DCLM Higher Everyday 20 May 2023 — Press Forward
DCLM Higher Everyday 20 May 2023 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Press Forward
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Topic: Press Forward
Text: Philippians 3:12-16
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.
15Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.
16Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
Key Verse: “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
Message
A story is told of a man who was called to play the piano at a large gathering. He played so well that everyone gave him a round of thunderous applause. As he was basking in the adulation, someone else came up from the rear, walked down and took over the piano. After the second man had finished his piece on the piano, everyone was left agape. They gave him a standing ovation. The first man was astounded, as he was compelled to ask for the name of the maestro. The second simply said, “I am what you could have become.”
Success is meant to build more successes. There is always room for improvement and growth. Just as we must not be screwed to past failures, we must equally not be self-satisfied and be stuck on past successes. We must be eager to turn over to new pages and write new deeds of exploits, through God’s grace. Paul did not think he had reached his apex. God does not want us to stay still like stagnant water. He wants us to surge forward and gain more grounds.
Quote: Build more successes
Challenge: Don’t go through life, grow through life.
Prayer for today: Lord, lead me on to higher ground.
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)
