The Lighthouse: A Weekly Devotional by Dr. Abidan Shah

Gaining Christ | Philippians 3:7

Philippians 3:7 (NKJV) says: “But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ.” This verse challenges us to rethink what we value most. Often, we focus on letting go of sinful habits, but sometimes even good things—success, relationships, achievements—can become obstacles if they take the place of Christ in our hearts. Paul, despite all his accomplishments, chose to count them as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 10:37–39 that our love for Him must come before everything else. This isn’t about neglecting the blessings in our lives, but about keeping them in the right place. When good things become ultimate things, they can quietly pull us away from full devotion to Christ. God, in His love, may allow seasons that loosen our grip on what we hold tightly, so that we learn to find our true satisfaction in Him alone. In the end, gaining Christ is worth far more than anything we could ever hold onto. For encouragement and daily insight from Dr. Shah, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to his YouTube channel. PRAY: https://www.pray.com/drabidanshah [https://www.pray.com/drabidanshah] BOOKS: https://abidanshah.com/books/ [https://abidanshah.com/books] SERMONS: https:// [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDZD64qrUV68jIUtvKaJ1nazgcO72DlY]www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDZD64qrUV68jIUtvKaJ1nazgcO72DlY [http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDZD64qrUV68jIUtvKaJ1nazgcO72DlY] DAILY TALK SHOW: https://clearviewtodayshow. [https://clearviewtodayshow.buzzsprout.com]buzzsprout.com [http://buzzsprout.com] ORIGINAL MUSIC: https://open. [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2m3OQUdBsucUTj6AFHg81S?si=ZJvmbp7mTNadjwEnsJuFOQ]spotify.com/artist/2m3OQUdBsucUTj6AFHg81S?si=ZJvmbp7mTNadjwEnsJuFOQ [http://spotify.com/artist/2m3OQUdBsucUTj6AFHg81S?si=ZJvmbp7mTNadjwEnsJuFOQ]

Showdown | Judges 7:7

Judges 7:7 (NKJV) says: “Then the LORD said to Gideon, ‘By the three hundred men who lapped I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand.’” This verse reminds us that God’s power is not limited by our circumstances. When Gideon faced overwhelming odds, God intentionally reduced his army to show that victory would come from Him alone—not human strength. What looked like a disadvantage was actually part of God’s plan to display His glory. Often, God works in ways that don’t make sense to us. He strips away what we rely on so that we learn to depend fully on Him. Gideon’s story teaches us that obedience and faith matter more than numbers, resources, or ability. When we trust God, He steps in and accomplishes what we never could on our own. For encouragement and daily insight from Dr. Shah, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to his YouTube channel. PRAY: https://www.pray.com/drabidanshah [https://www.pray.com/drabidanshah] BOOKS: https://abidanshah.com/books/ [https://abidanshah.com/books] SERMONS: https:// [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDZD64qrUV68jIUtvKaJ1nazgcO72DlY]www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDZD64qrUV68jIUtvKaJ1nazgcO72DlY [http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDZD64qrUV68jIUtvKaJ1nazgcO72DlY] DAILY TALK SHOW: https://clearviewtodayshow. [https://clearviewtodayshow.buzzsprout.com]buzzsprout.com [http://buzzsprout.com] ORIGINAL MUSIC: https://open. [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2m3OQUdBsucUTj6AFHg81S?si=ZJvmbp7mTNadjwEnsJuFOQ]spotify.com/artist/2m3OQUdBsucUTj6AFHg81S?si=ZJvmbp7mTNadjwEnsJuFOQ [http://spotify.com/artist/2m3OQUdBsucUTj6AFHg81S?si=ZJvmbp7mTNadjwEnsJuFOQ]

The Resurrection | 1 Corinthians 15:17

1 Corinthians 15:17 (NKJV) reminds us: “And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!” The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical event—it is the foundation of the Christian faith. Without it, everything we believe collapses. Paul makes it clear that if Christ had not risen from the dead, our faith would be meaningless and sin would still hold its power over us. But Christ has risen—and because He lives, everything changes. His resurrection confirms that His sacrifice for our sins was accepted by God and that death has been defeated. It is the ultimate declaration of victory, giving us hope, forgiveness, and the promise of eternal life. The empty tomb, the transformed lives of the disciples, and the countless testimonies of believers throughout history all point to one truth: Jesus is alive. The resurrection assures us that our faith is secure and our future is certain. For encouragement and daily insight from Dr. Shah, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to his YouTube channel. PRAY: https://www.pray.com/drabidanshah [https://www.pray.com/drabidanshah] BOOKS: https://abidanshah.com/books/ [https://abidanshah.com/books] SERMONS: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDZD64qrUV68jIUtvKaJ1nazgcO72DlY [http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDZD64qrUV68jIUtvKaJ1nazgcO72DlY] DAILY TALK SHOW: https://clearviewtodayshow.buzzsprout.com [http://buzzsprout.com] ORIGINAL MUSIC: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2m3OQUdBsucUTj6AFHg81S?si=ZJvmbp7mTNadjwEnsJuFOQ [http://spotify.com/artist/2m3OQUdBsucUTj6AFHg81S?si=ZJvmbp7mTNadjwEnsJuFOQ]

Hell | Revelation 20:14

Revelation 20:14 (NKJV) declares: “Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” This verse confronts us with the sobering reality of final judgment and eternal separation from God. Hell is not presented in Scripture as a metaphor or temporary state, but as the ultimate consequence of rejecting God’s offer of salvation. Revelation reminds us that sin, death, and evil will one day be fully judged, and God’s justice will prevail. At the same time, this truth points us to God’s mercy. Hell was never God’s desire for humanity. Through Jesus Christ, God has provided a way of salvation, offering forgiveness, restoration, and eternal life to all who believe. This devotional calls us to live with eternity in view, take God’s Word seriously, and respond to His grace while there is still time. For encouragement and daily insight from Dr. Shah, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to his YouTube channel. PRAY: https://www.pray.com/drabidanshah [https://www.pray.com/drabidanshah] BOOKS: https://abidanshah.com/books/ [https://abidanshah.com/books] SERMONS: https:// [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDZD64qrUV68jIUtvKaJ1nazgcO72DlY]www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDZD64qrUV68jIUtvKaJ1nazgcO72DlY [http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDZD64qrUV68jIUtvKaJ1nazgcO72DlY] DAILY TALK SHOW: https://clearviewtodayshow. [https://clearviewtodayshow.buzzsprout.com]buzzsprout.com [http://buzzsprout.com] ORIGINAL MUSIC: https://open. [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2m3OQUdBsucUTj6AFHg81S?si=ZJvmbp7mTNadjwEnsJuFOQ]spotify.com/artist/2m3OQUdBsucUTj6AFHg81S?si=ZJvmbp7mTNadjwEnsJuFOQ [http://spotify.com/artist/2m3OQUdBsucUTj6AFHg81S?si=ZJvmbp7mTNadjwEnsJuFOQ]

The Power of Prayer | Philippians 4:6

Philippians 4:6 (NKJV) reminds us: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” This verse encourages us to bring every concern, worry, and need before God, trusting that He hears us and cares deeply for us. Prayer is not just a practice—it’s a powerful connection with our Heavenly Father that brings peace and perspective, even in the midst of life’s challenges. Through prayer, we are reminded that we do not have to carry our burdens alone. Lifting our requests to God shifts our focus from our anxieties to His power, love, and faithfulness. As we pray with thanksgiving, we also cultivate gratitude, remembering God’s goodness in the past and trusting Him for the future. This practice strengthens our faith and fills our hearts with peace, even when circumstances remain uncertain. For encouragement and daily insight from Dr. Shah, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to his YouTube channel. PRAY: https://www.pray.com/drabidanshah [https://www.pray.com/drabidanshah] BOOKS: https://abidanshah.com/books/ [https://abidanshah.com/books] SERMONS: https:// [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDZD64qrUV68jIUtvKaJ1nazgcO72DlY]www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDZD64qrUV68jIUtvKaJ1nazgcO72DlY [http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJDZD64qrUV68jIUtvKaJ1nazgcO72DlY] DAILY TALK SHOW: https://clearviewtodayshow. [https://clearviewtodayshow.buzzsprout.com]buzzsprout.com [http://buzzsprout.com] ORIGINAL MUSIC: https://open. [https://open.spotify.com/artist/2m3OQUdBsucUTj6AFHg81S?si=ZJvmbp7mTNadjwEnsJuFOQ]spotify.com/artist/2m3OQUdBsucUTj6AFHg81S?si=ZJvmbp7mTNadjwEnsJuFOQ [http://spotify.com/artist/2m3OQUdBsucUTj6AFHg81S?si=ZJvmbp7mTNadjwEnsJuFOQ]