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In this heartfelt session, Bishop Benjamin challenged believers to step into the new year with a renewed commitment to God’s love—a love that passes from generation to generation. Centered on the concept of “first fruits,” the lesson encouraged us to offer not our leftovers but our very best to God, as we align our lives with His eternal vision and mission.

Embracing a New Season of Love and Restoration

Bishop Benjamin opened by acknowledging that even though some may have lost heart early in the year, the bold ones remain. He praised Doctor Simone Gold and the entire GoldCare family for their steadfast dedication to making America healthy again. In his prayer, he asked God to create pathways for believers—new opportunities and fresh relationships that might not have been part of our usual circles. This spirit of openness and renewal is especially vital during the festive season of Christmas, Hanukkah, and the New Year.

The Biblical Call of First Fruits

Central to the lesson was the idea of first fruits as taught in Exodus 23:19. Bishop Benjamin explained that first fruits are more than just an agricultural offering—they symbolize giving God our very best. He stressed that when the Bible instructs us to bring the best of the first fruits of our soil, it means we should offer our highest quality in every area of our lives. This concept extends beyond physical offerings to include our time, our talents, and our love.

He illustrated this by contrasting “first fruits” with the idea of giving “leftovers.” Just as a farmer would present the choicest portion of his crop, we are called to present our best to God. This act of devotion is not only an acknowledgment of His past blessings but also an expression of our hopeful expectation for the future.

Reset, Refocus, and Set SMART Goals

Bishop Benjamin urged us to use the beginning of the year as a time to reset and refocus our lives. He shared practical advice on goal-setting using the SMART framework:

• Specific: Clearly define your goals.
• Measurable: Determine how you’ll track progress.
• Achievable: Set realistic objectives.
• Relevant: Ensure your goals align with God’s purpose for you.
• Time-Bound: Establish deadlines for accomplishment.

By setting SMART goals, we not only clarify our vision but also lay out a clear mission for our lives. This intentional planning is essential in transforming our inner renewal into tangible results in our outer world.

Cultivating Meaningful Relationships

A recurring theme in Bishop Benjamin’s teaching was the importance of relationships. He described three types of people who come into our lives:

• Confidants: Those who stand by you in every circumstance.
• Constituents: People who share common values and causes.
• Comrades: Those who join you because you share a common opposition to injustice.

He emphasized that having a strong inner circle—our very own James, Peter, and John—is crucial for maintaining spiritual strength. Genuine relationships provide the support, counsel, and encouragement needed to walk confidently in God’s mission.

Living Out Our Divine Identity

Bishop Benjamin reminded us that we are created in God’s image, designed to exercise dominion over the earth as His representatives. Our identity as His offspring gives us rights and responsibilities far beyond what worldly systems can offer. This identity calls us to:

• Embrace our spiritual heritage: Remember that we are not merely physical beings; we are spirit living in bodies.
• Own our destiny: With God’s strength, we have the power to create new opportunities and to redefine our future, regardless of past setbacks.

He challenged us to “reset” our mindset, shedding the negativity of yesterday and stepping boldly into a season of light and opportunity. Even in the midst of chaos and societal challenges, God’s promise remains: His best is for us today—not someday.

The Mission of Love and Unity

As we approach 2025, Bishop Benjamin’s message is clear: Our mission is to embody God’s love in every area of our lives. This means:

• Giving our best in every relationship: Whether with our spouse, our children, or our community, we must express love that is consistent and unconditionally true.
• Working together for a greater purpose: We are called to support one another, to stand united in faith, and to be living proof that God’s love endures through every trial.
• Sharing God’s message: Just as Jesus sent out His disciples, we are encouraged to spread His love and truth to all nations—becoming the evidence of His restorative power.

Conclusion: Let There Be Light

Bishop Benjamin’s stirring class leaves us with a powerful challenge: As we step into the new year, let us offer our first fruits—our best selves—to God. By resetting our priorities, setting clear goals, and nurturing meaningful relationships, we can overcome the chaos of this world and shine with the light of God’s love.

Remember, God’s love is passed from generation to generation. It is a love that never fails and endures forever. As we embrace our divine identity and walk in our God-given purpose, may our lives be a testament to the truth that His best is always for us—here and now.

“For the LORD is good: his mercy endureth forever; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

May this truth inspire us to live boldly in love, unity, and purposeful mission as we build a future that honors God’s everlasting grace.