MY Devotional: Daily Encouragement from Leading The Way

Deep in the Arabian Desert, a small fortress once served as a place of safety for Lawrence of Arabia. When stronger forces attacked, he would retreat behind its walls—finding protection, provision, and renewed strength. Dr. Michael Youssef uses this vivid picture to remind believers of an even greater refuge: prayer. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, you'll hear why prayer is not a last resort, but a secure stronghold available day or night. In God's presence, His strength becomes your strength—and His protection steadies your heart when the world feels unstable. Dr. Youssef points to Jesus' promise that when believers gather in His name, He is with them, and that heaven moves as God's people pray in agreement (Matthew 18:18–20). When deception, anxiety, or spiritual pressure crowds your mind, this devotional calls you to turn immediately to Christ—asking Him to surround you with protection, clarify your thinking, and supply the strength you need to persevere. God's fortress doesn't crumble, His power doesn't weaken, and His deliverance is sure for those who call on Him. Prayer: Lord, thank You for providing me with the safety of Your strength, power, and salvation. Because You've set up Your Kingdom in my heart, I call on Your power to defeat feelings of fear, doubt, and confusion. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Scripture Focus: “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Pray or Faint: 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.

David's life looked like the definition of success—power, influence, a throne. Yet behind the scenes, his family was unraveling through tragedy and rebellion, and he found himself fleeing his own son Absalom. In exile and grief, David prayed not with polished words, but with a heartfelt plea for mercy and justice—and Psalm 28 captures that cry for every believer who has ever felt overwhelmed, slandered, mistreated, or misunderstood. In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef highlights the turning point in David's prayer: when your world is falling apart, the most revealing question isn't “Why is this happening?”—it's “Will I run to God, or blame Him?” Even when we face consequences from our own wrong choices, David shows the right posture: humility. A cry for mercy is the opposite of saying, “God, You owe me.” You'll also hear why David's posture mattered—arms raised, fully engaged—because sometimes wrestling in prayer becomes the pathway to victory. And through every layer of collapse—family, leadership, reputation—one Truth held steady: God was David's Rock. If you're facing betrayal, pressure, or pain that feels bigger than you, this devotional will re-anchor your heart in the unchanging character of God: His power doesn't diminish, His love doesn't shift, and His mercy doesn't fade. Prayer: Lord, I will trust in You when circumstances threaten to overwhelm me. I will rest in Your mercy toward me and hope in Your coming Kingdom. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  Scripture Focus: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him” (Psalm 28:7).  *This devotional adapted from Life-Changing Prayers by Michael Youssef © 2018. Published by Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission.Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon God Has the Answer to Every Problem You Face, He Is Our Rock and Role: 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.

Hannah had every reason to quit. She carried years of sorrow, emotional wounds, and physical exhaustion—yet her faith remained unshakable and her prayers did not stop. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef continues Hannah's story and highlights a miracle many overlook: after God answered her cry and gave her a son, Hannah kept her vow and gave Samuel back to the Lord—without resentment, without regret. Instead, she responded with worship, declaring, “There is no Rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2). Her song of praise echoes forward into Scripture, reflected in Mary's Magnificat as God's redemptive plan unfolds through generations. God didn't stop there. What once looked hopeless became overflowing testimony—Hannah was blessed again and again, while Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord (1 Samuel 2:20–21). Dr. Youssef reminds us that people and circumstances may fail, but God's security and compassion never run out. The question is personal: when desperation hits, do you broadcast your burdens to anyone who will listen—or do you run to the throne of grace? This devotional will encourage you to bring your brokenness to the Lord, trust His timing, and believe that He is able to bind wounds and bring beauty from pain. Prayer: God, help me to come to You in my hour of desperation. Thank You for Your love. I pray that You would bring blessings out of my brokenness. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Scripture Focus: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3) Learn more in Dr. Youssef's sermon Life-Changing Prayers, Part 6: 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.

In 1 Samuel 1, we meet Hannah—whose name means “favored,” even though her heart felt anything but favored. Crushed by grief and unable to conceive, Hannah pours out a prayer so raw that Scripture says she prayed “in deep anguish… weeping bitterly” (1 Samuel 1:10). And from this prayer of brokenness, God would raise up a man who would shape history—Samuel, who would anoint the king in the lineage of the coming Savior. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef highlights several powerful lessons from Hannah's prayer: God honors brokenhearted prayer—even when it's painful and messy. Silent prayers still reach heaven—Hannah's lips moved, but no sound came out, because she wasn't performing for anyone. True prayer seeks God, not attention—Hannah wasn't trying to impress, manipulate, or gain sympathy; she went straight to the only One who can do the impossible. If you're carrying heartbreak, unanswered longing, or grief too heavy for words, this devotional is a reminder that God hears “groaning too deep for words”—and He delights to meet you in weakness with His faithful love. Prayer: Thank You that You are close to the brokenhearted. I bring my brokenness to You today, knowing that in You alone am I made whole. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  Scripture Focus: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). This devotional is adapted from Life-Changing Prayers by Michael Youssef © 2018 (Baker Books), used by permission. Learn more in Dr. Youssef's sermon Life-Changing Prayers, Part 5: 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 should I do next?” is one of the most common questions believers bring to God—and in today's MY Devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef takes you to Genesis 24, where Scripture records the first prayer offered in the same way we pray today. Abraham's trusted servant Eliezer is sent on a mission that will shape the covenant line: find a wife for Isaac. Along the journey, he stops and prays a clear, specific prayer for guidance (Genesis 24:12–14)—and God answers before he finishes praying (Genesis 24:15). Dr. Youssef highlights why this matters for your decision-making: Specific prayers aren't unspiritual—God often honors clear, faith-filled requests. Flexibility matters—God may answer differently than expected, but never outside His wisdom. Prayer doesn't replace action—Eliezer prays and keeps moving, watching, and obeying. The takeaway is simple and challenging: faithful prayer + unconditional obedience = answered prayer. If you're seeking guidance for a major decision, this episode will help you pray with clarity, walk with confidence, and discern God's direction as He leads. Prayer: Lord, thank You that I can bring my specific requests to You and trust that You hear and answer them in Your perfect wisdom and timing. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you” (Psalm 9:10). *This devotional is adapted from Life-Changing Prayers by Michael Youssef © 2018. Published by Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission. Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Life-Changing Prayers, Part 2: 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 feel weary, discouraged, or defeated by sin, Scripture doesn't offer a shortcut—it offers a doorway: prayer. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that there is no lasting power over temptation and no consistent victory over sin without spending time with God in prayer. Dr. Youssef challenges the common habit of treating prayer like a last-ditch effort. Instead, prayer should be your first option—in trouble, in joy, and in every in-between moment. He points to the testimonies of Scripture where God moved mightily as His people prayed: Moses, Joshua, Hannah, David, Elijah, Daniel—and most powerfully, Jesus Himself. When Christ prayed in Gethsemane, the forces of darkness trembled, revealing that heaven's strength is unleashed when we align our will with God's perfect plan. Whether your relationships feel strained, your heart feels heavy, or your soul feels dry, this devotional calls you back to the simplest, strongest step of faith: pray—trusting God is not intimidated by your circumstances, and believing His promise that when you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you. Prayer: Lord, in Your mercy, restore my soul and prepare me for the life You have planned for me. I want to live for You and trust You to finish Your work in me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Come near to God and he will come near to you. . . . Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:8, 10). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Pray or Faint: 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.

When life disappoints, it's easy to drift into a subtle resignation: Why pray? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef refuses that mindset and calls believers back to prayer as a matter of the will—not emotion, not mood, not convenience. Rooted in God's promise in Jeremiah 29:12–13, Dr. Youssef reminds us that God invites His people into real relationship: call on Me, come and pray… seek Me and find Me. Through Christ, we have the privilege of entering God's presence—where we receive wisdom, guidance, protection, and power to stand firm against the enemy. You'll also hear why prayer is indispensable in spiritual warfare. Scripture makes clear that a battle rages beyond what we can see (Ephesians 6:12), but we are not defenseless. Our weapons are not worldly or “carnal”—they carry divine power to demolish strongholds (2 Corinthians 10:3–4). When the bottom drops out, this devotional will strengthen your resolve to pray with faith, knowing God hears you and meets you with sustaining power. Prayer: Father, You are Almighty God, and I acknowledge my utter dependence on You. I pray for Your will for my life. May I receive it with joy and thanksgiving knowing You love me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon series Call on Me: 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.

By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D. Read John 20:15-18. Mary had likely heard Jesus say He would rise on the third day—yet grief blinded her to hope. Then everything changed with one word: “Mary” (John 20:16). In an instant, sorrow became joy, depression turned to delight, and her tears transformed from sadness to gladness as she recognized her living Savior. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why Jesus' next words matter so deeply: “Do not hold on to me…” (John 20:17). Christ wasn't rejecting Mary—He was preparing her for a new reality. He would ascend to the Father and send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate who makes it possible for every believer to enjoy a deep, intimate, ever-growing relationship with Jesus—every day, everywhere. Dr. Youssef also offers a sobering reminder: many Christians live as though Jesus died but never rose. When we function like the resurrection isn't real, discouragement, hopelessness, and heaviness follow. But the good news is you can return to the empty tomb—renew your surrender to Christ—and exchange depression for delight, because the risen Jesus is with you always and will never let you go (Matthew 28:20). Prayer: Father, You have called me by name, and I belong to You. Therefore, may I live with joy and confidence. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.' She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!' (which means ‘Teacher')” (John 20:16). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Our Tears and the Resurrection of Jesus: 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.

By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D. Read John 20:11-15. Mary Magdalene had been rescued by Jesus from seven demons—and from the crushing shame of sin—so her devotion ran deep (Luke 8:2). While others fled in fear, Mary stayed near Jesus through His suffering and crucifixion, steadfast and unashamed. She saw enough to know He truly died, so when His body was missing from the tomb, she assumed the only explanation: someone had stolen Him. Then came the turning point. Through her tears, Mary was asked twice why she was crying—first by angels, then by Jesus Himself: “Woman, why are you crying?” (John 20:15). Dr. Youssef explains that Jesus wasn't dismissing her grief—He was lovingly correcting her conclusion. Her sorrow was rooted in a mistaken belief: she was searching for a corpse, but God had provided a living, resurrected Savior. This devotional meets us in our own distress. Job loss, frightening diagnoses, family turmoil, lingering fear—so often we weep because we can't see the risen Jesus at work in the midst of the trouble. Christ's question still presses us toward clarity: Who are you looking for—and what are you assuming about God's power right now? When you recognize that Jesus is alive and present, despair gives way to hope, and temporary sorrow is reshaped by eternal confidence. Prayer: Lord, help me to remember that my tears are unnecessary. Though this life will have sorrow, all my trials pale in comparison to the glory that awaits me in You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?' Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him'” (John 20:15). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon Our Tears and the Resurrection of Jesus: 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.

By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D. Read John 19:28-30. Just before He died, Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). In English it's three words, but in Greek it's a single, triumphant word: Tetelestai—a perfect passive verb meaning the work has been fully accomplished, and its effects continue on and on. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef unpacks why that matters for your faith right now. On the cross, Jesus completed everything necessary for salvation—atonement for sin, forgiveness, reconciliation with the Father, and an everlasting place in God's family. And because Christ's sacrifice is sufficient, its life-changing power continues to reach people from every nation as they confess Jesus as Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead. Dr. Youssef also reminds us this has always been God's plan: Old Testament believers were saved by faith in what God would accomplish through the coming Messiah. From Genesis to the prophets to the Psalms, Scripture anticipated the moment the serpent-crushing Savior would declare, Tetelestai—and nothing can separate those in Christ from God's love. This episode calls you to rest in the finished work of Jesus—and to proclaim it boldly to a world still trying to earn what Christ has already completed. Prayer: Lord, I praise You that it is finished! By Your incredible grace, You have redeemed me from the grave. May I lovingly and boldly share Your Good News with those You put in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ‘It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit” (John 19:30). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon It Is Finished: 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.

By Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D. Read John 13:1-17. The cross wasn't a last-minute tragedy—it was the central purpose of Jesus' earthly life. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef shows how Jesus lived with unwavering clarity about His mission: to finish the work the Father gave Him. From the wedding at Cana to His final meal with the disciples, Christ repeatedly referred to the coming “hour”—the hour of His sacrifice, when He would finally declare, “It is finished.” You'll see this focus unfold in three powerful moments: Cana (John 2): Even at His first miracle, Jesus points beyond the celebration to the cross—“My hour has not yet come.” Feast of Tabernacles (John 7): In the face of rising opposition and threats, Jesus remains steady because His time is under the Father's control. The Upper Room (John 13): On the eve of betrayal and crucifixion, Jesus washes His disciples' feet, modeling humble love because He knows the hour has arrived. Dr. Youssef reminds us that Jesus embraced the cross as the Father's will—and as His joy—so that sinners could be saved. As you listen, you'll be invited to marvel again at the wonder of God's love: He did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all. Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your incredible love that led You to the cross in obedience to the Father. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. “Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father” (John 13:1). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon It Is Finished: 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.

Who crucified Jesus? Was it Judas, the priests, Pilate—or the crowd? In today's MY Devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef reveals the deeper Truth: Jesus chose the cross. He went deliberately, willingly, and resolutely—not as a victim of circumstance, but as the Savior on mission. Every person who has ever lived inherited a spiritual debt and then added to it, but God, in mercy, provided a way out. On the cross, the Son of God paid what we could never pay, so that every repentant sinner who comes to Christ by faith can be set free. Drawing from Philippians 2:5–11, Dr. Youssef highlights the humility of Jesus—God in the flesh—who became obedient to death, even death on a cross. And as Jesus suffered, He prayed words that still astonish us: “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34). This wasn't forced surrender; it was love in action—love that satisfied God's justice and opened the door to eternal life. If you're searching for true peace, lasting security, and a clean conscience before God, this episode points you to the only source: the crucified and risen Christ. Do you know the forgiveness and love of God? Prayer: Jesus, Your love overwhelms me. I cannot fully fathom it; it humbles and sustains me. You are my Rock and my Redeemer. I long to live for You, the lover of my soul. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon The Folly and the Power of the Cross, Part 2: 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.

What could be worth giving up everything you own? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explores Jesus' parable of the merchant who finds one pearl of great value and sells everything to buy it (Matthew 13:45–46). To grasp the weight of this illustration, Dr. Youssef highlights why pearls were considered the most precious commodity in Jesus' day: they were rare, dangerous to obtain, and priceless to possess. Then comes the deeper meaning: the pearl of great worth is the Lord Jesus Christ—the only Savior who suffered, bled, and died on the cross, then rose again so forgiveness and eternal life could be offered to all who believe. No achievement, possession, or security compares to Him. In Christ, you find what the world can never provide: peace of mind, true identity, lasting security, and rest for your soul. This devotional calls you to examine what you're valuing most—and to respond to Jesus not with partial devotion, but wholehearted surrender. Prayer: Father, thank You for Jesus Christ, the pearl of great price. May my life reflect Christ to this world. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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.

Yesterday we looked at two types of soil Satan targets. Today, Dr. Michael Youssef turns to the third: spoiled soil—a heart that isn't hard or shallow, but overcrowded. In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, you'll hear how Jesus describes the seed “among thorns” as someone who hears the Word, yet becomes unfruitful because the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke spiritual growth (Matthew 13:22). The problem isn't the seed—God's Word is powerful. The problem is competition: distractions and “competing seeds” the enemy tosses into the mix to drain your focus, sap your energy, and smother your witness. Dr. Youssef challenges you to examine what's crowding your life: Is busyness strangling prayer and Scripture intake? Are anxiety and constant worry becoming a chokehold on joy? Have ambitions, comforts, or resentments become functional idols? Then comes the hope: good soil—the guarded heart that hears, understands, and produces a crop that lasts (Matthew 13:23). This devotional will help you identify what kind of “soil” you're living with right now and call you to vigilant, daily protection of God's Word so it can flourish. Prayer: Father, forgive me for the things in my life that have hindered Your Word from fully developing in me. I pray that You would nurture Your seeds of Truth in my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Today's my devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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 enemy targets both the spiritually strong and the spiritually weak—with one goal: spiritual stagnation. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef points to Jesus' warning in Matthew 13: the sower and the seed are unstoppable, so Satan focuses on corrupting the soil—your heart—so the Word won't produce lasting fruit. Dr. Youssef explains that the devil has no power over God or His Word, but he can distract, harden, and shallow out our hearts—making us resistant to truth, quick to drift, and slow to mature. Jesus highlights multiple kinds of soil where the seed suffers, and today Dr. Youssef focuses on the first two: The hardened path (wayside soil) — When someone hears the message but doesn't understand it, the enemy snatches it away. Unconfessed sin and bitterness can harden the heart, dull spiritual sensitivity, and cloud understanding (Matthew 13:19). The rocky, shallow soil — Some receive the Word with joy, but without depth they wither under pressure. New believers can fall back into old habits when mocked, and longtime believers can remain “spiritual infants” if they never mature beyond surface-level faith (Matthew 13:20–21). If you've felt stuck, spiritually numb, or easily shaken, this devotional will help you identify what kind of “soil” you've been living with—and call you to ask the Holy Spirit to make your heart fertile ground for the Truth that brings joy and freedom. Prayer: Father, show me if I am one of these types of soil where the seeds of Your Word are not able to take root. And by Your Spirit, make my heart fertile ground for Your Truth that brings joy and freedom. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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 Middle Eastern farming, the pathway between two fields becomes hard-packed ground—unprepared to receive seed. Dr. Michael Youssef says that strip of earth is a vivid picture of what can happen to the human heart. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Youssef connects this image to Jesus' parable of the sower: Christ is the sower, your heart is the soil, and the enemy works relentlessly to keep the seed of God's Word from producing life. One of Satan's most effective tactics is getting you to substitute human wisdom for God's Word—then snatching away the Gospel before it can germinate. But hardness doesn't stop there. Dr. Youssef warns that unconfessed sin, unforgiveness, resentment, and bitterness can become spiritual concrete. When we cling to these attitudes and elevate them above fellowship with God, they become idols—quietly displacing His rightful supremacy. Using a striking story of an idol being shattered to reveal hidden treasure, Dr. Youssef offers a hopeful promise: every idol you surrender may feel costly in the moment, but it always yields far more—new freedom, deeper prayer, and fresh treasures of grace and peace. Prayer: Lord, my desire is to destroy every idol in my life. Please show me anything I am not surrendering to You and grant me the ability to surrender it to You today. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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 would make someone sweep the whole house, light a lamp, and search relentlessly for a single missing coin? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explores Jesus' parable in Luke 15:8–10 and reveals a detail many miss: in Jesus' day, a woman's ten-coin headdress (a semdi) signified her engagement—so losing one coin wasn't minor inconvenience, but a public heartbreak and deep shame. That intensity, Jesus says, pictures how precious you are to God and how far He will go to seek the lost. But there's a sobering twist: unlike the lost sheep, the lost coin is missing at home. Dr. Youssef warns that church attendance, Bible studies, and religious familiarity cannot save anyone. Without Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, a person can be just as lost sitting in a pew as someone far from church. Jesus ends with joy: heaven celebrates one sinner who repents. If you've assumed proximity to Christian things equals salvation, this devotional invites you to respond to Christ personally—and be part of the celebration. Prayer: Father, thank You for Your sacrifice to save me. May I not lose sight of You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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 happens when good gifts—money, success, stability—quietly become your trust? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef draws from two of Jesus' most sobering teachings about wealth. First, the story of the rich young ruler in Mark 10: a man who wanted to follow Jesus, yet couldn't release his grip on riches. Jesus offered him treasure in heaven, true security, and salvation—but his possessions held his heart so tightly that he walked away sorrowful. Then Dr. Youssef turns to Jesus' parable in Luke 12 of the rich landowner who expanded his barns and planned for a comfortable future—yet failed to plan for eternity. In a single night, everything changed, exposing the danger of living as though this life is all there is. This devotional is a timely reminder that the only refuge that stands in every storm is Jesus Christ. Markets rise and fall. Economies shift. Peace and turmoil come and go. But those who run to Christ are secure—life or death—because in Him, you already have everything you need. Prayer: Father, help me to press on in this life with whatever circumstances You have deemed for my good—whether riches or want—remembering the hope of glory that is mine today. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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 many parts of the world, following Jesus can cost believers their freedom—or even their lives. Yet in those very places, people are turning to Christ in extraordinary numbers. Why? Because when everything else collapses, only one refuge holds. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef anchors your heart in Proverbs 18:10: “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” He unpacks what it means to take shelter in the name of the Lord—not as a religious phrase, but as real security in real storms. Dr. Youssef then walks through the rich names of God in Scripture—names that reveal His covenant faithfulness, His provision, His healing, His peace, His righteousness, and His shepherding care. Everything you need is found in who God is. And in the New Testament, that refuge becomes unmistakably personal: Jesus is our Rock—the only safe hiding place when fear rises and circumstances grow bleak. If you've been tempted to trust flimsy “walls” like money, influence, or connections, this devotional calls you to the only defense that never fails: the name of Jesus—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—triple-locked protection for all who are in Christ. Prayer: Lord, I know I can run to You and find shelter and hope that does not disappoint. Help me to trust You as circumstances around me grow bleak. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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 wanted to pray like Habakkuk: “God, why is evil winning?” In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that grim times aren't only a reason to ask God for answers—they're an invitation to ask deeper questions of ourselves: What is God teaching me? Do I need to repent? Do I need to grow in faith? Dr. Youssef walks through Habakkuk's transformation—from pleading for revival and remembering God's mighty deeds, to realizing that true revival begins with humility. God's people needed awakening, but before restoration could come, hearts had to be humbled. The real problem wasn't God's absence—it was the spiritual condition of His people. You'll be challenged to shift your prayers from entitlement to worship, from “Fix my problems” to “Glorify Your name.” Because God responds to humility, not demands—and He loves us too much to let comfort become our highest goal. The episode ends with Habakkuk's powerful declaration of trust: even when there's no visible sign of blessing, the faithful can still rejoice in the Lord. Prayer: God, forgive me for seeking my own comfort above praise for Your name. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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 do you do when you pray—and nothing seems to change? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef walks through the prophet Habakkuk's struggle with unanswered prayer and unexpected answers. Instead of letting disappointment harden his heart, Habakkuk turned delay into discipleship—using the agony of waiting to grow in trust, strengthen faith, and align his will with God's. Dr. Youssef explains that God was going to answer Habakkuk—just not how or when the prophet expected. Revival would come, but first God would bring judgment to awaken a people who had ignored His warnings for generations. Even then, the Lord preserved a faithful remnant and anchored them with an unshakable promise: no matter how dark the times become, God remains in control of history and watches over His people. Tucked inside Habakkuk is a line that later shaped Paul's teaching on salvation and ignited the Reformation: “the righteous person will live by his faithfulness” (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17). This devotional calls you to that same steady obedience—remaining faithful whether God says yes, no, or not yet. Prayer: Father, thank You that You are near even when Your answer is no or not yet. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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 if the very thing you've begged God to remove is the tool He's using to bless you? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explores the mystery of Paul's “thorn in the flesh”—a lingering burden Paul pleaded with God to take away (2 Corinthians 12:7–9). While Paul could confidently say he counted everything as loss compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8), he still carried a private pain God chose not to remove. Why? Dr. Youssef explains that God's grace shines brightest through weakness—not self-sufficiency. Paul recognized his thorn kept him humble, dependent, and focused, making his life and message authentic under scrutiny. Even more, Paul's obedience remained unconditional. Knowing suffering awaited him, he still pressed forward to fulfill God's call, declaring his single aim: to finish the race and testify to the Gospel of grace (Acts 20:24). This devotional will encourage you to: stop interpreting weakness as disqualification, view your “thorn” through the lens of God's purpose and grace, and trust that God uses physical and emotional pressures to draw you nearer and prepare you for His work. This episode closes with a short prayer. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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 felt stuck in a pattern you can't break—like worry keeps winning, anger keeps resurfacing, or temptation keeps circling back? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef warns that many Christians, without realizing it, have allowed Satan to establish strongholds—spiritual fortresses designed to block prayer, cloud discernment, and keep you from living out God's will. Dr. Youssef identifies a key root issue: carnality—when the old sinful nature dominates the new nature Christ has given you. Left unchecked, carnality builds power bases of self-centeredness that weaken your spiritual life from the inside out. But there is hope—and a weapon God has already placed in your hands: prayer. Drawing from Paul's words, Dr. Youssef reminds believers that we don't fight with worldly tools. In Christ, we've been given supernatural, God-powered weapons that can tear down the enemy's dark fortresses—whether they show up as obsessive fear, controlling anxiety, bitterness, hate, lust, or simmering rage. If you're ready to stop managing strongholds and start demolishing them, this devotional will point you to the Father's unconditional love, your secure identity in Christ, and the spiritual authority God gives to overcome. Prayer: Father, thank You that nothing can snatch me out of Your hands. I am Yours forever. Armed with this assurance, help me to break down Satan's strongholds in my life as I surrender to Your Holy Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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 looked at the rubble of your own life and wondered, How could God ever use me? In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds you that spiritual transformation doesn't come from striving harder—it comes through God's grace. While we often fixate on what we are right now, God sees what we can become in Christ. Dr. Youssef points to the apostle Paul, who endured trials, opposition, and a persistent “thorn” that kept him dependent on the Lord. Instead of hiding his weakness, Paul learned to delight in it—because it became the very place where Christ's strength was most clearly displayed: “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). If you're facing hardship, feeling stretched thin, or hanging on by a thread, this devotional will encourage you to: stop measuring your future by your present weakness, humble yourself before God and trust His purposes, and thank Him in advance for what He can accomplish through your struggle. Prayer: Lord, as I face difficulty in my life, give me the strength to continue by Your grace. I know You will accomplish Your will for my life even through my weaknesses as I trust in You.  I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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.

Remember the pressure of school exams—how tests revealed what you truly knew and where you needed to grow? Dr. Michael Youssef says the Christian life has tests too, and they are far more serious because they point to eternal realities. In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Youssef draws from Paul's closing charge in 2 Corinthians: “Examine yourselves… test yourselves” (2 Corinthians 13:5). With the Holy Spirit's guidance, believers are called to regular self-examination—not to live in fear, but to live in peace and assurance rooted in God's unchanging Word. Dr. Youssef also exposes a dangerous modern pattern: when people struggle, some respond by lowering the standard—in schools and, even worse, in churches. Instead of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen, some prefer to dilute Truth to avoid offense, treating people-pleasing as the goal. But Paul would tell us plainly: compromise leads to frustration and disappointment, while faithfulness to Scripture brings clarity, stability, and confidence in Christ. If you've felt tempted to soften convictions, stay silent, or settle for “watered-down” Christianity, this devotional will challenge you to stand firm—starting with your own heart. Prayer: God, help me to see where I have lowered standards in my own life. Forgive me for compromising and grant me steadfast faith for Your glory and my good. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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 wondered how believers like Moses kept going when they felt overwhelmed—or how Paul stayed steady when criticism, threats, and hardship pressed in? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef addresses discouragement head-on and reminds you that even great heroes of the faith faced deep disappointment. Paul certainly knew what it meant to feel pressure—even the threat of death—yet he refused to quit because his eyes were fixed on Jesus, his source of strength and unshakable hope. When you're doing what God has called you to do, the world and the enemy often push back. But this devotional will encourage you to resist the voices of harassment, refuse to give up, and remember that God's definition of victory isn't worldly fame or financial success—it's faithful obedience. Dr. Youssef also points you to the reality of an eternal inheritance—a reward kept in heaven—and the “crown of life” promised to those who love the Lord. If you've been tempted to quit, this episode will help you trade short-term discouragement for long-term perspective and renewed courage to proclaim Christ's love and forgiveness to a dying world. Prayer: Father, help me look to You—my utmost treasure—when I am facing discouragement and disappointment. You are my very great reward, and I know I have nothing to fear because You have overcome the world. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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 culture constantly tells us: get more—more money, more influence, more security, more success. But in today's MY Devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef flips that message with Scripture's radical Truth: the key to a faithful life isn't acquiring—it's giving God your all. When you truly grasp the price of your salvation, generosity stops feeling like duty and becomes gratitude. Dr. Youssef points to Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 5:14–15, reminding us that Christ didn't die so we could continue living for ourselves—He died and rose again so we would live for Him. Paul held tightly to two life-changing realities: Jesus took his place at the cross, and God called him as an ambassador to announce the cure for sin. That same Gospel motivation belongs to every believer today. You'll also hear why Paul urges Christians to offer themselves as living sacrifices—surrendering heart, mind, time, comfort, and resources to the Lord who is worthy of everything. If you've been chasing “success” the world's way, this episode will recalibrate your priorities and reignite your passion for Christ-centered living. Prayer: God, You have done so much for me. I want to give You all of me as a living sacrifice. Help me to keep these Truths about Your love for me and Your call on my life at the forefront of my mind so that I honor You rightly. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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.

It's easy for married life to become a nonstop routine—work, kids, responsibilities, and exhaustion—until one day you realize you've stopped truly talking. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that when couples lose conversational intimacy (and become content with it), they quietly forfeit one of God's greatest gifts in marriage: deep companionship and Christ-centered closeness. Dr. Youssef identifies three common weak points where the enemy applies pressure to sabotage conversation and connection: Calendars: Even “good” activities can crowd out what's essential. If you don't schedule time to talk, it likely won't happen. Children: Children are a blessing—but they should not replace the husband-and-wife priority. A secure family is built on parents who love each other well. Conflicts: A healthy marriage isn't conflict-free. In fact, avoiding conflict often means avoiding conversation. But when handled wisely, conflict can become an ally that strengthens intimacy and growth. Before implementing practical changes, Dr. Youssef gives a simple, powerful next step for couples: pray together—asking God to reveal weaknesses, renew love, and breathe new life into your marriage. Prayer: Father, help me to prioritize with my spouse our calendars, children, and conversation according to what will strengthen our relationship and glorify Your name. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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 marriage faces moments of hurt—some small, some storm-level. What determines whether those moments become distance or deeper unity? Forgiveness. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef teaches from Jesus' words in Matthew 18:21–22, where Christ calls believers to forgive “seventy-seven times”—not as a number to track, but as a lifestyle of grace. Dr. Youssef explains why the world may talk about forgiveness, but only those who know they've been forgiven much can extend forgiveness freely—especially in the most personal relationship of all. You'll learn three practical, biblical ways to cultivate forgiveness in marriage: Attack the insignificant: train your heart to forgive small offenses so you're prepared for bigger trials, Arrest the incompatible: after choosing forgiveness, take lingering grudges captive before they gain a foothold, Hold fast to your true identity: remember how Christ forgives you again and again—and let that mercy shape how you respond to your spouse. If bitterness has been building, if old wounds keep resurfacing, or if you're trying to rebuild trust, this devotional will point you back to the only source of lasting freedom: forgiving as the Lord forgave you. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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 if the biggest threat to your marriage isn't communication styles, personality differences, or stress—but selfishness? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef begins with the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve experienced complete openness—physically and spiritually—until self-centeredness invited sin and broke what God designed to be beautiful and whole. Dr. Youssef warns that selfishness remains one of Satan's most effective tools to dismantle marriages, because it turns every disagreement into a battle for comfort, control, or pride. But there is real hope. Through Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can grow into spouses who live out God's command to value others above themselves—not as a slogan, but as daily obedience. In this devotional, you'll learn what selflessness looks like in real marriage moments through three Christlike qualities: Mature: asking, “How can I sacrifice for my spouse?” instead of demanding comfort, Magnanimous: practicing generous love that seeks to understand, Malleable: choosing flexibility and mutual submission out of reverence for Christ. As husband and wife “die to self,” marriage becomes a living picture of Christ and His Church—and a testimony to resurrection power that brings new life and abundant joy. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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.

From the first wedding in Genesis to the wedding feast of the Lamb in Revelation, Scripture reveals something stunning: God delights in marriage—and He designed it for our good and His glory. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that a wedding is only the beginning; marriage is a lifelong covenant instituted by God before sin entered the world. Dr. Youssef explores why marriage is far more than a personal relationship—it's a creative force that forms families, homes, and entire cultures. Want to know where a society is headed? Look at how it treats marriage: commitment versus convenience, covenant versus redefinition, faithfulness versus fracture. And yet, every marriage faces strain—pressure, suffering, and the daily reality of human sinfulness. That's why Dr. Youssef introduces three foundational stones that hold healthy relationships together: Selflessness Forgiveness Conversation Over the coming days, he'll unpack each one to help you pursue a marriage crafted according to God's original design—one that becomes a masterpiece of beauty, strength, and Gospel reflection. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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.

It's easy to curate an image—successful, spiritual, “together.” But the charade ends where it matters most: before God, who sees the heart. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef points to Paul's sobering reminder in 1 Corinthians: every believer will one day stand before the Lord and have their works tested. This isn't about salvation—Christ settled that at the cross, purchasing our righteousness by His blood. This is about eternal rewards and the reality that motives matter. Dr. Youssef explains the difference between building with: gold, silver, and precious stones—faithful obedience offered to Jesus with pure motives, and straw—doing the right things for the wrong reasons, seeking self-glory instead of Christ's glory. As you listen, ask yourself: Am I building for the glory of Jesus—or for something else? This devotional calls you to surrender your time, talents, and resources fully to the One who is worthy—so your life brings extravagant honor to Christ. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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.

Most of us don't think about foundations—until something shakes the building. In today's MY Devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef takes you to Paul's message to the Corinthians: the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the only sure, invulnerable foundation—settling your eternal destiny the moment you trust in Christ. But then comes the sobering question: What are you building on that foundation? Dr. Youssef reminds believers that every decision—every priority, pursuit, and act of obedience—adds to what we're constructing for eternity. The world constantly offers “straw” to build with: false religions, empty philosophies, and fleeting pursuits. Yet Scripture calls us to build with lasting materials—gold, silver, and costly stones—so that when God tests our work, what remains will bring reward and glory to His name. If you've ever wondered whether your life is making an eternal difference, this episode will help you: distinguish between what is temporary and what lasts, resist the distractions that burn up in the end, and invest in Gospel-centered obedience that stores up treasure in heaven. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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.

Why do human philosophies keep promising freedom—yet leave people more anxious, confused, and broken? In today's MY Devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef traces the root of our modern spiritual crisis back to the first temptation in the garden: Adam and Eve believed Satan's lie and chose rebellion over God's perfect wisdom. That same pattern still drives every ideology that elevates human desire above God—and it's why man-made “solutions” always fail. But there is real hope: only God's wisdom can repair what sin has destroyed. And God hasn't left us guessing. Through the Holy Spirit, believers have access to the mind of God—yet Dr. Youssef reminds us that the Spirit's guidance isn't experienced through information alone, but through surrender. You'll hear why: daily yielding to the Holy Spirit is essential for clarity and spiritual strength, ignoring the Spirit grieves Him—and persistent disobedience can quench His voice, many can read the Bible and still miss its meaning without the Spirit's illumination, and it's never too late to invite the Spirit back into the “driver's seat” of your life. Today's MY Devotional has been provided by Leading The Way. 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's culture is filled with tempting philosophies and persuasive “truths” that can quietly pull your heart off course. So how do you find the right path in a depraved world—and stay there? In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that while God's Word reveals God's will, it can only be spiritually discerned and understood. The only way to truly know the mind of God is through the Spirit of God—the Holy Spirit who inspired Scripture and now stands ready to illuminate it for you. You'll learn why: discernment isn't automatic—it must be trained, the Bible is “God-breathed,” authored by the Holy Spirit through human writers, many people read Scripture without asking the Spirit for understanding and obedience, and the Holy Spirit acts like a flashlight—exposing dark places in our hearts and leading us into maturity. If you've ever felt stuck, confused, or unsure how to apply the Bible to real life, this devotional will help you approach Scripture with fresh dependence—asking the Holy Spirit to open your eyes so you can understand, submit, and be transformed. Today's MY Devotional is provided by Leading The Way. 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.

Why is it so hard to live faithfully in a fallen world—even when you want to obey God? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef exposes a sobering reality: every believer has an enemy on the inside—the flesh—that instinctively leans toward rebellion. When temptation knocks, it's the flesh that wants to open the door. But you are not helpless. Dr. Youssef explains that God has equipped every Christian with three weapons for victory—tools strong enough to overcome the world's pressure, the devil's lies, and the flesh's cravings: A renewed nature to battle the old sinful nature The living, active Word of God—sharper than a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12) The Holy Spirit—God's presence within you to convict, remind, strengthen, and empower obedience Using the Corinthian church as a warning, Dr. Youssef shows how many struggles trace back to one root issue: letting the flesh run wild. This devotional will help you recognize the real battlefield and reclaim the victory Christ has already secured—by learning to hold fast to God's Word, walk in step with the Spirit, and fight with the tools heaven has provided. Key Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:12Go deeper: Healthy Living in a Sick World: Growing Beyond Spiritual Infancy (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.

Why does the message of Jesus feel “unreasonable” to so many people—even in highly educated, modern cultures? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef unpacks a core reality from 1 Corinthians 1: the cross confronts human pride. To the natural mind, the Gospel seems impossible—God becoming man, living in humility, dying on a cross, rising again, and offering forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe. Yet when the Holy Spirit opens our ears of faith, what once sounded like nonsense becomes the clearest Truth we've ever known. Dr. Youssef also exposes the limits of today's information-saturated world: more wealth, more leisure, and more knowledge have not made us wise or moral—because human wisdom can't redeem, change, or give peace. At best, it covers symptoms. Only God's wisdom—revealed through Christ and His cross—has the power to save, transform, and one day make all things new (Revelation 21:5). If you've been tempted to trust cultural “wisdom,” discouraged by spiritual apathy, or hesitant to share the Gospel because others call it foolish, this devotional will re-center your heart on the only wisdom that lasts: Jesus Christ—God's power and God's wisdom. Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 1:18Go deeper: Dr. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World: The Folly of Human Wisdom (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.

Who are you really following—your favorite pastor, preacher, or platform? Or the Word of God? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef takes us to the spiritually troubled church in Corinth, where believers were dividing into camps: “I follow Paul… I follow Apollos… I follow Cephas…” (1 Corinthians 1:12). These were godly leaders—yet the “cult of personality” was producing division instead of unity. Dr. Youssef offers a simple heart-check that still applies today: If your confidence starts with “My pastor says…” you may be leaning on a human leader. If your confidence starts with “The Word of God says…” you're anchored to the infallible source of Truth. You'll be reminded that: No human leader is flawless—only Scripture is fully trustworthy. Cults don't make converts to Christ; they make converts to a personality. A church submitted to the authority and inerrancy of the Bible is a church positioned for humility, unity, and spiritual health. Placing yourself under God's Word is the first step toward living holy in a desperately sick culture. If you've felt pulled by competing voices—even Christian ones—this devotional will help you reset your confidence where it belongs: on Jesus Christ and His unchanging Word. Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Corinthians 1:12Key Truth: One Savior. One Way. One Truth—Jesus Christ. Go deeper: Dr. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Saints in a Sinful Culture (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.

Every day brings new pressure to blend in, bow down, or stay quiet. But Scripture calls believers to live in the world without being polluted by it (James 1:27)—not by isolating ourselves, but by living differently as a witness to Jesus. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef takes us to Corinth—one of the most spiritually sick cities of the ancient world—and shows how Paul addressed a church tempted to straddle two worlds. Some wanted one foot in the church and one foot in the culture, but Paul makes it clear: wholeness in Christ requires wholehearted allegiance. Here's the breakthrough: Paul calls these messy, struggling believers “saints”—not because they were perfect, but because they were sanctified in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:2). Dr. Youssef explains why every deliberate sin and compromise often comes down to one root issue: we forget whose we are. When you remember you belong to the eternal King—made righteous by the blood of Christ—you're empowered to pursue holiness with confidence, knowing God remains faithful even when you've fallen short. If you've been drifting, rationalizing, or feeling spiritually dulled by the culture, this devotional is a reset: You are a saint. Now live like it. Scripture Focus: 1 Corinthians 1:2 (ESV) Go deeper: Dr. Youssef's sermon Healthy Living in a Sick World, Saints in a Sinful Culture (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 does it look like to live as a citizen of heaven while serving on assignment in a world that resists God's Truth? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why speaking Truth is part of the Christian's calling—especially when leaders or systems pressure people to violate God's Word. Yet this boldness is never rooted in self-righteousness. Believers stand with humility, praying for leaders and lovingly pointing others to Christ—the only One who can truly set anyone free. To illustrate what faithful living looks like in the “City of Man,” Dr. Youssef takes us to Daniel 1:1–16, where Daniel and his friends—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—model courageous obedience in a hostile environment. Sometimes their tests seemed small (even what was placed in front of them at the king's table). Other times, obedience carried deadly cost—lions' dens and fiery furnaces. Yet their stance remained the same: no compromise, full trust in God's outcome. This devotional will challenge you to: stand firm when pressured to conform, speak Truth with grace and conviction, trust God with the results of obedience, and lift high the cross of Christ as His ambassador—no matter the cost. Scripture Focus: Daniel 1:1–16 Go deeper: Dr. Youssef's sermon series Unholy Alliance of the Antichrist (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.

Why do so many Christians start strong—only to slowly settle into comfort, distraction, and spiritual compromise? In today's MY Devotional, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that believers are citizens of the City of God, living temporarily in the City of Man with a mission: to urge the lost to turn from sin and receive eternal life in Jesus Christ. Yet many who once lived with heaven in view end up falling in love with the very world they were sent to reach. Dr. Youssef unpacks five reasons this spiritual drift happens—and how to guard your heart: A false view of heaven that makes eternity seem dull instead of glorious, Worldly pressures (pain, loss, responsibilities) that steal your focus, Living by sight, where the visible crowds out what's eternal, Muddled teaching that confuses self-sacrifice with self-satisfaction, False doctrine that blurs the Truth about salvation, heaven, and hell—draining urgency from the Christian race. This episode will help you regain eternal perspective, recognize subtle distractions, and live with a clear-eyed passion for Christ—serving faithfully now while remembering the better City that is to come. Scripture Focus: Hebrews 13:14 Go deeper: Dr. Youssef's sermon series Unholy Alliance of the Antichrist (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.

Why does life feel heavier as a society becomes more “advanced”? The Bible answers with startling clarity. In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef opens Genesis 11:1–9 and the Tower of Babel—where humanity tried to build a future without God, chasing self-glory instead of surrender. That ancient defiance isn't just history; it mirrors what we see across the modern West: a culture bowing to materialism, moral relativism, and political correctness—then reaping confusion, anxiety, and loneliness. But God didn't leave humanity without a light. Dr. Youssef points to Abraham, a man living in the “City of Man” while longing for the City of God—“a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Abraham's faith didn't ignore darkness; it overcame it. And God's promise to Abraham didn't end with him—through his line came Jesus Christ, the Savior who purchased our eternal home by His blood (Genesis 12:3). If you're weary from the headlines or discouraged by cultural decline, this devotional will help you lift your eyes and live with steady hope—setting your mind where Christ is and where history is headed. Scripture Focus: Genesis 11:1–9Go deeper: Dr. Youssef's sermon series Unholy Alliance of the Antichrist (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 should Christians do when society celebrates what God calls sin—and then blames believers for the fallout? In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef turns to Habakkuk 1:6–7, where God raises up the Babylonians as judgment—revealing a sobering pattern repeated throughout history: when a people who once honored God abandon Him, darkness advances quickly. But Dr. Youssef's message isn't despair—it's direction. Rather than hiding away or writing off humanity, believers are called to live with Kingdom purpose in the “City of Man”: Love without fear and pray for persecutors (Matthew 5:44–45), Engage with conviction instead of retreating into silence, Reason with the lost the way God reasons with sinners—inviting them to grace (Isaiah 1:18), Shine as light and live as salt that creates thirst for Christ. This devotional will challenge you to reject passivity, resist intimidation, and speak Gospel Truth with compassion—trusting God to resurrect dead hearts into living testimonies of His grace. Scripture Focus: Habakkuk 1:6–7 Go deeper: Dr. Youssef's sermon series Unholy Alliance of the Antichrist (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.

Have you been stuck expecting the worst—even in your walk with God?Over the last few days, we've been confronting pessimism through the life of Thomas, the disciple forever nicknamed “doubting Thomas.” But Dr. Michael Youssef reveals the deeper issue beneath Thomas' doubt—and ours: a distorted understanding of who Jesus truly is. With patient love, Christ led Thomas from skepticism to victory, and that same resurrection power can transform you too.In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, you'll discover:why doubt often grows from an incomplete view of Christ,how Jesus personally frees us from pessimism, andwhat genuine transformation looks like after we encounter the living Savior.Thomas' change wasn't merely intellectual—it reshaped his entire life. After meeting the risen Christ, he became bold and mission-minded, taking the Gospel into difficult regions such as Nineveh and India. Dr. Youssef reminds us that when we truly grasp God's calling and His unconditional love, pessimism gives way to Spirit-empowered hope—pessimistic to visionary, uncertain to confident, and hopeless to joyful.If you're tired of negative “what ifs,” chronic doubt, or spiritual hesitation, this devotional will point you back to the One who has the final word over every fear:“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).Scripture Focus: John 8:36 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.

Do you ever feel your faith shrink after a setback—like hope is slipping through your fingers?In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef continues the journey of overcoming pessimism by revealing the next steps toward steady confidence in Christ. While yesterday's foundation was knowing who you are in Jesus, today tackles what happens when fear, opposition, or disappointment hits your “hot buttons” and you start expecting the worst.Through the life of Thomas, Dr. Youssef highlights how Jesus overpowers pessimism in real time:How to handle setbacks without losing confidence (John 11): Thomas assumed following Jesus to Bethany would end in death—but Jesus shattered that fear by raising Lazarus, proving His authority even over the grave.How Christ's resurrection defeats chronic doubt (John 20:25–28): Thomas demanded proof—until the risen Jesus stood before him. Encountering the living Christ transformed him from skeptic to worshiper: “My Lord and my God!”Why your hope is never tied to circumstances: Jesus is alive, reigning at the right hand of the Father, and still redeeming situations that look beyond repair.If you've been bracing for disappointment, stuck in “realistic” negativity, or quietly wondering if God will come through—this devotional will help you remember what Thomas learned firsthand: the resurrected Christ changes what's possible.Scripture Focus: Psalm 66:5 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.

Pessimism is one of the quietest threats to a growing faith—because it often sounds like wisdom. We rename it “discernment,” “caution,” or “being realistic,” but Scripture exposes what it truly is: a lack of faith in God's power or His promises.In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef takes you to Mark 9, where a desperate father says to Jesus, “If you can…”—revealing the real issue wasn't Jesus' ability, but the father's unbelief. Christ's reply still challenges us today: faith changes what we believe is possible.Dr. Youssef also points to Thomas, famously labeled “doubting Thomas,” to show that pessimism doesn't have to be permanent. Jesus overcame Thomas' unbelief by anchoring him in a life-altering truth: you are chosen, called, and unconditionally loved by God's grace.If you've been battling negativity, doubt, or a constant expectation of the worst, this devotional will help you:identify pessimism for what it is,bring your unbelief honestly to Jesus, andrest in the security of God's steadfast love and calling.Scripture Focus: 1 John 3:1 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 are you drawing on for strength—your circumstances, your abilities, or the power of Christ?In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that only Christ's resurrection power can truly satisfy the empty heart, defeat temptation, and exchange our weakness for His strength. Earthly assets and “wins” may look impressive, but they're nothing compared to the transforming power of Jesus.This devotional also sounds a loving warning: when life is going well, it's easy to drift back into independence and forget the Source of real joy. That's why we must stay alert to spiritual stagnation and choose growth—even when growth stretches us.You'll be encouraged by Scripture's call to keep pressing forward:Run with perseverance, throwing off sin and fixing your eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1–2).Press on toward the goal, forgetting what's behind and straining toward what's ahead (Philippians 3:13–14).If you've been tempted to coast, quit, or rely on comfort instead of Christ, this episode will re-center your heart on the One whose power never runs out—and whose grace meets you in the struggle.Scripture Focus: Psalm 147:5 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.

Everyone has weaknesses—but not everyone knows what to do with them.In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef exposes a subtle trap the enemy uses to keep believers restless: refusing to confront our weaknesses. Whether your struggle is physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual, unresolved weakness can breed discontentment and quietly drain your joy—unless you apply God's grace to the very places that hurt.Dr. Youssef takes you to Paul's “thorn in the flesh” and the breakthrough lesson God taught him:“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).You'll discover why the most important part of any trial isn't the struggle itself—but how you respond to it. If you've ever felt like God's grace “isn't enough,” this episode helps you diagnose what's really happening: either you're fixated on the problem instead of His grace, or you're avoiding the issue entirely. The way forward is not denial or despair—it's honest dependence on Christ.You'll also be reminded that Jesus is not distant from your struggle. He understands your weakness with compassion—and He invites you to come to Him for strength and mercy (Hebrews 4:15).Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 12:9 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.

Everyone has weaknesses—but not everyone knows what to do with them.In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef exposes a subtle trap the enemy uses to keep believers restless: refusing to confront our weaknesses. Whether your struggle is physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual, unresolved weakness can breed discontentment and quietly drain your joy—unless you apply God's grace to the very places that hurt.Dr. Youssef takes you to Paul's “thorn in the flesh” and the breakthrough lesson God taught him:“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).You'll discover why the most important part of any trial isn't the struggle itself—but how you respond to it. If you've ever felt like God's grace “isn't enough,” this episode helps you diagnose what's really happening: either you're fixated on the problem instead of His grace, or you're avoiding the issue entirely. The way forward is not denial or despair—it's honest dependence on Christ.You'll also be reminded that Jesus is not distant from your struggle. He understands your weakness with compassion—and He invites you to come to Him for strength and mercy (Hebrews 4:15).Scripture Focus: 2 Corinthians 12:9 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.

Has “grace” lost its wonder?In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef challenges the modern misconceptions that have watered grace down into mere politeness—or made it unnecessary in an age of self-sufficiency and “rights.” The Truth is far more stunning: we are sinners who could never earn our way back to God. Only Jesus' sacrifice on the cross and His righteousness credited to us can justify us before the Father (see John 3:16).Dr. Youssef then brings this Gospel reality into your everyday battles. When trials hit, anxiety rises, or temptation threatens your fellowship with God, grace becomes more than a doctrine—it becomes your lifeline. Through prayer, God steadies you with peace and security, goes before you into life's battles, and provides victory that doesn't come from your strength, but from His.If you're facing pressure, fear, or exhaustion, this devotional will lift your eyes to the promise you can cling to today: God's grace is sufficient—and His power is revealed in your weakness.Scripture Focus: Psalm 20:7 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.

Where do you draw strength when you feel pressured to stay silent about Jesus?In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef points to the apostle Paul's unwavering confidence in the Gospel: “The righteous will live by faith” (Romans 1:17). From Habakkuk to the New Testament, God's message remains the same—faith isn't a one-time decision; it's the way God's people live.Dr. Youssef walks through how faith anchors every part of the believer's life:Past: You trusted Jesus and were saved by grace—rescued from hell to heaven.Present: You rely on Christ daily for provision, wisdom, victory over sin, and strength to obey.Future: You live with confidence that when you leave this world, you will be with Jesus forever.And then comes the challenge: Are you ever tempted to be ashamed of the Gospel? When someone calls your faith narrow-minded—or labels the exclusivity of Christ as offensive—this devotional will remind you to return to your true power source and move forward in obedience, love, and faith.Scripture Focus: Romans 1:17Listen now and rediscover the awe-inspiring grace that saves, sanctifies, and secures you for eternity. 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.