Kerusso Daily Devotional

Who, or what, are you living for? It’s a big question. You might be considering your spouse or children. Maybe your career is a high priority. If you are an artist, writer, or musician, you might feel you live for the pursuit of creativity. 

Today, we want to remind you of the beautiful message in 2 Corinthians 5:15, which tells us that Christ died for everyone so that those who receive new life through Him will no longer live for themselves, but for the Lord.

It's easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget the bigger picture. We often focus on our own desires, wants, and needs, forgetting that we were created to glorify God. When we choose to make Christ the center of our lives, we find true purpose and fulfillment.

2 Corinthians 5:15 says, “Christ died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.”

Living for Christ means putting Him first in all areas of our lives. It means making Him the priority in our relationships, career, finances, and even our thoughts. When we shift focus in this way, we become less concerned with our own desires and more concerned with following His will.

Let’s pray. 

Lord, we are bought and paid for by your blood, shed on the cross to purchase our salvation. Help us to focus not on our own desires, but on your good plan for us. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Today, we'll be discussing the famous Bible verse John 19:30, which reads, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” This verse teaches us the power of perseverance, which is crucial in achieving the mission God has set before us in this life.

Jesus’ journey to the cross was not an easy one, and He faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. However, He remained steadfast in His mission, and persevered until the very end.

In the same way, we should adopt a persevering spirit in our lives, even when things get tough. We should remain determined to press on and never give up, no matter the challenges we may face.

Perseverance is not an easy feat, but it is necessary for success. It requires resilience, patience, and a willingness to keep pushing forward, even in the face of adversity. Let us learn from Jesus’ example and adopt the power of perseverance in our lives. 

When it feels like you've hit a dead end, keep going—because it’s not over until it’s over.

Let’s pray. 

Lord, make us steadfast in our mission to follow you, and help us to stay the path. Sometimes it’s easier to give up, but your holy example reminds us of the importance of perseverance. Thank you for that. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

In John 19:30, we read about Jesus’ final moments on the cross, where He surrendered His spirit to God: “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

Jesus’ surrender teaches us the importance of surrendering our will to God—even when it’s difficult or painful. 

In life, we often struggle to control every aspect of our lives, but this can be exhausting and overwhelming. When we surrender our will to God, we allow Him to take control and guide us toward His perfect plan for our lives. This choice requires trust on our part, and this is where the rubber meets the road in terms of our personal faith journey. 

When you surrender your will to God, you open yourself up to His perfect plan for your life. God’s plans don’t always align with our own, but He’s got the full picture, and He is with us for the long haul. It’s amazing what can transpire, when we surrender our lives to the Lord and let Him work on our behalf. 

Let’s pray. 

Heavenly Father, we surrender all to you. There are times we want so badly for a certain outcome, or a big win, but we trust your plan for our lives. Please be present every moment, and guide our footsteps. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

In John 19:30, we read about Jesus’ final words on the cross, “It is finished.” These final words before death signify the completion of His work on earth, but this isn’t the end of His story. Three days later, Jesus rose from the dead, triumphing over death and sin.

As believers, we too, have the assurance of victory over death and sin through the resurrection of Jesus. We can boldly face the challenges of life—even the most impossible-seeming situations—knowing that we have victory in Christ Jesus.

What can you do today to live in the victory of our Savior’s resurrection? 

Try adding weekly Bible reading to your schedule; meditating on God's Word, prayer, fellowship with other believers, and sharing the Good News with others, are all activities that bring us closer to the Lord. 

And remember, through the resurrection of Jesus, we have the power to overcome any obstacle that comes our way. Praise the Lord!

Let’s pray. 

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross. Because of you, we can live in victory, and not in fear. We’re so grateful for what you’ve done for us. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

In John 19:30, we read about Jesus’ final moments on the cross, where He let go of His spirit, “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.’ With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

Jesus’ sacrifice reminds us of the importance of letting go of things that hinder us from fulfilling our purpose.

In life, we often hold on to past hurts, failures, and negative thoughts, which hold us back from moving forward. However, Jesus teaches us to let go of all our burdens and cast them onto Him. He tells us in Matthew 11:28–29, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Are you holding on to past hurts—hindering your spiritual growth, or preventing you from forming more meaningful relationships? 

Letting go might mean choosing to offer forgiveness, engaging in better self-care, or seeking help from a professional. Remember, as you let go of your burdens, you create space for God's peace and blessings to flow into your life.

Let’s pray. 

Heavenly Father, the story of your life makes it clear that we are not meant to carry the heavy burdens that tie us down, but to let them go. Help us to hand our burdens over to you, that we might move on from them to fulfill your purpose for our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

In John 19:30, Jesus uttered three powerful words, “It is finished.” These words signify the completion of His work on earth, the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's sins as He gave up His life for us on the cross. 

What can we learn from Jesus’ willingness to complete His earthly mission on our behalf, despite the personal cost? 

Often we start projects, tasks, or even relationships and never see them through. But Jesus showed us the power of seeing something through to the end. He remained faithful, even unto death. This is the kind of dedication we must aspire to, to see the mission God has given us through to the end, no matter how tough the journey may be.

Don’t let fear, frustration, or other obstacles stop you from completing the tasks the Lord has set before you. Run the race set before you, and look to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

Let’s pray. 

Dear Lord, you are the ultimate example of finishing what you started, and our lives are changed for all eternity because of you. Help us to follow your lead and see our own work through to completion. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

We are inspired by epic war stories. Great battles over time become so epic, they almost seem a part of myth. We put warriors on a pedestal and usually, rightly so. They make it possible for the rest of us to live in peace and freedom.

Have you ever considered there is only one perfect warrior? His name is Jesus.

1 John 5:4 says, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”

From King Leonidas to Oliver Cromwell to George Washington, warriors have led their people to freedom. All were epic, all pivotal people in history.

And none hold a candle to our King Jesus. He is the ultimate warrior, the One that came to this world to rescue all of it. His sacrifice on the cross waged war on the enemy of our souls, and He won the final victory.

He has charged us as believers with the task of telling others about Him. Our Ultimate Warrior is calling us to make disciples in His name. If you want to be inspired by someone, be inspired by the Warrior that has no peer.

Let’s pray. 

Lord, Your Son Jesus did battle for us long ago. Thank you for His victory! In Jesus’ name, amen.

In May 1962, an intimidating figure delivered a final public speech at West Point Military Academy.

Douglas MacArthur, who led America to victory in the Pacific during World War 2, addressed cadets. He told them simple truths, ones that define honor and glory.

The hall was completely still as the old general spoke in hushed tones. Everyone heard him speak of the honorable soldier who must rely on “those divine attributes which his Maker gave when He created man in His own image.”

Here was perhaps the most legendary military man in the country in the 20th century, and despite his personal awards and recognition, he humbled himself to acknowledge the One who deserves all our honor and glory.

Psalm 115:1 tells us, “Not to us, LORD, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”

The name of Christ is the one that leads us to final victory. MacArthur spoke to those cadets of the American tradition of seeing things through to complete and decisive victory.

The Bible tells us we are soldiers in Christ’s army. We are standing on the most important battlefield in all of history. Our mandate is to share the Good News of Jesus, so that individuals live for eternity with their Creator.

Let us glory in that.

Let’s pray.

Lord, you are our deliverer and the victor. We honor you with our worship, and with our eternal thanks. In Jesus’ name, amen.

A common theme today is that people are just tired of chaos, both public and private. It’s exhausting sometimes dealing with bad relationships. Global problems are with us every day. And we wonder when it will end. 

There is Good News for you, though. Literally Good News.

1 John 5:4 says, “For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”

This is a message to us that we don’t have to win the war ourselves. We don’t have to win a battle. Don’t have to take part even in a skirmish. Jesus has overcome it all. If you wonder how this can play out in practical terms, do this:

Read this verse several times: 1 John 5:4. Make the choice to believe it’s true. Then literally sit back, close your eyes for a couple of minutes, and rest in the truth of God’s Word.

He is telling us that our faith overcomes all setbacks and difficulties. Our faith. Scripture tells us that faith is the substance of things hoped for. We might not be able to see the end, but we trust God that He will be standing there.

Choose to be a warrior for Christ, and then let Him lead. That is what will make the difference.

Let’s pray. 

Lord, thank you, for winning the war already. We worship you, and you alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Today we're talking about grit and determination, which go a long way in helping find success in life. And they're contagious.

Winston Churchill was almost 70 when his country needed him most, when he stared down Hitler's war machine. The British Prime Minister's signature line was, “We shall fight on the beaches,” but the essence of his message came with these words, “We shall go on to the end.” 

Luke 18:1 says, “Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.” And it is a partnership because God keeps his word. Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

There's a great practical application in scripture. These old words that are always new were not meant to be just some nice thing to say. God does what he says he will do. If you feel like you have no way out of your troubles today, tell God that. Remember the scriptural promises and remind yourself that countless people have done the same and come out okay on the other side. Don't give up, and see what the Lord will do.

Let's pray. 

Lord, we give you our fear and our uncertainty. We can't cope with the situation we're in alone, but we trust you to give us strength not to quit. We believe for the victory over these circumstances, and God we find rest in your mercies. In Jesus’ name, amen.