On Higher Level Series

INTRODUCTION

New Year theme: On higher level.

We have come to the final minutes of 2011. How grateful are we to God for this year. God has been good to us. He protected us, he provided for us. He gave us food, clothing, shelter, heath, finances, joy, peace. Let’s give thanks to God for 2011.

I prophesy 2012 is going to be an exceptional year. He is going to fulfill His promises and take you to the higher level. Tonight, I want to share with you on the challenging theme of 2012.

We are going to see how we can go to the Higher level. We are also going to see the benefits of being in the Higher Level.

Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Apostle Paul at this point is taking a deeper look on himself. He is looking back at his life and sees the path that he has come thus far. Apostle Paul is looking at how God has led him, changed him, and used him over the years. He is also bearing in mind his present condition. Remember he is now in a Roman prison. In the mind of people prison was almost like death. It was overcrowded without basic facilities, dark, bound in chains. In other words he was in a tough, difficult situation. The future seemed very bleak. In this condition he finally gathers all faith and looks to the future. He knew God had a higher level of call in his life. He tells he is not going to lose his grip on that hope even though his present is in chains.

I know some of you went through tough times in 2011 but God is promising that you are going to be favored by God in 2012. The same problems that put you down this year is going to give you the push to go to the higher level next year. You have a greater future.

Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

No matter what your circumstances, no matter what is your present condition is, if you set your mind on the greater call that God has for you, you are going to be there.

Are you ready to go to the higher level? Ask the person next to you. Somebody say I am ready.

ILLUSTRATION

I remember going to Lalbagh as a child. We used go as a family and it was fun and I remember playing a lot of games there. But then there is a big rock on the side of the park. Not all who come to the park climb the rock. It takes people with stamina and determination to climb the rock. Those who get to that higher level know it is an altogether different experience on top; it is not the same like walking in the park. The air is different, the feel is different, and the sight is different. Remember God called us to be there on top.

Rock climbing is a good example of getting to the higher level. Sometimes it may be only you. Don’t worry if you are alone, carry on. If you can catch up the vision of the higher level, your family will soon get there in a matter of time.

I remember Abraham walking to Mount Moriah with his son Isaac. This was a walk to a higher level. For three days Abraham walked with his son and servants, but as they came to the foot of the mountain he left the servants there. Now Abraham and his son are walking up to the mountain. But the moment he reached the higher level things changed. He had an altogether different experience with God and he was on a different level from then on.

Remember in order to get to that higher level we need to turn our back on the valleys. We need to instead take the high road of uncompromising integrity so when we step into 2012 we will replace our lives, our families, and our church on the Higher level where God wants us to be.

How Do We Reach The Higher Level?

1. Individually Follow Christ

If you want to go to the higher level you must be willing to walk alone with God.

ILLUSTRATION

My school was 3 km away from our house. We all friends would gather at a point and then we would walk to school together. Everyday we would talk and play and walk with our heavy bags on, but none of us would be tired of the journey and we looked forward to this time everyday. Well one day I became late. My friends thought I am on leave and left. I remember going to school that day. I was tired, sweating, weak, and wondered whether the distance had in fact become double. Walking alone is sometimes tiresome.