Scriptures Reading: Matthew 19:16-26, Matthew 26:31-35, 69-75, Philippians 3:3-9
Key Scripture: Jeremiah 17:7 “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.”
Devotional Reading
One of the greatest dangers to the mighty man is misplaced confidence.
Be careful not to become confident in your money, your education, your connections, your reputation, your physical strength, your experience, even your determination, because the flesh is not reliable.
The rich young ruler had built confidence around his wealth, connections and social position. When Jesus challenged the foundation of that confidence, the man struggled to let it go.
Peter had another form of fleshly confidence. He was convinced he would never deny Jesus. But Jesus knew Peter better than Peter knew himself. Before the night was over, Peter denied Him three times.
The lesson is clear: Do not build your identity on what your natural strength can do.
The mighty man is not the man who believes he needs nobody.
The mighty man is the man who knows his strength comes from God.
Personal Reflection
- What natural advantage am I most tempted to trust instead of God?
- If my money, position, connections or reputation disappeared, would my confidence in God remain?
Life Application
- Identify one area where you have been relying primarily on your natural ability and consciously surrender it to God.
- Before making important decisions, begin with prayer and God’s Word rather than relying only on experience or human connections.
Prayer Points
- Father, deliver me from confidence in the flesh.
- Teach me to draw my strength, identity and confidence from You.