July 5 - Kingdom Over Clout

JULY 5 - Kingdom Over Clout

3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 19:12–13; Luke 5

________________________________________

“A king’s wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife’s quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.” — Proverbs 19:12–13

“And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.” — Luke 5:11

________________________________________

Have you ever been in a situation where you had to choose between doing what was popular and doing what was right? It’s not always easy, especially when others are watching. In Luke 5, we see Jesus calling His first disciples. These were ordinary guys—fishermen—who had just experienced a massive catch after a long night of failure. But when Jesus called them, they didn’t cling to success. They left everything to follow Him. That kind of decision only makes sense when you know who Jesus really is. It’s a decision to value the favor of the King of kings over any other reward, popularity, or comfort this world can offer.

________________________________________

THINK ABOUT IT

1. Whose approval matters most? Proverbs talks about the power of a king’s wrath and favor. If you’re living to impress people, you’ll always feel pressure to perform. But what if the King you're aiming to please is Jesus—the one who loves you completely and unconditionally?

2. Letting go to follow Jesus: The disciples didn’t just believe in Jesus—they took action. They left their jobs, their routines, and their plans to follow Him. What might Jesus be asking you to let go of so you can follow Him more fully?

3. Foolish or faithful? Proverbs warns about foolishness bringing destruction, especially in close relationships. Following Jesus often includes becoming more like Him in how we treat others. Are your actions bringing peace or drama into your world?

________________________________________

BOTTOM LINE

When Jesus calls, He’s inviting you to something greater than popularity, comfort, or control. Choosing to follow Him may cost you something—but you’ll gain so much more.

________________________________________

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, Thank You for calling me into something bigger than myself. Help me to hear Your voice above all the noise, and to have the courage to follow You even when it’s hard. I want to live for Your approval, not the world’s. Teach me to let go of anything that holds me back from fully following You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

-----------

When you pray God’s Word, Heaven moves.

Discover the PrayerScripts series — powerful, Scripture-based prayers for every spiritual battle.👉 Available now on Amazon.

PrayerScripts — Speaking God’s Word back to Him.