Confidence in Christ- Day 3

Scripture Reading:

• Philippians 3:12 - Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to

make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.

• Philippians 3:15-16 - Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think

otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

• Luke 5:16 - But he (Jesus) would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

Thought:

You probably have heard the saying “drive for show, putt for dough”. Exciting drives can look

great, but it is the simple, foundational things like putting that lead to success. The most confident players

have developed their putting routine through long, dedicated practice. They know that just because they

have a 500-foot drive, it does not mean much, if at the end they miss a 15-foot putt. Also, a hard hole can

quickly be redeemed through dropping a putt from circle-2.

Paul had confidence, not because of his circumstances, but because of who he was in Christ. This

truth was revealed to him through God’s revelation. The same revelation we have in the Bible. His

medication on this revelation developed a maturity in his faith. Jesus, through whom God revealed His

word, would often go in private to pray. Jesus knew the truths of God more than anyone, and yet still

needed to spend time in prayer.

Medicating on the Bible gets the truth in our mind to develop our maturity, but holding on to

those truths is sustained through regular time of prayer. I have heard people say, “Well of course Jesus

prayed, I mean, He is the Son of God”. Rather, think about the fact that if Jesus needed to regularly spend

time in prayer, how much more do you and I need to do the same! Holding on to the truths of God’s

revelation through prayer, especially during trials can also sustain us through trials, rather than trying to

escape our trials.

Reflection 1: Do I look forward to spending time in prayer? Why or why not?

Reflection 2: Is my prayer life reactionary, or proactive to develop my relationship with God?

Prayer: Lord, thank-you that I can come to you in all circumstances through prayer. I pray that through

Your Holy Spirit, I would be encouraged to come to you regularly. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen!

Contributed by: Dean Langenhahn | PDGA #208802