On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about the resilience that comes from belief in Jesus Christ.

Romans 12:12 says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

The Apostle Paul spent two years in chains and under constant guard, and from this place of experience he shared a meaningful message of hope, patience, and a faithful prayer life -- no matter what circumstances we are in. The wisdom he shared with Christian believers in Rome thousands of years ago, still resonates today.

Like today’s message? We love it so much, we made a T-shirt! You can get it here.

When you think of ships, whether you’re thinking of the Titanic, pirate ships of yore, or trading vessels crossing the vast ocean to bring goods and services from one country to another, you probably picture them with an anchor — a heavy metal hook designed to catch on the ocean floor and keep a boat or ship in place.

Wikipedia says this about anchors:
There are two main types of anchors: temporary and permanent. A permanent anchor is called a mooring block and is not easily moved. A temporary anchor can be moved and is carried on the boat. When people talk about anchors, they are usually thinking about temporary anchors.

Hebrews 6:19 says, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. ”

When you think about your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, what kind of anchor binds you to your Lord and Savior? Is the a permanent anchor — not easily moved? Or is it a temporary anchor, dependent more on where you want to steer the ship, carried aboard your boat until you feel like a temporary stop?

God wants the hope we’ve found in Jesus to be a permanent fixture in our lives; our faith is meant to hold us steady and secure as we follow Him, being a constant source of reassurance in every circumstance — not a temporary stopping place.

Let’s pray.

Lord, whether we’re sailing calm seas or fighting to keep our heads above water in the midst of a storm, you are with us. You are truly the anchor for our souls. Help us to remember to moor ourselves to you, instead of following our pride and settling for a temporary anchor. Amen

Our glittering “Jesus is the Anchor” T-shirt is a delightful way to wear your heart on your sleeve! Shop this and other faith-based fashion at Kerusso.com. That’s K-E-R-R-U-S-O dot com.

Whenever we have to overcome an obstacle in our lives, we are thinking about a million different things. Our minds race. We might even be aware that our Creator is there to help.

But have you ever considered that even when life gets tough, you can still have joy?

Romans 12:12 says, “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Sheila Walsh has said that what got her through a bout of depression was the knowledge that God the Father loved her and wanted the best for her.

Today, one of her missions in life is to help others recover their joy, by pointing them to the Lord. The truth is, this life sometimes beats us up, but those circumstances don’t have to win. It isn’t inevitable.

It’s when we learn to rejoice while clinging to hope that true joy comes.

Let’s pray. Lord, in our lowest moments, we cling to you and your promises. Thank you for that joy.

As we talk through the Good News of Jesus this week, we must always make it personal. In other words, deciding to believe in Christ is a very personal thing.

We all come from different backgrounds and belief systems. In the end, though, what will you do with the story of Jesus? Do you believe it is true?

Luke 19:10 says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”

Over and over in the New Testament, Jesus talks to the individual. He knew us before we were born, and knows all the things that keep us up at night, or burden us.

In Matthew chapter 11, Jesus tells us that if we are tired and just beaten down by life, we can tell Him that, and He will hear our cry. Have you tried that before?

Have you ever said to yourself, “I have nothing to lose?? This could be the most exciting and important day of your life, depending on what you choose to believe about Christ as savior. If the claims of Christ are true, then your story just got way more interesting!

Let’s pray. Lord, you care so much about us as individuals. Thank you for loving us this much! Amen.

Do you want to inspire others with messages of faith, hope, and freedom in Christ? Share Jesus on a T-shirt! We call that T-shirt evangelism, and you can learn more about our products at Kerusso.com.

On Today’s episode of the Kerusso Daily Devotional, we talk about God’s Word, and how it reflects a note from God to us.

John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

In the Bible, God provided one message for all people, in all times and places. He showed us how much He loves us by sending His Son, Jesus, to rescue us from pain and suffering.

See the t-shirt this devotional was inspired by here