Kerusso Daily Devotional

Usually, when we’re looking for some kind of emotional lifeline to get us through the day, we only want to know what God can do for us.

How do we get that peace of mind we desperately need?

One component is simple obedience. At first, this sounds like a test that’s too hard. We need relief right now!

Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Wow, that sounds like real peace of mind. It requires that we concentrate on ejecting all the junk in our heads and replacing it with God’s Word. Learning obedience is key, because it reveals the Father’s perfect will for our lives.

In this way, we almost back-into the peace we were already looking for. This brings us into harmony with our Creator.

A renewed, fresh and clean mind is also a mind that is at rest.

Let’s pray.

Lord, teach us your ways. Help us uncover the peace of mind that those without God don’t have. Then help us show them the way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

No one is immune from burnout. It comes in our jobs, friendships, and even our church life. Sometimes even our hobbies become dry and tedious! But in Scripture, God gives us hope for the future.

John 7:38 — “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

Jesus is telling us that in Him alone is true life. He is always pointing us to the future, to a time when that dry creek bed will be filled forever.

In Revelation 22, He showed John a river flowing with the water of life, crystal-clear and coming from the very throne of God.

The whole picture is one of healing and new life. He promises us that this scene will be very real and very permanent! The key is what we read in John 7:38…we must choose to believe! If you long for a new start and a bright future, you’ll find everything you need and want in the person of Jesus Christ.

The living water that He offers is perfect, and the supply is limitless.

Jesus is the well that never runs dry.

Let’s pray.

Lord, you are calling each of us to follow You and let You lead us to a place of perfect paradise. We eagerly look forward to joining you in Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Jesus has great compassion for everyone. Especially for those society considers unlovable or worth nothing.

One day he stopped by a well and had a conversation with a woman who had been married five times. When He spoke to her, He knew she was now living with another man. Yet Jesus spoke to her in a way that let her know He valued her as a person.

He told her that people could drink the water from that well, but again they would eventually be thirsty. He said to her that the water He gives is a spring welling up inside them, pointing to eternal life.

John 7:38 — “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

Do you believe that? Have you had your encounter with Jesus? If you’re thirsty for a new life, reach out to Him and listen to what Jesus has to say. He will meet you right where you are.

Your life will no longer be dry and lifeless. New life will flow out of you so that others will notice and want what you have!

Let’s pray.

Lord, much of what the world offers doesn’t satisfy us. We need the living water only you can provide. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have you ever gone fishing and felt a little awkward casting your line the first few times? It’s especially true when someone else is watching. It can be kind of an intimidating thing, and this in life is often how we lose our focus. We worry too much about what others think of us. In reality, we’re casting our line only for an audience of one. 

John 7:38 says, “Whoever believes in me, as scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

Peter the fiery fisherman once famously wrote that if you cast your cares on Jesus, He can handle it. Keep your eyes only on Him and He will see you through. 

If you’re in the middle of a raging stream, stop and focus on staying calm. Talk to Jesus and tell him you’re afraid and unsure. He’ll be there in the water with you to steady you and help you accomplish your purpose. 

We’ve heard the phrase ‘it’s sink or swim,’ but with Jesus by your side, there’s no such thing as sinking. 

Let’s pray. 

Lord, we believe in you. We believe what you tell us in your Word. God, your mercies flow over us every day and we’re grateful. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Researchers have long known that even when exploring new worlds, water is the key to life. Without it, nothing can live.

Water is also an image used often in Scripture.

When Jesus emerged from the River Jordan having been baptized by His cousin John, He used the imagery of water to help people understand that by trusting in Him, they would live forever.

John 7:38 says, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

Did you catch that? You must believe that Jesus is Who the Bible says that He is, the very Son of God. In Him is life, and rivers of living water. It’s a refreshing experience that has no end, because when we drink water now, we know that eventually we’ll get thirsty again. But Jesus has told us in John 4 that whoever drinks from the water He gives—spiritually—will never thirst.

What He is talking about is eternal life: always new and forever clean and clear. He is inviting you, and He stands at the water’s edge and waits.

Let’s pray.

Lord, your Word uses powerful imagery to help us see the wonderful things that you have for us. Thank you for satisfying our thirst for fellowship with you. In Jesus’ name, amen.

It’s no accident that Jesus chose as some of His apostles a group of fishermen from Galilee. These were men who could understand Him when Jesus told them He would make them “fishers of men.” He meant, of course, that they would share the Good News about Him with everyone they came in contact with.

And that’s exactly what each of them did, for the rest of their lives!

John 7:38 says, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

Fishing requires patience, and a feel for your surroundings. The men Jesus picked were steady, and used to adapting to shifting opportunities. They were perfect for the work that He gave them to do.

Just as Jesus knew what his disciples were suited for in order to build His Kingdom, He also knows exactly the purpose He has for you. You are invited to flow into the River of Life He has created, in order to see the Kingdom grow.

Others will see the life flowing from within you, if you’re willing to follow God.

Let’s pray.

Lord, you invite us to participate in the beautiful future you’ve planned for people everywhere. Help us be willing to look for those fishing opportunities. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today, we have a special Father's Day episode for you. The week leading up to Father’s Day is traditionally the time to give dads and granddads in your life an extra thumbs-up, and we've created a list of specific ways for you to pray for dads, any time. 

1. Pray for a loving nature. John 13:34–35 says, “A new command I give you. Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. And by this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” 

2. Pray for wisdom. Philippians 1:9 says, “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment.” 

3. Pray for patience. Ephesians 4:2 says, “Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another.” 

4. Pray for perseverance. Romans 5:3–4 says, “We exalt in our tribulations knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance, and perseverance proven character, and proven character, hope.” 

5. Pray for servant leadership. Philippians 2:3 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, rather in humility, value others above yourselves.” 

6. Pray for support. Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 says, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow, but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn't have anyone to lift him up. 

7. Pray for strength. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like Eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint.” 

8. Pray for courage. First Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on your guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage, be strong.” 

9. Pray for peace. Second Corinthians 1:2 says, “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 

10. Pray for rest. Exodus 33:14 says, “And he said, ‘My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.’” 

Let's pray. 

Heavenly Father, we ask you to bless every dad in the world. You've gifted these men with children, and have asked them to train those children in the way they should go. Prepare their hearts daily for this task, and bless them with the strength of character and sustaining faith they need, to be the father that you intend for them to be. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Joseph was a hardworking tradesman who God hand-picked from all the men in the world to be the earthly father of His own Son, Jesus Christ. What an honor! And in some ways, what an incredibly challenging task.

Joseph wasn’t a king, a politician, or a recognized leader of any kind when he was betrothed to a young woman named Mary. A simple carpenter, he was also a man of compassion. When he learned Mary was pregnant and knew the child could not be his, he intended to divorce her quietly and send her back to her family—but God had other plans.

Matthew 1:20–21 says, “An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’”

Joseph worked diligently to protect his wife Mary and their baby, then saw to Jesus’ education and needs as he was growing up. In a time when blended families were not the norm, Joseph embraced Jesus, providing for him, loving him, and teaching him the valuable skills of the carpentry trade. 

There was no parenting guidebook for raising God’s Son—so together, Joseph and Mary leaned into prayer, and did everything they could to raise Jesus well, and with love.

The Bible calls Joseph a righteous man, and Jesus must have loved his guardian for his quiet strength, honesty, and kindness. How God’s heart must have broken to send His Son into a fallen world, and how carefully he must have chosen the man who would raise him here on earth.

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.’”

Just as Joseph was loyal to His Son, we have an opportunity to be loyal to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, too. Joseph’s obedience in the face of unexpected circumstances is an example of what it means to truly trust and follow God—even when the path takes a turn.

From Joseph, Jesus’ father here on earth, we learn that...

God honors men of integrity and rewards them with his trust.

Mercy always wins.

We may face humiliation in this life when we seek to obey God, but we can gain a close relationship with Him.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, every family’s story is unique. Thank you for the blessing of families as unique as a fingerprint, and for calling strong men to the task of providing for and leading them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

One of the things that mark a healthy society is the consistency between generations. In other words, adults who care about the future for their children will invest the time to make sure tomorrow is bright.

God the Father is the ultimate parent, and we would do well to model His love for us.

Luke 18:1 says, “One day Jesus told his disciples a story to show that they should always pray and never give up.”

Passing the torch, or training up the next generation, involves taking the time to do it properly. If you love your kids, you’ll make time for them. You won’t take the easy way out and settle for schools or the culture at large to raise them.

Teach them—yourself—that we all experience tough times in this life, but sticking to God’s plan for their lives is the key to winning. Living the abundant life Jesus taught about, and sharing His Good News is the ultimate win. But we don’t get there by quitting when the going gets tough.

Let’s pray.

Lord, you never leave us, and you never abandon the human community to evil. You are a great God, and we thank you for your commitment to us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Moses was the father of two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, and he also served as a father figure to the entire Hebrew people as they escaped from slavery in Egypt.

He loved his people, and helped discipline and provide for them on their 40-year journey to the Promised Land. Imagine leading a frustrated, tired, hungry group of travelers through the desert—without air conditioning or handheld electronics—for four decades!

So many aspects of Moses’ life story seem larger-than-life, and he was indeed a hero of his time—but he was also merely a man. Moses’ perseverance in the face of incredible challenges over the course of his life shows today's fathers that overwhelming tasks can be achieved when we stay close to God.

Exodus 16:11–12 says, “The Lord said to Moses, ‘I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’”

The Israelites were afraid they would starve in the barren desert after fleeing Egypt, and complained to Moses that it would have been better if they had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt, where they had enough to eat— rather than to wander the desert without provisions. 

Imagine how frustrated Moses must have been! The Lord had miraculously saved the Israelites from slavery, and now they worried God wouldn’t provide what they needed to survive.

Through God’s faithful guidance, Moses was able to shepherd the Israelites through 40 years of wilderness living. They quarreled with Moses. They accused him of leading them to disaster and ruin. They complained frequently—even after they had seen God’s promises fulfilled. Yet still, Moses carried on. He brought every concern to the Lord, and with God’s blessing and guidance, he was able to keep going.

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Moses teaches fathers that with God, all things are possible. God answers prayer and desires intimate fellowship with every believer. No one can follow God's laws perfectly. We all need a Savior.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father, sometimes parenting is exhausting! Thank you for the blessing of children, and we ask you to bless dads with patience to spare, and to make your presence known to tired dads in the trenches who need your wisdom, and your grace. In Jesus’ name, amen.