Kerusso Daily Devotional

It’s harder to visualize during the hot summer months, but during Christmas of 1944, American soldiers were dug in against the Germans. The dark, frozen Belgian forest added to the bleak atmosphere. Morale was low, ammo was low, and food supplies were low.

But just when things looked the worst, General Patton’s Third Army showed up almost out of nowhere. The men who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and survived remembered many things about that strangest of Christmas holidays.

Mostly they remembered the first hot food they’d had in six weeks! The steaming coffee overflowed. The bounty and some rest prepared them to win that battle, and then win the war.

Psalm 23:5 says, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

That’s the way life often works. Your back is to the wall, and God shows up. The reinforcements appear suddenly. The Holy Spirit lifts you up — mind, body, and soul. He feeds us with spiritual nourishment so that we can fight back against evil and prevail.

If you’re in a war, don’t give up. God is coming.

Let’s pray.

Lord, you are always with us, and that is just one thing that makes you unique. We can’t live without you. In you, we thrive. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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You probably know whether you’re a morning or night person. Science has some good news for you early risers: Apparently, the early bird really does get the worm.

In a study of early risers versus night owls, researchers at the University of Birmingham discovered strong connections in the regions of the brain that can predict better performance and lower sleepiness; these areas were significantly stronger in study participants who identified themselves as early birds.

Whether you burn the midnight oil and sleep the day away or rise before the sun, there is power in beginning your day by connecting with God in prayer — whether that happens before dawn or at the crack of noon.

Psalm 5:3 says, “In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.”

Any time is a great time to reach out to the Lord in prayer, and one of the best ways to build a consistent prayer habit is to schedule your prayer time.

Try setting your alarm a few minutes early to give yourself a spiritual head start on the day. Thank God for the people and circumstances you’re grateful for, ask Him to bless the ones you love, and to guide your footsteps.

Let’s pray.

Lord, thank you for wiring us uniquely to be night owls, early birds, or something in between. Your timing is always right. Keep us in tune with you through regular prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Few of us enjoy chaos. It’s just too...chaotic, right?

The human mind needs order and peace, yet we live in this messy world. Stuff is flying by all the time, and we duck.

Our relationships are a mess, and we have to schedule that root canal...while simultaneously making dinner and cleaning the house.

Is there a way out?

Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

It’s all perspective, my friend.

Yes, you might have a hundred things to do before 4 p.m. today, but remind yourself of this: sometimes we miss the best days of our lives because we don’t focus on the good. God brought order out of a vast chaos long ago, to create a world of beauty, and He did it because He loved us.

If He can handle that, can we handle our busy day of meetings and yes, even that root canal?

Let’s pray.

Lord, our lives get so busy we forget that you made order out of chaos. Help us to slow down our brains and hearts and learn to savor the moment. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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

That’s kind of funny, but as usual, our puny human perceptions can’t define Him and box Him in. The Bible tells us, in fact, 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. 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 the Lord 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.

Won’t you call on Him today?

Let’s pray.

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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It’s kind of fun in those moments when the kids are in bed and the dishes are done to think about the Big Questions. You know the list.

Why am I here?

What is the meaning of life?

A question that people from ancient times to now have asked is, why in the world, literally, did God create people? We are a handful, as past generations used to say. We mess up. Sometimes we’re on our way to being smart then find ourselves flying down the Stupid Highway.

God must get tired of us, right?

1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

In those terrible moments when you feel dirty and worthless, remember this verse. God says you are special to Him! You!

Begin praising Him for this incredible gift and begin to understand that He made you to fellowship with Him, forever.

That’s pretty awesome.

Let’s pray.

Lord, all through Your Word, You speak of us as the object of Your love. Your incredible gesture of sending Jesus for us is proof of that. Thank you. 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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