Kerusso Daily Devotional

Truth makes an appearance in the Bible right at the start, and it sets the stage for everything that comes after it. 

The opening scene, if you will, takes place in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve have been placed there in a perfect setting. No worries. Every need is taken care of. It’s hard to imagine that kind of harmony now, but it once existed. Briefly, we’re told that a once beautiful being, Lucifer, had become corrupted through his own pride. The angel had become jealous of God, and he held human beings in contempt. They would become a way for him to try and undermine the purpose of God. 

He was there when Adam and Eve sinned by eating from the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil. God had warned them not to do that. Lucifer, sort of in costume as a serpent, came to Eve and asked a famous question, ‘Did God really say you couldn’t eat from any tree in the garden?’ You see, that’s not what God had told them. He told them they could eat from all trees except one. But Lucifer lied to Eve by twisting the truth. It led to sin entering the world. And from there, truth is a dominant theme. We see it come up when Nathan is brave enough to tell David that his sin with Bathsheba is unacceptable. 

But the most famous conversation about truth came when Jesus was being tried before Pilate. The Roman governor, realizing the frenzy over Jesus was out of control, questioned his prisoner. At one point, he asked Jesus, “What is truth?” That question is echoed over time, and each person has to deal with it. Jesus had just said to Pilate, “In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” This is one of those exclusive claims that is a hallmark of the faith, and the Bible does not shy away from it. 

Let’s pray. 

Father God, you are truth. You are reality, and every good thing. We thank you that the Word reveals how we can know what is real and what isn’t. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

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 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 forces 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. 

Do you ever worry you might not measure up?

Sam was a fourth grader with a big problem: he left his homework at school, and he was so worried he’d be in trouble with the teacher, he could hardly stand to go to school the next day.

In the car on the way to school, Sam’s mom explained the concept of grace, asking, “Sam, do you know about the idea of grace? Grace means even if we aren’t perfect, the people who care about us can choose to forgive us. I think your teacher will understand about your homework.”

Ephesians 2 verses 8–9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

The concerns on your mind today are probably bigger than a missed homework assignment. Maybe you’re struggling in your marriage, or experiencing financial distress. Maybe things aren’t going well at work, or you’re battling addiction, or wrestling with sin.

Whatever it is, when you begin to worry you are falling short, give it to the Lord. God sent Jesus as a living sacrifice for me and for you, so we could all experience His grace. Grace isn’t something we can earn, it’s a gift God gives to us, simply because He loves us. And that’s truly amazing!

Let’s pray. 

Lord, we thank you for your grace. We thank you for loving us, and we thank you for who you are, and all you’ve done. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In the book of Romans, Paul tells us the evidence for the existence of God are so numerous in nature that anyone can believe in God. Surely one of the most compelling examples is in our night sky. When we look up at the heavens, it takes our breath away. The twinkling lights are like our own personal message from God.

All those stars…

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

Astronomers tell us that each star is as unique as we are. We can see some burning dramatically, others are smaller, but no less beautiful. All those infinite numbers dot the black backdrop, causing even the most cynical of us to marvel.

God has always intended for you to share your faith. Like a message written with stars, your story will resonate with people who wonder why you have joy in this crazy world. They will stop and consider what you have to say, because the light of Christ shines from the inside out.

That is a message worth sharing!

Let’s pray. 

Lord, would you give us the courage to tell our stories, to share the Good News of what Christ has done for us! It’s in Jesus’ name that we pray, amen.

There’s something fresh about the love of Jesus. As we begin a new year, it’s your chance to start really new, not in the way we often make resolutions. It’s a tossup, whether those will see the end of the year or even the end of the month. But if you’re really tired of struggling, trying to make it on your own, commit yourself right now to knowing Jesus, who He is, why He came to earth, and most importantly, what He has outlined for your future.

The most famous Bible verse John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” 

Most people have at least heard that, but keep reading. In verse 17, we’re told that Christ did not come to condemn us, but to save us. He’s not about condemnation or rehashing every wrong thing you’ve done. He’s about new beginnings, done the right way, lasting and whole. 

Let’s pray. 

Lord, give us the lasting determination to follow you from this moment forward. No more relying on ourselves or on shaky resolutions. Your way is the only way to true peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Happy New Year! New Year’s stuff is beneficial in several things. We make resolutions—and we might even stick to some of them, but it’s what God does that really matters. He’s in the renewal business, making broken things whole again, especially people.

2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away and behold the new has come.” It’s great for us when this involves repaired relationships or even a career boost. Yet, this vital truth matters most in our relationships with Him. God fashions relationships that are sustainable over time and the gospel is the essence of this truth.

If you feel empty, call on Jesus who’s ready to make you clean, take away your guilt and shame. One day He will restore the whole creation to its original perfect state. But in the meantime, He will look at you with love, put His hand on your heart, and offer you eternity.

If you’re wondering what the new year has for you, set your sights higher, think bigger. Step into your future this year with a real sense of who you are in Christ. He is waiting for you to come to Him for the rest you’ve needed for a long time. The new has come. 

Let’s pray.

Lord, thank you for the fresh start that only you can bring. Thank you for wiping off the dirt of the past and helping us see clearly a future that is always new. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Beryl Markham could have given up on her aviation dreams after crash-landing in Nova Scotia. But she didn’t.

Instead, this determined woman became the first person to fly from England to North America. She later said that in order to move forward, we can’t stay in the past. In fact, she said, “Leave it the fastest way you can!”

This pioneer knew that staying stuck was not inevitable—that we must choose to keep our eyes on what it is we are yet to accomplish in life.

Ephesians 4:31–32 says, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Maybe you’re letting some past hurts keep you from your destiny. Don’t waste another moment! Your future is waiting on you to turn your eyes to it, and stop staring at a past failure.

Leave those past hurts as fast as you can!

Let’s pray.

Father God, we are grateful that you make a way for us to forge ahead and not be limited by the things of the past. Walk with us, always, Father, and bless our efforts. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Are you like a lot of people when it comes to the instruction booklet with a new item? We stare at it and eventually just toss it, guessing we can just figure it out.

Yeah…that usually ends like dropping a carton of eggs.

The Bible is there for a reason. God’s Word is healing and light and a guide for each of us. That’s why it’s important to read it, and meditate on the words.

To the church at Philippi, Paul gave instruction from God, such as putting others before ourselves. Then the payoff:

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

God’s way is infinitely better. If we focus on the right things, our own needs are then met in ways too spectacular for us to imagine. Focus on others and sharing the Good News, and we stand out like stars in the night sky!

Do life the right way: Read the instructions.

Let’s pray. 

Lord, you’ve shown us how to succeed in life and in the life to come. Help us share that with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

God gives us good gifts all the time. All through the year, not just at Christmas.

One of the truly joyful gifts is the ability to be kind to others. It sounds simple and maybe to some even quaint, but there is power in choosing to be kind.

Choosing to be kind. That’s one of our themes this week.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 tells us to, “Always be joyful.” Paul uses this chapter to describe the heart of a Christian. We are also to ‘encourage the disheartened,’ and ‘be patient with everyone.’

Although there are studies that prove this, we don’t have to read a study to know that our decision to spread cheer in this world is really important. Honestly, it also just feels good. Doesn’t it? Have you done this lately?

Minnie Pearl was a fixture on the Grand Ole Opry. Her silly hat and goofy jokes helped make her famous, but the native of Tennessee is remembered for her joyful heart. People who knew her especially felt lifted up just by being around her.

It’s always the season to spread cheer, but especially so during this season of goodwill. Try it. You’ll help others lean into joy, and it will help you catch the spirit of joy, too.

Let’s pray. 

Lord, the joy that we feel as believers is a good gift from our good Father. Thank you for giving us hope. In Jesus’ name, amen.

We’re all a little bit nicer at Christmastime, aren’t we? Admit it. Starting around December 1st, our steps are a bit lighter and we even greet people with a smile. But as night falls on Christmas night, for some weird reason some of us begin to turn back into a grumpy neighbor. In this, we’re missing a great opportunity.

Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life. You will fill me with joy in your presence with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” 

God makes it clear He didn’t send Jesus so we would experience joy four or five days out of the year. This is then our job: carry Christmas forward into next year. Help people know Him. Share the love of Jesus with as many people as you possibly can. That is true Christmas. 

If you’ve checked off your list for gift giving, get out another sheet of paper and resolve to be the face of Jesus to those you come in contact with. Christmas, the true meaning of it, lives in us if we are children of the King of Kings.

Let’s pray. 

Lord, your love for us is eternal and continual. We worship you and we praise you for your mercies. In Jesus’ name, amen.