It is very interesting to know how people celebrate achievements in life such as education, new or job promotion, new homes, new cars, titles etc. They spend so much money to decorate a place, pay for expensive cars to transport them for that day, invite families and friends, spend so much on food and drinks, as well as post on social media. I have never heard of someone organizing a party to celebrate the day they got born again. Yet, the Bible says there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Being a true born again begins the journey of knowing God. However, we must be careful how we boast over and align our human achievements with the word of God. It is very clear according to Jeremiah 9:24 that the only boasting permitted by God is in our ability to understand and know God. This is what creates a healthy and sustainable relationship with God and helps us walk in his will.

Lack of the knowledge of God can create a disaster in our walk with God. Hosea 4:6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you have rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me. And since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.”

Therefore in 2024 if we our desire is to know him, we must be:

• Determined to achieve this goal.

• Devoted people in this cause.

• Dedicated to the task.

Thus our focus must be only on Christ alone, in whom the mystery of God is revealed according to

Colossians 2:2-3 “2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God's mystery, which is Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. “ There is so much richness in Christ if we mean business with him and are able to know him. Therefore in 2024 try the following:

1. Desire to and actually take a step to dwell in his presence always with a sincere heart ( in prayer, word and worship): Hebrews 10:19-22 “19 Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.”

2. Strive to grow in the revelation knowledge of Christ : 2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” That is why Apostle Paul declared in Philippians 3:10 “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.”

3. Walk in holiness and truth: James 1:21 “Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

4. Study to know the word of God: Joshua 1:8 “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

5. Wait on the Holy Spirit and follow his lead only: John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”

6. Use your time wisely: Ephesians 5:15-17 “15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

7. Be thankful, be a giver to the work of God, and the needy around you. Deuteronomy 15:10 “You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.”

Have a blessed 2024

HOZ Leadership