At dinner one night before his retirement, my husband, Joe, was telling me about how frustrated he was becoming with his boss. Apparently, every time my husband accomplished something at work, instead of his boss being satisfied, he would say, "That's great - what's next?" I understood my husband's frustration, but at the same time, I thought about how God seems to like keeping us looking ahead, too. Many times, after I have accomplished something for the Lord, He has led me to Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV), which says: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"

God does appreciate and reward all of our efforts done in His name and for His glory. But He doesn't want us growing stagnant in our faith walk, or in our service to Him, so He continually encourages us to keep moving forward. The Lord knows what we are truly capable of, even when we don't. And He knows the bright and beautiful future that lies ahead of us, when we cling to Him and follow His lead.

It's perfectly okay to celebrate each of our achievements and accomplishments in a Christlike fashion - with gratefulness to God, and without being prideful or boastful. But at the same time, we should not get "stuck" dwelling on the past, but we should always be looking ahead to the good things that the Lord has in store for us.

The Bible tells us: "This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike 'What's next, Papa?'" (Romans 8:15 MSG) Today, open the door to the new things that God has up ahead for you, by raising your level of expectancy, and keeping your eyes fixed on Him!

Prayer: Lord, help me to "perceive" the new things that You want to lead me into at this time. Show me what steps You would like me to take right now, in order to cooperate with Your plans and purposes for me. Thank You that as I give You first place in my life, You will open new doors for me, and present me with new opportunities to serve You and do Your will!