“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus,”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2:3-5‬ ‭NASB‬‬

What would it look like if instead of keeping up with the Jones we put the concerns of others before our own? ..if we weren’t so busy protecting our own feelings and noticed how our words and actions affect others? Jesus enjoyed an incredible life seated at the right hand of God but set it aside for you and me so that we could share in eternity with Him. As we contemplate the year gone by and the new one to come, may you and I see others as He sees us.🚦

#LoveOneAnother #Devotionals #StoplightDevotionals

“I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Have you ever looked at someone you admire who is mature in faith and felt certain this person had it all figured out and had no idea what it was like to go through the kind of spiritual, emotional, physical and/or financial challenges you face? Scripture informs us God is working in EACH of us, no matter where we are in our spiritual journey, and will continue to do so until we meet Him face to face. Not one of us still traveling this earth has “arrived”. Heavenly Father loves you and I so much He sifts us and removes our excess baggage us to ensure our readiness for our eternal destination. Be encouraged; He’s not finished yet!🚦

#Traveler #JoyInTheJourney #HeisStillWorkingOnMe #Devotionals #StoplightDevotionals

“In the same way He also took the cup after supper and said, “This cup is the new covenant established by My blood; it is shed for you. But look, the hand of the one betraying Me is at the table with Me!

“So they began to argue among themselves which of them it could be who was going to do this thing. Then a dispute also arose among them about who should be considered the greatest.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭22:20-21, 23-24‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Only two people at the table understood it was Jesus’ last meal before he would be tried and found guilty in a court of public opinion. Here Christ has just divulged the betrayal by one of their own sitting at the table, but instead of listening further to Jesus’ message His closest friends chose to argue about which one of them was the greatest!…just like our families!

As we reflect on Christmas get togethers we may be tempted to fall into the trap of comparing our holiday experience to our friends’ photos. Pictures on cards and social media don’t show snide remarks, political tit-for-tats, or awkward relationships. Jesus knows firsthand how unwieldy mealtime gatherings can be. Cherish the wonderful moments; find the grace to laugh about or let go of the rest. Celebrate the Light!🚦

“In the same region, shepherds were staying out in the fields and keeping watch at night over their flock. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Don’t be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David. This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.” Suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:8-14‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Celebrate the Child who is the Light today. May joy from the Giver of Life find you today. Merry Christmas!🚦

https://youtu.be/eNjZlHARnEk

“Look at My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself! Touch Me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.””

“And look, I am sending you what My Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭24:39‬, 49 HCSB‬‬

“I thought I was seeing a ghost!” The words we speak when in shock seeing someone we never expected. This is how the disciples felt upon seeing the resurrected Christ. He opened their spiritual eyes to all that had occurred in the three years prior, and they were emboldened in faith, ready to tell the world the Good News. Jesus said, “Wait, for My timing, and I will give you everything you need for your mission.”

The Christ child came at just the right time to fulfill ancient prophecy.The disciples received the power of the Holy Spirit at just the right time once Jesus was no longer with them. Be encouraged that He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it. (Phil 1:6)🚦

#ChristmasEve #TimingIsEverything #Devotionals #StoplightDevotionals

https://youtu.be/L7yFeFD95cM

Have you ever been betrayed by a friend? I have, and I assure you the pain can be devastating. If a person who is not a friend does this very same thing it’s not a betrayal because you had no expectation of loyalty or uprightness because you don’t really know them, so it doesn’t have a hurtful bite.

Judas’ betrayal was no surprise to Jesus, just as my sin and yours doesn’t throw Him for a loop, but it was no less painful.

In this contemplative selection by Michael Card he examines Jesus’ betrayal and suffering on our behalf. Peace be with you, friends. 🚦

#betrayal #Betrayedbyafriend #Don’tGiveSatanAFootholdOld #WhyDidItHavetoBeAFriend #Devotionals #StopLightDevotionals

“But Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about! ” Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. Then the Lord turned and looked at Peter. So Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny Me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭22:60-62‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

This was the moment that changed the course of Peter’s life, this moment when he recognized his position before Jesus. Could it be that equal to or even more than his grief in letting down his friend was Peter’s despair in recognizing he was not only a disciple of Christ but just as much a sinner in need of the Savior as anyone else? Jesus knew ahead of time Peter would betray Him but loved him just the same—just like you and me.

While this was his “Ah ha!” moment, it was NOT Peter’s defining moment. Rather than getting stuck in his sin and failure, Peter moved dramatically forward into service and witnessing for Christ. He was known to be a rock of faith.

Have you come to that place of understanding not only your failure and sin but also how much more you are loved by Him who came to seek and save you? Because of Jesus you and I don’t have to stay stuck; He offers freedom from that muck and mire!🚦

#ahhamoment #dontletsindefineyou #Jesusoffersfreedom #WhatAreYouWaitingFor #Devotionals #StoplightDevotionals

“Be on your guard, so that your minds are not dulled from carousing, drunkenness, and worries of life, or that day will come on you unexpectedly”

‭‭Words of Jesus. Luke‬ ‭21:34‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Have you ever tried to pay attention in class or focus on work when you are overwhelmed with worry? It’s almost useless. While Paul tells us not to be drunk with wine, Jesus let’s us know worry is no better. God wants to take the hurting places in our hearts, those places filled with pain and anxiety which we try to blunt with alcohol, shopping, books and social media and fill them up with the Holy Spirit. Mathematician Blaise Pascal said “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing but only by God the Creator, made know through Jesus Christ.”

Once you stop trying to take control from the Holy Spirit you will find your mind freed up to focus and think clearly, no longer weighed down with burdens you were never meant to bear. Are you ready to let go? What are you waiting for?🚦

#Godshapedvacuum #BlaisePascal #worrydullsyourmind #Devotionals #StoplightDevotionals

“Some of the scribes answered, “Teacher, You have spoken well.” And they no longer dared to ask Him anything.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭20:39-40‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Experts in the words and history of the Torah, Scribes were continually provoking Jesus to trip Him up on His own words. While Jesus didn’t welcome their interrogation He also didn’t duck tail and run. His answers ranged from returning questions with questions, to parables the Scribes couldn’t interpret, to returning challenge with Scripture, always addressing the real questions behind their queries.

Likewise, as Christ followers we must prepare ourselves for the difficult probes others may ask in hopes of snaring us to shame the Gospel. In a world thriving on sound bites which destroy, may we each call on the Holy Spirit for wisdom to give us answers which do not destroy, but with love and truth bring glory to God and draw hurting people to the foot of the Cross.🚦

#frequentlyaskedquestions #faq #devotionals #stoplightdevotionals

“Every day He was teaching in the temple complex. The chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people were looking for a way to destroy Him, but they could not find a way to do it, because all the people were captivated by what they heard.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭19:47-48‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

That babe in the manger certainly knew how to stir things up! His words evoked a range of emotions, from the contemptuous hate of the chief priests to adoring devotion of those forgiven of much. Are you and I as radical in our thinking and outreach as Jesus? As Christ followers we must not be afraid to share our stories of how the good news of grace and mercy has transformed us. Yes, there may be pushback from some folks, but His love draws people to Him.🚦

#shineyourlight #tellyourstory #Devotionals #StoplightDevotionals