We know that a consistent heart of gratitude keeps us in harmony in our relationship with God, but in a practical sense, how do we maintain it, and how can we be intentional? A first clue is the example of Paul. Philippians 4:12–13 says, “I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I’ve learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Notice that the famous preacher trained his mind and heart to be always grateful. This meant a conscious, daily, hourly focus on the good things God has brought him. And sometimes we’re down to basics on this: life, food to eat, clothes to wear, shelter. That’s all many people have, and it’s easy—living in the U.S. especially, to forget that our basic needs are met. But choosing gratitude is key. The actor Will Arnett does this. He says, “I’m happy because I’m grateful, and I choose to be grateful. That gratitude allows me to be happy.” Another way to maintain a grateful heart is being very mindful every day of what God has gifted us with. Music icon Willie Nelson understands the value of such an attitude. He says, “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.” Take stock every day, and actually list the things you’re grateful for. Soon enough, it’ll be part of your daily routine. A third way to maintain a grateful heart is to choose to focus on the positive. There’s enough junk in the world. What you choose to focus on will in large part define you. It’s sort of like a natural law. If you do an act of kindness for someone, or sit for 20 minutes watching a gorgeous sunset, instead of scrolling through the news on your phone, you’ll find that joy and a grateful heart become your reality. God loves you. Start your journey toward gratitude with that. Let’s pray. Father God, no one can stop us from thanking you for your love and grace. That’s our first step toward having a grateful heart. From breathing clean air to enjoying a holiday with family and friends. We commit ourselves to a life of gratitude. 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.

Few of us enjoy chaos. It’s just too...chaotic, right?   The human mind needs order and peace, yet we live in this messy world. Stuff is flying by all the time, and we duck. Our relationships are a mess, and we have to schedule that root canal...while simultaneously making dinner and cleaning the house.   Is there a way out?   Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”   It’s all perspective.   Yes, you might have a hundred things to do before 4 p.m. today, but remind yourself of this: sometimes we miss the best days of our lives because we don’t focus on the good. God brought order out of a vast chaos long ago…formless, empty—to create a world of beauty, and He did it because He loved us.   If He did that, can we handle our busy day of meetings and yes, even that root canal?    Let’s pray.   Lord, our lives get so busy we forget that you made order out of chaos. Help us to slow down our brains and hearts and learn to savor the moment. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ancient Greek philosopher Socrates is credited with saying, “The unexamined life is not worth living.”   This line of thinking, developed nearly 2500 years ago, applies to our lives as Christian believers today. Let’s examine the question: What does it mean to be a godly man?”   There are many characteristics that come to mind when thinking about godliness and living the kind of life the Lord wants for us. Today, we’re talking about honesty.   In our culture—even in our Christian culture—lying is often treated as harmless. In fact, many of us lie automatically, without a second thought. Much of the time we aren’t even aware we’re being dishonest.   We may exaggerate, change the facts “a little” so we look good, tell a police officer we didn’t know we were speeding, cheat on our income taxes, or make up stories about our past. Sometimes we lie by omission, leaving out important details to protect our pride or avoid accountability.   Proverbs 19:1 says, “Better is a poor person who walks in his integrity than one who is crooked in speech and is a fool.”   Crooked in speech...in this verse, God’s Word reveals just how well He knows our tendency toward sin, including dishonesty.   As men and women after God’s own heart, it is vital for us to examine our words, our deeds, and our actions to see that they fall in line with God’s instructions for living, in order to fulfill His good plans for our lives.   A godly man is honest.   Let’s pray.   Lord, thank you for calling us to be honest in every facet of our lives. Your Word reveals powerful truth for our lives. Thank you for your instruction, and your forgiveness when we fall short. Help us to be honest in word, deed, and action. Amen

Have you seen the film, “Saving Private Ryan?” If not, it’s about a group of American soldiers sent into enemy territory during World War 2 to find one lost soldier. The order comes from the top leadership. This small group has single focus the whole mission. Eventually—at great cost—they locate him and return him to his loved ones. Much of it is difficult to watch, as we see the incredible sacrifice the many make to find the one. Matthew 7:7, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Long ago, Jesus did the same thing for all of us. God sent His Only Son to find those that are lost. If you feel totally lost, call on the Lord. Just tell Jesus you really need Him. Then you’ll have your own memorable story to share! Jesus loves you and will find you if you call on Him. Let’s pray. Lord, thank you forever for the sacrifice Your Son made for us, to take our sin. We love you for it. Amen. Are you thirsty for more biblical encouragement in your day? Subscribe to the Kerusso Daily Devotional to read or hear content like this Monday through Friday at Kerusso.com/listen. That’s K-E-R-U-S-S-O dot com.  

Do you struggle with being humble, and yielding to God’s will? Most of us do. This extends to accepting an iron-sharpening-iron relationship He has set in our path. Yet the benefits are so good for us. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Make no mistake, God sets people in our path for a reason. That Bible teacher in your church might have words of wisdom for you from her rich and varied life. Be open to that. If you are in fellowship with a mature, older believer, let him or her walk with you on your journey. Learn from them. Ask questions. Learn to be vulnerable. The benefits and outcomes will be richer than you can imagine. This is especially true when someone points out areas you can do better in. Not fun, but that is the essence of iron sharpening iron. And it’s good for you. Let’s pray. Lord, help us be open to the leading of your Holy Spirit when encountering someone who could mentor us. Amen.  

On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about discerning what is right for us in the area of being alone. We can over-think and over-correct issues that others see as problems. But are we in fact obligated to fit ourselves into a new reality? It could be that there’s nothing wrong with us if we are not naturally outgoing. Being alone is not always a negative, and recognizing the healthy balance will go a long way to relieving your stress about “how you should act.”

On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about the nature of Christ as it relates to our whole being. Philippians 4:12-13 says, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Scores of stories relate how people spend years looking for fulfillment, only to find it when they finally turn to the Lord. Jesus never changes, and He has always been and will always be. A personal relationship with him is the key to being content, no matter your circumstances.

On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about the importance of choosing to forgive a wrong done to us. Mark 11:25 says, “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” By changing our focus from bitterness at an enemy, to a conscious decision to forgive, we begin the process of healing. The end result is your own peace of mind, and the potential for reconciliation.