God’s Beautiful Truth: How God Used One Man to Touch Millions

One man’s obedience touched millions of lives. For more than 20 years, John Roos’ Inspiration Magazine devotions encouraged readers worldwide. As we reflect on the power of thankfulness this month, John’s legacy reminds us that gratitude and faithful stewardship of our God-given gifts can leave a lasting impact.

If you’ve read Inspiration Magazine or the Inspiration Today Daily devotional emails, then you’ve likely encountered the words of John Roos. For more than 20 years, God used John’s daily devotions to strengthen the faith of people around the world.

Though John recently went home to be with the Lord, his words continue to speak truth and encouragement to millions. His life is a reminder of the unexpected impact one person can have when God works through them. That’s the kind of impact your life can have when you’re obedient to the Lord’s leading.

A Heritage of Faith—and Honest Questions

John’s journey to faith began with a rich spiritual heritage:

• A great-grandfather who came to America as a circuit-riding preacher
• Another grandfather, whose vibrant faith tethered John to truth
• A preaching father and godly mother
• Decades of faith-filled friendships

But John had to navigate rough patches before coming to his own faith in Christ. As a young adult, he believed Christianity was a sham. So he turned away and often challenged believers he saw as shallow or hypocritical.

Yet God never let him go. The sovereign Creator kept calling John to draw near and discover truth, even using his love of philosophy to open his heart. Eventually, John surrendered to Jesus and dedicated his life to seeking the God who never changes.

A Call to Write

Soon after, John met Gail, his lifelong partner in faith and ministry. Together, they prayed and studied God’s Word, faithfully following His leading.

One day, John clearly sensed God telling him, “Write!” As a marketing specialist, the instruction made sense, but he had no idea what to write. In obedience, John began filling volumes with fresh insights God gave him through Scripture.

For years, his writings were private. He had no idea how God might someday choose to use the words He inspired in John.

Then God opened the door through Inspiration Ministries. During a strategy meeting, Inspiration’s founder and CEO, David Cerullo, shared a desire to provide daily devotions for partners. John suddenly spoke up: “That would be a slam dunk. I’ve already written thousands.”

In that moment, the platform God had prepared for John’s words came into view.

Over 8,000 Devotions—and Counting

From that point forward, John’s obedience to a single word—“Write”—produced more than 8,000 devotions. These brief, powerful reflections became a daily lifeline for readers, pointing them to Scripture and practical truth.

John often said, “I try to share what I feel God is doing in my life. Every devotion comes from things I feel He is teaching me.” His devotions were birthed in prayer and marked by clarity, depth, and heartfelt honesty.

Today, they live on not only in Inspiration Magazine, but also in the Inspiration Today Daily email—reminding us each morning that God still speaks through surrendered lives.

A Lasting Legacy

The words God moved John to write—even through years when he didn’t know why—live on. His devotions will continue to bless, challenge, and inspire readers to know God more deeply.

His life reminds us that faithfulness in small steps—like obeying God’s call to “Write”—can ripple outward to touch millions. So when you sense God leading you into new territory—even if you can’t see where the path leads—follow Him. He will use it to bless countless others in ways you may not expect!

We thank God for the life and ministry of John Roos. His legacy of faith lives on in every reader he has encouraged and drawn closer to Jesus through his devotions.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

Want to be encouraged daily, just as John intended?
👉 Sign Up for the Free Inspiration Today Daily Emails

Help us continue the legacy of sharing God’s Word.
👉 Partner with Inspiration Ministries Today