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Returning to Our Roots
What happens to a tree when its root system is destroyed? The tree can no longer access the nutrients it needs, and it begins to weaken. The leaves wilt, the branches droop, the fruit ceases to grow. Eventually, the tree dies. America was formed and developed from biblical roots, but today our leaders chop away at our foundation.
Call On Me for Great Things
Prayers of faith have great power. They can conquer the unconquerable, overcome our obstacles, accomplish the impossible and vanquish the enemy. The apostle Paul said that God is "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20).
The Freedom of Forgiveness
While hanging from a cross, Jesus uttered seven powerful statements that reveal His heart and ministry to us. Explore the significance of His words and the freedom that can be found through Christ-centered forgiveness.
Breaking the Power of Pessimism
Pessimism is a cunning enemy of a growing faith in Christ. One of the reasons it is so sneaky is that there are times when it masquerades as a virtue. We call it discernment, cautious wisdom, and sometimes we even call it a realistic worldview. At its core, pessimism is unbelief.
Why Our Attitude Matters
Have you ever suffered from a bad attitude — not just a short-term bad mood, but an all-encompassing negative view on life? When we neglect our relationship with Christ, our thoughts become influenced by our sinful human nature instead of being guided by the Holy Spirit. When we forget to draw on God's power to lead our hearts, we quickly succumb to bad attitudes. We become impatient and selfish. We whine when things do not go our way. We become dissatisfied with where God has placed us. We grumble against God's will for our lives. We complain about other believers and our spiritual leaders.
God's Vision for the New Year
Facing a new year can elicit a variety of responses. Some feel a sense of excitement and renewal in looking forward to the coming year. A few feel like life is spinning out of control, wondering where the year went. Others feel lost without a clear purpose in life — something to be or do that makes sense of everything. Regardless of how you feel about the new year, you can be assured that God has a plan for you in it.
Do You Make Room?
Although many people read the account of Jesus' birth each Christmas, how many slow down and truly reflect on the circumstances surrounding this marvelous and miraculous moment in history?
Living a Life of Thanksgiving
God blesses His children in many ways with talent and resources to the assurance of eternal life in heaven. Yet how often do we half-heartedly acknowledge our gifts and then quickly forget the Giver? Learn to live a life of thanksgiving.
Know Your Best Friend
What qualities do you look for in a best friend? Most of us are looking for someone to always be there for us; someone who will never leave us, even when everybody else does.
The Prayer that God Answers
Prayer not only helps us discover the will of God for our lives, it also deepens our relationship with the Savior. Through prayer, we discover the depths of God's mercy and love for us. It is also where we confess our sin and receive His forgiveness.
Let Nothing Steal Your Joy
We set out in the pursuit of pricey possessions, profitable portfolios, impressive careers, and busy social calendars because we have been led to believe that these things will bring us joy. However, when we secure our pursuits, we quickly learn that lasting joy doesn't come from getting what we want.
You Are Salt and Light
Jesus said that we are "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world". Being salt and light is not optional. Jesus did not say you can be ... or you have the potential to be ... He said you are. Everyone who has trusted Christ for salvation and is born again is the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Understanding God's Grace
There can be "gray areas" in the Christian life. You want to please God, yet you're not always sure where the line is between sin and what is acceptable. How much freedom do we have with regard to behavior not explicitly forbidden in the Word of God?
Experiencing God's Power Through Praise
It is easy to praise God when the sun is shining, our children are making good grades in school, and we have received a promotion at work. But when the storm clouds gather, the grades start to slip, and the pink slips are read, the last thing we feel like doing is praising God.
Ultimate Citizenship
Like millions of people before me, I came to America to discover a new life. It has been some 30 years since I stepped off that plane in Los Angeles, but I will never forget that moment. Too, I vividly remember the day, seven years later, when I stood in a courtroom and pledged my allegiance to the United States of America.
We Preach Christ
In these perilous days, the Lord Jesus Christ is separating the sheep from the goats; the wheat from the tare. While these are days of unprecedented opportunity for Gospel ministry and harvest for the Kingdom of God, it is also a time of great attack on the church both from within and without.
The Love of the Father
God gave us earthly fathers to emulate just a fraction of our heavenly Father's love and care for us. This Father's Day, fix your eyes on the one who created you, and who can love you, as you were meant to be loved.
The Blessings of Surrender
In studying the prophet Elisha, we see that God works miraculously to bring victory to those who surrender to Him. Are you in a situation where you feel inadequate? Do you feel like you have nothing to offer? Have you tried every human solution possible, only to realize you have no further options?
When Triumph and Tragedy are Partners
Over the past few years, many people have asked whether or not God is really in control. Trials, tragedies, and feelings of insecurity have altered the way we live. However, there is no need for us to give in to fear or to doubt the goodness of God.
The Marvelous Mom
There are several women in the Bible that are highlighted as examples of character and faith in the Lord. But the most complete description of a woman of noble character is found in Proverbs 31.
Freedom From Fear
Have you ever driven down the highway and noticed that your "check engine" light was on? Even if there was no strange engine noise or visible smoke, you knew the warning light meant something was wrong — and most likely you immediately took the car to your mechanic.
Defeating the Enemy
All around us we see the work of Satan. He tempts us to sin. He plants seeds of bitterness, hate, and envy in hearts. He deceives us with his subtle lies and half-truths. And we only have to look as far as the news to see the results on a global scale.
Our Reigning King
While popular culture ties Easter to chocolate bunnies and colorful eggs, followers of Jesus know that Easter is the celebration of the Resurrection of our Messiah. We know that His short life here on earth was not happenstance. God the Father did not decide as an afterthought that His Son would pay the price for our sins.
Seven Statements from the Cross
From the Cross on Calvary's Hill, Jesus uttered seven powerful statements that reveal His heart for and ministry to us. Each individual statement carries the full weight of the Gospel, but together they are a concise portrait of God's eternal plan of salvation.
Why Jesus Wept
As God's people celebrated their King with great fanfare and worship — Jesus wept. Why would he mourn on His coronation day? Michael Youssef examines this moment in history and offers a parallel to our day.
Remember God's Goodness
Have you ever forgotten an important date? Maybe it was a friend's birthday or your wedding anniversary. With our hectic schedules, sometimes we forget the important things — including the past blessings of God.
Stepping Up to God's Call
Has God ever called you to a difficult task? Maybe you were led to witness to a friend or family member who was resistant to the Gospel. Or perhaps God wanted you to lead a Bible study or small group. How did you feel? Were you frightened, nervous, hesitant — or all of the above?
Who Will Intercede?
It is our calling to reach others for Christ. We must intercede on behalf of all who are lost, so that they in turn can answer Jesus' call. Jesus — after the Resurrection, in every one of the four Gospels, and in the book of Acts — said, "As the Father sent me, I send you."
Faith Conquers Fear
Have you ever felt as if you were wandering alone in the dark, not knowing what was waiting for you in the shadows or when light would ever shine again? The disciples encountered a similar experience during a treacherous sea storm detailed for us in Matthew 8.
Love One Another
The emotional side of love can be a runaway train. By itself, this kind of love can be fragile and unstable. Emotional love can lead to foolish acts designed to attract attention, to nervousness, or to unfounded jealously. However, true and abiding love is grounded in a commitment that goes beyond the emotions to withstand both triumph and tragedy.
Guidance Through The Valley
Who is in control of your life? Who directs your plans, dreams, and goals? We all are influenced by something — our circumstances, our relationships, our pasts, our egos, our greed, or our pride. But only the Lord, the One who created us and every living thing, has the right to claim ownership on our lives.
Four Choices
The Bible from cover to cover teaches about the freedom we have to make choices and the consequences of the choices that we make. For the past two thousand years, world history has been built upon a choice.
Solomon's Secret to a Meaningful Life
Consider for a moment the average person who wakes up early in the morning to to get on the road to get to work on time. He works hard all day and then jumps back into the car to beat the traffic home, so he can sit down to eat and watch television. He then goes to bed so he can do it all again the next day. Does this life sound familiar?
The Resolution of All Resolutions
Have you made any resolutions for 2009? We have many options to choose from when we develop our resolutions. We can choose to focus on self-improvement and the betterment of others. We can choose to change bad habits that will have temporary benefits, or to begin good habits, which will have a lasting impact.
The Gift of Peace
We live in a world that is desperate for peace. Peace between warring countries. Peace in our relationships. Peace in our homes. In this Advent season, we often quote, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!" (Luke 2:14, NKJV). Yet as we look at the world around us, that peace seems more elusive than ever.
The Greatest Gift
Think back on all of your past Christmas holidays. Is there one particular gift that has stood out to you from all of these years? Maybe the gift was something the giver spent time creating and personalizing for you. Maybe you have associated many memories with that special gift.
I Am Not Ashamed
Have you ever been ashamed of the Gospel? It's not something Christians like to admit, but we all have experienced this feeling at some point. Sometimes it's easier to hide our faith than to stand up to the pressure around us.
Give Thanks At All Times
As Americans celebrate Thanksgiving this week, many will reflect on God's blessings in their lives. It is easy to appreciate the wonderful gifts that God has given to us but how many of us are thankful for the unplanned and inconvenient circumstances which we may be facing?
Surely Not Me
Has God ever given you a task that created a sense of panic or dread in your heart? Maybe He was calling you to lead a small group in your home. Perhaps there was a specific person in your life who needed to hear the Gospel message. Instead of rejoicing in this responsibility, you avoided it. When God is prompting you to do something, you must obey Him.
Freedom From Fear
In the United States, we enjoy amazing freedoms of speech, religion, and the press but, despite these political freedoms, fear still imprisons millions of people in this country. It may not be the fear of a dictator, but other types of equally debilitating fears are at work.
Discover Your Treasure House
Are you feeling anxious? Everyday in the U.S., we hear disturbing news reports about the failure of major financial institutions, the growth of unemployment, plummeting home prices, and natural disasters. These serve as a reminder that we are not to put our security, or our treasure, in this world.
David Knew How to Repent
King David was a champion for God but he did not live a Teflon lifestyle. The problems, difficulties, and sorrows of life did not slide past him. He lived a difficult, tragic, and lonely life. His was a life of brokenness.
Know Your Real Enemy
Satan is no myth. Though the devil is often portrayed in a comical sense, he is anything but a joke. Even Christians tend to forget how active and persistent he is, focusing instead on the result of his work — sin, immorality, and the crassness of our society.
The Shack Uncovered
After reading the popular novel, The Shack, I find it necessary to bring to light some of its errors. The book is like a deep ditch covered with beautiful flowers — sadly, many Christians are falling into this ditch.
Change Your Focus
How do you take a negative situation and turn it into a positive one? While economic, social, and political challenges are broadcast from seemingly every outlet, we can be focused on real and personal change.
Truth: Freedom in the Journey
Knowledge alone — even knowledge of the Truth — will not set you free. Only submission to the Truth of Christ can bring change, as Jesus said, "The Truth will set you free" (see John 8:32).
The Tragedy of Cheap Repentance
Our culture is so used to instant gratification that we have applied this mindset to our relationship with Christ. We are looking for instant revival and quick answers to prayer without investing time in a close, constant walk with God. Michael Youssef contrasts cheap repentance with biblical repentance.
The God Who Pursues Us
Christianity is the only faith in which the one true God reaches out to humanity. He pursues and seeks us out; we are the ones who are lost — not God. We can rejoice not only because God seeks us out, but also because we can know our Creator personally and have a thriving, fulfilling relationship with Him.
The Right Way to Remember
Memorial Day is a time to remember the sacrifice of others. It is also a time to thank and praise Jesus Christ — the ultimate sacrifice — for our eternal salvation and freedom. Discover the right way — and the wrong way — to remember His work.
Don't Ever Give Up
Paul told Timothy to "shake off your timidity. Shake off your fear. Shake off your discouragement." This message is as relevant today as it was for the first century Church. In an age that has become increasingly hostile to the Gospel, we need encouragement to never give up.
Faith Comes from Hearing
The Apostle Paul asked the Romans, "How can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear if nobody tells them?" (see Romans 10:14). At Leading The Way, we want to share the Gospel with as many people as we can, so that they can hear — and believe.
A Mother's Love
Michael Youssef makes a spiritual connection between a mother's love and the sacrifice of Jesus.
Competing and Winning
You can win the prize that God has laid up for you. Paul was very conscious of what it meant to compete and win. He stretched himself beyond the limits we normally set for ourselves; in order to achieve the goal that God had given him.
More Than Conquerors
In times of need, the Word of God resonates anew with those who are in the thick of debilitating issues like divorce, addiction, and personal loss. See how the passionate proclamation of God's unchanging Truth is having an impact on Leading The Way's partners.
The Cross Conundrum
Our path as Christians is to help people be transformed from seeing the Cross as an offense, to receiving the peace, power, and grace of the Cross.
Spiritually Bored?
If your spiritual love life suffers from boredom, a new Bible study or Christian conference will not likely change things. Spiritual boredom can only be cured when you learn to love Jesus with all of your heart.
The Key to a Positive Life
For more than fifty years, we've been told that positive thinking is the key to success. But this way of life requires the mental and emotional energy to say throughout the day, "Be positive! Be positive!" There must be a better way to live — and if there is, it can only come from the Word of God.
"One Thing I Do"
What is keeping you from accomplishing what you've set out to do? Millions of people use the New Year as an opportunity to make changes, but far more fail than succeed. Michael Youssef shares biblical insight to help you reach your goals in 2008.
The Love That Gives
Christmas was first celebrated as a joyous remembrance of Jesus' birth, and gifts were given to others as a way of honoring the One who gave the greatest gift of all. But with each succeeding generation, Christmas has increasingly become a season of unfulfilled expectations.
Discover God's Vision
God brought you into His kingdom for a purpose — so that you might have His vision and obey His vision. God wants to use you to see the needs around you, and to meet them.
What Does God Think of Thanksgiving?
When Michael Youssef was a young boy, his mother encouraged him to memorize Scripture. One verse in particular stands out for him today — 1 Samuel 2:30, in which God says: "Those who honor me I will honor" (NIV). Read four principles of gratitude that have marked Dr. Youssef.
Bad News Made Better
When you're hit with bad news — you can get angry, you can get stressed and depressed, or you can look to God. Don't bang your head against the wall — get God's help through a couple of key insights from the life of Nehemiah.
Not By Might, Or By Power ...
Have you ever read a Scripture passage about Noah, Abraham, Rahab, or Moses and thought, "I could never do that"? See what makes these biblical heroes just like us.
The Spirit's Fruit
To become more like Jesus, we must become less like ourselves. When this happens, we will recognize the fruit of God's Spirit in our thoughts and actions. Discover how God's Spirit bears fruit in us.
Why the Ten Commandments?
Now more than ever, we must understand the significance, purpose, and practical need for the Ten Commandments.
Michael Youssef explains the difference between the ceremonial, civil, and moral law — and helps us see why the moral law is vital for our lives today.
Running With Perseverance
When you're running the spiritual race, do you ever feel stuck in the starting blocks? Or winded after the first turn? Take heart — all of us have felt that way.
Building Your Family's Foundation
When we separate work from family, family from church, and church from neighborhood, our lives become fragmented.
3.9 x '09 Project Completed
Now 3.9 billion people can hear a Gospel message in their own language through Leading The Way.
A Spiritual Memorial Day
Memorial Day is a reminder to us of the price paid for our freedom. But without purposeful effort, this holiday can become no more than a day off to spend in the sun with our friends and family.
You Want Me to Do What?
God is calling us, as His followers, to step up — just as He called Joshua to step up. And when God calls you to a work, He will always give you the ability to accomplish it.
Speeding Through Life
Have you ever sped up to make it through a yellow light? Did the light turn red as you were rolling through?
Making Peace with Anger
Anger has a God-ordained purpose in our lives — to motivate us to do something about the injustices and evil that we encounter.
Fulfill God's Call on Your Life
Moses was often reluctant to do what God called him to do. It wasn't until God had emptied Moses of his pride that God used him. In the same way, you must empty yourself of yourself for God to use you to the fullest.
Relationships for Eternity
Jesus shows us how love should be interwoven throughout all of our relationships — from friendships to marriage. This Valentine's season, take a look at how to apply biblical love to every area of your life.
"Live Life at its Best"
We all want to live the good life — but too often, our vision of life at its very best is filled only with ideas of wealth, health, and success. Discover what a truly fulfilling life looks like and how to get it — as Michael Youssef introduces his newest teaching series.
"One Thing I Do"
What is keeping you from accomplishing what you've set out to do? Millions of people use the New Year as an opportunity to make changes, but far more fail than succeed.
"What's So 'Merry' About Christmas?"
Christmas is merry not because of the warm memories, the nice smells, and the packages you give and receive, but because the Son of God came to take away the sins of the world.
Turning Trouble into Triumph
Trials in life will come, there is no escaping them. But we can have victory. Michael Youssef uses an example from King David's life to demonstrate the secret to his triumph over trouble and how he found perfect rest in the Lord.
What Does God Think of Thanksgiving?
When I was a young boy, my mother encouraged me to memorize Scripture. One verse in particular she had me commit to memory was 1 Samuel 2:30, in which God says: "Those who honor me I will honor" (NIV). To this day, this verse speaks volumes to me.
Standing on the Promises of God: Facing Flames without Getting Burned
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew a little something about walking through fire. Take another look at this familiar Bible story and learn how you can stand on the promises of God — even in the midst of flames.
Discover the Power of One: Acquiring Boldness
How can we overcome the timidity we feel in troublesome situations? In an excerpt from his new book, Michael Youssef explains how to acquire boldness from God to make a difference in our culture.
Rejoicing — Despite Your Obstacles
When you face obstacles in your life, don't despair, God wants you to look to Him. No matter what the problem you may be facing — whether it's a broken relationship ... a bad report from your doctor ... or a financial crisis — you can tackle it with the strength of God.
'To My Beloved Grandson'
Michael Youssef celebrates Father's Day — his first as a grandparent — with a letter to his grandchild, born earlier this year. Catch a glimpse of what he wants to pass on to the next generation.
Leading The Way in Action
Delivering the message of Christ in 15 languages — and counting — Leading The Way has started broadcasting in two new countries ... and more new programming is on the way.
En Español: Dual-Language Outreach Grows
Less than a year since Leading The Way launched its English/Spanish dual-language broadcast, the ministry is expanding the program by leaps and bounds. You can help support and expand this Spanish outreach.
Victory in an Empty Tomb
An empty tomb from more than 2,000 years ago remains the most relevant event both in history and in millions of lives today.
Proclaiming Christ in Cantonese
As China continues preparing for the 2008 Olympic Games, Leading The Way is launching its second dual-language broadcast for the Chinese people.
Unlock the Secrets of Positive Living
In this exclusive interview, Michael Youssef identifies 15 secrets of positive living from his new teaching series.
The Trip of a Lifetime
As her plane approached Israel, Karen Hall looked out the window, her eyes filling with tears. "It’s like coming home," Hall remembered about the trip she took with Leading The Way.
Struggling with Scripture
It's the best-selling book of all time — yet, for many Christians, studying the Bible remains a challenge. Does this trend apply to you?
The Baby That Changed Everything
A popular advertising campaign serves as a reminder of an infant who altered the world — and eternity — forever. What child is this?
A Testimony from China: Learning to Praise God in Every Situation
An Internet listener in China learns to praise God in every situation, despite facing a major trial.
On Being Thankful
Developing a truly grateful heart — and being thankful every day in all circumstances — can be challenging. Discover four keys to thankful living.
The Right Time to Reach China
It is estimated that there are more people learning to speak English in China than there are people who speak English in the United States. See how Leading The Way is poised to share Jesus at this significant time.
The Best Kind of Reality TV
Something as simple and mundane as pushing buttons on a television remote can be used by God for His Glory. Read more about this story and other ways God is working through the ministry of Leading The Way.
Arabic Outreach: U.S.
"We Christians in the U.S. ... send missionaries overseas. Now we have the people of overseas in our country ... and our neighborhood. I think we have to reach them."
— Arabic ministry partner of Leading The Way
The Greatest Need
"As I walked through the rubble of family homes, I was struck with so many powerful emotions, flooding over me just as Katrina had flooded the area where I was standing.” — Michael Youssef
‘Go and Do Likewise’: Reaching Out After Hurricane Katrina
Leading The Way is helping to fill the spiritual void many victims of Hurricane Katrina are facing. More than 2,000 Bibles and devotional materials have already been distributed.
Christ Alone: Confronting a Culture of Change
As today’s evolving society seems to alter the unalterable, Christians must defend the notion that God has not changed. Dr. Michael Youssef shares his conviction for our culture to return to Scripture and to the immutable Christ.
The Christian Experience in China
Meet Christians in China who listen regularly to Leading The Way. Joshua Youssef shares more from his travels to China, including the joy he witnessed on the faces of so many.
Field Report: China
Imagine millions of young people desiring to learn English ... while hearing a life-altering message that Jesus loves them and died for them.
More Use Media as Spiritual Outlet: Survey Supports Focus of Leading The Way
Christian media may be playing a larger role in people’s lives than even regular church services, according to a recent survey by The Barna Group.
Do you have a perfect marriage?
There's no such thing as a perfect marriage. We are not perfect people — therefore, we can't have perfect marriages. But we can have blessed ones. A blessed marriage is like a three-legged stool.
Father’s Day: Grace in Parenting
"Before I became a father, I was an expert on bringing up children. I told people exactly how to go about it. Then I had children." — Michael Youssef
Out of the Ashes ... A Personal Story of Loss and Healing
After losing his job — and his wife — Bryan wanted healing. “A lot of things were falling apart ...,” says the 38-year-old father of three, who is separated.
Remember: A Memorial Day Reflection
Whenever I find myself in the spiritual dumps, I discover that it is because I have ceased to remember God’s past mercies on me.
Biblical Insight on Parenting: Dealing with Strong-Willed and Compliant Children
Michael Youssef takes a story from Scripture to help you in your struggle with a challenging son or daughter. He also looks at what trouble may be brewing beneath the surface.
A Mother's Love
Leading The Way receives frequent correspondence from mothers concerned about their children. Dr. Michael Youssef makes a spiritual connection between a mother's love and the sacrifice of Jesus.
Radio Active: Broadcast Changes Woman's Life
She wanted to be a good wife, a good mother, a good housekeeper — but she didn't seem to be measuring up. Read the full story.
The Death of a Pope: Media Attention Raises Questions
Some of Leading The Way's viewers and listeners have asked Dr. Youssef for his thoughts on the media's coverage of Pope John Paul II. Dr. Youssef responds.
Hope After Years of Heartache
At 29, she had a successful career and enjoyed traveling, skiing and biking. But a series of strokes and a heart infection that spread to her brain changed all of that.
The Daily Bible Sets Records
The goal of so many Christians each new year is to spend more time with God. For Leading The Way supporters, this year has begun with a strong commitment toward that goal. Read what others are saying.
Biblical Response to the Tsunamis
In Luke 13:1-5, Jesus tells us how to answer the question, "Why do tragedies happen?" In this passage, Jesus was responding to some who asked him about seemingly senseless tragedies. His answer then will guide us today.
Field Report from Joshua Youssef
Leading The Way’s Joshua Youssef reflects on a ministry trip to the Middle East and a meeting with Palestinian President Yasser Arafat.
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