Pastor Cheri
“… Since we have such a huge crowd of men of faith watching us from the grandstands, let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back, and especially those sins that wrap themselves so tightly around our feet and trip us up; and let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us. 2 Keep your eyes on Jesus, our leader and instructor…..” (Hebrew 12:1-3 TLB; also read the KJV).
Let’s take a few minutes with our hands lifted up to thank the Lord…..
The past Ministry Year was glorious and with our faith we took new territories for the Lord, bringing in the souls and establishing them in the house of the Lord through our seeds. Many of us experienced supernatural increase, ability, favor and grace in our lives. Our faith caused us to triumph even when faced with challenges. As we move further into the new Ministry year, it’s time to press on to greater achievements and outdo your past especially in this month.
KEEP PRESSING ON
Paul was a classic example of a man who continually out did his past. In Philippians 3:13-14 TLB, he said, “No, dear brothers, I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us.”
The story of Apostle Paul is very inspiring. This dear man of God travelled across the whole of Asia and Europe preaching the gospel to the gentiles. He was persecuted in various tortuous ways at different times; beaten, imprisoned and finally put to death.
In all the challenges he faced, Paul kept doing more. He used every opportunity to do better than the last. No wonder he was an effective minister of the gospel.
These key steps will help you outdo all you did the past Ministry year and cause you to stand out this new Ministry Year:
1. Focus on your race –
Concentrate on what you are supposed to do or accomplish (Phil 3:13)
2. Set your gaze upon the Master –
Look unto the Lord who gives you the ability to succeed. You are sufficient in His sufficiency. (Heb 12:2)
3. Run your race to win; seeking only to outdo your past (1 Cor 9:24-27)
4. Compete only with yourself, based on God’s plan for your life (Acts 26:15-19)
God wants you to outdo your past and do big things in the Kingdom AS ONE MAN. In your giving, outdo what you did last year. This is also the same for soul winning. A soul winner is one who consistently wins souls. Now, the Lord is saying to you, “THERE ARE YET MORE LANDS TO CONQUER, DO MORE THAN BEFORE; OUTDO YOUR PAST.” (Joshua 13:1)
It is still the Year of Redemption and God expects you to keep growing without limits, attain news-making headlines and consistently produce results. Don’t be satisfied with what you have done so far. Review every area of your life and your walk with God; take stock of what you have achieved in your finances, your spiritual growth, partnership in the house of God, soul winning, use of ministry materials, your personal development and set new goals and target. Outdo your past!
Scriptures for study;
Hebrews 12:1-3, Philippians 3:13-14, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
