Kerusso Daily Devotional

If you’re like most people, the more chaotic life gets, the more you need a solution broken down in easy-to-understand concepts.   We’ve been discussing what happens when people move away from God, and the consequences that impact us.   Isaiah 40:31 says, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and...

Does your life feel out of control? Are you experiencing that common feeling of weaving down a busy highway, about to crash?   It’s a metaphor for life that a lot of folks internalize at some point. All of a sudden, what you were sure of isn’t there anymore. You might as well be behind the wheel of a fast car that’s heading into oncoming traffic.   1 Peter 5:7 says, “Give all your worries and care...

There’s a movement in our society for a return to simple living. We might not want to give up all our technology—much of it is wonderful and helpful. But it is true we want to quiet our minds and find some peace. This week we’re talking about the simplest, sweetest truth around: Jesus saves.   With that knowledge in hand, we can all find peace that the Bible says is from another world.   Luke 19:1...

Few of us enjoy chaos. It’s just too...chaotic, right?   The human mind needs order and peace, yet we live in this messy world. Stuff is flying by all the time, and we duck.   Our relationships are a mess, and we have to schedule that root canal...while simultaneously making dinner and cleaning the house.   Is there a way out?   Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the e...

Do you especially need the gift of peace right now? Is your life so busy, you can’t find time to take a breath? There is Good News for you: Jesus already knows.   Luke 2:14 says, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!”   When Jesus ascended to heaven, He told the apostles, “My peace I leave with you.” Because He lives, we know for sure that this peace is available...

It’s kind of fun in those moments when the kids are in bed and the dishes are done, to think about the Big Questions. You know—The List.   Why am I here?   What is the meaning of life?   A question that people from ancient times to now have asked is, why in the world, literally, did God create people? We are a handful, as past generations used to say. We mess up. Sometimes we’re on our way to bein...

Have you ever been in such a dark place that you wondered if God cares about you, or if He even exists? Maybe it’s all some cosmic joke, right?   We’ve all been there. Humans doubt. We doubt ourselves, we doubt product labels, we doubt our kids. We question everything.   But the worst one is trying to figure out where God is in the middle of life’s great difficulties. Sometimes the world is just f...

As humans, we have a tendency to compartmentalize things. It’s in our nature to make lists, and rank priorities, and really box certain things in. We’ve got our work life over here, and our family life over there, and our faith somewhere else.    This can often lead us to confusion about what we’re supposed to do, and when, and where we’re supposed to go. And this confusion extends to our faith. W...

Scores of people today, even many in our churches, walk around aimless. They work their jobs and take care of their families, but struggle to understand what it is that God wants them to do.   He’s told us in His word!   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? T...

Have you ever wondered what your place in this world is?   Of course, you have. That’s the human experience. Alone with our thoughts, we wonder who we even are, and what we’re meant to do. It’s a mysterious journey, but the fog lifts and the way becomes clear when we get to know King Jesus.   Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepar...

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...

Psychologists and self-help gurus will all tell us that a grateful heart and a positive outlook will do wonders for health and relationships. A person with a heart of gratitude will be seen by others who will want to follow, and see what he has going for him.   Such a person is a magnet for sharing the Gospel, and the greatest source of wisdom has much to say on the subject. Dozens of times in the...

Humans tend to see the world from a me-me-me perspective: What can we get out of this situation? How can I benefit from this?   It’s the same with being thankful.   Not that we shouldn’t focus on all that God does for us. That’s important — even critical. But when you think about it, who should benefit most from our gratitude?   The answer is: others.   When we thank others and recognize the effor...

Do you ever feel like life is passing you by, or worse—running right over the top of you?   When we focus on unpleasant circumstances or people, life can really bring us down. And this perspective is a downward spiral—not a place you want to dwell.   Author John Kralik was there, once. A long hike one day led him to an emotional crossroads; and there, he decided to devote the rest of his life to b...

If you’re just starting your day, on your way to work, think about something that will pay off for you down the road.   Are you thankful today?   All week, we’ll talk about what it means to be grateful and thankful for all God has given you and done for you.   Psalm 107:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”   A lot of us are thankful from time to time. Then w...

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...

Have you ever been fooled by someone? Doesn’t feel good, does it?   But the absolute worst is when we fool ourselves. We try to manage some problem on our own, or analyze a situation gone awry.   The Bible has a better way of thinking about it.   Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”   We have to do two things here: give total control to...

The Bible is full of what many would call difficult stories. Some of them don’t make a lot of sense at first. Others seem contrary to what we think should happen.   One such story is breathtaking if we follow it through. It involves a father trusting God more than his own instincts.   2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we live by faith, and not by sight.”   In Genesis, we read about Abraham being instru...

Of all the gifts God gives His children, joy is perhaps the one closest to heaven on earth.   Who isn’t aware just how wonderful it feels to experience true joy? It is as if the Lord has freed a prisoner.   When American POWs returned from captivity in Vietnam, the looks on their faces as they emerged from the planes carrying them to freedom…well, no one will ever forget that!   Psalm 16:9 says, “...

When trouble is on the horizon, it can be hard to trust in God’s promises, and to believe He has a plan for us.   The book of Judges in the Old Testament gives us an awesome example of trusting God in the story of Gideon.   God called Gideon to lead Israel into battle with the Midianites, who had a sizable army of 135,000 men. Gideon gathered an army of 32,000 men to battle with the Midianites, bu...

In an age of technology booms and information-sharing, it’s amazing how lonely we’ve become. Everything and everyone is connected, but does all that 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 beauti...

This week we’ve been talking about loneliness. We've discussed the difference between being alone and feeling lonely, ideas for getting rid of the feelings of loneliness, and how even the greatest leaders in the Bible experienced loneliness.   You may be thinking, “Well, this is great, but I’m a bit of an introvert, I like to be alone. But why do I feel this lonely feeling sometimes? How can...

When the Apostle Paul was under house arrest in Rome, he wrote to the church at Philippi, a wealthy city on an important trade route. The citizens there had little need of any outside help, but Paul’s wisdom alerted them that trouble comes to every life.   He had suffered many hardships as he preached the Gospel through the Roman Empire. Paul knew very well what poverty and loneliness were.   Phil...

It’s been said that being alone and being lonely are two different things.    Being alone is not necessarily bad, and can often be a blessing. The Bible says Jesus would withdraw to desolate places to pray from time to time. Feeling lonely, though, especially for extended periods of time, is usually not good. Not good for the soul.    To spot the difference, be intentional about self-awareness.   ...

This week, we’re talking about loneliness.    That song, Are You Lonesome Tonight by Elvis was a mega hit. And it’s been around a long time. Why? Because it’s a universal story. Everyone gets lonely sometimes.    God knew we’d battle loneliness. He knew our world would present a crazy number of challenges, and that’s why He spends so much time in His Word reassuring us of His love and commitment t...