The rich young ruler didn’t just have wealth—he trusted it (Matthew 19:16–30). His money gave him a false sense of security and self-sufficiency, convincing him he was in control. In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef shows why Scripture repeatedly warns against that trap and calls believers to live differently.

Paul’s instruction to Timothy is direct: don’t be arrogant, and don’t put your hope in wealth “which is so uncertain,” but in God who provides richly (1 Timothy 6:17). Jesus goes even further, urging us to stop stockpiling temporary treasures and instead invest in eternity—because what you treasure reveals what you truly worship (Matthew 6:19–21).

Dr. Youssef also exposes the deeper misconception behind the ruler’s mindset: thinking salvation can be earned, purchased, or donated into existence. No amount of rule-keeping, good deeds, or financial generosity can reconcile a sinner to God. Jesus makes the point unmistakably: what is impossible with man is possible with God (Matthew 19:26). Only God can change a sinful heart, and only the blood of Jesus can secure forgiveness and eternal life.

If you’ve been tempted to rely on resources, status, or self-effort for security, this devotional will redirect your hope to the only sure foundation: Christ alone.

Prayer: God, thank You for sending Your Son to die on the cross for me. Help me to remember to put my hope in You every day, not in my finances. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Encountering Christ, Arms Wide Open: 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.

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Since Babel, mankind has chased a self-made path to heaven—measuring life by achievement, control, and success. But Scripture teaches the opposite: the way to salvation is surrender.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef walks through Matthew 19:16–30, where the rich young ruler asks Jesus, “What good thing must I do to get eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16). Even after claiming obedience to the commandments, he still senses something missing: “What do I still lack?” (Matthew 19:20). His wealth, influence, and accomplishments couldn’t satisfy the deeper hunger of his soul.

Jesus exposes the real issue—not merely money, but the idol behind it. The ruler kept the law outwardly, yet had not humbled himself to yield everything to God. His grip on earthly treasure revealed his refusal to fully trust Christ for true spiritual riches. When confronted with surrender, he walked away sad—because he wasn’t willing to release what he loved most.

This devotional turns the question toward us:
What are you unwilling to leave behind for the sake of Christ? What “treasure” are you holding so tightly that it keeps you from repentance, obedience, and joy-filled freedom?

And it ends with Gospel hope: the Father gave what mattered most—His Son—and Jesus humbled Himself all the way to the cross so you could be forgiven, restored, and led into life you could never earn.

Prayer: Lord, help me understand the infinite worth of life in Christ so that I do not cling to lesser idols. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things” (Philippians 3:8).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Encountering Christ, Arms Wide Open: 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.

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There’s so much to learn from Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman—and even the language He used reveals the difference between what the world offers and what Christ gives. The woman spoke of water like stagnant cistern water, but Jesus spoke of living water—a bubbling, ever-refreshing spring that becomes a continual source of life and purpose for every believer (John 7:37–39).

In this episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef highlights how Jesus offers the only satisfaction that can reach the deepest thirst—fulfillment the world can’t provide, no matter how many pursuits promise joy but leave the soul empty. Then he turns to Jesus’ example of sharing the Good News with someone from a very different background: Christ lingered, asked questions, refused to condemn, refused to excuse sin, and offered hope as a gift of grace.

The result was transformation—repentance, cleansing, and a new future. And the promise extends to you: when you receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, rivers of living water flow from within you—an inexhaustible fountain meant to bless others as you share Christ with the spiritually parched around you.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your offer of living water. Help me to remember that there are people all around me who are thirsty for that eternal life and love that only You can offer them. Give me courage and discernment to start those conversations that will lead people to You. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Jesus answered, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life’” (John 4:13-14).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Encountering Christ, Freedom from Bondage: 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.

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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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Sometimes we feel unworthy of God’s love—and instead of running to Him, we hide, convinced our sin is too great to forgive. We try to earn His favor, but like Adam and Eve, our striving ends in failure and shame. In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef reminds us of a life-giving Truth: God’s love is greater than our sin, and He has already made a way to set us free.

Dr. Youssef takes us to John 4, where Jesus deliberately traveled through Samaria—crossing cultural and religious hostility—to meet a Samaritan woman whose life was marked by broken relationships and moral failure. She didn’t realize her greatest problem wasn’t men, marriage, or even adultery—it was a deep, unsatisfied thirst only Jesus could quench.

This devotional helps you see yourself in her story. Without Christ, we become more entangled the harder we fight sin in our own strength. But Jesus comes straight to the point of need—bringing truth to light, uncovering hidden struggles, and offering real freedom. The same Savior who met that woman at the well is ready to meet you today with living water—cleansing, restoring, and renewing all who come to Him.

If you need forgiveness, healing, or restoration, this episode is an invitation: come to Christ—and trust Him to make you new.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for the ways I have tried to satisfy my heart-longings apart from You. May I be filled with Your living water today. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Encountering Christ, Freedom from Bondage: 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.

🙏 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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One of the most stunning portraits of Jesus’ love overcoming prejudice and meeting human desperation is found in John 4:4–26—the story of the woman at the well.

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef explains why Jesus’ decision to travel through Samaria was shocking. Many Jews would take a longer, harsher route just to avoid contact with Samaritans. Yet Jesus deliberately walked into Samaria, sat at the well, and waited—tired from the journey, but intentional in His mission.

The Samaritan woman was scorned on multiple levels: by ethnicity, by gender, and by her moral reputation. And still, the Son of God addressed her personally: “Will you give me a drink?” (John 4:7). With one sentence, Jesus shattered social barriers and opened a door to saving Truth—showing that no person is beyond His reach and no stigma is strong enough to repel His mercy.

This devotional turns the spotlight toward your everyday life. The Lord has placed you at a “well” in your community—neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and people whose values or backgrounds differ from yours—so you can lovingly point them to the Savior who gave His life for them.

Prayer: Father, help me to have a desire to share Your love with everyone, no matter what their cultural background. Open my eyes to see those You have placed in my community who need to hear the Gospel. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon Encountering Christ, Freedom from Bondage: 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.

🙏 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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What happens when Christians stop contending for the faith and choose silence instead?

In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef highlights three warnings from Jude that expose the dangers of indifference toward false teaching and spiritual drift.

• Israel after the Exodus (Jude 1:5): God delivered His people, yet many later doubted Him—believing obstacles were bigger than God’s promises. Their unbelief led to prolonged wandering and loss of blessing. Dr. Youssef warns that apathy toward truth can similarly rob believers of God’s best—His power for victory.
• Rebellious angels (Jude 1:6): Just as Satan deceived many, spiritual leaders can drift through apathy and pull others with them. It often starts when believers stop contending for the faith, resulting in loss of influence and spiritual effectiveness.
• Sodom and Gomorrah and Lot’s slow compromise (Jude 1:7): Lot moved closer to sin step by step—distressed by evil, yet passive. In the end, judgment came and he lost dearly, showing how spiritual apathy can cost privilege and stability.

Dr. Youssef’s message is clear: apathy produces loss—but contending for the faith is faithful service to our mighty King. This devotional will challenge you to reject passivity, stand on Scripture, and speak truth with courage and love.

Prayer: God, I pray against apathy in my life and ask for Your wisdom and love to guide me in sharing the hope of Christ with those inside and outside the church. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Though you already know all this, I want to remind you that the Lord at one time delivered his people out of Egypt, but later destroyed those who did not believe” (Jude 1:5).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon series Truth: The Most Endangered Species: 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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God has entrusted believers with something priceless: the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 1:3). In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef challenges Christians to embrace their responsibility as custodians of Gospel Truth—passing it to the next generation unmodified, unwatered-down, and unchanged.

But here’s the danger: many believers rarely open their Bibles, and “we cannot contend for something we don’t know.” When Scripture is neglected, deception becomes inevitable, and false teachers flourish—often appearing kind and spiritually polished while quietly draining the Gospel of its saving power. As Paul warned, they may have “a form of godliness but denying its power” (2 Timothy 3:5).

Dr. Youssef reminds us that contending isn’t about quarrelsome pride—it’s about love for God and love for the lost. The true Gospel transforms people from the inside out, and that’s exactly why it is worth defending. This devotional will strengthen you to know, love, and live the faith—so you can recognize error, speak truth with grace, and hold fast to the whole counsel of God.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the transforming, saving power of Your Gospel. May I be bold to stand against false teaching out of love for You, Your Truth, and the lost in need of redemption. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“For certain individuals whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you” (Jude 1:4).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon series Truth: The Most Endangered Species: 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.

❤️ Support Leading The Way:
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Everyone is created in God’s image, but only those who have been called to follow Jesus have become children of God—and that identity changes everything. In today’s episode of the MY Devotional Podcast, Dr. Michael Youssef anchors your heart in the Father’s lavish love (1 John 3:1) and the unshakable security that flows from belonging to Christ.

Because you are His:

• you can fight temptation through the power of the Holy Spirit,
• you can have peace in turmoil,
• you can contend for the faith with courage,
• and you can rest knowing no one can snatch you from God’s hand (John 10:28–29) and nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38–39).

That security also confronts complacency. Dr. Youssef reminds us that true believers cannot habitually live in careless disobedience. We may still struggle with sin, but conviction drives us back to confession and repentance—and gratitude compels us to submit to the whole counsel of God’s Word.

Finally, this devotional clarifies a vital tension in today’s culture: God’s love does not muddy Truth. Love does not excuse false teaching or “baptize” sin into the Church. Love speaks the Truth—even when it’s unpopular—because the Gospel is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). If you’ve felt intimidated by accusations of narrow-mindedness, this episode will strengthen you to stand firm, love freely, and contend faithfully.

Prayer: Lord, embolden me to proclaim Your Truth in love, that more might come to know eternal life in Christ. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance” (Jude 1:1-2).

Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef’s sermon series Truth: The Most Endangered Species: 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.

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