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In this session filled with passion and biblical insights, Bishop Benjamin challenged everyone to realign their expectations and offer their very best to the Lord. His message combined timeless scriptural truths with practical advice for navigating today’s challenges.

Keeping Expectations in the Right Place

Bishop Benjamin began by reminding everyone that while our hopes and expectations may soar, they must be placed in the proper realm. “Our expectations can rise real high,” he said, but if we place them incorrectly, we may feel let down. He urged believers to trust in the One who “never fails”—a steadfast faith that remains unshaken even in turbulent times.

The Power of First Fruits

Drawing from Leviticus and other scriptures, Bishop Benjamin explained the concept of “first fruits.” In ancient Israel, first fruits were the best of the harvest offered as a sign of trust and gratitude. Similarly, he encouraged the congregation to give God their best—whether that’s our attitude, our time, or our resources. This act of offering first not only honors God but sets the stage for His blessings and provision:

“When you give your best to the Lord, you’re demonstrating trust in His promise that He will never let you go without.”

He stressed that this principle isn’t just about material offerings; it’s about purifying our hearts and aligning our emotions with divine truth. Just as the ancient sin and peace offerings symbolized both repentance and the restoration of harmony, our lives are called to be cleansed and reoriented toward God’s purpose.

Attitude, Posture, and Spiritual Warfare

A significant portion of the lesson focused on the importance of our internal posture—both physically and spiritually. Bishop Benjamin pointed out that:

• Attitude Matters: Negative emotions can derail our faith. While the Bible even acknowledges that we may feel anger, it warns us not to “sin in our anger.”
• Spiritual Posture: Just as it takes twelve muscles to smile and many more to frown, our very stance matters. Being upright in our spirit is like having a steady bow before releasing an arrow. When we praise God, our praise becomes a weapon—a declaration that stands against the forces of discouragement and opposition.

He recalled the story of King Jehoshaphat from Second Chronicles, who sent worshipers ahead of his army. Their praise not only lifted their own spirits but also confused and disarmed the enemy. In our own lives, genuine praise and an upright heart can set ambushments against our adversaries, whether they are external forces or internal struggles.

Trusting in Divine Order Amidst Challenges

Bishop Benjamin also connected these timeless principles to current events and challenges. With references to political shifts and societal unrest, he emphasized that even though the world may seem chaotic, God’s plan remains unbroken. Believers are called to:

• Let Go of Worries: “Let go, let God” is not just a catchy phrase—it’s a call to release our burdens and trust in divine provision.
• Stand in Unity: In the midst of challenges—from political transitions to struggles within the health care industry—our collective faith and unity become our strength. Leaders like Dr. Simone Gold and various community advocates are part of a larger movement where every believer’s first fruits offering counts.

He reminded everyone that God’s guidance is as relevant today as it was in ancient times. By aligning our lives with His will—ensuring our actions, attitudes, and even our posture are in harmony with His purpose—we prepare ourselves to meet every challenge head-on.

A Call to Action

The session closed with a powerful invitation: to adopt a posture of praise, to offer our “first fruits” with genuine hearts, and to stand firm against all odds. Whether through prayer, fasting, or acts of kindness, Bishop Benjamin’s message was clear: when we give our best to God, we not only honor Him but also unlock the promise of His abundant provision.

As one participant aptly put it, “No matter how high our expectations soar or how chaotic the world may seem, our trust in God’s order and provision must remain our guiding light.” In this season of spiritual warfare and societal shifts, the call to give our best—to stand tall in faith and to rejoice always—remains as urgent and powerful as ever.

In Bishop Benjamin’s words, our praise is our weapon and our offering of first fruits is our declaration of faith. May we all step forward with the posture of a warrior of light, knowing that the One who never fails is always with us.