MY Devotional: Daily Encouragement from Leading The Way

In times of lawlessness, fear, persecution, and uncertainty, believers need more than human resolve—they need the supernatural strength of God. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains how the Truth of the Gospel gives Christians the stability to stand firm when everything around them seems to be shaking.Jesus promised that He would lose none of those the Father has given Him. That means your security is not dependent on your ability to hold on to Christ, but on His faithfulness to hold on to you. He will not abandon His people, and He will carry them safely to the end.Dr. Youssef also reminds believers of the extraordinary comfort of God's sovereign calling. Before the foundations of the world, God knew His people, loved them, and chose them in Christ. Remembering that Truth can lift our eyes above present circumstances and anchor our hearts in eternal realities.True stability cannot be found in changing circumstances, economic security, political systems, or the approval of others. It is found in God alone. Whatever storm you are facing, stand firm in the confidence that you are held by your heavenly Father and that His strength is more than enough to keep you unshaken.Pray with me.Lord Jesus, because You know and love me, I have confidence that I will not be moved or shaken—the Most High God holds me in His hands. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

The apostle Paul knew how dangerous false teaching could be. After he planted churches and moved on to preach the Gospel elsewhere, deceptive teachers often followed behind him, spreading destructive doctrines. In Thessalonica, some even circulated a false message claiming that Jesus had already returned.In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef turns to 2 Thessalonians, where Paul corrected these lies and gave believers clear teaching about events surrounding the second coming of Christ.Paul warned first of a great rebellion—a falling away from Biblical truth. Dr. Youssef emphasizes the importance of holding firmly to Jesus' declaration that He alone is “the way and the truth and the life” and that no one comes to the Father except through Him.Paul also foretold the appearance of a powerful evil figure often identified as the Antichrist. His influence will be extraordinary, but his reign will not last. When Jesus returns, every counterfeit power will collapse before the authority of the true King.The message of prophecy is therefore not speculation but preparation. Christ will return, and the call of the Gospel is urgent. If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus, do not delay. And if you belong to Him, stand firmly in the Truth, reject deception, and live ready for His appearing.Let us pray.Lord Jesus, thank You for the promise of Your return to make all things new. Help me to share the incomparable hope of the Gospel with all who will hear. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

The believers in Thessalonica knew what it meant to suffer. They faced persecution, loss, rejection, and even imprisonment—yet their faith continued to grow. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why Paul could thank God for these believers even in the midst of their hardship.Their circumstances were painful, but their eyes were lifted toward Christ. Jesus made the difference. He brought light into darkness, comfort into suffering, and hope into seasons that could otherwise have produced despair.Dr. Youssef reminds us that Biblical hope does not deny the reality of evil or minimize suffering. Instead, it looks beyond present circumstances to the promises of God. The world will not remain broken forever. Jesus Christ will return, His glory will be fully revealed, and He will ultimately make all things new.When your own strength is gone, God can give you supernatural perseverance. As the world grows darker and hardship increases, this devotional challenges you to lift your eyes to heaven, trust Jesus completely, and anchor your hope in His promised return.Pray with me.Lord, help me to lift my eyes to You when my days are dark. I know You will give me all the strength I need to persevere in hope. Grant me Your nearness when my heart faints, that I might have peace that transcends understanding because of Your great love. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

A healthy vineyard requires constant attention. The gardener carefully removes shoots that consume resources without producing fruit so the vine can flourish. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains how this picture from John 15 reveals God's loving work in the life of every believer.God is the gardener of your life. His pruning may sometimes feel painful, severe, or even wasteful, but He never cuts randomly. He removes what hinders spiritual growth—including selfishness, self-centeredness, and habits that keep us from becoming the people He created us to be.But pruning is only part of the process. Jesus calls us to abide in Him. Dr. Youssef reminds us that abiding means allowing God's Word to nourish, shape, and direct our lives—not merely accumulating Biblical knowledge, but making Scripture the foundation of our decisions and actions.Fruitfulness does not come apart from Christ, and greater fruit often comes through seasons of pruning. This devotional challenges you to consider the legacy of your life: Are your time, resources, talents, and gifts being used for God's glory? Ask the Father to prune whatever is necessary so your life will become a bountiful garden of Kingdom fruit.Pray with me.Lord, please prune me so I may produce fruit for You. I pray when the pruning becomes painful, I will trust in Your plan for my good and Your glory. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Is it enough simply to believe the right things about Jesus? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef turns to the book of James to confront the danger of a faith that exists only in words or intellectual agreement.James declares that “faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” Salvation is by faith alone, but genuine saving faith does not remain alone—it bears fruit. When Christ saves us, He changes us so profoundly that Jesus describes salvation as being born again.Dr. Youssef points to one of Scripture's most sobering truths: even the demons believe in God and shudder. Knowing Biblical doctrine is not the same as trusting Christ as Savior and submitting to Him as Lord. Real faith goes beyond information—it changes the direction of our lives.So what does saving faith look like? It denies self, steps out in obedience, loves others, seeks to please God, and increasingly trusts Him in everyday life. This faith is not something we manufacture; it is a gift of God's grace that transforms those who receive it.Whether you are questioning the genuineness of your faith or struggling to live out your faith consistently, this devotional calls you to draw near to Christ, trust Him fully, and ask Him to produce the fruit of living faith in your life.Pray with me.Jesus, I want You to be not only my Savior but the Lord of my life. Renew my faith where it has grown stale. Thank You for empowering me to obey You, even when it feels impossible. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Your view of God shapes your praise—and your praise reveals your view of God. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef invites believers to consider what their worship says about how they see their heavenly Father.When you know God as loving, patient, forgiving, attentive, and faithful, praise begins to overflow naturally. Gratitude for salvation fuels worship. Confidence in God's care strengthens faith. And the more deeply you believe that He is working for your eternal good, the more wholehearted your praise becomes.God's greatness can leave us speechless with awe, yet that same greatness makes worship essential. Praise brings us into a fuller recognition of who God is and leads us to bow before Him in humility—not out of fear, but out of reverence, love, and surrender.Dr. Youssef also reminds us that worship is rooted in recognizing God's worth. How much do you value who He is? How deeply do you treasure what He has done for you? How fully do you rely on His promises? This devotional will help you examine your heart and grow in a life of praise that reflects the true greatness of God.Join me in prayer.Heavenly Father, You are infinitely good. You are compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love. Renew my mind to remember who You are and show me who I am as Your child. I want to see You rightly, that I may praise You rightly. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

The book of Revelation reveals Jesus Christ as the glorified, returning King—crowned with many crowns and unrivaled in power, authority, wisdom, and majesty. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef contrasts Christ's humble first coming with the triumph of His promised return.At His first coming, Jesus was led like a lamb to the slaughter and wore a crown of thorns. At His second coming, He will lead the victory procession of His people and reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. The Savior who was crucified for sinners will return in His full glory, and every rival will be exposed as powerless before Him.But the promise of Christ's return is not merely something for believers to study—it should transform the way we live today. Dr. Youssef reminds us that those who truly anticipate Jesus' appearing will give themselves more fully to His work. Every relationship, decision, sacrifice, and act of service can become an opportunity to honor the coming King.Jesus has gone to prepare a place for His people, and He has promised to return and bring them home. When eternity with Christ becomes our ultimate destination and purpose, the trials of this life lose their grip, and we can experience the peace that comes from knowing our King is coming again.Pray with me.King of kings and Lord of lords, forgive me for the times when I have forgotten Your majesty. Each day may I remember who You are and invite You to be the King of my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Our daily battles may exhaust us, but they will not last forever. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds believers that a day is coming when Satan will be finally defeated, sin will be judged, and those who belong to Jesus will enter eternal rest.Jesus spoke clearly about the reality of judgment. Hell is not a topic we can afford to ignore, because understanding its seriousness should deepen our concern for those who do not yet know Christ. The reality of eternal separation from God should energize our prayers, sharpen our Gospel witness, and increase our compassion for souls who desperately need the hope of salvation.But Scripture also gives believers extraordinary comfort. Jesus promised that He is preparing a place for His people and that He will return to bring them to Himself. Heaven will mean uninterrupted fellowship with our Creator, freedom from spiritual conflict, and the peace our souls have longed for.After a lifetime of struggle, temptation, and service, the Christian will finally rest from labor in the presence of Christ. This devotional invites you to live with eternity in view—rejoicing in the hope of heaven and urgently sharing the Good News with those who need to hear it.Pray with me.Father, thank You for the reminder that one day I will have eternal rest and peace in heaven. Until then, help me not to forget that there are many people around me who are headed for hell. Help me share Your love and Truth with them. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Sometimes the headlines make it seem as though evil is advancing unchecked. Wars, persecution, instability, and suffering can tempt believers to fear that darkness is winning. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that Christians do not interpret history by sight alone—we see through the eyes of faith and stand on the promises of God.Dr. Youssef shares the story of an interrupted semaphore message during the Napoleonic Wars. When fog obscured part of the transmission, London received only the words, “Wellington defeated.” Panic followed. But when the fog lifted, the full message came through: Wellington had defeated the French. What looked like disaster was actually victory.In the same way, present circumstances can obscure the full picture of what God has already declared. Jesus Christ has conquered sin and death. Satan is a defeated enemy, and Scripture assures us that God's final victory is certain.So do not surrender to panic or despair. Stay vigilant. Remain faithful. Keep your eyes fixed on Christ and your heart anchored in His Word.The Lord will return when the world least expects Him. The question is not whether Christ will win—the victory is already assured. The question is: Will you be ready when He returns?Let us pray.Lord Jesus, when I am overwhelmed by the brokenness of this world, help me find peace in Your coming Kingdom and joy in Your eternal victory. Help me rejoice even when it appears that evil is winning. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

When Christians think about end-times prophecy, attention often turns to the coming Antichrist. But in today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that the apostle John warned of something already present: many antichrists spreading deception and denying the Truth about Jesus Christ.First John gives believers a clear test. The spirit of antichrist denies that Jesus is the Christ and rejects the unique relationship between the Father and the Son. Any teaching that reduces Jesus to merely one path among many stands in direct opposition to His declaration that He alone is the way to the Father.Dr. Youssef warns that spiritual deception does not always appear openly hostile to Christianity. False teaching can be attractive, persuasive, and even accompanied by impressive claims. Jesus Himself warned that false messiahs and false prophets would seek to deceive.So how should Christians respond? Not with panic, but with vigilance. Believers must know Scripture, test what they hear, put on the whole armor of God, and remain firmly rooted in the Truth of Jesus Christ.The forces of deception may appear powerful, but their defeat is certain. Christ will triumph. This episode challenges believers to stay alert, hold fast to Biblical Truth, and refuse every counterfeit that diminishes the identity and supremacy of Jesus.Pray with me.Lord Jesus, help me to discern Truth from deception by being grounded in Your Word. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

For thousands of years, humanity has rebelled against God, rejected His authority, and blasphemed His name—yet God has shown extraordinary patience. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that God's delay in judgment is not weakness or forgetfulness. It is an expression of His mercy and His call for sinners to repent.People offer many reasons for postponing surrender to Christ: I'm not ready. I'm a good person. My friends won't understand. I want control of my own life. But no excuse can save a soul. Scripture reminds us that the Lord is patient, “not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”Dr. Youssef delivers a sobering reminder: the opportunity to receive salvation will not remain open forever. A day of judgment is coming, and after this life there will be no opportunity to undo a lifetime of rejecting Christ.Yet the heart of the Gospel is hope. God does not delight in the destruction of the wicked. He sent His Son so that sinners could be forgiven, redeemed, and reconciled to Him. Jesus has already paid the price, conquered sin and death, and secured victory over Satan.Today, the invitation still stands. Do not postpone what matters for eternity. Turn to Jesus Christ, receive His grace, and rest in the salvation He has already accomplished.Let us pray.Lord, thank You for Your long-suffering compassion. Help me to daily submit my will to Yours. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

In 520 BC, God's people faced a season of uncertainty. They had returned from exile and begun rebuilding the temple, but opposition and discouragement brought the work to a halt. Into that moment, God spoke through the prophet Haggai: “Be strong … and work. For I am with you.”In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that God does not ignore our pain or minimize our struggles. He knows exactly what we have endured, what we fear, and what we need. And His answer is not empty optimism—it is the promise of His presence.When you feel alone, doubtful, or overwhelmed, the source of courage is knowing that the Lord is with you. He is your strong tower in the battle. Jesus Himself promised that although we will face trouble in this world, we can take heart because He has overcome the world.Haggai also pointed forward to the glory of God and the One desired by the nations. In Christ, believers have become the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit. God's presence is not distant—it is with His people day and night.Whatever challenge you are facing today, you can keep moving forward. Be strong. Be courageous. Keep doing the work God has given you, because He will never leave you or forsake you.Pray with me.Lord Jesus, thank You that You are with me. This Truth sustains and encourages me. I will rest in Your presence whatever my situation. You are my strong tower. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the story of ten virgins waiting for the bridegroom. All were invited. All expected him to come. All carried lamps. All even fell asleep. But when the bridegroom finally arrived, only five were ready.In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why this parable should cause every professing Christian to examine the reality of his or her faith. The difference between the wise and foolish virgins was not what they claimed to believe—it was whether they were actually prepared when the bridegroom came.Jesus warned that as wickedness increases, many will grow cold and fall away. Dr. Youssef points to widespread confusion about salvation today, including the belief that sincerity, religious faith in general, or good works can make a person right with God. But Scripture could not be clearer: Jesus Christ alone is the way to the Father, and salvation cannot be earned.The Gospel declares that Christ accomplished what we could never accomplish for ourselves. His death and resurrection are our only hope. If you are uncertain whether you are ready for Christ's return, this episode offers a serious but gracious invitation: do not rely on religious appearances or empty words. Come fully to Jesus Christ and entrust your whole life to Him.Pray with me.Lord Jesus, give me Your vision for eternity and help me to keep my eyes on You by the power of Your Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

At the root of much anxiety is the fear that something valuable will be taken away—our possessions, security, plans, or future. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds believers that true peace cannot be found in what we own, but in the God who owns everything and graciously provides for His people.God does not bless us merely so that we can accumulate more. He desires willing conduits through whom His gifts can flow to others and His Kingdom work can advance. When we recognize that everything we have comes from Him and exists for His glory, fear begins to loosen its grip.Dr. Youssef explains that fear and faith cannot rule the heart at the same time. Jesus taught that worry exposes the places where we struggle to trust God. Yet because God is perfectly loving, faithful, just, and sovereign, His children can rest in His character even when circumstances feel uncertain.Worry focuses on what might be lost. Contentment focuses on what can never be taken away: the presence of God, the promises of Christ, and the glory that awaits His people. As we lose ourselves in obedience and the proclamation of the Gospel, God offers a peace this world cannot manufacture—a peace that remains even in life's fiercest storms.Let us pray.Lord Jesus, I know worry doesn't add anything good to my life, so help me turn from fear and instead exercise faith. Fill me with Your peace. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Whenever lives are lost unexpectedly, the same painful questions rise: Where is God? Why did He allow this? Could He have stopped it? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef looks at how Jesus responded to two tragedies that shook the people of His day.In Luke 13, Jesus refers to Galileans who were killed while worshiping and to eighteen people who died when the tower of Siloam collapsed. The crowd assumed those victims must have been worse sinners than everyone else. Jesus rejected that conclusion outright.Instead, He turned the conversation toward a deeper spiritual reality: tragedy should remind us of the brevity of life and the urgency of repentance. Jesus warned that judgment ultimately comes to all who refuse to turn from sin and receive God's mercy.But this is not a message without hope. God has provided a way of escape through Jesus Christ. Through Him, sinners can receive forgiveness, grace, victory over sin, and the promise of eternal life.This episode offers a biblical perspective for moments when suffering feels senseless—calling us away from speculation and toward repentance, faith, and the everlasting hope found in Christ.Pray with me.Father God, thank You for Your lovingkindness toward me. I know goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

What should believers do when the foundations of society seem to be crumbling? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef points to Psalm 11 and the prophet Isaiah for encouragement in seasons of anxiety, uncertainty, and change. Judah faced such a moment when King Uzziah died after more than five decades on the throne. The nation suddenly found itself asking, “What happens now?” Isaiah may have wondered the same thing. But in that very season of upheaval, God gave him a transforming vision: “I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne.” The message could not have been clearer. Earthly rulers change, nations shift, and circumstances become uncertain—but the true King never leaves His throne. That same Truth speaks powerfully to believers today. Our hope is not ultimately anchored in political stability, cultural strength, or human leadership. It rests in the changeless promises and sovereign rule of Almighty God. And we know even more than Isaiah did. Jesus Christ—the King who was mocked, crucified, and buried—rose victoriously from the grave and reigns today. Whatever uncertainty surrounds you, lift your eyes above the turmoil. Your King is alive, His throne is secure, and He can be trusted with whatever comes next. Let us pray. Lord Jesus, help me to trust You, resting in Your love and promises even when this world and my circumstances look bleak. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

The judgments described in Revelation are sobering. Seal after seal reveals war, famine, death, persecution, upheaval, and divine judgment against a world hardened in rebellion. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef points to the Lamb of God as the central figure in this unfolding vision. Jesus Christ alone is worthy to open the scroll because through His death and resurrection He has conquered sin, Satan, and death. History is not spiraling out of control—it is moving toward the triumph of its rightful King. As the seals and trumpets unfold, Revelation also offers powerful reassurance to God's people. The martyrs are heard. The faithful are sealed. God knows those who belong to Him, and no force of evil can overturn His purposes or snatch His people from His hand. The judgments of Revelation are therefore not meant to paralyze believers with fear. They are meant to awaken urgency, strengthen hope, and remind us that Christ will ultimately establish His righteous rule. Jesus said that when these things begin to happen, His people should “stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” So rather than living in dread, make every day count for Christ. Take heart. Your King is victorious, your redemption is secure, and your destiny is glory. Join me in prayer. Lord Jesus, empower me to remember I am destined for glory as I face trials on this earth. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

What comes to mind when you think about heaven—uncertainty and fear, or anticipation and joy? God gave the apostle John an extraordinary glimpse into the heavenly throne room so believers could live with confidence in the eternal hope of the Gospel. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef walks through the magnificent scene of Revelation 4. At its center stands the throne of God, declaring His absolute sovereignty and authority. Around it are vivid signs of His glory, sacrifice, faithfulness, power, and holiness, while the elders and heavenly creatures respond with unceasing worship. John's vision also reminds us that God's redeemed people are united by faith in the Messiah. Those who looked forward to Christ's coming and those who look back to His cross and resurrection share the same hope: eternal life in the presence of God. The Holy Spirit, who strengthens, comforts, guides, and transforms believers today, is part of this glorious heavenly vision as well. God has not left His people alone while they wait for eternity. He is preparing us even now to delight more fully in His presence. The enemy would have us fear death, cling tightly to this temporary world, or imagine heaven as dull and distant. Scripture gives us a radically different picture. What God has prepared for His children surpasses every beauty and pleasure this world can offer. Set your mind on things above. One day, faith will become sight, and the redeemed will behold their Lord face to face—worshiping and enjoying Him forever. Pray with me. Lord Jesus, I look forward to the day when I will see You seated on Your throne in glory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Jesus Christ is not merely part of history—He is its focal point, the Beginning and the End, worthy of all glory, honor, majesty, and praise. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef turns to John's extraordinary vision of the glorified Christ in Revelation. Jesus stands among seven golden lampstands representing His churches, reminding us that the Church exists to shine His light faithfully into a dark world. John sees Christ in overwhelming majesty: clothed with authority, perfectly holy, seeing all things, speaking with supreme power, and prepared to judge with righteousness. His Word penetrates the deepest places of the heart, and His face shines with glorious brilliance. This is the risen Lord who knows His Church completely—and whose return should shape how we live today. That urgency lies behind Christ's messages to the seven churches of Revelation. His words include warning, correction, encouragement, conviction, and invitation. And one of His most searching challenges concerns our love for Him. It is possible to defend Biblical Truth, pursue good works, and still allow our affection for Jesus to grow cold. Accurate theology and faithful service can never replace wholehearted love for the Savior Himself. If your love for Christ has weakened, His invitation remains open: confess, repent, and return. Rekindle your first love, order your life in light of eternity, and live today with the joyful expectation that your glorious King could return at any time. Let us pray. Lord Jesus, forgive me for setting my eyes on the things of this world rather than You, my Redeemer. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Revelation is not simply a book about future events. It is a message from God meant to shape our lives right now. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef points to the blessing promised in Revelation 1:3 for those who read, hear, and take its words to heart. Through this extraordinary vision, Scripture reveals Jesus Christ as the suffering Savior who died and rose again—and the victorious King who will return in power and righteous judgment. The Messiah who came first in humility will come again in glory. Today, Christ graciously invites sinners to receive eternal life, but Revelation reminds us that history is moving toward a decisive conclusion. His return will bring judgment, vindication, and the fulfillment of every promise God has made. The apostle John received this vision while exiled on Patmos for his faithfulness to Christ. What looked like isolation and defeat became the setting for one of Scripture's greatest revelations of God's sovereignty. John was reminded—and so are we—that history is not spinning out of control. God reigns over the past, present, and future, and every event ultimately serves His purposes. So don't approach Revelation with curiosity alone. Let its warnings awaken you, let its promises strengthen you, and let its vision of the returning Christ lift your eyes above present trials. The darkness will not last forever. Jesus Christ is coming again, and His glory will overcome it all. Join me in prayer. Lord, thank You for the wondrous picture of the glory that is coming that You have provided in Revelation. May I take Your Word seriously as both an admonishment and an encouragement to live for You today. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

You can be doing the right thing for the right reason—and still become discouraged enough to stop. After decades of exile in Babylon, a faithful remnant of God's people returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. They had chosen obedience over comfort, but fierce opposition eventually brought their work to a halt. For years, the mission God had given them remained unfinished. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef turns to Haggai 1 and 2, where God confronted His discouraged people with a repeated challenge: “Consider your ways.” The Israelites needed to examine their priorities, remember their calling, and resume the work they had abandoned. Opposition often intensifies when we begin taking God seriously. Distraction, resistance, and discouragement can tempt us to quit at precisely the moment we should persevere. Like the Israelites, we must decide whether we will follow the comfortable majority or remain part of the faithful remnant. Jesus Himself chose obedience over the easier road. In Gethsemane, facing unimaginable suffering, He surrendered to the Father: “Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Christ endured because the glory ahead was greater than the suffering before Him. Whatever opposition you are facing today, do not allow discouragement to destroy your spiritual momentum. Reconsider your priorities, surrender your will to God, and keep moving forward. The road may be difficult, but Christ is worth following all the way to the finish line. Pray with me. Lord Jesus, I pray that my faith would become even stronger so that when I face discouragement, I will not give up but press on to serve You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Living a godly life in an ungodly world can be costly. Scripture makes it clear that believers should not be surprised when obedience to Christ brings rejection, ridicule, or resistance. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef points to Paul's warning in 2 Timothy and Jesus' words in John 15: those who belong to Christ will sometimes face opposition precisely because they no longer belong to the world. When Christians pursue purity, righteousness, and integrity, a culture walking in darkness may resent the light their lives represent. But God does not call His people to stand alone. The Holy Spirit gives believers power to withstand the pressures around them, while God's Word exposes lies and trains us in righteousness. Scripture teaches, corrects, rebukes, and equips us to live faithfully in every circumstance. The more deeply we immerse ourselves in God's Word, the more our hearts and minds become aligned with His will. Obedience becomes clearer. Discernment grows stronger. And standing for Truth becomes less about resisting the world through sheer willpower and more about walking closely with Christ. When pressure comes, stay rooted in Scripture and dependent on the Holy Spirit. God has given you everything you need to stand firm, walk in the light, and remain faithful to Him. Prayer: God, thank You for Your Spirit within me to guide me to respond to worldly thinking with Biblical wisdom. Thank You for Your Word that exposes the lies around me. Help me to stay in Your Word so that my heart and mind will be aligned with Yours. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil” (John 3:19). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Never Give Up, Don't Conform to the World: WATCH NOW| LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

What gives believers the courage to obey God when His plan seems confusing or impossible? The heroes of Hebrews 11 understood that their confidence did not rest in circumstances—it rested in the character of Almighty God. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that courageous faith begins by recognizing the greatness of God's power and the certainty of His promises. The God who created the heavens and calls every star by name cannot fail, lie, or make a mistake. When He speaks, His people can trust Him enough to obey. Consider Joshua marching around the fortified walls of Jericho or Gideon facing an army described as being “thick as locusts.” God's instructions may not have made sense from a human perspective, but both men moved forward because they trusted the One who gave the command. That same faith is necessary when our circumstances puzzle us, suffering weighs us down, or the road ahead appears impossible. God does not promise that obedience will always be easy, but He does promise to remain faithful—equipping, guiding, and strengthening His people through every battle. Whatever you are facing today, remember the foundation of courageous faith: God is powerful, God is faithful, God is sovereign, and Christ has already secured the ultimate victory. Keep praying. Keep obeying. Keep trusting the God who works all things for the good of those who love Him. Prayer: God, thank You for the examples of courageous faith found in Your Word. Help me to always trust You and Your plan for victory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory” (Deuteronomy 20:4). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon They Were Just like Us, We Can Be like Them: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

What will you do when obedience to God costs you something? Hebrews 11 describes men and women who endured ridicule, imprisonment, mistreatment, and even death rather than abandon their faith. They could have escaped much of their suffering by conforming to the world around them, but they chose obedience because they trusted God and His promises. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that followers of Christ still face pressure to compromise. It may come through rejection from friends, career consequences for refusing unethical practices, ridicule from coworkers, or hostility toward your Christian convictions. Whatever form it takes, the temptation is the same: conform rather than stand firm. But believers are not without strength. When opposition comes, we can look to the cross of Jesus Christ as our fortress and our joy. The faithful saints of the Old Testament looked forward to God's promised redemption, while believers today look back to Christ's finished work on the cross as the only basis of salvation. When your faith and complete trust rest in Jesus Christ, you can persevere through rejection, hardship, and trials without surrendering to fear. The world may pressure you to compromise, but God calls you to stand firm—rejoicing in the Kingdom that is already here and awaiting its glorious fulfillment. Prayer: Father, though I am not faced with the extreme, violent persecution that so many believers in other countries are dealing with today, I do struggle with feelings of rejection and pressure from unbelievers in my life. In these moments, help me remember those who have gone before me and have stood strong in the face of persecution. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon They Were Just like Us, The Warring Faith: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Every runner knows that unnecessary weight makes a long race harder. The same is true in the Christian life. Hebrews 12 calls believers to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” so we can run with perseverance the race God has marked out for us. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef identifies some of the spiritual weights that can slow us down: anxiety, worry, bitterness, greed, unconfessed sin, and doubts about God's power. Left unchecked, these burdens can exhaust us and eventually bring our spiritual progress to a halt. Another dangerous distraction is comparison. When we become preoccupied with ourselves or constantly look at how others are running, we take our eyes off the path before us. Scripture gives us a better focus: Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Jesus endured opposition, rejection, betrayal, suffering, and the cross because of the joy set before Him. He finished His race faithfully, and He now calls us to follow His example with our eyes fixed on eternity. If you feel spiritually tired, discouraged, or tempted to quit, look again to Jesus. He is your source of faith, your example of endurance, and your strength for every step. Keep running. Keep persevering. The eternal prize is worth the race. Prayer: Father, help me to throw off anything that is hindering me in my marathon of faith. Help me to stay focused on You and to follow Your example. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary” (Revelation 2:3). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon They Were Just like Us, We Can Be like Them: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Abraham understood that God had a greater plan for his life, so he learned to shift his focus from the world he could see to the world that was still to come. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef turns to Hebrews 11 and the faith of Abraham and the other Old Testament saints. They lived as foreigners and strangers on earth, trusting promises they could only see from a distance because they were “longing for a better country—a heavenly one.” For believers in Jesus Christ, that same eternal perspective changes everything. Through salvation, we have been adopted into God's family, and our ultimate citizenship is no longer rooted in this passing world. The suffering and disappointments of this life cannot compare with the glory God has prepared for His children. Abraham's journey also reminds us that great faith does not mean a failure-free life. He experienced setbacks, detours, and discouragements, but he refused to make those places his permanent home. He kept trusting, growing, and pressing forward because his eyes remained fixed on God's promises and faithfulness. God has prepared an enduring city for everyone who belongs to Christ. Until the day we enter it fully, we can experience a taste of heaven on earth as we worship Jesus, walk by faith, and live each day with eternity in view. Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your gift of salvation. Teach me all I need to know about You and allow me to serve You today. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, . . .” (Philippians 3:20). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon They Were Just like Us, The Witness of Faith: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Noah faced an assignment that must have seemed impossible: build an enormous ark on dry land, despite having no known experience as a shipbuilder or mariner. Yet year after year, Noah continued working because he trusted the God who had called him. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that God chose Noah not because of his expertise, but because of his faithfulness. Genesis describes Noah as a righteous man who “walked faithfully with God.” God was more interested in an obedient heart than an impressive résumé. And God did not leave Noah without direction. He gave him specific instructions for building the ark, providing what Noah needed to fulfill the assignment. The same principle applies to believers today: when God genuinely calls us to His work, He is able to equip and empower us for what He asks us to do. Perhaps God is calling you toward something that feels far beyond your abilities. You may feel inexperienced, underqualified, or unsupported. Noah's story reminds us that our limitations do not limit God. If the Lord has directed your steps, trust His plan. Walk faithfully, obey what He has revealed, and depend on Him to provide everything necessary to complete the work for His glory. Prayer: God, I don't feel qualified for the work to which You have called me, but I am trusting that You will provide everything I need. Help me to have the heart of a willing servant. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon They Were Just like Us, The Work of Faith: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Sometimes God calls us to surrender something precious. Other times He asks us to step beyond what feels comfortable to share the Gospel, serve His Kingdom, or obey a command we do not fully understand. Whatever the assignment, genuine faith eventually comes to the same conclusion: God must be obeyed. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef turns to the story of Noah in Genesis 6 and 7. God gave Noah an extraordinary command—to build an ark in preparation for a flood that had not yet come. The task was enormous and perplexing, yet Scripture records Noah's remarkable response: “Noah did all that the LORD commanded him.” Noah did more than build. He trusted God's Word, persevered in obedience, and proclaimed righteousness to those around him. His life became both an act of faith and a warning to others. In the same way, believers today are called to build their lives on Christ while inviting others to receive the salvation He offers. Noah was not perfect, but his faith produced action. That is the mark of authentic trust in God. Anyone can claim to believe, but living faith obeys—even when the road is difficult, the assignment feels overwhelming, or the outcome remains unseen. Where is God calling you to step out in faith today? Trust His Word, obey His voice, and leave the results in His hands. Prayer: God, help me to have the kind of faith that Noah had—faith that leads to obedience no matter how overwhelming the task. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is in keeping with faith” (Hebrews 11:7). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon They Were Just like Us, The Work of Faith: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Courageous faith can lead to extraordinary victories—but sometimes it also leads straight into danger, suffering, and persecution. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef turns to Hebrews 11:30–40, where Scripture remembers men and women who trusted God even when obedience cost them dearly. Some conquered kingdoms and defeated enemies. Others endured imprisonment, rejection, torture, and death. Yet both groups were commended for the same thing: faith. From Rahab and Gideon to Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, these Biblical heroes demonstrate that God works powerfully through people who trust Him. They were not flawless. They failed, sinned, and needed repentance just as we do. But when they turned to Almighty God in faith, He received them and used them for His glory. Their courage was rooted not in their own strength but in confidence that God would remain faithful to His Word. They trusted that He would ultimately deal with sin, provide righteousness, and fulfill His promises. Looking forward to Christ by faith freed them to obey God even when the cost was great. Whatever hardship, opposition, or uncertainty you face today, remember: courageous faith is not confidence that nothing painful will happen. It is confidence that God will be faithful through it all. The question is whether we are ready to trust Him enough to say, “Here I am, send me.” Prayer: Father, help me to have courageous faith. During times of persecution, danger, or hardship, help me to stay committed to You because I know that You have the ultimate victory. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. . . . the world was not worthy of them” (Hebrews 11:36, 38). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon They Were Just like Us, The Warring Faith: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

What gives a Christian courage when circumstances are frightening, costly, or painful? It begins with how we see God. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that courageous faith rests on the character of God. He is sovereign, holy, loving, faithful, all-knowing, all-powerful, and always present. Because God cannot be wrong or defeated, those who fully trust Him can face an uncertain world with confidence and peace. Our view of God determines whether we walk by faith or by sight. Jesus promised that believers would experience trouble in this world, yet Scripture is filled with men and women who endured persecution, suffering, rejection, and even death because they believed God's eternal promises were worth more than temporary comfort. Hebrews 11 remembers saints who refused to abandon their faith even when obedience carried an enormous cost. They did not receive everything God had promised during their earthly lives, yet they persevered because they were looking toward something better—an eternal inheritance secured by God Himself. Following Jesus will cost us something. But courageous faith knows that knowing Christ is infinitely more valuable than anything we could lose. Trust the God who never fails, and follow Him with confidence, whatever the cost. Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the times when I have put my desires before Your will and purpose for me. Help me to follow wherever You lead, no matter the cost. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “[Moses] regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward” (Hebrews 11:26).  Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon They Were Just like Us, The Warring Faith: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Have you ever skimmed instructions simply to confirm what you already believed? We can do the same thing with Scripture—approaching the Bible with predetermined ideas and searching only for verses that support them. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef warns against reading our own assumptions into God's Word. When we force a favorite theme, opinion, or belief onto every passage, we risk missing what God is actually saying. Pride in our knowledge can blind us to fresh truths about His character, His love, and our continuing need for Him. Faithful Bible study begins by asking what the text actually says. That means considering its original setting, reading passages in context, using sound study tools, and resisting the temptation to make Scripture say what we want it to say. Dr. Youssef also reminds us that meaningful Bible study cannot be rushed. The treasures of God's Truth reward those who seek Him diligently. Growth requires time, attention, humility, and a willingness to listen. Come to Scripture not merely looking for confirmation, but for transformation. Slow down, seek the Lord earnestly, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into the Truth God wants you to see. Prayer: Holy Spirit, open my eyes so that I may see wonderful Truth from Your Word. Illuminate my mind so that I can learn what You want me to learn. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character . . . for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Defending a Lion: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Many of us have a habit of skipping the instructions and trying to figure things out on our own. But when it comes to Scripture, that approach can lead to serious misunderstanding. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why learning to read the Bible properly is essential for Christian growth. Dr. Youssef identifies several common pitfalls, including proof-texting, ignoring context, confusing literal and figurative language, overlooking historical and cultural background, and trying to understand Scripture apart from the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus' words in Matthew 5:29 provide an important example. When He speaks of gouging out an eye that causes someone to stumble, He is using vivid hyperbole to communicate the seriousness of removing anything that interferes with wholehearted devotion to God. Understanding genre, context, and intent helps us hear Scripture as it was meant to be heard. Bible study must also lead to application. It is not enough simply to accumulate information—we must allow God's Word to confront, instruct, and change us. Dr. Youssef encourages believers to study carefully, compare reliable translations, pray for the Holy Spirit's illumination, and resist the temptation to force our own ideas into the text. Approach the Bible prayerfully, carefully, and humbly. As your understanding grows, so will your ability to recognize, obey, and live in the Truth that sets you free. Prayer: God, help me to read Your Word with diligence and integrity. May I see more of who You are as I study, and may I be uplifted by Your wonder and beauty. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you” (Psalm 32:8). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Defending a Lion: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. Scripture is far more than ink on a page—it carries God's authority, power, will, and Truth, producing fruit and transforming the lives of those who receive it. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef compares the penetrating power of Scripture to a surgeon's scalpel. In unskilled hands, a blade can wound. But in the hands of a gifted surgeon, that same blade becomes an instrument of healing. When we approach the Bible with humble, open hearts, we place ourselves in the hands of the Master Surgeon. God's Word reaches into the deepest recesses of our souls, exposing hidden attitudes, motives, and sins that need to be confronted. Nothing remains concealed from the One who knows us completely. But God does not expose our sin simply to leave us wounded. Like the Great Physician, He removes what is destructive and restores what is broken. Even when the Truth cuts deeply, His purpose is our good—bringing repentance, freedom, and greater Christlikeness. Come to Scripture ready for God to work. Trust the Surgeon who knows precisely where healing is needed, and allow His living Word to transform you from the inside out. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

If the Bible were truly just another book, why would so many people resist what it has to say? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why Scripture provokes such a strong response: God's Word is living Truth, sent with divine authority to accomplish His will. Isaiah declares that God's Word will not return empty. It carries His power, authority, and purpose—and that is precisely why the enemy works so hard to keep believers from reading, trusting, and obeying it. Satan's strategy has not changed since the Garden of Eden. His deception begins with doubt: Did God really say? He tempts us to place our own opinions, desires, and judgment above the final authority of Scripture. Yet Proverbs warns that a way can appear right to us while ultimately leading to destruction. Dr. Youssef reminds Christians that the Bible is not junk mail to be ignored. It is God's gracious message to His people. If we love the Lord, we should hunger to hear His voice through His Word—opening Scripture with excitement, humility, and anticipation. Don't leave God's letter unopened. Read it. Believe it. Obey it. And allow the Truth of His Word to change your life. Prayer: Lord, help me fight Satan by reading and by resting and rejoicing in Your Truth. May I be a light in this culture as I immerse myself in Scripture. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “ . . . so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Defending a Lion: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

A mirror can show you what is wrong, but imagine having no way to wash or clean what you see. That is how many people approach the Bible: They recognize their sin and failure, feel powerless to change, and eventually close the Book in discouragement. But Scripture is more than a mirror. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef points to the Bible's cleansing power. Ephesians describes Christ sanctifying His church through “the washing with water through the word,” while Peter reminds believers that obedience to the Truth purifies the soul. We cannot transform ourselves through willpower. But when we receive God's Word, believe it, and obey it, the Holy Spirit works through that Truth to change our hearts. Resentment can give way to love. Sinful attitudes can be replaced with Christlike ones. The grime of sin does not have to remain. So when Scripture reveals something in your life that needs to change, do not turn away in defeat. Let the water of God's Word wash over you. Submit to its Truth, obey what God reveals, and trust the Holy Spirit to continue His cleansing, transforming work in your soul. Prayer: God, thank You for the good news that I can change—that I won't always struggle with sin. I know You have defeated sin at the cross and have empowered me to obey You. What grace and mercy that You are bringing me from one point of glory to the next. Thank you! I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart” (1 Peter 1:22). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Defending a Lion: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Every morning, we look into a mirror and make adjustments to our appearance. But when was the last time you looked into the spiritual mirror of God's Word? In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explores James' powerful picture of Scripture as a mirror—one that reveals our true spiritual condition. When we read the Bible honestly, it exposes hypocrisy, compromise, complacency, and the areas where repentance and change are needed. That process may be uncomfortable, but God does not reveal our shortcomings simply to condemn us. His Word is “alive and active,” penetrating to the deepest places of the heart and exposing our thoughts and attitudes so He can lovingly reshape us into the image of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:12). Dr. Youssef challenges believers not to sit in judgment over Scripture by dismissing difficult teachings as irrelevant or outdated. Instead, we must allow God's Truth to judge and realign our hearts. When we humbly look into the mirror of His Word—and respond to what we see—the Holy Spirit produces genuine spiritual transformation. Open your Bible today with a willing heart. Let your heavenly Father show you what needs to change, and trust Him to make you increasingly like His Son. Prayer: Jesus, I do long to be more like You, full of love, compassion, and kindness. May Your Word continue to transform me as Your Spirit renews my mind each day. Help me submit to Your will displayed in Scripture. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like” (James 1:23-24). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Defending a Lion: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Before beginning His public ministry, Jesus entered the wilderness for forty days and nights to face Satan's temptation. Hungry and physically weakened, Jesus was tempted to turn stones into bread—but He responded with the Word of God: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that Scripture is not optional nourishment for the believer—it is the only food that can truly sustain the soul. Just as our bodies need daily, nutritious food, our spirits need the living Word of God for strength, encouragement, discernment, and endurance. Dr. Youssef warns that much of the Church is suffering from spiritual malnourishment. We work hard to feed our bodies, educate our children, maintain our health, and build our lives—yet too often we try to survive spiritually on crumbs of Scripture. But if Jesus Himself relied on Scripture in the face of temptation, how much more do we need the Word daily? The Bible is our spiritual bread and our power for living. This devotional calls believers to return to the Word of God—not occasionally, not casually, but daily—with gratitude, hunger, and obedience. Prayer: Father, forgive me for neglecting Your Word. I know it is to my detriment because Your Word is life. Give me a deeper understanding of Your Word by Your Spirit, that I might grow in faith to the glory of Your name. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God”'” (Matthew 4:4). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Defending a Lion: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

There was a time when many people in the Western world—believers and non-believers alike—knew the Bible's stories, teachings, and moral foundations. But today, Biblical knowledge is fading as postmodern thinking declares truth to be personal, shifting, and based on feeling. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds believers that God's Word does not bend to culture, opinion, emotion, or circumstance. Throughout history, people have loved the Bible, hated it, believed it, rejected it, tried to change it, and attempted to destroy it. Dictators and rulers have sought to silence it, yet the Word of God still stands. The tragedy is that many believers now neglect this incomparable treasure, missing the joy, power, wisdom, and strength that come from reading and obeying Scripture. Dr. Youssef encourages Christians to become like the men of Issachar, who understood the times and knew what God's people should do. In a world saturated with postmodern ideas, a few hours of church each week will not be enough to neutralize the pressure of the culture. Believers must immerse themselves daily in the Word of God. When you open your Bible, you are choosing God's Truth over the world's confusion. As Scripture renews your mind and strengthens your heart, you will become less at home in this world—and better equipped to recognize and withstand the attacks of Satan. God's Word is your greatest weapon in the fight, and it always prevails. Prayer: Lord, help me cherish Your Word and feast on it so I remain healthy, strong, and faithful. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “. . . from Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command; . . .” (1 Chronicles 12:32). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Defending a Lion: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Many people today are racing after careers, success, possessions, status, or even the achievements of their children. But in today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds believers that Christians are running a far greater race—one that is not about personal glory, but about God's glory and the advance of the Gospel. The apostle Paul understood this race well. He was willing to go any distance, endure any hardship, and sacrifice personal comfort in order to win people to Christ. Paul knew that in the end, what matters most is what we have done for the Lord. Unlike worldly races, the Christian race is not a competition against other believers. We run against obstacles, temptations, spiritual opposition, and the enemy of our souls. God does not desire only one of His children to win—He wants every believer to run faithfully and receive the imperishable crown. Dr. Youssef explains that running well requires self-control and spiritual discipline. Like an athlete who trains his body through sacrifice, believers must discipline their desires, choices, habits, and priorities. If you feel weary, defeated, or disqualified, do not believe the enemy's lie. You can get back into the race. God wants you to be victorious in His Son. Prayer: Jesus, give me the strength, will, and focus to run after You. I know You are the one who sustains me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Stewardship Is Gospel Justice: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Today, many people talk about social justice, but not every vision of justice reflects the way of Jesus. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef points believers back to the Biblical foundation of true justice: God owns everything, and His people are called to manage what He has entrusted to them for His glory. Our bodies, money, possessions, time, and gifts do not ultimately belong to us. We are stewards—managers serving God and His Kingdom. When we resist giving to Gospel ministry, it may reveal that we have not yet experienced the joy of stewardship or that we still believe our possessions are truly ours. Dr. Youssef reminds us that citizens of God's Kingdom are called to die to self and live for Christ. True generosity does not come from guilt, pressure, or compulsion. It flows from understanding the incredible inheritance we have in Christ and trusting that our reward is in heaven. Paul modeled this surrendered life when he said, “I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” He gave God command over his body, time, money, words, gifts, and life for the sake of the Gospel. When God takes hold of everything we have, we stop clinging to our “fair share” and begin living out His loving purposes for the blessing of others and the glory of Christ. Prayer: Lord, help me to be a good steward, completely focused on Your Kingdom mission so that many might come to You and grow in faith as You grow mine. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible” (1 Corinthians 9:19). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Stewardship Is Gospel Justice: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

In Christ, believers are free—but Christian freedom must never become a stumbling block to others. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef continues in 1 Corinthians 8, where Paul addresses the issue of eating meat that had been offered to idols. The mature believers in Corinth knew they were free to eat the meat with a clean conscience. But some younger or weaker believers, remembering their former life in idolatry, could not eat it without spiritual distress. Paul's instruction was clear: love must override rights. Even when something is not morally or spiritually wrong in itself, it becomes wrong when exercised carelessly in a way that wounds another believer's conscience. Dr. Youssef gives three reasons believers must exercise restraint. First, knowledge is not enough—sound doctrine must be joined with mature love. Second, not every Christian has the same understanding or level of maturity, so right belief must lead to right relationships. Third, wounding another believer's conscience through carelessness is sin, and mature Christians are called to sacrificial love. In Christ, we are free—not free to sin, but free to love. When God takes charge of our freedom, we learn to humble ourselves, serve the body of Christ, and trust Him to satisfy us completely, even when love requires sacrifice. Prayer: Father, thank You for setting me free from my sin and selfishness. May I lay aside my own preferences to lift others up according to Your will. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak” (1 Corinthians 8:9). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Knowledge Must Bow to Love: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

First Corinthians 8 addresses a question that was not explicitly forbidden in Scripture: whether believers should eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains how Paul guided the Corinthian church through an issue that required wisdom, conscience, and sensitivity to others. In first-century Corinth, much of the available meat had previously been offered to idols. Some mature believers understood that idols were nothing and ate with a clear conscience. Others, especially those recently converted from pagan worship, could not eat without violating their conscience. Neither group was necessarily sinning—but both needed to walk in love. Dr. Youssef reminds us that while the cultural issues may differ today, the principle remains the same. Believers must avoid both legalism and license. Legalism measures spirituality by man-made rules, while license twists Christian liberty into permission to sin. But Biblical freedom is never freedom to sin—it is freedom to serve Christ and love others. Gray areas should not divide the body of Christ. Those who enjoy freedom in Christ must not flaunt that freedom before weaker believers, and those with more sensitive consciences must not treat secondary issues as matters of salvation. God has given His people a Spirit-filled life—not a rule-bound life—so we can walk in humility, wisdom, and love. Prayer: Lord, I rejoice in the freedom I have in You. Help me pursue righteousness toward my brothers and sisters in Christ through humility and love. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that ‘We all possess knowledge.' But knowledge puffs up while love builds up” (1 Corinthians 8:1). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Knowledge Must Bow to Love: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

The early Christians lived under intense pressure and persecution, yet Paul urged them to live with urgency, clarity, and devotion to the Lord. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reflects on Paul's words to the Corinthians: “The time is short.” Paul wanted believers then—and believers now—to live with singleness of heart and action. When we surrender our personal agendas and allow God's purposes to rule in our lives, He works mightily in us for His name, His Kingdom, and our good. Dr. Youssef reminds us that this world in its present form is passing away. That means we must not allow sorrow to consume us, happiness to become our ultimate pursuit, worry to control us, possessions to possess us, or physical needs to dominate our focus. Wherever God has placed us, we are called to love Him, serve Him, and seek His Kingdom first. What would it look like for God to take hold of your time? What would it mean to live completely focused on Christ? The time is short—so let's make the most of it for the glory of God. Prayer: Jesus, forgive me for living a routine that neglects You and Your mission. May I see that the time is short; help me use the days You have given me to proclaim Your goodness and Your Kingdom in word and deed. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; . . .” (1 Corinthians 7:29). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Called to Contentment in Christ: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Society is on an endless search for happiness, training us to believe that the next product, relationship, lifestyle, or change in circumstances will finally satisfy us. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why every earthly substitute eventually disappoints: we were created to find our joy and satisfaction in God alone. This truth applies not only to material things, but also to marriage and singleness. Singles should not believe a spouse will complete them, and married believers should not assume escape from difficulty will bring the happiness they long for. Paul understood the blessing of singleness as a life of undivided service to the Lord, while also affirming marriage as a gift of God for sanctification, companionship, and Christlike love. Dr. Youssef reminds us that contentment comes when God takes hold of our marriage, our singleness, and every season of life. The secret to peace is not getting our preferred circumstance—it is listening to God, obeying Him, and trusting that His will is good. When you face decisions, questions, challenges, or deep desires, begin by going to God's Word. Seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit first, and allow godly counsel to confirm what He is teaching you. Whether married or single, contentment is found in discerning and following God's will for your life. Prayer: Lord, take hold of my life. I trust You with my situation, remembering You have ordained it and will bring good from it. I will put my hope in You and follow Your way. Lead me, Father. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches” (1 Corinthians 7:17). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Called to Contentment in Christ: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

Fire in the fireplace is warm, beautiful, and life-giving—but fire in the wrong place becomes destructive. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef uses this picture to explain God's design for sexual intimacy: a good and holy gift to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage. Paul reminds believers in 1 Corinthians that our bodies are not our own. We have been bought with the blood of Jesus Christ, set apart for God, and called to honor Him with our whole being. This means what we do with our bodies matters deeply to the Lord. Dr. Youssef turns to Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 7, where the apostle addressed a culture filled with sexual confusion, broken vows, distorted views of marriage, and false ideas about spirituality. Against that backdrop, Paul pointed back to God's wisdom from Genesis: man and woman were created to complement one another physically, emotionally, and spiritually in marriage. Within God's design, sexual intimacy is not shameful—it is a holy expression of covenant love, companionship, partnership, and selfless service between husband and wife. This devotional calls believers to reject the world's confusion, honor the Lord with their bodies, and receive God's good gifts according to His Word and His glory. Prayer: Lord, may I use my body in the way You have intended. Help me set it apart for Your will so that it might be a source of blessing. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband” (1 Corinthians 7:3). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Honor God with Your Body: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

A young man once discovered a stack of old comic books worth millions of dollars while cleaning out what others dismissed as garbage. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef uses this surprising story to point believers to something infinitely more valuable: the body of every Christian as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Paul warned the Corinthian believers because they were treating their bodies as if they had little spiritual value. But Scripture declares that those who belong to Christ are not their own. The Holy Spirit Himself dwells within them, making their bodies sacred places where the presence of God resides. Dr. Youssef reminds us that our bodies were designed by God for more than biological function. They are meant to serve Him now and for all eternity. One day, believers will receive glorified, resurrected bodies—but even now, what we do with our bodies matters deeply to God. Because our bodies belong to the Lord, we are called to honor Him with our whole being. This devotional challenges every believer to reject sin, obey God's Word, and offer the body as an instrument of worship for the glory of Christ. Prayer: Father, help me to remember that my body is a temple for Your very presence. May my hands and feet bring You honor and praise as I live righteously by Your Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; . . .” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Honor God with Your Body: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

God's Word is filled with promises of His care, provision, and faithfulness. Yet when life suddenly turns for the worse, it can be easy to wonder, “Is this really part of God's plan for me?” In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef encourages believers not to abandon faith when suffering, disappointment, or sorrow arrives. A difficult season does not necessarily mean you have done something wrong or that God is displeased with you. Instead, hardship can become an opportunity for the Lord to do something amazing in your life for His glory. God's ultimate purpose is not merely to make life easier, but to transform His children into the likeness of Christ. Dr. Youssef reminds us that faith opens the door for God to work in impossible ways. Unbelief can cause us to miss what God is doing, but trust in His character and promises allows us to experience His changing power—even in circumstances we would never have chosen. In seasons of suffering and sorrow, cling to Christ. Return to His Word. Remember that God works all things for the good of those who love Him, and rejoice that in Christ, all things—life, death, the present, and the future—belong to you because you belong to Him. Prayer: Lord, help me to remain steadfast in my faith in You today, rejoicing in Your goodness and sure promises. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series They Were Just like Us: LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

God promises that when we give of ourselves radically, He gives back generously. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds believers that giving is not separate from worship—it is a vital expression of praise, obedience, and thanksgiving. David understood this deeply. Though God told him he would not be the one to build the temple, David did not withdraw or grow resentful. Instead, he gave extravagantly toward the future work of God, acknowledging that even his ability to give came from the Lord's hand. His praise was not merely spoken—it was confirmed through the substance of his life. Dr. Youssef explains that giving back to God reveals three powerful truths. First, it shows we believe everything we have belongs to Him. Second, it sows seed for future blessing—not for selfish gain, but so we may abound in generosity. And third, giving feeds praising, and praising feeds giving. A thankful heart becomes a generous heart, and generous living fuels deeper worship. When believers praise God with both their words and their resources, they testify to the glory and worth of Jesus Christ. May our praise-filled lives create a hunger for Him in others as we live generously for His Kingdom. Prayer: Father, help me to praise and trust You rightly so that I am generous with the resources that You have put into my hands. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and we have given you only what comes from your hand” (1 Chronicles 29:14). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Empowered by Praise, A Giving Heart: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

If you want a deep, abiding relationship with God, you must know Him as He has revealed Himself. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef invites believers to worship the Lord through His powerful names—names that reveal His presence, provision, healing, peace, righteousness, and victory. Dr. Youssef highlights nine names of God that strengthen faith and fuel praise: Yahweh, the ever-living God who is always there; Yahweh-Jireh, the Lord who provides; Yahweh-Rapha, the Lord our healer; Yahweh-Nissi, the Lord our banner and victory; Yahweh-Mekaddish, the Lord who sanctifies; Yahweh-Shalom, the Lord our peace; Yahweh-Rohi, the Lord our shepherd; Yahweh-Tsidkenu, the Lord our righteousness; and Yahweh-Shammah, the God who is present with His people. Each name points us to a different expression of God's grace and faithfulness. He sees ahead. He heals wounds. He leads His people in triumph. He sets us apart. He gives peace that surpasses understanding. He shepherds us with eternal care. He clothes us in the righteousness of Christ. And He delights when we draw near to Him in fellowship. The more we praise God by His names, the more we recognize His power and sovereignty at work in our lives. Begin praising Him daily for who He is, and your worship will become a doorway to deeper trust, greater joy, and transformed living. Prayer: Yahweh, You are my righteousness, my banner, my peace. I praise Your holy name. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens” (Psalm 148:13). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Empowered by Praise, Deepening Relationship: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

At the beginning of His public ministry, Jesus entered the synagogue in Nazareth and read from Isaiah's prophecy, declaring that He had come to proclaim good news, bind up the brokenhearted, set captives free, and announce the Lord's favor. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reflects on Isaiah's promise that the Messiah would give His people “a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.” This garment of praise is not something we are born wearing—it is a gift we must choose to put on. Praise does no good hanging in the closet of theory. It must be wrapped around the heart through gratitude, worship, and daily surrender to Christ. Dr. Youssef reminds us that true praise flows like a river from a heart that remembers God's goodness. Though God has given us countless reasons to praise Him, we must still participate. We must choose the praise-filled life, rejecting despair and fixing our eyes on Jesus. In Christ, sadness can be exchanged for gladness, despair for praise, sorrow for healing, and discouragement for hope. As we praise the name of Jesus, the cloud of discouragement begins to lift, and God supplies strength for the weary. Those who hope in Him will soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, and walk and not faint. Prayer: Lord, thank You for providing me with the garment of praise through Christ Jesus. Help me to wear it daily. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor” (Isaiah 61:1). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Empowered by Praise, Aligning with Heaven: WATCH NOW | LISTEN NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

There is nothing wrong with bringing your needs and petitions before God. But in today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds believers that when prayer does not begin with worship and adoration, we miss the transforming power of time spent in God's presence. Dr. Youssef shares four blessings of the praise-filled life. First, praise reveals our true spiritual condition, because Jesus said the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. When we praise God for His salvation, we are declaring our trust in the Gospel and our confidence that we belong to Him. Second, praise reinforces our personal destiny. When we focus only on earthly troubles, we lose sight of our royal position as co-heirs with Christ. But when we bless the Lord daily for who He is and what He has done, our hearts are lifted from present problems to eternal glory. Third, praise reestablishes God's reign in our hearts. Psalm 22 tells us that God is enthroned on the praises of His people. When we praise His name, character, and attributes, we proclaim, “You are my sovereign authority. You are my King.” Finally, praise reinforces our relationship with the Lord. Worship turns our eyes away from self-centeredness and back to the greatness of God's grace. As we dwell on His strength, mercy, and unchanging love, we grow in humility, joy, and usefulness for His Kingdom. Pray with me. Lord God, thank You for the power of praise to draw me closer to You, my Savior and Lord. You alone are worthy of all my worship. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.