Paradigm Shift - Think Differently - Focus 2024

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness…  (Matthew 6:33, NIV)

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11, KJV)

It is more important than achieving my fitness objectives, advancing my career, or working towards my community non-profit goals for 2024.

This year, I am intentionally prioritizing cultivating a deeper relationship with God and instilling this value in my children. I’ve realized that it’s not just about attending church regularly but about fostering a strong connection with Him every day of the week. By putting God’s Word at the forefront, I hope to inspire a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment in all aspects of our lives. It’s not about religious actions but it is my relationship with Christ that matters most. To be honest, observing church happenings has been disheartening. Our focus should be on Christ above all else.  The Apostle Paul wrote,  “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”  (Hebrews 12:2, KJV)

I often assume the role of a teacher while driving my daughters to the bus stop in the morning. They have grown accustomed to receiving my lectures and preachy text messages on various topics. My husband also sends lengthy text message letters to our girls with scripture references, expressing how much he loves them and pointing them to Christ. Although they may sometimes roll their eyes and think we are being excessive, we believe it is important - especially now more than ever.

This year, I plan to teach my children about the true meaning of Bible holiness, which is not just about dressing modestly but goes much deeper. I want to explain why God instructed us not to touch unclean things and to come out from among them and be separate. The disappearance of Sunday School Christian education has led to some terrible consequences. 

As I witnessed during a church service at Murphy’s church (trending on social media), I was totally vexed. I do not think I would call that a church. By definition, the church in Greek is derived from two words: ecclesia and kyriakos. Ecclesia means an assembly called out by the magistrate or by legitimate authority. Kyriakos means belonging to the Lord. If someone does not know God or His Word, they would think this is okay. We need to aim for holiness, because God is holy. I realized that I need to make sure my kids have an understanding of Bible holiness.  

Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. (2 Corinthians 6:17, NIV)

In 2023, I was very intentional in making sure that my kids understood why the false doctrine, the gospel of inclusion, was wrong and why it contradicted biblical teachings. In 2024, I will ensure we cover Eternity Security (ONCE SAVED ALWAYS SAVED). I also want them to recognize the significance of knowing God’s Word and developing discernment.

I am teaching my children that they can learn about God’s character by studying His Word. I have also told them that they can hear God speak to them by cultivating a prayer life. Although I did not want to discuss the TD situation, my child saw it on social media and Google news feed and asked me about it. I watched a clip by P Diddy, whom I had never heard of or paid attention to before. Within seconds, I felt an alarm go off in my spirit. I thought, “He is dark.” I don’t know if TD is innocent or guilty, but the Bible tells us to avoid the unfruitful works of darkness. If our pastor were attending wild sex parties, we would have a problem. 

With everything going on, I understand why the Bible urges us to work out our salvation. I am doing my best to work it out and teach my children how to do the same. It is essential not to idolize pastors but to respect their righteous behavior and leadership if it aligns with God’s Word. 

Above all, God must be first in every area of our lives. We have a personal responsibility to make our salvation our own. Paul writes, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”  (Philippians 2:12, NIV)

DRIVING IT HOME IN 2024… CONSiSTENT STUDY, PRAYER, and DEVOTIONAL TIME. 

My heart’s prayer is that there is a revival in the Body of Christ for the teaching and preaching of the Truth of God’s Word. I pray for a resurgence of Christian education within the community of believers. I pray that Christians will begin prioritizing the Word of God above all else and obeying it. I am also praying for the return of traditional, effective Sunday School and the emergence of new and innovative venues where people can gather to learn the Word of God and correctly interpret it. I am praying for teachers called and anointed by God with the power of the Holy Spirit to emerge and take their place, operate, and function in the Body of Christ; they are needed. 

Today, you don’t have to be an expert in the study of Eschatology to recognize that it is getting late on the spiritual time clock. Even if you are not a son or daughter of Issachar, you can still know that Jesus’ return is imminent. Actually, the Bible only mentions the sons of Issachar. Why is this relevant? The sons of Issachar were men who knew how to discern the times and know what Israel should do. (1 Chronicles 12:32) When you understand the times, you will know how to prepare for His return. You will make sure that you have the Holy Spirit. You will be like the wise virgins who ensured enough oil in their lamp. Oil is a type of the Holy Spirit. 

I recently told my Mom that current events align with what the Bible has predicted. Some online prophets act as though they have new knowledge or predictions, but the Bible has already foretold how things will end. We can now see why the world will turn against Israel in the end. We see confusion within the church and how God is separating the righteous from the wicked (wheat from the tare). All the dominoes are perfectly lined up and falling exactly as planned.