Kerusso Daily Devotional

There’s a movement in our society for a return to simple living. We might not want to give up all of 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 are 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...

When we as Christians talk about the saving power of Jesus, what exactly do we mean?   In our discussion this week of this all-important topic, are we clear about who Jesus is?   Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”   The facts are that Adam and Eve broke their faith in God by disobeying Him. Some dispute that this even happened in history, or some are ju...

Of the many gods throughout world history, almost none of them seem to care about individuals. They might alter the weather so that crops can’t grow. Or cause some global upheaval.   But only one claims to care about you.   Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”   Isn’t that amazing? The story is that Jesus left His place of royalty in heaven to come to Ear...

As we talk through the Good News of Jesus this week, we must always make it personal. In other words, deciding to believe in Christ is a very personal thing.   We all come from different backgrounds and belief systems. In the end, though, what will you do with the story of Jesus? Do you believe it is true?   Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”   Over and...

One reason people use for rejecting the claims of Christ is that there somehow isn’t enough evidence to prove that the events in the New Testament actually happened. In other words, some say the Bible isn’t true.   We’re talking about the life of Jesus this week. So what is the true story?   Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”   There are more than 25,00...

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...

Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday — it’s an attitude we can choose to fill our hearts with every day.   The Bible shares many examples of gratitude in the midst of challenging circumstances.   Imagine Mary, a young Galilean girl given the news that she was to be the mother of the Messiah. She didn’t panic or protest. Instead, she embraced the news and nurtured the One who would bring healing to th...

The lack of gratitude in our world can be contagious. It’s kind of like a negative “pay it forward.”   How did we get to this place?    Are we too prideful to thank each other, or even to thank God? Too busy? Too self-absorbed, maybe?   As believers, we know life is a rich blessing from God. The clearest path to becoming a person of gratitude is to choose it. If we don’t choose gratitude, we choos...

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

You’ve heard that every good thing comes from God, right? It’s true. He is our example, both of how to live and how to react to others. This week we’re talking about practicing gratitude, and as usual, God shows us the way.   Psalm 107:1 says, "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."   Often, we can become disappointed if we don’t get everything we think we sh...

Humans have a problem asking for help. We can probably chalk it up to our proud hearts.   Often, when we are really up against it, that’s when we resist seeking help.   Jesus does away with all that.   Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”   Ask yourself: is my pride keeping me from asking for help? If so, mull that over....

You’ve heard of heat-seeking missiles. They are weapons so sophisticated that they appear to have a mind of their own. The missile is launched and finds its target and destruction happens.   What if a heat-seeking missile could be used for good? What if one has been launched…in your direction?   Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opene...

The story of the Prodigal Son is one we can all relate to. The Bible tells the story of a brash young man who leaves his home after asking for his inheritance. His loving father complies and let’s just say the son learns some valuable lessons on his travels.   Eventually, he humbles himself and comes home; he needs his father and his family.   It is really a story of Jesus and us.   Matthew 7:7, “...

Have you ever seen the film, “Saving Private Ryan?” If not, it’s about a group of American soldiers sent into enemy territory during World War 2 to find one lost soldier. The order comes from top leadership.   This small group has single focus the whole mission. Eventually—at great cost—they locate him and return him to his loved ones. Much of it is difficult to watch, as we see the incredible sac...

Have you ever hunted and hunted for something, maybe your car keys, and you finally find them? The old saying goes (it’s very unhelpful!) that you find them in the last place you looked. There’s a lot of truth to that, though.   It also is very relevant to our walk with Jesus. Often we work really hard to solve our own problems, then we finally give in and ask Jesus for help.   Matthew 7:7, “Ask a...

On a recent Summer morning, 75 years after he landed in France to help the Allies liberate Europe from Nazi control, Russell Pickett stood at attention as the President spoke.   A private in 1944, Pickett was now receiving the adulation of a grateful nation. He knew firsthand the reality that there is very little glory in war death. Yet here his country was honoring his service in that memorable c...

When we think of bravery and self-sacrifice, we usually think of heroic acts during war. We focus on famous battles and epic outcomes. As we consider what it means to sacrifice for others, it’s fitting that we spotlight a woman who gave up much to save many.   John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."   Florence Nightingale was born into a...

We are inspired by epic war stories. Great battles over time become so epic, they almost seem a part of myth. We put warriors on a pedestal and usually, rightly so. They make it possible for the rest of us to live in peace and freedom.   Have you ever considered there is only one perfect warrior? His name is Jesus.   1 John 5:4 says, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victo...

When Richard Winters stood in the doorway of a huge glider in the pre-dawn over Normandy, France, he thought about a lot of things. The young Army captain was preparing for the invasion of Europe, to free the continent from the Nazis.   He knew one thing first: he couldn’t survive on his own skill.   Proverbs 3:5–6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understandin...

Joshua was called by God to lead the 12 tribes of Israel after the death of Moses. Those were pretty big shoes to fill, and the Lord chose Joshua because he was faithful.   Joshua knew when he called on God in times of trouble, He would answer.   In one powerful example, Joshua asked God to cause the moon and the sun to stand still so that he and his army could continue fighting a difficult battle...

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 purs...

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...

You’ve heard the joke about family gatherings, haven’t you?   If you weren’t related to these people, you’d never see them.   What a horrible punchline, really.   1 Corinthians 13:7 says, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”   God’s world has purpose in everything. Everything.   He gave you a specific family for specific reasons. It’s super easy to be...

When we walk with God, we want to see that our relationships are healthy. It’s part of the command to love one another.   Few things are more heartbreaking than damaged relationships. When those linger, the Body of Christ is weakened. Churches split because of it. Families suffer for it.   Joshua 22:5 says, “Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and s...

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,...