Daily Devotional

God-Breathed

02/01/22-02/08/22

The Word of God Is a Cleansing Shower 

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  02/04/22

We’ve already talked about mirrors—how they show us what we look like and what needs to change. But imagine that all you had in your bathroom was a mirror—no sink to brush your teeth or wash your face and no shower to clean yourself. It’s just you and the mirror. You’d hate going in there, right? What good would it be to see what you can’t change?

Many people feel this way about the Bible. They read it and see all the things they’re doing wrong, all the ways they’ve failed to live up to the glory of God. So they close their Bible and put it on the shelf, believing they are powerless to change. In one sense, they’re right. We can’t change on our own. But—praise be to God!—the Bible is not just a mirror; it’s also a shower. Peter wrote, “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth . . .” (1 Peter 1:22). Did you catch that? The Truth of God’s Word has the power to purify us if we obey it.

Here’s what this means for us: Suppose you take a good look in the mirror and see resentment in your life. What do you do? You allow the water of God’s Word to wash over you, and the Holy Spirit begins to replace that resentment with love for others. As you obey the Word, God changes your heart and purifies your soul. So be encouraged: You don’t need to bear the muck, dirt, and grime of sin any longer. Let His Word wash over you today.

Prayer: God, thank You for the good news that I can change—that I won’t always struggle with sin. I know You have defeated sin at the cross and have empowered me to obey You. What grace and mercy that You are bringing me from one point of glory to the next. Thank you! I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22).

God-Breathed

02/01/22-02/08/22

The Word of God Is a Mirror

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  02/03/22

This morning, when you got out of bed, did you look in the mirror? You probably took a shower, got dressed, brushed your teeth, and ran a comb through your hair. In other words, you took a good hard look at your reflection in the mirror and then took steps to change your appearance for the better.

The Lord’s brother James said the Word of God is like a mirror. When we read the Bible, it exposes what is really in our hearts—our sins, our shortcomings, the areas of life where we need to repent. It’s not always a pretty picture; most of us don’t want to confront our hypocrisy, our compromises, our complacency. But when we do, God is able to do His merciful, loving work of transformation in our hearts.

The Bible is God’s gift to us. He wants us to look more and more like Jesus each day. When we look at ourselves in the mirror of God’s Word, we can see where we need to change—and we allow God to re-align our hearts with His. So today, when you pick up your Bible, look in the mirror—spiritually speaking—and allow your Heavenly Father to show you how you can look more like His Son.

Prayer: Jesus, I do long to be more like You, full of love, compassion, and kindness. May Your Word continue to transform me as Your Spirit renews my mind each day. Help me submit to Your will displayed in Scripture. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (James 1:23-24).

God-Breathed

02/01/22-02/08/22

The Word of God Is a Feast

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  02/02/22

Before Jesus began His public ministry, He went out into the wilderness for forty days and forty nights “to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1). That was His purpose—to face Satan’s attacks head on. During those forty days, Jesus fasted. He didn’t eat a thing. So, not surprisingly, He was hungry—and there was Satan, ready with the perfect temptation: “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become bread” (v. 3). And what was Jesus’ response to such a test? He quoted Scripture: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (v. 4; see also Deuteronomy 8:3).

I am telling you, on the authority of the Word of God, that the Word of God itself is the only food that will sustain you, nourish you spiritually, and encourage you every day. Just as our physical bodies need good, nutritious food to eat, so too, our spirits need spiritual food, which is the Word of God. If Jesus relied on Scripture for His strength, how much more should we?

The reason our culture, and much of the church, is experiencing a spiritual famine today is because God’s people are so malnourished. The Bible is our daily bread, more precious than anything else we might crave. Let us eat and give thanks!

Prayer: Father, forgive me for neglecting Your Word. I know it is to my detriment because Your Word is life. Give me a deeper understanding of Your Word by Your Spirit, that I might grow in faith to the glory of Your name. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”‘” (Matthew 4:4).

God-Breathed

02/01/22-02/08/22

The Word of God Is Under Attack

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  02/01/22

There was a time when most people in the Western world knew the Bible well. Even non-believers could tell you many of the Bible’s famous stories. But over the past hundred years or so, there’s been a shift. While general knowledge has been on the increase, Biblical knowledge has been falling. That’s because we now live in a postmodern world where Truth is thought to be relative—”What’s true for you may not be true for me,” they say. Thinking has been replaced by feeling. But the Bible doesn’t allow for that sort of nonsense. God’s Word is the ultimate and final source of Truth.

When you and I pick up our Bibles and read, we are doing something that goes against the current of our society. We are choosing the Truth of God over our own feelings, opinions, and circumstances. The more we do this, the more we become like the men of Issachar, “who understood the times and knew what [to do]” (1 Chronicles 12:32).

If you are exposed to postmodern thinking sixteen hours a day, spending two hours a week in church is not going to neutralize the effect. But as you obey God’s Word and let it transform your mind and heart daily, you will be less and less at home in this world. That’s a good thing, and it will prepare you to recognize and withstand the attacks of Satan. God’s Word is your greatest weapon in the fight—and it always prevails. Immerse yourself in it, and let it strengthen you to stand against the current of culture.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your Word that gives me strength and hope to endure the spiritual battles I face in life. Help me cherish Your Word and feast on it so I remain healthy, strong, and faithful. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“. . . from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command; . . .” (1 Chronicles 12:32).

Empowered by Kindness

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/31/22

Kindness is a characteristic of God. Out of His kindness He made a covenant with the nation of Israel. And out of kindness, He kept His side of this covenant while they rebelled and disobeyed.

It is out of kindness that Jesus left the splendor of heaven to become a man. It is out of kindness that He died on a cross to pay the wages of our sin. Out of eternal love and kindness, He offers us His precious gift of salvation.

But God’s kindness did not stop at the cross. It continues today in the lives of those who accept His Son as their Savior. The more we allow Him to work in us, the more His fruit becomes evident to those whose lives we touch each day.

As we continue to live and grow spiritually, there are several things we need to know about kindness. Sometimes, kindness requires putting ourselves in another person’s place. We need to view others as Christ does.

Additionally, while we may find it easy to show kindness to others, we must also learn to show kindness to ourselves. We must not allow past failures and sins to prevent us from growing but remember that God’s forgiveness is complete. When we pray and seek His forgiveness, He gives it. Therefore, we must learn to forgive others and ourselves, too.

Kindness gives birth to kindness. Love extended leads to more love. As you begin to show kindness to others, you will be set free from feelings of self-condemnation. You will find yourself being empowered by the Holy Spirit to exercise more kindness more often.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the kindness You have shown to me and will continue to grant me as I journey with You. As I grow in kindness toward others, help me also show kindness to myself, remembering Your unfailing grace and love. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised, . . . yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses” (Isaiah 63:7).

Add to Your Faith

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/30/22

Can you imagine a group of carpenters gathering to build a skyscraper without architectural blueprints? The results would be horrendous! Have you ever heard of a medical student failing his medical exams numerous times and still having a successful career as a physician? This would be impossible!

You would never entrust your health to someone who has not passed his medical exams, and you would never live in a home that was built without a plan. Just as we need structure for buildings, we also need structure in our relationships.

On any level, this can prove to be challenging. Whether dealing with a spouse, sibling, parent, child, co-worker, boss, or friend, the key to building solid relationships is learning how to interact successfully with one another.

When it comes to the subject of relationships, what is your greatest fear? Rejection? Or do you struggle with the thought of not meeting someone’s expectations? Don’t despair; God has given His Word to you as a guide.

God knows how to deal with all types of people. When you develop Christlike characteristics in your own life, you begin to view others as God views them. Second Peter 1:5-7 tells us to “make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love.”

Today, ask God to impart to you His love and acceptance of others. When you choose to become more like Christ in your relationships, God will give you the ability to love and live in harmony with those around you.

Prayer: Lord, I confess that I am frequently self-absorbed in my relationships and overly concerned with others’ views of me. Help me to remember who I am in You, to find my confidence in You, and to love others freely as people made in Your image. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Finally, all of you be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble” (1 Peter 3:8).

Our Transformation

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/29/22

Throughout God’s Word we discover promise after promise of how He desires to care for us and look after us. God wants the best for our lives and nothing less. However, along life’s journey, our faith might sometimes be shaken. If suddenly everything in our lives begins to take a turn for the worse, we wonder, “Is this really in God’s plan for me?”

If we are walking closely with the Lord and life deals us a blow that knocks us down, that does not mean we need to abandon our faith. In fact, those are the days when we need to turn to Him even more. It does not necessarily mean we are doing something wrong or that God is unhappy with us; rather, we should approach such circumstances as an opportunity for the Lord to do the amazing through our lives for His glory.

God is most interested in transforming us into His likeness. And if we allow Him to do so, He will use every event and circumstance—no matter how difficult or easy—to achieve that transformation in our hearts. Our belief that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He has promised opens the gateway for Him to work through us in incredible ways.

Just as unbelief can cause us to miss out on seeing God work the impossible in our lives, devout faith and belief that He will do as He has promised allows Him to do the impossible. Instead of a destination of disappointment and defeat, our destination is one where God works His changing power in our lives, demonstrating His love and glorifying His name.

Prayer: Lord, help me to remain steadfast in my faith in You today. 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).

Letting Go

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/28/22

Since Babel, man has continued to attempt to reach heaven on his own. Everyone wants to be in control of his destiny, but the way to salvation is the opposite—we are to give up all control and let Jesus lead us.

Read Matthew 19:16-30. In this passage, we see the rich young ruler ask Jesus, “Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16). Jesus begins to recite the commandments, to which the young ruler responds, “All these I have kept, . . . What do I still lack?” (Matthew 19:20).

Although he had power, money, and success, the rich young ruler still wanted more. Jesus made it clear to him that eternity was not just another measure of success to add to his resume because, if he really wanted to experience eternity, he actually had to be willing to leave behind everything he had worked so hard to obtain.

Jesus was pointing out that while he upheld the law externally, he had not humbled himself and surrendered everything to God. His pride was in his wealth, and his earthly riches were keeping him from receiving true spiritual riches.

What are you unwilling to leave behind for the sake of Christ? Is there anything keeping you from complete obedience? Is there anything keeping you from humbling yourself in repentance and receiving His forgiveness and the gift of eternal life? Deep down, it may not be wealth, but we know what our idol is. We know it because we are holding onto it so tightly that it cannot escape our grip unless we willingly surrender it to Christ.

Upon learning that he had to give everything up to follow Jesus, the rich young ruler left sad because he was not prepared to release his grip on his other treasures. We can only hope that he changed his mind in the end.

The Good News is that our heavenly Father is our example. He gave up the thing that meant most to Him: His Son. Jesus also humbled Himself. He could have lived a life of infinite power on earth, but He instead chose death on a cross so we could know Him.

Prayer: Lord, help me understand the infinite worth of life in Christ so that I do not cling to lesser idols. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things” (Philippians 3:8).

Faith to the Mission

01/21/22 – 01/27/22

A Move of the Spirit

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/27/22

As we continue looking at the Spirit’s movement to spread the Gospel in Acts 10, we see that not only had the hearts of Cornelius and Peter been prepared, “the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message” (v. 44), and many were saved as a result.

The move of the Spirit was so great that Peter said, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right” (Acts 10:34-35). This was a world-changing, history-making statement. The Jewish believers were astonished and began to baptize the believing, formerly untouchable Gentiles.

And that is how God took Christianity from being a narrow sect within the Jewish religion to a worldwide religion that breaks down prejudice and unites people in Christ. Christians do not just show tolerance to others; they love all people because God created them and loves them Himself.

You can have confidence that if God has a calling for you, even if it is to go into territory that is unfamiliar to you, He will go ahead of you. Not only will He prepare your heart for your mission, He will prepare others to receive what you offer.

Prayer: God, I realize that You have the power to do more than I could ever imagine. I pray that You would give me the courage to do my part in spreading the Gospel. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron” (Isaiah 45:2).

Faith to the Mission

01/21/22 – 01/27/22

No Barriers

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/26/22

Yesterday we read about the Spirit’s movement in the life of Cornelius. Today we will continue looking at what the Spirit did in Acts 10 as part of God’s mission to spread the Gospel to every corner of the world.

While God was moving in Cornelius’ life, He was preparing Peter’s heart to witness to Cornelius. God had to change Peter’s view of Romans and all Gentiles, a belief system developed over a lifetime of teaching from his parents, his religious leaders, and his community. God effectively transformed Peter’s thinking through a vision.

God portrayed food that the Jews had always considered as unclean as an analogy to the Gentiles, who were considered even more unclean. No Jew would have ever invited a Gentile into his house nor entered a Gentile home.

Yet, in Acts 10:15, we learn that the voice in the vision said to Peter, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

At the Spirit’s direction, Peter soon finds himself traveling to Cornelius’ home.

Are there barriers in your life that are keeping you from sharing the Gospel with someone? Perhaps God wants to use you to witness to someone you’ve always kept at a distance.

Prayer: God, forgive me for putting up barriers in my life that have kept me from being completely available to You. Help me to be willing to go to whomever You call me to serve so Your Gospel can spread to every corner of the world. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, ‘Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them'” (Acts 10:19-20).

Faith to the Mission

01/21/22 – 01/27/22

An Obedient Response

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/25/22

Many Christians desire to see a great harvest of souls, but the work may seem daunting. So many sin barriers, cultural barriers, and faith barriers would need to be torn down. Acts 10 is a reminder of how God can break through these barriers to spread the Gospel to every corner of the world. What He did then, He can do today.

In this story, we see the Holy Spirit accomplishing things man never could. God brings about a memorable conversion by preparing the hearts of an unbeliever and a witness. What happens next is spectacular.

It started with Cornelius, and today we will look at how the Holy Spirit moved in his life.

As a Roman centurion, Cornelius had 100 men reporting to him. He had heard of Yahweh, God of the Jews, and respected Him enough to donate to the church. Still, Cornelius was not a committed believer.

That changed one afternoon when an angel of the Lord appeared to Cornelius. Acts 10:4-5 states, “The angel answered, ‘Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter.”

The angel in shining clothes appearing inside his house had Cornelius’ attention, and he obeyed. God was preparing Cornelius’ heart for a life-changing message.

Prayer: God, thank You for the power of Your Spirit that can change lives. Help me to respond in obedience to Your promptings. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands” (1 John 2:3).

Faith to the Mission

01/21/22 – 01/27/22

Every Tribe

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/24/22

There are billions of people who have never heard the saving message of the Gospel. For the multitudes living in the least evangelized areas of the world, it is possible to live one’s entire life without ever meeting a follower of Jesus.

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus told His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, or ethnē—not the current geopolitical nations that exist today, but rather groups of people who possess a distinct culture, ethnicity, and language. The term “people group” has been coined to describe the Biblical concept of the nation. Thinking in these terms has allowed the church to be more aware of the vast Great Commission task that remains ahead of us.

The reality is that thousands of people groups have yet to be made disciples. According to the Joshua Project, there are 17,400 people groups in the world today—and more than 7,300 are still considered unreached by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The word “unreached” describes the alarming reality that 2 percent or less of the souls within each of these groups are born-again Christians.

Can you sense the heartbreak of God for the multitudes of lost people who have yet to know of His grace? Can you feel the urgency when God says in His Word, “The harvest is ready! The day of salvation is here! Lift up your voice!”

Christ’s love compels us to ask ourselves, “How can I help reach the lost with the Good News of Jesus?” For every Christian, this journey must always begin with prayer. And whether God calls us to send out missionaries, go ourselves, or support ‘sending’ ministries like Leading The Way—we can rest in the fact that He alone will bring the fruit.

There will come a day when God’s great global task will be accomplished. In fact, the Lord has revealed its completion in Revelation 7:9: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation [ethnous], tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”

In the meantime, Jesus Christ has left us, His disciples, with specific marching orders: Make disciples of all nations. Each of us must ponder in our own hearts how God is calling us to be globally-minded Christians—God’s faithful messengers to those who are still waiting to hear the Gospel.

Prayer: Lord, may I be burdened for the lost around the world so that I faithfully carry out Your Great Commission. Show me how You would have me serve in Your mission where You have placed me here and now. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb” (Revelation 7:9).

Faith to the Mission

01/21/22 – 01/27/22

Raised Up to Run to the Lost

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/23/22

In ancient times, “runners” were often used to carry messages between an army and its king, such as the good news of a victory in battle. In a similar way, God is calling believers to run and declare the Good News of Christ’s victory—the ultimate victory announcement of all time.

In Isaiah 52:1-12, Isaiah was announcing good news to the people of Israel in the midst of their terrible exile in Babylon. Through Isaiah, God was declaring that He would answer His people’s cry for freedom and release them from their captivity. However, while Isaiah was directly speaking to God’s people during that particular historical time, he was also speaking indirectly to us, inspired by the Holy Spirit, about our deliverance from sin through Jesus Christ.

Today, many people are looking for deliverance that only Jesus can provide. Billions of people around the world remain unreached by the Gospel. They are oppressed by the burden of sin, in need of freedom offered through Christ alone, and seeking to worship the one true God. Some of them may be your own friends, family, or neighbors.

The masses are waiting to hear, and God is calling His people to run and tell them. All of us are called to be a part of this global mission—to heed the final task given to the Church by Christ Himself (see Matthew 28:19-20).

When we fulfill this calling, we are embodying the message of the prophet from Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, . . .” When we share the Good News with a dying world, when we pray for the spread of the Gospel, when we support any work that is advancing God’s Kingdom, He is pleased. Each time we step out in obedience to fulfill His call, God says that this is beautiful.

Even now, God is preparing hearts to receive His Truth. He has promised that a great multitude among the nations is His (see Revelation 7:9). At the same time, He has raised us up to run to our soon-to-be brothers and sisters in Christ with the message of His love so that they can become a part of His family forever. So then, let us go to the Lord in prayer and ask Him, “What is my part to play in this great drama of redemption?”.

Prayer: Father, may I not shy away from the glorious work of sharing Your Gospel with the nations even if I should feel uncomfortable. I pray that I would become less and that You would become more for the furthering of Your Kingdom. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!'” (Isaiah 52:7).

Faith to the Mission

01/21/22 – 01/27/22

When the World Rejects You

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/22/22

“Stay beside Me; I won’t leave you.” These words were God’s encouragement to Maria when, after a lifetime of searching for Truth, she surrendered her life to Christ.

As her new faith became more evident, Maria faced heartbreaking and terrifying rejection from her Muslim family. Sensing her life was in danger, Maria fled to another country. “Because of Jesus, I have lost my mother,” Maria says. “Because of my love for Jesus, I have been separated from my family.”

Where do you turn when the world rejects you? You turn to God’s Word—and remember His promises.

Read 2 Timothy 1:7-14, 3:12-17. As Paul contemplated his own departure from this world, sitting chained in a Roman dungeon, he wrote to encourage Timothy never to give up.

Probably the same devil that was discouraging Timothy is discouraging you today. But what Paul wanted Timothy to know is that a life enslaved to fear is not God’s desire for his sons and daughters: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7). Paul directed Timothy to continue in the Holy Scriptures that prepare the servant of God for every good work (see 2 Timothy 3:14-17). How does God’s Word do this? It leads us to Jesus Christ.

Life is full of troubles, and godly people will always arouse the antagonism of the worldly. But when we are tempted to fear in the face of rejection, we must turn to the Word of God. It gives us comfort and strength. It is a light that keeps us walking with God until we get to the other side of glory.

“Stay beside Me; I won’t leave you.” These words that provided comfort to Maria are for you, too. They are found all over the pages of Scripture (see Deuteronomy 31:6, Joshua 1:5, Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5).

Are you broken today? The Word of God will bind your broken heart. Are you lonely and hurting? The Word of God will comfort and soothe your wounds. Are you carrying a load of guilt? The Word of God will tell you exactly how to be released and forgiven. Are you sad? The Word of God will give you joy. Are you lost and can’t find the way? The Word of God is a lamp to guide you to the Lord.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You will never leave nor forsake me. You have adopted me and made me Your own. May I seek comfort from Your very Word in every trial. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Faith to the Mission

01/21/22 – 01/27/22

Sheep Among Wolves

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/21/22

In June 2009, the Long family woke up to their worst nightmare. Their 23-year-old son, a private in the U.S. army, had been gunned down by an Islamic terrorist on American soil. They were shocked, grieved, and angry. Yet in the midst of their mourning, this family did the unthinkable.

After receiving the money left to them by their son, the Longs dedicated a portion of it to help reach Muslims for Christ. They said: “We can think of no better way to honor God than to use part of the money he left us to reach the unsaved Muslim people.”

From an earthly perspective, the Longs would have been justified in seeking revenge. Yet they chose to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, loving the very people who had killed their son.

Read Matthew 5:43-48 and 10:16-20. Jesus has called all of us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. As Christ faced opposition and persecution from this world, so will we, which is why Jesus warned us that He was sending us out “like sheep among wolves” (Matthew 10:16). Yet Jesus did not say, “I’m going to protect you from the wolves.” Instead, He said, “I am commissioning you to go to the wolves.”

Jesus sends us out into this hostile world knowing exactly what we are made of—He knows our weakness and vulnerability. Yet He does not send us out alone. Our Lord promises to be with us always (see Matthew 28:20). He promises that nothing can separate us from His love and that, even if we do pay the ultimate price for our faith, it is better to be with Him (see Romans 8:35; Philippians 1:23). And as He sends us to the enemies of the cross with the Good News of the Gospel, His power transforms ravenous wolves into obedient sheep—terrorists into saints.

Jesus knows that the eternal destiny of the terrorist is more important than the earthly comfort of His people. He calls all of us to love our enemies, even those who persecute us. In this worthy but risky task, we must be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Our response to persecution must not be cowering fear or bitter retaliation, but rather prudent proclamation—the discerning declaration of the Good News.

Prayer: Father, help me to see people as You do, remembering that I, too, was at enmity with You but by Your grace have received salvation and redemption. May those opposed to Your Gospel also receive the gift of Your mercy and forgiveness in Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44).

Aligning with God’s Will in Prayer

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/20/22

It is our calling to reach others for Christ. We must intercede on behalf of all who are lost so that they in turn can answer Jesus’ call. After His resurrection in each of the four Gospels, and in the book of Acts, Jesus said, “As the Father sent me, I send you.” He commissioned us, “Go and tell. Be my witnesses. Go and make disciples. Train them. Go and stand in the gap.”

Jesus’ people need to humble themselves and pray, aligning their will with the will of God. We must ask, “God, what is Your will so I can pray Your will and have my will aligned with Yours?” That’s the right way to pray. We will only see the fruit of answering His call when our will is aligned with His. The Bible gives us countless examples of how aligning our will with His in prayer yields great intercessory results.

When Moses aligned his will with God’s will, God brought water out of the rock. When Joshua aligned his will with the will of God, the sun stood still in its orbit. When David aligned his will with the will of God, Goliath fell. When Elijah aligned his will with the will of God, fire came from heaven on Mount Carmel and licked up everything, including the water. And when Daniel aligned his will with the will of God, the lions’ mouths were zipped.

That’s what happens when we align our wills with the will of God and intercede.

Prayer: God, help me to align myself with Your will so that I can faithfully intercede for others. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).

Your Internal Compass

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/19/22

There is tension afoot in our world today. Really, it has existed from the moment mankind sinned in the Garden of Eden. This tension develops from the temptation ever before us to abandon the Truth of God’s Word so that we can live according to our desires rather than fully committing to Jesus Christ.

For example, when an unbelieving friend wants to know if Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved, our answer should be a confident, compassionate yes! Often, this is easier said than done. But we know we must share this Truth no matter how uncomfortable it can be, for there is no other way for mankind to be saved except by faith in God’s Son (see John 14:6 and Acts 4:12).

God’s Word is a double-edged sword. It is able to cut through the weak and vain arguments that claim to offer other means of salvation. So although disbelief and fear can keep us from speaking what we know is true, these cannot stop the light of God’s Word from reaching those lost in darkness—those in need of the hope of salvation through Christ Jesus. We must share Scripture, encourage the search for Truth, and pray that the Holy Spirit would open eyes and transform hearts.

Likewise, revival never falls on the casual seekers of Christ. Instead, it falls on those who are seeking the Lord with all their hearts.

If we would be radically transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit via internal revival, the Truth of God’s Word must be written on our hearts. It must become your internal compass for every road you travel and for all that you do.

Prayer: Lord, help my words and actions today reflect the fact that Your Word is the unparalleled Truth. Transform me, that I may be a reflection of You to those who do not know You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

Are You Empowered?

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/18/22

Am I living by the power of the Holy Spirit? This is one of the most important questions God’s children can ask themselves. In God’s Word, we are given a simple litmus test that demonstrates whether or not we are living the Spirit-empowered life: the fruit of the Spirit, a cluster of nine interrelated characteristics that can only be produced fully in your life by the Spirit Himself.

Read Galatians 5:13-26. In these verses, we see that the flesh and the Spirit are contrary to one another, producing results in our lives that are polar opposites. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—stands in stark contrast to the works of the flesh such as sexual immorality, hatred, and jealousy. The flesh and its works only produce pain and heartache as they divide friends, spouses, and even entire churches. The Spirit, on the other hand, is the one who unites, producing only good things in and through us as we surrender completely to Christ.

You cannot produce the fruit of the Spirit in your own power. This is the reason why the existence of the fruit of the Spirit in your life is a litmus test of the Spirit-empowered life. It is impossible for you to fake His working in your life. If He is empowering you, He will produce this fruit in you, for He never fails to produce fruit in the life that is truly surrendered to Him.

God is not content for you to exhibit a small amount of fruit in your life. He longs for you to bear much fruit. Be encouraged: If you are yearning to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in your life, imagine how much more your Heavenly Father desires this for you!

God has something magnificent in store for you. Abide in His unfailing love and obey His voice, and in His timing, you will bear much fruit and so prove to be His disciple. The fruit of the Spirit will surely be displayed in you as you walk with Him, moment by moment.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that You want me to bear fruit and You have equipped me to bear fruit. May I grow more and more like Christ and be a blessing to others as I submit to You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light” (Ephesians 5:8).

The Hope That Energizes

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/17/22

Have you ever been so discouraged that you could not sleep? Have you ever been so worn out by life’s troubles that you could not rest? Weariness of the soul exhausts us. To those who know this exhaustion, God offers a hope that energizes us:

Do you not know?

Have you not heard?

The LORD is the everlasting God,

the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

and His understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:28-31).

The prophet Isaiah told us that those who hope in the Lord have their strength renewed and their energy restored. But how do we acquire this hope?

We become hopeful when we look at what God can do rather than at what man has done. Hope wells up in us when we focus on the capabilities of God, not the weakness and inability of man. Hope springs up when we praise God for His perfection—recognizing and acknowledging and trusting in all that He is—rather than giving honor to the feeble attempts and less-than-perfect accomplishments of man.

If you are exhausted at the end of the day, shut yourself in for a while with God. Praise Him with every ounce of energy that remains in you. You will be refreshed, not only mentally and emotionally, but physically. There is a special strength imparted to those who praise the Lord. This kind of strength gives you the power of hope to endure, to persevere, to outlast tough times. It gives you the power to intercede until God gives a breakthrough.

I am 100 percent convinced that the best medicine for spiritual exhaustion is praise.

Prayer: I praise You, Almighty God, for Your energizing power that strengthens me. Where my hope is fading, fill me with Your strength again. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights” (Psalm 18:32-33)

Spiritual Battles

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/16/22

There is an unfounded idea in some circles that, when we come to Christ, our lives will be fine—that all the worries and problems that plagued us before we accepted Christ will disappear once we commit our lives to Him. That is far from the Truth. Rather, just as a blacksmith uses fire to shape iron, God uses difficulties in our lives to strengthen our faith. These difficulties can even lead to revival in our hearts and the hearts of those around us as we live out our faith, trusting God in the midst of life’s challenges.

We must be aware that when God’s revival begins, opposition will follow. A spiritual battle is triggered, and the enemy mounts a siege on our hearts.

In order to see revival occur in our lives and the lives of others, we must be prepared to stand steadfast in our faith and live uncompromising lives in the face of opposition. Praise God that it is His strength that makes us able to stand. As we surrender to Him, He enables us to be obedient to His call. This submission to God and righteous obedience are a powerful proclamation of the Gospel.

The apostle Paul constantly fought opposition. How did he achieve victory in the face of trials? He made a decision that nothing the enemy did would keep him from doing God’s will. He trusted God, clinging to his Lord and Savior and the promise of eternal life in His presence. This gave him the strength to pursue God’s will despite imprisonment, ridicule, torture, beatings, and mockery. Paul endured all this to see God’s Word revive and penetrate the hearts of both Jews and Gentiles and lead them to His saving grace.

May we face trials and spiritual battles with the same strength and determination, firmly planted on the foundation that will never fail: Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, strengthen me through Your Holy Spirit to withstand any opposition I may face. Give me courage when I am tempted to take the easy way out. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“[T]he God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10).

The Pattern for Revival

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/15/22

In the heart of every believer, a hunger should exist—a hunger to see God use us to advance His Kingdom in ways we never imagined. Christianity morphs into little more than a stale religion if we quit pursuing God. The moment we get content with where we are is the moment we stop moving toward God. He has more for us than we could ever imagine.

While God desires to turn our lives upside down and use us in His amazing plan of redemption for the world, He never forces His will on us. If our desire is not there, He will not make us do it. He will accomplish His will through other willing vessels. But who wants to miss out on the opportunity to be an integral part of God’s plan?

However, before any such life-changing events can occur in our own hearts, we must surrender unconditionally to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. On the road to Damascus and in the days following, we do not read of a defiant Paul, trying to resist every directive. Instead, we find a Paul who is stunned momentarily and quickly submits to the Holy Spirit’s voice in his life.

Surrendering to the Holy Spirit’s leadership in our lives opens the door for God to begin shaking our world to the point we may not recognize it once He is finished. Yet, it is a shaking that takes us from awed bystanders to active participants in His plan of grace and redemption.

Taking the first step is never easy. However, relinquishing our freedom to the one who brings ultimate freedom will pave the way for a personal revival to occur in our hearts.

Prayer: Lord, empower me daily to surrender to the leadership of the Holy Spirit in my life. Where there is resistance to You, soften my heart so that I may joyfully follow You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s

Cain’s Discontentment

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/14/22

We often try to find contentment by making surface changes in our lives—switching jobs, moving to a new city, beginning a new relationship—but nothing seems to work. We fail because we try to apply human solutions to a spiritual problem.

In the Bible, we see an example of discontentment in the life of Cain. Cain’s restlessness began with jealousy toward his brother Abel.

In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the LORD. And Abel also brought an offering—fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock. The LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor. So Cain was very angry, and his face was downcast. (Genesis 4:3-5).

Abel remembered his parents’ teaching about the cost of sin. He remembered that God required an animal sacrifice. Cain wanted to please God in his own way and gave God a grain sacrifice. Perhaps Cain’s sacrifice was just as costly as Abel’s, but the price was not what was important. What mattered was obedience to God’s commands, and Cain did not follow God’s requirements.

When God rebuked Cain for his inadequate sacrifice, Cain responded with a renewed fury and hatred toward his brother. Cain could have used his failure to turn his pride and willfulness into submission to God; instead, he further rebelled and killed his brother. God let Cain remain in his discontentment and said, “You will be a restless wanderer on the earth” (Genesis 4:12).

Prayer: God, help me to remember that contentment is found in You alone. Help me to submit to You and find joy and peace eternal. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Then the LORD said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it'” (Genesis 4:6-7).

Seeking First His Kingdom

01/06/22 – 01/13/22

Leaning on the Word

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/13/22

With so many people and influences trying to mold us into their version of “truth,” how are we to withstand their pressures and continue to reflect the light of Christ? We need to lean on the Word of God. Paul said, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Whatever encounters we face with the ungodly, we can find wisdom and guidance and comfort in the Bible. When we share the Good News, the Bible will equip us with the Truth. When we experience rejection, the Word of God will comfort and soothe our wounds. When we fear persecution, God’s promises will give us the strength to overcome our anxieties. When we begin to succumb to the world’s influence, the Word of God will transform and renew our minds.

Through God’s Word we will find the encouragement we need to continue following Him in faith and obedience, even when the world pressures us to conform.

Prayer: God, thank You for Your Word, which provides the comfort and encouragement I need when faced with trials and persecution. Help me to spend more time in Your Word so that I will be able to withstand the pressures of this world. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“As for God, his way is perfect: The LORD’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him” (Psalm 18:30).

Seeking First His Kingdom

01/06/22 – 01/13/22

Our Spiritual Operations Manual

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/12/22

How often do you read instruction manuals for new appliances, toys, or gadgets? Most of us are guilty of either not following the directions closely or tossing out the booklet completely. But there is one instruction manual we cannot afford to ignore—the Bible. It is our spiritual operations manual. And when we ignore it, the consequences can be eternal.

Scanning through the Scriptures for the main points won’t stretch us. Randomly flipping through the pages won’t develop our spiritual maturity. We can’t skim the surface and expect to find the pearls. We need to dive deep under the surface to find the treasure. To truly grow spiritually, we need to devote time, effort, and focused attention to learning from God’s Word.

Before we begin reading God’s Word, we need to prepare our hearts. Our first step is to ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in learning, to give us discernment, and to help us to recognize our own distorted viewpoints. We should come to the Bible seeking the Truth—not our own hidden desires.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for the times I’ve merely skimmed Your Word for my own agenda. I pray that You would help me to devote time, effort, and attention to truly studying Your Word. Guide me, give me discernment, and show me areas where I need to grow. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Blessed is the one . . . whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2).

Seeking First His Kingdom

01/06/22 – 01/13/22

Steps for Discerning the Mind of God

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/11/22

When I am seeking to discern the mind of God, the first thing I do is examine my life to be certain that every area of my life comes under His lordship.

The second thing I do is try to put my desires in neutral so the Holy Spirit can work His will in me.

And the third thing is I expect God to speak to me. I expect to hear from Him through His Word. I expect the Lord to speak to me through open and shut doors, through godly, praying friends, and through circumstances.

The fourth thing I do to discern the mind of God is test the spirits. Ask the question: Is what I am doing or what I am about to do going to bring glory to the Lord? Is it going to glorify His name? Is it consistent with the Word of God, or is it contrary to the Word of God?

The fifth thing that I would urge people to do is wait upon the Lord. Wait for His timing. Read the Scripture. Who is the one who is always hurrying people to do things? The devil. Who is always saying, “Wait, wait, wait”? The Lord. It’s in His Word.

Prayer: God, help me to seek Your will for my life. I pray that I would filter all my decisions through You and Your Word. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us” (1 Corinthians 2:12).