The ultimate expression of praise to God is found in the way we live our lives. A life that is obedient to the Lord—to His written commandments and to the daily guidance of the Holy Spirit—is a life of praise.

God does not want us to be idle Christians, absorbing His teachings but keeping the Truth to ourselves. God is looking for those who are not only hearers and speakers of His Word but also doers of His Word. God wants us to be active in our churches, using the spiritual gifts He has given us and seeking to do His will in ministry.

When we faithfully exalt the goodness and forgiveness and protection of God, we realize that we’re the recipients of these blessings in His tender care. We develop a growing desire to give this care to others and to lead them to God so they also will receive His blessings. When we focus on how wonderful it is to be called a child of God and we recognize the awesome reality that we’ve been saved from everlasting hell, we’re driven to lead others to Christ so they, too, might be saved. True, heart-felt praise will spur us into action to want to share our joy with others.

As we move into a life of praise, we soon discover that praise builds on itself. The more we praise God, the more we long to praise Him. And praise leads to faith, which leads to boldness in prayer, which leads to an outpouring of God’s Spirit, which leads to confidence and boldness in action.

Prayer: God, I pray that the way I live my life will be a praise offering to You. Thank You for all that You’ve done for me and for the privilege of being Your child. Help me to share my joy with those around me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live” (Psalm 104:33).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Empowered by Praise, Part 2: LISTEN 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.



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