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Our greatest example of kindness and compassion is our Heavenly Father.God's Word, the Bible, is filled with examples of His loving-kindness, His grace, His mercy, His faithfulness...the Lord's love for us is infinite and eternal, and His example is what we should strive to embody as we interact and react to the people around us. 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.”Our almighty God, Creator of the Universe, is all-powerful, capable of mighty wrath, yet He deals with us with patience and compassion.Psalm 86:15 says, “But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”Jesus Christ was the living embodiment of compassion during His ministry on earth.Over and over, our Lord Jesus Christ had compassion for people, offering healing and comfort at every opportunity. He saw lost and hurting people as sheep without a shepherd, and He came to give them purpose and to be their ultimate shelter.As God's Son, Jesus possessed more power than we can ever imagine. Yet He chose to give up everything, selflessly sacrificing Himself for us so we can be forgiven our sins and have eternal life. In that sacrifice, we see the greatest example of kindness in the Bible — a level of compassion beyond anything the world has ever known.Let's pray.Dear Jesus, your compassion never fails. We are so grateful for your love and for the gift of salvation you freely gave to us through your death on the cross. Inspire us to share the Good News about you with others, that we can be messengers of hope in your 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.

How many of us would feed a hungry stranger with the last crust of bread left in the house?The prophet Elijah received a prophecy that the land would suffer a years-long drought, and this message from God had come to pass. The Lord sent him to a ravine east of the Jordan River, where He sent ravens with bread and meat in the morning and in the evening, and Elijah could drink from a brook, but eventually, the brook ran dry because there was no rain in the land.The Lord commanded Elijah, “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”When the prophet came upon the widow, she told him she had just enough flour and oil left for a last meal for herself and her son, and she expected they would die of starvation after this final meal.Elijah instructed her not to be afraid and asked her to make a small loaf of bread for him, then to do the same for herself and her son.1 Kings 17:15–16 says, “She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.” Because of the kindness she paid to the Lord's servant, the unnamed widow was blessed with enough to continue sharing with Elijah, and enough for her family to eat until the rains returned.Let's pray.God, you are our steadfast provider. When we have an opportunity to give to those in need, remind us that you bless us with enough to share. Help us to give unselfishly from the abundance you provide 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.

When God asks us to love our neighbor as ourselves, what exactly does He mean?In Luke 10 verses 25–37, Jesus shares the Parable of the Good Samaritan to illustrate what it means to love our neighbors the way Jesus loves us.“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,' he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'”The Lord asks us not to dole out kindness sparingly, but to generously pour love and compassion over the hurting people we meet...even complete strangers we encounter on the road of life.Let's pray.Heavenly Father, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hands to help the broken and bruised people in our midst every day. There are lost and wounded souls in every corner of this world, and we ask for the courage to reach out to them 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.

How much can one person take, and still choose to offer kindness.In Genesis Chapter 37, verses 12–36, 17-year-old Joseph is sent by his father to visit his brothers, who were tending the family's flock of sheep in the countryside.Rather than the friendly check-in he expected, Joseph's brothers initially plotted to kill him out of jealousy, but instead sold him into slavery to a group of Ishmaelites heading for Egypt. Among the brothers, only Reuben wished to leave Joseph unharmed, attempting (but failing) to set up a situation where he could rescue his brother and return him to their father.In Egypt, Joseph was falsely accused of a crime, thrown into prison, became an interpreter of dreams for Pharaoh, and eventually attained a seat of power over Egypt.When famine hit the land where his brothers lived, they came to Egypt to buy grain. They didn't know Joseph was not only alive, but was now the governor of Egypt. To their surprise, Joseph wasn't angry at his brothers, but showed them compassion when he saw them again. Instead of taking revenge, he took them in and cared for them. Joseph knew everything that had happened was part of God's plan, and what his brothers intended for harm, God intended for good.Ephesians 4:2 says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”The story of Joseph teaches us that humility, patience, gentleness, and love are not just qualities to be saved up for those who deserve it; God asks us to approach others with love even if they have offended or caused us harm. Let's pray.Lord, sometimes the people in our lives are disappointing, frustrating, or downright hurtful. Help us to love those who fall short and need our forgiveness the most, and to bear with each other with patience, and with 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.

Carissa was having one of those days. Instead of hitting the snooze button on her alarm clock, she had turned it off. Now the kids were late for school, she was late for work, and the tone for the day was one mad rush — emphasis on the mad. As the day wore on, she thought about her impatience and frustration with her children as everyone got dressed and grabbed a granola bar on the way out the door. It wasn't their fault the family was running behind, and she regretted sending them to school with tension, instead of hugs and kisses.Ephesians 4:2 says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”Of all the lessons we teach our children, kindness stands out. We have an opportunity to show patience, humility, and God's love to colleagues, classmates, neighbors, and friends — and the people in our lives learn more from watching how we behave, than they do from just being told what to do. We have a choice in how we treat others, and God asks us to approach the people around us with love. When Carissa arrived home from work, the first thing she did was apologize to the kids for the cranky way their day began, and let them know kindness matters morning, noon, and night — even when we're running late.Let's pray.Lord, thank you for the wisdom the Bible teaches us about kindness. Help us to be patient when we're short on time, and to be an example of your love in every situation — even when circumstances fall short of perfect. 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.

How many different colors can you name? There are seven colors in the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. As it turns out, the human eye is capable of discerning color to an incredible degree. According to laboratory tests, humans are capable of detecting a total of 10 million colors. That's a pretty big box of crayons. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Imagine the most colorful painting or photograph you've seen in an art gallery, or come across in your Facebook feed. Our Creator God has every color in the universe to work with, the knowledge of a master craftsman, and the most significant artistic talent in existence. And He calls us—you and me—His masterpiece.When you look in the mirror and wish you were taller, better looking, or somehow measured up to your ideal, remember—we are created in God's image. When you envy someone else's position or title at work or wish you were better at math, cooking, or public speaking, remember—we are God's masterpiece. And He has a good plan for each of our lives. God had 10 million colors and countless personality traits and unique skills with which to create each of us, and the palette of colors and mix of materials He used to make you, is one of a kind. Let's pray.Heavenly Father, thank you for making us who you did. We're your children and one-of-a-kind creations. You're so good, and we have so many things to be thankful for. Help us to use our unique skill sets and talents you've blessed us with, to do your work. 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.

Identifying where our problems originate is one thing, but locating the Divine Healer is key in getting clear of obstacles in our lives. At each mile marker in our life journeys, God is standing alongside the road, smiling at us, and holding out His strong hand to guide us. And from the indispensable wisdom of scripture to stories of human triumphs over tragedies, He is always there reminding us we're never truly alone. His grace and mercies begin to overshadow and overwhelm those forces that want to harm us, and it's then that we see God for who He truly is. 1 Peter 5:10 says, “And after you've suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” And that is Good News! Let's pray. Lord, it's important to see who our enemy is, but it's more important to look past that and concentrate our focus on you who brings us that peace that passes all understanding, the kind that gets down deep in us and calms us from the inside out. 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 know that a consistent heart of gratitude keeps us in harmony in our relationship with God, but in a practical sense, how do we maintain it, and how can we be intentional? A first clue is the example of Paul. Philippians 4:12–13 says, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I've learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Notice that the famous preacher trained his mind and heart to be always grateful. This meant a conscious, daily, hourly focus on the good things God has brought him. And sometimes we're down to basics on this: life, food to eat, clothes to wear, shelter. That's all many people have, and it's easy—living in the U.S. especially, to forget that our basic needs are met. But choosing gratitude is key. The actor Will Arnett does this. He says, “I'm happy because I'm grateful, and I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.” Another way to maintain a grateful heart is being very mindful every day of what God has gifted us with. Music icon Willie Nelson understands the value of such an attitude. He says, “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” Take stock every day, and actually list the things you're grateful for. Soon enough, it'll be part of your daily routine. A third way to maintain a grateful heart is to choose to focus on the positive. There's enough junk in the world. What you choose to focus on will in large part define you. It's sort of like a natural law. If you do an act of kindness for someone, or sit for 20 minutes watching a gorgeous sunset, instead of scrolling through the news on your phone, you'll find that joy and a grateful heart become your reality. God loves you. Start your journey toward gratitude with that.  Let's pray. Father God, no one can stop us from thanking you for your love and grace. That's our first step toward having a grateful heart. From breathing clean air to enjoying a holiday with family and friends. We commit ourselves to a life of gratitude. 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.

Sudden or even long-term setbacks in our lives can disorient us, impairing our decision-making. Circumstances beyond our control leave us where we can't focus, and we can't see what's behind our difficulties. It's then that we can't make good decisions. If we don't know if our problems are caused by emotional, mental, or physical challenges, we can't see our way out of the forest. Identifying the source helps us settle into God's perfect peace, and He's given us the ability to make good choices when dealing with issues beyond our control. 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. But with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”  You hear that—God will provide, and you can endure. Let's pray. Lord, in our imperfect state, our bodies sometimes fail us. We don't know if up is down or which direction to go. In those moments, bring to our minds the knowledge that we can seek your good solutions, whether it be medical, or psychological. It's then we can find ourselves set on the right path to health and wholeness. 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 been said that in the Fruit of the Spirit list, all of them collectively, practically define the nature of Christ. Even David the Shepherd knew his Messiah was coming. Remember what he said about following his loving God? He said, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life!”We instinctively know what goodness is. It's a kind touch, a gentle word, a gift that was unexpected.Micah 6:8 says, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”And in life, we understand the distinction between good and evil. These two—always warring with each other. The key thing to remember in this conflict is that God is good, and infinitely stronger than evil. That's important to remember as we see injustice.What did Micah tell us? That goodness is wrapped up in the choices we make: oppose injustice, love what is kind, and be humble. The truth is, all of us have been given so much good by our good God that it should be second nature to model that for those we meet in our journey.Let's pray.Lord, thank you for your sweet goodness. Sustain us with that goodness for the journey. 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.

Celebrated songwriter Fanny Crosby wrote over 9,000 hymns in her lifetime, often writing as many as 6 or 7 songs a day. Despite being blind from infancy, she also played harp, piano, guitar, and other instruments, as well as singing soprano. She wrote the lyrics to many well-known hymns and while she did compose music to accompany a few of her songs, she partnered with many talented composers to write the music that accompanied her words.She used as many as 200 pseudonyms to publish her work, with a goal of maintaining humility. The author was admired for both her poetry and her music during her lifetime, but she wasn't motivated by personal fame.Fanny Crosby was so well-known in her day that musicians often came to her for lyrics. One day, musician William Doane dropped by for a surprise visit, begging her to put words to a tune he had recently written and was set to perform at an upcoming Sunday School convention. The only problem was that his train to the convention was leaving in 35 minutes. He sat at the piano and played the tune.“Your music says, ‘Safe in the Arms of Jesus,''' Fanny said, scribbling out the hymn's words immediately. “Read it on the train and hurry. You don't want to be late!” The hymn became one of Crosby's most famous.Fanny Crosby could write very complex hymns and compose music with a more classical structure, but she preferred to write sweet, simple verses that could be used for evangelism. She sought to share Jesus at every turn and to use her talents for God's glory. Let's pray.Dear Lord, thank you for the beautiful gift of music. We are so grateful for your love and for the opportunity to praise your name through song. 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.

How would you feel, if you suddenly lost the gifts so many of us take for granted, such as vision, hearing, or the ability to walk? Fanny Crosby was struck blind at just 6 weeks of age, but God had a plan for her. She was raised by her mother and grandmother after her father's death when she was about 6 months old, and although she grew up poor, she was blessed to attend an excellent school for the blind in New York state, near where the family lived.Fanny enrolled at the New York Institution for the Blind in 1835, just before her 15th birthday. She was a student of the school for 11 years, eventually joining the faculty as a teacher for another 12 years. During her time at the school, she learned to play the piano, organ, harp, and guitar, and became a good soprano singer. After graduation, she joined a group of lobbyists in Washington, D.C., arguing for support of education for the blind. Fanny was the first woman to speak in the United States Senate when she read a poem on the Senate floor encouraging funding for state schools for the blind.Fanny befriended 17-year-old Grover Cleveland, future President of the United States, while she was a teacher, and in fact, she knew each of the presidents who served during her lifetime through her work as a celebrated poet and songwriter.She later stated: “It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow, I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.”Let's pray.Lord, help us to set aside every distraction and focus on your plan for us. We often take for granted the gifts you've given us. Remind us to be grateful, and to use our gifts for your glory. 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.

Fanny Crosby was a prolific songwriter and poet born in 1820, and she overcame challenges including blindness and poverty from an early age — but she didn't allow her disability, or her circumstances, to hold her back.As a Christian, Fanny understood the importance of looking forward. When a preacher once remarked that it was a pity Fanny could not see because she had been given so many other gifts, she responded:“Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I was born blind? Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.”Philippians 3:12–14 says, “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”Fanny Crosby was struck blind as an infant, lost her father before the age of one and was raised by a working single mother and her grandmother at a time when this was not at all common — but she never gave up. She allowed the Lord to shape her story, and used her talents to praise Him, and inspire others to do the same.Let's pray.Dear Lord Jesus, we ask you to be present in our current circumstances. Help us to look forward and keep our eyes on you, rather than dwelling on the past. You have a plan, and you are present in our lives. 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.

Francis was just 6 weeks old when she became ill in the spring of 1820. The family doctor was out of town, and a charlatan pretending to be a doctor prescribed a treatment that rendered the baby completely blind, although she recovered from the initial illness. A few months later, her father died, and her mother went to work as a maid to support the family. She was raised by her grandmother, a devoted Christian who taught her granddaughter from the Bible.At the age of 8, the little girl wrote this poem,“Oh, what a happy soul I am,Although I cannot see!I am resolved that in this worldContented I will be.”The little girl was encouraged to work to the best of her abilities, and not to view herself as limited by blindness. She carried that resourceful attitude throughout her 94 years of living, and during her lifetime penned over 9,000 hymns.You may not have heard of Fanny Crosby, but if you've ever sung or listened to favorite hymns in church, chances are you've heard her music.She poured out her heart writing hymns, many of which are still sung today, nearly 200 years after her birth. Songs such as “Blessed Assurance” and “To God be the Glory” are treasured classics in many denominations.This is my story, this is my song,Praising my Savior all the day long.Fanny Crosby was struck blind as an infant, but she allowed the Lord to shape her story, and used her talents to praise Him, and inspire others to do the same.Let's pray.Lord, the story of Fanny Crosby is an encouraging reminder to rely on you, no matter our circumstances. You had a plan for her life from the very beginning, and the songs you wrote on her heart continue to inspire us today as we worship Your Holy Name. Thank you for writing Fanny's story so beautifully. 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.

Who is the author of your story? Is it your parents, or maybe a grandparent or special mentor who had a hand in raising you? Maybe your best friend gets some of the credit, sharing in adventures the two of you recall with laughter every time you're together. Or perhaps your spouse is a co-author of your personal story, as you make decisions together that honor your partnership, or help your family grow and thrive.Psalm 102:18 says, “Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord.”The Lord asks us to invite Him to be the author of our story, and it's a choice that makes an incredible difference in our lives today, changes the lives of future generations, and can define your story for all eternity. Accepting Jesus into your heart and giving your life to Him means trusting Him every moment and leaning into His plan for each of us. Growing in faith means handing editorial control of your story over to God, even as the world tells us to seize control of our own destiny.So, what is your story, friend? And how has that story been changed, because you know Jesus? God has a plan for your life, and a beautiful story is unfolding every day. Even in the midst of tough times, God knows your name. He has a plan, and the ending — eternity alongside the Lord, is the very best part!Let's pray.Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us enough to not only create us, but to want to be part of our individual stories. We love you, we trust you, and we ask you to be present every moment of every day as our lives unfold. 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 our faith should be exciting to us. It is exciting. When we consider the free grace God gave us through His Son, telling others about Jesus should be on our priority list every day. For whatever reason, many find it very awkward to talk to others about Jesus. We can talk about just about anything else, though. That's why it's crucial that we look at sharing the gospel as an intentional thing we do. Intentionality is a great way to overcome our hesitancy, and let's be honest, sometimes fear keeps us from sharing. Truth is, each personality requires a customized approach to sharing about Jesus. Some are outgoing and others are shy. A blogger for God TV has written that he admired a friend who told every seatmate on every plane he'd been in about Jesus.The blogger went on to write that “Even if my fellow passengers desperately wanted to know Christ, they likely couldn't even get my attention with a jackhammer drill or a pie in the face.” Kind of funny and also kind of sad, also very common. Matthew 16:24 says, “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.'” So, if we're looking for ways to overcome our mediocre gospel sharing, what can we do? Let's look at a few tips. The first is prayer. Get honest with God and tell Him you're not so great at evangelism. I mean, He already knows, anyway. Ask Him specifically to give you both opportunities and an intentional plan for communicating the best news anyone will ever hear.Two, plan, think ahead. Are you a person who's good at conversation? Go over a mental checklist that provides you with enough scripture and short sentences to make your pitch when the time comes. However, if you're not outgoing, maybe you're a writer. Consider communicating with a card to let the person know you're thinking about him or her. Play to your strengths, not your weaknesses. Number three, listen before you talk. How many times do we jump into a conversation or meeting without taking a breath? Train yourself to be quiet for a bit until you hear where the other person is coming from. You'll learn about your friend or acquaintance, and you can then think through the best way to approach them about the saving gift of Jesus. But also, don't just wait for your turn to talk. Hear them. Meet them where they are, and listen to the Holy Spirit to see how you can speak Jesus into that person's life. Very few of us are Billy Graham. That doesn't mean we can't share the gospel. Somebody's depending on it. Let's pray.Father, whatever our personality and our experiences, give us a passion for loving unbelievers and caring about their well-being. The world is full of diversity. Help us embrace 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.

Keeping things simple is usually the best path forward. For Christians, that means following Christ's lead in everything.This includes sharing and standing up for our faith.The Bible is full of examples of how Jesus did this. Occasionally, He got mad, as when He threw out the moneychangers. Other times, He just quietly sat and taught what His Father had shown Him.This is our model. When you share Christ with someone and that person believes, you have been given the privilege of watching the most important moment in his or her life—ever. To get to this moment, it will require you to be knowledgeable about your faith, balanced enough to be gentle in sharing, and sometimes edgy enough to push back when someone mocks our Lord.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.” God gave us a job to do, and one of his prophets, Jude, told us to be ready to defend the Gospel. This, we should be happy to do.Let's pray.Lord, your wisdom is enough for us. We are always ready to defend the Good News. In Jesus' name. 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, 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.”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.

Do you ever feel that you aren't suited for sharing your faith in Christ? Maybe you're not comfortable around people. Maybe you've encountered some who are hostile to faith. If so, then we are speaking to you about sharing your light in a dark world.Philippians 2:15 says, “Shine...like the stars in the sky.”Have you seen the movie, “The Ten Commandments?” It's doubtful the real Moses looked and talked like Charlton Heston. And do we really think God looks for His witnesses among people who have that perfect British accent in a Jesus movie? Nope. If we think we have to look or act a certain way, then we're doing it wrong. God doesn't ask our permission when giving us our marching orders for sharing the Gospel of Jesus. Instead, He approaches us as He did Job: Stand up and listen to what I have to tell you.You are called to shine a light for Christ in a world full of dark things. You are equipped, just as you are. God has called you. Be bold in Christ.He is the Star. We are just lights along the way.Let's pray. Lord, the time is now. So many need you. God would you help us to shine for you every day. 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.

Some of the greatest stories of believers down through time have involved those who really studied God's Word. These people have gone before us to show us the way. From Charles Spurgeon to a missionary mother in China, daily study of the Word and prayer prepared them to mentor entire generations.Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”We also read in Romans 10 that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. We have to do it so that others know how. Remember, there is no substitute for spending time in God's Word.In order to properly train an apprentice, you need to obviously be prepared and adept. Anything less leads to weak faith, or no faith at all.This is what the Great Commission, sharing the Gospel, has always been about. Duplicating disciples. Grounding your own faith in the Bible, then imparting that to others. That is the essence of true iron sharpening iron.Let's pray.Lord, keep us about your work by daily reminding us to spend time with you in Your Word. 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 had an experience in your life that has prepared you for helping others? Has life dealt you circumstances that speak to a situation in a younger person's life?If so, you might be ready to help in such a way that will bring honor and glory to God.Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”The apostle Paul suffered much for his faith in Christ. Beyond a dramatic shipwreck, prison, beatings, and hunger were part of his daily routine.Then, God set Timothy in his path.The younger man needed encouragement and instruction as the early Church grew. Paul stepped in to mentor him. He not only helped Timothy with practical church matters, but he encouraged him to stay strong in the Word, and to rely on God solely.More than likely, you have a Timothy heading your way. Or maybe a Tina! Whoever it is, resolve in your heart to be everything they need you to be, and to model iron sharpening iron for them.Stay sharp in the Word, so that your counsel is sound.Keep on the lookout; Timothy is about to cross your path!Let's pray.Lord, prepare me to be the person my own Timothy needs me to be, for as long as he (or she) needs. 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 with being humble, and yielding to God's will? Most of us do. This extends to accepting an iron-sharpening-iron relationship He has set in our path.Yet the benefits are so good for us.Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”Make no mistake, God sets people in our path for a reason. That Bible teacher in your church might have words of wisdom for you from her rich and varied life. Be open to that.If you are in fellowship with a mature, older believer, let him or her walk with you on your journey. Learn from them. Ask questions. Learn to be vulnerable.The benefits and outcomes will be richer than you can imagine. This is especially true when someone points out areas you can do better in. Not fun, but that is the essence of iron sharpening iron.And it's good for you.Let's pray.Lord, help us be open to the leading of your Holy Spirit when encountering someone who could mentor 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 Bible is full of wonderful analogies. One of the best is found in Proverbs, which paints a picture of godly mentoring and accountability.Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”The idea is that as pieces of iron are drawn against the other, each piece becomes sharper. A further application is made in Hebrews 4:12, which talks about Scripture as being a double-edged sword, and it is with His Word that we are to sharpen each other.The goal is mutual accountability and imparting wisdom for living.As author Michelle Lazurek has written: “As the body of Christ, we forget that part of our job is to sharpen other brothers and sisters in Christ so that the flame in their hearts, put there by the Holy Spirit, continues to burn.”Although the “iron sharpens iron” analogy is often used to describe the relationship between men, the application is relevant for everyone who believes. Even at this moment, there are millions of women mentoring girls, sharpening their wisdom in the Lord!Let's pray.Lord, you have given us wonderful relationships that help us grow. We thank you for this great gift. 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, and 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 have you 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 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.

One of the richest gifts God has given us is healthy relationships. A marriage in balance, friends who mutually respect each other, and most of all a strong “God connection” can be the ticket to a healthy, whole life. The full life that Jesus spoke about!Hebrews 10:24–25 says, “And let us consider how to spur one another to love and to good works. Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but let us exhort one another, especially as you see the Day approaching.”With the fast pace of life, sometimes we forget to squeeze all the gratitude we can out of a great relationship. Remember to regularly tell the people in your life how much they mean to you, and to give thanks to God for sending these loved ones your way. Write them a note, even a text, to tell them just what they mean to you.Let's pray.Lord, it's not about the number of relationships we have, but the quality. Thank you for giving people who are loyal, and love us in return. Encourage us to love others in word, and in deed. 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.

God's Word shares powerful wisdom for dealing with harmful relationships. A damaged marriage, child-parent relationship, or friendship gone bad can cause us to spiral downward. Everything is affected. Work, sleep, even our prayer life. When a relationship sours, it's important to remember we bear responsibility for doing everything possible to nurture healthy relationships. Our prayer life and resolve can go a long way toward repairing the damage.When King David's advisor, Nathan, saw what sin had done to David's life, he confronted him. It must've been difficult for Nathan to be this honest with the king about his personal issues, but things got better. Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” Commit yourself to healing in a bad relationship. With God's help, it can be done. Let's pray.Lord, there is so much hurt in this world, and none of us gets out without some trouble. If we've hurt someone, or if someone has hurt us, please put a burden on our hearts to go to that person in a spirit of love and peace, seeking to make things right. 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.

God created humans with a spirit, soul, and body. And in order for each aspect of our being to function in harmony, our relationships should also be in harmony.From the beginning, God walked with Adam and Eve in the garden, talking with them and nurturing a personal relationship with them. In fact, throughout the scriptures, God built foundational relationships, whether it was with the reluctant leader Moses or Hannah, the woman who wanted to be a mother more than anything. Ephesians 4:2–3 says, “Be completely humble and gentle. Be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the spirit of unity through the bond of peace.” Right relationships are foundational to life. The Bible is clear that if one of ours is suffering, letting it drift is not an option. Make living in harmony with other people a top priority every day.Let's pray. Lord, you gave everything for us, created us to have fellowship, to experience your love, and to love you in return. Help us to always be mindful that life is short, but relationships can last for eternity. 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.

Who do you put your faith in?In the 1930s, as war approached in Europe, the British loved their monarchs. The royal family has been beloved for generations, and King Edward the 8th was ready to take his place on the throne after the death of his father.The people loved the dashing young king, and he seemed to enjoy his role.Then he fell in love.Falling in love isn't a bad thing, even for kings, but Edward loved an American woman who was divorced. In royal society, that just wasn't done. So, in an amazing decision, Edward abdicated! He left the throne less than a year after assuming power.1 Timothy 1:17, “All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.”Earthly kings come and go, but Jesus Christ will never abdicate. He will never abandon His duties. In fact, His famous sacrifice on the cross would not have been offered by any earthly king.It was too costly.Put your faith in the eternal King today.Let's pray.Lord, we have confidence in you that you will never abandon us. Thank you for your eternal love and that of your Son, Jesus. 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 Genesis describes the beginnings of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the book of Revelation finishes the story.Revelation 19 tells us that a descendant of Judah, Jacob's son, will one day come and rule the whole world. And He will be unlike any other king in history.1 Timothy 1:17, “All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.”This verse tells us that the role of the greatest of all kings belongs to Christ alone. The image of a lion, with its sleek coat, fierceness, and strength, best describes Jesus as ruler over all.He will preside over an eternal kingdom, one that has no end and no boundaries. This picture of our great King is one we can hold fast to and believe in. One day, King Jesus, that strong lion, will even put away all dangers that threaten us.That is an amazing thing to look forward to. And it has been promised to us.Let's pray.Lord, your lion is coming to defeat evil and put away death and suffering forever, and we greatly look forward to that. Thank you for keeping your promises. 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 the Bible, we read of family records that were the original genealogy sources! People knew where they came from, knew their kin. The 12 tribes of Israel were first outlined in Genesis, and from these 12 came an entire nation.Even Jesus came from somewhere!One of the Bible's patriarchs, Jacob, had a son named Judah. The father calls the son a lion's cub, and blesses him. Judah is told he will have favor in the family.1 Timothy 1:17, All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.It is from this family of Judah that Jesus would come. There is even an interesting prophecy about this in Genesis 49; you should read it sometime.In fact, Jesus was born into the tribe of Judah, and so symbolically, He becomes the “Lion of the Tribe of Judah,” and will return one day to Earth as a conquering King, the greatest one of all time.The very name, the Lion of Judah, carries with it power and mystery. How thankful we are that it is Jesus's name.Let's pray.Lord, we love you for many reasons. We love you and thank you that the things you tell us will happen do in fact take place. 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 heard of the legendary English king, Arthur? An iconic figure in history, he led a defense of his country against Saxon invaders around 1,500 years ago. He has also been immortalized in literature.Only one problem: we don't know if he actually existed.We certainly don't know where he's buried.And it's a sure thing that King Arthur, if he lived, wasn't history's greatest ruler.1 Timothy 1:17, “All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.”The Bible tells us that the Creator God is the ruler overall. He is the great King, seen on Earth as Jesus Christ, who will come again one day as a conquering King.Although other kings achieved legendary status, Jesus is no myth. The most documented figure in history, He waits for the right time to restore righteousness and perfection to our world.We long to see Him!Let's pray.Lord, you are indeed our great King, righteous and perfect in all your ways. 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 know who Jesus is? Do you really understand His identity?We know from the Bible that He is many things: a child, a carpenter, a leader of men. We know that He is our Savior, the One who went to the cross to take on our sin.He is also our King.1 Timothy 1:17, “All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.”In this letter to his young friend, Paul emphasized to Timothy that Jesus has dominion over everything and everyone. That's because Jesus knows exactly what needs to be done in every situation.While His earthly characteristics and roles give us some picture of Him, it is the picture of Him as King that best describes Him. God the Father has made Jesus Lord overall, and in Him we find true peace.Have you ever felt safe because you knew your dad or mom was in charge and would do everything right?We have that confidence in Jesus times infinity! He is our great and good King, forevermore.Let's pray.Lord, you have set Jesus aside as unlike anyone else, ever. You have placed kingly robes and a special crown on His head. Thank you for sending your Son for our sake. 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 the dark days of mid-20th-century Europe, a lone German decided to make political waves. His choices put his own life in grave danger.Oskar Schindler was a businessman with factories in countries occupied by the Nazis. Jews everywhere were being shipped like cattle to extermination camps. Some of Schindler's employees were in danger.What did he do? He saved over a thousand of them by keeping their names on a list of employees necessary to conduct business. By war's end, he had spent his entire fortune bribing officials to look the other way while his workers remained in their jobs.Oskar Schindler took that road less traveled that we've heard about.Mark 16:15 says, “He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'”In another life-and-death matter, for much higher stakes, Jesus has called us who love Him to share the Good News of His sacrifice with others. Sometimes this will place us in danger. Sometimes we will lose friends and alienate family.None of that matters. All that matters is that lost people who have no other hope for escape will rely on what we tell them about our King.Let's pray. Lord, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross has given us eternal life. Please keep giving us opportunities to reach others with this Good News. 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 a believer, have you noticed that it's often easier to stay in God's will when you're at home? At work, it can get a little dicey. It's at work that people see us, and our decisions can have such impact. Not being in God's will in that setting can be catastrophic.Romans 8:31 tells us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”Terry Looper is the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar company. Once, he was negotiating a sale and was at the finish line when he realized he hadn't sought God's will in the matter. He stopped, prayed, and read the Word for discernment. And he was shocked to find that he wasn't supposed to sell at all!Looper learned his lesson. Being in God's will in every area of our lives is the key. It's great to be godly and led by the Spirit sitting in your den with a Bible open. But it's not less important to be led by the Spirit in the boardroom, or on the floor of the plant where you work.People see you. They see what we do. If we want to be sure success finds us, we'd better make sure we're looking in the right place.There are no shortcuts to fully being in God's will.Let's pray.Lord, you bless us in every area of our lives. Thank you for being on our side, all the 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.

It's no accident that Jesus chose as some of His apostles a group of fishermen from Galilee. These were men who could understand Him when Jesus told them He would make them “fishers of men.” He meant, of course, that they would share the Good News about Him with everyone they came in contact with.And that's exactly what each of them did, for the rest of their lives!John 7:38 says, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”Fishing requires patience and a feel for your surroundings. The men Jesus picked were steady and used to adapting to shifting opportunities. They were perfect for the work He gave them to do.Just as Jesus knew what His disciples were suited for in order to build His Kingdom, He also knows exactly the purpose He has for you. You are invited to flow into the River of Life He has created, in order to see the Kingdom grow.Others will see the life flowing from within you, if you're willing to follow God.Let's pray.Lord, you invite us to participate in the beautiful future you've planned for people everywhere. Help us be willing to look for those fishing opportunities. 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 visited a construction site, or maybe lived near one?A construction site is a unique kind of mess. Dirt and mud mingle with piles of wood, shingles, and other building materials. Utility flags poke up from the ground like man-made weeds. Trampled grass and dirty sidewalks give further evidence of the work at hand.Eventually, what began as an empty field will grow into something more: a business, a medical facility, or a home.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.'”Sometimes, in the midst of building our lives, we look around and see only chaos: Our relationships aren't as blissful as we hoped. Our career isn't following the upward path we planned. Our health or finances or life circumstances are a mess, and we wonder why our best-laid plans didn't result in the stable, structured life we wanted.God does some of His very best work in the midst of our biggest messes, if we invite Him in, and step back to let Him work in our lives.Let's pray.Lord, what we see as unworthy, undesirable, and impossible—you see as beautiful, lovable, and filled with potential. We invite you to be the master architect for our lives, and to bring a sense of order to our days and our circumstances. 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.

Scores of people today, even in many of our churches, walk around aimless. They work their jobs and take care of their families, but they struggle to understand what it is that God wants them to do.He's told us! As with every other situation, His Word speaks directly to our circumstances.Micah 6:8 says, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”The Lord requires of us that we have the mind of Christ. That we aim for showing justice and mercy to those we encounter. And notice: we are to love doing these things, not just go through the motions. And finally, we are to remember to be humble. There's only One Who is perfect, and that is the Father. In our present state, we are to emulate the qualities that caused His Son Jesus to turn the world upside down for good.If you ever wonder what your purpose is, start with these awesome words from the prophet Micah.Let's pray.Lord, help us to keep in front of us at all times the simplicity that is in Christ. He shows us 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.

It's been said that grace is simply favor from God, and we didn't do anything to earn it. Often, grace comes when we need it the most. The word grace is used about 170 times in the Bible. Most of those occur in the New Testament as the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ unfolds. His sacrifice for all of us, dying on the cross for our sins, was the backdrop for a lot of other moments in grace He gave to those He came in contact with.Jesus perfectly understood that there's a lot of suffering in the world. Those poignant moments when He stooped to heal a person in distress, or when He unlocked the emotional chains of people like Zacchaeus and Mary Magdalene—that is supernatural grace. Grace is a moment in time when the living God intervenes in someone's life. We often hear stories of people being surprised by grace. It arrives when they least expect it, but is really needed. James 4:6 says, “But he gives us more grace.” That is why scripture says, “God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.”What we learn about grace from the Bible is that although God is the originator, we are also capable of giving grace. Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive? Maybe that person is badly in need of that forgiveness. Swallow your pride and give that grace. There are many more ways to give grace. That family in your church that is struggling financially. Can you find a way to discreetly help them out? That kind of grace can be just the boost people need to rise above their circumstances. Some people are prideful, but the truth is, all of us need God's grace. We need it for the duration. So, think about that the next time a grudge or stubborn pride is blocking you from being a blessing to others. One day you might just find yourself on the other end of that situation. Let's pray. Father God, you are so good to us, all the time. If we stop and think about the unmerited favor you give us each day, amazing. Help us to keep this in mind as we find ways to pay it forward in our daily walk. 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.

Jane was the last child to receive a handmade blanket from her great grandmother. Pink and blue, festooned with angels and sprinkled with stars that sparkled in the light, the much-loved blanket was the little girl's constant companion.This childhood treasure became even more important when Gramma Ann passed away — a reminder of her love for her family, and her faith in God.Jane's blanket kept her warm in sickness and in health, but the washing machine proved its eventual undoing. One day, the last remaining fragment of Gramma Ann's very last blanket was lost.Ephesians 2:8–9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”A few years after the remaining bit of Jane's ‘Gramma Ann Blankie' was lost to time (but not to memory), her mom stumbled across the best yard sale find of all time: the very same blanket, likely created from a quilting kit, in brand-new condition. Jane and her mother cried together right there in a stranger's driveway, certain that Gramma was smiling down on them from Heaven in that moment of discovery. It was the best two dollars the pair ever spent.Grace can show up when we least expect it—even in the form of a long-lost family heirloom returned to us in the unlikeliest of ways.Let's pray.Lord, your grace is a constant delight. You are faithful to us when we seek Your face, and Your gift of grace shows up in incredible ways. 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.

Theresa Rosenthal had a rough start in life. She watched her father abuse her mother, and then when she was six, a family friend sexually abused her. Like so many that suffered at the hands of a predator, Theresa pushed the pain down into a secret place, and for decades, she battled with depression and substance abuse. Finally, one day she was sitting in front of her house and just blurted out to God, “What am I supposed to do?”Within 24 hours, she had a Bible from a new friend who reached out to her, and even though some of Theresa's bad choices would land her in jail, her friend and that Bible, were constant sources of healing. Today, she's a member of a loving church, and she tells anyone who will listen about God's grace in her life. Daniel 4:2 says, “I thought it good to declare the signs and wonders that the most high God has done for me.” Too often we are too tribal. We think God only works in our circles, but the fact is, God has always been the definition of inclusive. The Bible makes it very clear that God's grace is available to anyone in all times and places. Matthew 5:45 is a very interesting verse that illustrates this. It says, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” That's fascinating. What might seem unusual or even unjust to us is routine for God. Because God takes the long view. He knows that our lives on Earth are brief. So, if he gives grace to a bad person, he's thinking of that person's eternal place. And let's face it, there are plenty of times in our lives that we didn't deserve grace. But he gave it anyway. In God's economy, a Babylonian brickmaker from 3,000 years ago is as valuable as you are. Theresa Rosenthal was warmed by that grace at a time when she was doing drugs and spiraling into depression, and she had no ability to improve her life. And that's the point of grace. God gives it to a variety of people and circumstances. And life would be unbearable without it. Let's pray. Father God, your grace sustains us, in bad times and in good times, and we might take our focus off you. Sometimes that grace is almost unseen. We might not be aware of it until years later when looking back gives us insight. Thank you for giving us what we don't deserve. 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.

“Mom—I broke something! I'm so sorry!”Benjamin had slipped on the wet bathroom floor and managed to take down the shower curtain and curtain rod in one fell swoop.His mom's concern wasn't the state of the shower curtain, but whether the broken something was an arm or leg. Thankfully, her son wasn't hurt, and fixing the curtain was a lot easier than mending a broken bone. A reassuring hug from Mom was all the boy needed to mend his hurt pride.None of us are perfect, whether we're 8 years old or 80. Slips and trips happen in life, and beyond accidental mishaps, we also slip up and sin, making choices that disappoint the Lord and send us on a detour from the path He has planned for us. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”God loves us dearly, and while our sin makes Him sad, He is ready and willing to forgive us; we only need to ask Him to. God's love for us is so deep He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for our sins because He knew we'd need forgiveness. That's amazing grace!Let's pray.Lord, you love us even through our imperfections. God, thank you for the incredible gift of your forgiveness. 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 thought much about grace? We hear the word, but the concept itself might be a little elusive. That might be because it's hard for humans to understand and embrace.Grace means simply that someone gives you something with no strings attached. Just for your good.Ephesians 2:8 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”The Bible tells a simple story, really. Mankind sinned and brought evil into the world. God made everything, so He has the right to set the rules. And in His system, sin cannot be tolerated. He made a way for us to be reconciled to Him, through His son, Jesus Christ.Often, we try to do things to help life along. We plan, plot, and come up with programs and agendas... Our own ideas seem like the right thing to do.But God's way is always the right thing to do. Setting aside our own ego is key to finding peace in Christ. We literally don't have to do anything for it. We accept it in faith. That's the gift of God.Let's pray. Lord, in your love for us, you make our path simple. Not always easy, but simple. We thank you for 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.

Have you ever known someone who inherited something of great value from an obscure relative? It happensThe 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.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 simply 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.

No one is immune from burnout. It comes in our jobs, friendships, and even our church life. Sometimes our hobbies become dry and tediousBut 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 will find everything you need and want in the person of Jesus Christ.The living water He offers is perfect, and the supply is limitless.Jesus is the well that never runs dry.Let's pray.Lord, you are calling to 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.

Jesus has great compassion for everyone. Especially for those society considers unlovable or worth nothing.One day, He stopped by a well and had a conversation with a woman who had been married five times. When He spoke to her, He knew she was now living with another man. Yet Jesus spoke to her in a way that let her know He valued her as a person.He told her that people could drink the water from that well, but again, they would eventually be thirsty. He said to her that the water He gives is a spring welling up inside them, pointing to eternal life.John 7:38 says, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” Do you believe in Him? Have you had your encounter with Jesus? If you are thirsty for a new life, reach out to Him and listen to what Jesus has to say.Your life will no longer be dry and lifeless.New life will flow out of you so that others will notice and want what you have!Let's pray.Lord, much of what the world offers doesn't satisfy us. We need the living water only you can provide. 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.

Researchers have long known that even when exploring new worlds, water is the key to life. Without it, nothing can live.Water is an image used often in Scripture.When Jesus emerged from the River Jordan having been baptized by his cousin, John, He used the imagery to help people understand that by trusting in Him, they would live forever.John 7:38 says, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”Did you catch that? You must believe that Jesus is who the Bible says that He is, the very Son of God. In Him is life, rivers of living water. It is a refreshing experience that has no end, because when we drink water now, we know that eventually we'll get thirsty again.But Jesus has told us in John 4 that whoever drinks from the water He gives them—spiritually—will never thirst.He is talking about eternal life, always new and forever clean and clear.He is inviting you. He stands at the water's edge and waits.Let's pray.Lord, your Word uses powerful imagery to help us see the wonderful things you have for us. Thank you for satisfying the thirst we have for fellowship 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.

It's no accident that Jesus chose as some of His apostles a group of fishermen from Galilee. These were men who could understand Him when Jesus told them He would make them “fishers of men.” He meant, of course, that they would share the Good News about Him with everyone they came in contact with.That's exactly what each of them did for the rest of their lives!John 7:38 says, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”Fishing requires patience, and a feel for your surroundings. The men Jesus picked were steady, and used to adapting to shifting opportunities. They were perfect for the work He gave them to do.Just as Jesus knew what his disciples were suited for in order to build His Kingdom, He also knows exactly the purposes He has for you. You are invited to flow into the River of Life He has created, in order to see the Kingdom grow.Others will see the life flowing from within you, if you're willing to follow God.Let's pray.Lord, you invite us to participate in the beautiful future you've planned for people everywhere. Help us be willing to look for those fishing opportunities. 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.