to glory will be worth it all!Let's pray. Lord, our journey to faith is not always smooth and straight. Thank you for sticking with us to the end. 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 recorded minutes for a meeting? Whether you were taking notes at work or for a volunteer organization, such as the PTA at your child's school, taking minutes and reporting on them at a follow-up meeting is an important responsibility.What ideas were discussed?How were those ideas followed up on?Who, including yourself, agreed to complete certain tasks before the next meeting? And were those tasks completed on time, and correctly? Recording minutes looks pretty mundane from the outside, but this person ultimately holds colleagues accountable to their responsibilities.If someone was taking minutes on your life, what would those minutes say about you?Romans 14:12 says, “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”In this verse, Paul isn't talking about salvation; when you've given your heart to the Lord, He offers forgiveness and salvation freely. We can't earn or lose God's promise of eternal life for us. Salvation is a gift.Paul is talking about the judgment seat of Christ—a moment at the end of time when we will be accountable to Jesus for our actions. Did we create lasting value? Did we serve Him and others well? Were we ultimately responsible during our lifetime?As believers, our goal should be to leave lasting value, to impact others for eternity, and ultimately to take responsibility for the legacy we are leaving in the name of Jesus.A godly man is responsible.Let's pray.Lord, along with the gift of salvation comes the incredible responsibility of sharing the Good News with others. Thank you for loving us enough to sacrifice yourself for us, and for the gift of salvation. Help us each to be responsible for sharing that gift with others. 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.

Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ means that we don't just sit in our houses and shut away the world.Scripture is an action item.Isaiah 60:1 says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.”If the Bible is true—if God's story intersects with our story—then a hurting world is in need of a Savior. The pain many are enduring will have no end until they meet the God-Man, Jesus. He is our healer, and His glory fills the earth.We all have different personalities and various methods of engaging with others. But whatever personality God has given us, we are tasked with sharing the life-giving news of Jesus and His sacrifice.Get in the game and do that very thing! God has called you to share His salvation with anyone and everyone. Darkness can be oppressive. The Light has come!Let's pray. Lord, you showed up in our world at precisely the moment we needed you most. Help us tell others that eternal story. 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 “love” all sorts of things. We love a friend's new hairdo. We love pistachio ice cream and travel to exotic places. Many times, the word itself loses all real meaning. It's like homemade chicken soup without the chicken…and without the soup. 1 John 3:16–18 says, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” The Divine Word helps us yet again. Here we learn that true love means doing for others. Get involved. Don't just say you love your community. Show the community your love.Cleanup projects, running errands for a shut-in, taking your niece to the movies because her mother is working two jobs: you know what to do. You know the opportunities.Think you love those around you? Show them.Let's pray.Lord, there is so much good to do in the world! Please show us opportunities every day, so that we can put action to our words. 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 compartmentalize things. It's in our nature to make lists, and rank priorities, and really box certain things in. We've got our work-life over here, and our family life over there, and our faith...somewhere else. And this can often lead us to confusion about which direction we're supposed to go.This confusion even extends to our faith. We wonder: when am I supposed to pray, and when am I supposed to take action on my faith?Psalm 34:1 says, “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”When we get the Word deep in our hearts, we can have an answer to our personal questions. This sweet psalm tells us that we are to always remember the great gifts Father God bestows on us. His greatness is ever before us, and in this way, we can worship Him all the time, no matter what we are doing.Learn to bless the Lord and praise Him as you do your job, as you fellowship with others, and even as you engage with people who don't believe what you believe. They need to see the love of Christ shining through you.Let's pray.Lord, we bless you and praise you with our words. Thank you, Father, for never ever forgetting 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.

The action of sharing the Good News—the Great Commission—means that we don't just sit in our houses and shut away the world.Scripture is an action item.Isaiah 60:1 says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.”If the Bible is true—if God's story intersects with our story—then a hurting world is in need of a Savior. The pain many are enduring will have no end until they meet Jesus. He is our healer, and His glory fills the earth.We all have different personalities and various methods of engaging with others. But whatever personality God has given us, we are tasked with sharing the life-giving news of Jesus and His sacrifice.Get in the game! God has called you to share His salvation with anyone and everyone. Darkness can be oppressive—but the Light has come!Let's pray. Lord, you showed up in our world at precisely the moment that we needed you most. God, would you help us tell others that eternal story? It's in Jesus' name that we pray, 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.

If you've ever wondered what the best way might be to share your faith and defend it in the modern world, it might help to look at past examples.In the Bible, the husband-and-wife team of Priscilla and Aquila shared Christ with Apollos, who would become a famous early evangelist. In colonial England, the abolitionist William Wilberforce shamed his own government into freeing slaves.Jude 1:3 says, “Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.”Today more than ever, it's truly important that Christians prepare to defend our faith. The world is hurting and dying. People the world over desperately need the love of Christ, and they will have questions. They might wonder about the divinity of Jesus, or ask you specifically how to be saved.You should be ready to answer, and do so with a heart full of love and compassion. And don't be afraid to be bold!Let's pray.Lord, give us a spirit of courage in this chaotic world. Help us to 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.

Defending your faith can sometimes be a subjective thing. As examples of extremes, we've seen the Crusades, and at the other end of the spectrum, it's perhaps an aggressive “pitch” to someone who isn't a believer.The thing is, it's great to be zealous for our faith, but let's also be disciplined. We don't want to alienate a person who might otherwise listen. To put it simply: an angry Christian is usually a lonely Christian.Jude 1:3 says, “Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.”We can defend our faith in a strong way. We can be bold in what we believe, sure of our eternity with Jesus Christ. But our messaging is very important. It could be that just having a conversation with someone is the right approach. Don't feel pressure. Don't press. Jesus has the job of saving; we just have to be available to share about Him.Let's pray.Lord, please always remind us to share the Gospel with 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.

In every generation, it falls to believers to spend time in defending our worldview as Christians. And honestly, it's not the nicest part of the gig—but it is part of the gig. Usually, it involves simply explaining what your faith is all about. Followers of other religions do the same thing, but for us, we're sharing the person of Christ with someone who may not know Him. That makes it a big deal.Jude 1:3 says, “Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.”It's exciting that God has entrusted this to us. It's a privilege. Even if you find yourself in an adversarial conversation—and they're not all adversarial—but if it is, remember the main thing: you get to share your faith, and see someone else find freedom in Christ!Let's pray.Lord, thank you that you allow us to tell others about you. Help us always to be ready to give an answer when asked about our faith. 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.

Most of us feel a deep respect in our hearts for those who have sacrificed so that we can remain free. Loving those who have paid the ultimate price is just something we do as people. We pause to remember each year.Isaiah 56:5 says, “To them I will give within my temple and its walls a memorial and a name better than sons and daughters; I will give them an everlasting name that will endure forever.”God instituted the concept of maintaining memorials. He remembers, and so do we.Maybe you've had a brother or mother or cousin or uncle that never came home from war. Even before the American Civil War, our citizens were placing flowers at the graves of veterans. It's one way we can keep their sacrifices front-and-center, so that we don't forget and become complacent.This year on Memorial Day, stop to take time and pause. Do something tangible, like visit a cemetery. Ask an older relative to give you some insight into a family member who never came home. And then thank the Lord for that sacrifice.Let's pray.Lord, we remember those who had paid with their lives. It's the least we can do, but we want to do more by keeping their memories alive 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.

Today we're in part five of five, the final chapter of our series on doubt. If you're working your way toward belief and away from doubt, by now you must assume that God exists. 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He promises, according to some people's conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering or extraordinarily patient toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.” The cornerstone of the Christian faith is a belief that Scripture is God's Word. Psalm 138:2 tells us that God has elevated the Word above His own name.So, we have the opportunity to tell God that we accept His promises. Luke 1:77 tells us that He's raised up Jesus “to give His people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.” At some point, faith is just believing God. Some critics say that this is making an idol out of the Bible, it's called bibliolatry. But in fact, we learn who Jesus is and what He has done for us in Scripture. It is a conscious decision to embrace what God has told us. Acts 4:12 says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” It really requires you to at least open your mind to the possibility that it's true. God's plan to reconcile people to Himself after sin entered the world, is a start. Decide to be bold. Lay aside your fears and doubts and find that rest you've been looking for.Matthew 11:28 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” One of the great metaphors of the Bible is the strong hand or the strong arm of God that rescues us from danger. John 10:28 says, “I give them eternal life. They'll never be lost, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” No one is saying that you will never have a shred of doubt again, but what we can know is that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, as outlined in the Book of Romans. Jesus Christ is waiting for you, and you can be sure of that. Let's pray. Father, there are so many lonely people in the world, and they want to believe. You've put that in our hearts, God. Help them and help us, by your spirit, know that they are loved and that they can have an encounter with 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 doubt. We're in part four of five. A political science major at a major university was having coffee with a campus pastor. The pastor knew that the student was wrestling with doubt about the existence of God and said to him, “John, you know all of us wonder at some point if it's all real or not. For example, there are quite a few stories in the Bible that are just hard to believe. Jonah and the whale and all that.” John smiled and said, “No, that's not my problem. What I wonder about is how God could care about me. I've done some really bad things and have had some really bad things done to me. I just can't understand the concept of forgiveness.”There you have it. Doubts about the faith come from all directions. While one person cannot bring herself to believe in miracles, another cannot forgive himself for the wrong things he's done and can't fathom how God could. Thomas Jefferson actually cut out the miraculous sections of the Bible. He couldn't believe in what some would call the God of the Bible. Francis Crick, the co-discoverer of DNA, thought that Christianity was just a collection of mythical stories. And what about those who want to see the proof, they like evidence and feel a need to make an intellectual case for our faith. The New Testament writer, Luke, was like that. He wrote in Acts and the Gospel of Luke about the importance of eyewitness sightings of Jesus and His miracles. Lots of people debate whether evolution and religion are compatible or not. And this is a big stumbling block to believe for many. We all believe something, but our minds can struggle at times to grasp the big stuff, the infinite universe. While for others who doubt, the struggle is more internal, they're so grieved by their own sin, they can't accept that God could love them.Maybe the most famous verse in the Bible is John 3:16, which says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” However, few quote the next verse which says, “For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” It isn't God's wish to condemn you. Instead, he loves you and wants to give you assurance that life is more than struggle and molecules. Whether you're looking for evidence to believe the Bible or you just need to know that God loves you, try not to focus too much on your objections. Own them, but just tell God as a child would, that you're struggling to understand it all.Will you pray with me? Father, your grace saves us from a life of struggle with sin, and we are accepted by you. Thank you for putting up with our up-and-down faith. 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 doubt. We're in part three of five. Because there's so much easy access to information and ideas today, we can take in a huge amount of stuff. The downside is that much of it is just noise, and a lot of it simply isn't true. What we hear, even if it sounds good, is not always good for us, especially when we're talking about spiritual doubt. There are many opinions floating around out there on the subject. For instance, some will say that doubt is really something to wrestle with continually, never finding a satisfying answer. While at the other end of the spectrum, some will say that if you doubt, you are permanently cut off from God. Both of those extremes are not helpful at all.The Bible is clear that God gives us a choice whether to believe in Him or not. John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Within each person is a longing to understand our place in the world and to know if there is something or someone beyond this life. The Bible says that “He has set eternity in our hearts,” that “curiosity is in all of us.” And if you're wondering about God, then your curiosity is a good starting point. A bedrock truth for Christians is that God sent Jesus in human form to atone for the sins of mankind. This is not an easy concept to grasp honestly, but it's what is known as the Gospel, the foundation of our faith.Christianity's exclusive claims are too much for some seekers. In Mark chapter 10, the Bible describes a wealthy young man who asked Jesus what he had to do to be saved, and Jesus replied that besides following the 10 Commandments, he should give his money to the poor, and the story ends with that man sadly walking away. It's likely that Jesus was helping him to see that his heart was not yet ready to receive anything that would require any sacrifice on his part. In Luke 9:23, Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Believing in the true God is not a bed of roses, but if you can make the search for God your starting point, you'll likely find what you're looking for. Let's pray. Father, you've given us the knowledge of saving faith in your word. Thank you for giving us a free choice to decide our path in 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.

Have you ever wondered about how convinced well-known Christians are of their faith? We all know they never doubt, right? Wrong. Today, we're continuing our series on doubt, we are in part two of five. We're talking about doubt all week.A well-known preacher, Charles Spurgeon, once said of doubt, “I think when a man says, ‘I never doubt,' it is quite time for us to doubt him.” Doubt is a fact of life for many of us, although most don't like to admit it. In fact, doubt's mentioned often in the Bible. The Bible's full of great faith stories, but it's interesting to notice that there are plenty of doubters, too. Sarah simply didn't believe God's promise that she and Abraham would have a child. Peter's bravado evaporated when he realized it was dangerous to be known as one of Christ's followers. Job's wife told him he should curse God and die because of his misfortune, and Job wished he'd never been born.Humans can be quirky. Imagine seeing Jesus with your own eyes and watching Him perform miracles. In the Book of Matthew, we read about the apostles with Jesus on a mountain in the Galilee after His resurrection. You can't get more miraculous than that, but it says some doubted. Mark 9:24 says, “Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, “I do believe. Help me overcome my unbelief.'” This is the story of a father who sought Jesus to heal his son, and he seemed to believe and to struggle with belief at the same time. Amazing, but not so unusual. As we are learning, doubting is not the worst thing. Keeping silent about it is worse. Seeking God and trusting a friend or friends to talk it through is healthy. God doesn't punish you for doubting.Andrea Lucado, who has been around churches and preachers all her life, understands the struggle. She says, “Most of us at some time or another ask the question, ‘Why do I believe what I believe?'” Those of us who identify as lifelong Christians sometimes have the most doubt. We've grown up in church, memorized scripture, and volunteered at VBS, but that thought, “Why do I believe what I believe,” sometimes hits us in a moment we least expect. There are plenty of resources and plenty of believing friends who have gone through the same thing to see you through this. So, when you're in a season of doubt, remember one thing: you are not alone. Let's pray.Father, doubt comes to us all at some point, and it's then that we need each other the most. We need your spirit to bring us comfort and calm. We thank you that you don't leave us in our time of doubt, but you long to help us through the valley. 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.

Some of the most important conversations we have can be the most uncomfortable, and when it comes to faith, doubt is near the top of that list. Today, we're launching a five-part series on the topic of doubt. Many Christians wrestle with doubt, but who wants to admit that their foundational beliefs are not so firm? Not long ago, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, openly admitted that he's questioned if God is real. When the head of the Church of England says something like that, it makes news.But something interesting came from Welby's honesty. He revealed his humanity. It turns out that the archbishop lost a baby girl in a car accident many years ago, and when he was a teenager, he had to take care of his alcoholic father. He's human with human difficulties. We are human, and we struggle sometimes. Can we be honest? While a lifetime of doubt is dangerous, periods of doubt simply mark one as being human, but faith can help us overcome doubt.In the Bible, we read in Hebrews 11:1, “Now, faith is the subject of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11 continues with many examples of faith in action, and at its core, the Christian faith means we believe God sent Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sins on the cross, and that God raised Him from the dead. While mountaintop faith is exciting and it makes us feel good, no one experiences that all the time. Sometimes it's difficult to believe certain things in the Bible. Sometimes we don't feel faith in our lives.In this first part of our week-long look at doubt, it's important to remember that simply expressing doubt can lead to healing and a more faithful future. If you're a struggling believer or a questioning skeptic, this subject is one of the most important you'll ever wrestle with. Stay tuned.Let's pray. Father God, often we push down thoughts that are painful or uncomfortable. We don't have to do that with you, Lord. Even doubts about our faith are conversations that we can start with you, and we're grateful 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.

Today we wrap up our series on finding contentment by discussing the source of true peace and happiness. John MacArthur once wrote a book called Our Sufficiency in Christ. In it, he revealed the path to finding true peace and contentment, and he says there's a single word that encompasses all the riches we find in Christ: Grace. What a magnificent word it is. It's used more than 150 times in the New Testament to speak of divine favor, bestowed on undeserving people. It is the means by which we receive every physical and spiritual benefit. People the world over search all their lives for peace, and who doesn't want to be truly content? But we look for it everywhere but where it is. Chasing adventure or money or career success will, well—it will leave you empty. Maybe you've been running hard for a long time so that you can advance in a career that you find meaningful. There's nothing wrong with that. So long as there's balance, and your life can remain focused on Jesus. The Bible tells us very bluntly that anything else will leave us unsatisfied. And at the very least, you can start by finding even one or two minutes in your day before sunup or late in the evening and just pray. Tell God that climbing the ladder at work is leaving you strangely empty. The Bible isn't some interesting old book. It's not just some historical treasure; it's life itself. Why? Because from beginning to end, it points us to Jesus Christ, who made us. Resolve right now, even as you're sitting at your desk, to begin getting to know Christ. And sooner rather than later, you will feel your anxiety lessen, and your priorities shift. You'll discover what many have looked for in the wrong places for centuries. You'll find peace for your soul.Writing in 2 Corinthians, Paul said of Christ's message to all of us, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Philippians 4:12–13 says, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I've learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Realizing all this, your circumstances might not change, but you will change for the better—for all time. Let's pray. Father God, you are sovereign and that should make us calmer. Your power upholds everything in the universe, and you are good. You are not some impersonal being or one who is indifferent to our needs. Help us seek your son Jesus at every turn. 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's message is really about taking the long view. The human attention span is short, like really, really short. Between the world wars, Winston Churchill warned Europe that Hitler was a threat to the continent at least, but people ignored him. And then, when the Nazis turned violent, the people turned to Churchill as their prime minister. Having led the country through another costly war to preserve freedom, Churchill was defeated for reelection in the last days of World War II. It's like the people had forgotten his priceless contribution to world peace. He knew the war would take a long time and that it would be costly, and the people wanted to avoid thinking about it, and even later wanted it over quickly. And that's rarely how life works. Churchill returned as Prime Minister in the 1950s, but his experiences show that people mostly want short-term solutions. Working for the long goal is rarely popular. Jeremiah 15:15 says, “Lord, you understand. Remember me and care for me, avenge me on my persecutors. You are longsuffering. Do not take me away. Think of how I suffer reproach for your sake.” Here God is reminding us that often, we're required to stay in it for the long haul. Nowhere is this more true than in the pursuits of peace and contentment. That kind of thing is not built quickly, and not surprisingly, too many people don't stay with it, and they stumble along looking for solutions in the wrong places.If you're in a bad place today, you're going to have to start with basic steps. Talk to Jesus and tell Him you're struggling. Maybe you have a vague sense of depression and just can't locate the direct cause. Take the example of people who did understand the source of true happiness and were committed to seeing it through, no matter how long it took. Abraham knew the value of prayer, and he waited for decades to have a son. Hannah was also unable to have children, but she prayed and stayed faithful, and eventually, God gave her a child, and she felt fulfilled. Joseph spent years in exile in prison because of his brother's actions, but his faith didn't waver. He actually found his contentment in the middle of these trials, and eventually, God restored his family, and all he had lost. If you're depressed or ground down from money worries, or facing some other huge challenge—go to God right now and tell Him you need peace for your soul. Tell him you fully trust Him and will wait with as much patience and faith as you can. It's then you start the clock ticking on your difficult circumstances, and while you wait, your heart will be at rest. Let's pray. Father, thank you for the good gifts that we already have. Help us be grateful for those things that sustain life. We fully trust you to bring about our delivery from life's circumstances precisely the moment you have chosen. Sustain our spirits on this journey, Lord. 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 big question for today is, can we find contentment in things? Have you ever listened to a very successful person complain about the fact that his wealth doesn't make him happy? How the success of life has left him or her empty? Of course, you have. We've all heard stories like that, but pay attention to that—because it's really important. Watch people roll their eyes when they hear those stories. Why do they do that? Because they're thinking, “Yeah, just give me some of that emptiness. I'd like to live on that side of town for a while,” but that attitude misses the point that's trying to be made. From the past to now, there have been at least multiple millions of these stories, these laments from very successful people who would trade it all to be content. Millions and millions of successful, but unhappy people. It's when we're confronted with numbers like that, that we should say to ourselves, “Wait a second…I need to think that through. Maybe having things and fame and success really doesn't satisfy.” It's then we start walking the right road to contentment. April Motl is a writer in California who works with her husband in ministry. Recently, she made a fascinating point. She said, “About six months ago, my husband said he thought the Lord was trying to teach him to be content with mediocrity. ‘Mediocrity? Never! We should always be striving for the best,' I thought to myself. But in light of a few life lessons of my own, I think I now understand what my husband was saying. It's easy for us to want the best life has to offer, but sometimes ‘the best' is learning to be content with what we have.” Hebrews 13:5 says, “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have. Because God has said, never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.” You don't actually need to hear another story of unfulfillment from someone you've admired to know that stuff doesn't ultimately satisfy. You have only to think about your own life and realize that what God has given you materially is not the ultimate prize. It's only when you're in harmony with Him that you begin to know a life of contentment. Let's pray. Father, we know in our hearts that things don't bring fulfillment. That fact is plain to us, no matter how much we have. Help us be mindful that in you alone, we find the desires of our hearts. Remind us daily not to pin our hopes for the future on what we can acquire today. 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, our big question is: Can we find contentment in relationships? How many times has this scene been repeated? A guy sees a girl he can't live without. He thinks she will bring him happiness—and for a while, that's how it plays out. But then one day he's melancholy just like he used to be. Or how about the woman who believes marriage will fulfill her heart's desires, but then over time, her husband isn't so perfect? You see the common denominator in these two scenarios. Partners aren't the issue. The lack of contentment comes from the person seeking it. It comes from within. They're looking in the wrong place. Romans 12:2 says, “Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world. Let God transform you into a new person. By changing the way you think, then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Author Rob Kuban sums up right relationships for those seeking contentment. He says the Bible calls us to allow our convictions, not our circumstances, to govern our sense of contentment. If you aren't willing to do the work of changing from within, your desires will largely go unmet, and honestly, you will not be attractive as a potential friend or mate. Our first assignment is to find peace with God and then seek the one He has for us. You see, choosing to be content is the first step. It's just that so many people want shortcuts. Read Ecclesiastes sometime; it's a leadership book, really, but it opens a window into Solomon's mind and heart. Here we see his thoughts on what happens when a person looks in the wrong places for real happiness. Solomon was the richest man of his time, and he also had hundreds of wives. But as an old man, he was bent in body and spirit from too many years of pursuing everything but his creator. Learn from his example and fix your eyes on the ultimate relationship. People will then be able to see the contentment on your face. Let's pray. Father God, our first priority should be a right relationship with you. Only you can bring peace to our hearts and minds long-term so that in turn, we can bless others. Thank you, Father, for making a way for us to be content. 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 diversity of life on this planet is astonishing, good, bad, beautiful, painful. Our world is a place of blessing, and it's also a struggle for a lot of people. Each of us has a whole batch of issues to deal with every day, ranging from physical challenges to emotional needs. And a fascinating element in all this is how we see contentment. What is it?Where is it found? Is it lasting?Matthew 6:32–33 says, “For the pagans run after all these things and your Heavenly Father knows that you need them but seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.” Our old friend balance is so important. In every aspect of our lives, we should have a goal of keeping steady. Solomon spoke to this in Proverbs 30, when he asked God to give him not too much or too little. He reasoned that if he had great wealth, he might forget God. If he was in poverty, he might be inclined to steal. This effort to find balance is the heart of finding contentment. God is the ultimate source, and He gives us the capacity to be content, using Scripture as our guide. And as usual, God has a comprehensive plan for you, especially in the area of contentment.Notice what Proverbs 14:30 says, “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” The actor Chris Tucker discovered all this after the huge success of “Rush Hour” and other projects. But he became a Christian, and now he's selective in what he does, and he keeps it clean and real. It's been estimated that since he turned to faith, Tucker has turned down a hundred million in projects. What's his take on all that? He says, “But I've got a hundred million great experiences.” Whether you're hard-charging and ambitious or you're simply neglecting the pursuit of peace in your life, you're damaging your spiritual health.Finding spiritual harmony makes you a complete person. Anything short of that, you're flying with a broken wing. Bottom line is, if you look at all the verses in the Bible that speak to being truly content, you'll quickly understand that Christ is the answer. Let's pray, Father, you've provided the only way to true peace and contentment, and we thank You for that. Help us to keep this in front of us every day as we seek to live life well and abundantly, 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.

Hers is the greatest motherhood story of all time. You know who she is.Magnificent Mary!Her story has been told many times, but how grateful we are that it's recorded in Scripture. Whatever God's reasons for choosing this particular woman to give birth to Jesus, we know that she must have loved the Lord with all her heart.And just think how her head and heart must have been spinning when the angel visited her and told her the special job God was going to give her!Luke 1:46–48 says, “And Mary said: “‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.'”We know little about her beyond that, although we are given some fascinating details: she socialized with her Son, as we see at the wedding in Cana.And of course, she was with Him at His death. No mother should have to endure that, but Mary was very strong. Her toughness and love ring like a bell through time. We remember her way of finding patience and faith.Maybe the most amazing thing about her is that God trusted Mary with an initial secret that would have floored most people!She handled it, though. The mother of our Lord was ready when her time came.Let's pray.Lord, the mother of Jesus shows us an eternal love. It is also a mystery of sorts for us, but we know that this amazing mother is experiencing supernatural joy, 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. 

Are you a woman blessed with the gift of a wonderful mother-in-law? We can hardly think of a more important relationship. Through the ages, this mentoring friendship has sealed families and nurtured them. Likewise, we easily see the pain inflicted when this relationship isn't good.In the Old Testament, we read of a really remarkable mother-in-law. She showed great kindness to a young woman at just the right moment.After returning home to Bethlehem after a famine is over, Naomi wants the best for her young daughter-in-law, Ruth, whose husband has died. Although she must have longed for security herself and companionship, Naomi encourages Ruth to marry Boaz. Eventually, Ruth has a son, Obed, who would become the grandfather of King David!Ruth 1:22 says, “So Naomi returned from Moab accompanied by Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, arriving in Bethlehem as the barley harvest was beginning.”Naomi's unselfish act, her encouragement to the vulnerable Ruth, is the model for all such relationships. It is intentionally about the other person. It is the story of a woman mentoring and loving another she sees as her daughter.So, how will your mother-in-law's story be recorded? Have you thought about that?How will the women in your family remember you?Let's pray.Lord, people are watching us in how we treat others. Nowhere is that more important than in our own homes. Help us think of others before we think of ourselves. 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 wondered what it would have been like to be close to Jesus when He was on the earth? It would have been amazing to be in His inner circle.We know of a remarkable woman, a family member, who would have been able to be around to watch the most amazing life unfold.Her name was Elizabeth. An aunt of Jesus.We read in Luke that everyone thought that the time for Elizabeth to become a mother was passed. In those days people thought sin prevented pregnancy, so this godly woman went through great sorrow.Luke 1:13 says, “But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.”But Gabriel, an angel, told her priest husband that she would conceive. She did, and later, when visiting her cousin Mary, felt her own son jump in her womb! Even he knew the significance of such a woman!Elizabeth's son would be named John, and he would be given the privilege of introducing the world to the Man, Jesus. Both mothers would endure great tragedy in their lives, but would enjoy fellowship forever with them in glory.Elizabeth knew how to be steady during momentous times. A great lesson for all of us.Let's pray.Lord, sometimes you surprise us with great tasks. Help us to always be ready to stand when you call on us to do something great. 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 think of her as a genteel Southern lady, and she was that, for sure.But Ruth Bell Graham was so much more. While her husband was away so much, preaching to the masses, she was preaching to her own little flock. The result was children who became adults, and in turn shared the Good News of Jesus with others.Anne Graham Lotz and Franklin Graham didn't just fall out of the sky!Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”In their little home in the mountains of North Carolina, while Daddy was in Brussels, New York, and Sydney, Mother Ruth was faithful for years on end to impart godly wisdom to their children. Much iron was sharpened on cold winter nights and long summer days.Theirs was a home that didn't always have both parents available, but they thrived.Use that as an example of how to bring up your own children. You'll be happy forever that you did.Let's pray.Lord, Your Word is good, and it shines a light on our path. Give us the strength to mentor our own children in your 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.

If you've been fortunate to hold a newborn, you know what it's like to be thunderstruck by the delicate features. Everything is miniature.And then the eyes open. You're in love.Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.”A baby is a blessing and a gift from the Lord. All life is precious; it doesn't matter if the parents are famous or completely obscure. In that warm bundle is a whole lifetime waiting to unfold. Will he be adventurous? Will she run the country?Man is capable of much, but creating life as God creates will always remain outside the borders. Only a great and all-powerful God could give us such a beautiful life, and He makes each one of us truly unique.It is an inescapable fact that a human being, separate from everyone else in terms of physicality and emotions, becomes fully formed in its mother's womb. This is perhaps the greatest miracle in all the universe, and one deserving of our awe and respect.Let's pray.Lord, you form us in the womb, and walk with us each step of the way through life. Thank you for your mercies and grace that you freely give each of 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.

Of all the gifts God gives His children, joy is perhaps the one closest to heaven on earth.Who 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 is 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 sad. 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.

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 why our boss is so mean.But 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 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 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.

Gwen closed her eyes and didn't dare to even breathe. Japanese troops were right outside her house, looking for her and other missionaries.It was World War 2, and American forces in the Philippines were nearby. Just when Gwen and her friends thought someone would throw open the trapdoor to their basement hiding place, loud voices began getting dimmer.The enemy troops were distracted, and left in a hurry!Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”God always shows up at the right time. If we can remember that, and commit ourselves to prayer and reading Scripture, we will not let fear overtake us.There are times we need to just be still, and wait on the Lord.He always knows just where we are, and what we need.Let's pray.Lord, help us to be calm when we want to run. By waiting on You, we also practice obedience. 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.

Life is a process. We know that if we've lived very long at all. And this week, we're talking about the process of trusting God.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.”Could Jesus meet our needs by just giving us something instantly? Of course. He made everything! And sometimes He does that; the miracles he performed that are recorded in the New Testament tell us that he often instantly met a person's need.But He doesn't always work that way. That's because Jesus loves to teach us.In the book of John, He is telling us the steps necessary to trust Him for provision. First, we ask. Then we learn to receive His good gifts. Finally, we feel real joy, because we know exactly where it came from.This process is designed to teach us faith and then to be genuinely appreciative to the Lord for meeting our needs. All through the Bible, we are told that He delights in helping us, in loving us through tough times. The older we get, the more we are able to look back and see that He and He alone brought us through.There is usually no other explanation.And that is called a miracle.Let's pray. Lord, we are dependent on you for everything, and we are blessed that you are our Source. 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 need a miracle? If we're honest and open to the truth, miracles have always been a part of our world. In the beginning, God made a dazzling world full of diversity, beautiful animals, gorgeous sunsets, streams of water. He also made us to enjoy it all, and to keep it for Him. But just like the entrance of sin into our world, which marred the original beauty, we sometimes get weighed down with worry and cares of life. We look up one day, and the drudgery of our days overwhelms us. The supernatural seems far away, and that's the very moment God will act. He has always been with us, and one of His greatest promises is that He will be with us to the end, to the moment He ushers in an eternity too wonderful to fully know now.Revelation 22:1–3 says, “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing 12 crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse.” In the meantime, maybe you're really going through a challenge in your life. You need a miracle. Do you know that you can simply ask Jesus for this? He's answered too many people, too many times, not to be real. And if we're honest, the presence and regularity of miracles today are staggering. They're everywhere. So why not you?1 Corinthians 1:1–2 says, “To those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours, grace and peace to you from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.” There's such peace in this. Put aside your doubts and your fears. Just ask Him to help you, and He can. He will. In fact, He will bless you so much, you won't be able to stay quiet about it. You will have to tell people. You are a miracle.Let's pray. Father God, you rescue us all the time in ways big and small. Your faithfulness in helping us is worthy of our worship. Thank you for making miracles part of everyday 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.

Only a person who is willfully blind could deny that miracles happen today. They didn't end at the shore of the Red Sea. Malachi 3:6 says, “I the Lord do not change.” From this, we can logically see that the Bible's powerful and majestic miracles didn't stop in the first century. They're still happening. God didn't suspend the love he dispenses in the form of miracles. Taylor McCaffrey was an alcoholic as a teenager. He was also a preacher's kid, and these combined to weigh him down with guilt. From the age of 16, he drank heavily, but God didn't leave him there. He says, “On my 21st birthday, I'd been drinking about eight hours straight and simply heard the voice of the Holy Spirit inside me say, ‘Either do what I've called you to, or I will not continue wrestling you.'”It sounded so stern. However, so loving, “I was instantly sober.” And that was several years ago. Today, Taylor is still sober. There are also countless examples of what we might call ‘corporate' miracles—those that bless whole communities. At Christmas time of 2004, a group of 400 believers wanted to hold a Christmas service. The local authorities, though, told them that they could not do that in the city of Meulaboh in North Sumatra. The 400 decided to hold their service in a remote mountain region, and they stayed overnight. Early the next morning, an earthquake and resulting tsunami flattened their city, but they were safe in the higher elevations. Had they opted not to worship Jesus during their holiday, they would have perished.The fact is, our world is miracle-heavy. They happen all the time. Miracles happen to ordinary people and to whole nations every day. This is one of the clearest evidences of the power and the majesty of the living God. We can choose to be witnesses for Him by pointing out to everyone we come in contact with that, though our world has problems, God is still working in a mighty way.Let's pray. Father God, thank you. The example of miracles. They give us strength in our faith and a boost to our days. We're forever grateful to you for routinely doing things that some say cannot happen. 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.

Charles Darwin and some of his friends saw a certain beauty and order in evolution, believing that random processes can bring about living systems. That anyone survived what a poet has described as ‘nature, red in tooth and claw,' is a miracle for naturalists. Others believe miracles, if you can call them that, happen because some impersonal cosmic force allows them.There's not much comfort in that, though. Remember the account of ancient people who longed to see a miracle from their God? The Egyptians developed a complex system of gods that operated on a whim, but when the God of Moses showed up, they very clearly understood the true source of miracles. And that was the point of the 10 plagues: to show them that the Creator God was infinitely powerful and capable of producing miracles. We've been given a reasonable source that tells us where miracles come from: The Bible. Deuteronomy 29:2–3 says, “Moses summoned all the Israelites and said to them, ‘Your eyes have seen all that the Lord did in Egypt to Pharaoh, to all his officials and to all his land. With your own eyes, you saw those great trials, those signs, and great wonders.'”Here we see clearly that the source of any and all miracles is God Himself, not a force in the universe. Not a spirit guide. Miracles are from God alone, and He wants you to experience miracles in your life. He wants you to live an abundant life, not one of defeat and misery and oppression. His limitless power was seen by the ancients, and today, people on every continent see that miracle-working power. There's a beautiful description of this in Isaiah 43:13, which says, “Yes, and from ancient days I am He. No one can deliver out of my hand. When I act, who can reverse it?” And this is the truth we can expect from the One who really does want to help you, and help you today. Let's pray. Father God, you have put within each of us the knowledge that tells us you are the source of all miracle-working power. And this is part of the good news of Jesus that we get to tell others about. Thank you for the miracle of Jesus. Thank you for all of Your miracles. 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 late writer Christopher Hitchens was a skeptic who claimed that miracles are born from nightmarish ignorance, and that they often are simply 10th-hand reports from illiterate peasants. Wow. The flaw in his argument, of course, is that it isn't really an argument. It's simply a rant against God, and the fact is, unexplainable miracles happen every day in our world, but Hitchens' views are shared widely by certain influential people in our time, and their claims that miracles are impossible do tend to have an effect on how others think of miracles. Another reason some have trouble really believing in miracles is because when one is needed, doubt and fear crowd out our belief. Remember, even the ancient Israelites who saw historic miracles almost on a daily basis sometimes complained that God had left them to die in the desert.Man, our attention span's short. Maybe the most famous example of doubting a miracle is seen in the New Testament when one of the disciples of Jesus, Thomas, refuses to believe reports of His resurrection. John 20:25 says, “But he said to them, unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” The 18th-century philosopher David Hume thought that miracles violated the laws of nature. In fact, his views and others like him influenced many people in Europe and America in the next two centuries. So, they believed that reason cannot believe in miracles.Notice that doesn't mean they don't exist. The opinions of men too often influence people who haven't really thought this through. As the Christian writer Timothy McGrew has said, “Science properly understood will tell us the limits of nature, but it will never tell us that nothing lies beyond those limits.” In the case of Thomas, we could say that he didn't have enough information. Once he saw the risen Lord with his own eyes, he could believe. For others, it's a matter of the heart. Perhaps you've been wounded, and you're shutting God out. This can cause you not to see what's right in front of your face. So, do this. Allow yourself one day to be open to the possibility of miracles. Scan the news. Listen to friends. Scroll through social media. It would be a miracle if you don't find a miracle. Let's pray.Father God, you are good to us in big ways and in small ways. You make miracles happen in our lives. From healing to repaired relationships, we know that we can ask you for your good gifts and you will give them. Help us to be ambassadors for your miracle-working power. 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're starting a series today on miracles. They're one of the most popular subjects in culture. We're fascinated by them. We want them to happen, and we love it when they happen to us. But what is a miracle? Do they happen in our world today? Lots of questions. Skeptics claim that miracles are impossible.Chad and Mandy Stacy saw one of them when their son, Ethan, was born with leukemia, and over a period of three weeks, he developed tumors all over his body. He couldn't eat. His heartbroken parents began to make his funeral arrangements and took him home. But one night at his lowest, he began taking nourishment, and over the next week, he improved so much that his doctors were not able to find evidence of the killer disease in his body. One doctor said it was just remarkable to witness it.One scholar has a thought that skeptics might consider: “To say that miracles are scientifically impossible is one thing, but to say that they can't happen is another thing. We might even define a miracle as an event which is scientifically impossible, but which happens anyway.” Well, there you have it. The Bible, in fact, has much to say about miracles, and because Scripture also tells us that our God does not change, we can reasonably believe He gives us miracles. We might say that the very first miracle was the creation of everything out of nothing. A marvelous world that still retains great beauty. The moon is just the right distance from Earth to allow perfect tides that clean our oceans. The sun is just the right distance so that we have heat, but not too much. Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”One of the first of what we might call personal miracles is recorded in Exodus 3, the burning bush. Moses is allowed to talk with God up close as the Lord's presence was in a bush nearby that wouldn't burn up. Another use of fire we see in 1 Kings 18, when Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to sort of a dual, each is to call on his God to answer. And Elijah says, “The true God will answer by fire.” And He does, as fire comes down from heaven and consumes the altar they've built.An especially heartfelt miracle occurs in the New Testament in John 4, when Jesus heals a nobleman's son. Jesus doesn't force Himself on anybody. But as we will see, He's in the miracle business. If you need one, tell Him that. Tell Him your friend or relative or a stranger needs a miracle. He's the God who answers by fire.Let's pray. Father God, you have proven yourself to us so many times that we don't need to doubt anything in Your Word. We believe that You grant miracles in different times and places, and no one is beyond Your miracle-giving gifts. Thank you for that. And help us to carry them in our hearts and our minds so that we can be witnesses 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.

Have you ever had the pleasure of waking up in a cozy cabin…after you've let the fire go out from the night before? If you don't get out of bed and put more wood in that furnace, the squirrels or raccoons aren't going to do it for you!Much more serious is the tendency to get lazy about the fire inside us to share the love of Christ. After so many years of being a Christian—especially living in a free country—sharing the Gospel can be put on the back burner.Romans 12:11–12 says, “Never let the fire in your heart go out. Keep it alive. Serve the Lord. When you hope, be joyful. When you suffer, be patient. When you pray, be faithful.”Do you see what God is urging us to do in Scripture? He says to never let the fire go out! Never doesn't mean sometimes, when we're tired or annoyed about something. This is too important to mess up. Remember that Jesus saved you. And more than likely, through someone keeping their own inner fire going, they saw you through the eyes of compassion.Let's pray.Lord, give us a passion for the souls of all people, at all times. And help us to be ready to share Christ with them. 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 followers of Jesus, we are meant to be witnesses. And Christ's majesty and power are meant to blanket our world.He is intimately aware of you, and where you are in life.Isaiah 60:1 says, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.”When we trust Christ—when we believe the simple Gospel—we are called to get in the game. Sitting on such good news doesn't make much sense, does it? Are you guilty of failing to shine a light in a dark world?It's not too late, friend! If you're a friend of God, just as the Bible says Abraham was long ago, you are to invite others to live in his healing light.The glory of the Lord rises on you each morning, it really does. Put your feet on the floor and share His glory with friends, family, and people who travel your path only briefly.God is so good! Walk in His light and see what He'll do in countless lives!Let's pray. Lord, there are so many opportunities to share your light. Give us opportunities to do that daily, and give us the energy to seize them. 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.

Think of what Jesus was asking of His followers.He had just risen from the dead. That doesn't happen every day.His ministry had been destroyed, so they thought. He wasn't coming back. But then He did. Only days after being killed on a brutal Roman cross, Jesus was standing in front of his friends, looking very much alive. And He was telling them their futures were dicey.Mark 16:15 says, “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'”Jerusalem at the time was under occupation by an unforgiving empire. The empire required all from each individual and never gave anything back. Jesus was telling His disciples that if they would give up all for Him, He'd give it back and more.Forever.This was the first great command to preach the Good News everywhere. The first marching orders for a spiritual army.We are called to be in that army, to give our all in order to shake things up for eternity.Let's pray.Lord, thank you for giving us the chance to share your love with others, all over the world. 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.

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, 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 5:13–16 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.”God tells us we are to be the instrument that preserves and makes known the Gospel, and salt is the analogy.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.

Defending the faith can sometimes be a subjective thing. As examples of extremes, we have seen the Crusades, and the modern form is perhaps an aggressive “pitch” to someone who isn't a believer.The thing is, it's great to be zealous for our faith, but let's also be disciplined. We don't want to alienate a person who might otherwise listen. To put it simply: an angry Christian is usually a lonely Christian.Jude 1:3 says, “Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.”We can defend our faith in a strong way. We can be bold in what we believe, sure of our eternity with Jesus Christ. But our messaging is all-important. It could be that having a conversation with someone is the right approach. Don't feel pressure. Don't press. Jesus has the job of saving; we just have to be available to share about Him.Let's pray.Lord, please always remind us to share the Gospel with 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.