Reviews and Views

…in my opinion.

Adversity and Hard Times

Proverbs 24,Verse 10:
“If you are slack in the day of distress, your strength is limited.” NASB
“If you falter in a time of trouble, how small is your strength!” NIV
“If you are weak in a crisis, you are weak indeed.” GNT

The day of adversity is not a time we look forward to nor desire. But as times of prosperity and trouble come, know that all are in God’s hands and determined by Him. When they are at our doorstep and how long they last are controlled by our Heavenly Father. It is in times like these God may seem to hide His face from us, and our prayers do not seem to be heard. Salvation and deliverance do not come as soon as we expect. During this time, our strength is small, and faith is little.

The question is whether we will fail and succumb to anxiety or fear instead of rising to meet the emergency. If we fail, then we are a weakling or a coward. The strength we seem to possess and of which we boasted, perhaps, is worth nothing. It is a sign that we have little Christian courage, which is always best known in adversity.

But at times like this, when the pressure seems so great, know that Jesus Christ is praying for us. Depend on Him to strengthen your heart. For this is the time that God enables us to grow. It is in the hour of trial that we display our spiritual strength.
~~~ sources: J.Vernon McGee, Benson, Gill, Pulpit

October 5, 2022 Posted by | Culture, Economy, Life | , , , | Leave a comment

PROPAGANDA – What Does It Look Like?

We hear the term “propaganda” and think of communist countries in history and worldwide today. But we have been experiencing propaganda in the United States for a long time. It is now more prevalent than ever before. ​How can we recognize it? Below are 8 characteristics of today’s propaganda.

  1. It prevents dialogue.
    It gives no details, allows no discussions, and excludes all contradictions and debates.
  2. It focuses on the Mass.
    Its message is directed to large population groups. The individual presents too much resistance to its message unless they are part of the larger group.
  3. It is “Total.”
    It uses the press, radio, TV, movies, posters, meetings, door-to-door canvassing, and social media platforms. All technical means are used at the same time to saturate the population.
  4. It takes over Education.
    The younger, the better for propaganda purposes.
  5. It takes over Literature and History.
    Tear-down statues, the 1619 Project, and Critical Race Theory are examples. All must be rewritten according to the propaganda’s needs.
  6. It must be subtle at first.
    Moves slowly at first to create a climate of acceptance. The ground is prepared before any direct prompting. We are already at the direct prompting.
  7. It must be nonstop.
    All day, every day, including weekends. Individuals must not be allowed to recover or to collect themselves.
  8. It aims at Irrational Action.
    The aim is to provoke action and arouse an active and mythical belief (like green energy).

Source: Article appearing on Intellectual Takeout website. See the link below: https://intellectualtakeout.org/2015/08/8-frightening-characteristics-of-propaganda/

September 12, 2022 Posted by | Culture, Propaganda | , , , , | Leave a comment

Words of Wisdom – Proverbs 22:1 and Ecclesiastes 7:1

Proverbs 22:1: reads, “A good name is to be chosen than great riches and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” A good name is a name you earn by the kind of person you are, not what you are called by your parents. It is the name you make for yourself by well-doing. Carefully pursue a course of life and do those things by which you may obtain and retain a good name for yourself. Remember that great riches have baggage and bring great care, exposing the holder to dangers. 

However, a related passage is Ecclesiastes 7:1, which reads, “A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth.” As I enter my latter years, I realize I didn’t think about this much when I was younger. But upon reflecting over the past years, I see this truth’s importance. We need to know who we are in the eyes of God. Our name and reality are the same in the Book of Life. We should probably ask if there has been a good work of grace upon us. If we are a child of God, then the day of our departure will be better than that of our birth. A child has nothing before them but uncertainties, labors, troubles, and fears. But with death, storms were successfully battled with all anxieties and worries gone. Our refuge and hope have been secured by Christ’s sacrifice. Good friends and family await the departed. Consider your destination.

September 5, 2022 Posted by | Bible, Death, Life | , , , , , | Leave a comment

Wicked Man vs. Decent Man

Proverbs 21:29
“Righteous people are sure of themselves; the wicked have to pretend as best they can.” GNT

Again, this proverb illustrates a contrast: the wicked or evil man vs. the upright or decent man. Consider those that might fit into this category. The wicked man is numb to any rebuke, won’t confess to being wrong, and continues his wrong-doings stubbornly and without shame. He disregards the laws of man and the rebukes of Providence. He even glorifies himself in all his failures and calls them accomplishments. To himself, he has spoken right and truthfully; therefore, no one has any ground to critique him or criticize his actions. Any one comes to mind?

However, the decent man has said, “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet to Your testimonies.” (Psalm 119:59). This man directs his way according to God’s commandments. He is a calm man of circumspection, discretion, and prudence. He asks, “What does God require of me?”

Any wonder why we are not on the same track???

July 28, 2022 Posted by | Bible, Culture | , , , , | Leave a comment

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