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Our Daily Bread Ministries June 2 Bible in a Year: 2 Chronicles 17-18; John 13:1-20 Our Part, God’s Part It is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:13 READ Philippians 2:12-13, 3:12-16 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). By Leslie Koh REFLECT & PRAY 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? 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. Amen.