Thursday, December 12, 2024

Reflection - In The World - The Coarsening Of Culture

Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 42, "The Coarsening Of Culture", Page 218.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


The devil make Jesus an unsolicited suggestion.
PHOTO: The devil make Jesus an unsolicited suggestion. He urged Jesus to climb to the highest point of the temple and throw himself down (Matthew 4:5-6). His accursed (detestable) logic was that if Jesus was the Son of God, God would surely command His angels to make sure that Jesus would not be hurt. In fact, the devil simply quoted Scripture without comment. How much more scriptural could one get? The problem is that the devil loves to twist Scripture by taking it out of context. He plucked out a poetic image from the book of Psalm (Psalm 91:11-12), severing it from its proper context and application. We have to be careful when the devil starts quoting Scripture.

William Bennett, the former American secretary for education, once observed a trend that he called the "coarsening of culture". [1a] This can be explained in terms of two modern realities. First, a growing avalanche of information that threatens to bury us in a sea of trivia (pieces of information of little importance or value). Second, a snowballing (increase rapidly in size, intensity, or importance) number of choices that can be made in almost any area of life one can think of. Our days are full of people trying to get our attention, to get us to make the choices they want us to make.

Because an information overload is the default, those wishing to catch the attention of the masses must employ extreme measures. How can a generation of consumers who keep switching channels be made to stay tuned to one channel? This challenge has produced what the writer David shenk describes as "a culture awash in histrionics" (culture filled with drama to attract attention). [2] His argument runs as follows: competition for people's attention generates pressure to "talk louder". As a result, communicators use louder colours, show more flesh, and say outrageous things, all in order to be heard. This can be seen in mass media, social media, advertisements, film, drama, and the like.

This means that almost daily, we encounter content designed to shock, as those who deal with communication and the arts continue to test the limits of what is acceptable. Over the course of time and with countless shifts in our collective psyche (human soul, mind, or spirit), things which once were grossly unacceptable are now regarded as proper and decent. Many feel helpless in the face of crude (vulgar) culture in their social circles and physical surroundings.

Society's increasing crudity and declining standards of decency and respect are causes for great concern. Our calling as Christians is to be preserving salt in the world, and this includes helping to preserve common decency and whatever is good and valuable in our cultures. The danger we face is that even the church may unwittingly embrace the same coarsening of culture we see in our world.

We recall how the devil tempted Jesus to jump from height, to put up a spectacular show (Matthew 4:5-7). Notice that the location of this show was to be the temple, where God was worshipped. How tempting it is to turn the place of worship into the circus, to try to catch the attention of worshippers with entertainment. The Lord Jesus refused to take this path, showing us the way to handle the temptation we face from a coarsening culture.

We may be tempted to speak louder and use whatever means seem effective in an effort to get people's attention. But in so doing we would be going against what the gospel is all about. Rather, we should show forth the beauty of godliness - those characteristics that the Bible describes as the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These characteristics will prevent us from being recruited into the ranks of the crude and rude subcultures we are seeing take roots around us. Our speech and conversations would instead be seasoned with the deepness of God's love.

What can we do about the coarsening of culture? On a personal level, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit and submit ourselves to God. Then would we exhibit godliness and the fruit of the Spirit. On the level of the church, we must avoid jumping on bandwagons which promote superficiality and coarseness. I once witnessed a worship leader conducting the service in a way which made the proceedings sound like a game show. My heart is troubled whenever I see crudeness seep into the church. This worship leader meant well. Unfortunately, I think that he confused vibrant worship in the Spirit with the crass (insensitive) showmanship of popular culture. In such things, the church must be extra vigilant.

The Lord Jesus refused to turn the temple where God is worshipped, in beauty, holiness, and fear, into a crude (rough) circus. We must follow His lead. In our communications, publicity, and expression of the faith, we must not import the loudness and superficiality of the world. Instead, we must hold fast whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8). For only then would the medium fit the message.
Picture posted by Jon Moran Photography, uploaded on 13 May 2014 - 'Fallen Angel'
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpk_eDI2DZvlBIyZsFHhF_5gmcTmiYXkwnNW-phPcC6udH6FycMsD0SbfB901BRATnZw6mA7IqZGw6kWGPj8Lbr19eXbh9NYCy26svngrj0XhfHvSrjzbjPEgwm-9kk7Ho_OGElz6Ln-8/s1600/13989412017_2ab3c9cbc6_c.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/2933/13989412017_2ab3c9cbc6_c.jpg
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonm2001/13989412017
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/05/reflection-spiritual-journey-good-deeds.html


The devil make Jesus an unsolicited suggestion. He urged Jesus to climb to the highest point of the temple and throw himself down (Matthew 4:5-6). His accursed (detestable) logic was that if Jesus was the Son of God, God would surely command His angels to make sure that Jesus would not be hurt. In fact, the devil simply quoted Scripture without comment. How much more scriptural could one get? The problem is that the devil loves to twist Scripture by taking it out of context. He plucked out a poetic image from the book of Psalm (Psalm 91:11-12), severing it from its proper context and application. We have to be careful when the devil starts quoting Scripture.


The devil make Jesus an unsolicited suggestion.
PHOTO: The devil make Jesus an unsolicited suggestion. He urged Jesus to climb to the highest point of the temple and throw himself down (Matthew 4:5-6). His accursed (detestable) logic was that if Jesus was the Son of God, God would surely command His angels to make sure that Jesus would not be hurt. In fact, the devil simply quoted Scripture without comment. How much more scriptural could one get? The problem is that the devil loves to twist Scripture by taking it out of context. He plucked out a poetic image from the book of Psalm (Psalm 91:11-12), severing it from its proper context and application. We have to be careful when the devil starts quoting Scripture.
Artwork by Heinrich Hofmann - The temptation of jesus
Picture posted by phillipmedhurst on Thursday, 15 June 2017 - Art, Bible, Gospel, Jesus Christ, Life of Christ
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilT4f3lg1Rbh1muy_DldjOuzYhQPcczWNR0Kp86YJImqD9YIYTojb64mXC7QKQC5rtZlPkSPGCCpgUqb9MA5QFURUhZD-T2fuegQBP9zHrkqEzxlR9jeo9YAWs0Hb34VTUGF5-QifiiEQ/s1600/weiche-von-mir-satan.jpg
https://thebowyerbiblegospels.wordpress.com/2017/06/15/phillip-medhurst-presents-drawings-of-christ-by-heinrich-hofmann-colourised-03-the-temptation-of-jesus/
https://www.google.com.sg/imgres?imgurl=https://thebowyerbiblegospels.files.wordpress.com/2017/06/03-heinrich-hofmann-weiche-von-mir-satan-kommet-zu-mir-bild-4-original-drawing-in-pencil-luke-4_1-13.jpg&imgrefurl=https://thebowyerbiblegospels.wordpress.com/category/prints/page/21/&h=1097&w=796&tbnid=WPzPa86dnL3EtM&tbnh=264&tbnw=191&usg=K_0qumez6mb6jfDSGsHcvw-oE5L-s=&hl=en-SG&docid=lcxiaQOA2oIvpM
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/12/reflection-joy-to-world.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/07/reflection-spiritual-journey-keep-our.html


William Bennett, the former American secretary for education, once observed a trend that he called the "coarsening of culture". [1a] This can be explained in terms of two modern realities. First, a growing avalanche of information that threatens to bury us in a sea of trivia (pieces of information of little importance or value). Second, a snowballing (increase rapidly in size, intensity, or importance) number of choices that can be made in almost any area of life one can think of. Our days are full of people trying to get our attention, to get us to make the choices they want us to make.


 William Bennett, the former American secretary for education, once observed a trend that he called the 'coarsening of culture'.
PHOTO: William Bennett, the former American secretary for education, once observed a trend that he called the "coarsening of culture". [1a] This can be explained in terms of two modern realities. First, a growing avalanche of information that threatens to bury us in a sea of trivia (pieces of information of little importance or value). Second, a snowballing (increase rapidly in size, intensity, or importance) number of choices that can be made in almost any area of life one can think of. Our days are full of people trying to get our attention, to get us to make the choices they want us to make.
Picture posted by Noah Kerwin, Greentarget
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0mWNdo2RFj-Wsjvli-3YafS_12o3L6DlwWmtFzQh7mqtrfKeDkhwL783UhALVOWj9KOdgvDg-3LBgrHwzenH0yOTXt27oLa6K6FpZF1iSr2-gcd7ZooevufK6GS-8GkqwPCyeCjXRvKYsH-pO9dXjr0IdVBiuBGxZTeSOxWnWZh3MZehXs2_oKcTRjyQ/s2048/5242340-scaled.jpg
https://greentarget.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/5242340-scaled.jpg
https://greentarget.com/insights/blog/content-marketing-strategy-professional-services-firm/


Because an information overload is the default, those wishing to catch the attention of the masses must employ extreme measures. How can a generation of consumers who keep switching channels be made to stay tuned to one channel? This challenge has produced what the writer David shenk describes as "a culture awash in histrionics" (culture filled with drama to attract attention). [2] His argument runs as follows: competition for people's attention generates pressure to "talk louder". As a result, communicators use louder colours, show more flesh, and say outrageous things, all in order to be heard. This can be seen in mass media, social media, advertisements, film, drama, and the like.


 Because an information overload is the default, those wishing to catch the attention of the masses must employ extreme measures.
PHOTO: Because an information overload is the default, those wishing to catch the attention of the masses must employ extreme measures. How can a generation of consumers who keep switching channels be made to stay tuned to one channel? This challenge has produced what the writer David shenk describes as "a culture awash in histrionics" (culture filled with drama to attract attention). [2] His argument runs as follows: competition for people's attention generates pressure to "talk louder". As a result, communicators use louder colours, show more flesh, and say outrageous things, all in order to be heard. This can be seen in mass media, social media, advertisements, film, drama, and the like.
Picture posted by Mitch Jackson, Esq. on 17 March 2023
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1gYCbGJnlchwKSWcJjsg3_BBKOQ6B96X3atfLNI2Dh6PYoN1xNTb-bUftyI1QhA5WVBsGzJlH3UDQSGhLeKo_pXY30bdfm_Ji-2OZqCOkPaDU9Run4cbIu5zJwFAv16ti4g-lrRMzscygo6jYFX_TwELv4tVV9ErCwBRdvF9QNWqHmLJafnbD47gG4uU/s720/1678982685884.png
https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/v2/D5612AQE82FI7cMpy3Q/article-cover_image-shrink_720_1280/article-cover_image-shrink_720_1280/0/1678982685884?e=1739404800&v=beta&t=RxXNkObAuJJS6APfgpKaJJz1g2Yx35jBBeOCLEFb4Uc
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-deal-technology-overload-mitch-jackson-esq-/


This means that almost daily, we encounter content designed to shock, as those who deal with communication and the arts continue to test the limits of what is acceptable. Over the course of time and with countless shifts in our collective psyche (human soul, mind, or spirit), things which once were grossly unacceptable are now regarded as proper and decent. Many feel helpless in the face of crude (vulgar) culture in their social circles and physical surroundings.


Society's increasing crudity and declining standards of decency and respect are causes for great concern.
PHOTO: This means that almost daily, we encounter content designed to shock, as those who deal with communication and the arts continue to test the limits of what is acceptable. Over the course of time and with countless shifts in our collective psyche (human soul, mind, or spirit), things which once were grossly unacceptable are now regarded as proper and decent. Many feel helpless in the face of crude (vulgar) culture in their social circles and physical surroundings.
Picture posted by 4Kwallpapers.WIKI
https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBxOG-4B3BM/XwGKMlka_GI/AAAAAAAAxkA/gl9quCaOB_ouJ0dZxbYMOga4WUK4FhtSQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/216348.jpg
https://4kwallpaper.wiki/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/216348.jpg
https://www.google.com.sg/imgres?imgurl=https://pvckerup.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/lilith-2.png?w%3D237%26h%3D315&imgrefurl=https://pvckerup.wordpress.com/tag/lilith/&h=314&w=237&tbnid=1sBuRaX7sdutpM&tbnh=258&tbnw=195&usg=AI4_-kQAU4gKCQBoXqnDccdG3xwjz05ZKQ&vet=1&docid=gpJ9XzUhLOrnBM&hl=en-SG#h=314&imgdii=b5dz8eECPY3B6M&tbnh=258&tbnw=195&vet=1&w=237
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/07/reflection-spiritual-journey-keep-our.html


Society's increasing crudity and declining standards of decency and respect are causes for great concern. Our calling as Christians is to be preserving salt in the world, and this includes helping to preserve common decency and whatever is good and valuable in our cultures. The danger we face is that even the church may unwittingly embrace the same coarsening of culture we see in our world.


 Society's increasing crudity and declining standards of decency and respect are causes for great concern.
PHOTO: Society's increasing crudity and declining standards of decency and respect are causes for great concern. Our calling as Christians is to be preserving salt in the world, and this includes helping to preserve common decency and whatever is good and valuable in our cultures. The danger we face is that even the church may unwittingly embrace the same coarsening of culture we see in our world.
Picture posted by Robert Krise, MDiv in [Theology & Ministry], Grand Canyon University on October 07, 2021
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5cRqV-RnG-UiKVZK89MNQ35RPAZka232QC7214N3BaANdCGqX8MJQw7oeDHUFiUoeI4fm43gKuMfrbt1ylPSpEaq02SDvVcn0P8Snze0ijVokQCpK429Vr-OAcCI6gB4NlCy4wdeeTOB2ehUqxl8IL6TUQRznWFeX7stcPVafvKOkce23nePz6qm_a0/s750/GettyImages-dv1992014_1.png
https://res.cloudinary.com/grand-canyon-university/image/fetch/w_750,h_564,c_fill,g_faces,q_auto,f_auto/https://www.gcu.edu/sites/default/files/media/GettyImages-dv1992014.jpg
https://www.gcu.edu/blog/theology-ministry/theology-thursday-finding-my-unique-place-gods-family


We recall how the devil tempted Jesus to jump from height, to put up a spectacular show (Matthew 4:5-7). Notice that the location of this show was to be the temple, where God was worshipped. How tempting it is to turn the place of worship into the circus, to try to catch the attention of worshippers with entertainment. The Lord Jesus refused to take this path, showing us the way to handle the temptation we face from a coarsening culture.


We recall how the devil tempted Jesus to jump from height, to put up a spectacular show (Matthew 4:5-7).
PHOTO: We recall how the devil tempted Jesus to jump from height, to put up a spectacular show (Matthew 4:5-7). Notice that the location of this show was to be the temple, where God was worshipped. How tempting it is to turn the place of worship into the circus, to try to catch the attention of worshippers with entertainment. The Lord Jesus refused to take this path, showing us the way to handle the temptation we face from a coarsening culture.
Illustration by A. Bida - Temptation of Christ
Picture posted by Restored Traditions
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj00xMisuTjp1NgdEV8VcW1nhbeApLoeOqCYb16JtrITQ_L9odhWjesIVaT6J3DeuWhZwfoqqi9SfNtafsKLIlDZvCY7hHywL288LTnFZTjzkuTSvGGd8YQhQRhYFkLVF1vT4zDreNZMY/s1600/bida-temptation-christ_2048x_1.png
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0250/2340/products/bida-temptation-christ_2048x.jpg?v=1535467620
https://restoredtraditions.com/products/temptation-of-christ-bida
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/07/reflection-spiritual-journey-keep-our.html


We may be tempted to speak louder and use whatever means seem effective in an effort to get people's attention. But in so doing we would be going against what the gospel is all about. Rather, we should show forth the beauty of godliness - those characteristics that the Bible describes as the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These characteristics will prevent us from being recruited into the ranks of the crude and rude subcultures we are seeing take roots around us. Our speech and conversations would instead be seasoned with the deepness of God's love.


We may be tempted to speak louder and use whatever means seem effective in an effort to get people's attention.
PHOTO: We may be tempted to speak louder and use whatever means seem effective in an effort to get people's attention. But in so doing we would be going against what the gospel is all about. Rather, we should show forth the beauty of godliness - those characteristics that the Bible describes as the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These characteristics will prevent us from being recruited into the ranks of the crude and rude subcultures we are seeing take roots around us. Our speech and conversations would instead be seasoned with the deepness of God's love.
Picture posted by Inspirational (Pinterest)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGz3btXq-uAFRN0aFYaq9q5AjfJYHkL1aagZn5iElgeTsp-ZKxnq1fPSSGZhFj1VuBQn2QfEogQhSzGYz45yhl5QXbCcaQWSMeylVnAVvZy1eRqAPzsOLfIytp-vGPRfDe3Gd9YgONCc/s1600/dce96825d026427021694a0122ddcf3f.jpg
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/dc/e9/68/dce96825d026427021694a0122ddcf3f.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/dede0011/inspirational/
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2016/07/reflection-what-is-fruit-of-spirit.html


What can we do about the coarsening of culture? On a personal level, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit and submit ourselves to God. Then would we exhibit godliness and the fruit of the Spirit. On the level of the church, we must avoid jumping on bandwagons which promote superficiality and coarseness. I once witnessed a worship leader conducting the service in a way which made the proceedings sound like a game show. My heart is troubled whenever I see crudeness seep into the church. This worship leader meant well. Unfortunately, I think that he confused vibrant worship in the Spirit with the crass (insensitive) showmanship of popular culture. In such things, the church must be extra vigilant.


What can we do about the coarsening of culture?
PHOTO: What can we do about the coarsening of culture? On a personal level, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit and submit ourselves to God. Then would we exhibit godliness and the fruit of the Spirit. On the level of the church, we must avoid jumping on bandwagons which promote superficiality and coarseness. I once witnessed a worship leader conducting the service in a way which made the proceedings sound like a game show. My heart is troubled whenever I see crudeness seep into the church. This worship leader meant well. Unfortunately, I think that he confused vibrant worship in the Spirit with the crass (insensitive) showmanship of popular culture. In such things, the church must be extra vigilant.
Artwork by Joseph Brickey - In Similitude
Photoshop from picture posted by Weebly
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ5Yyk5XWldjfFVbfMhEa9U1yp7zIl55C6RTv4HrEMYNtzXjKqhDHInBtcaN0HtKGpqDdQ8zTJ5SJSLOFTq-mjw5Sm144z2H4w2MpnI_UOwAHsnZjJdAjp4pBjwTmDfw_3I9xhKkvLicY/s1600/7997395_orig-11.png
http://josephbrickey.weebly.com/uploads/2/5/2/1/25216118/7997395_orig.png
http://josephbrickey.weebly.com/old-testament.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2016/09/reflection-introduction-to-book-of-job.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/06/reflection-intimacy-with-christ_22.html


The Lord Jesus refused to turn the temple where God is worshipped, in beauty, holiness, and fear, into a crude (rough) circus. We must follow His lead. In our communications, publicity, and expression of the faith, we must not import the loudness and superficiality of the world. Instead, we must hold fast whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8). For only then would the medium fit the message.


The Lord Jesus refused to turn the temple where God is worshipped, in beauty, holiness, and fear, into a crude (rough) circus.
PHOTO: The Lord Jesus refused to turn the temple where God is worshipped, in beauty, holiness, and fear, into a crude (rough) circus. We must follow His lead. In our communications, publicity, and expression of the faith, we must not import the loudness and superficiality of the world. Instead, we must hold fast whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable (Philippians 4:8). For only then would the medium fit the message.
Picture posted by Wallpapers, pictures and cool photos! on 26 March 2021
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSd5mv5DoYcnCAZwl4rViOmE-zVQ8Fw859VawTprK28i0lYASFe3J8l9cni2ZZlfapEvul0fwItO0fKPmZH1lh_l5t_G8MC85qlB5HyJNd0yC9S5-T0FsSc7C4qSMxY_4vSScPSDvmxA/s1384/1616750148_5-p-boginya-krasivo-6.png
https://oir.mobi/uploads/posts/2021-03/1616750148_5-p-boginya-krasivo-6.png
https://oir.mobi/657248-boginja.html
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/07/reflection-number-our-days-grander.html


 Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, we pray that we follow Jesus lead, and refused to turn the temple where God is worshipped, in beauty, holiness, and fear, into a crude circus. May we be filled with the Holy Spirit and submit ourselves to God.

May our communications, publicity, and expression of the faith, do not import the loudness and superficiality of the world. But instead, hold fast whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.

May then the medium, our means of communication, fit the message.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen."
Picture posted by Bible Art - This verse encourages believers to follow the example of Jesus Christ in putting others' needs above their own and serving one another with humility and love.
Reflection - In The World - The Coarsening Of Culture
Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 42, "The Coarsening Of Culture", Page 218.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012



"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
 
 
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
 
 
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God",  © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach

 Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
 

"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
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https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-1-45.html

 
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 24 October 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-46-90.html
 
 
"Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Making All Things New, Chapter 1 - 28 (Links), posted on Saturday, 04 August 2024
Reflection - Making All Things New, Chapter 1 - 28 (Links), posted on Saturday, 04 August 2024
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2024/08/reflection-making-all-things-new.html



Reference
[1] From "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon, Chapter 42, "The Coarsening Of Culture", Page 218.

[1a] Oliver Burkeman, "Democrats Face Choice Opposites," The Guardian, January 14, 2003. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2003/jan/14/usa.oliverburkeman.

[2] David Shenk, Data Smog: Surviving the Information Glut (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 1997).


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