Daily Devotional

Coming Back to the Cross

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/23/24

When John showed up at the cross, Jesus did not say to him, “John, where were you? I was looking for you. I thought that, of all the disciples, you would be the one who would have stood by me during the trial. Where were you, John?”

There was no rebuke. There was no “I told you so.” Rather, He looked at him, and He gave him the highest responsibility that our dying Savior could give anyone. He said, “Son, here is your mother.” The Lord was saying that He wanted John to substitute for Him. He wanted John to stand in His place to speak for Him—to care for His mother.

Some of us have made promises to the Lord, promises that we are going to walk closely with Him, promises that we will spend time with Him and time in His Word. We made those promises, and then we got busy and forsook those promises. We got tired and let go of the promises. Disappointed with the circumstances of life, we gave up on the promises that we made to God.

Thankfully, we can repent, return to Jesus, and receive His loving care and direction today.

Prayer: God, I realize today that I need to come back to the cross. I need to kneel at Your feet in adoration and love and follow through on the promises I have made to You. Thank You for being patient with me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity” (Joel 2:13).23

Recognized by Our Fruit

03/09/24 – 03/22/24

Bearing Fruit

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/22/24

If you are like me, as you read the description of the Spirit’s fruit in Galatians 5—the character qualities manifested by the Holy Spirit—you are likely to throw up your hands and cry, “That’s an impossible standard!” But that’s the point! You can’t bear the fruit of the Spirit in your own strength. These character traits can be manifested in you only by the Holy Spirit.

He can fill you daily with His presence and power. It is in yielding ourselves to God—readily admitting that in our own power we are not loving, not joyful, not at peace, not patient, not faithful, not kind, not good, not meek, not self-controlled—that He fills us with the character likeness of Christ. When we cry out to Him for more of His presence and His help, His Spirit goes to work, transforming us into the image of Christ “with ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).

To become more like Christ, we must become less bound to our own impulses and desires. How this happens is a great mystery of God, but it is undeniably true nonetheless. When we live by the power of the Spirit, keeping in step with our best friend throughout our lives, we will naturally find fulfillment, abundant life, and peace.

Prayer: Lord, I know that in my own strength, I cannot produce the fruit of the Spirit. Spirit, fill me with Your power and presence so that I might become more and more like Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).

Recognized by Our Fruit

03/09/24 – 03/22/24

Putting It All Together

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/21/24

If we are living by the Spirit, then we will know how to respond to life when it turns upside down. We won’t give up when things get rough or we feel disillusioned. Instead, we will remain faithful to the course God has set before us.

When David faced a tremendous threat from his enemies, he cried out to God, and the Lord answered him.

For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. (Psalm 27:5)

If David had abandoned all self-control, his enemies would have overthrown him. Instead, he waited on God’s deliverance. He knew that the Lord was his Rock and Redeemer.

The fruit of the Spirit is God’s instructional toolset given to us so we will know how to face life’s problems and sorrows correctly. Paul reminds us to “keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other” (Galatians 5:25-26).

The fruit of the Spirit teaches us how to stay alert to Satan’s schemes. Pride is one of his favorite snares. In his classic devotional My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers warns, “Always remain alert to the fact that where one man has gone back is exactly where anyone may go back (see 1 Cor. 10:13).”

When we yield to pride, we set ourselves up for a fall. But if we practice the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—then the enemy will not be able to set up strongholds in our lives.

Therefore, be alert and submit your life to Christ. No matter what this life may hand you, God has given you all that you need to handle it in His strength

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to rely on Your strength instead of my own. Protect me from pride and lead me in the way of humility so that I may honor You and be a blessing to others. Let there be no strongholds in my life for the enemy to use for his evil purposes. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun” (Psalm 37:5-6).

Recognized by Our Fruit

03/09/24 – 03/22/24

Empowered for Self-Control

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/20/24

A father asked his daughter, who spent too much time watching television, to begin memorizing Scripture. He chose the verses in Galatians concerning the fruit of the Spirit as a place for her to begin.

When she was sure she had reached her goal, she began to list the fruit of the Spirit to her dad, “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and remote control!”

When it comes to the subject of self-control, many of us would like to dodge the issue. Maybe we would like to think there is a way to put our minds, wills, and emotions under God’s “remote control.” Instead of having to take responsibility for our actions and decisions, we think it would be easier for God simply to control us.

However, God has a more creative plan in mind, and in Christ, He has given us the ability to choose right over wrong and self-control over emotional impulse.

Paul warns:

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. . . . be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, . . . (Ephesians 5:15-20)

Don’t set your heart on having a “remote control” attitude. Dig deep into God’s Word. Learn what it means to be self-controlled. Pray that you will reflect His love and self-control to others whose lives are spinning out of control to encourage and strengthen them in difficult times.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You that You are a gentle God, not a controlling God. Show me how to live by the Spirit You have so graciously given me. Help me take responsibility for my actions and live in the fullness of Christ so that You may be glorified. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“[M]ake every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; . . .” (2 Peter 1:5-6).

Recognized by Our Fruit

03/09/24 – 03/22/24

Meekness and Courage

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/19/24

We often believe that perception is reality, but many times it is not.

The enemy is swift to tempt us to believe something about another person that may not be true. Remember, God created us for fellowship—first with Himself and then with others.

Once we have accepted Christ as our Savior, the enemy knows that he can no longer capture our souls. We are saved by the grace of God.

However, he never backs away from a challenge and sets new goals to disrupt and, if possible, to destroy our fellowship with God and with those we love.

When conflict arises, it is extremely important for us to listen only to the voice of God. While there is benefit to the counsel of godly friends, there is also the danger of missing what God wants us to see and learn on our own.

Therefore, before you react to a situation, ask the Lord to make His Truth apparent to your heart. Wrong perceptions have been the cause of many misunderstandings. Set a goal to set aside pride to understand the true motives of the other person. Then, be meek and forgiving as necessary through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Oftentimes, we view meekness as a weakness. In actuality, a meek person is not weak or timid. In fact, Biblical meekness or gentleness is courage, confidence, and strength under control.

God wants us to enjoy meekness as a fruit of the Spirit. When we learn how to rest in Him and allow Him to work through us, His meekness will rise to the surface of our lives—helping us to walk in fellowship with others as He intends.

Prayer: Lord, help me to reflect on hurtful situations before I react to them. Show me my wrongs so that I may ask for forgiveness. Grant me insight into the hearts of those with whom I have a dispute so that I might have compassion. May I extend forgiveness just as I have been forgiven. Thank You for the fruit of Your meekness and courage. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

Recognized by Our Fruit

03/09/24 – 03/22/24

Faithful to God and Other

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/18/24

One of the foes to our faithfulness to God is indifference to His Word. We lose a capacity for faithfulness when we lose our zeal, our ardor, our “first love,” our deep desire to stand up for the Truth and to witness to the lost. Those who are authentically filled with God’s Spirit are excited about the things of God. They rejoice at the salvation of lost souls. They delight in seeing God at work. They are enthusiastically eager to worship God and serve Him.

If you are genuinely faithful, you will find yourself actively pursuing a relationship with God. Are you spending time praising and thanking Him, confessing your sins to Him, and listening to what He speaks to you from His Word? Faithfulness also involves a desire to know God’s Truth. Are you seeking to grow in your understanding of God’s principles, purposes, and promises? Do you read and study the Bible on a daily basis?

Faithfulness not only demands a growing relationship with God but also growing relationships with believers. It means going to church even when you don’t feel like it and developing friendships with our brothers and sisters in Christ. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Faithfulness produces a deep assurance that we are connected to God with a bond that cannot be broken, that extends into eternity. God’s faithfulness to us leads to our faithfulness to Him and to other people.

Prayer: God, thank You for being faithful to me even when I have been unfaithful. I pray that You would reveal to me specific ways in which I can be more faithful to You and to others. Help me to stay zealous for You and Your Word. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9).

Recognized by Our Fruit

03/09/24 – 03/22/24

Demonstrate God’s Goodness

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/17/24

The goodness of God within our lives is often revealed through our actions. When we accept Christ as our Savior, we gain the ability to be good people—but only as we live our lives for Jesus Christ. Apart from Him we can do nothing!

The Lord told His disciples, “There is only One who is good,” and that, of course, is God, the Holy One of Israel (Matthew 19:17). With the fall of man, we were separated from God, unable to be wholly good (see Isaiah 59:2). But in Christ we are made new, and by His Spirit we are able to “clothe [ourselves] with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12). This is the goodness that comes from the heart of God. It is planted within us when the Holy Spirit dwells in us and we lay our selfish desires aside.

The Good Samaritan sacrificed financial gain and personal reputation in order to help someone he did not even know. Take a moment to read this story in Luke 10:30-37. This act of goodness can only be born from the heart of God.

Throughout life, we will meet people who are careless with their words and actions. Everything within us will want to fight back, but we must come to a point where we level our eyes at the deepest intent of our hearts and ask, “Am I demonstrating God’s goodness or my self-righteousness?”

The Holy Spirit, who lives within us, is our guide to godliness, which will be reflected in the love and mercy we extend to even the most unlovely person. The next time you face a difficult situation, take time to pray and ask God to live His life through you.

Prayer: Father, it is not humanly possible for me to be good on my own, but I know that You can show me how to be both kind and good. I submit to You; lead me in Your ways. Mold me so that I can become more like You, reflecting Your character. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, . . .” (Luke 6:45).

Recognized by Our Fruit

03/09/24 – 03/22/24

Exercising Kindness

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/16/24

In addition to exhibiting empathy and showing kindness to yourself and others, in order to fully embrace kindness, you must let go of hatred, bitterness, and resentment. If you allow a relationship to deteriorate because of resentment, you will find it difficult to express a kind word or make a kind gesture to that person. But by practicing kindness and praying for that person, even if you don’t feel like it, you will help heal that relationship. As you let go of bitterness and ill-will toward a person, you will grow in lovingkindness, finding freedom in forgiveness and humility.

Showing kindness to others won’t always be easy. You may face rejection. Or you may need to spend significant amounts of your time or resources. But showing kindness is not only a fruit of the Spirit—it will also restore your soul. It banishes hatred and gives room for love to take root. Set aside your own agenda and your fear of rejection and exercise the kindness of the Holy Spirit.

Today as you spend time with God in prayer, ask Him to show you the areas in your life that are holding you back from experiencing kindness. Do you find yourself judging instead of empathizing with others when they are in need or have failed? Is there a past sin in your own life for which you haven’t allowed God to forgive you? Whatever the reason, ask for God’s strength to enable you to overcome these obstacles. And begin to pray regularly for the Holy Spirit to prompt you daily to show kindness to others.

Prayer: Father, help me to overcome the obstacles that are keeping me from exercising kindness. I pray that Your Spirit would prompt me to show kindness to those around me today. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else” (1 Thessalonians 5:15).

Recognized by Our Fruit

03/09/24 – 03/22/24

Kindness to Others and Yourself

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/15/24

When we walk by the Spirit, we will exhibit kindness. These are some aspects of kindness that, with the help of the Spirit, we must express to others.

First, we must have empathy. Empathy is putting yourself in another person’s place. It can be easy to forget our own past failures, weaknesses, and needs and become insensitive to the struggles of others. So to practice kindness in these situations, we must remember the people we once were and reach out to others to help them become the people God has created them to be—full of abundant life and joy, resting in the grace of God. When talking with a troubled friend, we should apply Proverbs 12:25: “Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.”

Second, show kindness to yourself—not as self-indulgence, but as mercy. Ask God to forgive your sins, but don’t dwell on them. Don’t allow your past to dominate your present thinking. In addition, allow yourself to receive kindness from others. In doing so, you are giving someone else an opportunity to experience more of God’s joy and fulfillment in their own lives.

Prayer: God, teach me to be an empathetic person. Help me to remember where I came from and to encourage others. Help me to also show myself mercy and receive kindness from others. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Recognized by Our Fruit

03/09/24 – 03/22/24

Anger Management

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/14/24

The Greek word for patience is made up of two parts: “anger” and “long in coming.” Think of it as the ultimate anger management program—and one that can occur only with God’s help.

How do you handle your anger? Do you erupt like a volcano or suppress your frustrations so that they fester? Either approach is unhealthy. The solution that God’s Spirit brings is the ability to express anger positively and appropriately, which is coupled with the willingness to allow God’s patience to work in us, thereby imitating His long-suffering love (see Psalm 103:8).

The Lord sent His Holy Spirit to comfort you at all times—including your times of waiting and frustration. So praise God for His infinite, intricate care for you. Though for a while God may be silent, His Spirit is always with you, and an answer will come in His perfect timing.

If you are tired of trying to be patient in your own strength, admit your exhaustion to the Lord. Then allow His Spirit to fill you with His long-suffering patience. With the strength of the Lord, nothing is impossible.

Prayer: God, I confess that at times I become angry when I’m in a season of waiting for a change in my circumstances or even in my own character. I can’t overcome this in my own strength, so I ask that Your Spirit would fill me with long-suffering patience. I’m glad that nothing is too hard for You! I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near” (James 5:8).

Recognized by Our Fruit

03/09/24 – 03/22/24

Peace in the Storm

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/13/24

Jesus never promised us a life without problems. He told us to expect trouble and persecution. He told us that the last days would be full of turbulence and testing. He told us that the world would hate us, put us on trial, and put us to death. But we have divine peace.

When you have divine peace, you are like a submarine in a hurricane. If you remain on the surface, you’ll be destroyed—but if you dive deep into the ocean of God’s love, you’ll have peace. No, you won’t escape your circumstances completely. Even if a submarine descends to a depth of four hundred feet, it can feel the rocking motion of the waves above. A hurricane-force storm on the surface can cause a submarine to roll ten to fifteen degrees—enough to make some submariners seasick. But the crew will be safe beneath the waves because it has gone deep, deep, deep, where the turbulent storm cannot destroy it.

That is what divine peace is like. It doesn’t mean the storm won’t rock your boat. It doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get seasick. But it does guarantee peace that passes understanding, peace that transcends comprehension, peace that defies explanation. It’s the peace that only the Lord Jesus Christ can bring you. It’s a peace that can’t be found in the secular world or in any other religion. It can be found in Jesus alone.

Many cry out for peace. Many struggle with guilt and fear. Their consciences are a war zone. Their minds are a battlefield. Their relationships are stormy seas. Their hearts are filled with anxiety and confusion. That’s why Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

All the money in the world can’t buy you a moment of divine peace. All the good works and charitable deeds and religious rituals in the world will never buy you God’s peace. You can’t earn it or inherit it or ever be worthy of it—but you can have it for free. Divine peace is a gift.

Prayer: Lord, I confess that often I look elsewhere for peace instead of seeking You, the God who is peace. May Your voice be louder than all my fears and concerns. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For he himself is our peace, . . .” (Ephesians 2:14).

Recognized by Our Fruit

03/09/24 – 03/22/24

A Positive Testimony

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/12/24

How do we live as positive witnesses for Christ? We show our faith through our conduct, living in obedience to Christ, and in the joy that our relationship with our Creator brings us. As we follow Christ each day, we manifest the fruit of the Spirit and radiate our eternal joy.

When we are walking in obedience to Him, He will continuously pour His power into our lives. The world will see the power of the resurrection in us as we are transformed more and more into the likeness of Christ. When His power is fully at work in us, our joy will be infectious, and others will want to know the joy of Jesus, too.

The apostle Paul told the Philippians, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain” (Philippians 2:14-16).

When we are experiencing full joy, we cannot help but let that show outwardly to everyone around us. When we face trials and crises, we can press forward confidently and joyfully, knowing Christ is with us. When we experience great successes, we can rejoice in the blessings that God has given us. Our gratitude and thanksgiving will overflow and show the world we worship a truly amazing and sovereign God.

The world is always watching us. Whether we want to be or not, all Christians are living testimonies who represent Christ to the world.

Prayer: God, I want my life to be a positive testimony for You. I pray that no matter what is going on in my life, I will be a consistent witness to the joy of knowing You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Recognized by Our Fruit

03/09/24 – 03/22/24

Encompassing Love

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/11/24

When Paul wrote to the Galatians about the fruit of the Spirit, the first one he listed was love. Read Galatians 5:13-26.

How do you define love? It’s a word we use a lot, but have you ever stopped to think about what it means? Unfortunately, in our society, we find a distorted kind of love that is self-centered. We see romantic movies and think love is about strong emotions and blissful feelings. And when those feelings fade, we think that love has ended. Or we pursue friendships only insofar as our friends do not let us down. But true, Biblical love is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional—it is not contingent on our feelings or circumstances.

While love is mentioned by Paul as a piece of the fruit of the Spirit, it is also synonymous with the fruit of the Spirit. Why? Because love encompasses all the other characteristics on the list. When we demonstrate a life of Biblical love, we invariably express joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Prayer: Father, help me to remember the importance of love and to practice true, Biblical love in my life. Teach me how to abide in You moment by moment, that I might bear this fruit in my life daily. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8).

Recognized by Our Fruit

03/09/24 – 03/22/24

A Higher Law

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/10/24

It is easy to view the fruit of the Spirit as part of a nice Sunday school lesson. We read through Paul’s words in Galatians and think he’s writing about how to live the Christian life and relate to others.

This is true, but there is another profound purpose for the fruit of the Spirit in our lives. When trials and difficulties come, God’s Spirit gives us the tools to deal properly with pain, discomfort, sorrow, and suffering: the fruit of the Spirit.

If God’s fruit has not matured in our lives, however, we will face even more problems. For example, when the fruit of the Spirit is not mature in us, we will fail to love the way Christ loves us.

We will still be abrupt, harsh, or unforgiving even though we know that God calls us, and even commands us, to love others the way He loves us. In fact, we are to love and have a sense of joy and peace within our lives so much so that others want the same for their lives. We are also to be patient because God is patient with us, and we are to be kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. Each of these reflects the true nature of God and His grace toward us.

Refuse to take Satan’s bait by becoming angry, frustrated, or bitter over life’s blows. Instead, seek to display God’s fruit of the Spirit by asking God to empower you to lay self aside and submit to His will. He will surely bless you in such a purpose.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for loving me so well. I give You the areas of my life where I have failed to love others because of frustration or selfishness. Cleanse my heart daily, that I may freely give grace to others as You do. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24).

Recognized by Our Fruit

03/09/24 – 03/22/24

Finding Spiritual Wholeness

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/09/24

Have you ever prayed for healing? Maybe you prayed for physical healing from a disease, emotional healing from a broken heart, or spiritual healing from a chronic sin or addiction. We all desire to be healthy and whole physically and mentally, but especially spiritually. We seek wholeness and peace for our souls.

The Holy Spirit promises us spiritual health through a relationship with Him. When we are sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked as one of God’s children—when we daily seek to be filled by the power of the Holy Spirit—then we will bear the fruit of the Spirit. Jesus said, “Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit” (Matthew 12:33). We will only find spiritual wholeness if we manifest the fruit of the Spirit—not through false spirituality found in meditation, self-help books, or motivational seminars.

Sadly, many Christians forget to come to God daily, asking to be filled with His Spirit. They neglect their relationship with God. They begin to doubt His promises so that they live in turmoil when they could be experiencing spiritual health and wholeness. Christian, don’t miss out on the blessing of the very presence of God within you to lead and guide you, to comfort and encourage you, to transform you and give you peace. Today, ask God to fill you with His Spirit, and experience His peace.

Prayer: God, I want to be spiritually healthy and whole. I pray that Your Spirit would fill me every day so that I will manifest the fruit of the Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace” (Psalm 29:11).

Rising Above Life’s Trail Through Christ

02/18/24 – 03/08/24

He Is Our Rock

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/08/24

You’ve probably heard the old adage popularized by Benjamin Franklin, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” But there’s actually a third inevitable fact of life. No matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you do, you will experience hardship of one sort or another. In fact, Jesus promised His disciples nothing less, saying, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). But where should we go when our troubles threaten to overwhelm us?

Read Psalm 28. Though David became the most celebrated king of ancient Israel, he had his share of trouble. As a young man, he found favor with King Saul, defeating Goliath and succeeding in his every mission. But with each achievement, he also earned the resentment of jealous King Saul, and eventually he found himself on the run, hiding in caves.

When David finally became king, he still endured an intense war over the throne of Israel. And as king, he succumbed to terrible temptations. He endured the loss of children and harrowing strife within his family. His own son even plotted a coup d’état, and, once again, David found himself on the run. Yet, through it all, David faced his suffering and the wickedness of his own sin by turning to his merciful God.

Psalm 28 is a beautiful example of how David dealt with his distress. In this prayer song, he pours out his heart to God, declaring, “To you, LORD, I call; you are my Rock” (v. 1). Do you know why the Bible refers to God as “the Rock”? It’s because a rock is a symbol of changelessness, permanence, invincibility, and immovability. God is the Rock because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever and His promises never fail. And that is why David comes to Him with his problems and sin.

When times get tough, we tend to focus on our circumstances. But our circumstances are constantly changing. God, however, never changes, and He is faithful even when we are not. When the world seems to be falling apart and we can’t bear the weight of our brokenness, He is the one to run toward. He is the one to cling to. He promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5; cf. Deuteronomy 31:6).

Prayer: Lord, You are my rock and my salvation. Help me to build my life on You, experiencing Your faithfulness and love in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2).

Rising Above Life’s Trail Through Christ

02/18/24 – 03/08/24

Keep Calm and Look Up

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/07/24

King Saul was on the hunt, but he wasn’t pursuing another army or some vile enemy of Israel. He was hoping to kill David, the man God had anointed to take his place on the throne. Along the way, Saul entered a cave. Unbeknownst to the murderous king, David crept up slowly behind him and cut off a corner of his robe. It wasn’t until Saul was back out in the wilderness that he heard David shouting from the mouth of the cave: “Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the LORD’s anointed'” (1 Samuel 24:10).

Read Psalm 37. Have you ever wondered why some of the world’s most wicked people seem to prosper? “Nice guys finish last,” the saying goes—and looking around, it often seems true. David must have felt this way as he thought of King Saul, safe and warm in his palace, while he was on the run in the wilderness, fleeing for his life. How, then, could David let Saul go free after he had wandered into his hideout?

David knew a Truth that the Bible declares from Genesis to Revelation, from “In the beginning . . .” to the final “Amen”: God is the righteous Judge. He will make everything right in the end. Saul may have been winning in that moment, but David knew God would not allow his crimes to go unpunished forever. In fact, he was so confident of this that he stayed his hand in that cave, leaving vengeance to God.

Years later, King David reflected on those early years and God’s faithfulness to him—how God protected him, took care of him, guided him through the fire and the flood, and brought him to the highest position in Israel. In Psalm 37, David wrote, “The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming” (vv. 12-13).

The lesson for all of us is this: Don’t sweat it when you see the temporary success of the wicked. Keep calm and look up to your heavenly Father, for, “A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity” (vv. 10-11).

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your justice and mercy. May I be filled with compassion, remembering Your grace for me, and also find comfort in the promise that evil will receive Your righteous judgment. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity” (Psalm 37:10-11).

Rising Above Life’s Trail Through Christ

02/18/24 – 03/08/24

All My Fountains

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/06/24

Read Psalm 87.

Psalm 87:7 is about those of us who have been reborn in Christ. Here is what the psalmist said: “As they make music, they will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you'” (emphasis added).

Where are your fountains? Are they in material things? Are they in physical fitness? Are they in people—even those who are dearest and nearest to you? Are they in your identity? Are they in your occupation? Are they in your title? Are they in your family name? Are they in your reputation?

God’s surrendered sons and daughters know the joy of being able to proclaim, “In Him are all my fountains! They are in Christ alone.” The financial markets may go up and down. Family and friends, even Christian friends, may fail you, but the grace of God will never fail you. The peace of God, which cost Him the colossal price of coming to earth and dying on the cross, will never fail you.

His peace emanates from His inexhaustible fountain of grace. You can never exhaust the grace of God.

Prayer: God, I pray that all my fountains would be in You alone. Thank You for Your inexhaustible fountain of grace. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“As they make music they will sing, ‘All my fountains are in you'” (Psalm 87:7).

Rising Above Life’s Trail Through Christ

02/18/24 – 03/08/24

From Every Corner

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/05/24

We all want peace. In fact, the ancient people of God in the Old Testament were longing for peace. They looked forward to a day when that peace would be established by God Himself, and Psalm 87 reveals their longing for the peace of God.

The psalmist was looking forward to the day when believers from every corner of the globe will come together with love for God and one another. In that day, the holy city will be founded on the Rock of Ages, the Lord Jesus Christ. Any ministry, any church, or any home that is not built on that foundation will crumble. Any foundation other than the Rock of Ages is sinking sand

People will come to God through Jesus Christ from every corner of the globe, from every tongue, from every nation, from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and from the ends of the earth.

Our God is the God of the universe. Our God is a global God. Our God loves all people everywhere, equally. When our only focus is our little world and our little problems, we miss out on the great joy of fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.

God’s purpose was revealed before the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ in Bethlehem: People will come to know Him on an intimate basis through the Lord Jesus Christ, His Son, from every corner of the globe.

Prayer: Father, help me to remember that You are a global God and that You care about everyone, everywhere. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me—Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion'” (Psalm 87:4).

Rising Above Life’s Trail Through Christ

02/18/24 – 03/08/24

Hoping in the Messiah

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/04/24

Psalmists have predicted with accuracy the coming of the Lord Jesus. And He has come—our Savior, our Messiah. So what do the prophecies about Him mean for us today? How can we relate to these psalmists who spoke of Jesus 1,000 years before His birth when we are living 2,000 years after?

The psalmists were people just like us. They had warring emotions: on the one hand, courage when facing the enemies of God; on the other, utter despair before God. On the one hand, they exhibited exuberant confidence in the presence of God; on the other, they raised entreating cries to God to fulfill His promises. Can you identify with that? The Messianic psalms show us that regardless of our emotions toward our circumstances, we can come to God. Though God is awesome and mighty, He is also our loving provider. The psalmists help us look to God in all circumstances so that we rest in His faithful, unstoppable lovingkindness.

The psalmists also remind us that, while Christ has come, there is yet a more glorious day—the day of His return. They exhort us to remember the past, prepare in the present, and joyfully anticipate our future. That means remembering the work of the Lord in your life—the Hound of Heaven—seeking you out to bring you into His salvation. It means preparing now for the return of Jesus, allowing His Spirit to make every part of you subject to the King of kings, for He alone is trustworthy and pure. And it means waiting expectantly for the future glory that is promised—being in the presence of the Lord, enjoying Him forever in the new heaven and the new earth. Come, Lord Jesus!

Prayer: My Lord and King, my hope is in You. Help me to remember Your goodness, prepare for Your coming, and anticipate the future consummation of Your purposes—Your eternal Kingdom. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).

Rising Above Life’s Trail Through Christ

02/18/24 – 03/08/24

No Shame

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/03/24

Shame is a powerful and damaging emotion. Have you ever felt shame or disgrace? Have you ever been ashamed of someone else? People can be ashamed of their appearance, their social status, or their family heritage—anything that they feel is unacceptable or unattractive. Shame is what we feel when we think that something about ourselves does not measure up to the expectations of others.

Where does shame come from? It is the child of fear and the cousin of timidity. In 2 Timothy 1, Paul warns Timothy about shame. Fear and shame are closely related. When we fear what others think of us, we feel ashamed and attempt to hide our “faults” from them. Unfortunately, many Christians have allowed the world to shame them into hiding the Gospel. They feel ashamed of Biblical morality and of following God’s standards. Paul encourages Timothy, “So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8).

No matter what we face, God’s power is with us. Even in the face of death, we shouldn’t let fear trap us. When Jesus died on the cross, He not only abolished death for His followers, He also abolished the fear of death. While we will all experience physical death, those of us who have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior have the joy of anticipating eternal life with Jesus. We should feel honored to endure hardships for Christ—even death: “[I]f you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name” (1 Peter 4:16).

Prayer: Father, help me not to be ashamed of the Gospel. May I remember that I am Yours even in death. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16).

Rising Above Life’s Trail Through Christ

02/18/24 – 03/08/24

Catch the Foxes

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/02/24

God wants you to be wise and surefooted in your daily walk with Him, not allowing anything to come into your life that would cause you to doubt His goodness. He also knows there will be times when the enemy will tempt you to feel overwhelmed and fearful. When this happens, you need to remember that you serve a sovereign God who has good things in mind for your life.

Even when troubles come, we may begin to wonder if we will ever realize the hopes and dreams that God has given us. Joseph, Daniel, Moses, David, and the disciples probably faced the same temptation to doubt God’s blessing and goodness. However, these men of faith remained steadfast in their belief in the Lord’s ability. They had to come to a point of faith where they boldly confronted their fears—and we do, too.

The English word worry comes from a German word meaning “to strangle or choke.” This is exactly what worry does. It chokes and prevents us from living victorious lives by stifling our godly potential.

Solomon, however, admonishes us, “Catch . . . the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom” (Song of Songs 2:15). The “little foxes” of sin have the ability to derail our Christian faith and sense of virtue.

On the surface, few of us would think that a little worry, doubt, or fear is enough to harm our devotion to God. However, they can steal our joy and create within our hearts and minds a sense of distrust for the things of God.

God is merciful. He has the power to conquer doubt, fear, and worry. When our lives are surrendered to Him, we don’t have to be anxious about tomorrow. He provides all that we need perfectly and on time.

Prayer: Lord, I surrender my life to You. I thank You for Your peace and provision. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vineyards, our vineyards that are in bloom” (Song of Songs 2:15).

Rising Above Life’s Trail Through Christ

02/18/24 – 03/08/24

Genuine Peace

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  03/01/24

Martha and Mary were sisters, and they both loved and wanted to please the Lord. However, they were very different in their actions. Martha was preoccupied with cooking and housecleaning, while Mary sought to spend time with Jesus. The Bible tells us that she sat at His feet, listening to all He said.

We need to be aware of the danger of anything that crowds the Lord out of our lives. Jesus chided Martha: “[Y]ou are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:41-42).

In the end, the only thing that matters or has meaning is God’s Word in our lives. Martha was anxious about things that pertain to this life. She did not have a genuine sense of peace—one that comes as a result of spending time with the Savior.

Anxiety is the result of preoccupation with the things in life that do not have eternal value. It is a signal that we are seeking to derive security or peace from something other than the Lord.

In Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote:

God designed the human machine to run on Himself. He Himself is the fuel we were designed to burn, or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other. That is why it is just no good asking God to make us happy in our own way without bothering about religion. God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there.

We may be sincerely doing what we think will please the Lord—but all the while stressing over unnecessary tasks, events, or emotions. Like Martha, we need to recognize what is important. When God is the center of our lives, our priorities will be focused on Him, and then He will fill us with His peace, assurance, and hope.

Prayer: Father, pour Your peace into my heart and mind as I release the cares of this world and focus on You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7).

Rising Above Life’s Trail Through Christ

02/18/24 – 03/08/24

What to Do with Worry

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  02/29/24

When you hear of terrible things going on in your community and around the world, you may find yourself feeling uneasy or afraid. By way of a question, Jesus reminds us of the needlessness of anxiety: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:27).

When we are more concerned about our worldly possessions—our homes, our cars, our education, our clothes, or our bank accounts—than with our relationship with Christ, we will be anxious and fearful. When we practice daily surrender—of our fears, anxieties, and desires—to Christ, we will find inner peace. God has promised to provide for all our needs according to His riches in Jesus (see Philippians 4:19).

Only the Father knows why we must wait. If you are eager to move on to the next stage of life or if you are praying for healing, restoration, or the salvation of a friend, know that God’s purpose is served when you wait on Him (see Psalm 37:7, 40:1; Lamentations 3:26).

God already has prepared the solution for your anxieties and worries—now He is doing a work to prepare you for His answer. Wait on Him, listen to His voice, and submit to His direction. Do not be anxious, seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, and He will provide for your every need (see Matthew 6:33).

Prayer: Father, help me to daily surrender my fears, anxieties, and desires to You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Rising Above Life’s Trail Through Christ

02/18/24 – 03/08/24

The Perfect Solution for Worry

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  02/28/24

There are times when God withholds something from us that shakes our confidence in Him. Is there something that He has withheld from you—a relationship, a job, or a material possession?

Only He knows why the answer to your prayers has not yet been given. Seek Him and wait for Him to reveal His will for you. Know that He is a loving Father who is working out everything for your ultimate good and His glory. Our heavenly Father knows what we need—even better than we do.

There are also times when we withhold from God. While God withholds for our good, when we withhold from God, it harms us. It creates the perfect condition for worry and anxiety. This is why Jesus exhorted us: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-20a).

God has provided the solution for anxiety and worry: You are to trust Him and use the possessions and gifts He gives you for His glory.

You may not think you can turn away from feelings of worry, doubt, and anxiety, but you can! You are more than a conqueror through the love of Christ Jesus (see Romans 8:37). When you know and love God and have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you have the assurance of eternal victory.

Don’t be anxious about life. If you are lacking anything, seek first God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, and He will provide for your every need (see Matthew 6:33).

Prayer: God, help me to trust You even when it seems that You are withholding something from me. Help me to make sure that I am not withholding anything from You. Help me to turn away from worry and anxiety today. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:33-34).