Kerusso Daily Devotional

Today, we’re unpacking a powerful message in Scripture that reminds us of the unparalleled authority and majesty of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2:9–11 says, “Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

This verse tells us God exalted Jesus to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name. This is a testament to Jesus’ divine nature, and His unparalleled power and authority. No matter what challenges we face, there is strength and hope in the knowledge that Jesus is with us, and He has the power to overcome any obstacle.

God’s Word tells us that at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is a powerful call to action for all of us. It’s an invitation to submit ourselves to the will of God, and to embrace the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ.

We often find ourselves caught up in the daily grind, and we forget to take time to reflect on the deeper meaning of our existence. These verses remind us there is a greater purpose to our lives, and our ultimate goal is to glorify God in all that we do.

Let’s pray. 

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. We praise your holy name, and pray that we glorify you with every breath we take, and every choice we make. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

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The late writer Christopher Hitchens was a skeptic who claimed that miracles are born from nightmarish ignorance, and that they often are simply 10th-hand reports from illiterate peasants. Wow. The flaw in his argument, of course, is that it isn’t really an argument. It’s simply a rant against God, and the fact is unexplainable miracles happen every day in our world, but Hitchen’s views are shared widely by certain influential people in our time and their claims that miracles are impossible do tend to have an effect on how others think of miracles. 

Another reason some have trouble really believing in miracles is because when one is needed, doubt and fear crowd out our belief. Remember, even the ancient Israelites who saw historic miracles almost on a daily basis sometimes complained that God had left them to die in the desert.

Man, our attention span is short. 

Maybe the most famous example of doubting a miracle is seen in the New Testament when one of the disciples of Jesus—Thomas—refuses to believe reports of his resurrection. John 20:25 says, “But he said to them, unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” 

The 18th-century philosopher David Hume thought that miracles violated the laws of nature. In fact, his views and others like him influenced many people in Europe and America in the next two centuries. So they believed that reason cannot believe in miracles.

Notice that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. The opinions of men too often influence people who haven’t really thought this through. As the Christian writer Timothy McGrew has said, “Science properly understood will tell us the limits of nature, but it will never tell us that nothing lies beyond those limits.” 

In the case of Thomas, we could say that he didn’t have enough information. Once he saw the risen Lord with his own eyes, he could believe. 

For others, it’s a matter of the heart. Perhaps you’ve been wounded and you’re shutting God out. This can cause you not to see what's right in front of your face. So do this: Allow yourself one day to be open to the possibility of miracles. Scan the news. Listen to friends. Scroll through social media. It would be a miracle if you don’t find a miracle. 

Let’s pray.

Father God, you are good to us in big ways and in small ways. You make miracles happen in our lives. From healing to repaired relationships, we know that we can ask you for your good gifts and you will give them. Help us to be ambassadors for your miracle-working power. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Of all the human emotions, fear is perhaps the most paralyzing. Now there are what we call internal and external fears. While many people stress about relationships, depression, and self-doubt, there are also big issues affecting the world: natural disasters, political upheaval, wars, are just a few of the things that create fear. 

Sometimes it can feel like everything is unraveling, but our field guide for finding our way through life, the Bible, has much to say about fear. In fact, dozens of verses speak to it. One really helpful verse is 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 

In scripture, God either speaks to us directly, or through the stories of men like Moses, who comforted the frightened Israelites at the Red Sea. For us as individuals, there are wonderful reminders of God calming us when we’re afraid. 

In Philippians 4, God reminds us not to be anxious about anything. These are soothing words that reach us where we actually live. And as with every other area of our lives, God provides practical help in times of need. 

Ashley Smith found that out in 2005 when an escaped killer held her hostage in her apartment. She remained calm, and asked him if she could read. He said yes. So she grabbed her Bible and a copy of “The Purpose Driven Life.” Over a period of hours, the man talked to Ashley, and told her he felt dead inside. Later, she was able to escape and she said she felt that God had brought that man to her so that he wouldn’t hurt anyone else. 

God’s Word provides real, workable solutions for the many problems we face. Fear is just one of them, but it can be a big one. And it shrinks in the light of God’s protection.

Let’s pray. 

Father God, we love you. We thank you for showing us the way when we’re too afraid to go on. Thank you for giving us a spirit of sound mind, and not a spirit of fear. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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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. It’s in Jesus’ name that we pray, amen.

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The giant redwoods of the American Pacific Northwest are among nature’s most beautiful scenes. As tall as skyscrapers, and big enough to drive a truck through.

It’s said that the redwoods are so powerful and strong in part because even these plants have a sense of community. Separated, or as a single tree, the root system is much more vulnerable. But planted with partners all around, the picture changes completely. The redwoods become tall and strong.

Colossians 2:6–7 says, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

In Christ, we’re part of a strong community. Scripture refers to Jesus as the Vine which provides nourishment to the rest. In Him, we are confident, safe, and rooted.

If you’re feeling vulnerable and without friends, start with the best friend you could ever have. Tell Jesus today that you need Him and His community. It’s a lush Kingdom that will never die.

Let’s pray.

Lord, we are so grateful for your love and your provision. Help us stand strong together and do the work of your Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.


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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.

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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.

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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.                  

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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.

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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.

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