June 13

Scripture Focus:

“There were even male and female shrine prostitutes throughout the land. The people imitated the detestable practices of the pagan nations the Lord had driven from the land ahead of the Israelites. In the fifth year of King Rehoboam’s reign, King Shishak of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem. He ransacked the treasuries of the Lord’s Temple and the royal palace; he stole everything, including all the gold shields Solomon had made.”
—1 Kings 14:24–26 NLT

Devotion: No Confidence in the Flesh
As we walk through the history of Israel, a sobering pattern emerges—God's people continuously trade true worship for empty religion. The golden calves in Jeroboam’s day were just recycled idols from Egypt, showing that though the people left Egypt, Egypt never quite left them.
They wanted the benefits of God’s blessing but not the heart surrender He desired. In their rebellion, they clung to rituals but rejected relationship. And as a result, judgment came. The treasures of God’s house—symbolic of His glory—were stolen.
The story of the prophet in 1 Kings 13 offers a striking lesson: God had given him clear instructions not to eat or drink in that place, but when another man claimed to have a different message from God, he listened—without confirming it. Why? Perhaps he was tired, or maybe the invitation felt easier than continuing in obedience. Regardless, he neglected to inquire of the Lord—and it cost him his life.
How often do we seek the easier path instead of the obedient one? When we rely on our own strength or feelings, we become vulnerable to deception.
Paul speaks directly to this in Philippians 3:

“We put no confidence in human effort… everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”
—Philippians 3:3,8 NLT

Three key lessons today:

1. Beware of subtle deception. Even God's prophet was misled when he let down his guard. We must remain spiritually alert and test everything by God’s Word.
2. Put no confidence in the flesh. As Paul reminds us, our strength is not in ourselves, our efforts, or religious rituals—but in Christ alone.
3. God wants our hearts, not just our habits. Rituals feel safe, but they can be empty. Jesus wants all of us—heart, mind, and soul.

Let’s not be like those who drift into empty religion. Let’s be those who walk closely with Jesus, rejoice in Him, and press on to know Him more.

“Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord… I do it to safeguard your faith.”
—Philippians 3:1 NLT

June 13, 2026

Today’s Reading: Philippians 3

The Priceless Value of Knowing Jesus

Scripture Focus

“We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort… Everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord… I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead… Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Philippians 3:3, 8, 10, 13 NLT

Reflection

Hey, my friend. My sister in Christ.

Can I ask you a question?

Are you still trying to feel better about your relationship with God by trying harder to be spiritual?

As I read Philippians 3 today, I realized something about my own heart. Maybe I’m not trying to look spiritual to other people, but sometimes I find myself wanting to feel spiritual. I can start measuring my walk with God by how well I think I’m doing.

“I had a good prayer time today.”

“I read my Bible.”

“I made good choices.”

And before I know it, my confidence has shifted from Christ to my performance.

But Paul reminds us that our confidence is never supposed to be in ourselves. He says, “We put no confidence in human effort.”

Our righteousness doesn’t come from what we do for God. It comes from what Christ has already done for us.

In Philippians 2, we were encouraged to walk humbly, obey God with reverence, and follow Christ’s example. But Philippians 3 reminds us where the power to do that comes from. It doesn’t come from trying harder. It comes from knowing Jesus more.  Paul counted everything else as worthless compared to the privilege of knowing Christ. More than accomplishments. More than reputation. More than religious activity.
His greatest desire was simply this:
“I want to know Christ.”
The more we know Him, the more we love Him.
The more we love Him, the more we trust Him.
And the more we trust Him, the more our lives begin to reflect Him.
This is how we grow spiritually—not by striving to prove ourselves, but by drawing near to Jesus and knowing Him more deeply every day.

Application
Today, take an honest look at where your confidence is resting.
Are you measuring your relationship with God by your performance, your consistency, your knowledge, or your accomplishments?
Or are you resting in what Christ has already done for you?
Spend time with Jesus today, not to check a box or earn His approval, but simply because you love Him and want to know Him more.
Read His Word.
Talk with Him in prayer. 🙏
Reflect on His death and resurrection and the incredible love He demonstrated for you at the cross.
Then, like Paul, let go of the past—both your failures and your successes—and keep pressing forward toward Christ.
The greatest treasure we will ever possess is not what we do for Him, but knowing Him.

Prayer

Father,

Thank You that my standing before You is not based on my performance but on the finished work of Jesus Christ.  Forgive me for the times I place confidence in my own efforts instead of resting in Your grace. Forgive me when I measure my spiritual life by what I have done rather than by what Christ has done for me.  Lord, teach me to know You more. Help me desire Your presence above accomplishments, recognition, knowledge, or religious activity. May my greatest pursuit be the same as Paul’s: “I want to know Christ.”  Draw me closer to You through Your Word, through prayer, and through daily fellowship with Your Spirit.  Help me leave behind both my failures and my victories and keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. Strengthen me to walk worthy of the gospel, not through my own power, but through the power of Your Spirit working in me.  May my life reflect Your love, Your humility, and Your grace.  In Jesus’ name,  Amen. 🙏