Daily Devotional

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).

Seeking First His Kingdom

01/06/22 – 01/13/22

Asking for Wisdom

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/10/22

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” What a relief! God will not only give us wisdom in our moments of need, He will give it generously.

Many ask for wisdom and direction with the assumption that God is a reluctant giver, but He, more than anyone, wants us to walk in righteousness. The problem is that many who ask for God’s wisdom are not willing to obey it. Often we ask God for the answer to our problem or situation, only to ignore Him when He actually responds. But we cannot pick and choose when to obey God and when to go our own way. Having a divided heart—or double-mindedness—is something for which Scripture offers a solution: “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8).

A man can go his whole life living by worldly wisdom only to become a sudden prayer warrior when he gets cornered. However, God’s wisdom is not like a bolt of lightning—it’s the kind of wisdom that grows in your spirit on a daily basis as you feed yourself on the Word of God, drawing near to Him. The wisdom of God is not something we can take from God and then leave. It is cultivated through a living relationship with Christ.

Receiving wisdom is simple: You ask for it; God gives it to you; and then you practice it. You ask for it. He gives it to you. You practice it. And before you know it, you are living by God’s wisdom, not the world’s wisdom. Instead of waiting to seek God’s wisdom when the next crisis comes, commit to seeking His wisdom every day.

Prayer: Lord, give me Your wisdom. I know You are a generous God, and here I am, ready to obey. May Your Spirit make my heart willing to follow You at all times so that I might practice Your wisdom throughout my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Ephesians 1:17).

Seeking First His Kingdom

01/06/22 – 01/13/22

Prepare for Your Vision

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/09/22

God has a unique vision and purpose for each of His children. God wants to bring glory to Himself through our lives. We must remember that God does not reveal His vision for our lives all at once. God reveals His vision to us when He knows we are ready and able to receive it. How then do we prepare ourselves to receive God’s vision?

First, to understand and embrace God’s vision, we must ask Him for it. The Bible tells us we have not because we ask not—and sometimes when we do ask, we ask with selfish rather than God-honoring motives. But God promises us, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3). God wishes to reveal Himself to us, but we must first ask with pure motives and persistence.

Second, God gives His vision to those who are good stewards. God is looking for stewards who will manage His plans well, even in the face of opposition, frustration, impatience, and spiritual attack. As we follow God’s timeline, we may be tempted to become anxious or frustrated while we wait for God’s plan to unfold. Satan will entice us to bypass God’s timeline and question God’s direction. Yet God entrusts His vision to those He knows will persevere through criticism, seasons of waiting, and spiritual warfare.

Third, God gives His vision to those who are faithful in small things. He will give greater vision to those who are being faithful with what is already in their charge. The Bible teaches us that this is how God rewards His faithful servants: “You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things” (Matthew 25:21).

The good news is that it is never too late to start seeking God’s vision. It is always the right time to decide to honor God and delight in Him.

Prayer: Lord, I am calling out to You. Will you please show me Your vision for my life? I ask to be faithful in the small things and to be a blessing to You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

Seeking First His Kingdom

01/06/22 – 01/13/22

His Vision Revealed 

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/08/22

Facing a new year can elicit a variety of responses. Some feel a sense of excitement and renewal in looking forward to the coming year. A few feel like life is spinning out of control, wondering where the year went. Others feel lost without a clear purpose in life—something to be or do that makes sense of everything. Regardless of how you feel about the new year, you can be assured that God has a plan for you in it.

God has a unique vision and purpose for each of His children. God wants to bring glory to Himself through our lives. Understanding God’s vision, however, is different from casting our own vision.

When we make plans, we want everything laid out. Think about the last time you traveled. When you mapped out the trip, you wanted to know where it started, where it ended, where you would stop along the way, and exactly how long it would take. Many of us approach our life in the same way—we try to plan out all the details in advance; we want to know all the answers before we begin the journey.

However, God does not reveal His vision for our lives all at once. He reveals it step by step.

In John 16, there is an interesting exchange between Jesus and the disciples just before His betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion. Jesus is telling the disciples what to expect when He goes away, and He says, “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear” (John 16:12). God reveals His vision to us when He knows we are ready and able to receive it.

Prayer: God, help me to trust that You will reveal Your vision for me at just the right time. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD” (Isaiah 55:8).

Seeking First His Kingdom

0/10622 – 01/13/22

Godly Goals

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/07/22

In Luke 9:62, Jesus said, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Jesus is saying that half-hearted commitments do not count. To give a full commitment to God, we must intentionally look ahead.

Worldly goals and ambitions have a way of disappointing us. If we have a life goal that is our ultimate focus, what happens when we meet that goal? After the initial exhilaration of accomplishment, we feel dejected that we no longer have anything to chase after. There is no room left for ambition because we have fulfilled our desire.

But godly goals do not disappoint because the work of the Kingdom is never done. When we commit to fully serving Christ, we soon realize that our goals on this earth are enduring. Our service, prayer, and witnessing are never complete. There is always more to do for the glory of God, a deeper relationship to be had with God, and infinite wonders to be proclaimed about God to a world that desperately needs Him (see Psalm 40:5; Job 9:10). We have a mission that lasts our entire lives—to glorify God and make Him known. We have the race set before us, and God wants us to stay focused on finishing well for our good and for the good He has planned for us to do in His name.

What is in your past that is holding you back from pressing forward? What is distracting you from running the race with all your strength? “You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7) As you consider your goals in this new year, do not get bogged down in your past failures or successes. Instead, pray for a God-given desire to work toward the future.

Prayer: Father, as I look forward in this new year, I pray that I would have godly goals that will keep me focused on the future, not on my past. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“‘Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven'” (Acts 1:11).

Seeking First His Kingdom

0/10622 – 01/13/22

The Resolution of All Resolutions

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/06/22

Many people see the new year as an opportunity to turn over a new leaf, and so the first of the year becomes a time to set goals and make resolutions.

Most resolutions focus on the here and now; few address eternal matters. While it is beneficial to give some focus to strengthening our physical bodies, it should not come at the cost of neglecting our eternal souls. We must not create a to-do list of projects to improve our houses while failing to consider how we will sow into our heavenly dwelling places.

It is easy to become distracted by earthly concerns. It is easy to focus on the daily details of life—what to wear, what to eat, and what to drink. However, Jesus reassures us, “[Y]our heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:32-33). When we focus on the eternal, God provides for the temporal.

It is a teaching that is very counter-cultural today as many believers focus on building a successful life and legacy here on earth. Yet Jesus tells 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, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

When we commit our resolutions and resources now to the ministry of the Gospel, we impact lives for eternity.

Are there earthly concerns distracting you from eternal matters? This fresh new year is an excellent time to make a commitment to pray each day for God’s help to stay focused on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness—the resolution of all resolutions.

Prayer: Father, as I enter this new year, please help me to fix my eyes upon You and Your Kingdom. Thank You for taking care of all I need. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:18-19).

Good News for the New Year

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/05/22

There are moments when it seems that the only news available is bad news. Headlines fill with stories of deception, financial ruin, sickness, and natural disasters. In an attempt to escape the bad news, many people travel long roads in search of a peace that seems to continually elude them. Rather than reaching their destination fulfilled, they hit dead ends and return home disillusioned and exhausted.

This is nothing new. It was the same in Jesus’ day. Rather than turn to God and embrace the Good News of the Savior’s coming, people sought their own roads to eternal peace. However, only the Good News of Jesus Christ addresses the root cause of mankind’s dissatisfaction, the sin that separates us from the Father. Only the Gospel offers us the way to reconciliation with God that brings eternal security, peace, and joy.

Do you need good news today? The best news of all time is that Jesus loves you and He has provided the way for a full and loving relationship with the Father. As you begin this new year, spend some time asking God to reveal His heart to you as you reflect on the wonder of Christ’s sacrifice.

Prayer: Father, I desire the eternal peace that only Jesus Christ can bring. I pray You will reveal Your heart to me and guide me on Your path this year. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).

Your New Year with God

01/01/22-01/04/22

Braving the Unknown

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/04/22

The world we live in is a place of constant change—and many of the changes we’ve experienced as of late have not been positive or meaningful. Knowing this, it’s understandable to feel apprehensive about the new year and all that it may hold—but the good news is this: We follow a God who is supernatural.

There is another kind of fear that grips people at the start of a new year. For some, it’s not the unknown that terrifies them; it’s the known. They know the culture will grow more hostile toward the Christian faith. They know that their faith in Jesus Christ may cost them in ways that only a few short years ago seemed impossible. God’s presence is there for these people too. As we walk through the year to come, knowing that serious challenges await us, Jesus stands with us. We can cling to Him in the midst of every storm.

David Livingstone, the famous missionary who brought the Gospel to unreached peoples in the jungles of Africa, knew all about known and unknown fears. He knew the very real dangers inherent in God’s calling on his life, and he also knew there was no way he could prepare for everything he would face.

Late in his life, Livingstone was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Glasgow. As he made his way to the podium, his tired, gaunt, and crippled appearance told a tremendous story about the life he had lived. One might think Livingstone would be done risking his life in such a dangerous place, but that’s not how David Livingstone viewed his calling. He told the crowd gathered there that day that he was actually preparing to return. He said,

But I return without misgivings and with great gladness. For would you like me to tell you what supported me through all those years of exile among people whose language I could not understand, and whose attitude towards me was always uncertain and often hostile? It was this: “Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world!” On those words I staked everything and they never failed me!

The promise of God’s presence gave Livingstone tremendous courage—and it can do so in yours, too. No matter what you may be dreading about the months and years ahead, know this: The infinite, almighty God goes with you. He loves you; you are not alone.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the confidence You bring with the presence of Your might and the assurance of Your love. Help me to have courage for whatever events You have ordained for my life so that I might do the good works You have planned in advance for me to do. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Your New Year with God

01/01/22-01/04/22

The Closest Friend You Have

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/03/22

Today, loneliness is an epidemic in our culture. How I long for the lonely to know and trust in the one who promised, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

Do you realize that as New Testament Christians, we have something our Old Testament counterparts could only dream of? When someone today puts their faith in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit comes to live inside them. God Himself takes up residence within the believer. Of course, before Christ, the Holy Spirit came upon certain individuals—Moses, Samson, and David, to name a few—but He came only for a particular task or assignment, not to stay. Things are different now. Because of Jesus, we have the presence of God’s Spirit with us, day in and day out.

We may grieve the Holy Spirit from time to time (Ephesians 4:30); we may even quench Him (1 Thessalonians 5:19). But He’s never going to leave us or abandon us. On the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit of God came to dwell on the earth in every believer, He came to stay. That means that if you have the Holy Spirit, you are never alone. You have a constant companion and the most loyal of friends. And the Holy Spirit is not just any friend; He is the very breath of God, the Spirit of the living God come to earth to do God’s will in and through you.

Moreover, through the Holy Spirit, we are connected to God the Father and God the Son (John 14:23). This is why Jesus could promise to be with us “to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). And contrary to what some people may think, Jesus isn’t some genie or good luck charm we take with us on the journey for when things get rough. Instead, He is the most loyal, gracious, and precious friend you could ever have. He is closer to you than your own hands or feet—and He loves you so much He willingly laid down His life for you. Proverbs tells us, “[T]here is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (18:24). Make no mistake about it: Jesus is that friend.

So, as you step into this new year, remember: You are not alone. The Lord is always with you. He is your constant companion; He is the lover of your soul, and He will never abandon you.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, thank You for coming into my heart to guide and renew me day by day. I know I am never alone because I am a temple of the Spirit of God. What a wondrous gift! Help me to draw on You every day to live for Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).

Your New Year with God

01/01/22-01/04/22

The Secret of Contentment

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/02/22

Whether we are rich or poor, it turns out that success, wealth, and possessions do nothing to quell the longing we all have for fulfillment. Without the contentment that comes from knowing Christ, people will always yearn for more—and try to find it in all the things the world promotes.

Today, the spirit of greed and envy dominates the television screen, whether it’s the news, primetime media, or the plethora of ads that aim to convince you that this new product will finally give you what you’re looking for. It’s easy to see how the spirit of discontentment is devouring the soul of our nation.

You and I are also just as susceptible to discontentment, forgetting the incredible, incomparable gain we have already received through Christ: the very presence of God. That is why Scripture tells us that “godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6). When we remember the wonder of the Gospel—that we have been made children of God—we cannot help but be content as we walk with our Lord, and we’ll gain even more as we are renewed in character and build up treasure in heaven (see Galatians 5:22-25, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Matthew 6:19-21, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, et al.).

In his letter to the Christians in Philippi, Paul writes, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want” (Philippians 4:12). He tells us the secret in the very next verse: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (v. 13). This verse has often been ripped from its context and used by some who want to boast in their own strength. But it’s actually telling us it is Christ’s strength that empowers us to be content, no matter what season we find ourselves in. Paul learned to lean on Jesus. The Lord gave him the strength to endure anything the world threw at him, but more than that, He gave Paul the strength to be content—no matter what.

Friend, if you want to be content in this coming year, focus on Jesus Christ. Become an ambassador for your Savior, for that’s what He has called you to be—and serving Him is great gain.

Prayer: Lord, help me to be Your ambassador. May I draw many to Your wondrous Kingdom by the contentment You bring to my spirit and life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6).

Your New Year with God

01/01/22-01/04/22

Yesterday, Today, and Forever

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/01/22

The ancient Romans called the first month of the year January, naming it after the Roman god Janus. You see, Janus has two faces. One face looks back at the year past, and this face is filled with sorrow and dismay and perplexity; the other face looks forward to the new year with hope and cheer and confidence. This cycle repeats year in and year out, with the new year becoming the old and optimism turning to despair.

On New Year’s Eve, you can feel the excitement in the air. It’s almost electric. But as those two faces of Janus reveal, it’s short-lived. A funny thing happens a couple weeks into January: People begin to realize that the problems they had last year followed them. Whatever catharsis they received from saying goodbye to the old year and ringing in the new one has faded away.

However, we who love Jesus Christ don’t have to tie our hope to a new year, nor do we have to wallow in grief when that new year disappoints. That’s because the God we serve is the same “yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). He is the God who overrules our past sins and forgives our trespasses. He rules over the present, and He also guarantees our future.

Because this is true, it doesn’t matter what date it is. Whether it’s January 1 or December 31 or any day in between, we can spend every day thanking and praising the Lord for each circumstance that comes our way. We are free to praise God and thank Him for the ups and downs of life. We can worship and be grateful on good days and bad. We can bless the Lord for the joys and for the sorrows. Why? Because God’s promises to us are as sure as God Himself.

Here’s one of the greatest promises in the Bible: God says to us, His children, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). This promise was for last year. This promise is for this year. This promise is for all our future years, whether we are here on earth or with Him in eternal glory. Whatever the future brings, those of us who love God and follow His Son can have peace and confidence, for our God will never leave us.

Prayer: Father, I praise You for the promise of Your enduring presence. What a gift to have the Lord of all on my side, orchestrating all things for my good. I give You all the glory for the peace and hope I have in You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5).

King Solomon’s Warning

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  12/31/21

Consider for a moment an average person in an average home who wakes up early in the morning to beat everyone into the shower so that he can get ready and get on the road to get to work on time. He works hard all day and then jumps back into the car to beat the traffic home so he can sit down to eat and watch television. He sets his alarm and goes to bed so he can begin the whole process all over again. Does this life sound familiar?

In the Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon says that there is nothing new under the sun. There is monotony, he writes, and there is boredom in our lives. But a life lived with God, in fellowship with Him, under His authority, is a life of joy and fulfillment. All humans can live a life of emptiness, boredom, and meaninglessness living without God, or they can experience a life full of joy, excitement, and contentment when they live it with Him.

Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon warns us saying, “Please, do not go where I went. Please, be forewarned about living your life the wrong way. Learn from my failures, and do not make the mistakes I have made. Live in fellowship with God. Live under the authority of God.” He says the temptations we will face in life are not worth the trouble they will cause and cautions us against falling prey to them.

Prayer: God, I’m tired of living a boring, monotonous life. I want to experience the joy and contentment that come from a life lived with You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:11).