Looking Ahead

Philippians 3:12–18 NLT

12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. 15 Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things. If you disagree on some point, I believe God will make it plain to you. 16 But we must hold on to the progress we have already made. 17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example. 18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ.

1. If I’m not dead, He is not done with me

Strive for His purpose

Keep trying to achieve the goal

Don’t let your past disappointments keep you from your future blessing

To press on is to pursue, strive for a purpose

You are alive for a purpose

You could have died but you are still here

If you are still here, don’t waste your opportunity

Keep trying

2. Forget the past to live in the future

Amnesia about the past

Disciplined in Forward looking

Future has potential

Future has purpose

You can’t drive forward while looking at the rear view mirror

Be aware of what is behind you

Then, forget what is behind you

God is the God of the living

The past is dead

3. Focus on what is ahead

You need blinders to keep you focused

Don’t look to the left (you’re not going that way)

Don’t look to the right (you’re not going that way)

Don’t look back (you’re not going that way)

Keep your eyes on the prize

Stop beating the dead horse

Move on

Don’t let the haters halt you

Don’t let the benchwarmers extinguish your fire

Don’t waste time on the nonessentials

Sharpen your eyes

Whatever is good

Whatever is lovely

Whatever is encouraging

Look to the hills, your help comes from above

4. Hold on to the progress you’ve made

You’ve got to know when to hold them, know when to fold them

Keep moving forward

Phil 3:16 “But we must hold on to the progress we have already made.”

You woke up today, it is a good day

You made to church, it is a good day

You are breathing, it is a good day

You can smile, it is a good day

You are God’s child, it is a good day

No weapon formed against you will prosper, it is a good day

You are at the end of 2021, it is a good day

It’s all good

5. Get ready for breakthrough

Get your stuff in order

Get your supplies ready

Time to toil the ground

Give God a shout of praise

Turn the ground

Get your seed ready

As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest will not cease

Your seed today will produce a bountiful harvest in 2022

The enemy will try again to deter us from the prize, stay the course

Stay spiritually mature

By now, some should be teachers

Get on the bus

We will achieve what we believe

We will sow for what we believe

We will work for what we believe

If you are satisfied, welcome to your future

If you believe there is more, then get ready

Get ready with your praise

Get ready with your time

Get ready with your talents

Get ready with your treasure

Get ready for the breakthrough

Get ready for 22 - double double

Look ahead

Better is coming