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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.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Games and sports aren’t real life, but they often give a pretty accurate picture of how we can choose to face life.  Imagine that your profession is on a national stage. You have the ball with less than two minutes to go, and your team is behind. Standing behind center and looking out at the defense, how many of us could even think? Then, imagine throwing the ball with any kind of accuracy, knowing you have to win the game. Most of us would be scared to death! 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.” When we believe in something greater than ourselves—whether a close-knit team or better yet, the God of the universe—fear tends to leave. Just leave. Get away from me!  If you are feeling terrible pressure right now and don’t know what to do, stop what you’re doing and get by yourself. Pray to the Lord that He will help you and show you the way. That’s the true path to victory, and the best way to assure the win.  Let’s pray. Lord, we can’t do it by ourselves. We need your Spirit in us and your strength every second of every day. Thank you for never leaving us. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

We “love” all sorts of things. We love a friend’s new hairdo. We love pistachio ice cream and travel to exotic places. Many times, the word itself loses all real meaning. It’s like homemade chicken soup without the chicken and without the soup. 1 John 3:16–18 “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.” The Divine Word helps us yet again. Here we learn that true love means doing for others. Get involved. Don’t just say you love your community. Show the community your love. Cleanup projects, running errands for a shut-in, taking your niece to the movies because her mother is working two jobs…you know what to do. You know the opportunities. Think you love those around you? Show them. Let’s pray. Lord, there is so much good to do in the world! Please show us opportunities every day, so that we put action to our words. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Love is in the air, as they say, and that is our topic this week. Love can be a broad term, but we want to refine it for our time together—at the same time, we are preoccupied with cards, gifts, and candy hearts. 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” If we’re honest, that definition—God’s definition, really—is pretty different from much of how the world sees love. In real life, it can be complicated, stressful, even brutal. Broken relationships devastate lives. But those of us who know Jesus know that our mission is to love like Him. Loving like Jesus takes the complications out of relationships. If you are sorting through what love means to you, would you consider for the next few days what it means to love with the pure love of Christ? Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians require something of us, and that is a key we will continue to explore. Make someone else the priority this week, and not yourself. Let’s pray.  Lord, your perfect love has sustained us always. We love you in return! In Jesus’ name, amen.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Have you ever been hurt in a relationship? If you’ve been alive very long at all, the answer is an obvious “Yes!” Reality has shown us that love can be the most wonderful feeling ever…or it can be ugly and brutal. It can feel like your heart has been run over by a truck. We’re talking about loving like Jesus, and as usual, His Word unlocks the secrets of our hearts and shows us the way to healing. 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” Frankly, each of us is supposed to love like this. But just briefly, let’s focus on you. Why? Because it’s okay to do that if you understand that Jesus loves you and wants all the best for you. Has someone hurt you in a relationship? Is marriage or romance a challenging topic for you? Then please meditate on Scripture and realize that Jesus wants a partner for you who is patient, kind, and honors you. Oh — and he or she doesn’t take frustrations out on you, either. Use that as your starting point over whether to stay in a relationship or open your heart to new opportunities. Let’s pray.  Lord, help us to be mindful of your desires for us in the area of relationships. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

When it comes to love, the secular world has plenty to say. Turn on the television, radio, or explore the internet, and you’ll find advice on every type of relationship, from friendships to getting along with your parents, and of course, advice on romantic relationships. People are clamoring to figure love out…but what does the Bible say about love? 1 Corinthians 13:4–5 says, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” Love isn’t about control or about protecting our own interests. It’s not about winning, because true love doesn’t keep score. God’s Word gives us a beautiful picture of what love can be when we seek to follow the Lord: patient, kind, selfless, humble, and forgiving. That’s the kind of love we should strive to build with family, friends, and a potential mate. If we want to take Paul’s wisdom in Corinthians to heart, we must first think about what the other person needs in our relationships. And you know, if you practice this model, you’ll find that soon enough, your own needs will be met, too! Pure love has a ripple effect. Let it wash over you! Let’s pray.  Lord, your relationship to us is perfect. Help us love as you love. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

In an age of technology booms and information-sharing, it’s amazing how lonely we have become. Everything and everyone is connected, but does all that online connection ever leave you feeling disconnected in real life? Do you feel alone? If you do, you are listening at the right time this week as we are reminded that God’s timing is always perfect. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” Did you catch that? Here, God is talking about and to the individual. He is talking to you. And guess what? He has made you beautiful, a truly unique creation. God has also placed you at the right place in history, right where you are. God made you in His image. His Son, Jesus, went to the cross for you. If you still feel alone after all that, go back and read our verse for today. Read it again and again. Our God loves you so very much. His Word says so directly, again and again. Let that be the backdrop for your day-to-day. Can I get an amen? Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for loving each of us infinitely. Thank you for saving us. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

David, the giant-slaying boy who would eventually become king of Israel, is mentioned over 1,000 times in the Bible. The youngest of eight children, David grew to become a powerful king, and some say he was also the original pop star, penning most of the 150 psalms included in the Bible. These songs were the hymnbook for Old Testament Jews, and continue to inspire well-known musical works today, including Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” The 62nd Psalm was written by King David with a goal of reminding himself and others of the Lord’s steadfast love. A man of immense power and influence, David wanted to encourage people to continue seeking the Lord and to trust Him with all their endeavors.  Psalm 62:5 says, “Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.” Some scholars see Psalm 62 as a warning: each of us possesses a certain amount of power over our own choices and circumstances, but we should not let our personal authority get in the way of our trust in God.  King David had wise and experienced advisors at his side, and he commanded armies that did his bidding at home and abroad. Upon his orders, men could be rewarded or condemned. He certainly wielded a significant amount of power, yet he put his faith and his trust in God.  Whether you sit at the helm of a large corporation, you lead a military regiment, or maybe you are the king or queen of your family’s castle, let power rest not upon your own shoulders but ultimately with the Lord.  Let’s pray.  Heavenly Father, like King David, we are mere mortals blessed with opportunities, gifted in unique ways, and called to follow you. Let us turn to you with full trust in your plan, and remember the source of all power is you, and not ourselves.  In Jesus’ name, amen.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Since before the world was created, God has had a master plan to deliver people from evil. He cared for us so much that He was willing to endure pain to redeem us.  In Acts 14:20, we read about Jesus and the disciples preaching in a city called Derbe. It says that, “Jesus then was busy strengthening the souls of his disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations, we must enter the kingdom of God.”  God wants us to know that the journey we are on ends with a destination, and along the journey, we must be prepared to endure hardship for his sake.  His compassion for the whole world is summed in maybe the most famous verse in all Scripture, John 3:16, which says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” And that's it. That's the whole point of living this Christian life. It isn't complicated in terms of understanding, but it can be hard to live out.  There are currently 7.4 billion people on the planet, and most have not received Christ. Many have not even heard Him yet, hard as that is to believe. There's still a lot of work to be done.  700 years before Jesus, the prophet Isaiah saw God’s throne in a vision. And the Lord said there, “Who can we send? Who will go for us?” Isaiah eagerly said, “Here I am. Send me.”  This is the willing heart God is looking for. We live in this world with all its misery and beauty, chaos and harmony. We are to share the Good News of Jesus. And if we do that from a willing heart, God is faithful to use our efforts to advance His kingdom. And that is our purpose.  Would you pray with me? Father God, your great plan from the beginning is right on schedule. It’s always on schedule. We love you. Nothing, and no one, stops you from accomplishing your will. See us through to the end, Lord, that we can accomplish your will for our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Who are you, exactly, that God should know your name, or care to know your story? Have you ever wondered about the answer to that big question? In the great scheme of things, we sometimes feel like ants in an anthill: nameless drones, fetching and carrying, an unremarkable face among the masses. We are so much more than that to the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says simply, “Pray continually.” Written as a letter to early Christians by the Apostle Paul, this encouraging note doesn’t specify that the holiest, worthiest, or only the best among believers should pray without ceasing. God’s Word encourages everyone to pray, pray again, then keep on praying. We all sin and fall short of God’s glory, but even in our unworthiness, God does not hold us at arm’s length; He loves us, and wants us to know Him, and to be known by Him. Prayer is a powerful means of communication that deepens our relationship with the Lord. Who are you, then? Of the 7.9 billion or so people who call this planet home, you are someone God wants to hear from. Imagine that. The head honcho Himself, the Creator of all heaven and earth, the King above all Kings, has invited you to call Him anytime, anywhere. The Lord is only a prayer away, and He is waiting to hear from you.   Let’s pray. Lord, how incredible to imagine you know my name. Thank you for your presence, your faithfulness, and for the gift of prayer. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Have you ever known someone who inherited something of great value from an obscure relative? It happens. The will is read by an attorney, and all of a sudden, the beneficiary goes from struggling to pay the rent to needing a financial planner. It can be an exciting time, even disorienting. The only downside to receiving a large inheritance is the knowledge that someday it will run out, or you die and can’t take it with you. That’s why the Bible’s revelations about eternal riches are so much more important. Genesis 31:14 says, “Rachel and Leah said to him, ‘Do we still have any portion or inheritance in our father’s house?’” Let’s think of this as a parable. A man took the place of another and was executed. He was no ordinary man, though. Only a few days after His death, the will was read. He left it all to you! Jesus Christ died for our sins and took the penalty for them so that we don’t have to. That is what the Gospel is, the Good News that we have riches in Christ, and they last forever. Let’s pray. Lord, your precious gift for each of us is something we did nothing to earn. You simply decided to put us in your will. We thank you forever for your grace and mercy. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Do you struggle to wonder what God’s will is for your life? Many of us do. Although it isn’t a quick answer, the best way to find God’s will for your life is to read His Word. The Bible will tell you the answer to that question. Romans 8:31 tells us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Actually, finding God’s will isn’t the hardest part. Deciding to follow His will is where we get tripped up. People need the skill and discipline of being persistent. Too often, the impulse is to give up and then, if we’re honest, pretend that God hasn’t revealed His will to us. Good old Abe Lincoln had it right when he said that the only important response is to make sure we are on God’s side, not whether He’s on ours. God has already told us that He’s on our side. He sent His Son, Jesus, to take the penalty for our sin. It doesn’t get any more “on our side” than that. Change your thinking a bit. Don’t focus on what you think God is supposed to do. Resolve instead to follow God, and do it every day. Let’s pray. Lord, your will is the thing that drives us on to find our purpose in life. Thank you for sticking with us. Help us to stick with you. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

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—First John 5:4. Make the choice to believe it’s true. And then just literally sit back and 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 let Him lead. That is what will make the difference. Let’s pray.  Thank you, Lord, for winning the war already. We worship you alone. In Jesus’ name, amen.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Rebecca knew just what Craig needed when he lost his job. She knew he felt ashamed that his job performance was a major contributing factor. In other words, he had failed in front of people. The hurried goodbyes and awkward pats on the back actually sort of made Craig feel worse. He threw the small box with his personal belongings in the backseat and drove as fast as he could away from the scene. Giving him some space for a day or so, Rebecca called to check on her friend; she had that wonderful quality of not being overbearing, but also sticking with it. After a couple of weeks, the cloud began to lift, and Craig found not only a new job but a new resolve to do his very best and succeed. Rebecca’s example of friendship had been a catalyst in Craig’s decision to move on in a positive way. Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” A lot of people will love you when you’re winning. Everybody loves a winner. It’s fun and, honestly, a little self-serving. We can often live vicariously through a friend who’s riding high. But a true friend offers encouragement and love no matter what. Are you that kind of friend? Let’s pray. Lord, you are our example. We seek to do your will for our lives and contribute to the lives of those we come into contact with. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

One of the things that marks a healthy society is the consistency between generations. In other words, adults who care about the future of 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.   Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.