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 Truth of Christ.

At the cross, Jesus Himself bore the judgment sinners deserved. That is the Good News: all who repent and trust in Him can receive forgiveness, freedom, and eternal life because Christ paid the price on their behalf. But rejecting Jesus leaves a person facing judgment apart from Him.

Dr. Youssef also reminds believers that identifying openly with Christ can be costly. Jesus prepared His disciples for rejection, hostility, and persecution because allegiance to Him would sometimes divide families, communities, and cultures.

Yet the peace Jesus gives is greater than anything this world can take away. Stand firm in the Gospel, remain faithful to Christ, and remember that whatever the cost of following Him, the freedom and eternal hope found in Jesus are far greater.

Pray with me.

Jesus, may I stand firm on Your Truth whatever challenges I face, calling the lost to taste and see that You are good. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today’s devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don’t have to walk through it alone.

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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 Christ.

Jesus reinforced this Truth when people brought Him news of devastating tragedies. Rather than affirming that the victims must have been worse sinners, Jesus turned the question back on His listeners: unless you repent, you too will perish. His message was a wake-up call against spiritual pride and false security.

God’s patience toward sinners is an expression of His astounding mercy. Every day is another opportunity to respond to His invitation, turn from sin, and receive salvation through Jesus Christ.

Whatever suffering you are walking through today, do not assume God has abandoned you. Allow Him to use your affliction to refine your faith, deepen your dependence on Him, and polish your testimony. And remember: our greatest need is not an explanation for every tragedy, but reconciliation with God through His Son.

Join me in prayer.

Father, help me to see seasons of suffering as opportunities to draw near to You and point others to the hope of glory through Jesus Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today’s devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don’t have to walk through it alone.

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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 Christ, strengthen our character, and cultivate love for fellow believers is now.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the persevering faith of the Thessalonians. May their example embolden and inspire me to pursue deeper faith as I take on the humble attitude of Christ. Prepare me by Your Spirit for the testing to come. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing” (2 Thessalonians 1:3).

*Excerpt adapted from Fearless Living in Troubled Times by Michael A. Youssef © 2017. Published by Harvest House Publishers, Eugene, OR. Used by permission.

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon series End of History and You: 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.

🙏 Pastoral Care & Prayer Teams
Our trained prayer partners and pastoral care team are available to pray with you and offer Biblical support.
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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 Himself for sinners of every kind, enduring the shame of the cross to reconcile both the far-off and the self-righteous to God.

Jesus leaves the story unfinished, but the invitation remains clear: the open arms of Christ on the cross welcome all who will come to Him in repentance and faith.

Prayer: Lord, I long to live for You because of the freedom and joy You have brought to my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found’” (Luke 15:31).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Enduring Wisdom, The Older Son: 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.

🙏 Pastoral Care & Prayer Teams
Our trained prayer partners and pastoral care team are available to pray with you and offer Biblical support.
https://ltw.org/care

💬 Receive personal answers to your faith questions—anytime, day or night—at:
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If you’ve been blessed by this podcast, please consider a tax-deductible donation to help extend this ministry—so another person can be encouraged, prayed for, and pointed to Christ.

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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 ultimately one of hope: those who belong to Jesus are secure in Him and can stand firm even in the darkest hour.

Prayer: Father, thank You that no one can snatch me from Your hand. May I find strength in You and bring glory to Your name. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon End of History and You, Stand Firm in Truth: 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.

🙏 Pastoral Care & Prayer Teams
Our trained prayer partners and pastoral care team are available to pray with you and offer Biblical support.
https://ltw.org/care

💬 Receive personal answers to your faith questions—anytime, day or night—at:
https://myfaithassistant.com

If you’ve been blessed by this podcast, please consider a tax-deductible donation to help extend this ministry—so another person can be encouraged, prayed for, and pointed to Christ.

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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 suffering. Jesus exposed the difference between God’s Law and man-made traditions—and demonstrated that His Kingdom brings true freedom.

Jesus then compared the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed. It may appear insignificant from the outside, but it grows far beyond what anyone expects. What began with a small group of disciples would expand to include people from every nation, tribe, people, and language.

The Kingdom is also like yeast working through dough. Its influence may not always be obvious, but God is quietly and powerfully transforming lives, resurrecting spiritually dead hearts, and advancing His purposes throughout the world.

When evil appears overwhelming, do not mistake visibility for victory. The Kingdom of Christ is at work—and one day its full glory will be revealed.

Pray with me.

Father, may I bear witness to Your glorious Kingdom, the source of true compassion, love, and blessing. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today’s devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don’t have to walk through it alone.

🙏 Pastoral Care & Prayer Teams
Our trained prayer partners and pastoral care team are available to pray with you and offer Biblical support.
https://ltw.org/care

💬 Receive personal answers to your faith questions—anytime, day or night—at:
https://myfaithassistant.com

If you’ve been blessed by this podcast, please consider a tax-deductible donation to help extend this ministry—so another person can be encouraged, prayed for, and pointed to Christ.

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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 to Jesus alone. He is not looking for half-hearted discipleship or convenient faith. He calls us to recognize Him as sovereign Lord, Master, and King.

Dr. Youssef also unpacks Jesus’ command to carry our cross and follow Him. The cross is more than a difficult circumstance; it is a picture of dying to self. Discipleship means surrendering our demand for control, laying down our own agenda, and bringing every part of life into conformity with Christ.

And paradoxically, loving Jesus above all else enables us to love others more deeply. As we sit at His feet, study His Word, renew our minds, and grow in grace, He reshapes our hearts so that our love for family, neighbors, and even enemies begins to reflect His own.

Let us pray.

Jesus, help me to more fully understand Your calling on my life. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today’s devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don’t have to walk through it alone.

🙏 Pastoral Care & Prayer Teams
Our trained prayer partners and pastoral care team are available to pray with you and offer Biblical support.
https://ltw.org/care

💬 Receive personal answers to your faith questions—anytime, day or night—at:
https://myfaithassistant.com

If you’ve been blessed by this podcast, please consider a tax-deductible donation to help extend this ministry—so another person can be encouraged, prayed for, and pointed to Christ.

❤️ Support Leading The Way:
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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 us to “make every effort”? He is not teaching salvation by works. Instead, Dr. Youssef shows how genuine repentance requires laying down our pride, abandoning every attempt to earn God’s favor, and admitting our complete dependence on Christ. As John the Baptist declared, “He must become greater; I must become less.”

Jesus warned that outward religion can never substitute for a true relationship with Him. People may perform good works, observe religious rituals, or even call themselves Christians, yet remain outside the Kingdom if they have never truly come to Christ.

This devotional is a sobering call to examine where your confidence lies. Eternity is real, and the invitation of the Gospel is urgent. Enter through the narrow door—not trusting in yourself, but in Jesus Christ alone.

Pray with me.

Jesus, I trust in You and recognize that I bring nothing to earn salvation. You alone are my righteousness. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today’s devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don’t have to walk through it alone.

🙏 Pastoral Care & Prayer Teams
Our trained prayer partners and pastoral care team are available to pray with you and offer Biblical support.
https://ltw.org/care

💬 Receive personal answers to your faith questions—anytime, day or night—at:
https://myfaithassistant.com

If you’ve been blessed by this podcast, please consider a tax-deductible donation to help extend this ministry—so another person can be encouraged, prayed for, and pointed to Christ.

❤️ Support Leading The Way:
https://www.ltw.org/donate