Kerusso Daily Devotional

Do you sometimes feel your job is just too much for one person to handle?Then let me introduce you to Franklin Roosevelt.“FDR” was the 32nd president of the United States. By a quirk of history, he found himself leading the free world during a crippling economic meltdown…and a world war! His story is important, as we explore faith in God and country this week.No one understood more than Roosevelt the sacrifice needed to defeat evil on the battlefield. He said, “Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget, in time, that men have died to win them.”He had to send young men and women into harm’s way, all over the world.John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."More than 400,000 Americans died in World War 2. From the South Pacific to Europe, soldiers looked after each other, and in many cases died so that others could live.We should never forget that.Let’s pray. Lord, we thank you for those who protect us. We will never forget them. 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 as Americans relish our history…famous eras and the glory of battle and all that. Americans love the beautiful land that we’ve been blessed with, as well.But the Bible tells us the true source of our blessings. It points us to the One who made all things possible.Psalm 115:1 tells us, “Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”We are incredibly blessed in America for a lot of reasons. From sufficient food to freedom to make our own choices, we have so much. But do we always acknowledge the source of our blessings?Our forefathers did.George Washington’s tomb at Mt. Vernon has Scripture etched into the stones. The Father of our country knew his heavenly Father!The Bible tells us that we should glory first in our great God. He is the one we owe our lives to. Every breath we take. We owe our Savior, Jesus, our eternal lives.It is to Him that all honor and glory belongs. As proud Americans, we stand on our faith. Of our almost limitless blessings, that is number one.To God be the glory!Let’s pray.Lord, your mercies are available to us each day. As we get ready for a new day, help us to remember that You are our source. 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 stop and think about the routine things you do every day?Buying detergent so that you can wash your family’s clothes. Fixing a couple of boards on your deck. We even grind through staff meetings at work. All this of course, mixed with life, laughter, and love.But do you think about why you can do these things in our country?Primarily it’s because of the sacrifices of our fallen soldiers—those men and women who have defended the homeland since colonial times.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.”We are privileged to live in a land of the free precisely because fellow citizens took a different road. They walk a path of danger so that we can have the freedom to live as we choose. So many of them fight with the faith they’ve lived with all their lives, and it is our duty to thank them and be thankful for them.Remember them when you want to complain about daily chores made possible by their sacrifice.Let’s pray.Lord, keep our warriors safe, keep them in your loving arms. 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.

Standing in the door of the plane, with a fierce wind whipping his whole body, Curtis wondered why he’d volunteered for the paratroopers. It was glamorous, they said.It’ll make a man out of you, they said.Shutting his eyes, Curtis prayed the most honest prayer of his life. He stretched out his hands and took a step...Lamentations 3:25–26 says, “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”Rolling on the ground wrapped in silk, Curtis realized he had followed his instructions to the letter. With his landing, he graded out the highest of anyone in his company.That story is exactly how we are to interact with our Savior. When we let go, confident that Jesus has us, we have no more pressure on us. He is carrying us to safety.And we land in the right place every time.Let’s pray.Lord, we have so much gratitude for the countless ways you lead us through life. We love you. Thank you for every safe landing, and for holding us safe in the palm of your hand. 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 you’re having a bad day, a run-in with an immensely cheerful person doesn’t always turn that frown upside down. Does it? Commiserating with someone else, though—a word literally defined by two or more people wallowing in misery together—that can be a balm to an anxious and worried mind. Sometimes. The relief, though, is temporary. Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” The apostle Paul was talking about more than mere cheerfulness in his letter to the Christian believers of Rome. Nowhere in the Bible does the Lord command us, ‘Thou shalt always be chipper,’ but these wise words from Paul remind us to think—before we sink. No matter what hardships we face, our hope is found in Jesus Christ, and this hope is an infinite well of joy we can turn to in times of trouble. Paul also reminds believers to be patient no matter what befalls us. Paul was a respected missionary, even honored and admired by powerful officials of his day who didn’t share his Christian beliefs. Despite his good standing, for a period of two years he was in prison—literally chained and under constant guard. And from this depth of experience, he’s able to tell others to be patient in affliction. Whether our chains are literal or figurative in nature, the trials we face can mold our character and build our patience if we choose to let them. The most important part of Paul’s message in this verse is the reminder to be faithful in prayer. God is worthy of all honor and praise, but He also knows us, understands our weaknesses, and loves us anyway. On the days life feels too difficult to approach the Lord with a smile on our faces and joy in our hearts, He still wants to hear from us. Prayer is not a sometimes thing; it’s an all-the-time practice that grows our faith, strengthens our relationship with God, and changes our lives. So, be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. Let’s pray. Lord, you are the source of all our hope, the teacher of patience, and the one who listens to every prayer. Help us to choose joy over despair, patience over exasperation, and to pray faithfully. Sometimes fear and frustration threaten to overwhelm us, but you are near, and we pray you will turn our hearts to 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.

Since prayer is, by nature, personal, we often want to know how things are going to turn out, even before we start praying. We wonder if God will actually answer our prayer. Maybe not as dramatic as some stories, but still if we’re honest, we would like an answer to our prayer. Why else ask? Luke 18:1 says, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.”The fact is, of the 650 prayers in the Bible, 450 of them were answered, at least as the accounts were recorded. Others might have been answered later, but there are indications that—no—God does not always answer a prayer. And this is where our human perspectives can hamper our ability to see the full picture.Isaiah 55:8 says, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts. Neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord.”From our limited perspective at this moment in time, we might not understand how or if God is answering our prayers. Remember Job and his friends prayed and tried to figure out for some time just what God was up to in this suffering man’s life. The most interesting takeaway from the Book of Job is that, in the end, when God addresses Job, he never once tells him why he suffered.He basically puts Job in his place by saying that He, God, knows and understands everything, and we obviously do not. It’s worth noting that in Job’s case, God restored everything to him and more. As we read in Luke 18:1, part of our responsibility in praying is perseverance. We’re not supposed to act like children and throw a fit if we don’t get our way.In those times when we think God is slow in answering us, it’s necessary for us to have some patience. Nowhere are we promised a quick answer or even an answer at all. Sometimes we just have to have faith that God will work everything out for us. Let’s pray. Father God, like Job, we want to trust you no matter what. Even if an answer to our prayer is slow, we love you anyway, and we thank you that you love us for eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Most people at one time or another wonder who they should address when starting a prayer. The Christian concept of the Trinity has caused people to hesitate to pray. It’s like, “Who do I pray to?”Luke 6:12 says, “One of those days, Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.”Interestingly, when Jesus prayed, as recorded in the Bible, He prayed to His Father. This is a difficult concept for many to embrace. How can someone be God but pray to Himself? In some sense, this is a matter of faith. We can’t know and understand everything about the mysteries of God. But we can accept by faith that God the Father was manifest in earthly ministry as Jesus. So, He models for us how to pray to the one true God.In Matthew 6:9–13, we read, “Pray like this, Our Father in Heaven, Your name is holy. May Your holy nation come. What You want done, may it be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us the bread we need today. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.” That’s from the New Life version, Matthew 6:9–13. And this is the famous Lord’s Prayer. It's when Jesus tells His disciples how to communicate with God. Immediately before the prayer itself, He tells them to go find a quiet place, and God will see the sincerity of the heart offering a prayer.He also says something else amazing. God knows what we need even before we ask Him. Confusion over who we are praying to is one of the most commonly asked questions, yet God is not waiting to turn away or shut the door on us if we fail to use some formal greeting. There are plenty of examples in Scripture of prayers to God the Father, of course. God exists as God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And the point is, this is not a trick that is set up so that you can fail. The triune God wants to hear from us, and a sincere heart wishing to talk to God will get through just fine.Let’s pray.Father God, there are some things that are hard for us to process. We can have assurance that talking with You anytime is available to us, and we don't have to be perfect. Thank you for that, Lord. 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 felt without hope? It’s a pretty desperate place to be. It’s been said that hope is the one thing a human being can’t be without.Beth was once accused of some pretty terrible things. She wasn’t guilty of any of them, but it took two years and serious legal hurdles to clear her name. Her future was uncertain.In the end, she told reporters that her best ally was the Lord. Her story was itself a great witness.Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”Truthfully, God isn’t obligated to do anything for us. He does it because He loves us. That’s it. But within each difficult night and day, it is important that we take the scripture to heart. Keep your joy, be patient, and pray.If you’re in a dark place, pray to the Lord for help. Even if you’re emotionally exhausted, take the time to simply talk to Him.He’s promised that He’ll be listening.Let’s pray.Oh Lord, may we never be hopeless! May we never be without your love. Remind us daily that You will never leave 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 had a power outage and pulled 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 the 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 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.

Noah was far from perfect, but he was a humble man, and protective of his family. He stands out among fathers in the Bible as a man who remained loyal to God, in spite of the wickedness of the world around him.Doesn’t that sound a lot like life today? Fathers who choose to follow a life of faith are surrounded by temptation and downright evil in this world, but God is pleased by our devotion, and He has a plan for each of us — even when circumstances are frustrating or difficult. Genesis 6:5–8 says, “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. So the Lord said, ‘I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.’ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”The Bible tells us Noah, father of Shem, Ham, and Japheth, was a righteous man, and walked faithfully with God. For this reason, God chose Noah to build an incredible boat – the ark – that would save not only mankind, but every variety of living creature on the earth — from peril.Sometimes fathers feel like their job is a thankless one. They tackle the honey-do list on weekends, help with dinner, keep the kids in line, and help to wrangle them at bedtime...and they don’t hear “thank you,” or “great job,” often enough. But God knows everything you do for your family, from breadwinning to caretaking and everything in between, and He takes delight in your devotion to your family, and to Him.Deuteronomy 30:2–3 says, “And when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where he scattered you.”Modern-day fathers can learn valuable lessons from Noah:God promises to bless and protect those who faithfully follow and obey him. A man who obeys the Lord will inspire faith in his children as well. Obedience is not a sprint but a marathon; It means a lifetime of faithful devotion, even (and especially!) when the going gets tough.Let’s pray.Heavenly Father, thank you for calling out Noah’s faithful obedience to you so many years ago, and for providing for the safety and provision of his entire family when the world had gone astray. Bless every father who hears this message, Lord, that they might grow closer in their walk with you, and inspire their children to follow in their footsteps. 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 biggest criticisms of those who follow Jesus Christ is that such a model is very exclusive. In other words, it seems on the surface that Jesus leaves some people out of the salvation plan, because He says that He is the only way to God.But what is He really telling us?John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”Jesus is actually showing us the way. He gives us the path to being reconciled with God the Father. Sin separated us from Him long ago, but in His mercy, we can find eternal peace. In that way, we are able to fill the “God-shaped” hole in us. Solomon wrote about that.When it comes to loyalty, we see that Jesus is in fact totally inclusive. He offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin for all men, women, and children in every era of history. What could be more open and loving than that?If you’ve rejected Christ because you heard His love isn’t inclusive enough, we hope you’ll realize the opposite is true. He loves everyone equally.Especially you.Let’s pray. Lord, your Word shows us the expansive love that you have for all people. Help us share that Good News with everyone we come in contact with. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Who is the most loyal person you’ve ever known? A parent? Spouse? Friend?Truthfully, we all crave loyalty. It gives us a sense of safety. We feel that if there is some loyalty in our world, it’s like a warm blanket on a cold night. Life seems less scary.As we discuss the role of Jesus in our personal stories, it is good to remind ourselves often of ultimate loyalty. In turn, it encourages us to be loyal to that One person we can always count on.John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”Jesus gives us loyalty that cannot be broken. Are we willing to stay true to Him, as well? In other words, if life’s road gets rough, do we stay on the path He has set for us? Like Peter, we tend to think nothing could pry us from Jesus, but our choices can do that. Then we regret being disloyal to Christ.Resolve to never let that happen to you. Keep His sacrifice for you in your mind and heart. That will help you stay true to Him when life isn’t so great.He promised to never leave you. Tell Jesus that you love Him for that, and keep your eyes looking ahead to the eternity He has made for you.Let’s pray. Lord, make us strong in our loyalty to our Savior. Then let that light shine for those who see 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.

Do you tend to be a fair-weather friend? Do you stay strong when times are good, but run away if things are difficult? Nothing will ruin a relationship more than that.Let’s be honest here: There is someone in your life who needs your help and strength. Maybe you need to step it up in that area.Jesus is a perfect example of loyalty to others; by following His lead, we can learn what genuine loyalty looks like. John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’”Jesus stuck to you like glue when He experienced the most danger to Him personally. His death on the cross was frankly so much bigger than anything you’re facing…we don’t have an excuse to let down anyone in our life.Jesus held out His hand and told you that He would lead you home. Practicing that type of loyalty in our daily lives will serve as a remarkable example to those who need to see some loyalty.Let’s pray. Lord, your love inspires us every day. Thank you most of all for what Jesus has done for us. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

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’s really a story of Jesus and us.Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”We screw up sometimes. And maybe it’s so bad that we can’t possibly see a way back.That’s when Jesus stretches out His arms and welcomes us home. He isn’t as concerned with where we’ve been as He is where we end up. His perfect love and forgiveness are the only real healing for our self-inflicted wounds. If you think you’ve screwed up too much, or fallen too far—put that out of your mind, and simply tell Jesus you need Him.Let’s pray. Lord, your willingness to welcome us back is something to behold. We are so grateful for your 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.

Who likes to wait for what we need or want? Basically, nobody.Of those nine elements that make up the Fruit of the Spirit, patience may be the hardest.Romans 8:25 says, “But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.”And patience is learned, which makes it one of the sweetest fruits the Spirit gives us. Waiting for a “payoff” of some kind makes the end result that much more rewarding. Life teaches us that.A childless Hannah endured mocking and ridicule, but the Bible tells us in First Samuel that she prayed, and she waited. Imagine how she felt when the date of her delivery drew near! She eventually had several children, but it was her patience in waiting on Samuel that made all the difference.If you’re waiting for something very important, read and meditate on the Fruits of the Spirit, especially patience.Let’s pray.Lord, give us the patience of Hannah when we’re frustrated by waiting. Teach us humility in the process. 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.

Usually, when we’re looking for some kind of emotional lifeline to get us through the day, we only want to know what God can do for us.How do we get that peace of mind we desperately need?One component is obedience. At first, this sounds like a test that’s too hard. We need relief right now!Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”Wow, that sounds like real peace of mind. It requires that we concentrate on ejecting all the junk in our heads and replacing it with God’s Word. Learning obedience is key, because it reveals the Father’s perfect will for our lives.In this way, we almost back-into the peace we were already looking for. This brings us into harmony with our Creator.A renewed, fresh, and clean mind is also a mind that is at rest.Let’s pray.Lord, teach us your ways. Help us uncover the peace of mind that those without God don’t have. Then help us show them the way. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Have you ever been downright stuck in a difficult situation? Maybe you’ve held a job with a colleague or supervisor you didn’t see eye to eye with, and other career opportunities were scarce. Maybe you’ve been halfway through the semester and realized you’re headed for a poor grade, but it’s too late to drop the class. Maybe you’ve struggled in a relationship with a spouse or close family member, and you are wading through heartbreak with every interaction. When the Apostle Paul wrote to the people at Philippi, he was in a tough spot. He wrote this letter from prison in Rome—an uncomfortable place to be sure. He was in prison not for what we would consider a crime, but for his faith in Jesus Christ. But Paul had a secret.  Philippians 4:11 says, “I have learned, in whatever circumstances I am, to be content.”From the moment Paul received the Lord as his Savior, he began to love and experience Christ in a meaningful way. Chapter after chapter, the book of Philippians reveals that experiencing Christ was Paul’s secret to contentment. Paul preached contentment through faith in Jesus from behind bars and reached out to his brothers and sisters in Christ to encourage them to choose contentment in the Lord. Paul’s example inspired his friends at Philippi and continues to inspire believers today. Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, we won’t achieve perfection this side of heaven, but we know your plan for us is for peace in our hearts, and contentment in our lives. Let us live by the Apostle Paul’s example, choosing contentment in all circumstances in your name.  In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Carissa was having one of those days. Instead of hitting the snooze button on her alarm clock, she had turned it off. Now the kids were late for school, she was late for work, and the tone for the day was one mad rush—emphasis on the mad. As the day wore on, she thought about her impatience and frustration with her children as everyone got dressed and grabbed a granola bar on the way out the door. It wasn’t their fault the family was running behind, and she regretted sending them to school with tension, instead of hugs and kisses.Ephesians 4:2 says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”Of all the lessons we teach our children, kindness stands out. We have an opportunity to show patience, humility, and God’s love to colleagues, classmates, neighbors, and friends—and the people in our lives learn more from watching how we behave, than they do from just being told what to do. We have a choice in how we treat others, and God asks us to approach the people around us with love. When Carissa arrived home from work, the first thing she did was apologize to the kids for the cranky way their day began, and let them know kindness matters morning, noon, and night—even when we’re running late.Let’s pray.Lord, thank you for the wisdom the Bible teaches us about kindness. Help us to be patient when we’re short on time, and to be an example of your love in every situation—even when circumstances fall short of perfect. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

How many different colors can you name? There are seven colors in the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. As it turns out, the human eye is capable of discerning color to an incredible degree. According to laboratory tests, humans are capable of detecting a total of 10 million colors. That's a pretty big box of crayons. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”Imagine the most colorful painting or photograph you’ve seen in an art gallery, or come across in your Facebook feed. Our Creator God has every color in the universe to work with, the knowledge of a master craftsman, and the most significant artistic talent in existence. And he calls us, you and me, his masterpiece.When you look in the mirror and wish you were taller, better looking, or somehow measured up to your ideal, remember — we are created in God’s image. When you envy someone else’s position or title at work or wish you were better at math, cooking, or public speaking, remember, we are God’s masterpiece. And he has a good plan for each of our lives. He has 10 million colors and countless personality traits and unique skills with which to create each of us, and the palette of colors and mix of materials He used to make you is one of a kind. Let’s pray.Heavenly Father, thank you for making us who you did. We're your children and one-of-a-kind creations. You’re so good, and we have so many things to be thankful for. Help us to use our unique skill sets and talents you’ve blessed us with to do your work. In Jesus’ name. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

As a believer, have you noticed that it’s often easier to stay in God’s will when you’re at home? At work, it gets a little dicey.It’s at work that people see us, and our decisions can have such impact. Not being in God’s will in that setting can be catastrophic.Romans 8:31 tells us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?”Terry Looper is the CEO of a multi-billion-dollar company. Once, he was negotiating a sale and was at the finish line when he realized he hadn’t sought God’s will in the matter. He stopped, prayed, and read the Word for discernment.He was shocked to find that he wasn’t supposed to sell at all!Looper learned his lesson. Being in God’s will in every area of our lives is the key. It’s great to be godly and led by the Spirit sitting in your den with a Bible open. But it’s not less important to be led by the Spirit in the boardroom, or on the floor of the plant where you work.People see you. They see what we do. If we want to be sure success finds us, we’d better make sure we’re looking in the right place.There are no shortcuts to fully being in God’s will.Let’s pray.Lord, you bless us in every area of our lives. Thank you for being on our side, all the time. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

In every generation, it falls to believers to spend some 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 says, “Dear friends, I had been eagerly planning to write to you about the salvation we all share. But now I find that I must write about something else, urging you to defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.”It’s exciting that God has entrusted this to us. It’s a privilege. Even if you find yourself in an adversarial conversation, remember the main thing: you get to share your faith, and see someone else find freedom in Christ!Let’s pray.Lord, thank you for allowing us to tell others about you. Help us always be ready to give an answer when asked about our faith. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

It’s been said that in the Fruit of the Spirit list, all of them collectively practically define the nature of Christ. Even David the shepherd knew his Messiah was coming. Remember what he said about his loving God? He said, “Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.”We instinctively know what goodness is. It’s a kind touch, a gentle word, a gift that was unexpected. Micah 6:8 says, “He has told you, oh man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.”And in life, we understand the distinction between good and evil. These two, always warring with each other. The key thing to remember in this conflict is that God is good, and infinitely stronger than evil. And that’s important to remember as we see injustice. What did Micah tell us? That goodness is wrapped up in the choices we make. Oppose injustice, love what is kind, and be humble. And the truth is, all of us have been given so much good by our good God, that it should be second nature to model that for those we meet in our journey.Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for your sweet goodness. Sustain us with that goodness for the journey. In Jesus' name. 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 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 are 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 prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”You were made for something! You were made to do things for your Lord. The truly beautiful thing is, God created a custom plan just for you. If you aren’t a famous athlete like Tim Tebow, you can still share your faith in wonderful ways. Ways that are life-changing for those you encounter.Think of that verse again. God made you for a purpose! Created to have the mind of Christ in making this world a better place and making disciples for Him. And God prepared it all long, long ago. You are His child.That’s who you are.Let’s pray.Lord, when we begin to understand even a little bit of your love for us, it transforms us and renews our minds and hearts. Thank you so much 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.

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 with our very lives.Let’s pray.Jesus, it’s unlikely anyone will threaten to throw us into a fiery furnace, but it sure feels like our feet are put to the fire at times. 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.

Have you ever pondered what it means to be ‘born again’ as a Christian believer?When we give our hearts to the Lord, asking Him to forgive our sins and guide our lives, we are making God a promise: we no longer claim the right to follow our own paths or to focus on our own agendas.We are redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross on our behalf so that we can be forgiven and live with the Lord for all eternity, when our temporary earthly lives are over.In Romans 14:8, the Apostle Paul 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.”When we profess our faith as Christian believers, we are saying we will live for the Lord, and we will die for Him as well. Living or dead, our souls belong to the Savior. As believers living for the Lord, this means we will make choices that honor Him and ultimately serve His goals and plans. We will ever and always belong to the Lord. Understanding that should impact how we view every choice we make, and how we tackle every challenge.Let’s pray.Dear Lord, we give you everything. Our choices, our actions, and our reactions. We ask for clarity in the decisions we make, and that you make us ever dependent on your wisdom and your perfect plan. 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 enviable sort of person who was born with an innate sense of direction?Some of us know instinctively whether we are traveling North, South, East, or West. And some of us...would be lucky to find our way out of a paper bag, even with a map in hand.If you’ve ever been lost on a country road at dusk, no road signs, no one to ask for help, and no idea which way to turn — you know how very useful it is to have directions. You’re burning daylight, and you aren’t sure how to get back to civilization.Or maybe you’ve driven to a job interview in a new city. Unfamiliar cross streets, busy traffic, and the sound of blaring horns can be a distressing soundtrack when you’re trying to pinpoint one office building among many.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.”When we’re living for the Lord, we have a North Star to guide us on our way. When you aren’t sure which road to take, or which choice to make, remember Who you live for. Ask the Lord to direct your path, to keep you safe from harm, and to be present every step of the way. Country roads, bustling city thoroughfares, and life itself are all so much more enjoyable when we navigate them with Jesus.Let’s pray.God, forgive us for those times we prove ourselves aimless on the road of life. Be our guide and reveal your presence and direction to us on the journey. We are lost without 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 was late at night, and Kelly’s family was on the way to visit family out of state. It was raining, and they had just entered a construction zone. Narrow two-lane traffic became even narrower as they entered a bridge.Suddenly, a deer materialized in the headlights. Orange cones and flashing lights indicated there was nowhere to go other than right off the side of the bridge, and at 55 miles per hour, they were headed right for the animal.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.”Time slowed down, and Kelly prayed aloud for her family’s safety in that frightening moment. “Lord, help us!” They bumped loudly over the top of the deer, jarring everyone in the car in the process. Their vehicle suffered damage, but the occupants were safe.On the road of life, you may get pulled over for speeding. You may hit an icy patch, slipping and sliding to a stop. You may even crash and burn. Faith in God doesn’t guarantee an easy journey, but following Jesus means we live knowing God has a plan for our lives and a place with him in eternity at the end of the road.Let’s pray.Heavenly Father, be present with us in calm and in crisis. We pray you lead us down a path that reminds us continually to live for 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.

Ann was in her late eighties when her adult granddaughter asked, “Grandma, what was the very best time in your life? Ann was one of 10 kids born to Norwegian immigrants who arrived at Ellis Island and settled on the North Dakota prairie. She came from tough stock and was raised in the kind of circumstances where you either made do — or you did without.She and her husband briefly moved to Seattle during World War 2. At that time, Ann was a real-life Rosie the Riveter, working as a riveter in a big city factory to support the war.She was also a cook for cowboys on the open range on a large ranch. Her husband Olaf helped manage the ranch, and Ann hauled water and cooked hearty meals over an open fire with a baby on her hip.  Not one to stay home and bake cookies, Ann was an office manager in their small hometown when they returned to raise their daughters — an astonishing feat for a woman and mother in the 1950s. 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.” And as for the very best time in Ann’s life? “Well,” Ann replied, “I think the very best time in my life was my early 40s, when I learned I could have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”Travel. Adventure. Daring feats on the dusty prairie and the factory floor. Ann was a woman who had truly lived — and her best adventure of all was taking her relationship with the Lord to the next level. Live as if living for the Lord, and whether you live or die, you’ll know you have eternity in heaven to look forward to by God’s grace. That’s living in a Jesus state of mind.Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for men and women who inspire us to live our lives for you. May we grow and thrive in their light — reaching for you as we learn by their example. 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 we wrap up our series on precious jewels, it is kind of fun to spotlight one last gemstone. One that isn’t immediately beautiful or desired.But it is the rarest!Discovered in East Asia by British mineralogist Arthur Pain, the so-called “Painite” gemstone can be found in several colors, and the various hues seen as light hits them give an uncommon view.Incredibly, only 25 such stones exist today, and the value per gram works out to $9,000! Despite the fact that many people have never heard of it, Painite is the rarest of rare jewels. For the longest time, only two had been found the world over.That kind of rarity stands out in a crowd.Proverbs 31:10 says, “She is far more precious than jewels.”Think of how rare and precious a true Proverbs 31 woman is. She is a woman remembered vividly, even with emotion, long after she goes to be with her Lord.Are you a mother beloved by your children? Do they think of you fondly? Does your husband honor you for your uncommon strength and love? Will friends seek you out when they can’t turn to anyone else? If so, you are that rare gem.And you are loved indeed.Let’s pray.Lord, help us be that rarest of jewels, one that points others to the light and majesty of Christ, forevermore. 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 its natural state, the jaw-dropping gem known as emerald often resembles an ancient barrel-shaped decree from a king. It tells us things nothing else can.Today, the glittering green stone stops an onlooker. It takes our breath away. When set against a backdrop of shimmering gold, it is something that transfixes us.The calming color of an emerald actually gives the eyes a rest after working for a while. In fact, some think looking at emeralds relieves eye strain, a sparkling, homeopathic remedy for the overworked.Proverbs 31:10 says, “She is far more precious than jewels.”Among the most sought-after gemstones, an emerald speaks of a royal court. A monarch. One who is destined to lead people to greatness.Like humans, an emerald without blemish is very, very rare. Perfection is not common. So too is perfection in humans, since only Christ is perfect. His example is our ideal and goal, and He shapes us throughout our lives, refining us into rare and beautiful examples of His love.A Proverbs 31 woman has been set apart by the Lord Himself. He sets her in a throne of gold, so that those she comes in contact with will stop and listen to her.God asks the Proverbs 31 woman to wear her beauty well. Not for her own glory, but for the glory of the Lord.Let’s pray.Lord, out of kindness and care for us, you provided a glorious rainbow of color in your world. Thank you for such beauty, and for what it can mean 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.

We don’t have direct evidence, of course. The Bible doesn’t tell us this exactly…But tradition says that the Ten Commandments were carved from a solid slab of sapphire.It’s a beautiful thought, isn’t it? The rich blue of the sapphire gemstone reminds us of royalty, and the regal King Jesus. It fits!Proverbs 31:10 says, “She is far more precious than jewels.”When a woman admires a sapphire necklace, or turns her hand in order to catch the light on that beautiful blue sapphire ring, she is presenting a picture of what it means to be a Proverbs 31 woman. The ring of a ruler, one that loves all people and values them, the sapphire can be seen from a very long distance. There is no mistaking that this is a treasure that draws the best kind of admiration from everyone who comes in contact.If you want to stand out from the crowd in the best sense of the term, remind yourself that your King is the royal regent who has set you apart to be His ambassador here on Earth. See yourself the way He sees you: a precious and priceless gem.Let’s pray.Lord, like the sapphire, we desire to stand out from the crowd for the right reasons: to point the way to King Jesus. Help us to shine for 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.

Diamonds.The very word calls to mind something so beautiful and rare, people everywhere immediately form a sharp mental image. Who hasn’t dreamed of handfuls of these sparkling, valuable gemstones running through their hands?Nothing speaks of high value more than a diamond solitaire. Such a piece of jewelry signals to the world that a couple considers their relationship to be both priceless and eternal.Proverbs 31:10 says, “She is far more precious than jewels.”Yes, this is it. A Proverbs 31 woman has literally been made by the Lord to be a clear, radiant light so that people can see Christ living in her. Honestly? What humans label as beauty often misses the mark. Light comes from within, not from the surface.A woman who knows her worth in Christ Jesus is that stunning girl turning heads, and engaging and inspiring hearts.Not only is a woman who is an ambassador for Christ lovely, she is also durable. She is not smashed by the cares of life. When life presses in on her, she turns to her Lord and emerges as a thing that cuts the enemy to pieces.She shines for all time.Let’s pray.Lord, the beauty you create is not matched by human creativity. Thank you for the sparkling ‘diamonds’ that come into and enrich 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.

Everyone loves the beauty of nature’s gems. The greens, blues, and reds of natural gemstones have set apart jewelry since the beginning of time. These precious jewels are relatively rare, and desired by people from all walks of life.None more than the ruby.The second hardest gemstone, rubies have always been striking for their deep reds that flash in the light. They have been used in the crowns of monarchs for centuries, and for the rings and necklaces we can find in jewelry stores today. Jewelers tell us the ruby is one of the most coveted stones.Four times rubies are mentioned in the Bible, and each time the reference is to beauty or wisdom.Proverbs 31:10 says, “She is far more precious than jewels.”A godly woman is one who stands out for her internal beauty and wisdom. She is admired for all the right reasons as she walks in the light, revealing the kind of attributes only God can craft and provide.In the famous “Proverbs 31” chapter of the Bible, we read a fairly detailed account of this wonderful woman. Many of us count them as mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters.How they bless us!Let’s pray.Lord, the Proverbs 31 woman, like a fine ruby, is easy to spot. We value them for all the right reasons. Thank you for the blessing of knowing and appreciating women such as these. 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 harder to visualize during the hot summer months, but during Christmas of 1944, American soldiers were dug in against the Germans. The dark, frozen Belgian forest added to the bleak atmosphere. Morale was low, ammo was low, and food supplies were low.But just when things looked the worst, General Patton’s Third Army showed up almost out of nowhere. The men who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and survived remembered many things about that strangest of Christmas holidays.Mostly they remembered the first hot food they’d had in six weeks! The steaming coffee overflowed. The bounty and some rest prepared them to win that battle, and then win the war.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.”That’s the way life often works. Your back is to the wall, and God shows up. The reinforcements appear suddenly. The Holy Spirit lifts you up — mind, body, and soul. He feeds us with spiritual nourishment so that we can fight back against evil and prevail.If you’re in a war, don’t give up. God is coming.Let’s pray.Lord, you are always with us, and that is just one thing that makes you unique. We can’t live without you. In you, we thrive. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

You probably know whether you’re a morning or night person. Science has some good news for you early risers: Apparently, the early bird really does get the worm.In a study of early risers versus night owls, researchers at the University of Birmingham discovered strong connections in the regions of the brain that can predict better performance and lower sleepiness; these areas were significantly stronger in study participants who identified themselves as early birds.Whether you burn the midnight oil and sleep the day away or rise before the sun, there is power in beginning your day by connecting with God in prayer — whether that happens before dawn or at the crack of noon.Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”Any time is a great time to reach out to the Lord in prayer, and one of the best ways to build a consistent prayer habit is to schedule your prayer time.Try setting your alarm a few minutes early to give yourself a spiritual head start on the day. Thank God for the people and circumstances you’re grateful for, ask Him to bless the ones you love, and to guide your footsteps.Let’s pray.Lord, thank you for wiring us uniquely to be night owls, early birds, or something in between. Your timing is always right. Keep us in tune with you through regular 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.

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 earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”It’s all perspective, my friend.Yes, you might have a hundred things to do before 4 p.m. today, but remind yourself of this: sometimes we miss the best days of our lives because we don’t focus on the good. God brought order out of a vast chaos long ago, to create a world of beauty, and He did it because He loved us.If He can handle that, can we handle our busy day of meetings and yes, even that root canal?Let’s pray.Lord, our lives get so busy we forget that you made order out of chaos. Help us to slow down our brains and hearts and learn to savor the moment. 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.

Most of us assume that if Jesus had a driver’s license, His listed name would be “Jesus Christ.”That’s kind of funny, but as usual, our puny human perceptions can’t define Him and box Him in. The Bible tells us, in fact, that Jesus has many names, each a shining facet of Who He is.He is called the Alpha and Omega—the beginning and the end. Elsewhere He is referred to as the Prince of Peace.Romans 10:13 says, “For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”His names are a reminder to us that the Lord is everywhere, aware of everything, and equipped to handle any situation or challenge in our lives. From the image of a warrior king to a counselor who listens to us, Jesus is able to meet all our needs.Won’t you call on Him today?Let’s pray.Lord, you are wonderful to us, the perfect landing place for our souls. 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.

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 being smart then find ourselves flying down the Stupid Highway.God must get tired of us, right?1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”In those terrible moments when you feel dirty and worthless, remember this verse. God says you are special to Him! You!Begin praising Him for this incredible gift and begin to understand that He made you to fellowship with Him, forever.That’s pretty awesome.Let’s pray.Lord, all through Your Word, You speak of us as the object of Your love. Your incredible gesture of sending Jesus for us is proof of that. 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.

We think of her as a genteel Southern lady, and she was that, for sure.But Ruth Bell Graham was so much more. While her husband was away so much, preaching to the masses, she was preaching to her own little flock. The result was children who became adults, and in turn, shared the Good News of Jesus with others.Anne Graham Lotz and Franklin Graham didn’t just fall out of the sky!Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another.”In their little home in the mountains of North Carolina, while Daddy was in Brussels, New York, and Sydney, Mother Ruth was faithful for years on end to impart godly wisdom to their children. Much iron was sharpened on cold winter nights and long summer days. Theirs was a home that didn’t always have both parents available, but they thrived.Use that as an example of how to bring up your own children. You’ll be happy forever that you did.Let’s pray.Lord, Your Word is good, and it shines a light on our path. Give us the strength to mentor our own children in your ways. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Some of the greatest stories of believers down through time have involved those who really studied God’s Word. These people have gone before us to show us the way. From Charles Spurgeon to a missionary mother in China, daily study of the Word and prayer prepared them to mentor entire generations.Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another.”We also read in Romans 10 that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. We have to do it, so that others know how. Remember, there is no substitute for spending time in God’s Word.In order to properly train an apprentice, you need to obviously be prepared and adept. Anything less leads to weak faith, or no faith at all.This is what the Great Commission, sharing the Gospel, has always been about. Duplicating disciples. Grounding your own faith in the Bible, and then imparting that to others. That is the essence of true iron sharpening iron.Let’s pray.Lord, keep us about your work by daily reminding us to spend time with you in your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Have you had an experience in your life that has prepared you for helping others? Has life dealt you circumstances that speak to a situation in a younger person’s life? If so, you might be ready to help in such a way that will bring honor and glory to God.Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another.”The apostle Paul suffered much for his faith in Christ. A dramatic shipwreck…prison, beatings, and hunger were part of his daily routine.And then, God set Timothy in his path.The younger man needed encouragement and instruction as the early Church grew. And Paul stepped in to mentor him. He not only helped Timothy with practical church matters, but he encouraged him to stay strong in the Word, and to rely on God solely.More than likely, you have a Timothy heading your way. Or maybe a Tina! Whoever it is, resolve in your heart to be everything they need you to be, and to model iron sharpening iron for them.Stay sharp in the Word, so that your counsel is sound. And keep on the lookout, because Timothy might be about to cross your path!Let’s pray.Lord, prepare us to be the person that our own Timothy needs us to be, for as long as he or she needs. In Jesus’ name, amen.                   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Do you struggle with being humble, and yielding to God’s will? Most of us do. This extends to accepting an iron-sharpening-iron relationship that God has set in our path. And yet the benefits are so good for us.Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another.”Make no mistake, God sets people in our path for a reason. That Bible teacher in your church might have words of wisdom for you from her rich and varied life. Be open to that.If you’re in fellowship with a mature, older believer, let him or her walk with you on your journey. Learn from them. Ask questions. And learn to be vulnerable.The benefits and outcomes will be richer than you can ever imagine. This is especially true when someone points out areas where you can grow. It’s not fun—but this is the essence of iron sharpening iron. And it’s good for you.Let’s pray.Father God, help us be open to the leading of your Holy Spirit when encountering someone who could mentor us. Help us grow. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

The Bible is full of wonderful analogies, and one of the best is found in Proverbs, which paints a picture of godly mentoring and accountability.Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.”The idea is that as pieces of iron are drawn against the other, each piece becomes sharper. A further application is made in Hebrews 4:12, which talks about Scripture as being a double-edged sword, and it is with His Word we are to sharpen each other.The goal is mutual accountability, and imparting wisdom for living.As author Michael Lazurek has written: “As the body of Christ, we forget that part of our job is to sharpen other brothers and sisters in Christ so that the flame in their hearts, put there by the Holy Spirit, continues to burn.”Although the “iron sharpens iron” analogy is often used to describe the relationship between men, the application is relevant for everyone who believes. Even at this moment, there are millions of women mentoring girls, and sharpening their wisdom in the Lord!Let’s pray.Lord, thank you for giving us wonderful relationships that help us grow. We are so grateful for this. 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.

Honestly, 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. 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.”Part of our Christian walk is developing a personal faith that lasts. As Paul tells us in Romans, leaning in and learning to last is the key to it all. Listen, if you are walking through a really dark valley right now, you are not alone! Many, many people have and are going through exactly what you’re going through now.If you bought into the idea that being a Christian means your life becomes easy, go ahead and let that one go. True faith requires us to look to the Lord when things go wrong.Stand on your feet, Christian, and let Jesus steady you.Hold Fast!Let’s pray. Lord, your strength sustains us. We love you for that, and so many more things. In Jesus’ name, men. 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.

Standing in the door of the plane, with a fierce wind whipping his whole body, Curtis wondered why he’d volunteered for the paratroopers. It was glamorous, they said.It’ll make a man out of you, they said.Shutting his eyes, Curtis prayed the most honest prayer of his life. He stretched out his hands and took a step…Lamentations 3:25–26: “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”Rolling on the ground wrapped in silk, Curtis realized he had followed his instructions to the letter. With his landing, he graded out the highest of anyone in his company.That story is exactly how we are to interact with our Savior. When we let go, confident that Jesus has us, we have no more pressure on us. He is carrying us to safety.We land in the right place every time.Let’s pray.Lord, we have so much gratitude for the countless ways you lead us through life. We love you. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Whenever we have to overcome an obstacle in our lives, we are thinking about a million different things. Our minds race. We might even be aware that our Creator is there to help.But have you ever considered that even when life gets tough, you can still have joy?Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”Sheila Walsh has said that what got her through a bout of depression was the knowledge that God the Father loved her and wanted the best for her.Today, one of her missions in life is to help others recover their joy, by pointing them to the Lord. The truth is, this life sometimes beats us up, but those circumstances don’t have to win. It isn’t inevitable.It’s when we learn to rejoice while clinging to hope that true joy comes.Let’s pray. Lord, in our lowest moments, we cling to you and your promises. Thank you for that joy. 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 all screw up. We all fail in some way. We fall short of goals, or get embarrassed in some kind of career implosion or other events. It’s easy then to feel like we’ll never win again.That is 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 depression and failure. The Bible is full of stories of people God would not allow to slip away. Peter denied Christ, and the Savior forgave him! Sarah mocked the idea that she would ever have a child, but God let her be a mother late in life!This is the world God created. Not one of misery and losing. Does it make sense that He would create you in very specific ways, uniquely gifted as you are, and then just give up on you?Don’t let that be your story. Your part in it is refusing to believe the enemy when you hear that voice that tells you it’s all over.God knows the plans He has for you! Remember that.Let’s pray.Lord, thank you that you don’t let us sink out of sight. Thank you for setting us on our feet, and helping us move forward. 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.

Our world needs many things. We have environmental concerns, broken relationships, and disease that still stalks too many countries.It is also true that God doesn’t leave us in despair. He doesn’t allow our problems to overcome us, if we trust Him.Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”This is our anchor, the blessing of hope. This week we’re talking about hope and joy, and these are given to us freely by our Loving Father.Do you have hope? Are you anchored in anything? If not, tell God that you need Him. You’ll find that He not only comes to you in need, but He will use you afterward to spread hope and joy.It has been said that people can’t live without hope, and that is so true.Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for giving us hope. Help us spread that message wherever we go. In Jesus’ name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

The most influential ruler of all time, the greatest king to ever walk the face of the earth, is also mankind’s greatest example of humility.Jesus may have been born in a stable, but the Son of our Creator God was anything but ordinary. He lived a humble life, but performed miracles along the way, and showed us what it means to be a humble servant leader among men.Jesus selflessly took human form, God incarnate, to become a living sacrifice for our sins. He did not profess His innocence and demand to be taken down from the cross; rather, Philippians 2:8 says, “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”Jesus gave up His place on the throne where God rules the universe. He gave up His power to defend Himself, but willingly gave His life as a ransom for many. He loved us so much that He died for us. He endured shame, ridicule, torture, and an agonizing death on that cross.What greater humility is there?Philippians 2:3–4 says, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.”A godly man is humble, and Jesus Christ is our ultimate example.Let’s pray.Lord, we are humbled by your sacrifice. Jesus took our sin upon Himself when He took our place on the cross, and the gift of salvation is the result of His choice. We are so grateful for that 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.

Picture what it would look like to lose everything in one fell swoop. Your house burns to the ground. The stock market plummets, and all your money is gone. Worst of all, your children fall ill and die. Suddenly, you’ve lost not only your material possessions, but your family, too.When people refer to someone as having “the patience of Job,” they say that for a reason.Job was a man of immense wealth, the richest man in the region, and was the father of 7 sons and 3 daughters he loved dearly. He was also a faithful servant of the Lord, and grateful for every blessing.In a terrible turn of events, Job lost his fortune in a single day. His crops, property, livestock, and servants…gone. Most devastating of all, Job lost his children. But Job didn’t blame God. He accepted that God had a plan for him, and was patient as he waited for the Lord to reveal that plan. He knew that sometimes bad things happen, and he continued to praise the Lord in the midst of trial.Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”Job lost everything, but he didn’t take matters into his own hands to seek justice for what he had lost. He fell to his knees and worshiped the Lord, and then he was still. In the quiet of his soul, Job knew God had a plan, and in the end, God restored to Job twice as much as he had in the beginning.A godly man is patient.Let’s pray.Lord, waiting is hard to do. Waiting for an answer. Waiting for resolution. Waiting for things to get better. Restore peace and patience as we grow in faith and learn to wait on you. We trust 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.