THE NEXT ONE

THE NEXT ONE

Text: Philippians 3:12-13
Memory verse:
“Behold, the former things have come to pass, And new things I declare; Before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭42‬:‭9‬ ‭

Frank Lloyd-Wright was considered to be the greatest American Architect of the 20th century. He designed many iconic American buildings. On one occasion towards the end of his career, his admirers asked, what he considered to be the greatest of his many beautiful works. Frank responded swiftly, saying, “The next one.”
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,” (Phil‬ ‭3‬:‭13)‬.
Paul understood the principle of stretching and constantly pressing forward. Life is not meant to be stagnant and dull but progressive and exciting. Grace is received in vain if it is not producing work and causing progress. Destiny is never a destination reached but an adventure. There are always new heights to scale and new rivers to cross. Today’s grace is given to move you to your next level and not to maintain your status quo.
Do you know why some retirees’ mental and physical conditions deteriorate after retirement? Simple! God hasn’t created anything to be dormant. Once we are not growing, stretching our muscles and exercising our brains, we are already dying. No matter where you are presently or what you have achieved, God still has much in store for you. There are new dreams and new goals you can pursue (Isaiah 42:9; 1 Cor 2:9). As a preacher, you haven’t preached your best sermon; as an architect you haven’t produced your best design; as a builder, you haven’t built your best edifice, as a teacher, you haven’t taught your best lesson, as a fashion designer, you haven’t built your best dress and as a student, you haven’t gotten your best grade. Whichever, your best is not behind but ahead. Keep persevering, keep dreaming, keep hoping and planning for new things.

Prayer points
1. Father, I refuse to rest on my status quo and I receive today’s grace to work for my next level in Jesus name.
2. I pull down every wall and confront every force working against my next level in Jesus name.
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Today’s declarations
1. I press forward, daily reaching for new heights in my spiritual walk, family, career, finance and relationships.
2. Destiny is not a destination, so I keep persevering, dreaming, hoping and planning for new things.

Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng