| Most television commercials are an obvious consumer trap. Products from shampoo to vehicles to dog food are pitched, and some present-day marketing tactics have lost all sense of decency. The old ad of years ago, “Calgon, take me away”, appeals to me, but it never delivers the promised escape! Magazines follow suit with their intriguing headlines, especially this time of year. “Hassle Free Holidays”, “Save $300 in 3 Days," "Supersize Your Happiness in Six Simple Steps," and "31 Ways to Make Yourself Smile” are just a few recent claims in print. If at least one of these was true, I would not have to force myself to smile. Most of us recognize advertising gimmicks as hooks to sell products, and we do not fall for them. Everyday circumstances and difficulties are not solved or endured easily. News flash: News flash: “Life is not a magazine cover.” Just ask Noah and his family. They spent over a year on the ark—pets included. Get the picture? Exiting the ark at God’s command, Noah’s first act was one of worship. When the aroma of Noah’s sacrifice reached Heaven, God made precious promises to Noah and all mankind that would last forever. Next came blessings, instructions, and the covenant of which we still see proof today. Noah and his family had a new beginning, complete with God’s power to make it possible. God knew man instinctively possessed the potential to make a mess of things again. In fact, it was a sure thing that he would. However, God was willing to begin again with the creation of His heart to the point of commanding Noah’s family to increase and fill the earth. What love it took for God to grant the privilege of life to those He knew He would have to also extend mercy time and time again. Unlike some of the empty promises of today’s advertisers, the opportunities to thrive were entirely within the reach of Noah’s generation. The same is true of His children today. Yet we are running so fast after what the world offers that we race right past the treasures God has for us. Many offers are in the world today that promise security, solutions to problems, and peace. However, only God delivers opportunities of lasting value. |
| Life is not a magazine cover by Cynthia Price |
Cynthia and her husband, Bill, have four grown children and five grandchildren. She has been active for
many years in her church and in Bible Study Fellowship.
A writer and speaker, Cynthia has a heart for women and their special needs. She is available to speak to
your women's group and can be contacted at cbankprice@cablelynx.com.
many years in her church and in Bible Study Fellowship.
A writer and speaker, Cynthia has a heart for women and their special needs. She is available to speak to
your women's group and can be contacted at cbankprice@cablelynx.com.
| www.marymaywrites.com |
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