Kerusso Daily Devotional

Today we're kicking off a five-part series on sharing the gospel. And this will run the gamut from what the gospel is, to how to do it and what that means, and how to put that into practice. And so as we begin, we really need to understand what is the gospel, and more importantly, who is Jesus Christ.

Sometimes the best place to start is at the beginning. That might sound funny, but what we're talking about is no joke. 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 Chapter Eight 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.

When Hurricane Katrina rolled through, the spinning white satellite image on TV screens actually looked evil. For residents of New Orleans waiting for that hurricane, that's exactly what it felt like. Thousands of people were affected by the brutal storm that poured in from the Gulf. In many ways, the city still hasn't recovered. But in the chaos, God was there.

For more than 20 years, water pump operator Rufus Burkhalter and Bobby Brown had worked at pumping station number 6 along the 17th Street Canal. When they realized how bad it was going to be, the pair did an amazing thing. They stayed at their posts. They kept working even after the levees broke. One of the world's largest pumping stations was still being operated by two good men who risked their lives for others. When it was all said and done both lost their homes due to storm damage. The seawater and raging winds devastated their lives and yet they chose to help others. That kind of love for one's fellow man is rooted in the love of Christ.

Psalm 93:4 says “Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea. The Lord on high is mighty.”

God is infinitely stronger than the storms in your life. He's there guiding you and he is there caring for you through it all, all the time. In the horrifying days of Katrina and through the aftermath many people displayed a reliance on the Lord who stood up to the evil that invaded their community. When we lean on God in every situation, especially during the storms in our lives it builds our faith and places us on solid ground.

Let's pray.

Father, Almighty One, nothing is scarier than the dark deep waters that overwhelm us sometimes. We know though that your word is our anchor established and true. We can rely on it every single time. Thank you for guiding, protecting, and loving us always, in all of your ways in Jesus' name, amen.

Do you like scary movies? Is an evening spent looking through your fingers appealing to you?

It is to a lot of people. Some of us really like to be scared! 

But hopefully, that doesn’t translate to real life. Screaming in a dark theater can actually be fun, but you don’t want to live a life of fear.

Psalm 23:4 tells us, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”

To be blunt about it, God made us to be fearless. Single mom? A leader under siege? Maybe your situation is something else entirely. But whatever environment you find yourself in, know that God is not about His children being afraid. He gave us a choice, as Psalm 23 tells us.

For thousands of years, people have recited that verse while in a tough spot. David wrote it when his life was in serious danger. The words fit all situations and lifestyles and times in history. You are not alone.

God will come through for you. Tell Him today that you need His strength.

Don’t be afraid to do that.

Let’s pray.

Lord, keep us from fear. Keep us focused on your eternal strength and safety. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have you ever been in such a dark place that you wondered if God cares about you, or if He even exists? Maybe it’s all some cosmic joke, right?

We’ve all been there. Humans doubt. We doubt ourselves, we doubt product labels, we doubt our kids. We question everything.

But the worst one is trying to figure out where God is in the middle of life’s great difficulties. Sometimes the world is just flat-out mean, and it seems like it’s an entity that’s trying to break you in half.

That is the very moment God’s ancient and eternal words come to us.

Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Honestly, it doesn’t get better than that! Jesus lives so that you will live forever. And in the interim, He will walk with you and carry you when necessary. He never fails and what’s more, His willingness to never leave us has been proven over and over again, in a billion different ways.

If you need Him right now, don’t doubt. Call out to Him. Your circumstances might seem impossible and impossibly unique. But don’t believe it. Believe Him instead.

Let’s pray.

Lord, you promised you would never leave us. We know that’s true, but help us with our faith in our weak moments. God, make us believe. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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 is 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.

At an address in Columbus Ohio in 1900, former slave Booker T. Washington kept the room spellbound. This man, who had built Tuskegee Institute to lift blacks out of economic bondage, was revered around the world.

But he said something that surprised more than a few in the audience. He said that one of his main priorities for the Institute was hiring more Bible teachers!

Washington, who had been forced to work in an evil system, once felt powerless. Yes, an American president legally freed the slaves. But Washington’s faith in Christ was the real key in lifting him up.

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

Are you down and out right now? Are you chained to problems too big for you to overcome? Take Paul’s letter to heart and realize that all things are possible for your future, through faith in Christ. He has perfect strength, all you’ll ever need.

Tell him that today.

Let’s pray.

Lord, your perfect will is more than enough to help us escape a terrible past and future. Our future is what you have told us it will be. Thank you for that blessing. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Good Friday is the day on which Christian believers commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.

Good Friday may seem like a somber and difficult day as we remember the suffering Jesus endured on the cross, but it is also a day of hope and redemption. Through His sacrifice, Jesus showed us the depth of God's love for us, and offered us the gift of salvation.

One of the most powerful messages of Good Friday is the idea of self-sacrifice. In John 15:13, Jesus said, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.” Jesus’ willingness to give His life for us is the ultimate example of love and selflessness.

As we reflect on Good Friday, let’s ask ourselves how we can follow in Jesus’ footsteps. How can we show love and compassion to those around us? How can we put the needs of others before our own?

Let’s pray.

Gracious God, as we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us on this Good Friday, we are humbled and grateful. We ask for the strength and courage to follow in His footsteps, to love and serve others as He did. Help us to embody the selflessness and compassion that He showed us, and to live our lives in a way that honors His sacrifice. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.

Maundy Thursday is the Christian holy day that commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles before His crucifixion. It is a day of reflection and humility, as we remember Jesus washing the feet of His disciples as a symbol of service and love.

One of the most powerful lessons we can take from Maundy Thursday is the idea of selflessness. Jesus’ act of washing his disciples’ feet was a profound example of humility and love. He didn’t seek power or recognition; instead, our Savior served His followers with grace and compassion.

In John 13:34–35, Jesus commands His disciples to love one another: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

This message of love and service is just as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago. We live in a world that often values power and wealth over kindness and compassion. But we can all learn from Jesus’ example, and strive to serve others with love and humility.

Let’s pray. 

Heavenly Father, as we reflect on the events of Maundy Thursday, we ask for your guidance and strength. Help us to be selfless in our interactions with others, and to love one another as Jesus loved us. May we always remember the lessons of this holy day, and strive to live out your teachings in our daily lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Have you been saved by Jesus? 

Salvation is the deliverance from sin and death that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus overcame sin and death, and gave us the opportunity to have eternal life.

Revelation 1:18 says, “I am the Living One. I was dead, but look, I am alive forever. I have power over death and hell.”

As believers, we can have confidence that our salvation is secure in Jesus Christ. No matter what happens during our temporary earthly lives, we can be sure of our eternal destiny. This knowledge gives us lasting peace, and hope that transcends our present circumstances.

The power of salvation also gives us, through God’s grace, the ability to overcome sin and withstand temptation. And by obedience to the Holy Spirit, we can daily try to live a life more like Jesus, and grow in our faith.

If you haven’t yet received the salvation that Jesus offers, we invite you to do so today. Simply believe in Him, ask forgiveness for your sins, and ask Him to be the Lord of your life. A personal relationship with Jesus is a gift that lasts for all eternity. 

Let’s pray. 

Dear Lord Jesus, we thank You for the power of salvation that comes through faith in You. Help us to live a life that is pleasing to You, and to share this message of hope with others. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

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.