# Ed Young

> Ed Young is the founding and senior pastor of Fellowship Church in Grapevine, Texas, and an author and conference speaker who has taught for more than three decades. EdYoung.com publishes free Bible-based articles and five-minute daily devotionals (Read, Think, Apply, Pray) on practical faith: marriage, family, fear, prayer, purpose, money, and more.

Content is written in Ed Young's voice from his sermons. Devotionals are organized by topic and by book of the Bible.

## Start here
- [Daily Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/devotionals): Every devotional, newest first. A new one is published each morning.
- [Articles](https://www.edyoung.com/articles): Long-form answers to common faith questions.
- [About Ed Young](https://www.edyoung.com/about): Biography of Pastor Ed Young.
- [Get the daily devotional by email](https://www.edyoung.com/sign-up/daily-devotionals): Free daily email.

## Devotionals by topic
- [Trust & Surrender Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/trust-and-surrender)
- [Purpose & Calling Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/purpose-and-calling)
- [Hope & Encouragement Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/hope-and-encouragement)
- [Worship & Gratitude Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/worship-and-gratitude)
- [Temptation & Sin Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/temptation-and-sin)
- [Grief, Suffering & Trials Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/suffering-and-trials)
- [Forgiveness & Grace Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/forgiveness-and-grace-devotionals)
- [Relationships & Friendship Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/relationships-and-friendship)
- [Words & Speech Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/words-and-speech)
- [Rest & Sabbath Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/rest-and-sabbath)
- [Patience & Waiting Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/patience-and-waiting)
- [Heaven & Eternity Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/heaven-and-eternity)
- [Prayer & Talking to God Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/prayer-and-talking-to-god)
- [Christmas & Advent Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/christmas-and-advent)
- [Easter & Resurrection Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/easter-and-resurrection)
- [Marriage & Couples Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/marriage-and-sex)
- [Family & Parenting Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/family-and-parenting)
- [Fear & Anxiety Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/fear-and-anxiety)
- [Generosity & Money Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/generosity-and-money)
- [Faith & Identity Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/faith-and-identity)
- [Gospel & Evangelism Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/gospel-and-evangelism)
- [Sexuality & Culture Devotionals](https://www.edyoung.com/topics/sexuality-and-culture)

## Articles

### Purpose & Calling
- [God Is Calling You — Will You Answer? What Moses Teaches About God's Call (Exodus 3–4)](https://www.edyoung.com/article/god-is-calling-you-moses): God is calling you — the question is how you'll respond. Moses gave every excuse in the book. Here's what his burning-bush moment teaches about answering.
- [Sluggard School or University of Ant](https://www.edyoung.com/article/sluggard-school-or-university-of-ant): Work is from God. God gave us work before sin entered the planet. Work is a gift. God gave us a plat
- [What Makes Someone a Godly Leader?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/how-to-be-a-godly-leader): What makes someone a godly leader? It's not a strategy or a book. It's a habit Moses learned from his father-in-law that changed everything.
- [Workplace or Worship Space](https://www.edyoung.com/article/workplace-or-worship-space): When I say “work,” what goes through your mind? I don't care if you're a homemaker, a pastor, a poet

### Hope & Encouragement
- [How Do You Get Out of Depression? What Elijah Teaches Us (1 Kings 19)](https://www.edyoung.com/article/stages-of-depression-elijah): Even Elijah — right after his greatest victory — begged God to take his life. Here's what his story shows about how depression starts, and how you get out.

### Temptation & Sin
- [Dysfunctional Adult Children: A Deep Dive Into Sinful Behavior](https://www.edyoung.com/article/dysfunctional-adult-children-a-deep-dive-into-sinful-behavior): This article delves into the harmful and dysfunctional behaviors that often result from emotional baggage and family dysfunction. The author discusses the seven deadly sins and how they can hold us back in life, and emphasizes the importance of confessing and renouncing these behaviors in order to find mercy and overcome dysfunction. The article also provides practical tips for identifying and addressing these behaviors in order to move towards healing and healthier relationships.
- [Getting Rid of Dysfunction](https://www.edyoung.com/article/getting-rid-of-dysfunction): This article explores the concept of dysfunction and its effects on our lives. It discusses the root of dysfunction, the signs of dysfunction, and how to heal from it. The article also provides strategies for overcoming dysfunction, such as confessing and renouncing sin, getting specific about the issues that need to be addressed, and relying on God's strength to push through challenges. It concludes with a discussion on the importance of forgiveness and letting go of our dysfunction in order to live a fulfilling and purposeful life.
- [How to Break Generational Curses and Cycles of Dysfunction](https://www.edyoung.com/article/how-to-break-generational-curses-and-cycles-of-dysfunction): Generational patterns are real — but they are not permanent. Here's what the Bible actually says about generational curses, and how to break the cycle for good.
- [Romans 12:21: What It Means to Overcome Evil With Good](https://www.edyoung.com/article/romans-12-21-overcome-evil-with-good): Romans 12:21 says don't let evil conquer you — conquer evil by doing good. Here's what that verse actually means, and six ways to live it out.
- [What Is Spiritual Warfare? What the Bible Says and How to Fight It](https://www.edyoung.com/article/what-is-spiritual-warfare): What is spiritual warfare? Learn what the Bible says about Satan, strongholds, and the signs of spiritual attack, and how to fight from victory in Christ.

### Grief, Suffering & Trials
- [How Do You Let Go of Emotional Baggage?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/how-to-handle-emotional-baggage): Emotional baggage is the weight of unhealed pain you carry from your past. Here's what the Bible says about letting it go — and how to actually do it.
- [How Do You Trust God When You're in Pain?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/how-do-you-trust-god-when-youre-in-pain): Pain is the question most people have against God. The Bible’s answer isn’t an explanation — it’s a path. Here’s the framework Ed and Lisa Young have lived out since losing their daughter LeeBeth.

### Forgiveness & Grace
- [How Do I Learn to Forgive? (When I Don’t Feel Like It)](https://www.edyoung.com/article/how-do-i-learn-to-forgive): Forgiveness isn't a feeling you wait for — it's a decision you make. Here's what the Bible says about how to forgive, even when you don't feel like it.

### Relationships & Friendship
- [Choosing Friends With a Positive Influence](https://www.edyoung.com/article/choosing-friends-with-a-positive-influence): This article discusses the importance of choosing friends who have a positive influence on our lives. It explains how our friends can reflect who we are and how they can shape our future. The article also provides questions to consider when choosing friends, such as whether they motivate us to love God more and celebrate God's blessings in our lives. The importance of choosing friends who have our back and are trustworthy is also highlighted. The article encourages readers to look for healthy friendships in church and warns of the dangers of negative friendships.
- [Find Friendships and Fellowship with Other Followers of Christ](https://www.edyoung.com/article/find-friendships-and-fellowship-with-other-followers-of-christ): This article discusses the importance of choosing the right friends and relationships in life and how to find fellowship with other followers of Christ. The article explains that friendships are the most significant force in our lives, next to our family, and that we need Christian friendships and relationships to satisfy our desire for relationships. The article also warns against being yoked together with unbelievers and encourages seeking out relationships with believers in order to grow in faith and avoid the pitfalls of the wrong relationships.
- [How Do You Choose Friends Wisely? (6 Questions to Ask)](https://www.edyoung.com/article/how-do-you-choose-friends-wisely): Your friends predict your future. Here are 6 biblical questions to tell the right friends from the wrong ones — and how to choose your circle wisely.
- [The Sway of ‘They’](https://www.edyoung.com/article/the-sway-of-they): The book of Proverbs is full of wisdom about how we should conduct our lives. We’re looking specific
- [What Does It Mean to Be Unequally Yoked?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/what-does-it-mean-to-be-unequally-yoked): Being unequally yoked means being bound in your most important relationships with someone who doesn’t share your faith. It’s not about isolating yourself from the world. Here’s what it actually means — and why it matters.

### Words & Speech
- [Words](https://www.edyoung.com/article/words): What does it mean to be a fool? The word “fool” means to be open. You’re open to anything and everyt

### Heaven & Eternity
- [What Happens When You Die? What the Bible Says About Heaven](https://www.edyoung.com/article/what-in-the-heaven-is-going-on-understanding-eternity): One out of one people die. So what actually happens next? Here's what the Bible really says about heaven — not folklore, not guesswork, but what God actually tells us about where we're going.

### Prayer & Talking to God
- [How to Pray: The Simple Pattern Jesus Gave Us](https://www.edyoung.com/article/how-to-pray): Not sure how to pray? Jesus gave His followers a simple pattern in the Lord's Prayer. Here's how to actually talk to God—no fancy words required.

### Marriage & Couples
- [How Do I Bring Romance Back Into My Marriage?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/how-to-keep-romance-alive-in-marriage): Romance isn't an event — it's an environment. Here are the romance wreckers, what the Bible says about sex in Christian marriage, and the recipe that brings it back.
- [How Do I Communicate Better With My Spouse?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/the-dos-and-dont-of-marriage-communication): How do I communicate better with my spouse? 69% of marriage fights are never fully resolved — but they can be managed. Here's what actually works, and what doesn't.
- [How Do I Have a Godly Marriage? (Real Christian Marriage Advice)](https://www.edyoung.com/article/the-secrets-to-a-successful-marriage): How do I have a godly marriage? Marriage is more about holiness than happiness. Here are the keys to a successful Christian marriage, built on God's design.
- [How Do I Save My Marriage? (Before It Ends in Divorce)](https://www.edyoung.com/article/how-to-protect-your-marriage-from-divorce): Most marriages don't end overnight — they drift. Here are the three warning signs that lead to divorce, the transitions that break couples, and the anchor that holds.
- [What Is the Purpose of Marriage? Why Did God Invent It?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/the-purpose-of-marriage): What's the purpose of marriage? God didn't design it as a contract for mutual happiness — He designed it as a covenant. Here's why that matters.

### Family & Parenting
- [Biblical Parenting in a Woke World: How to Raise Kids Who Stand Firm](https://www.edyoung.com/article/christian-parenting-advice-8-ways-to-protect-your-kids-from-the-woke-world): Biblical parenting has never been harder than in a woke culture. Here's how to shepherd your kids with a Christian worldview, from Deuteronomy 6 to the dinner table.
- [Build Your House God's Way](https://www.edyoung.com/article/build-your-house-gods-way): This article discusses how to build a Christian family that follows God's design and serves as a holy objective utilized to serve everyone. It explains the meaning of the acronym H-O-U-S-E, which stands for holy, objective, utilized, serve, and everyone, and provides practical tips on how to apply these principles in your family. The article also emphasizes the importance of being a covenant family, writing down and sharing the blessings of God, and living in obedience to God's Word.
- [Family First](https://www.edyoung.com/article/family-first): This article discusses the importance of putting God first in the family and how to do so by focusing on truth, honor, righteousness, purity, loveliness, and excellence, rejecting the influence of the enemy, and responding to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. It also emphasizes the role of the church as the family of God and the importance of modeling godly behavior for children. The article encourages readers to prioritize their relationship with God and to seek His plan for their families in order to create a healthy, God-centered home.
- [God's Formula for a Successful Family](https://www.edyoung.com/article/gods-formula-for-a-successful-family): This article discusses God's design for a successful family, including the importance of putting God first, the role of marriage and parenting, and strategies for creating harmony within the family unit. The article also covers the importance of forgiveness and communication, and the role of the church in the family dynamic. The article offers practical tips for establishing a successful family, including setting priorities, incorporating romance, and practicing forgiveness.
- [God’s Design for a Christian Family](https://www.edyoung.com/article/gods-design-for-a-christian-family): This article explores the divine design of a Christian family, the importance of having a safe and healing environment in the home, and the role of parents in creating such an environment. The article offers practical tips for making a Christian family a "trauma center" for healing and growth, including motivated parenting, an educated approach, a dedicated plan, and an open-door policy. The article also discusses the importance of forgiveness in maintaining a healthy family dynamic.
- [How to Discipline Your Kids God's Way](https://www.edyoung.com/article/raising-a-christian-family): Most parents only think about discipline after behavior breaks down. Here are five principles from Scripture — including the equation Lisa and I use that changed everything about how we parent.
- [How to Raise Kids Who Actually Follow Jesus](https://www.edyoung.com/article/how-to-raise-kids-who-follow-jesus): Sports, school, activities — there’s a lot competing for your family’s time and attention. Here’s what Lisa and I have learned about keeping faith at the center, and why it’s the only priority that shapes their eternity.
- [What is a Christian Family?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/what-is-a-christian-family): Christian family is a unit ordained by God with the purpose of developing full-court followers of Christ. It is founded on love, modeled on a healthy marriage, and structured with God as the founder, the father as the CEO, and the mother as the president. A Christian family is also built on the foundation of the Word of God, and it is a place for growth, accountability, and belonging. It is also a place where each member is valued and respected, and where the love of Christ is demonstrated through service and sacrifice.

### Fear & Anxiety
- [Fear of Rejection](https://www.edyoung.com/article/fear-of-rejection): All of us deal with fear, especially the fear of rejection. One definition of rejection is throwing
- [How to Deal with Rejection](https://www.edyoung.com/article/how-to-deal-with-rejection): When was the first time you ever felt rejected? When was the first time someone turned their back on
- [The Fear of Truth](https://www.edyoung.com/article/the-fear-of-truth): When Jesus was on trial for his life, Pontius Pilate asked him, “What is truth?” This is a great que
- [The Fear of the Unknown](https://www.edyoung.com/article/the-fear-of-the-unknown): When I was a child, I was terrified of a ‘little man’ who I imagined lived upstairs where my bedroom
- [What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety? (And How to Stop Worrying)](https://www.edyoung.com/article/what-does-the-bible-say-about-anxiety): Anxiety can strangle your mind and steal your peace. Here's what the Bible — and Jesus Himself — says about worry, and how to actually stop being anxious.
- [What Does the Bible Say About Fear?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/how-to-conquer-fear): Fear is the most common command in the Bible — "fear not" appears over 300 times. Here's what God actually says about it, why some fear is healthy, and the one shift that changes everything.
- [Why Are So Many People Afraid of Commitment?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/fear-of-commitment): It's not just psychology. Fear of commitment is a heart issue with a biblical answer — and what's really driving it might surprise you.

### Generosity & Money
- [Is Gambling a Sin?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/is-gambling-a-sin): Is gambling a sin? The Bible doesn't use that word, but it speaks directly to greed and covetousness. Here's what Scripture actually says — and when gambling crosses the line.

### Faith & Identity
- [Find True Freedom Within God's Framework](https://www.edyoung.com/article/find-true-freedom-within-gods-framework): Explore the paradox of freedom within boundaries in our faith journey. Discover God's divine frame in our lives and the true freedom it brings. Embrace your role as God's masterpiece.
- [The New Testament Explained: A Simple Overview of All 27 Books](https://www.edyoung.com/article/the-new-testament): What is the New Testament about? A plain-English overview of all 27 books — the Gospels, Acts, Paul's letters, and Revelation — and the one story running through them.
- [What Do Christians Believe? 7 Core Beliefs of Biblical Christianity](https://www.edyoung.com/article/7-beliefs-that-set-biblical-christianity-apart-in-a-woke-world): What do Christians actually believe? Here are 7 core beliefs of biblical Christianity, the full counsel of God, not just the parts that are easy to hear.
- [What Does Folly Mean in the Bible?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/wisdom-or-folly): What does folly mean in the Bible? It's not stupidity. It's living without God at the center. Here's the real meaning and how to walk the path of wisdom.
- [What Does It Mean to Fear God?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/the-fear-of-god): What does fear of God mean? Not being afraid of him — but a 24/7 awareness that he sees everything. Proverbs says it's where wisdom begins.
- [What Is Spiritual Authority?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/what-is-spiritual-authority): Spiritual authority is the God-given, legal right to act in your world. Learn what it is, where it comes from, and how to walk in it.
- [What Is a Biblical Worldview? (And How It's Different From a Secular One)](https://www.edyoung.com/article/a-christian-worldview-is-the-worlds-view-filtered-through-gods-truth): A biblical worldview puts God at the center; a secular one puts man there. Here's what that means, how the two differ, and why it shapes everything.
- [What Is a Christian Worldview? A Simple Definition](https://www.edyoung.com/article/what-is-a-christian-worldview): What is a Christian worldview, really? Here's a clear definition, how it differs from a secular one, and how to tell which lens you're actually looking through.
- [What Is the Old Testament? A Simple Guide to Understanding the Whole Story](https://www.edyoung.com/article/a-primer-the-old-testament): The Old Testament is 39 books written by 28 authors over 2,000 years — but it tells one unified story. Here’s a simple guide to understanding the flow, the major events, and why it all points to Jesus.
- [Why Is the Fear of God the Beginning of Wisdom?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/why-is-the-fear-of-god-the-beginning-of-wisdom): Proverbs 1:7 says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Here's what that actually means—and why real wisdom starts there, not with knowledge.

### Gospel & Evangelism
- [How to Share the Gospel: A Simple Way to Explain Your Faith to Anyone](https://www.edyoung.com/article/how-to-share-the-gospel): Sharing the gospel doesn't have to be complicated or awkward. Here's a simple, four-part way to explain your faith to anyone in a normal conversation.
- [What Makes a Healthy Church?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/what-makes-a-healthy-church): A healthy church isn’t defined by the size of its building or the quality of its production. It’s defined by movement — people at every stage of faith actively moving toward Christ and pulling others with them.
- [Why Did Jesus Have to Die? A Direct Answer](https://www.edyoung.com/article/why-did-jesus-have-to-die): Jesus had to die because God's justice required a perfect substitute for human sin — and only someone who was fully God and fully man could do it. Here's the direct answer, and what it means for you.

### Sexuality & Culture
- [3 Problems With Technology](https://www.edyoung.com/article/3-problems-with-technology): Why do we say things online that we would never say to someone’s face? Why do we make unkind comment
- [Cultural Philosophies Opposing Christianity](https://www.edyoung.com/article/cultural-philosophies-opposing-christianity): I've been part of a category 5 hurricane before, and the most damaging aspect of a hurricane is the
- [Marked By Marxism](https://www.edyoung.com/article/marked-by-marxism): When I was in college, a girl in one of my classes wore a black T-shirt with a picture of Karl Marx.
- [Marxism in the Church Today](https://www.edyoung.com/article/marxism-in-the-church-today): The Bible says in Colossians 2:8–1, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and dece
- [The Ride of Pride](https://www.edyoung.com/article/the-ride-of-pride): Technology is a fantastic tool. It connects us in a way we’ve never been linked in the past. However
- [What Does It Mean to Be Woke? A Biblical Perspective on Woke Culture](https://www.edyoung.com/article/what-does-it-mean-to-be-woke-a-biblical-perspective): "Woke" sounds good on the surface, but what does it really mean? Here's an honest, biblical look at woke culture, where it came from, and how to filter it.
- [What Does the Bible Say About Drinking Alcohol?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/what-does-the-bible-say-about-drinking-alcohol): The Bible permits moderate drinking but calls drunkenness a sin. Here's what Scripture says about alcohol — and the three standards for drinking wisely.
- [What Does the Bible Say About Social Media and Technology?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/what-does-the-bible-say-about-social-media): Scripture never mentions the internet — but Jesus said something in Matthew 7:6 that tells you exactly how to handle your phone, your feed, and your critics.
- [What Is Lust in the Bible? (The Real Definition)](https://www.edyoung.com/article/what-is-lust-in-the-bible): Lust isn't the same as attraction — and the Bible draws a clear line between them. Here's what lust actually is, the 4-step pattern it follows, and how to break it.
- [What Is Wokeism? A Christian Response to Woke Ideology](https://www.edyoung.com/article/key-differences-between-christianity-and-wokeism): What is wokeism, and how should Christians respond? Here's a clear breakdown of what woke ideology teaches and where it collides with the gospel head-on.
- [What Would Jesus Say?](https://www.edyoung.com/article/what-would-jesus-say): This article delves into the issue of sexual purity and the dangers of normalizing perversion, as seen in the popular book "Fifty Shades of Grey." It discusses the importance of seeking God's perspective on sex and relationships and the need to repent and pursue better relationships in order to fulfill God's design for our lives. The article also encourages readers to seek out healthy and supportive relationships and to avoid those that are toxic or harmful.
- [Why Can't I Put My Phone Down? (And How to Actually Stop)](https://www.edyoung.com/article/why-cant-i-put-my-phone-down): A friend in the industry told me technology works just enough to keep us coming back. He said it over a decade ago. Here's what's happening — and how to break it.

## Optional
- [Watch](https://www.edyoung.com/watch): Sermon videos.
- [The Creative Connection](https://www.edyoung.com/listen/the-creative-connection): Ed Young's daily radio program.
- [Books](https://www.edyoung.com/books): Books by Ed Young.