Kerusso Daily Devotional

Trust issues. Lots and lots of people have trust issues. Someone has hurt you in the past. Maybe it’s been multiple times. This world can be a painful place.

But stop and think about how much your damaged trust affects your relationships now. Is there a way out of this long, dark tunnel?

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.’”

People who hurt others tend to continue their hurtful ways. Bottom line: that person might not stop targeting you. Why not rely on Jesus to be your shield? He promises us so much more than protection in this life, though He does that, too. But in putting your trust in Him, you’ll begin to shift your thinking to the long view that Jesus will keep you safe from the effects of sin, forever.

If you find yourself in the difficult position of being a target of a bad person, tell all that to Jesus. Tell Him you need His help. He’ll provide it and soothe your stress. In Him, you will find the One person you can trust anytime, all the time. He doesn’t take days off. And He doesn’t take His eyes off you. Give Him your situation. Rest in the assurance His Word gives you, that everything will end up alright.

Let’s pray. 

Lord, thank you for never letting us down, and never letting evil overcome us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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When the last artillery rounds were heard on the Western Front and World War I ended, good men of conscience tried to create a global body that would bring lasting peace to the earth. Their hearts were in the right place. History teaches us though that real peace is elusive and rare. 

John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

We see in Christ that there is no fixing the human heart without Him. He is our peace. When the kids are driving you bonkers, Jesus is your peace. If your finances have collapsed, Jesus is your peace. If you are anxious or frustrated or depressed about anything, Jesus is your peace. And because the Bible tells us that He is truth, we can rely on Jesus’ promise to give us peace. Tell Him today that you need His peace. He hasn’t left you. 

Let’s pray. 

Lord, life can be stressful. It’s just part of the experience. Thank you that you are literally our peace, and that we can come to you at any time, night or day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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There are several stories in the Bible that tell us when God’s people obey Him, they are in better physical and emotional shape. Remember, Daniel and his friends refuse to eat the rich food sent by the king. After several weeks of their own diet, they emerged healthier than other young men in the Babylonian kingdom. So, too, do we learn that an attitude of forgiveness leads to peace. 

In Matthew 18:21–22, we read, “‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but 77 times.’”

When Peter asked this, Jesus was thinking not only of the person who was to be forgiven, but also about the well-being of Peter. We know from scripture that the hot-tempered Peter learned to temper his temper over time.

Notice that the exchange between Peter and Jesus about forgiveness is an ongoing process. It isn’t a one-time deal. Being intentional about the art of practicing forgiveness ensures that we don’t fall back into bad habits. 

A Journal of Behavioral Medicine study tells us that forgiving someone can reduce feelings of tension, anger, depression, and fatigue. This leads to much better sleep patterns. Another study provides evidence that forgiveness can lower blood pressure significantly, especially among spouses. An article in the Journal of Health Psychology provides a link between much lower stress levels and people who forgive.

God knows us in every way. He created us. In Philippians 4:7 we read, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This comes in the form of a person who is willing to make a conscious choice to forgive, and let grudges go. 

The enemy of our souls wants us to hang on to bitterness. The God who created us and loves us wants to see us well, along with those who have hurt us. Healing replicates itself, and it starts with us. 

Let’s pray. 

Father, it’s painful to watch someone who’s locked down by unforgiveness. Help us model what it looks like to be healthy and whole when we forgive. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Emily Dickinson, one of the greatest of American poets, attended seminary for a while, and then she went back home to Amherst. And for the rest of her life, she lived mostly in seclusion. That’s kind of weird, right? Maybe not. 

You see, God made each of us with a distinct personality. Sometimes it’s actually unhealthy to try and fit a square peg into a round hole. It hurts. We get more stressed out. Emily Dickinson lived a full life. Her relationships were in correspondence, a whole lot of letters. And guess what? She wasn’t unhappy. 

If your aloneness has gotten under your skin, don’t stress about it. If you’re fulfilled with limited relationships, that’s okay. Figure out what works for you. And remember, what the Bible says in Proverbs 18:24, “There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.” 

Let’s pray.

Lord, you made us to have relationships with you first. So if we’re not the outgoing type, help us rest in that. Help us enjoy the life we have and be fulfilled by having right relationship with you as our priority. Thank you for never leaving us, and for giving us the very best companionship. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Dr. James Dobson has decades of experience coaching people to overcome fear and doubt, and put their trust in Christ. He relates a fascinating experience he once had when he learned that sometimes our fear is all in our head.

It seems that he was preparing to graduate from Southern Cal with a PhD in psychology, and as he got ready at home that day, anticipating the happy drive with his family, a cold fear just came over him. He says now that he felt a growing dread, seemingly out of nowhere, that he would be killed in a car accident on the way. Honestly, this sounds crazy, and it kind of is. Even Dobson admits that. He says today that he realized this fear of death and tragedy that gripped him was obviously not from God, and the obvious source is that of our enemy. In some weird way, he can influence our thoughts.

Maybe this happens when we’re exhausted or distracted. Maybe these thoughts of failure and terror come from stress. Whatever the circumstances though, they’re evil. They have no place in our hearts and minds. James Dobson said that day, he simply got in his car and he led his family to the USC campus where he received his hard-earned degree. Afterward, they had a lovely lunch, and the day remains a great memory for the Dobson family.

Mark 5:36 says, “Jesus told him, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just believe.’” 

For Dr. Dobson, this also remains a powerful lesson that oftentimes our greatest fears are not even real. They don’t even come to pass. Learn to recognize the real from the imagined.

And of course, there are times where our fears are very real. Maybe it’s a scary diagnosis from a doctor, or a wayward child just digs himself deeper holes in life. In those times, remembering the source of our fears is really important. When real dangers do crop up, literally speak to the Lord and tell Him you are giving Him this giant problem. Tell Him you can’t solve it, but you know He can.

Another thing to remember if you determine your fear is legitimate, is seek the care of a good friend. Likewise, if you see someone weighed down with fear, you be that shoulder to lean on. We can determine to help each other. 

Proverbs 12:25 tells us, “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.”

One day God will permanently remove our fears. And until then, learn to recognize the difference in real and imagined problems in your life.

Let’s pray.

Father God, your Word tells us that in this world we will have trouble. Problems will challenge us, but you have overcome the world, and that is our ultimate safety net, where evil can’t hurt us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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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. 

God had 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, amen.

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Identifying where our problems originate is one thing, but locating the Divine Healer is key in getting clear of obstacles in our lives. 

At each mile marker in our life journeys, God is standing alongside the road, smiling at us, and holding out His strong hand to guide us. And from the indispensable wisdom of scripture to stories of human triumphs over tragedies, He is always there reminding us we’re never truly alone. 

His grace and mercies begin to overshadow and overwhelm those forces that want to harm us, and it’s then that we see God for who He truly is. 

1 Peter 5:10 says, “And after you’ve suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 

And that is Good News! 

Let’s pray. 

Lord, it’s important to see who our enemy is, but it’s more important to look past that and concentrate our focus on you who brings us that peace that passes all understanding, the kind that gets down deep in us and calms us from the inside out. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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We know that a consistent heart of gratitude keeps us in harmony in our relationship with God, but in a practical sense, how do we maintain it, and how can we be intentional? 

A first clue is the example of Paul. Philippians 4:12–13 says, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I’ve learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” 

Notice that the famous preacher trained his mind and heart to be always grateful. This meant a conscious, daily, hourly focus on the good things God has brought him. And sometimes we’re down to basics on this: life, food to eat, clothes to wear, shelter. That’s all many people have, and it’s easy—living in the U.S. especially, to forget that our basic needs are met. But choosing gratitude is key. The actor Will Arnett does this. He says, “I’m happy because I’m grateful, and I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.” 

Another way to maintain a grateful heart is being very mindful every day of what God has gifted us with. Music icon Willie Nelson understands the value of such an attitude. He says, “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” Take stock every day, and actually list the things you’re grateful for. Soon enough, it’ll be part of your daily routine. 

A third way to maintain a grateful heart is to choose to focus on the positive. There’s enough junk in the world. What you choose to focus on will in large part define you. It’s sort of like a natural law. If you do an act of kindness for someone, or sit for 20 minutes watching a gorgeous sunset, instead of scrolling through the news on your phone, you’ll find that joy and a grateful heart become your reality. God loves you. Start your journey toward gratitude with that. 

Let’s pray. 

Father God, no one can stop us from thanking you for your love and grace. That’s our first step toward having a grateful heart. From breathing clean air to enjoying a holiday with family and friends. We commit ourselves to a life of gratitude. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

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Sudden or even long-term setbacks in our lives can disorient us, impairing our decision-making. Circumstances beyond our control leave us where we can’t focus, and we can’t see what’s behind our difficulties. It’s then that we can’t make good decisions. 

If we don’t know if our problems are caused by emotional, mental, or physical challenges, we can’t see our way out of the forest. Identifying the source helps us settle into God’s perfect peace, and He’s given us the ability to make good choices when dealing with issues beyond our control. 

1 Corinthians 10:13 says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability. But with the temptation, he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” 

You hear that—God will provide, and you can endure. 

Let’s pray. 

Lord, in our imperfect state, our bodies sometimes fail us. We don’t know if up is down or which direction to go. In those moments, bring to our minds the knowledge that we can seek your good solutions, whether it be medical, or psychological. It’s then we can find ourselves set on the right path to health and wholeness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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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 following 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, O 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. 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. 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, amen.

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