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In Christ, we experience peace that is so remarkable, it isn't naturally part of this world. As we think about the power forgiveness has for us and others, let's think about how forgiving someone lifts a huge burden off our minds. Matthew 5:23–24 says, “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First, go and be reconciled to your brother, then come and offer your gift.”Notice that God is aware how we think. This passage from Matthew describes a very interesting trait that is often overlooked. The person who has come to worship God cannot properly do that, because he remembers there's trouble in his relationship with his friend. We just can't let it go. God is telling us here to take care of this spirit of unforgiveness first, then come back for worship. Refusing to do things in this order only diminishes our time with God. Jonathan Draper has written about this problem of holding onto grudges, and he specifically says that having a forgiving spirit allows us to grow closer to God. This is the number one benefit of forgiveness.Tony Roberts is an Indiana pastor and relationship expert. In a conversation he had with a young woman impacted by a negative relationship, he asked for her top emotional health benefits that come from forgiving. She said, “It impacts emotional health, in that if you don't take care of you, nobody will.”Taking care of you is forgiving and forgetting that person for trespassing against you. Forgetting isn't the most important part, but it's definitely one of the most challenging. And if they don't happen, you will lose yourself. Now, think about that. God has promised to walk with us through our trials, and those include cycles of unforgiveness. It's critical to our emotional well-being that we forgive, so that we begin the process of looking after our own emotional health. Letting go of bitterness is an important first step.Let's pray. Father God, you intended for us to live in harmony, so that our physical bodies and our emotional selves would be in sync. And when that doesn't happen, we need your help to strike the right balance. Please walk with us in divine health. Let us come to a place where we embrace 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.

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 we think 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. God, 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.

Is there someone in your life whose forgiveness you need? Legendary cowboy actor Roy Rogers said something profound. He said that sometimes it hurts to do the right thing, but afterwards, you'll feel better. When it comes to forgiveness, this certainly applies to choosing to forgive someone who has wronged you. But have you considered that it can be even tougher to ask for someone's forgiveness? Humans hate to fail, and most of us hate looking foolish. It hurts. Maybe you've hurt someone recently, or maybe the hurt happened a long time ago, and it just festers.Luke 6:37 says, “Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven.” Brenda Blakely knows all about this. The daughter of an alcoholic father, she resented both her parents for years. One day though, she realized that she had internalized her anger so much that it in turn targeted her mother. Brenda called her one day and began pouring out her heart, acknowledging that her bitterness had caused her to be difficult growing up. It was a painful revelation. Yet at the end of the call, her mother's heart was moved. She said to Brenda, “I forgive you, and please forgive me.”Choosing to ask for forgiveness might literally be the hardest thing you ever have to do. Maybe you're not there yet, but keep your mind and your heart open. The end result will be well worth the wait, and think of the person whose forgiveness you're asking. Remember the words of Corrie Ten Boom, who nearly died in a Nazi extermination camp. She said this, “To forgive is to set the prisoner free and to realize that the prisoner was me.” Let's pray. Father, our sinful human nature rebels against humbling ourselves and asking for forgiveness, but give us this practical thing, Father, to be objective and really examine ourselves to see if we've hurt someone and never made amends. Help us move towards reconciliation. 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 most corrosive elements in the human character is unforgiveness. Bitterness and fighting in relationships is really a drain. Physically and emotionally, we're simply not wired to survive long-term problems in this area. According to Dr. Michael Berry, 61% of cancer patients have forgiveness issues. And Dr. Karen Schwartz of the Johns Hopkins Hospital confirms that the hurt and disappointment associated with forgiveness issues can spike incidents of heart disease, depression, and diabetes. On the other hand, forgiveness calms stress levels, leading to improved health. The Bible tells us that we can make the decision to forgive when someone wrongs us. In Colossians 3:13, we read, “Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember the Lord forgave you so you must forgive others.” Did you notice that? We should basically cut each other some slack. We all fail, but making a choice to let it go, especially with an individual, will benefit everyone. Your own stress will melt away. It's like a gift you can give yourself. In a Focus on the Family article by Rose Sweet, we find this key piece of wisdom that can unlock our inability to forgive: “Forgiveness is returning to God the right to take care of justice. By refusing to transfer the right to exact punishment or revenge, we are telling God we don't trust him to take care of those matters.” So, you see, it's not really so much about the person who wronged you, it's more about your refusal to let God handle it. By doing that, by letting God handle it, taking that critical step, we can step into the freedom that God had waiting for us the whole time. Your physical health will improve, but that pales in comparison to the improvement in your spiritual health. Let's pray. God, an unforgiving spirit is so hard to carry. Help us see daily that we can choose to forgive just like you chose to forgive 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.

Even though most U.S. homes have at least one copy of the Bible, few know what's in it.There are all sorts of things: wisdom for living, history, spiritual food. It's the Bible's practical value that hooks most people who read it. The Bible says a lot about money, how to raise kids, and even how to strengthen your marriage.It also tells us a lot about forgiveness. Forgiveness is mentioned dozens of times in the Bible. In Genesis 33, Esau forgives his brother Jacob's treachery in stealing his birthright. And the most famous example is the forgiveness Jesus chooses on the cross, as His accusers and executioners mock Him. Think about how hard that was! It gives some perspective on our own situations in life.When you think about it, the entire theme of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation is one of forgiveness. Man chose to bring sin into the world and defy God's perfect plan. Yet God didn't leave us in that state. He made a way for our sins to be put away forever. Jesus Christ became the vessel through which forgiveness could be extended on an epic scale.One of the most difficult passages in all the Bible is found in the New Testament. Matthew 5:43–45 says, “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor' and you hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven.”In the here and now, is there anything more difficult than forgiving a mocking enemy?There are people in the world who delight in making others miserable their whole lives. But Jesus is telling us forgiveness is possible. The key is when we take the long view. We must mentally and emotionally take ourselves out of the pain we're experiencing right now. Think of the future. Begin imagining the most wonderful healing that can take place between enemies.That's what God did for us. The Bible tells us He is holy and cannot look on sin. Yet in Genesis Chapter 3, God began the process of grace. In the Gospels and in Paul's letters, we see Him continuing to be patient with us. And then in Revelation, the long view: God takes our acts of forgiveness and makes a powerful, redemptive new world. And we can look forward to that.Let's pray.Father, thank you for having mercy on us in every way. Sometimes we need to forgive someone, and sometimes the shoe is on the other foot. Help us to read your Word and act on your commands to forgive. Especially when it hurts. 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 for 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'll 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—yourself—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.

Have you ever watched a war movie and realized that the actors didn't know how the conflict would turn out? World War 2 movies are like that. When they filmed “Casablanca,” Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman weren't sure whether the Germans would win or lose.Life can be like that.Matthew 28:20 says, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”In your own life, you might be facing some really serious stuff. And it's not unusual to be staring at several problems at once. That's when God's Word is so valuable to us. Jesus has promised us that He will stick right with us all the way through. Human friends often go a long way with us—but only Jesus is sure to never, ever leave us.That's the best way to beat the uncertainties of life. Tell Jesus you can't make it without Him.It's then that the future no longer scares us at all.Let's pray.Lord, we don't know a fraction of what you do, including what our future looks like. We do know that we can trust you, and we thank you for that. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Living life as though your cup is brimming over isn't a matter of circumstance. It's a matter of choice. Psalm 23:5 says, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows.”God promises bountiful blessings when we follow Him, but what about when times are tough? Nowhere does the Bible suggest we should wallow in misery when things don't go our way. Instead, we should slow down enough to count and savor every blessing, even when goodness is harder to find.Kristi Nelson, executive director of gratefulness.org, says this about gratitude, “I think gratefulness is about understanding that in each and every moment that we notice we are alive, we are succeeding in creating a life that hovers vividly at the brim. Because, in the end, it is all about the glass, not what is in it.” Let's pray. Lord, thank you for the blessings that you pour out on us. Not because we've earned your favor, but because you love us sacrificially. Give us an attitude of gratitude beyond 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.

Today, we're talking about grit and determination, which go a long way in helping find success in life. And they're contagious.Winston Churchill was almost 70 when his country needed him most, when he stared down Hitler's war machine. The British Prime Minister's signature line was, “We shall fight on the beaches,” but the essence of his message came with these words, “We shall go on to the end.” Luke 18:1 says, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” And it is a partnership because God keeps His word. Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”There's a great practical application in scripture. These old words that are always new were not meant to be just some nice thing to say. God does what He says he will do. If you feel like you have no way out of your troubles today, tell God that. Remember the scriptural promises and remind yourself that countless people have done the same and come out okay on the other side. Don't give up, and see what the Lord will do. Let's pray. Lord, we give you our fear and our uncertainty. We can't cope with the situation we're in alone, but we trust you to give us strength not to quit. We believe for the victory over these circumstances, and God, we find rest in your mercies. 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.

Games and sports aren't real life, but they often give a pretty accurate picture of how we can choose to face life. Imagine that your profession is on a national stage. You have the ball with less than two minutes to go, and your team is behind. Standing behind center and looking out at the defense, how many of us could even think? Then, imagine throwing the ball with any kind of accuracy, knowing you have to win the game.Most of us would be scared to death!Psalm 23:4 tells us, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”When we believe in something greater than ourselves—whether a close-knit team or better yet, the God of the universe—fear tends to leave. Just leave. Get away from me! If you are feeling terrible pressure right now and don't know what to do, stop what you're doing and get by yourself. Pray to the Lord that He will help you and show you the way.That's the true path to victory, and the best way to assure the win. Let's pray.Lord, we can't do it by ourselves. We need your Spirit in us and your strength every second of every day. Thank you for never leaving 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.

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 “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 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.

Love is in the air, as they say, and that is our topic this week. Love can be a broad term, but we want to refine it for our time together—at the same time, we are preoccupied with cards, gifts, and candy hearts.1 Corinthians 13:4–5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”If we're honest, that definition—God's definition, really—is pretty different from much of how the world sees love. In real life, it can be complicated, stressful, even brutal. Broken relationships devastate lives.But those of us who know Jesus know that our mission is to love like Him. Loving like Jesus takes the complications out of relationships.If you are sorting through what love means to you, would you consider for the next few days what it means to love with the pure love of Christ? Paul's words in 1 Corinthians require something of us, and that is a key we will continue to explore.Make someone else the priority this week, and not yourself.Let's pray. Lord, your perfect love has sustained us always. We love you in return! 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 hurt in a relationship? If you've been alive very long at all, the answer is an obvious “Yes!” Reality has shown us that love can be the most wonderful feeling ever…or it can be ugly and brutal. It can feel like your heart has been run over by a truck.We're talking about loving like Jesus, and as usual, His Word unlocks the secrets of our hearts and shows us the way to healing.1 Corinthians 13:4–5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”Frankly, each of us is supposed to love like this. But just briefly, let's focus on you. Why? Because it's okay to do that if you understand that Jesus loves you and wants all the best for you.Has someone hurt you in a relationship? Is marriage or romance a challenging topic for you? Then please meditate on Scripture and realize that Jesus wants a partner for you who is patient, kind, and honors you. Oh — and he or she doesn't take frustrations out on you, either.Use that as your starting point over whether to stay in a relationship or open your heart to new opportunities.Let's pray. Lord, help us to be mindful of your desires for us in the area of relationships. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

When it comes to love, the secular world has plenty to say. Turn on the television, radio, or explore the internet, and you'll find advice on every type of relationship, from friendships to getting along with your parents, and of course, advice on romantic relationships. People are clamoring to figure love out…but what does the Bible say about love?1 Corinthians 13:4–5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”Love isn't about control or about protecting our own interests. It's not about winning, because true love doesn't keep score. God's Word gives us a beautiful picture of what love can be when we seek to follow the Lord: patient, kind, selfless, humble, and forgiving. That's the kind of love we should strive to build with family, friends, and a potential mate.If we want to take Paul's wisdom in Corinthians to heart, we must first think about what the other person needs in our relationships. And you know, if you practice this model, you'll find that soon enough, your own needs will be met, too! Pure love has a ripple effect.Let it wash over you!Let's pray. Lord, your relationship to us is perfect. Help us love as you love. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

In an age of technology booms and information-sharing, it's amazing how lonely we have become. Everything and everyone is connected, but does all that online connection ever leave you feeling disconnected in real life? Do you feel alone?If you do, you are listening at the right time this week as we are reminded that God's timing is always perfect.Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”Did you catch that? Here, God is talking about and to the individual. He is talking to you. And guess what? He has made you beautiful, a truly unique creation. God has also placed you at the right place in history, right where you are.God made you in His image. His Son, Jesus, went to the cross for you. If you still feel alone after all that, go back and read our verse for today. Read it again and again.Our God loves you so very much. His Word says so directly, again and again. Let that be the backdrop for your day-to-day. Can I get an amen?Let's pray.Lord, thank you for loving each of us infinitely. Thank you for saving 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.

David, the giant-slaying boy who would eventually become king of Israel, is mentioned over 1,000 times in the Bible. The youngest of eight children, David grew to become a powerful king, and some say he was also the original pop star, penning most of the 150 psalms included in the Bible. These songs were the hymnbook for Old Testament Jews, and continue to inspire well-known musical works today, including Leonard Cohen's “Hallelujah.”The 62nd Psalm was written by King David with a goal of reminding himself and others of the Lord's steadfast love. A man of immense power and influence, David wanted to encourage people to continue seeking the Lord and to trust Him with all their endeavors. Psalm 62:5 says, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.”Some scholars see Psalm 62 as a warning: each of us possesses a certain amount of power over our own choices and circumstances, but we should not let our personal authority get in the way of our trust in God. King David had wise and experienced advisors at his side, and he commanded armies that did his bidding at home and abroad. Upon his orders, men could be rewarded or condemned. He certainly wielded a significant amount of power, yet he put his faith and his trust in God. Whether you sit at the helm of a large corporation, you lead a military regiment, or maybe you are the king or queen of your family's castle, let power rest not upon your own shoulders but ultimately with the Lord. Let's pray. Heavenly Father, like King David, we are mere mortals blessed with opportunities, gifted in unique ways, and called to follow you. Let us turn to you with full trust in your plan, and remember the source of all power is you, and not 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.

Since before the world was created, God has had a master plan to deliver people from evil. He cared for us so much that He was willing to endure pain to redeem us. In Acts 14:20, we read about Jesus and the disciples preaching in a city called Derbe. It says that, “Jesus then was busy strengthening the souls of his disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations, we must enter the kingdom of God.” God wants us to know that the journey we are on ends with a destination, and along the journey, we must be prepared to endure hardship for his sake. His compassion for the whole world is summed in maybe the most famous verse in all Scripture, John 3:16, which says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” And that's it. That's the whole point of living this Christian life. It isn't complicated in terms of understanding, but it can be hard to live out. There are currently 7.4 billion people on the planet, and most have not received Christ. Many have not even heard Him yet, hard as that is to believe. There's still a lot of work to be done. 700 years before Jesus, the prophet Isaiah saw God's throne in a vision. And the Lord said there, “Who can we send? Who will go for us?” Isaiah eagerly said, “Here I am. Send me.” This is the willing heart God is looking for. We live in this world with all its misery and beauty, chaos and harmony. We are to share the Good News of Jesus. And if we do that from a willing heart, God is faithful to use our efforts to advance His kingdom. And that is our purpose. Would you pray with me?Father God, your great plan from the beginning is right on schedule. It's always on schedule. We love you. Nothing, and no one, stops you from accomplishing your will. See us through to the end, Lord, that we can accomplish your will for our lives. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Who are you, exactly, that God should know your name, or care to know your story? Have you ever wondered about the answer to that big question?In the great scheme of things, we sometimes feel like ants in an anthill: nameless drones, fetching and carrying, an unremarkable face among the masses.We are so much more than that to the Lord.1 Thessalonians 5:17 says simply, “Pray continually.” Written as a letter to early Christians by the Apostle Paul, this encouraging note doesn't specify that the holiest, worthiest, or only the best among believers should pray without ceasing. God's Word encourages everyone to pray, pray again, then keep on praying.We all sin and fall short of God's glory, but even in our unworthiness, God does not hold us at arm's length; He loves us, and wants us to know Him, and to be known by Him.Prayer is a powerful means of communication that deepens our relationship with the Lord.Who are you, then? Of the 7.9 billion or so people who call this planet home, you are someone God wants to hear from. Imagine that. The head honcho Himself, the Creator of all heaven and earth, the King above all Kings, has invited you to call Him anytime, anywhere.The Lord is only a prayer away, and He is waiting to hear from you.  Let's pray.Lord, how incredible to imagine you know my name. Thank you for your presence, your faithfulness, and for the gift of prayer. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Have you ever known someone who inherited something of great value from an obscure relative? It happens.The will is read by an attorney, and all of a sudden, the beneficiary goes from struggling to pay the rent to needing a financial planner. It can be an exciting time, even disorienting.The only downside to receiving a large inheritance is the knowledge that someday it will run out, or you die and can't take it with you. That's why the Bible's revelations about eternal riches are so much more important.Genesis 31:14 says, “Rachel and Leah said to him, ‘Do we still have any portion or inheritance in our father's house?'”Let's think of this as a parable. A man took the place of another and was executed.He was no ordinary man, though. Only a few days after His death, the will was read.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.

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 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 do it every day.Let's pray.Lord, your will is the thing that drives us on to find our purpose in 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.

A common theme today is that people are just tired of chaos—both public and private. It's exhausting sometimes dealing with bad relationships. Global problems are with us every day. And we wonder when it will end.There is good news for you, though. Literally, Good News.1 John 5:4 says, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”This is a message to us that we don't have to win the war ourselves. We don't have to win a battle. Don't have to take part even in a skirmish. Jesus has overcome it all. If you wonder how this can play out in practical terms, do this:Read this verse several times—First John 5:4. Make the choice to believe it's true. And then just literally sit back and close your eyes for a couple of minutes, and rest in the truth of God's Word.He is telling us that our faith overcomes all setbacks and difficulties. Our faith. Scripture tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for. We might not be able to see the end, but we trust God that He will be standing there.Choose to be a warrior for Christ, and let Him lead. That is what will make the difference.Let's pray. Thank you, Lord, for winning the war already. We worship you alone. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Rebecca knew just what Craig needed when he lost his job. She knew he felt ashamed that his job performance was a major contributing factor. In other words, he had failed in front of people.The hurried goodbyes and awkward pats on the back actually sort of made Craig feel worse. He threw the small box with his personal belongings in the backseat and drove as fast as he could away from the scene.Giving him some space for a day or so, Rebecca called to check on her friend; she had that wonderful quality of not being overbearing, but also sticking with it.After a couple of weeks, the cloud began to lift, and Craig found not only a new job but a new resolve to do his very best and succeed. Rebecca's example of friendship had been a catalyst in Craig's decision to move on in a positive way.Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”A lot of people will love you when you're winning. Everybody loves a winner. It's fun and, honestly, a little self-serving. We can often live vicariously through a friend who's riding high. But a true friend offers encouragement and love no matter what.Are you that kind of friend?Let's pray.Lord, you are our example. We seek to do your will for our lives and contribute to the lives of those we come into contact with. In Jesus' name, 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.

One of the things that marks 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'll 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 yourself 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.

Today in America, two million men and women serve in our armed forces. More than 200,000 of them are deployed to various points around the world.Joshua 1:9 reminds us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”The Lord has told us directly not to be afraid. We aren't even to be discouraged! He's told us through His promises that He'll be with us every step of the way.If we stop and think about the amazing history of this nation, we can see that God has literally been with us every minute of every hour. He was at Yorktown. He dropped a last-minute winning strategy into Chamberlain's mind at Gettysburg. God went with our invasion forces in the Pacific and in Europe during World War 2, because people were enslaved and in need of rescue. He has been with us since the terrible moments of 9/11.Be strong and of good courage today in the land of the free!Let's pray.Lord, your provision for us in all times and all places is wonderful. Thank you for never leaving 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.

For most of us, being humble is easier in theory than it is in practice. Reaching out in Christian Love and kindness often means being a peacekeeper and letting go of the need to be right or to win an argument. God wants us to walk with humility at work, on social media, and at home. When we're frustrated with someone across the table or online, considering the words and deeds of others through the lens of Jesus' sacrificial love for us can bring clarity. Our scripture for today is Ephesians 4:1–3, which says, “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”Let's pray. Lord, we live in a world that praises getting the last word. Being the loudest voice, or the winner of every argument is not your will for us. Bless us with the spirit of humility and guide us in being peacekeepers online and in person. 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.

1 Peter 5:6–7 says, “Humble yourselves, then, under God's mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time. Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.”These two short verses tell us several things: One, if we submit to God's power by acknowledging we can't solve our problems, He is strong enough to intervene and bring about the outcome we really want.Second, He does this in His own time, on His own timetable.Third, we are to leave our problems at His feet. There is nothing wrong with getting an image in your mind where you actually do this and then walk away, your burden lifted.Key in getting on track is recognizing that you might have trust problem. If you've been deeply hurt by, say, a family member, you might subconsciously be failing to trust God himself.And this is a first step in getting free of fear for good.Know that an unburdened mind is not usually gained quickly, or without what we would call maintenance. The only thing predictable about our world is that it's unpredictable. If you think you're going to have one great afternoon and then every day after that is carefree, you're deluding yourself.We've already established that a daily time of prayer, reading your Bible, and focusing on God's love for you is a combination that our enemy can't overcome. Choosing to believe God's Word is practical, and it works. That can't be emphasized enough!Jesus said in John 16:33 that we will absolutely have trouble in our lives, but that He has already overcome the world. This fact will help to keep you on that straight path that will ultimately one day lead to paradise with the One that created you, sustains you, and loves you forever.Let's pray.Lord, having the discipline to daily rely on you is something we often lack. When we focus and concentrate our minds and our hearts on your good gifts, fear leaves and can be replaced with courage and peace. Thank you for providing for all of our needs, 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.

I'm not sure where you're at today. You might be angry at God. Something happened, maybe in your life, that has damaged your faith. If we live in the world long enough, it can happen to any of us.How you respond is really important. If you've listened previously, you know we are talking about how to live by faith.Having perseverance when we're miserable is really, really hard. Don't make the mistake of thinking you're the only one.2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we live by faith, and not by sight.”Really listen to the words: “For we live by faith, not by sight.”That's how we're supposed to live. Not for a few hours or a day or even a season. For life. It's how we're supposed to live. And we don't always cling to what we can see in the short term.Strong faith is built over time. Think back over your life to those times when God met your needs. Big needs! Those were the moments He gave you to prove that His strength is not limited.That's how we walk by faith!Let's pray. Lord, life is a marathon, it's not a quick sprint. God help us to walk by faith, from beginning to 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.

Even during times of calm and security, the honest truth is, there are very few examples of really strong and steady leaders.It's a given then that when times are scary, brave leaders that reassure us are really needed…but really rare!The Bible speaks of one such person.Joshua 1:9 says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”Joshua was an especially passionate and courageous leader. A born leader. God used him during a time the Israelites were ‘going all wobbly,' as a political leader once said.The Israelites had seen it all. A plague in Egypt. An army bearing down on them. Mass hunger. Homelessness for years.But Joshua played it all with a chip on his shoulder. An edge of anger, really that caused him to never be afraid. In his community, he was boss—and everyone knew it. God made him that way.In your own community—your family at home, your church family, a group of scared coworkers—be a Joshua. Be strong and courageous. Set your feet so that your legs don't go wobbly, and then tell your people that God has this.He is with you, wherever this situation goes.Let's pray. Lord, Joshua is our human example of courage. Help us keep others safe and calm in the midst of crisis. 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.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were three young men from Judah who found themselves in a heated situation.They were brought into the court of King Nebuchadnezzar II, and ordered to bow before the king's golden image. The alternative was a one-way ticket to the fiery furnace.The king's command would have been easy for these guys to follow, but their own King of Kings had already commanded them to place no other gods before Him, and to stay away from the evil of graven images. They may have been wary of the king's wrath, but their faith in God was stronger.They replied in Daniel 3:16–18, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter...Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”Rather than violate their commitment to obey God, these men put their lives in His hands. They didn't know whether God would intervene to save them. They knew God could, but they didn't know that He would. Regardless of the outcome, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego chose to live for the Lord, and if necessary, they were willing to die in obedience to the Lord.Romans 14:8 says, “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”As an example of His power, God intervened to spare their lives. Even though He allowed them to be tied up and thrown into the furnace, the blazing heat didn't affect them at all. They walked out unharmed.In the midst of our own challenges, we know God can and does show up for us. He asks us to trust Him with the obstacles we face every day, and even with our very lives.Let's pray.Jesus, it's unlikely anyone will threaten to throw us into a fiery furnace, but sometimes it sure feels like our feet are put to the fire. Remind us to trust you...with every dilemma, every shortcoming, and every situation. We give you our challenges and our lives. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Are you the kind of person everyone looks at and assumes you are strong and you have it all together?You too, huh? Many of us look fine on the outside, but the human condition is often much different on the inside.Proverbs 31:25 says this of a godly woman: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”But the thing is, God did not make us to have a spirit of fear. He never planned for us to suffer from depression or anxiety.Look, life happens. Sometimes we are rocked by circumstances. But God's Word says that we don't stay there. We keep our eyes on Him, and He is our strength. It's not even our job to find the strength to breathe and go about our day!The person who endures a cancer diagnosis isn't doing it on her own. When Christ dwells in you, He takes the burdens and promises that in the end, we will be healed.If you look like a confident statue on the outside, but you're about to lose it on the inside, take time to tell that to Jesus. Give Him your fears and doubts.Let's pray.Lord, we are not in this alone. Your grace is sufficient for all our needs, 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.

A positive in our culture today is that we can admit our shortcomings. In the past, it was sort of taboo to tell the world you were not exactly all together. Back in the day, a “hot mess” usually referred to an overturned pot on the stove.But today, the phrase “hot mess” has a whole new meaning. Our lives are often just a mess.Thank goodness the outcome is not dependent on us.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.”Recognizing that you don't quite have it together is a positive first step to moving beyond your circumstances. But the real key is internalizing the fact that God—not you—saves the day. All we can do is admit our shortcomings and then rest in the knowledge that God has it from here. That's an attitude the Lord will bless. God's got you covered and blessed all at the same time!Let's pray.Lord, you are so good to us. And you have so much more for us than we can even imagine. Thank you for blessing us and not leaving us where we were. 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.

By some estimates, the beloved hymn “Amazing Grace” is performed over 10 million times a year around the world. Imagine not being able to hear this sweet song!Losing the ability to hear, or being born deaf, is unimaginable for many of us who have never experienced hearing loss, but there are some surprising upsides to being differently-abled in this way.Deaf people develop keener senses of observation, touch, taste, and smell to compensate for their loss of hearing. What the hearing world may view as a loss can lead to Sensory Superpowers for members of the deaf community.ASL, or American Sign Language, is an incredibly rich language, and it's the 6th most common language in the United StatesStatistics show deaf people are safer drivers due to their ability to focus on the visual aspects of driving, and actually live longer than hearing people.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.”Sometimes when we lose out on something, God's grace sweeps in to fill up that space with other beautiful blessings in amazing ways.Let's pray.Heavenly Father, sometimes we see differences as stumbling blocks, but your grace tells us otherwise. Help us to be noticers of where your grace shines a light in the lives of those around us, and to embrace the differences we encounter. 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 really angry at someone, and had a tough time letting it go?Maybe a work colleague let you down, or got you in trouble with the boss.Maybe family drama is dragging you down, and there are unresolved hurt feelings.Maybe your spouse betrayed you, and you aren't sure how to move past it.Unforgiveness in our lives is painful, and as believers, it can affect our prayer life, and even our relationship with the Lord.Mark 11:25 says, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”God's amazing grace is one of the most beautiful aspects of Christian belief. He sent His Own Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross in exchange for our sins. We are forgiven because of the sacrifice Jesus made, and have eternity in heaven to look forward to because of that forgiveness.The truth about unforgiveness is it does the most damage not to the party we hold a grudge against — but to ourselves. You can't see it on the outside, but an unhealed wound on our hearts is like a cancer, spreading and growing, and preventing us from experiencing joy to the full.God wants better for us. If you are struggling to forgive someone, give it to God today, and ask Him to help you let it go.Let's pray.Lord, I have a person or situation to forgive that is weighing heavily on my heart, and I need your help. Please give me the strength to forgive and renew my sense of peace. I give you every aspect of this situation. 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 worry you might not measure up?Sam was a fourth grader with a big problem: he left his homework at school, and he was so worried he'd be in trouble with the teacher, he could hardly stand to go to school the next day.In the car on the way to school, Sam's mom explained the concept of grace, asking, “Sam, do you know about the idea of grace? Grace means even if we aren't perfect, the people who care about us can choose to forgive us. I think your teacher will understand about your homework.”Ephesians 2 verses 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.”The concerns on your mind today are probably bigger than a missed homework assignment. Maybe you're struggling in your marriage or experiencing financial distress. Maybe things aren't going well at work, or you are battling addiction, or wrestling with sin.When you begin to worry you are falling short, give it to the Lord. God sent Jesus as a living sacrifice for me and for you, so we could all experience His grace. Grace isn't something we can earn, it's a gift God gives to us, simply because He loves us. And that's truly amazing!Let's pray.Lord, we thank you for your grace and thank you for loving us. We thank you for who you are and all you've done. 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 the 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 and will 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 through our imperfections. 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.

We look for things and stuff to make us happy, don't we? Especially in the United States, where we are blessed with abundance, people from all walks of life look for more and more.That can bring us to an empty place. Spiritually and emotionally…we begin to look in the wrong places. But as we've discussed this week, that spark of joy we look for can be found only in Jesus. Everything else is, yes, clutter.John 16:24 says, “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”This plays out over and over every day. We see this in dramatic ways when a famous person turns from materialism and empty fame and finds Jesus. Someone like that who has experienced uncommon wealth, comes to a place where Jesus must be dealt with.How about you? Are you tired of your empty pursuits? Has the excitement over a new career or a new car worn off? If you're listening and nodding, or maybe you're not even sure, do this today: tell Jesus what's in your heart and what's in your mind. He said to ask.Ask.Receive His joy. Then you'll be complete. You will be uncluttered.He's literally waiting for you to sit down and tell Him all about it.Let's pray. Lord, refresh us and renew us. Clean our hearts and minds. We know you can and will. We receive that! In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

As humans, we tend to have a problem asking for help. I think we can chalk that up to our proud hearts. Often, when we are really up against it, that's when we resist seeking help.Jesus does away with all that.Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”Ask yourself: is my pride keeping me from asking for help? If so, mull that over. And then, take a step toward the Lord and ask for what you need.God opens doors when we ask Him to. And sometimes what we find on the other side isn't what we expected. When that happens, we choose patience. And we remain open to His good plans for us.When you've asked God to help, and prayers are answered, share the Good News with people you meet. Tell anyone who will listen that the Lord of the universe cared about you and delivered you from a problem no one else could solve.And if the answer He gave was totally unexpected and sent you in a different direction—share that, too! Accepting God's plan when it doesn't match up with our own best-laid plans is what faith is all about. Let's pray. Lord, please give us a heart that seeks you. God, we want to be obedient, and we know that your blessings, whatever they look like, will follow. Thank you. In Jesus' name, amen.  Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

It's interesting to watch the outcomes of people who refuse to give in to fear.Many years ago, while America was going through a severe economic depression and a world war, President Roosevelt told Americans that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.Those listening over the radio said later that they felt a great sense of relief just from his words!Psalm 23:4 tells us, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”Our country emerged from a very scary time to become a people determined to embrace the future. Those who survived those dark days were known as the Greatest Generation. And they were, because they decided giving in to fear was not an option. It was a simple choice, honestly. They gritted their teeth and went to work. And prayed like never before.As individuals, we face our own depression and our own wars. And any of us can be overwhelmed by the life-altering decisions we must make. Doing all of that while living in fear is very unsustainable.The Psalmist clearly understood that God would rescue him, and the words that he wrote about it were words of life.Let's pray.Lord, you are great, and your love for us is the only thing that should overwhelm us. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Today, just stop and consider that we're talking one-on-one. We're just talking over coffee. Go with me here. You seem like something is really getting to you. Are you about to give up on something important? If so, please listen—just for a couple of minutes.Luke 18:1 says, “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”Let's think boldly for a second. Whatever your problem is, God can fix it. He can. The Bible is full of these fixes, and so is our present day, when story after story of miraculous rescues shows us clearly that God exists, and that He cares for you as a person.Jesus knows your story, and more importantly, He knows the end of your story.Victory is waiting for you, but you must not give up. Don't give in to that voice urging you to stop. Listen to the voice of Love. Tell Jesus what you need. Right now.Will you pray with me?Lord, this thing hurts so much right now, but we aren't going to give up, because you never give up on us. Thank you for that! In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

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

Year-end stuff is upon us. That includes those infamous New Year's resolutions. And as it happens, the Bible has things to say about how we lean into the near future. Matthew 5:37 says, “Let what you say simply be yes or no. Anything more than this comes from evil.” How many times have we pledged to do something and then followed through? Follow-through is important. Whether it's weight loss, repairing relationships, or embarking on a new career, it's time to actually do what we say we're going to do.If you make a resolution to something positive going forward, remind yourself every hour of every day that you made a promise to yourself, and then meditate on all the ways God has fulfilled His promises to you. Commitment, follow-through, perseverance. It doesn't really matter what you call it. What matters is that personally in our own goals, let our yes be yes, and our no be no. There's nothing wrong with not pledging something that's extremely difficult to achieve. You can start by building on a small goal and then going on to the next, but if you say you're going to do something, do it. Let's pray. Lord, we are going into a new year full of possibilities. Help us to do what we say we're going to do. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Happy New Year! New Year's stuff is beneficial in several things. We make resolutions and we might even stick to some of them. But it's what God does that really matters. He's in the renewal business—making broken things whole again, especially people. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he's a new creation. The old has passed away and behold the new has come.” It's great for us when this involves repaired relationships or even a career boost. Yet this vital truth matters most in our relationships with Him. God fashions relationships that are sustainable over time, and the Gospel is the essence of this truth. If you feel empty, call on Jesus who's ready to make you clean, and take away your guilt and shame. One day He will restore the whole creation to its original, perfect state. But in the meantime, He will look at you with love, put His hand on your heart, and offer you eternity. If you're wondering what the new year has for you, set your sights higher. Think bigger. Step into your future this year with a real sense of who you are in Christ. He's waiting for you to come to Him for the rest you've needed for a long time. The new has come. Let's pray. Lord, thank you for the fresh start that only you can bring. Thank you for wiping off the dirt of the past and helping us see clearly a future that is always new. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Have you ever experienced a power outage? You pull out your favorite flashlight, only to discover the batteries are dead. Bummer, am I right?How about light bulbs? For some reason, they all seem to go at the same time, leaving you in the shadows and looking for that flashlight—you know, the one with the dead batteries!Light bulbs burn out, tires go flat, umbrellas turn inside out on a windy day, and batteries die. Many of the things we use on a frequent basis are designed to be temporary—and sometimes they let us down when we need them most.Lamentations 3:22–23 says, “Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness.”God's Holy Word, the Bible, promises that His compassion never fails. Each day is a new opportunity to experience God's love and benefit from His grace, and His faithfulness to us that will never end. Not because we've earned the Lord's favor—simply because He loves us.Let's pray.Heavenly Father, your mercy is new every morning, and your steadfast love for us is amazing. Thank you for loving us so much, and thank you that we can depend on you, always. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

No one is immune from burnout. It comes in our jobs, friendships, and even our church life. Sometimes even our hobbies become dry and tedious! But in Scripture, God gives us hope for the future.John 7:38 says, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”Jesus is telling us that in Him alone is true life. He is always pointing us to the future, to a time when that dry creek bed will be filled forever.In Revelation 22, He showed John a river flowing with the water of life, crystal-clear and coming from the very throne of God.The whole picture is one of healing and new life. He promises us that this scene will be very real and very permanent! The key is what we read in John 7:38…we must choose to believe! If you long for a new start and a bright future, you'll find everything you need and want in the person of Jesus Christ.The living water that He offers is perfect, and the supply is limitless.Jesus is the well that never runs dry.Let's pray.Lord, You are calling each of us to follow You and let You lead us to a place of perfect paradise. We eagerly look forward to joining You in Your Kingdom. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Beryl Markham could have given up on her aviation dreams after crash-landing in Nova Scotia. But she didn't.Instead, this determined woman became the first person to fly from England to North America. She later said that in order to move forward, we can't stay in the past. In fact, she said, “Leave it the fastest way you can!”This pioneer knew that staying stuck was not inevitable—that we must choose to keep our eyes on what it is we are yet to accomplish in life.Ephesians 4:31–32 says, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”Maybe you're letting some past hurts keep you from your destiny. Don't waste another moment! Your future is waiting on you to turn your eyes to it, and stop staring at a past failure.Leave those past hurts as fast as you can!Let's pray.Father God, we are grateful that you make a way for us to forge ahead and not be limited by the things of the past. Walk with us, always, Father, and bless our efforts. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Well, the gifts have been opened, the wrapping paper taken to the landfill. Leftovers are in the fridge, and maybe you're feeling a little blue, a little depressed. Christmas is over, or is it?2 Corinthians 9:15 says, “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” In the West, we tend to have a letdown when the excitement and rush of Christmas is over, as if at midnight on December 25th, we're ready to go into emotional hibernation.But it doesn't have to be that way. Whether it's something as simple as leaving your decorations up a few extra days, or having a long talk with yourself, you have permission to enjoy Christmas into the foreseeable future. Why not? Whose schedule are we trying to meet when it comes to Christmas?As believers, we have every expectation that the great gift of Jesus Christ is something to celebrate and be grateful for always. If you have this change of attitude, it'll be noticed by everyone. Go ahead, keep Christmas going as long as you want.Let's pray. Lord, we celebrate this season, the birth of Your Son. We worship Him as our great Savior who brought the greatest gift of all. He's changed us, and we thank you in Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

This is the day of days. While the exact day is unknown, what we do know is that 2000 years ago, Jesus Christ came to earth as a child to rescue us from sin. Christmas is a date on the calendar that literally quickens our hearts. Everyone understands the significance of it. It's why hateful people behave differently for at least 24 hours. Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us, a child is born. To us, a son is given. And the government will be on His shoulders, and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” This wonderful passage from Isaiah, recorded 700 years before Jesus was born, speaks, of course, of our Messiah—born there in a damp setting surrounded by farm animals, and a few people who began to understand that they were seeing something extraordinary. Keep Christmas in your heart this year. Today, stop and think about the one who came bearing the gift of gifts just for you. Have a Merry Christmas. Let's pray.Lord, today, we wake up with anticipation. A day unlike other days through the year, we love you for the greatest gift anyone could ever give. The gift of Jesus, the gift of eternal life. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Well, hey—Merry Christmas Eve to you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We'd like to share the Christmas story from Luke Chapter 2, verses 4–20. And just a note, we've made some minor edits for length purposes in this excerpt from the King James version of the story. “Joseph went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be taxed, along with his wife Mary, who was great with child. While they were there, the days were accomplished that she could be delivered, and she brought forth her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. There were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people for unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you: You'll find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God and the highest and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men.' As the angels returned into heaven, the shepherd said to one another, ‘Let us go into Bethlehem and see this thing, which the Lord has made known to us.' They came with haste and found Mary, Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they shared the news with everyone they met, and all who heard it wondered at the things that the shepherd told them. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart, and the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen as it was told unto them.” God bless you and yours this Christmas. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Every December 25th, around the world, happenings are quite different and diverse, place to place. Celebrating Christmas is unique to each culture, but the meaning of it all we share. In Norway, Christmas Eve is the main event with bells ringing at five in the evening, followed by family dinners.In Mexico, Christmas begins on December 16th, and on the ninth evening, Christmas Eve, children walk to the local church to place a figure of the Christ child in a manger.Like nature, God put wonderful color in our world family, and Christmas has its own traditions in diverse places. Yet in each heart, the Christ child is center. Luke 2:4–5 says, “So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth and Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.” Wherever we celebrate, the baby in the lowly manger in Bethlehem calls to us through time. This season, reflect on that special night so long ago, and remember to give extra love to your family and friends. Let's pray. Lord, you love all people everywhere. Help us to do the same as we remember our brothers and sisters around the world at Christmas time. In Jesus' name, amen.  Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Celebrating Christmas with family and friends is a great time of the year, but do we know how all this started? This observance of the holiday? We're pretty sure Jesus wasn't born on December 25th. There are clues in scripture that put the date more in the springtime. In ancient times, the winter solstice occurred on December 25th. Sometime early in the 4th century, the church fathers set the date as the one we now celebrate. Even factoring in the diverse cultures around the world, Christmas is celebrated on every continent close to the same time for everyone. It's pretty much agreed that our present day celebrations have their origins in pre-Christian, Christian and secular festivals, and there's some debate about what is and isn't appropriate.However, for the believing Christian, the season is truly all about the birth of our Savior. No matter where you live or how you choose to celebrate, the scarlet thread of Christ's birth and sacrifice that runs through scripture is the tie that binds. Let's pray.Lord, it has been said that we can keep Christmas in our hearts. We thank you for sending your Son as the ultimate gift to mankind. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.