DCLM Higher Everyday 2 June 2026 — Pressing On For The Prize
Topic: Pressing On For The Prize
Bible Reading: Philippians 3:1-14 (KJV)
1Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe.
2Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.
3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
4Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more:
5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.
7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.
8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,
9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
10That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
11If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.
12Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.
13Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
KEY VERSE: Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before” (Philippians 3:13).
Message
Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, faced numerous challenges on his journey to success. As a child, he was diagnosed with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but he struggled with focus. He was relentless and diligent, channelling his energy into swimming. This paid off when he won eight gold medals in a single game at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. There is a great prize awaiting all those who will pay the price for both earthly success and heavenly crowns.
Apostle Paul tells us here that if we are going to win the prize of eternal glory, we must be ready to lay aside all distractions, or anything that will hinder us from focusing on the race that is set before us. He strove to be like Christ in all things. He did not allow pride of his accomplishments to hinder him from pursuing the righteousness of God. We must be ready to drop all pleasure-seeking lifestyles that will rob us of eternal glory. We must be ready to leave the comfort zone of temporary success, and “come up higher.”
PRAYER FOR TODAY
Lord, help me to keep my eyes on You as I run this race.
CHALLENGE
Press on, and stand out without selling out.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
