Adam, a first time father, looked down at his newborn son with love. Adam and his wife had made mistakes in the past and suffered greatly for it, but this child, their firstborn, was a chance to start fresh. The new family didn’t have the support of friends or relatives, but they did their best, and figured it out as they went along. When the family was blessed with another son a few years later, they were so grateful to the Lord, and excited to watch their boys grow and play together. The famil...
Jun 15, 2020•3 min•Season 1Ep. 531
California church goes to Supreme Court on in-person restrictions. Church must be ready to deal with post-COVID ‘apocalyptic’ scenarios. Morning Briefing: Is Going to Church Worth the Risk? Congregations of every stripe are in the news lately as communities adjust to a shared new normal in the midst of this pandemic. It’s tempting to think churches across the land are flouting CDC restrictions and defying local social distancing orders, but most congregations — probably your home church, too — a...
Jun 12, 2020•3 min•Season 1Ep. 530
Parenting requires a ninja-level set of skills in order to keep kids healthy, happy, and safe. The biblical fruits of the Spirit cover many of them: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Add to the list energy, creativity, and multitasking, and you’re ready to raise a kid. Parenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual, and the list of preferred qualifications, alongside an endless to-do list, can be exhausting for busy moms and dads. A...
Jun 11, 2020•3 min•Season 1Ep. 529
The Parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke Chapter 10, verses 25-37 exemplifies what it means to be the kind of neighbor Jesus wants us to be: ____________________________________________________________ On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your stre...
Jun 10, 2020•3 min•Season 1Ep. 528
Ask most adults about their favorite teacher, and they’ll tell you Mrs. Wilson in fourth grade helped them believe in themselves, or Mr. Lincoln in 10th grade history developed their skills as a writer, which led to a fulfilling career later in life. This year, teachers have had to think outside the classroom in ways they couldn’t have imagined when the school year began. The last few months of school looked very different than what any of us expected, thanks to the coronavirus. 1 Thessalonians ...
Jun 09, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 527
The men and women fighting for our nation on the frontlines of hospitals, clinics, and testing stations are worthy of our admiration. Doctors, nurses, CNAs, and medical technicians are showing up every day in the face of danger to wage battle against a common enemy — a virus smaller than the human eye can detect, that is disrupting lives and putting the most vulnerable members of our community at risk. 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 says, "Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who ...
Jun 08, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 526
Have you ever been fooled by someone? Doesn’t feel good, does it? But the absolute worst is when we fool ourselves. We try to manage some problem on our own, or analyze why our boss is so mean. But the Bible has a better way of thinking about it. Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” We have to do two things here: give total control to God, and de-emphasize our own judgment. Sometimes our gut is wrong. “Following our heart” often ends ...
Jun 05, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 525
Are you angry at God today? Has something happened that has damaged your faith? If we live in the world long enough, it can happen to any of us. How you respond is really important. If you’ve listened previously, you know we are talking about how to live by faith. Having perseverance when we’re miserable is really, really hard. Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re the only one. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” Listen to the words again: “For we live by faith, no...
Jun 04, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 524
When Richard Winters stood in the doorway of a huge glider in the pre-dawn over Normandy, France, he thought about a lot of things. The young Army captain was preparing for the invasion of Europe, to free the continent from the Nazis. He knew one thing first: he couldn’t survive on his own skill. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” A very disciplined soldier, Winter...
Jun 03, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 523
The Bible contains a huge amount of wisdom for us. It’s the Word of God, after all. Usually, that wisdom is most valuable to us when we are living through tragedy. Those days and nights can be among the hardest we’ll ever have, because the pain seems to be too strong. Have you ever felt like that? Our topic this week has to do with Walking By Faith. 2 Corinthians 5:7 says, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” What does this mean? Well, Scripture tells us that true faith in God is “the evidence ...
Jun 02, 2020•1 min•Season 1Ep. 522
Have you ever tried to follow God in a half-hearted way? You know what that means. You like the idea of God, but His perfect will for our lives also can feel restrictive. That’s the moment you are walking along the highway of life completely alone. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” Notice the precise language in these beautiful verses. We are to trust Him with all...
Jun 01, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 521
The Kingdom of God is simply the worldwide community of believers throughout history, looking forward to an eternity in which God will make everything new. Revelation 21:23 says, “The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.” When we take part in fulfilling the Great Commission by sharing our faith, we help add to that great future gathering of believers worshipping our God.
May 29, 2020•3 min•Season 1Ep. 520
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about the various stumbling blocks people have to accepting Jesus Christ. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” From various philosophies and theories, to internal struggles with sin, people stumble over obstacles that keep them from robust faith.
May 28, 2020•4 min•Season 1Ep. 519
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about what the faith is in the context of the Gospel. Luke 9:23—"And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” In an increasingly post-Christian culture, many people simply do not understand what the Christian faith actually is. It is rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
May 27, 2020•3 min•Season 1Ep. 518
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about how common doubt is; most of us have these thoughts at some point. Mark 9:24 says, "Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, 'I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!'" As with other issues, sometimes we feel like we’re the only one dealing with a particular thing. But, if we’re human, we’ve probably struggled with doubt.
May 26, 2020•3 min•Season 1Ep. 517
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about how healthy it is to talk about doubts. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It is vital that believers and unbelievers alike have a place that they can talk about their fears and concerns about spiritual life. Talking openly is the first step.
May 25, 2020•3 min•Season 1Ep. 516
In May 1962, an intimidating figure delivered a final public speech at West Point Military Academy. Douglas MacArthur, who led America to victory in the Pacific during World War 2, addressed cadets. He told them simple truths, ones that define honor and glory. The hall was completely still as the old general spoke in hushed tones. Everyone heard him speak of the honorable soldier who must rely on “those divine attributes which his Maker gave when He created man in His own image.” Here was perhap...
May 22, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 515
Do you know Who Jesus is? Do you really understand His identity? We know from the Bible that He is many things: a child, a carpenter, a leader of men. We know that He is our Savior, the One who went to the cross to take on our sin. He is also our King. 1 Timothy 1:17 - All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen. In this letter to his young friend, Paul emphasized to Timothy that Jesus has dominion over everything and ...
May 21, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 514
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 split second decision that changed this young man’s life. He lunged for the gun, grabbed it with both h...
May 20, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 513
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about remaining cool under fire when life is a battle. Psalm 27:3 says, “Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.” In both literal and figurative combat, our confidence comes from faith in the Lord’s promises to go before us. Like today’s message? We love it so much, we made a T-shirt! You can get it here ....
May 19, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 512
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 you don’t fly supersonic jets in combat. You never served in the military. Most citizens haven’t, an...
May 18, 2020•3 min•Season 1Ep. 511
As we talk through the Good News of Jesus this week, we must always make it personal. In other words, deciding to believe in Christ is a very personal thing. We all come from different backgrounds and belief systems. In the end, though, what will you do with the story of Jesus? Do you believe it is true? Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.” Over and over in the New Testament, Jesus talks to the individual. He knew us before we were born, and knows all t...
May 14, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 509
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, ...
May 13, 2020•1 min•Season 1Ep. 508
When you think of ships, whether you’re thinking of the Titanic, pirate ships of yore, or trading vessels crossing the vast ocean to bring goods and services from one country to another, you probably picture them with an anchor — a heavy metal hook designed to catch on the ocean floor and keep a boat or ship in place. Wikipedia says this about anchors: There are two main types of anchors: temporary and permanent. A permanent anchor is called a mooring block and is not easily moved. A temporary a...
May 12, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 507
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about the resilience that comes from belief in Jesus Christ. Romans 12:12 says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." The Apostle Paul spent two years in chains and under constant guard, and from this place of experience he shared a meaningful message of hope, patience, and a faithful prayer life -- no matter what circumstances we are in. The wisdom he shared with Christian believers in Rome thousands of years ...
May 11, 2020•3 min•Season 1Ep. 506
When the winds of life blow fiercely, rain pours down, and the water rises, it is tempting to give in to panic. In the midst of the storm, sometimes we let the noise and chaos of our present circumstances become louder than the voice of our Lord and Savior. The still small voice in our hearts may only be a whisper, but the power behind that presence outranks any circumstance of this life. Colossians 1:17 says, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Jesus was not only wit...
May 08, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 505
Colossians is a very informative book. Originally, it was a letter written by Paul and Timothy to believers in a small city. Chapter One tells us that Jesus made everything we see (and plenty we don’t see!). The universe was brought into being by Him. That’s kind of a comforting thought! This great source of Love also made it all and He sustains it all. Colossians 1:17 says, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Many people, maybe rightly so, worry about the planet. Cer...
May 07, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 504
Does the future scare you? If it does, that’s understandable, from a human standpoint. After all, so much is unknown. And yet, God gave us His Word as a guidebook. The Bible tells us certain specific things that bring great comfort. Colossians 1:17 says, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” For the most part, we know the past. We are navigating through the present. But the Word tells us that Jesus is standing there at the end, bringing all things to their proper conclu...
May 06, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 503
Carol had really messed up in her personal life. The career wasn’t going so well, either. But it was one particular relationship that kept her up at night, and she felt like things were coming apart. Instead of going to lunch with co-workers one day though, she ducked into a coffee shop and found an empty seat in the back. There she pulled out her phone and fed her soul by looking up Scripture. She met Jesus that day in the coffee shop. Carol looked out a window at the busy street outside and th...
May 05, 2020•1 min•Season 1Ep. 502
On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about the fact that Jesus holds your life together, even as you think you’re falling apart. Colossians 1:17 says, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Nothing is too difficult for Jesus; He has proven this over and over. Trust Him today! Did you know the average message-based T-shirt is read over 3,000 times? We believe if you change your shirt, you can change the world! Be part of the movement at Kerusso.com/...
May 04, 2020•2 min•Season 1Ep. 501
