June 13th
Today’s Reading: 1 Kings 13–14, 2 Chronicles 12, Philippians 3
June 13
Scripture Focus:
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:
Three key lessons today:
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
“Whatever happens, my dear brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord… I do it to safeguard your faith.”
—Philippians 3:1 NLT