Confronting Generational Challenges

Every generation is confronted with challenges to long-established ways of thinking that previously provided stability and security for daily life. September 11, 2001, brought home the undeniable reality that the wall of safety surrounding America could be breached by terrorists intending to instill fear that the conquest of our nation was possible.

Fear is a powerful emotion and is inescapable because so much in life is beyond our absolute control. Almost every day something is interjected into our lives that disrupts our predictable routines. It could be a minor event or some cutting-edge crisis with the power to turn our world upside down.

Faith is God’s antidote to fear and anxiety. When faced with fear and anxiety, faith in God’s power will stymie its impact. Cutting-edge faith is needed in a world of cutting-edge technologies and social advances. Cutting-edge faith hinges on the conviction that God’s purpose and plan will prevail.                           

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I, your God, have a firm grip on you and I’m not letting go. I’m telling you, “Don’t panic. I’m right here  to help you.”

~Isaiah 41:13 The Message

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Master Control

 One of the significant issues a relationship will face, regardless how it’s defined, is that of control. Realistically, everyone should have a measure of control. An infant learns immediately that if he or she cries, someone will take care of their needs. Even a child is given power to decide on limited issues. 

As children advance into adolescence and on to adulthood, more control is allocated, provided appropriate maturity is validated. The French philosopher Jean Rousseau noted, “The strongest is never strong enough to always be the master unless he transforms strength into justice and obedience into duty.”

Jeremiah 10:23 declares, "Lord, I know no one is master of their own destiny; no one has complete control over their life." The name Adonai identifies God as Lord and Master. His ability to direct your life is superior, so his plans for your destiny are above reproach.  

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The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established.

~Proverbs 19:21 New Revised Standard Version

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When God's Spirit Speaks - Listen!

Without fail, the Lord God prepares us for trials and temptations we’ll face by providing us wise counsel on how to escape the powers of evil successfully. Joseph was a conscientious worker with integrity, solid morals and spiritual values yet consistently found himself on the front lines of trouble, where his values and morals were severely tested.

When Potiphar’s wife accused Joseph of sexual harassment, he was immediately thrown into prison although she had consistently tried to seduce him. When he refused her, she complained to her husband that Joseph was sexually pursuing her. Bad things happen to good people because there’s no way to control bad people’s choices.

Joseph was thrown into prison, yet regardless of what he had to endure, he believed God’s purpose and plan would be revealed. Listen to Jesus’ encouraging words. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad for great is your reward in heaven.”  

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I will rescue you from the power of wicked and violent people. I, the Lord, have spoken.

~Jeremiah 15:21 Good News Bible