Each year at Cornerstone, leadership seeks God's heart for clear direction regarding the year ahead. This year was no different. Through the prophetic ministry, the Lord has revealed that 2024 is to be a year of "stepping up to the plate." This baseball metaphor is a fixed phrase in English meaning "to accept a challenge" or "rise to the occasion." We cannot sit back, look at the brokenness in the world around us, and expect someone else to do something. The power of the Holy Spirit in us can supernaturally flow through us to bring heaven down to earth if we are willing to "step up to the plate" and participate with God in the work.

Will you make 2024 the year you "step up to the plate" and be used by God in new and exciting ways? God is calling. We are responding.

There's an interesting homonym at work in our 2024 vision. We are using the baseball metaphor "stepping up to the plate" to describe what God wants to do in our fellowship in the new year. This fixed phrase means " accepting a new challenge" and "rising to the occasion." But what if the "plate" mentioned here were at the dinner table? Revelation 3:30 tells us this: "Behold, I [Jesus] stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." This is the intimacy that Jesus is calling us to, even as he calls us to "accept a new challenge." Are you ready to come to God's table and dine with him?

In the same light, Psalm 23:5 tells us: "You [God] prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." This speaks further to intimacy with the Father. And we may very well be in a season of spiritual warfare as we press in for more of God and His purposes in our lives, but we do so with a profound call to be intimate with God. Make no mistake about it, God himself wants to lead us and bring forth success in this new season. It is never based on our "ability" but rather our "availability" and willingness to be a vessel for His honor and glory. This power comes from intimacy with God.

Will you make 2024 the year you "step up to the plate" and be used by God in new and exciting ways? If so, then you are also called to intimacy with God who is calling. We are just responding.

"Stepping up to the plate" means something different to everyone. If you are a brand new Christian, stepping up might mean joining a discipleship class to learn the foundational truths of the Christian faith. If you are a seasoned Christian, stepping up might mean teaching that discipleship class.

If you feel the Holy Spirit tugging at your heart, but you don't know what it means "to step up to the plate," then reach out to the leadership team for prayerful assistance. They will be happy to pray with you and counsel you about what "stepping up" means for you.

The leadership team wants to help you identify the gifts and calling God has placed within you. These become operational in their full potential when we are baptized in the Holy Spirit. Use the contact form below if you would like to talk with someone further about the ways God may be moving to build His Kingdom through you.