His Illuminating Power

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

If you have ever tried to read a book by candlelight during a power blackout, you know that the dim and flickering flame provides poor illumination for reading. I would prefer a bright, steady 100-watt bulb any day. Bright light makes a book easier to read and easier to understand. In the same way, the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit makes the Bible plain and understandable. Trying to grasp God’s Word by reading by the dim and flickering candle flame of our human understanding is simply foolish, especially when the brilliant light of God is available for the asking.

The Holy Spirit wants to guide our steps and help us to make wise decisions—but if we quench the flame of the Spirit, we will wander in darkness and invite disaster. The Holy Spirit wants to give us the power to overcome temptation—but if we quench the flame of the Spirit, we leave ourselves wide open to Satan’s deception. The Holy Spirit wants to open the eyes of our spiritual understanding—but if we quench the flame of the Spirit, we remain willfully blind and ignorant of reality.

We quench the Spirit when we insist on clinging to our pride and our confidence in our own strength. We quench the Spirit when we cling to sin and unforgiveness. We quench the Spirit when we replace the wisdom of the Word of God with our human folly. And we should be aware that not only can individuals quench the Spirit, but entire churches can quench the Spirit. Many churches today exhibit great pride and self-confidence, tolerate sin and practice unforgiveness, and have replaced God’s Word with human ideas and programs.

When individual believers and entire congregations quench the Spirit, disaster will follow as surely as the night follows the day. So Paul’s counsel, “Do not quench the Spirit,” is as timely today as when he first wrote those simple-yet-profound words.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for the times when I have quenched the Holy Spirit in my life, leaning on my own fallible understanding. Help me to turn away from such pride and to trust and hope in You, obeying Your Word by Your Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Ephesians 1:17).

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

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Until Christ Returns: Living Confidently in Turbulent Times, Part 8: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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