MY Devotional: Daily Biblical Encouragement & Prayer from Leading The Way

Why would God ask one of His prophets to endure the heartbreak of betrayal? In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explores the powerful story of Hosea and Gomer—a marriage that reveals the heart of God toward His unfaithful people.

God instructed Hosea to marry Gomer, a woman whose unfaithfulness would mirror Israel’s spiritual adultery. Just as Gomer broke her marriage covenant, the people of Israel turned away from their covenant with God, pursuing idols and placing their own desires above His commands.

Through Hosea’s suffering, God revealed...

What if the secret to spiritual strength isn't becoming more self-sufficient but learning to depend completely on God?

In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explores why acknowledging our weaknesses opens the door to experiencing the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.

Drawing from Ephesians 6 and 2 Corinthians 12:10, Dr. Youssef explains how God's strength enables believers to resist temptation, endure trials, and stand firm against the enemy. Through prayer, surrender, and the whole armor of God, we can face life's spiritual battles with confidence in Christ.

Discover why dependence on...

Who is the Holy Spirit, and how does He work in your everyday life?

In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explores the person and power of the Holy Spirit—the third Person of the Trinity, described in Scripture through the powerful image of God's breath.

Drawing from John 14–16, Dr. Youssef explains how the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, reveals God's Truth, guides our decisions, and transforms us into the likeness of Christ. Through His indwelling presence, believers experience spiritual renewal, healing, and a deeper relationship with God.

Disc...

Have you ever felt trapped by sin, guilt, or the belief that you're too far gone for God's love?

In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef shares his personal testimony of how the Holy Spirit opened his eyes to the bondage of sin and introduced him to the life-changing love of Jesus Christ.

Drawing from Romans 5:6–8, Dr. Youssef reminds us that God didn't wait for us to become worthy of His love. Christ died for us while we were still sinners.

Discover how God's grace breaks the chains of sp...

What does it really mean to be a follower of Jesus Christ? Is accepting Him as Savior enough if our lives show no evidence of transformation?

In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef challenges the dangerous idea that Christianity is merely agreeing with a set of beliefs while continuing to live however we please.

Drawing from Scripture, Dr. Youssef explains why Jesus must be received as both Savior and Lord and why genuine saving faith is demonstrated through obedience and godly living.

Discover why God's Word must remain the...

Are you truly ready for Jesus to return? The answer may have more to do with how you're living today than what you know about end-times prophecy.

In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why Biblical waiting is active, not passive. Through Jesus' parable in Luke 19, we discover that the Lord calls His followers to use their time, gifts, and resources faithfully while anticipating His return.

Rather than becoming distracted by frightening predictions, believers are called to share the Gospel, care for those in need, and serve God wholeheartedly.

How can you find hope when grieving the loss of someone you love? Does trusting God mean you shouldn't feel sorrow?

In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explores Paul's comforting words in 1 Thessalonians 4, reminding believers that we do not grieve like those who have no hope.

The Bible never tells us not to mourn. Separation is painful, and grief is natural. But because Jesus Christ conquered death, believers can face loss with the assurance that the grave is not the end.

Discover how the resurrection of Jesus transforms...

Are you walking in the brilliant light of the Holy Spirit or relying on the dim candlelight of your own understanding?

In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explores Paul's powerful warning in 1 Thessalonians 5:19: "Do not quench the Spirit."

The Holy Spirit helps believers understand Scripture, make wise decisions, and resist temptation. Yet pride, unforgiveness, unrepentant sin, and dependence on human wisdom can hinder His work in our lives—and even within entire churches.

Discover what it means to quench the Holy Spirit, how to recognize the warning signs, an...

You may have never bowed before a statue, but could something in your life still be taking God's place? Idolatry isn't limited to ancient temples—it can hide in our ambitions, possessions, relationships, and everyday priorities.

In today's episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef examines the remarkable transformation of the Thessalonian believers, who abandoned their idols to serve the one true God.

Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 1, Dr. Youssef identifies three evidences of genuine faith: turning from idols, serving God, and waiting for Jesus' return.

Discover how to recognize modern-day idols, break fr...

How should Christians respond when they are criticized, misunderstood, or attacked for their faith? Even the apostle Paul experienced the pain of opposition, yet he refused to let criticism distract him from proclaiming God's Truth.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef examines Paul's response to opposition and how he followed the example of Jesus Christ, who endured false accusations while remaining faithful to His Father's will.

Rather than responding with anger or self-defense, Paul focused on protecting the integrity of the Gospel and demonstrating genuine love for the Thessalonian be...

What does it really mean to love someone as Christ loves us? Is love simply accepting everything a person does, or does genuine love sometimes require difficult conversations?

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explores the Biblical meaning of agape love and why forgiveness, grace, and accountability must go hand in hand.

Drawing from Ephesians 4:15, Dr. Youssef reminds believers that speaking the Truth in love isn't about criticizing every mistake. It's about caring enough to humbly encourage those who are wandering from their faith or pursuing destructive choices.

...

What keeps your faith standing when everything around you feels uncertain? The answer isn't personal strength, human wisdom, or favorable circumstances—it's the unchanging Truth of Jesus Christ.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explores Paul’s powerful instruction in 2 Thessalonians 2:15 to “stand firm and hold fast” to the teachings of the Gospel.

Discover why Christ’s life, death, resurrection, and promised return provide the rock-solid foundation for your faith. No matter what storms you face, God's sovereign love and faithfulness remain your source of lasting security.

Be encourage...

What keeps a massive aircraft carrier stable in stormy seas? Powerful anchors. But what keeps a Christian standing firm when life becomes overwhelming?

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef draws a powerful parallel between a warship’s stability and the spiritual strength believers need to withstand life’s storms.

Like the Thessalonian church, Christians today face persecution, false teaching, uncertainty, and spiritual opposition. Yet Paul reminds us that our stability comes not from favorable circumstances but from the unshakable Truth of God’s Word.

Discover how to stay anc...

What does it mean to be a faithful steward of God's blessings? In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explores 1 Thessalonians 2, revealing why integrity, humility, and pure motives are essential to serving Christ.

The apostle Paul understood that the Gospel was a sacred trust—not a means of gaining wealth, popularity, or power. His example challenges believers to reject selfish ambition and serve God with unwavering faithfulness.

Everything we have—our time, finances, talents, and even our lives—belongs to the Lord. Most importantly, we have been entrusted with the Good New...

Paul prayed that believers would be sanctified “through and through.” In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that God desires every part of our lives to come under the control of Christ.

Sanctification begins on the inside. As our thoughts are brought into obedience to Christ, our actions begin to reflect that inward transformation. Scripture does not separate the spiritual life from the physical life—our entire being belongs to God.

But this kind of holiness is not produced by sheer effort. The God who calls us is faithful, and He i...

The Bible teaches that Satan is real, personal, intelligent, and actively scheming against believers. But he is not all-powerful, all-knowing, or everywhere at once. Those attributes belong to God alone.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef examines what Scripture reveals about Satan—from Job and the temptation of Jesus to Paul’s warnings about the devil’s schemes.

Satan often works through deception, even twisting Scripture for his purposes. That is why believers must know God’s Word, put on the full armor of God, and remain alert to spiritual...

Paul was so concerned for the suffering believers in Thessalonica that he sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them. He knew that trials can become fertile ground for Satan’s lies.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef identifies some of the most dangerous thoughts believers face in painful seasons: “God doesn’t love me,” “God has abandoned me,” or “God isn’t hearing my prayers.”

When those lies take root, joy, peace, and confidence in God can begin to fade. But hardship does not change God’s character. He remains a loving Fathe...

The Christians in Thessalonica endured intense persecution, yet instead of collapsing under pressure, their faith grew stronger and their love for one another increased.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef contrasts their response with our tendency to become discouraged by relatively small hardships. The Thessalonians learned to see suffering not as evidence that God had abandoned them, but as an opportunity to trust Him more deeply.

Their example raises an important question: if greater testing comes, will our faith grow under pressure too? The time to deepen our trust in...

When life becomes difficult, Satan often uses fear, anxiety, and confusion to weaken our trust in God. The believers in Thessalonica faced that same attack as false teachers convinced them that Christ had already returned.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef unpacks Paul’s call in 2 Thessalonians 2 to remain steady and refuse deception. Jesus had not forgotten His people, and their suffering did not mean God’s promises had failed.

Paul also warned of greater opposition before Christ’s return, including the coming “man of lawlessness.” Yet the message is ultimatel...

What should you do when you’ve been deeply wronged? In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that human vengeance can never deliver the perfect justice our hearts long for.

The believers in Thessalonica understood persecution and injustice, yet Paul encouraged them to trust the righteous Judge. Scripture never minimizes evil or pain—but it assures us that God sees every wrong, remains present with His people, and will ultimately set all things right.

When Christ returns, justice will be complete. Until then, believers are called to resist bitter...

How can persecution become a source of strength instead of defeat? In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that trials and afflictions can deepen our faith by driving us closer to the heart of God.

Faith is not a fixed commodity or an inherited trait. It is a growing relationship of trust in the living God. Like roots that grow deeper or muscles that grow stronger through exercise, faith matures as we depend on God and stand on His promises.

If your faith feels weak, nourish it with the Tr...

Read Luke 17:11-19. How can we live a life that is truly thankful?

The healing of the leper in Luke 17 was extraordinary, but Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that believers have received an even greater healing: forgiveness of sin and reconciliation with God through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Youssef shares four marks of a thankful life. We must recognize the depth of our greatest blessing, make thanksgiving a priority, offer it from the heart, and practice it consistently.

The healed leper returned to...

In Luke 17, ten lepers cry out to Jesus for mercy. He tells them to show themselves to the priests, and as they go in faith, they are miraculously healed.

Yet only one turns back.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reflects on the Samaritan who returned to Jesus, praising God loudly and falling at His feet in thanksgiving. All ten received the blessing, but only one responded with the gratitude Jesus deserved.

It is possible to become so focused on what God gives that we forget the Go...

In Luke 16, Jesus tells of a shrewd manager who understood the importance of using present resources with the future in mind. His example points believers toward a far greater purpose: investing what God has given us in things that carry eternal significance.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that our possessions, opportunities, and spiritual gifts are Kingdom resources. When we use them to serve others and advance the Gospel, we participate in work whose impact may reach far beyond what we can see in this life.

We may ne...

The older brother looked faithful on the outside, but when his younger brother returned in repentance, his refusal to rejoice revealed what was really in his heart.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains how Jesus used the older brother to confront the Pharisees. Like him, they kept the outward forms of obedience while resisting the Father’s heart for lost sinners.

Remarkably, the father humbles himself for both sons—running to meet the younger and leaving the celebration to seek the older. In the same way, Christ humbled Himsel...

In Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son, the younger son demands his inheritance and leaves home—a shocking rejection of his father.

Yet the father lets him go.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains how this story reveals the longsuffering and inexhaustible love of our heavenly Father.

After wasting everything, the son becomes broken, hungry, and desperate. He finally returns home, knowing he is unworthy. But while he is still far away, his father sees him, runs to him, embraces him, and welcomes him back.

This...

In Luke 15:8–10, Jesus tells of a woman who loses one of ten precious coins and refuses to stop searching until she finds it. These were not ordinary coins—they were part of a semedi, a bridal headdress that symbolized commitment and love. Losing even one would have been deeply personal.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef brings this parable to life by explaining the dark, cramped homes of first-century Israel, where a lost coin could easily disappear into cracks in a dirt floor. The woman lights a lamp, sweeps carefully, and search...

In first-century Israel, tax collectors and “sinners” were among society’s most despised people. Tax collectors were viewed as traitors who cooperated with Rome and often profited at their neighbors’ expense, while those labeled “sinners” were treated as moral outcasts by the religious establishment.

Yet these were exactly the people Jesus welcomed.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why Christ spent time with those others rejected. Jesus declared that He “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). He did not seek people who believed they could establish their ow...

Read Revelation 21-22.

The closing chapters of Revelation reveal one of Scripture’s most glorious promises: everything will be made new. In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef takes us into the new Jerusalem, where nothing will ever again separate God’s people from the presence of Jesus Christ.

There will be no more death, mourning, crying, pain, loneliness, brokenness, or sin. God promises the water of life freely to those who thirst, and His children will inherit an eternal Kingdom beyond anything this world can offer.

Scripture descri...

 Read Revelation 17:1-20:15.

After the final judgments of Revelation 16, Scripture turns to the downfall of Babylon—the false religious system that opposes Christ and His Word. In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef traces the dramatic events of Revelation 17–20 and shows how even the schemes of evil ultimately serve the sovereign purposes of God.

The Antichrist may appear powerful, but his kingdom will not endure. False religion will fall, heaven will erupt in praise, and attention will turn to the marriage supper of the Lamb—the joyful celebration of Christ and His B...

Read Revelation 14:1-16:21.

The confrontation between God and Pharaoh in Exodus foreshadowed an even greater conflict still to come. In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef turns to Revelation 16, where seven bowls of judgment are poured out upon a rebellious world and the kingdom of the Antichrist.

These judgments echo the plagues of Egypt on a global scale: painful sores, seas and rivers turned to blood, scorching heat, supernatural darkness, upheaval surrounding the Euphrates, and finally catastrophic destruction as a voice from heaven declares, “It is done!”

Dr. Yousse...

Read Revelation 12:1-13:18.

Revelation 12–13 introduces some of the most dramatic figures in Biblical prophecy—a woman clothed with the sun, the dragon, and the beast. In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef helps unpack these symbols and the cosmic conflict they reveal.

Prophetic Scripture often places past, present, and future alongside one another. Satan has already been defeated in his attempt to stop Christ’s saving work through the cross and resurrection. Today, he turns his hostility toward God’s people. Yet Scripture also looks ahead to his final and complete d...

Jesus’ words in Luke 14 can sound shocking: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.” In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that Jesus is not commanding hatred, but establishing the proper order of our loves.

Our devotion to Christ must be so great that every other relationship is held with an open hand. Family, friends, and even our own desires matter deeply—but none can take the place that belongs t...

As Jesus traveled toward Jerusalem, someone asked Him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” Rather than give a number, Jesus issued a direct challenge: “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door.”

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains that this narrow door is Jesus Christ Himself. Salvation does not come through ethnicity, religious tradition, morality, or human effort. It comes through the shed blood of Christ and a heart that turns to Him in repentance and faith.

But what does Jesus mean when He tells u...

In Luke 13, Jesus encounters a woman who had suffered for eighteen years and had been pushed to the margins by those around her. While religious leaders saw rules and traditions, Jesus saw someone in need of compassion and freedom. He healed her completely, revealing the heart of God’s Kingdom.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef contrasts the mercy of Christ with the hard-heartedness of religious legalism. The Pharisees were more concerned that Jesus healed on the Sabbath than they were amazed that a woman had been delivered from years of suff...

Does suffering mean someone has sinned more than others? In Jesus’ day, many believed exactly that. But when His disciples encountered a man born blind, Jesus corrected their assumptions and revealed that suffering cannot always be reduced to a simple equation of sin and punishment.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explores several ways God uses suffering for the good of His children. Trials can purify our faith, draw us closer to God, equip us to comfort others, and produce a testimony that points people toward the eternal hope found in Chri...

Jesus Christ is the only One who can truly transform the human heart and enable us to love others across every difference. Yet in Luke 12, Jesus also warns that His coming would bring division—not through violence or coercion, but through the unavoidable choice every person must make concerning Him.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explores Jesus’ startling words: “I have come to bring fire on the earth.” Like fire, the Gospel reveals what is genuine. It consumes what cannot endure and refines what is precious, exposing the heart’s response to...

The return of Jesus Christ is a vital part of the Gospel, and while believers may differ on some details of the end times, Scripture is clear about one thing: we must be ready. In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef challenges Christians to live every day with their eyes fixed on Christ and their hearts prepared for His return.

Jesus said, “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning.” To be dressed and ready means being prepared emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—not living as though Christ’s return has nothing to...

In Luke 12, a man interrupts Jesus’ teaching to ask Him to settle an inheritance dispute. Instead of becoming distracted, Jesus uses the moment to expose a deeper danger: the power of greed.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us that money itself is not the problem—the love of money is. Greed is never satisfied. It constantly demands more, tempts us to forget God, and keeps our hearts focused on temporary possessions rather than eternal realities.

Jesus also connects greed with worry. When we believe our security depends on wha...

In the middle of a heated confrontation with religious hypocrites, Jesus turned to His disciples with a serious warning: Be on your guard. In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explores Jesus’ teaching in Luke 12 and the danger of outward religion without inward faithfulness.

Jesus points His followers back to the triune God. First, honor the Father, who sees every hidden motive and will judge with perfect justice. What hypocrisy conceals today will one day be brought into the light.

Second, honor the Son. Jesus declares that those who openly ackn...