Kerusso Daily Devotional

Part of the joy of being a believer is that we can share the Good News with literally anyone and everyone. And how we share that faith is often critical for the other person’s future. Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” As we share this week about holding fast to f...

Have you ever heard someone recall a tough time and be happy about it? Not often, right?! We all go through stuff we’d rather forget. When tough times hit us without warning, it’s natural to just wish it could all be over --  immediately! Humans are built to run from trouble, and that’s actually our theme this week: How do you grind through when it’s so bad you want to die? Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not...

A lot of us like action movies. If they have a faith theme, even better. The iconic film “Raiders of the Lost Ark” comes to mind. In fact, the wild ride taken by Indiana Jones really typifies what we’re talking about this week: finding the grit to move beyond failure. As he pursues the famous Ark of the Covenant, Jones chases and fights Nazis, and his own doubts. Along the way, his physical and me...

If we’re honest, sometimes as Christians we think things are going to be easy. After all, when Jesus saves you, it doesn’t get any better than that! The joy we feel is genuine, and lasting. But that doesn’t mean we escape this world. Bad things can and do happen. This week we’re talking about having enough grit to get to the glory. Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferin...

Jane was the last child to receive a handmade blanket from her great grandmother. Pink and blue, festooned with angels and sprinkled with stars that sparkled in the light, the much-loved blanket was the little girl’s constant companion. This childhood treasure became even more important when Gramma Ann passed away — a reminder of her love for her family, and her faith in God. Jane’s blanket kept h...

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 obser...

"Amazing Grace" is one of the most recognizable hymns in the English-speaking world. Written almost two and a half centuries ago in 1772, the words for "Amazing Grace" were borne from the heart, mind and experiences of the Englishman John Newton. As a member of the Royal Navy, Newton faced many perils on the open sea. In the midst of a terrifying storm that almost sank the vess...

Keanon Lowe was walking to a classroom to meet with a student. Not an unusual task for the security guard & football coach at an Oregon high school. As he made his way down the hallway, Mr. Lowe spotted a student standing alone and realized something was amiss; the young man was armed with a shotgun, hand on the trigger. What would you do, in a fight-or-flight moment like that? Lowe made a spl...

Do you ever worry you might not measure up? Sam was a 4th 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 peo...

In the last century, a 4’10” woman from England answered the call of God to become a missionary in China. Her accomplishments there, especially in saving orphaned children during war and conflict, have made her sort of a legend. Near the end of her life, Gladys Aylward gave an interview in which she said the most amazing thing -- something that could only have come from the heart of a truly humble...

Tripping Over Pride Have you ever felt a surge of pride because you had it all together? You know, your brain and talent and charm was just dazzling to the whole world? It sounds funny, but let’s be honest. We’ve all at some point thought quite a lot of our own abilities. Pride—something God hates—trips us up. We are flying high. Then the crash comes. Our theme this week is “All Together,” and we...

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, “Ask and...

We all screw up. Fail in some way. We fall short of goals or get embarrassed in some kind of career implosion. It’s easy then to feel like we’ll never win again. That’s not how God sees you. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”    Hope and a future . That’s what’s ahead, not d...

Under Construction Have you ever visited a construction site, or lived near one? A construction site is a unique kind of mess. Dirt and mud mingle with piles of wood, shingles, and other building materials. Utility flags poke up from the ground like man-made weeds. Trampled grass and dirty sidewalks give further evidence of the work at hand. Eventually, what began as an empty field will grow into...

It’s interesting watching 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 w...

In every generation, it falls to believers to spend time in defending our worldview as Christians. Honestly, it’s not the nicest part of the gig, but it’s necessary. Usually, it involves simply explaining what your faith is all about. Followers of other religions do the same thing, but for us, we are sharing the person of Christ with those who don’t know Him. That makes it a big deal. Jude 1:3 say...

Our nation’s leaders have always acknowledged God, even if some of them haven’t always been model Christians. For one thing, no one can occupy the Oval Office and not lay aside some pride. And if our nation’s spiritual health has sometimes been less-than-desired, there is a unity that we all enjoy. This community spirit has made America a very interesting experiment. Romans 8:31 tells us, “If God...

America does celebration very well. As a rich and varied nation, we have the resources frankly to host great celebrations. Our veterans are honored, which they very much deserve. We glory in our past and look forward to the future. Flags fly and flap in the breeze that sweeps across the land. The recent Memorial Day recalled our nation’s fallen, those who willingly went into the danger zone and ga...

Have you ever thought about the fact that you have an obligation to defend our nation’s freedoms? You live in the Land of the Free; your contributions are needed. We all have a role. Joshua 1:9 commands 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.” Sure, maybe you’re not a Navy SEAL. Maybe...

What Do You Believe 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 m...

Search & Rescue Mission 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...

Getting Personal with God 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...

The Saving Power of Jesus 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 his...

The Sweetest Truth There is a move 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...

Do you ever feel that you aren’t suited for sharing your faith in Christ? Maybe you’re not comfortable around people. Maybe you’ve encountered some who are hostile to faith. If so, then we are speaking to you this week as we conclude our talk about sharing your light in a dark world. Philippians 2:15 says, “Shine...like the stars in the sky.” Have you seen the movie, “The Ten Commandments?” It’s d...