The i Generation

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We are progressively becoming a God-less nation. We are losing our respect for others as well as ourselves faster than a 4G network can download an app. However, we continue to upload more violence, sex, profanity and drugs into our homes, schools, communities and nation. In fact, we have become our own worst enemy and our own worst nightmare. “Where there is no vision, the people perish, but he that keeps the law, happy is he.” Proverbs 29:18

With so much going on in the world and in our personal and professional lives, the average person is operating under extreme pressure and stress on a daily basis. I tend to wonder if life was this complicated when my grandparents were alive. They lived through the Great Depression, World Wars, the Holocaust the Civil Rights Movement and many other historical events, but somehow I feel they responded much differently to crisis compared to the generations that followed them.

Yes, we can argue, “It was simpler times.” But, they still had devastating obstacles and challenges to face and overcome in their lifetime. Perhaps it all boils down to how they reacted and responded to their difficulties. I don’t know much about the older generation since I was not yet born, but I do remember what my parents shared with me. They appreciated the little things in life and stood together to overcome obstacles. They fought for what was right and faced opposition. The foundation and substance were found in the church which established strong families and nurtured healthy neighborhoods. People looked out for each other and helped one another. Despite hard times, people, for the most part, lived productive lives. They also valued life.

Despite the differences in how problems were handled back then, truth still remains the same throughout time. God’s Word does not change. Perhaps, we should take time to find out exactly what the Gospel states about how to live life under God’s laws instead of our own.

Somehow, we’ve learned to depend too much on the opinions, ideas and actions of others including governmental, political, corporate, educational and financial systems that just are not working and do not have the mass population in its best interest. Perhaps, our mentality is so mixed up and confused that some can’t even distinguish what’s right from what’s wrong anymore. Lines are being blurred.

Perhaps, we live with no morals, consciousness, values or integrity. Perhaps, our society is losing their true identity in Christ. Perhaps, our world is so noisy that we can’t even hear God when He is clearly speaking to us. Perhaps, if we put down our iphone, ipad, ipod and let go of the ego, “me” “myself” and “I” we would have the ability to hear God speak loudly.  “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt 6:33

Yes, in fact, we have surpassed prior generations with technological advances which has provided us with knowledge and information at our fingertips, yet our lives has become so complex, so competitive, so stressful, so busy, so frustrating and so exhausting. Perhaps, if we adapted some of our past generations “Old School Ways” of thinking, as well as values, we could eliminate some of the mess we’ve created.

Let’s start with putting down our technical gadgets and picking up the Bible and putting God first in all that we do. Teaching the next generation the Word of God is the root of healing the land. “He that is willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land.” Isaiah 1:19 Not only for blessing and protection, but most importantly salvation and truly understanding biblical stories and the life of Jesus.

“Tell to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.” Psalm 78:4

Rest in His Presence

“My voice will you hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee and will look up.” Psalm 5:3

The best part of my day is waking up early in the morning after I’m fully rested. The stillness and solitude is the essence of peace. I capture the moment in prayer and reflection.

Some people wake up to self-created chaos and noise. Others have so many obligations and tight, demanding schedules which make it impossible to even imagine starting the day in stillness. Many people are paralyzed and gripped with fear watching the realities unfolding daily on the world news as well as in their daily lives.

With responsibilities of a family, others are left with high demands for caring for others which leaves rarely enough time for themselves. Stressful situations or circumstances can be heavy on our  minds. Physical illness can also strip any sense of peace of mind and cause additional worries that can leave one feeling helpless, fearful, discouraged and insecure about their future. “God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” 2 Tim 1:7

With so many burdens plaguing the average person on a daily basis, we really need to evaluate and carve out time in our crammed schedules and overwhelming circumstances to mediate, pray and focus on silence. No children, cell phones, laptops, tablets, TV’s, radios or iPods allowed. Just time to be. Even if it’s only for 15-30 minutes a day. Eventually, once you start to notice how important it is to have a “time-out”, you will carve out special time for yourself and dedicate a specific amount of time per day or per week to unwind. “Evening, and morning and at noon, will I pray and cry aloud; and He shall hear my voice. He has delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me: for there were many with me.” Psalm 55:17-18

There’s just something extra special about quality time in the mornings. It’s the freshness of a new day with new ideas and new goals with an opportunity to make things better than the day before. “Seek me early and you will find me.”

Allow yourself time to dream again. No thinking or worrying involved. The time to do absolutely nothing without feeling guilty, rushed or anxious. Your body, mind and spirit will appreciate it. You will feel re-energized and rejuvenated. In addition, you will jump start your mornings on a whole new level. You are well worth the investment.

“Stand in awe, and sin not; commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still.” Psalm 4:4

Psalm 30

1 I will extol thee, O Lord; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me.
2 Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.
3 Lord, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
4 Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness

5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
6 And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved.
7 Lord, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled.
8 I cried to thee, O Lord; and unto the Lord I made supplication.
9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth?
10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord, be thou my helper.
11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness;
12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever