Kerusso Daily Devotional

Sharing our faith should be exciting to us. It is exciting. When we consider the free grace God gave us through His Son, telling others about Jesus should be on our priority list every day. For whatever reason, many find it very awkward to talk to others about Jesus. We can talk about just about anything else, though. That’s why it’s crucial that we look at sharing the Gospel as an intentional thing we do. 

Intentionality is a great way to overcome our hesitancy, and let’s be honest, sometimes fear keeps us from sharing. 

Truth is, each personality requires a customized approach to sharing about Jesus. Some are outgoing and others are shy. A blogger for God TV has written that he admired a friend who told every seatmate on every plane he’d been in about Jesus.

The blogger went on to write that, “Even if my fellow passengers desperately wanted to know Christ, they likely couldn’t even get my attention with a jackhammer drill or a pie in the face.” Kind of funny…and also kind of sad. Also very common. 

Matthew 16:24 says, “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’” So, if we’re looking for ways to overcome our mediocre Gospel sharing, what can we do? 

Let’s look at a few tips. 

The first is prayer. Get honest with God and tell Him you’re not so great at evangelism. I mean, He already knows, anyway. Ask Him specifically to give you both opportunities and an intentional plan for communicating the best news anyone will ever hear.

Two—plan, think ahead. Are you a person who’s good at conversation? Go over a mental checklist that provides you with enough scripture and short sentences to make your pitch when the time comes. However, if you’re not outgoing, maybe you’re a writer. Consider communicating with a card to let the person know you’re thinking about him or her. Play to your strengths, not your weaknesses. 

Number three, listen before you talk. How many times do we jump into a conversation or meeting without taking a breath? Train yourself to be quiet for a bit until you hear where the other person is coming from. You’ll learn about your friend or acquaintance, and you can then think through the best way to approach them about the saving gift of Jesus. But also, don’t just wait for your turn to talk. Hear them. Meet them where they are, and listen to the Holy Spirit to see how you can speak Jesus into that person’s life. 

Very few of us are Billy Graham. That doesn’t mean we can’t share the gospel. Somebody’s depending on it. 

Let’s pray.

Father, whatever our personality and our experiences, give us a passion for loving unbelievers and caring about their well-being. The world is full of diversity. Help us embrace that. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Do you ever feel that you aren’t suited for sharing your faith in Christ? Maybe you’re not comfortable around people. Maybe you’ve encountered some who are hostile to faith.

If so, then we are speaking to you about sharing your light in a dark world.

Philippians 2:15 says, “Shine...like the stars in the sky.”

Have you seen the movie, “The Ten Commandments?” It’s doubtful the real Moses looked and talked like Charlton Heston. And do we really think God looks for His witnesses among people who have that perfect British accent in a Jesus movie? Nope. 

If we think we have to look or act a certain way, then we’re doing it wrong. God doesn’t ask our permission when giving us our marching orders for sharing the Gospel of Jesus. Instead, He approaches us as He did Job: Stand up and listen to what I have to tell you.

You are called to shine a light for Christ in a world full of dark things. You are equipped, just as you are. God has called you. Be bold in Christ.

He is the Star. We are just lights along the way.

Let’s pray. 

Lord, the time is now. So many need you. God would you help us to shine for you every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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, 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.

The Bible’s book of Daniel tells us that one day knowledge and innovation will increase exponentially in our world. And it could be surmised that the prophet was looking ahead to our day, but maybe he was looking even further. The technological advances of the 21st century are no secret. In the ancient world, an ocean voyage could take months. Now, a person can have breakfast in New York City and dinner in Paris.

Communication is beyond anything our grandparents could have imagined. The number of mobile devices at this moment stands at 7.22 billion, a slightly bigger number than the human population of our planet. There are more than two billion personal computers around the globe. People in Asia can chat in real time with friends in Chicago or anywhere else. Such communication is instant and constant. Consider that as recently as World War II, whole armies could be on the move before the enemy was aware.

Travel is easier, too. There’s a wonderful story from our friends at Our Daily Bread, in which a teen on a mission trip shared the Gospel with an elderly man in Jamaica. He was disabled, but listened intently when she described new life in Jesus and the hope of a new body in heaven. He asked her, “Will you dance with me up there?” He accepted Christ.

Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” We have almost limitless ways to get a Bible into someone’s hand. According to The Bible Society, between 1816 and 1975, 2.5 billion Bibles were printed. Many people, of course, still prefer to hold a book and read the printed word, and that method has been responsible for many millions of conversions over the years.

It’s exciting to think that, now, 100 million Bibles are being printed every year. Technology brings advancement here as well. That remarkable YouVersion Bible App has been installed on 300 million devices around the world.

Knowledge is increasing drastically. We have the greatest opportunity in all of history to share the Good News of Jesus with the world. God has given us the means to use technology, prayer, and one-on-one conversations to bring people to Jesus. What will you do with your finite amount of time? It’s up to you.

Let’s pray.

Father God, your provision for us is wonderful. You’ve made it possible for each believer to share their faith with close friends and family, as well as those around the world. Give us a sense of urgency. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Kerusso exists to tell people about the Good News of Jesus Christ, but somehow in our information-jacked world, culture has moved further away from understanding who the most famous person in history really is. Millions of books and articles have been written about a carpenter who lived in the Middle East 2000 years ago, and Jesus has been identified as anything from a desert mystic to God Himself. 

Historically, He was born into a Jewish family in Judea at the time the Roman Empire controlled the area. Born in Bethlehem and raised in Nazareth, Jesus was 30 before He gained a reputation as a great teacher, but He was much more than that. The Bible tells us that He was sent into the world by God the Father, to stand in our place and take the penalty for our sin. 

According to Genesis, man defied God’s template for living and because He is holy, God requires that someone is accountable for sin. Had Jesus not entered the world, we’d be left without a way to reconcile with God. Long story short, Jesus Christ is much more than just a wise teacher. He’s also the Son of God. 

The Bible also tells us Jesus is one with the Father. Remember, when Moses encountered God in the burning bush he asked God how to identify Him to the people, and God replied, “I am who I am.” And that was in the Old Testament.

In John 8:58 in the New Testament, Jesus tells the people, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” Jesus Christ is a divine being. And John 1:29 says, “The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.’” This description of Him is not embraced by most people around the world. 

The Bible tells us that man’s heart is wicked. It isn’t like billions are rushing to churches so that they can have their sins forgiven. The human mind and heart don't want to focus on the messier side of the Gospel. 

We’re imperfect. We sin. And our sin is an offense to God. Who wants to hear that? We don’t want to be told that we’re not good. We want to be told we’re good, and worthy of God’s love. And the Good News, the Gospel in the person of Jesus Christ, is that we have the pathway to be like Him. 

Romans 8 tells us that it is God’s desire that we become like Jesus. And that’s a goal worth reaching for. 

Let’s pray. 

Father, thank you for providing us with your Word that tells us exactly who Jesus is, and what His life means to us. You could have abandoned us to sin, but you didn’t. The praise and the glory belong to you alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let’s think about something deep today: What is the end game?

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. As it says in Ecclesiastes, He has set eternity in our hearts. 

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’s 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.

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 our 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 your life who has been there, done that. Even having a friend gently remind you that it might take time to recover is a help. Being reminded to be faithful and consistent in prayer tips the balance.

As we learn to rejoice in hope, attaining that abundant life Jesus talked about, let us remember others who are in trouble.

Let’s pray.

Lord, you are always faithful. You never let us down. Thank you for the joy that comes from overcoming. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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 anchor can be moved and is carried on the boat. When people talk about anchors, they are usually thinking about temporary anchors.

Hebrews 6:19 says, “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. ”

When you think about your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, what kind of anchor binds you to your Lord and Savior? Is it a permanent anchor—not easily moved? Or is it a temporary anchor, dependent more on where you want to steer the ship, carried aboard your boat until you feel like a temporary stop?

God wants the hope we’ve found in Jesus to be a permanent fixture in our lives; our faith is meant to hold us steady and secure as we follow Him, being a constant source of reassurance in every circumstance—not a temporary stopping place.

So think about that anchor…is it permanent, or is it temporary?

Let’s pray.

Lord, whether we’re sailing calm seas or fighting to keep our heads above water in the midst of a storm, you are with us. You are truly the anchor for our souls. Help us to remember to moor ourselves to you, instead of following our pride and settling for a temporary anchor. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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 events. 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.

Our world needs many things. We have political concerns, environmental concerns, broken relationships, and disease that still stalks too many countries.

It’s also true that God doesn’t leave us in despair. He doesn’t allow our problems to overcome us, if we trust Him.

Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

This is our anchor, the blessing of hope. This week we’re talking about hope and joy, and these are given to us freely by our Loving Father.

Do you have hope? Are you anchored in anything? If not, tell God you need Him. You’ll find that He not only comes to you in need, but He will use you afterward to spread hope and joy.

It’s been said that people can’t live without hope, and that is so true.

Let’s pray. 

Lord, thank you for giving us hope. Help us spread that message wherever we go. In Jesus’ name, amen.