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But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through
all generations. Psalm 33:11 I was driving past the elementary school on my way to work, and as I always do, I prayed for the children on their way to school. Praying for their futures and what God has for them. Blessing them. Praying for parents raising their babies in these times. Praying for them courage and strength to teach, train, and raise them to be healthy and thriving adults—physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I have learned that within the diversity, transitions, and modernism of the world, there is a life to live well. There is joy to experience. There is truth that prevails with God as we love well and personify His heart, character, and grace to the world. But how do we do that with the climate culture we are part of, and the challenges we face personally, locally, and globally? There seems to be a lot to worry ab0ut; fear that cycles in an endless loop like the 5’oclock news. We are threatened by internal stress, anxiousness, fear, and uncertainty about the future. It’s hard to find peace while navigating the tension and chaos surrounding us. So how do we balance the stress of life with the goodness and beauty that also are a part of what God created and desires for us to experience? As I prayed for the next generation, I felt hope rising within me as I was reminded of the powerful and beautiful truth that God doesn’t change. He is the same God who has been with every generation, showing the world that He is Holy and good. He is Love. He is Truth. And He is still to this day—in the midst of the current culture climates and generations with their own challenges—the God who created the world, makes a way in the desert, does the impossible, and is capable of changing our situations. His unconditional love keeps shining into the darkness and can help with the anxiety and uncertainty that consumes our hearts and minds. He knows us intimately and cares for us deeply. He is the only One that truly understands all nations, tongues, and people. Every culture is His. He is Love and Redemption and is still today all about Jesus saving us and transforming our lives making it well with our souls. One gospel of God who loves His creation and wants a relationship with us. It’s in the knowing Him, being loved by Him, and trusting Him for all the things that concern us, that help us with our anxiety and fears and offer us hope based on His promises. We can be confident that God has been, is, and will continue to be faithful to every generation. He will find those who make His love and Presence known and will be there for all that turn to Him. He cares about what we care about and wants to strengthen and encourage us in our journey. He wants to show us the way to grow and overcome our situations through relationship with Him, prayer, reading His Word and understanding a greater way to live, love, and be loved. The key is to stay focused on God in the midst of changing cultures, world dynamics, presenting knowledge and available technology. We must equip ourselves and have a faith that remains firmly grounded in who God is, what His Word says, and the love and grace He has freely given us. We must believe that His promises are eternal and live our lives ready to share that same hope we have to every person living their personal chaos and challenge. As the enemy of our souls fights harder, we must commit to fighting harder too. Stay in prayer, read and study to know God’s Word, and stand in His immoveable love and truth. Wherever He sends you, tell the world about Jesus and His great love; His power to save, and the future hope that you have. Tell people what He has done for you and be a vessel for how He wants to use you, offering love, truth, grace, mercy, hope, and freedom to the next generation. Be a testament by enjoying your life while accepting that life is full of hardship and struggles. Love well and speak truth with grace as you go through your own realities of life and battles of faith. Turn to Him as He is faithful to comfort and restore, healing the pain, and teaching you a better way to live. God will never stop loving the world or the people in it. His heart is that all would be saved, and all would know Him and His deep love for them. If Jesus were here today, walking the earth, I believe He would say the same thing as He said then, “…why is your heart troubled? “ “…. do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live.” (Deuteronomy 4:9) “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (John 14:27) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) “Cast all your anxiety on Me because I care for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) “…the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (Psalm 33:11) Be encouraged, God is still at work through all generations to redeem, restore, and have relationships that will last for eternity for all people, cultures, and nations. His heart has not changed toward His world, and His Love and Truth will live on for the next generation. Love and hugs, Rikah www.rikahthomas.com Fun practice to do: As you read the Bible, keep history historical to learn from, and look specifically for God’s character throughout the Old and New Testaments, marking it with a © to remind you of who He still is today, and for all the generations to come.
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February 2023
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