Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef

Leading The Way

Dr. Michael Youssef

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Devotionals by Dr. Michael Youssef

 

A Prayer of Humility

Our world focuses on an unhealthy elevation of self.  Yet the Bible tells us, "The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground" (Psalms 147:6). A healthy concept of self is rooted in who we are in Jesus Christ, not in our own accomplishments or successes. God wants us to acknowledge Him, not ourselves, in all things.

When God sent His Son to earth, He did not choose someone of wealth or power to become Christ's mother. He did not search out the most beautiful or the most intelligent or the most charming woman. God chose Mary based on her character and humility.

Just like in Mary's time, people today seek wealth and power, yet God honors the humble. People may cower before the strong and the mighty, but God uses the weak and the desperate. People may be impressed by culture and class, but God blesses those who are broken in spirit. People may be eager to bow to celebrities, but God despises the haughty and the proud. People may worship at the shrine of materialism, but God is looking for the faithful and the contrite.

Proverbs tells us, "He mocks proud mockers but gives grace to the humble" (Proverbs 3:34). We read in Psalms that, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise" (Psalms 51:17).

Mary understood her place and purpose in this world. She knew any grace and favor she found were a gift of the Lord, not something engineered by her own abilities. In her famous prayer, often called The Magnificat, Mary humbly praises God for choosing her to give birth to His Son.

"And Mary said: ‘My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers" (Luke 1:46-55).

Even though her unwed pregnancy could have led to execution in her society, she praised God. She maintained confidence in God alone and rejoiced at the opportunity to serve Him. She did not focus on herself but on magnifying the Lord. She praised Him for His mercy and favor, not her own strengths. She acknowledged His faithfulness, not her own accomplishments. Mary's deepest concern was the glory of God, not her own safety or circumstances.

How humble is your heart before God? Do you continue to claim credit for your successes or do you give glory to God for everything you have? Spend time praising Him today for His faithfulness and generosity. Acknowledge that everything you have comes from Him alone. "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up" (James 4:10).

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves." 
Philippians 2:3

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Fearless Living in Troubled Times
 
Imagine a life of peace and purpose in the midst of global instability, national tension, and personal crisis. Dr. Michael Youssef’s new book Fearless Living in Troubled Times provides the vital information needed to unlock that life. Living in constant fear and anxiety are not God’s plan for your life, and this book focuses on living a God-honoring life, overcoming fear through the right perspective, and understanding the true nature of the end times. Get your copy today for your gift of any amount.

We are Leading The Way for people living in spiritual darkness, at home and around the world, to discover the light of Christ as we passionately proclaim uncompromising Truth. Visit us today at http://www.ltw.org/

Listen to Michael Youssef on Today's Broadcast of "Leading The Way" at OnePlace.com

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About Leading The Way

Along with partners committed to changing the world, Dr. Michael Youssef is leading the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. By passionately proclaiming uncompromising Truth through print, web, television, and radio, this international team of experts is uniquely providing hope that is revolutionizing lives at home — and around the world.

What began as a small local radio ministry in 1988 has grown into an international ministry reaching millions for Christ — including a vast audience in the Muslim world seeking Truth in closed countries. Leading The Way's television and radio programs are broadcast in more than 25 languages to audiences across six continents. Leading The Way also produces DVDs, CDs, books, a monthly devotional magazine, solar-powered Navigators, and daily e-devotionals to spread the light of Christ. In 2009, the ministry launched its own 24/7 satellite TV channel, reaching the Muslim world with Gospel programming in English, Arabic, French, and Indonesian. Leading The Way utilizes field teams to evangelize and disciple viewers in closed countries and help persecuted Christians on the ground.

Dr. Youssef and the Leading The Way staff are committed to sharing the Gospel with the lost and equipping believers to grow into a deeper walk with Christ. Learn how you can partner with this unique ministry today.

About Dr. Michael Youssef

Michael Youssef, Ph.D., is the Founder and President of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and field ministry teams. His weekly television programs and daily radio programs are broadcast more than 13,000 times per week in multiple languages throughout the world. He is also the founding pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia.

Dr. Youssef was born in Egypt and lived in Lebanon and Australia before coming to the United States. In 1984, he fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. Dr. Youssef holds degrees from Moore College in Sydney, Australia; Fuller Theological Seminary in California; and a Ph.D. in social anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 30 books, including his most recent, Fearless Living in Troubled Times. He and his wife reside in Atlanta and have four grown children and 10 grandchildren.

Contact Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef

Mailing Address
Leading The Way
P.O. Box 20100
Atlanta, GA 30325
Telephone: 
(404) 841-0100

Toll-free line
(800) 337-5323
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