Daily Devotional

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  May 11, 2020

With each passing year, there are more and more ungodly influences vying for the attention of our nation’s young people. Biblical values are perceived as strange and antiquated. Christian families are under attack from all sides. How will the emerging generation ever find the strength to follow God’s ways and be warriors for Christ?

Thousands of years ago, the psalmist asked the same question: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity?” He answered it: “By living according to [God’s] word” (Psalm 119:9).

Read Psalm 127. Verse 3 says, “Children are a heritage from the LORD, . . .” A heritage is a gift, and we must steward well what we have been given. This applies not just to parents but also to every member of God’s church. Each one of us is called to lift up the next generation in prayer, to train the young people in our lives in the things of the Lord, and to be an example of godliness.

Every August, just before the new school year begins, we pray for students as they head back to school. We ask God to look after our little ones starting kindergarten or returning to grade school, and we pray that He would be with high school and college students as they face a variety of academic and social pressures. But what about the rest of the year?

If we truly desire for the Lord to work in the lives of our children, we must make prayer for them a priority in our lives. No matter how busy life becomes, we must never be too busy for prayer. When it comes to our young people, it must be our first priority.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the “heritage” You have given me through the young people You have placed in my life. Help me to set aside focused time to pray for them. Thank You for the privilege of impacting the next generation for Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up” (Luke 18:1).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  May 10, 2020

We want the best for our children. We work hard to provide them the best opportunities, education, possessions, and quality of life that we possibly can. But this earthly foundation is as weak as sand compared to the solid rock we have in Christ. The psalmist declared, “Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain” (Psalm 127:1). We work and work to provide for the next generation, but how often do we call out to God to form the foundation of their lives and to watch over them?

Today we face forces that are attacking our future generations. These forces are unashamedly seeking to destroy our society, our morality, our faith, and our convictions. Unless we are firmly anchored on the Rock of Ages, unless we trust in the living God, unless we are vigilant in prayer and fellowship with God, the enemy will be able to vanquish our children.

We have a great responsibility to the next generation. They may not yet realize the dangers they are facing or how to pray for protection and guidance. But we know. We can pray big prayers to God for the next generation. We can pray for God to build our homes and our cities on His foundation. We can model for the next generation how to pray selflessly and ceaselessly to God. We can model for our children that our trust and security is in God, not in our material possessions or earthly successes.

Prayer: God, forgive me for the times I have forgotten to pray for my children. Help them to recognize the power of prayer as they watch my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just” (Genesis 18:19).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  May 09, 2020

There was an old farmer who frequently described his Christian experience by saying, “I am not making progress, but I am established.”

One spring day he was hauling some logs, and his wagon wheels sank in mud down to the axle. He tried but could not get the wagon out. Defeated, he sat on top of the logs.

One of his neighbors saw him and said to the farmer, “I see that you are not making much progress, but you must be content because you are well-established.”

Is your testimony like his? Your salvation may be established, but you may be “stuck” and unproductive. You may be a child of God, but is your Christian walk like wheels stuck in mud? You know God and have made Him a part of your life, but are you growing in your personal relationship with Him?

The devil thrives on keeping you from growing in faith, from being productive in your Christianity, from comprehending and applying the Word of God in your daily life.

Satan wants to keep you focused on your problems, pain, and worries. His goal is to prevent the effectiveness of God’s Word in your life. “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).

Satan knows the Word of God has power to change lives, convict of sin, judge and condemn, encourage and strengthen, uplift and uphold, forgive and restore, produce fruit, and, most of all, accomplish God’s purpose. When God’s Word is a significant part of your life, Satan’s mission against you will be destroyed.

Prayer: Father, help me to make Your Word a priority in my life. My desire is to bear fruit, and I know this will only happen when I abide in You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts” (Hebrews 4:7).

Michael Youssef, Ph D.  May 08, 2020

As we pursue God, we discover a difficult Truth: Living out the principles in the Bible is not as easy as we may think. Loving God and loving our neighbor sound like simple enough commands, but when it actually comes to showing love to a difficult neighbor, our true colors begin to show. We must ask ourselves if we truly love God as much as we say we do.

Throughout the New Testament, Jesus revolted against the notion that being religious meant you loved God. The piety of the Pharisees was a mockery of what it meant truly to follow God—and Jesus went to extremes to prove this. In explaining this fact, Jesus said, “. . . a tree is recognized by its fruit. . . . the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Matthew 12:33-34).

Regardless of our best intentions, sometimes our actions don’t align with our words, and our inaction keeps us from bearing fruit. While we know we should follow God and trust Him in every situation, we can succumb to worry and anxiety. Instead of placing our faith in Him, we panic and try to solve the situation ourselves.

While God has patience for an eternity, He does not want us to remain broken down along the roadside while we try to repair our faith. His desire for us is that we would be ever nearing a place of greater faith and unity with Him. But that process is delayed when our actions are not aligned with God’s Word.

As people committed to following God, we must learn that believing means taking action. It means that we take God’s Word for what it truly is: His Word. The Bible is the foundation of what we believe, and we must strive to live accordingly.

Prayer: Lord, help me to live out Your Word today in everything I do. Help me to love with my actions, not just my words. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  May 07, 2020

Bible-believing Christians cannot accept the “many paths” view as a genuine expression of their faith. Yet professing Christians consider this “inclusive” stance to be the enlightened one. Liberal Christianity offers a humanistic reinterpretation of our faith and claims that Bible-believing Christians are mired in rigid, unenlightened, antiquated thinking. They tell us that times have changed, society has progressed, and the church must evolve to keep up.

They even twist the idea of the Bible as the Living Word to make it open to radical reinterpretation—so that its original meaning is turned upside down!—as society and opinions change.

The Bible itself says, “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). And Martin Luther once said, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.” But neither the writer of Hebrews nor Martin Luther meant that the Bible is subject to revision or “new revelations” according to shifting public tastes and political moods.

The Bible doesn’t change; it changes us. If we disagree with something we read in Scripture, it’s not the Bible that needs to change—it’s us. We must reexamine our opinions and change them in the light of God’s unchanging Word.

As various leaders and authors in the church subtly move away from a Biblical understanding of social issues, the church is being led into apostasy and error, while the nation is being led into secularism, moral relativism, and depravity. The church has sidelined itself and made itself irrelevant at the very time that the world is in desperate need of God’s Truth.

God’s message to us hasn’t changed since the beginning of time. It remains the same: Do not tamper with the Truth of God. Christ taught His disciples the importance of knowing, speaking, and defending the Truth because Jesus Himself is Truth incarnate.

Christian complacency and apostasy are a far greater threat to the life of the church than ISIS or any other terrorist group. The church can only be destroyed from within if we stray from the Scriptures and contaminate God’s Truth with worldly ideas. The church must wake up and shake itself from its long stupor.

You and I and everyone who claims to follow Jesus must take an unshakable stand on the unchanging Truth.

Prayer: Lord, thank You that Your Word is Truth, that it is unchanging just as You are steadfast and faithful. By Your Spirit, help me to submit to Your Word and cling to its Truth in all circumstances, sharing its life-giving message with grace and love. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him” (Proverbs 30:5).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  May 06, 2020

As we seek answers in the Bible, we need to make sure that we do not take a verse out of context. Too often we want to make the Bible match our preconceived answer instead of conforming our views to the Bible. When we read Scripture in search of ways to justify our preexisting notions, we miss out on the divine Truths of God, which are infinitely holier and more transformative than our own thoughts and worldviews.

We also need to approach the Bible with clear and rational thinking. Recognize the difference between a figure of speech and a stated fact. For instance, when Jesus said, “And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out” (Mark 9:47a), He did not literally mean for us to mutilate our bodies.

Likewise, we must pay attention to the historical and cultural context of the Bible. Many Biblical encyclopedias and handbooks provide a comprehensive look at the world in the Old and New Testament periods. Knowing the context will give us a deeper understanding of the text.

Prayer: God, help me to never take Your Word out of context. Help me to have a clear understanding of what Your Word is saying. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law and obey it with all my heart” (Psalm 119:34).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  May 05, 2020

The Word of God is alive. The Bible is not just words on paper, but the voice of God, with all His authority, power, and command. It actively works in our lives to draw our hearts closer to Him. Paul calls God’s Word the “sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17).

Scripture tells us, “For the word of God is living 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).

Using a modern example, we could say that God’s Word is sharper than a surgeon’s finely crafted scalpel. When we read the Bible, it is like being stretched on an operating table as God’s Word begins cutting out the disease of sin to heal us.

In our minds and hearts, we try to justify our sins and rationalize our behaviors. But when confronted with the Truth of the Bible, there can be no more pretending. When we see God’s commands in front of us, we cannot hide from our sins, our faults, and our pride. Just like a medical x-ray shows what is hidden in the body, the Scripture shows us the true status of our spiritual health.

Prayer: Father, I need to allow Your Word to reveal the hidden things in my life and to cut out the sin. As I read Your Word, show me my spiritual condition. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  May 04, 2020

The key to truly making the most of our Bible reading is to apply what we have learned. Seeking out Truth will take work, but the work will be in vain if we don’t allow the Truth to transform our lives. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2).

As you study a passage, 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. Then ask yourself how you can apply this Truth to your life today. Review your notes often to remind yourself what you have learned. Make a plan to incorporate these Truths into your life.

God knows what we need. 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, and challenge us when we need to step forward in faith. He will also use His Word to 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: God, teach me to apply the Truths of Your Word to my life. Help me to be willing to take the time to seek out Truth and to hear what You want to say to me through Your Word. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

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

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  May 03, 2020

We must dig into God’s Word and apply it to our lives to take hold of the treasure found therein. What are some of these treasures? Proverbs 2 says that when you accept the Word of God and seek to understand and obey it, “[W]isdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you” (Proverbs 2:10-11).

Seek godly wisdom from the Word of the Lord. True wisdom and her benefits are priceless: “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her” (Proverbs 3:13-15).

So what is wisdom? It’s not merely the accumulation of knowledge so that one is characterized as smart or savvy, but it is the source of moral and ethical principles, which are integral to a God-honoring lifestyle.

Seek and choose this wisdom—with all its blessings, with all its protection, and with all its promises.

Prayer: God, thank You for the treasures available to us in Your Word. Help me to seek wisdom from Your Word every day. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:2-3).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  May 02, 2020

Seeking wisdom is like seeking a hidden treasure. When you’re looking for a treasure—especially treasures on which your life depends—what do you do?

You don’t give up after five minutes. You keep on mining. You keep on digging. You keep on searching. You do this because your life depends on it. So you are persistent, committed, and disciplined in your search for the treasure.

The same is true when you are seeking the wisdom of God. Indeed, Proverbs tells us: “. . . if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:4-6).

True wisdom of God comes from His Word. We must be resolute in studying the Word of God and in discovering the Truth it contains. Every time we mine the Word of God, we’ll discover treasure—and the more we mine, the more treasure we’ll gain.

But those who do not spend time diligently seeking wisdom from the Bible, those who read it without comprehending it—even those who memorize it without applying it to their lives—are missing the treasure that comes from the Word of God.

Don’t miss out on the treasure God has hidden for you in His Word. Dig deep and discover His Truth that guides you through life, brings peace and hope, and blesses you to be a blessing to others.

Prayer: God, help me to be diligent in my search for wisdom from You. Help me to spend more time studying Your Word and applying it to my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began” (1 Corinthians 2:6-7).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  May 01, 2020

The Bible is the only book that fully addresses the question of evil—its entrance into the world through the Garden of Eden, what God thinks about sin, and how His love provides the only remedy. Although sound doctrine is not a substitute for faith, it is crucial to have a Scriptural understanding of God, of ourselves, and of the world. What we believe about God determines how we live and how we respond to tragedy.

Satan, the great deceiver, has blinded many people to the spiritual realities of heaven and hell and of sin and salvation. Many have bought into one of his greatest lies: that he does not even exist. The angel Lucifer was originally created by God to worship the Creator. He was the highest-ranking angelic authority, filled with wisdom and beauty. However, the more he admired himself and what God had given him, the more arrogant he became. Ultimately, he wanted to take God’s throne, so God cast him out of heaven along with his angels (see Isaiah 14:12-15). The Bible says that he now “masquerades as an angel of light,” prowling around “like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (2 Corinthians 11:14 and 1 Peter 5:8). Satan is the one who steals, kills, and destroys (see John 10:10).

Evil can also be a result of our own ungodly decisions. All are born with a sinful nature and the need for a Savior. Because God has given us free will, we can choose whether or not we will obey Him—a decision that honors God, brings us life, and blesses others—or disobey Him—a decision that results in sin that can harm not only us, but those around us.

But there is good news! Christ has defeated the devil, He has overcome sin in us through His sacrifice, and He will ultimately return again to claim His final victory. Our God is in complete control of the universe. He sees the bigger picture, and He is working to redeem all things for His purposes. God is so powerful that He can give us the freedom to choose and still be victorious in the end.

In the face of great evil, we can find solace in Christ. In the midst of what we do not understand, we can rejoice that the King of kings will cast the enemy down once and for all. Take some time today to worship Christ for giving you salvation from sin and death. Ask God to direct you in prayer for the nation and the world. Pray that the lost would choose Christ in the face of suffering and tragedy.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, in the midst of the evil of this world and the trials I will go through, I know that Your victory is far more powerful. Thank You for purchasing this victory for me on the cross. Evil cannot overcome You! I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD” (Proverbs 21:30).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  April 30, 2020

Millions of people are on the brink of being broken in ways that are deep and devastating. They are on the verge of a rampage, a heart attack, or depression.

The Bible tells us, “Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control” (Proverbs 25:28). A person who leads an undisciplined life is left without any defense against Satan’s attacks. A person’s lack of self-control will lead to further devastation in every area of his life.

The self-control of the Holy Spirit is not a daily discipline—it is a character trait. It is not a list of rules but a guiding principle that comes from the Spirit. It means we are focused on doing God’s will and God’s will alone.

Contrary to the world’s beliefs, the spiritual fruit of self-control does not come about through the discipline of self-mastery but rather through surrendering ourselves to God’s control. None of us fully have the power, capability, or wisdom to master our own lives. You cannot resist all the temptations that are hurled at you, control the behavior of those closest to you, or limit the ideas that pop into your mind. What you can do is surrender your life to the Holy Spirit. You can control how you respond, yield, and submit to Him.

Prayer: Father, help me to surrender to Your control. I realize that I can’t manufacture the self-control that I know I need in my life. It has to come from You. Help me to focus on doing Your will and to respond in obedience to Your voice. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  April 29, 2020

Those who believe that true spirituality is defined exclusively by the Bible are often accused of being intolerant. I am glad to accept this false accusation as long as I am declaring the Truth of God’s Word that shows us the only source of true spirituality is the Holy Spirit.

The Bible tells us the Holy Spirit is a person (see John 14:26; 16:13-15). He is the third member of the Trinity. The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force; He is more aptly referred to as the Holy Spirit of Almighty God.

The Hebrew word for “spirit” is ruach, which means “breath” or “wind.” One of the foremost word pictures of the Holy Spirit found in Scripture is the title Breath of God (see Job 33:4). In fact, the first word picture associated with the Spirit is that of breath—of something that makes the air move, even to the point of vigorous or violent motion (see Genesis 1:2). It is a picture of energy released, an outward moving force of power.

As we seek to gain understanding of God’s Spirit, it is important to know that the Holy Spirit desires God’s best for us. He works in us individually. He convicts us of sin, glorifies Christ, leads and guides us, teaches and commands us, intercedes for us, and provides divine help and care. The Holy Spirit prays through us that God’s perfect will might be done in our lives.

In John 14-16, Jesus made it clear that after His resurrection, the Holy Spirit would be His personal representative on earth, indwelling Jesus’ disciples.

The Holy Spirit is the full expression of God the Father and God the Son. Jesus said the Spirit would enable us to become more like Him (see John 14:12, 15-17, 26; 15:4-17; 16:8, 13-15). The Spirit is the fullness of God’s character, love, presence, plan, and purpose.

As the Spirit does His work, He transforms us into the image of Christ Jesus. The process of spiritual transformation brings tremendous healing to the person who previously had been ripped apart by sin. Only the Holy Spirit can renew our minds and bring us to the wholeness of spiritual transformation.

Will you stop for a moment and thank God for the gift of His Holy Spirit? Then depend on the indwelling Spirit to work in you and through you as you go about your day’s activities.

Prayer: Lord, because of Your great love, I am being transformed into Your likeness. Thank You for the gift of Your Spirit. Please help me to depend on Your Spirit to work in my life today. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  April 28, 2020

Worthy One, Immanuel, Light of the World, Jesus, God with Us, the Risen One, the Shepherd, the Word, Prince of Peace. These are some of the names we call our Savior. They remind us of the birth of Christ, of His resurrection, of His glory, and of His power.

Saying the names of Jesus invokes reverence, awe, and amazement of our majestic Lord and Savior. While the Easter season is a wonderful time to reflect on the names of Christ, we should express these names every day of the year.

The names of Christ hold particular significance and meaning for us as believers. His names bring us comfort and inspire us to worship Him. As Light of the World, He reminds us of God’s light in the midst of whatever we might face. As God with Us, He reassures us when we feel alone or afraid. As the Risen One, we are reminded of His sacrificial death on the cross for our sins and His glorious resurrection that gives us eternal life. As Prince of Peace, He is our security and peace no matter how uncertain or how difficult our circumstances. As the Shepherd, He guides and directs our lives.

The next time you wonder what is in a name, remember that you can call upon the name that is above all names—Jesus. His name has the power to change your life. He can bring calm in the midst of any storm. He can heal the sick. He can comfort the lonely and brokenhearted. His name brings light into the darkness.

God is always with you. As you reflect upon the name of Jesus remember that God chose you, and He knows your name

Prayer: Jesus, there is power in Your name. May the Truth of who You are be obvious in my life through the way that I live. May I meditate on Your name all day long. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen

“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  April 27, 2020

Today, we tend to define righteousness as that which is morally acceptable or which conforms to rules of conduct. But the Biblical usage has a far deeper meaning and implies a covenant relationship with God.

Righteousness is more than a character trait of God. The people of the Old Testament saw God’s righteousness as His actions done in fulfillment of His covenant for His glory. God tells us, “I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight” (Jeremiah 9:24). We are not simply to know that God is righteous, but we are meant to experience His righteousness.

One of the first examples we see of God’s righteousness is in the book of Jeremiah, a time when God’s people were living in sin and idolatry and their land was oppressed on all sides by violence and crime. The spiritual leaders were confused and scattered. The prophets were lying to the people rather than proclaiming God’s Truth. Righteousness was a distant concept.

But to one prophet, Jeremiah, God promised a day to come when a righteous King would reign wisely and “do justice and righteousness in the land”; He would be called Jehovah-Tsidkenu, “The LORD Our Righteousness” (Jeremiah 23:5-6, NASB).

The word Tsidkenu, the Hebrew word used for righteousness in “The LORD Our Righteousness,” means upright, straight, and narrow. The righteousness of God is the root of all integrity. It is the definition of all that is genuinely good in this life

We cannot earn righteousness, but because Jesus Christ became our righteousness, it is ours through Him (see 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Once we receive righteousness through our commitment to Christ, God continues to work His righteousness in us. We are not alone in the struggle between our flesh and spirit. In our daily lives, the Holy Spirit will guide us and convict us of what is right and wrong (see John 16:7-15). And God promises us the strength to turn from temptation if we seek His help (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).

God has also blessed us with a manual on righteousness—the Word of God (see 2 Timothy 3:16). By the power of the Holy Spirit, we must allow God’s Word to guide us in righteousness every day, that we might grow in Christlikeness.

Prayer: Jehovah-Tsidkenu, I ask for a heart that submits to the guidance of the Holy Spirit to live a righteous life. Give me wisdom to apply Your Holy Word to my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“It is because of [God] that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  April 26, 2020

Sheep can do very little on their own; they can only follow what another sheep does or where the shepherd’s voice calls. Sheep are helpless and utterly reliant on the commands of their shepherd. Without a shepherd to lead them, they scatter. In Jesus’ time, the hard work of the shepherd was neither prized nor esteemed. Its labor was reserved for the lowest of the low, the less promising young men of the community.

In John 10:11, Jesus made a statement that was probably shocking, even contradictory, to the religious people standing before Him: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” In this one statement, Jesus refers to Himself as both the I AM—the same almighty Yahweh who spoke to Moses in the burning bush—and a shepherd—tender, lowly, protective, and humble.

The great God of the universe is our Good Shepherd. He stoops down to lead us, to care for our needs, and to defend us. There is no shepherd like Jesus. When we wander, He pursues us relentlessly—not because of our value as helpless sheep, but because of His character.

Only the Good Shepherd lays His life down for us to protect us from the snares of deception, shame, and legalism. Only the Good Shepherd can guide us to the pasture we are all looking for—pastures of freedom, joy, contentment, and refreshment. He knows each of the sheep in His flock individually, speaking and guiding each of us in the way we need. He is not the kind of shepherd who leaves when we stray, but He is always with us and even pursues us. God’s love for His sheep is truly unfathomable.

Now, more than ever, conflicting voices are vying for our attention. Do you know the voice of the Good Shepherd? It is not the slick voice of the thief; it is not the threatening roar of the wolf; it is not the apathetic voice of the hireling (see John 10:7-13). No, it is the protective, powerful, tender, affectionate voice of the one who loved us all the way to the cross and will love us all the way to the end.

When circumstances tempt you to wander, will you trust in the Good Shepherd? Jesus knows His sheep. He knows your every weakness and limitation; He knows how to bless you and how to encourage you. You are not lost in His flock because He sees you and He knows you intimately. What pasture is God leading you to? Whether it is time to receive Christ for the first time, to receive freedom and healing, or to share your faith—follow Him!

Prayer: God, show me the areas of my life where I am afraid to follow You, the Good Shepherd. Thank You for faithfully protecting, providing for, and guiding me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“I know my sheep and my sheep know me . . . and I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:14-15).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  April 25, 2020

Today, more than ever, believers have a responsibility to know what they believe and why they believe it. They are being called to sort through this world’s deception, which often comes under the guise of Christianity.

In this day of half-truths, it is important to know what Jesus had to say about Himself. When we focus on the Truth that God provides through His Word, we will be well-equipped to discern the lies of the world.

Whatever need you have, the “I Am” sayings of Jesus will encourage your heart.

In John 6, He says, “I am the bread of life.” In John 8, He says, “I am the light of the world.” In John 10, He says, “I am the door.” In John 11, He tells us that He is “the resurrection and the life.” In John 14, He says He is the “the way and the truth and the life,” and in John 15, He says He is “the true vine.”

In each of these statements, Jesus reveals something that we need to know about His character. His words to us also reveal certain Truths we need for personal spiritual growth.

For example, as the bread of life, Jesus is the only one who can satisfy our spiritual hunger. Just as He fed the multitude, He feeds us through His Word and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Do you have a heart that longs to know God? Jesus is the one who will meet your need. Do you struggle with disappointment and frustration? The presence of Christ in your life will fill you up to overflowing with contentment and hope.

Whatever your need, turn it over to Jesus. You will be amazed by His ability to feed and provide for you.

Prayer: Lord, please fill me with the Truth of Your Word. May I know Jesus better with each passing day, and may I share His Truth with others. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  April 24, 2020

In our skeptical and scientific world, it seems we have lost our childlike sense of wonder and awe. We fail to notice the daily miracles surrounding us. Jesus warns us, “[A]nyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Mark 10:15). Jesus tells us to call upon God with the wonder and amazement of a child. He calls us to believe in Him with the trusting nature of a child. He wants to see our excitement every time we seek His face.

There are so many qualities about God and so many things He has done for us that are awe-inspiring. In Psalm 139, we see David’s praises for four of God’s awesome characteristics: His knowledge, presence, power, and judgment.

When we think of God’s omniscience, we often associate it with His knowledge of the big, eternal picture, yet He also knows the very deepest corners of our hearts. Our Creator knows us inside and out—better than we know ourselves. He knows what we’re going to say even before we say it (see Psalm 139:1-4).

David also praises God for His omnipresence (see Psalm 139:7, 9-10). We cannot go anyplace where God is not already present—physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. Even during our darkest days, we know that God is right there in the midst of our situation with us.

Our God is omnipotent, able to create life itself (see Psalm 139:13-14). How amazing is our God who designed everything from the tiniest cell in our body to the grandest star in the universe!

David concludes his psalm by acknowledging God’s perfect judgment. God loves His children enough to purify and to refine their hearts (see Psalm 139:23-24).

Have you lost your wonder and awe of God? Do you take the intricacies of His creation for granted? Spend some time reflecting on the awe-inspiring work of God and recapture the wonder of a child.

Prayer: God, thank You for Your amazing nature! Thank You for the way You care for me through Your knowledge, presence, power, and judgment. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  April 23, 2020

In James 5:7, we see patience and perseverance embodied in the example of the farmer: “Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.” The farmer waits for the crop because the farmer knows that the harvest will be worth the wait.

In the same way, we must be patient as God uses circumstances and situations to mold us into His image and draw us closer to Him. Our natural tendency will be to rush the process God is leading us through—but when we do this, we force God to keep going over the same ground in our lives until we finally learn to trust Him.

When James said, “Wait patiently,” he was not suggesting that we sit back and do nothing. Like the farmer who is actively anticipating the time of harvest, still working after the seeds are planted, so we too are constantly witnessing, praying, interceding, giving, and studying the Word of God so that we may reap a harvest of maturity and wisdom in due time.

When an unanswered prayer, an unexpected event, or relentless spiritual opposition challenges your faith, God is waiting for you to come to Him and ask, “God, what is it You want me to learn? What do You want to teach me?”

The more you know God’s character and promises, the greater your encouragement will be during the fiery trials of life and the greater your capacity will be to wait on His specific timing. When you are tempted to run ahead of or away from God, don’t forget patience and perseverance. Stand your ground and be patient, knowing that the harvest will be worth the wait.

Prayer: Lord, sometimes it’s so hard to wait on You, but I know that You are working out Your purposes. Help me to actively wait rather than falling into idleness as I anticipate the fulfillment of Your promises. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen

“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Psalm 27:14).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  April 22, 2020

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). It is a teaching that is very countercultural today as many believers focus on building a successful life and legacy here on earth.

God is not against the wise management of His resources. The issue arises when earthly treasure becomes our ultimate security and the measure of our worth. When this happens, we hoard our wealth. We see it as our own rather than on loan from God. We do not allow it to flow freely through our hands to others in need—whether physical or spiritual need.

In this life, we will never know the full impact we have had on others. We may never know if a person to whom we witnessed ever committed himself to Christ or the true impact of the money we gave to spread the Gospel. We may never experience firsthand on earth the impact we have as a Bible study teacher, a small group leader, or a nursery worker. But we will in heaven. In heaven, we will meet those people who learned of God’s love because we focused first on the Kingdom of God.

Are there earthly concerns distracting you from eternal matters?

Prayer: God, help me to store up treasures in heaven rather than here on earth, and help me to remember that what I do for You is what will matter in eternity. 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).

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  April 21, 2020

Have you ever been described as an impatient person? It is easy to feel impatient. Maybe traffic is not moving fast enough, and you are going to be late for your meeting. Or you cannot get through the checkout lane quickly enough to pick up your children from the babysitter. These daily irritations can zap your strength and cause you to lose sight of what really matters.

The source of true patience is the Spirit of God. His patience toward us allows us the opportunity to grow and to become more like Him. He does not give up on us. When we are stubborn and fail to learn what God wants to teach us, He continues to demonstrate His patience.

Many times, we grow impatient with a colleague, friend, child, or spouse and forget that God is patient with us and calls us to extend this same patience toward others. One of the causes of impatience is spiritual shortsightedness. Our view is limited, so sometimes we only concern ourselves with what has a direct impact on our lives. We become impatient because we can’t see life from God’s perspective!

But we can still know and trust that God has a greater plan. While He does not always show us the details, we can know the big picture—we are in His loving hands. If we want to grow in patience, we’ll have to stop looking at ourselves, but at God. We’ll have to remember He is sovereignly at work in every situation so we can be humble and patient when things aren’t going as we would like.

Prayer: Dear God, Your patience is a merciful blessing to me. Please continue showing Your mercy as I learn and practice how to be patient with others. I submit myself to the ways You are shaping me and growing Your Spirit within me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12).