Kerusso Daily Devotional

What was Jesus’ name? 

Most of us assume that if Jesus had a driver’s license, His listed name would have been “Jesus Christ.”

That’s kind of funny, but as usual, our human perceptions can’t define Him and box Him in. The Bible tells us 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. The Lamb of God. 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 He 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.

Let’s call on Him.

Lord, you are wonderful to us, the perfect landing place for our souls. Thank you for that. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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In general, humans as a species have a fair amount of self-awareness. And if we’re honest, we all know our weak points. Those places where character is lacking a bit.

One of our biggest weaknesses is that we just want stuff. Bigger house, more expensive car—that kind of thing. In those moments, we’re missing out on a big prize. Our focus is wrong.

Matthew 6:33 says, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

The Bible—the Word of God itself—shows exactly what our priorities should be. God knows us far better than we could ever know ourselves, and He tells us that we have it exactly backwards. We look for the stuff, and then tack on the God stuff later. In fact, turn that around and that’s how we should be doing life. Look for God first, and then later He’ll give us the desires of our heart. Because our hearts will then be aligned with His perfect will for our lives.

Try this approach, and see if it works for you. What we’ll also find as a bonus is peace that the world can’t give us…that stuff can’t give us. When you seek first a relationship with your Creator, you find that material possessions are no substitute for knowing Him.

Let’s pray.

Lord, thank you for our relationship with you. Thank you for loving us through our sin. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Does your life feel out of control? Are you experiencing that common feeling of weaving down a busy highway, about to crash?

It’s a metaphor for life that a lot of folks internalize at some point. All of a sudden, what you were sure of isn’t there anymore. You might as well be behind the wheel of a fast car that’s heading straight into oncoming traffic.

1 Peter 5:7 says, “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

This isn’t some nice little bit of wisdom someone put on a greeting card. This is the very Word of God. It has sustained civilization for thousands of years. And it’s a proven method for getting your life under control. 

It doesn’t work though, unless you can see Jesus taking the wheel. Let Him get you to safety and peace. He’s ready and waiting to take all your worries and set you on a smooth and straight path.

Will you pray with me?

Lord, feeling out of control is not something we want anymore. Please take over and guide us, Lord, in your perfect ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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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 can also feel very restrictive.

That’s the moment that we walk 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 of our heart. Don’t take your eyes off Him and follow your own choices. Be upfront that He is your peace. It’s then He picks you up, protects you, and carries you home.

Today is the day you’re thinking about all this. Maybe you’ve messed up. You’ve messed up in the most spectacular and disheartening way. And it is exactly at this moment that God is ready to do the greatest miracle in your life. Tell him you’ve messed up, and you have no idea where to turn.

There—you’re learning to completely trust Him. Commit your life to Him, and be consistent about it. Remember: the turning point to an awesome future can just start with reliance on God. Commit your ways to Him, and He will direct your paths.

Let’s pray.

Lord, help us to reject our own flawed wisdom and rely totally on yours. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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In our humanness, we struggle at times to achieve peace.

World War 1 ended 100 years ago, and all sides joined together as a League of Nations to make that conflict the “War to end all wars.”

And then World War 2 happened.

Our history is littered with noble attempts to make things right, but only God can bring peace to nations and to individuals. He has promised both! One day, He will make everything new, forever. While we wait for that great day, He also grants us peace in our daily lives.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 says, “Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.”

We only have to ask Him for it. Jesus, as He said in Matthew 11:28, gives us peace even in our greatest trials and when we are exhausted. Then, peace comes to refresh us and give us all the strength we need.

If you don’t have peace in your life, simply ask God for it. He will provide.

Let’s pray.

Father God, let your peace wash over people everywhere in this hurting world. Make them aware of your spirit of peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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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 event. 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.

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Let’s think about something deep today:

What is the endgame?

In this context, we’re talking about what comes after this life we are living now. Believers of course, look forward to an eternity with the Living God. And even unbelievers wonder about what comes next after you draw your last breath.

It’s the most important element in our discussion this week.

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.”

Like snowflakes and other beauty in nature, no two lives are alike. Each of us is unique. God made us that way. The Psalmist said that you are fearfully and wonderfully made!

And in your unique life, you face singular challenges. If you believe in Christ, you are well aware that in this life there is pain, and struggle, and obstacles.

But all through Scripture, the Lord lovingly reminds us that He is always with us, and when we pass to the next life, He has prepared a wonderful future for us. One that will never end and will never be tainted by sin.

If you endure in your faith, that is what is waiting for you. Think about that today!

Let’s pray. 

Lord, your Word tells us that eternity is joy beyond our understanding now. All glory belongs to you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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There’s a reason the Bible uses so many metaphors. The wisdom God has for us lends itself well to short narratives, and we learn much from stories.

A famous passage from Isaiah we’ve been discussing this week uses a powerful mental image to convey deep truths from God.

Isaiah 40:31 says, “Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

The sight of a majestic eagle, flying high above the ground…well, it can just make us feel good. It inspires. Gliding on the wind, the eagle dominates the place we’d like to be.

This gorgeous creature is exactly where God wants it to be. Free and sure of its place in the world, the eagle uses its extraordinary eyesight to see the big picture.

This is the place God wants you to be, and why He uses this verse in Isaiah to let us know our aspirations are not limited to the ground, not dependent on gravity.

Like the majestic eagle, let God free you to fly in every area of your life.

Let’s pray. 

Lord, your beautiful creation inspires us. Put us to flight so that we go to the place you have prepared for us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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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.

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O Holy Night is a well-known Christmas carol that began as a French poem celebrating the opening of a new church. The beloved song we know today was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight, an American minister and abolitionist, in 1855.

This poignant carol reflects on the birth of Jesus as humanity's redemption.

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

’Til He appeared and the soul felt its worth

A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn

A thrill of hope...what a poignant, moving way to describe the feeling in our hearts as we approach the date we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Right now, you may be feeling a weariness you haven’t experienced before. Concerns about the health and well-being of your family, and worldly troubles beyond your control, maybe weighing heavily on your heart this year.

We invite you to join us as we approach Christmas Day in rejoicing in the Lord. A new and glorious morning is on the way, and our hope is still, and always, in Jesus.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, we confess this year has made us weary. We pine for your holy presence, and we rejoice in your gift of Jesus! Be present among us, Lord. Bring peace to the chaos of this world and renew our hope for the coming year. We ask these things 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.