Daily Devotional

It’s Never Too Late to Live for Christ

01/19/24 – 01/28/24

Peter’s Burden

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/22/24

The greatest challenge the church faces today is falling victim to false teaching. This was Peter’s deepest concern.

Read 2 Peter 1:12-15.  Now, more than any other period in my lifetime, I am seeing mass confusion and chaos. People are no longer able to distinguish between Truth and fiction. But the tragedy of all tragedies is that fake news is preached from many a pulpit across America today.

My friend the late Dr. Adrian Rogers once said, “It is better to be hated for telling the truth than to be loved for telling a lie.” And this is precisely Peter’s passion in 2 Peter 1:12-15. He determined never to stop proclaiming the Truth, unto his dying breath. His deepest concern was that the church would be firmly established on the Truth of the Scriptures. For this reason, he made every effort to ensure believers are not misled by false gospels.

This is just as relevant for us today. Peter’s burden was not that the church be financially affluent or politically correct, but that we would remember and hold fast to the true Gospel. Every day, our culture tries to influence our thinking. But it’s never too late for us to take a stand. Today, don’t let worldly thinking lead you to believe false gospels, which are no gospel at all. Refresh your memory. Remember the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Prayer: Jesus, there is no gospel like Your Gospel. Only Your Gospel answers God’s just wrath, for Your loving sacrifice on the cross has atoned for our sin and has secured our salvation forever. May I, like Peter, proclaim this Good News unto my dying breath. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And I will make every effort to see that after my departure you will always be able to remember these things” (2 Peter 1:15).

It’s Never Too Late to Live for Christ

01/19/24 – 01/28/24

A Firm Foundation

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/21/24

To build lives that glorify God, we must build on the immovable, eternal, and sure foundation He has provided: Jesus Christ.

Read 2 Peter 1:5-11. Any decent architect knows that a strong building must have an immovable foundation. In 2 Peter 1:5, Peter tells us that our faith, if it is to be strong, must be built on the righteousness of Christ—our only hope for eternal salvation.

In verse 5, Peter begins with the words, “For this very reason.” Since we have already been saved by Christ’s righteousness and given everything we need to live a godly life, we are equipped to build our lives as monuments to God’s glory. We can pursue spiritual maturity each day.

In this passage, Peter clearly gives us the blueprint for building godly lives: To faith we add goodness, then knowledge, then self-control, then perseverance, then godliness, then mutual affection, and then love (see 2 Peter 1:5-7).

Peter knew from experience that these wonderful qualities are the fruit of the Holy Spirit working in us. So he exhorts us to make every effort to walk by the Spirit and thus confirm our calling and election—our identity as sons and daughters of the living God (see 2 Peter 1:10).

It’s never too late to build productive and effective lives for Christ. When we begin on the rock of Christ’s righteousness, we can build with confidence, knowing that “he who began a good work in [us] will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:6). Amen belongs here!

Prayer: Lord, thank You for freeing me from the bondage of sin to build a life of beauty and righteousness with Christ as my foundation. Use me for Your glory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For this very reason, 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” (2 Peter 1:5-7).

It’s Never Too Late to Live for Christ

01/19/24 – 01/28/24

Everything We Need

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/20/24

Power for Christian living does not lie in hard-to-attain experiences. It comes from realizing God has already given us everything we need.

Read 2 Peter 1:3-4.  Have you ever been frustrated trying to chase the next spiritual experience? Or felt that something was missing in your life with God? If so, you are not alone. Many of us have been there. Truthfully, our problem is not that we lack what we need—it is that we have not fully appropriated all that He has already given us.

When we first receive Christ, we receive everything we need to live a godly life (see 2 Peter 1:3). We are filled with the Holy Spirit and become recipients of every covenantal promise of God—promises like:

• “[T]hose who hope in the LORD will renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
• “[W]hoever believes in [Christ] shall not perish” (John 3:16).
• “[I]n all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28).

Today, before you search for the next mountaintop experience, remember the promises of God. Before you give in to depression and despair, remember the promises of God. And long before you say, “It’s too late for me,” remember the promises of God. As you allow these precious promises to permeate your mind, you will “participate in the divine nature,” living in the abundance of all that Christ has given you (2 Peter 1:4). He has already given you everything you need; don’t let anything hold you back from living fully for Him.

Prayer: Father, I know Your promises are sure and unchanging. Thank You that my experience of Your presence has no bearing on the Truth that You are with me. Thank You for empowering me with Your Spirit so that I can live abundantly with joy, holiness, and hope. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3).

It’s Never Too Late to Live for Christ

01/19/24 – 01/28/24

There Is Still Time

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/19/24

If you are alive and in Christ, there is still time for you to be used mightily by God. You are needed and your faith is precious.

Read 2 Peter 1:1-2.  I think every one of us can testify to the fact that there have been points in our lives—maybe even now—when we have felt defeated, discouraged, and despondent. In these moments, it can be easy to say to ourselves, “It’s too late for me. My situation is hopeless. It’s too late for forgiveness, restoration, and healing. It’s too late to be used mightily by God and make a difference in this world.”

Friend, I am here to tell you that these statements are all authored by Satan’s publishing company. I have news for you: God specializes in using the repentant sinner. Just consider the life of the apostle Peter, the author of the very epistle we are studying.

When the chips were down, Peter denied His Lord three times. But afterwards he believed in a forgiving God, throwing himself on His grace and mercy, and God used him to build His church. If you are a servant of Christ, with faith in His righteousness and breath in your lungs, it is not too late for you to make an impact.

You are desperately needed in the spiritual battle raging today. The church needs people like you and me to take a stand for Christ. And 2 Peter was written to show us how.

Prayer: Father, thank You for 2 Peter and its message to both encourage and exhort me to stand firm on Your Truth. I know nothing is impossible for You, so use me—though I am a broken vessel—for Your glory. I know that, as You do, You will transform me and bring healing. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: Grace and peace be yours in abundance” (2 Peter 1:1-2).

Effective Prayers

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/18/24

In these uncertain times, prayer is essential. It is our greatest form of communication with a holy God who has provided a way for us to not only worship Him but know Him personally. Through prayer, we discover the depths of God’s mercy and love for us. It is also where we confess our sin and receive His forgiveness.

Still, many avoid prayer. Rather than becoming an opportunity to be cleansed and to fellowship with God, prayer becomes a joyless duty. Perhaps this is because some have never learned the secret of powerful and effective prayers. So, how do we pray effective prayers?

The Bible tells us, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). If being a righteous man or woman is the key to powerful and effective prayer, what are the characteristics of a righteous person?

A righteous person is a person who is in right standing with God. A righteous person has a personal relationship with Jesus as his or her personal Savior. A righteous person seeks to obey God and yield to the direction of the Holy Spirit. Righteousness is manifested in a person who wants what is right according to the Word of God—he or she wants to see God’s will and Truth established on this earth.

Prayer: God, I pray that I would live righteously before You. Reveal anything in my life that might be a hindrance to my relationship with You. Thank You for the promise that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

Defeating Your Three Enemies

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/17/24

Every Christian must wage a spiritual war against three foes that seek to enslave us: the flesh, the world, and the devil.

The flesh is the sinful nature all are born with. When Christ becomes your Lord and Savior, you are given a new nature through the power of the Holy Spirit. The old nature and the new nature are incompatible, and the only way you can live in victory is to yield to the power of God’s Holy Spirit.

The world refers to the aspects of our culture that stand at odds with God and His Word and can distract us from our eternal reward in Christ. James says that “anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” because we cannot serve two masters who are opposed to one another (James 4:4). We can choose to live as products of our culture or as citizens of heaven.

The devil is not just a symbolic figure. Satan’s fall from heaven was the result of his pride—and pride is the chief weapon he uses against believers. God’s goal is for us to become Christlike and humble; Satan’s goal is to erase Christ’s image from our lives and feed our pride.

How do we defeat these three enemies? James 4:7-10 gives us the answer.

First, submit yourself to God. Submission is not a welcome word in modern society, but the Truth is that submission to Christ always brings us freedom. When you feel the pull of the world, submit that area of your life to Christ, and God’s Spirit will enable you to overcome it.

Second, draw near to God. Drawing near to God is an act of intimacy. Drawing near means we are talking with God and listening for His voice through the Holy Spirit and the Word of God—not simply going to church. Drawing near means we are turning from everything that has distracted us from His presence.

Third, humble yourself before God. God loves humility and can do much with a contrite heart. Confess your sins before Him and ask for His forgiveness and cleansing power. Exchange your selfish desires for His desires.

The overarching strategy for defeating these three enemies is submission. The more we are yielded to God’s Spirit, the less we will be moved by the forces of darkness.

Prayer: Lord, I cannot win this battle alone. Help me rely on Your Spirit each moment. I draw near to You today, knowing that in You I have the strength to overcome. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you” (James 4:7-8).

Becoming Doers of the Word

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/16/24

It’s difficult to comprehend the power of the Word of God. God’s very word set the world in motion; Jesus is the Word who became flesh; and it is the Word of God that speaks to our spirits at salvation, bringing us from death to life.

Unfortunately, many Christians acknowledge the fact that they are supernaturally born again by the Spirit of God but then live the rest of their lives in the natural. We are born again through the living, enduring Word of God, and we should continue to live that way.

Are you growing in the Word of God every day? Do you allow it to penetrate your heart and your life? Do you allow it to rebuke and encourage you—maturing you in Christ? Do you feed upon it? Do you meditate upon it? Do you exercise the power therein?

James warned us of an age-old trap we can easily fall into: “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22). The key to truly making the most of our Bible reading is to apply what we have learned. Seeking out Truths takes work, but the work will be in vain if we don’t allow these Truths to transform our lives.

Try following these steps to seek to do God’s will as He has shown us in His Word.

1. Choose a passage of Scripture to study today.
2. As you read, take notes on what the Holy Spirit is saying to you. Ask yourself what the passage was saying to the original reader and what the passage means.
3. Then ask yourself how you can apply this Truth in your own life today.
4. Review your notes often to remind yourself of what you have learned. Make a plan to incorporate these Truths into your life.

As you dig deep into Scripture and actively apply it, you will find that God is using His Word to produce righteousness in your life. When we are open to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, He will give us encouragement when we are struggling, rebuke us when we are rebelling, challenge us when we need to step forward in faith, and warn us when we are about to head down the wrong path. Whatever situation we are going through, God will use His Word to give us the knowledge and wisdom to handle it.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the reminder today of the power of Your Word. Help me to spend more time feeding and meditating on Your Word and exercising its power. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” (James 1:22).

Trusting God in Our Brokenness

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/15/24

Throughout the Bible, we learn how the wisdom of God confounds the wisdom of man. And when we look at some of the teachings of Christ, the principles He taught can seem contradictory to conventional knowledge. To be first, we must be last? How much sense does that make, especially today in our ego-driven society?

But Biblical principles contain tremendous Truth. For example, David personally discovered that brokenness leads to godly wholeness. Brokenness can come to the life of the believer in many ways, such as through disappointment, sorrow, and sin.

Sometimes God instructs us to go one way, but we are determined to go another, leading to frustration and brokenness. Sometimes, brokenness comes not because we have done anything wrong but because God wants to test and strengthen our faith. This was true in David’s life before he became king. As King Saul pursued David, God used the fires of affliction in David’s life to shape and mold him for greater service. The Lord also knew that when future difficulty came or disappointment struck, David would be prepared, and his faith would not waver or fail.

Brokenness has a way of revealing our level of faith better than anything else. When it continues over months and even years, we truly learn where the focus of our faith lies. When we begin to identify with the words of David as he fled from a jealous and enraged King Saul (see Psalm 57, 59, 142), then we will know that brokenness is accomplishing its greatest work in our lives.

Remember, if God has chosen you to face a time of brokenness, it will be followed by a season of tremendous blessing.

Prayer: Lord, give me deep faith as I pass through trials and brokenness. Help me to echo the words of David, saying, “I love you, LORD, my strength” (Psalm 18:1). I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Those who know your name trust in you, for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10).

Give Your Life to God

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/14/24

The wisdom of God usually confounds man’s intellect. In fact, some of the greatest Truths in the Bible are paradoxical. Giving away things does not seem like the best way to receive blessing. And it does not seem right to show mercy and kindness toward those who do wrong to us. But these are actions believers are encouraged to take, and God promises blessings to those who do them.

However, one of the most difficult Biblical Truths to understand is this: To truly take back your life, you must surrender it to God. In order for us to live in freedom, free from bondage to sin and Satan, we must make ourselves subject to Christ.

Jesus’ moment of victory came when He surrendered His life on the cross. When Jesus committed His Spirit into God’s hands, He relinquished control and let God work the most amazing triumph in the history of mankind. No longer would people have to pay the just penalty for their sins. Suddenly, there was forgiveness for all who would receive it through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

Likewise, our moment of victory comes when we decide to give away our lives. When we make the conscious decision to quit trying to run our own lives and allow God to have control, we win. Our cry of weakness is actually our greatest moment of strength. It is the point when we stop trying to be good Christians and rather internalize the Gospel—understanding our need for a Savior and our utter inability to save ourselves. This is when we truly invite the grace of God to work in our lives so that the Holy Spirit transforms us day by day into the likeness of Christ as we submit to God.

Surrendering to God does not mean you are weak. On the contrary, it means you are a person who knows where your greatest strength lies.

Prayer: Lord, make Your Truth real in my life today, and help me understand the power that comes when I surrender fully to You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life” (John 12:25).

Seeking First His Kingdom

01/06/24 – 01/13/24

Leaning on the Word

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/13/24

With so many people and influences trying to mold us into their version of “truth,” how are we to withstand their pressure 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 pressure to conform to the world. Help me to spend more time in Your Word so that I will be able to withstand the attacks of the enemy. 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

01/06/24 – 01/13/24

Our Spiritual Operations Manual

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/12/24

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 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

01/06/24 – 01/13/24

Steps for Discerning the Mind of God

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/11/24

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

01/06/24 – 01/13/24

Asking for Wisdom

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/10/24

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 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 feast 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

01/06/24 – 01/13/24

Prepare for Your Vision

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/09/24

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 His 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

01/06/24 – 01/13/24

His Vision Revealed

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/08/24

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. He 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

01/06/24 – 01/13/24

Godly Goals

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/07/24

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 in your past 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

01/06/24 – 01/13/24

The Resolution of All Resolutions

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/06/24

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 counter-cultural teaching 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).

3 Marks of a True Disciple

01/02/24 – 01/05/24

Living for Jesus

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/05/24

Read Luke 10:30-37.

“And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). Isn’t that just like a lawyer? He knows God commands him to love his neighbor, but he wants to know the precise definition of the word neighbor so he can make sure he’s doing everything required of him to earn eternal life and nothing more. But rather than simply answering the question, Jesus tells a parable—one that illustrates Jesus’ own life and is therefore the perfect model for every disciple of Jesus.

The good Samaritan’s actions illustrate both Jesus’ sacrifice for us at Calvary and how we are to live as His redeemed people. First, the Samaritan stopped. This alone is a remarkable choice because people could be robbed and left for dead on this dangerous road. But the man stopped. Jesus, too, stopped for us. He came to earth to endure the worst this sinful world has to offer. No one took His life; He laid it down of His own accord (see John 10:18).

Second, the Samaritan stooped. It’s one thing to pause and say a kind word; it’s another to stoop down low. As I mentioned, Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with one another. By getting close to this Jewish man and showing concern, the rescuer was opening himself up to shame and scorn from his fellow Samaritans. Likewise, Jesus stooped. He set aside the glories of heaven to endure the cross, where He suffered the shame and scorn our sins deserved.

Third, the Samaritan served. He bandaged the injured man’s wounds, dressed them with oil and wine, and then lifted the man up onto his own donkey so he could get him to an inn. He became the stranger’s servant to help him. In the same way, the Son of Man came not to be served but “to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). Everything the Samaritan did was to save the man in need. Everything Jesus did was to save desperate sinners—even at the cost of His life.

To be a disciple of Jesus means that we stop when others don’t. It means we stoop low to be with those who are hurting. And it means we serve, loving people like Jesus and sharing the Good News of salvation. In this way, Jesus works through His true disciples to seek and save the lost.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your Word that shows us how to live according to Your divine ways. Help me to see the needs around me and to have the love and humility to put others before myself as You did. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” (Luke 10:36).

3 Marks of a True Disciple

01/02/24 – 01/05/24

Loving like Jesus

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/04/24

Read John 13:34-35.

“A new command I give you: Love one another” (John 13:34a). At first, we might think, “How is this a new command? Didn’t Jesus already identify the first and second most important commandments as loving God and loving our neighbors?” (see Matthew 22:35-40). Thankfully, Jesus gives us the answer in the very next sentence: “As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34b). That’s what’s new. No one had ever experienced a love like Jesus’ love. His love is beyond any the world has ever known. Then Jesus teaches them, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples” (v. 35). Friends, we are to love as Jesus loved. We will truly be seen as His disciples when we become like Him.

Before Jesus shares this imperative with the disciples, He gives them a clear picture of the kind of action that exhibits His unparalleled love. In the middle of their meal, Jesus gets up and washes each of His disciples’ feet. Back then, people were either barefoot or wore flimsy sandals, and they walked everywhere on dirt roads where animals also tread.

In those days, the job of foot washing always fell to the lowest servant in the house. And yet Jesus, the King of kings, the Alpha and the Omega, grabs a towel and begins scrubbing toes. That’s amazing enough. But Jesus knows Judas has already agreed to betray Him (see Luke 22:3-6; Matthew 26:14-25). And yet Jesus washes his feet.

Truth be told, all the disciples abandon Him in just a few hours. And yet, Jesus “loved them to the end” (John 13:1). His is not mortal love. His love is not self-serving nor possessive. Christ’s love is a brand-new, supernatural love, unmatched in all the world. It’s a love we, as His disciples, are called to practice.

However, we cannot manufacture this kind of love. We can only love like this when we allow God’s love to flow through us, which requires total dependence upon the Holy Spirit.

There’s nothing easy about this kind of love. But when we keep before us the tremendous gift of God’s grace—all that God has forgiven us—we will be ready to extend that same grace to those around us.

Prayer: Father, Your humility and love are astounding. May I live out this incredible love to others by the power of Your Spirit. I want to be a conduit of Your love to those You bring into my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34).

3 Marks of a True Disciple

01/02/24 – 01/05/24

Loyal to Jesus

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/03/24

Read Luke 14:25-35.

In Luke 14, Jesus has large crowds following Him—He often had large crowds following Him. Conventional wisdom would say, “Jesus, get them on Your good side first. Tell them what they want to hear. Jesus, tell them how wonderful they are. Tell them to name whatever they want and then claim it, and then whatever it is will be theirs.” Or maybe we would advise Jesus, “Don’t tell them the true cost of discipleship yet. Maybe start with a short Bible study first. Then, You can work Your way up to the difficult stuff.” But Jesus does nothing of the sort.

With Jesus, there are no misleading subtleties. There is no fine print or sugar coating. He spells out exactly what it will cost to be His disciple: unfettered loyalty. He says that unless a person hates their own family—and even their own life—they cannot be His disciple (see Luke 14:26). Then He adds, “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (v. 27). Jesus made it absolutely clear there will be sacrifices to following Him—at the heart of which is an undeterred commitment to Him.

You may be thinking, “But this sounds so harsh! Does Jesus really want me to hate my family?” Well, no, Jesus wants you to truly love your family with a selfless, divine love that can only come from a total commitment to the God who is love. To every would-be disciple, Jesus declares that any love that does not flow from loyalty to our Redeemer will be a possessive love, and if it is possessive, it will compete with Jesus for our affections. Not only this, but possessive love is selfish at best and cannot be eternal, while the love that comes from a life set free from sin and death by the blood of Christ is higher, deeper, and richer than we could possibly imagine.

The loyalty and commitment that true disciples have for their Savior compels them to exercise love like Christ, witness for Christ, claim Him boldly, and worship Him with every part of their lives—whether their money, time, energy, or lips. True disciples value intimacy with Jesus more than entertainment, prayer more than power, Truth more than earthly treasure, and surrender more than worldly success. Jesus is honest and clear when He calls His disciples to consider the cost of following Him, for a half-hearted commitment simply won’t do.

Prayer: Lord, I have counted the cost and see that a life lived for You, in Truth and bearing the fruit of Your Spirit, is worth every hardship for Your name. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26).

3 Marks of a True Disciple

01/02/24 – 01/05/24

Disciples for Jesus

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/02/24

Read Matthew 28:18-20.

Jesus’ call to make disciples of all nations can sure seem a daunting task. But Jesus promised: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. . . . And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18, 20). In other words, Jesus Himself empowers us for the task. We go with the authority of Jesus Himself with our Savior in our very midst.

However, in order to make true disciples of Christ, we must be true disciples of Jesus ourselves. We must obey and imitate Him in every area of life. There are many who claim to be followers of Christ but never reflect His love, mercy, grace, or forgiveness. Jesus was clear: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples” (John 8:31).

Many people today call themselves Christians because they walked the aisle at church years ago and prayed a prayer or perhaps because a youth pastor or event speaker scared them with Biblical Truths about hell. But while these people may have accepted Jesus as their Savior, they have never made Him their Lord. They didn’t step into a discipleship relationship, so they don’t actually know their Savior. They are fooling themselves, as Jesus warned, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

True disciples imitate their Lord and seek to make more disciples for Him; they trust in His power to draw the lost to Himself as they serve as His ambassadors. As we follow Jesus and invite others to walk with us on His path, we echo the apostle Paul, who exhorted the believers in Corinth: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

If you have been a disciple of Jesus for some time, then you need to be discipling at least one other person. Obviously, if you’re new to the faith, you may not be ready yet. But if you are sold out to the Lord, then it is time to make disciples for Him. Just make sure your discipleship is founded upon the Word of God. We are all flawed people, but God’s Word is perfect, so it must be our guide. And remember: As you step out on your disciple-making journey, you go with the authority and even the very presence of Jesus Christ. He will not let you down.

Prayer: Jesus, You are my Savior and Lord. May I know my full salvation, that You have purchased my redemption by Your perfect life and sacrificial death. I want to live a life that reflects the miracle of Your love for me and my delight to be near such divine love. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

Thus Far the Lord Has Helped Us

12/26/23 – 01/01/24

Faithful Forever

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  01/01/24

God has been dependable in the past, providing for us in every twist and turn of life. He is trustworthy—and He holds our future in the palm of His hand.

There are incredible examples of the faithfulness of God in my life and in the life of this ministry. But I still believe with all my heart that we haven’t seen anything yet.

In the life of the Christian, the best is always yet to come. After all, eternity in the new heaven and the new earth awaits us. Just imagine—a restored world, never-ending joy, perfect fellowship with God Himself! As Revelation 21:3-4 promises, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. . . . ‘There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Our Lord is not going to bring us this far just to let us fall. He can be trusted to bring us safely to our eternal home, the place where all our hearts’ deepest longings will finally find their satisfaction.

Thus far the Lord has helped us. Say it out loud to yourself right now. Thus far the Lord has been faithful—even dying for us. Therefore, we know that He will bring us through our present trouble to everlasting joy. He will never forget His people. So, my friends, “Be strong and courageous. . . . for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).

Prayer: Lord, thus far You have helped me. You are faithful, and I know You will bring me through my present trouble to everlasting joy in Your presence. Thank You for making me Your child. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:5-7).

Thus Far the Lord Has Helped Us

12/26/23 – 01/01/24

Faithful to the Church

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  12/31/23

Jesus set up another Ebenezer for us when He established communion. At the Lord’s table, we remember Christ’s sacrifice—His body broken for us, His blood poured out for the remission of our sins.

Jesus Christ wants us to always remember His amazing love displayed on the cross. So, He established communion as a perpetual reminder of His eternal victory over death, sin, and shame for all who believe.

In our corporate, sacramental celebration of Christ’s sacrifice, we publicly declare, “Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.” When we eat the bread and drink from the cup, we proclaim our faith in the saving power of Christ’s death and the hope of the resurrection. We declare the mystery hidden for ages but now revealed to His saints that Christ indwells all who confess Him as Lord and believe in His resurrection (see Colossians 1:26-27 and Romans 10:9). Communion is the Ebenezer that points us to the hope of the glory of God through the blood of Jesus Christ.

When we remember, “Thus far the Lord has helped us,” we experience inward revival, restoration, and renewal. As an Ebenezer, the physical act of communion reminds us of the spiritual reality that, through His faithfulness to the point of death, Christ has secured our salvation. So, the next time you come to the Lord’s table, let the physical symbol of feasting on Christ lead you to deeper faith in and a stronger relationship with your Savior.

Prayer: Lord, help me to enjoy the wonder of Your grace and faithfulness each time I come to Your table to receive communion. Thank You for the physical reminder of a spiritual reality, that by Your death, I am made alive. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me'” (Luke 22:19).

Thus Far the Lord Has Helped Us

12/26/23 – 01/01/24

Faithful in the Cross

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  12/30/23

If we ever doubt the faithfulness of God, we should look to the cross. There, Christ paid it all so that we could find all we need in Him.

“Then Samuel took a suckling lamb and sacrificed it as a whole burnt offering to the LORD. He cried out to the LORD on Israel’s behalf, and the LORD answered him” (1 Samuel 7:9). When the prophet Samuel took his knife and shed the blood of a lamb on the altar of sacrifice, God gave the Israelites victory over the Philistines (vv. 10-11). This event foreshadowed our ultimate victory through Jesus Christ.

The pure, spotless Lamb of God hung on a cross and shed His blood for all who would believe. When He cried, “It is finished!” and yielded His life as a sacrifice for sin, He secured our victory over Satan, sin, and death. He ransomed us from the righteous wrath we deserve and paved the way for our resurrection.

Every time we look at the cross, we should remember: God is for me; He sent His Son to die for me; I am loved. The cross is our ultimate Ebenezer.

When Israel turned back to God, He was faithful and merciful. He sent their enemies packing. In the same way, when we rest in the power of the cross, we will experience His saving grace and faithfulness that set Satan trembling. Therefore, think on the greatness of the cross! Let it be your ultimate Ebenezer, giving you hope that does not disappoint and joy forevermore.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the cross—that You did not spare even Your own Son to save me. Your love and faithfulness are astounding. You alone are worthy of all praise and adoration. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Thus Far the Lord Has Helped Us

12/26/23 – 01/01/24

Faithful in Battle

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  12/29/23

We face an increasingly hostile enemy, dead-set on destroying our lives. Praise God that He is ready and willing to help us overcome!

Just as the Israelites faced the Philistines in battle thousands of years ago, we are facing our own enemies today. But for us, our enemies are not physical or visible. Instead, we face a threefold spiritual enemy: the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Today’s culture inundates us with temptations and worldly thinking that encourage us to be puffed up, to lust, to covet, and more. Our flesh relishes these sins, working to convince us that we don’t need God. And Satan conspires to use both the world and our flesh to thwart the work of God in our lives.

We must fight against our threefold enemy by remembering the faithfulness of God—filling our minds with the Truth of who God is and praying His great promises to us. At the same time, we must “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5).

As sin, pride, and self-sufficiency seek to pull us down, we must remember that confession, repentance, and humility toward God will bring victory every time. We cannot win this spiritual battle on our own—but “thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57). If we press into God amidst the fight, He will ready our hearts, and a heart that is totally dedicated to Jesus Christ will always win the battle.

Prayer: Jesus, I praise You! You are my Savior. Through You, I can overcome. Give me strength by Your Spirit to persevere and to set my heart on You so that I may have victory over my threefold enemy. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).