Billy Joel says that his hit song, “Pressure” really is about the pressures of daily life: providing for your family, putting food on the table, and career obstacles. Even the way he sings the song, with power and anger, makes the point. It’s quite a statement on life. And we’ve all felt it. 2 Corinthians 1:8 says, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself.” But as believers, we can take heart in the fact that Paul then writes that diffi...
Mar 08, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 200
A huge benefit of being a believer is the knowledge that we can help others after going through the valley ourselves. It’s one thing to endure and overcome and find your joy, but it’s maybe even better when you see a friend emerge into the light because you were there for them. Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” When you’re in the middle of something difficult, it’s hard to even think. Scripture tells us the way out, but it helps to have someone in...
Mar 07, 2019•1 min•Season 1Ep. 199
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, ...
Mar 06, 2019•1 min•Season 1Ep. 198
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 hadn’t been 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, faithf...
Mar 05, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 197
Have you ever watched a war movie and realized that the actors didn’t know how the conflict would turn out? World War 2 movies are like that. When they filmed “Casablanca,” Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman weren’t sure if the Germans would win or lose. Life can be like that. Matthew 28:20 says, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” In your own life, you might be facing some really serious stuff. And it’s not unusual to be staring at several problems all at once. That’s...
Mar 04, 2019•1 min•Season 1Ep. 196
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, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” In their little home in the mountains of North...
Mar 01, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 195
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, “Iron sharpens iron, and 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....
Feb 28, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 194
A huge benefit of being a believer is the knowledge that we can help others after going through the valley ourselves. It’s one thing to endure and overcome and find your joy, but it’s maybe even better when you see a friend emerge into the light because you were there for them. Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” When you’re in the middle of something difficult, it’s hard to even think. Scripture tells us the way out, but it helps to have someone in...
Feb 27, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 193
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 He has set in our path. Yet the benefits are so good for us. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and 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 are in fellowship with a mature, older bel...
Feb 26, 2019•1 min•Season 1Ep. 192
The Bible is full of wonderful analogies. 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 that we are to sharpen each other. The goal is mutual accountab...
Feb 24, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 191
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about how you are more than you might think you are. 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.” Jesus made us unique, and equipped to do the work in discipling others. Like today’s message? We love it so much, we made a bag! Get it here...
Feb 22, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 190
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about weathering periods of stress in our lives. 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.” If the kids are driving your crazy, stop and think just for a minute about the incredible gift they are from God. Your attitude can change if you want it to change....
Feb 21, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 189
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about Jesus being our compass point. Matthew 7:24-25 says, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Jesus endured unimaginable suffering on the cross, and can defeat any enemy that comes our way! Like...
Feb 20, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 188
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about changing our perspective when we become negative. Job 38:22 says, "Have you entered the storehouses of the snow…?” In this weather season of uncertain storms and heavy snows, when possible, look on it all as the beauty God created for us to enjoy.
Feb 19, 2019•1 min•Season 1Ep. 187
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about God’s strength that we can draw from in times of crisis. Psalm 46:10 says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord is our Supreme Authority, and demonstrates regularly that we can trust Him completely. Like today’s message? We love it so much, we made a mug just for you! Get it here...
Feb 18, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 186
We all want to feel secure. We can look fine on the outside, but be something much less on the inside. And the first step to overcoming vulnerability is to feel okay with who we are. Psalm 62:5-6 says, “Only God gives inward peace, and I depend on Him. God alone is the mighty rock that keeps me safe, and he is the fortress where I feel secure.” The tension comes when we balance healthy self-esteem with our sin-nature. Can we feel good about ourselves while recognizing the need for a Savior? The ...
Feb 15, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 185
Love is the essence of God. We know that. At the same time, we can say that there are different kinds of love; we’re talking about that this week. Love for family. Love for our fellow humans. Love for nature. But we can think of what is called Agape Love as “Big-Tent Love.” Agape is an ancient Greek word meaning “Love of God for people, and of people for God.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 says, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. An...
Feb 14, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 184
We “love” all sorts of things. We love someone we just met. We love pistachio ice cream and travel to exotic places. Many times, the word itself loses all real meaning. It’s like homemade chicken soup without the chicken and without the soup. 1 John 3:16-18 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be...
Feb 13, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 183
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 nice to people we aren’t around very much. Short-term “love” is pretty common. It’s when we get in close quar...
Feb 12, 2019•1 min•Season 1Ep. 182
In thinking about different kinds of love, it’s a beautiful thing to realize that God has placed certain people in our lives for specific reasons. Friendship is one of His great gifts to us, all-time. Proverbs17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Do you have someone in your life that is not blood-related, but it sure feels like it? In fact, often it feels like a closer relation than biological family! Notice what the writer of Proverbs tells us: A friend...
Feb 11, 2019•1 min•Season 1Ep. 181
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about the need for spiritual “amnesia,” so that we don’t hold past hurts against someone. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." We can choose to forgive and move on. The benefits are eternal. Like today’s message? We love it so much, we made a T-shirt! Get it ...
Feb 08, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 180
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about a form of genuine love that takes the focus off self. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." Many people do nice things if others are looking. God prefers so much more to see us choose to love for all the right reasons. Like today’s message? We love it so...
Feb 07, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 179
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about refusing to let envy take root in our hearts. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." Focusing on the blessings God has given to us, rather than what someone else has, is a key to wholesome relationships. Like today’s message? We love it so much, we made a...
Feb 06, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 178
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about the wondrous impact that a simple act of kindness can have. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." It can be overlooked, but looking for moments to be kind is one of the most important parts of our days. Like today’s message? We love it so much, we made a...
Feb 05, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 177
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about long-term “hard stuff,” namely, enduring with patience. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." Us choosing to be patient is often something only God sees, but that’s our most important audience. The benefits to our own health are significant. Like today’s...
Feb 04, 2019•1 min•Season 1Ep. 176
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about exercising our faith. Joshua 22:5 says, “Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” When life hits us hard, learn to take the focus off what you don’t have, and look at what God has actually already done for you. Such a perspective will help you through. Like today’s message? We love it so much, we made a T-shirt! Get it here https://ww...
Feb 01, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 175
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about being committed to the health of our relationships. Joshua 22:5 says, “Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” Using the metaphor of a training athlete, keeping relationships in harmony requires work and more work. But the payoff is eternal. Like today’s message? We love it so much, we made a T-shirt! Get it here https://www.kerusso....
Jan 31, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 174
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about enduring through the use of healthy habits. Joshua 22:5 says, “Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” Maintaining well-rounded health takes discipline, for the long haul. Without it, we hit a wall. Like today’s message? We love it so much, we made a T-shirt! Get it here...
Jan 30, 2019•2 min•Season 1Ep. 173
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about the benefits of a healthy mind. Joshua 22:5 says, “Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” The Bible tells us that we are to continually renew our minds in the Word, which will lead to clarity of thought in our daily lives. Like today’s message? We love it so much, we made a T-shirt! Get it here ....
Jan 29, 2019•1 min•Season 1Ep. 172
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about maintaining good physical health, for our overall health. Joshua 22:5 says, “Love the Lord your God, walk in all his ways, obey his commands, hold firmly to him, and serve him with all your heart and all your soul.” It’s easy to let ourselves go, but when we do, we damage our witness long-term, and rob ourselves of the abundant life. Like today’s message? We love it so much, we made a T-shirt! Get it here...
Jan 28, 2019•1 min•Season 1Ep. 171
