DAILY BREAD READING (Published Daily by Our Daily Bread Ministries)
JUNE 2, 2026
READ: Philippians 2 (Focus vs. 12-13 & 3:12-16)
MEMORY VERSE
“It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Philippians 2:13
BACKGROUND
In Singapore, the government encourages people to support good causes by donation-matching. It “tops up” donations to specific charities by contributing an equal amount or more.
By effectively multiplying people’s contributions, it hopes to encourage them to become more involved in charitable giving. This two-pronged approach reminds me of how believers in Jesus are called to God’s standards of holiness in our discipleship journey.
In his letter to the Philippians, Paul urges them “to work out [their] salvation” (2:12) and “press on” (3:12, 14). At the same time, he stresses that “it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (2:13).
Believers in Jesus aren’t made right with God by good works or performance. But there is an idea of partnership in our spiritual growth. It requires heart and effort on our part, yet we do not do it by human strength.
Having saved us by grace, God calls us to be holy—set apart for Him—and we respond in sincerity and gratitude.
As we seek to obey and please Him, He enables and helps us to do so. He shows us when we go wrong (Philippians 3:15), gives us strength to resist temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13), and empowers us to do what’s right in His eyes (Ephesians 2:10).
Leslie Koh
INSIGHT
In today’s text, the apostle Paul encourages us by his example to “press on toward the goal to win the prize” (Philippians 3:14).
Elsewhere he writes, “I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).
Paul’s goal is to be more like Christ and to spread the gospel, and the ultimate “prize” (Philippians 3:14) he refers to is eternal life with Jesus (vv. 10-11, 20-21). The reward isn’t based on our deeds.
In Ephesians 2, he states, “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (v. 8). Good works are evidence of God’s Spirit working in and through us. As God enables us, we can strive to live holy and faithful lives.
Alyson Kieda
APPLICATION
What are your biggest challenges in seeking to be faithful and pleasing to God? How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit’s strength?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“Believers in Jesus aren’t made right with God by good works or performance. But there is an idea of partnership in our spiritual growth. It requires heart and effort on our part, yet we do not do it by human strength.”
PR’s TAKE
“God (chooses) not to do everything for us. Instead He invites us into a divine partnership, trusting us to be the independent extension of His will on Earth.” William Wood
PRAYER
Holy God, please help me to be holy and faithful in my journey, for I know that You desire me to be like Your Son Jesus.
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“TAKE MY LIFE” Micah Stampley
Holiness
(Holiness)
Is what I long for
Holiness
(Holiness)
Is what I need
Holiness
(Holiness)
Is what You want for me
Holiness
(Holiness)
Is what I long for
Holiness
(Holiness)
Is what I need
Holiness
(Holiness)
Is what You want for me
Righteousness
(Righteousness)
Is what I long for
Righteousness
(Righteousness)
Is what I need, that’s what I need
Righteousness
(Righteousness)
Is what You want for me
Take my heart and mold it
Take my mind, transform it
Take my will, conform it
To Yours
(To Yours)
Oh, Lord
Brokenness
(Brokenness)
Is what I long for
Brokenness
(Brokenness)
Is what I need
(Got to be broken)
Brokenness
(Brokenness)
Is what You want for me
(For me)
Take my heart and mold it
Take my mind, transform it
Take my will, conform it
To Yours
(To Yours)
Oh, Lord
Take my heart and mold it
Take my mind, transform it
Take my will, conform it
To Yours
(To Yours)
Oh, Lord
Take my heart and mold it
Take my mind, transform it
Take my will, conform it
To Yours
(To Yours)
Oh, Lord
Holiness…
Righteousness…
Brokenness…
Is what I long for…
Is what I long for…
