Message by Review and Herald Publishing, Association

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IA a E C nt E S P la S U At I S

w w w. m e s s a ge m a g a z i n e . c o m • CURRENT

• MEANINGFUL • INSPIRATIONAL

JULY/AUG 2010

A Dollar For A

Dream

Kasim

I Do

Reed

“My life is ordered by my faith in God. . . . It gives me order, discipline, and guidance.”

Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia

Forever

IS JESUS THE PROBLEM OR THE SOLUTION? by Barry C. Black + NOTEWORTHY: SO LONG, INSECURITY

DRAWING THE LINE BETWEEN DISCIPLINE AND ABUSE

GARDEN FRESH

STRUGGLING WITH OBESITY

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WASHINGTON JOHNSON II

my message

God’s Health-Care Plan

he subject of health care, after dominat-

ing Congress’s agenda during the past year, finally resulted in a landmark health-care bill being signed by the president. The public and private deliberations surrounding health care were both informative and fiery because of the importance and urgency of this issue. Though not a central part of the discussions, the evolving deterioration of mankind due to sin, and the failure to adhere to God’s health-care plan, can be found at the root of all health maladies. Its effects have left millions of Americans in poor health, without recourse. Ideally, a different scenario might exist if early biblical principles, such as God’s admonishment to ancient Israel to abide by His commandments, including dietary laws, in order to avoid diseases of the nations around them had been followed. The lamentable results claimed the lives of many ancient Israelites, quite similar to today’s prevailing health drifts. Beyond health principles, Israel was instructed to provide assistance to the less fortunate who faced circumstances beyond their control.

They were to charge no interest to poor borrowers, and return collateral, such as a blanket, before sunset so that the borrower could make good use of it during the night (Exodus 22:25-27). He also commanded His chosen nation to leave something for the poor and strangers when the fields were harvested (Leviticus 23:22). In principle, Christians are still to show compassion to those in need by using the influence within their spheres. Jesus proclaimed that to help others such as the sick, hungry, and imprisoned, or to neglect them means we have also done it unto Him (Matthew 25:40). Health care should be accessible to everyone. It is also very important to the One who created our fearfully and wonderfully made bodies. For Christ said, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 2). Our growing love for Him should inspire conscious efforts to follow the laws of health such as exercising, drinking ample amounts of water, and eating nutritious meals. Quality life on Planet Earth will require these efforts until the promise in Revelation 21:4 is realized. I have determined that this will be the optimal health-care plan. Congress will not have to vote it because Jesus has already paid the premium with His own blood. My desire is that this issue’s articles will inspire you to live for the promises within God’s health-care plan. WJ2

Congress will not have to vote it because Jesus has already paid the premium with His own blood.

www.messagemagazine.com EDITORIAL Editor

Washington Johnson II Associate Editor

Pat Sparks Harris Creative Director

Ron J. Pride

MARKETING Director of Marketing and Special Projects

Samuel Thomas, Jr. Advertising Sales

Genia Blumenberg (301) 393-3170

Washington Johnson II

MESSAGE • jul /aug 2010

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Call 1-800-456-3991 Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time for subscription information or address changes. MESSAGE (ISSN 0026-0231) is published bimonthly Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/June, July/Aug, Sept/Oct, Nov/Dec. © 2010 by the Review and Herald® Publishing Association, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740, U.S.A.Address editorial correspondence to 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740. All subscriptions are prepaid. If you did not order MESSAGE, it is being sent as a gift from a friend. You will not be billed. To subscribe, mail payment to MESSAGE, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 or call 800-765-6955. Subscription price: one year, $17.95 U.S. currency; single copy, $4.00; overseas, add $7.00 per year for postage. Prices subject to change without notice. Periodicals postage paid at Hagerstown, Maryland. Vol. 76, No. 4, July/Aug 2010. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MESSAGE, 55 West Oak Ridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740. Printed in the U.S.A. Member, Evangelical Press Association.

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JULY / AUG 2010

contents

cover story

The Honorable Kasim Reed, Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia • by George Johnson, Jr. “My faith in God is the framework for everything that I seek to accomplish. My life is ordered by my faith in God, and my commitment to improving the lives of others.”

features 4 IS JESUS THE PROBLEM OR THE SOLUTION? • by Barry C. Black He brought a sword that disturbs our arrogance, comfort, and relationships.

It is estimated that 80 percent of Americans have engaged in some form of gambling.

14 UNCONFUSED • by L. David Harris The Holy Spirit unconfused that which sin compelled God to confuse many years earlier.

16 I DO FOREVER • by Janice Browne The truth is, building a Christian marriage and keeping it strong require work.

24 DRAWING THE LINE BETWEEN DISCIPLINE AND ABUSE • by Joyce Johnson Too little or too much discipline will assuredly result in failure for both parent and child.

departments

12 A DOLLAR FOR A DREAM, THE TRUTH BEHIND THE LOTTO • by Christelle Agboka

FROM THIS DAY FORWARD • Sex, No Longer a Priority

FOOD FOR HEALTH • Garden Fresh

HEALTHSPAN • Struggling With Obesity

NOTEWORTHY • So Long, Insecurity, You’ve Been a Bad Friend to Us

FAITH IN FOCUS • What Difference Does a Day Make?

16 18

STUDY GUIDES • Guarding Your Soul

26 SAY WHAT YOU MEAN; MEAN WHAT YOU SAY • by Ramona L. Hyman Effective communication must begin with the “Word” [Jesus] in mind.

Visit us online at

www.messagemagazine.com.

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B A R R Y

Something happened to me

while I was

visiting in the Middle Eastern country of Bahrain in 2003 that caused me to think more seriously about Jesus’ demands. Serving in the United States Navy, I was looking for a Christian church but could find only Islamic mosques. I decided to enter a mosque and was delighted to meet an English–speaking Imam in the first place I visited, This Muslim minister and I began conversing about religion.

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B L A C K

ferent things that Muslims and Christians have in common. We talked about how we trace our spiritual heritage back to Father Abraham, with Christians going through Isaac and Muslims through Ishmael. He reminded me of our mutual reverence for Old Testament patriarchs and prophets. But in spite of our friendly exchange, we could not agree on the deity of Jesus. Although the Christian faith has provided many solutions to challenging problems; nevertheless, Jesus remains a problem to many people. At His birth, He caused a problem for an innkeeper who, at first, had no room for Christ in his inn (Luke 2:7). Later, King Herod was so threatened by Jesus’ existence that the monarch commanded that babies under 2 years of age be killed (Matthew 2:16). He would later so disturb the religious leaders, because of His miracle-working power, that they would plot to kill Him

Is Jesus

iStockphoto/Thinkstock

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the Problem or “I believe that Jesus was a great prophet,” he said to me generously. He also added the words “blessed be his name” after saying the name Jesus, and continuing to do so for our entire one-hour conversation. “Yes,” I responded. “Jesus was a great prophet, but wasn’t He more than that?” “You mean the Son of God, don’t you?” my new friend answered quickly. “Exactly,” I said. “Well,” the Imam whispered reluctantly, “he may have been a wonderful teacher, but certainly not a god.” “I think we have a problem,” I retorted. “You see, Jesus claimed to be God. He said to His enemies, ‘Before Abraham was, I am’ (John 8:58), and they sought to kill Him for blasphemy. So, you can’t have Him a great teacher, but not God, for that would make Him either a liar or insane.” The Imam smiled and conceded, “Yes, I guess that is a problem.” I changed the subject, and we went on to discuss dif-

MESSAGE • jul /aug 2010

(Matthew 26:1–5). Jesus seemed to anticipate such opposition, declaring, “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34). And what kind of sword did He bring? He brought a sword that disturbs our arrogance, comfort, and relationships. ARROGANCE Jesus disturbs our arrogance. When a Pharisee prayed pompously in the Temple (Luke 18), bragging to God about his accomplishment, Jesus said he prayed to himself. But the despised tax collector in the same story, who prayed with humility, received Christ’s approval. Jesus even challenged His disciples to be willing to wash one another’s feet (John 13), as well as become like children to prepare to enter His kingdom (Matthew 18:3). Yes, He disturbs our arrogance. COMFORT He disturbs our comfort. Once a man came to Him and

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the Solution? said, “I’m ready to follow You wherever You go.” But Jesus responded, “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20). Again, in Luke 18:22, He challenged a rich, young ruler, “Sell all that thou hast . . . and . . . follow me.” It so disturbed the young ruler’s comfort zone that he went away sorrowfully. In Revelation 3:17 Jesus spoke to the church in the city of Laodicea and declared, “Thou sayest, I am rich and increased with goods, . . . knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” Yes, He disturbs our comfort. R E L AT I O N S H I P S Jesus predicted that His presence would disturb relationships. Once He was working so hard that His mother and other relatives went to get Him. Jesus was teaching, and someone informed Him that “his mother and brethren” desired to speak with Him. Jesus responded by saying, “Who is my mother? and who are my brethren?” Pointing to the listening congrega-

tion, He said, “These are my mother, brothers, and sisters, those who do the will of my Father in heaven” (see Matthew 12:46–50). He also said, that a person’s foes would come from his or her own household (Matthew 10:36). Serving Him often brings divisions, causing more problems than solutions. Yes, He disturbs our relationships. J E S U S — T H E O N LY S O L U T I O N My discussion with a Bahrain Imam prompted me to reflect on Jesus’ demands, imperatives we must embrace if we believe His claims about Himself and His deity. While His demands will disturb our arrogance, comfort, and relationships, they will lead us to value people, celebrate the miraculous, and accentuate the spiritual. When we meet Jesus on His terms, He will be the solution and not the problem. M BARRY C. BLACK, Ph.D., is the sixty-second chaplain of the United States Senate. He previously served as a chaplain in the United States Navy, rising to the rank of Rear Admiral, and ending his career as the Chief of Navy Chaplains. w w w. m e s s a g e m a g a z i n e . c o m

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WILLIE AND ELAINE OLIVER

from this day forward

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R E L AT I O N S H I P

M AT T E R S

Sex, No Longer a Priority

There are several reasons why women can lose interest in sexual relations in marriages. Just being 50 is not necessarily a reason for a diminished interest in sexual activity, although it may play a role. Menopause is a midlife transition for women between the ages of 40 and 60. It is the end of fertility, usually indicated by the permanent absence of monthly cycles. During this time the ovaries produce lower levels of the sex hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen plays a significant role in the mental health of women. Lower levels of estrogen may lower the mood of a woman and contribute to other factors as well. This reality affects some women more than others, so checking with your physician is a good idea. On the other hand, we believe a healthy marriage makes for a healthy sex life. Couples who feel good about each other tend to communicate well, do fun things together, like each other, make time for each other, and enjoy sexual activity on a regular basis regardless of age. By the same token, couples who are in a marriage filled with strife, constant disagreement and bickering, tend to have less desire to spend time together, and are less likely to enjoy a fulfilling sex life, even if they are much younger than you are. The good news is that your present reality does not have to continue for the remainder of your life. We know, based on research and working with many couples, that husbands who understand the emotional needs of their respective wives, and are intentional about meeting those needs, have wives who return the favor. Every married couple should know that men and women are very different. In fact, men and women are almost the exact opposite. While the primary need of women is to receive affection (don’t confuse this with sex), and to have meaningful conversation with their own husbands, the primary need of men is to have sex with their respective wives. One does not happen without the other. It means then, unless there is a physical or psychological barrier that is keeping you from being interested in sex any-

MESSAGE • jul /aug 2010

Thomas Moens/iStockphoto/Thinkstock

Q A

I am concerned about my diminishing desire for intimacy with my husband. I am 50 years old, and we have been married for many years. Recently I’ve found myself wanting to avoid sex often. Could this be related to menopause? Name Withheld—San Antonio, Texas

more, it is your marriage relationship that needs to be improved so that your deep desire for intimacy with your husband will return. 1 John 4:18 declares: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love” (NKJV). We hope that from this day forward you will trust God to lead you and your husband to intentionally develop a better marriage relationship so that your lives together will be a powerful testimony of God’s plan for joy in marriage. M WILLIE OLIVER, Ph.D., an ordained minister and family sociologist, is director of Family Ministries for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. Contact: Willie.Oliver@nad.adventist.org or www.adventistfamilyministries.com ELAINE OLIVER, M.A., is an experienced university administrator and a marriage and family consultant for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. *Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Photo by Ron Solomon

With a population of 537,958 people

(in 2008), Atlanta, Georgia, is listed as the thirty-third largest city in the nation. This thriving metropolis is known for its rich cultural diversity as well as its heritage and hospitality. At the helm of its political activity is Kasim Reed, the fiftyninth mayor of Atlanta. Reed assumed office on January 4, 2010, succeeding Shirley Franklin, who had served in this position for eight years. Reed’s interest in public service stems from his parents. “My father and mother were involved in the civil rights movement in South Carolina,” he says. The 41-year-old mayor recollects his father always talking about people such as Thurgood Marshall and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., when he was a young boy and then realized he should also care about helping others. Reed began to stand out as a naturalborn leader during his academic career at Howard University in Washington, D.C. According to a June 6, 1991, Washington Post article, he took a big step toward his future when he learned about a federal dollar-for-dollar matching grant program while completing an internship with Rep. Joseph Patrick Kennedy II (D-Mass.). As an undergraduate representative on Howard’s board of trustees, Reed proposed that students voluntarily agree to a $15/semester student fee increase that the United States Congress would match. These monies would then be earmarked toward the university endowment. The fees at that time were expected to total nearly $300,000 per semester, or about $2.4 million dollars over four years. Needless to say, Reed is still a member of the Howard University board of trustees who earned his baccalaureate degree in political science in 1991, and then a juris doctorate in 1995. Reed has also excelled as an entrepreneur, earning $40,000 running a jewelry business while he was a sophomore. He was also invited to comment on the Persian Gulf War military strategy on the MacNeil/Lehrer

G E O R G E MESSAGE • jul /aug 2010

J O H N S O N ,

J R .

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Leading One of the Nation’s Largest Cities

A profile on

Mayor Kasim

REED Often known as the “ATL,” this thriving metropolis is known for its rich cultural diversity as well as its heritage and hospitality. At the helm of its

Most photos public domain

political activity is Kasim Reed, the fifty-ninth mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. w w w. m e s s a g e m a g a z i n e . c o m

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T H E S E V E N T H - DAY A DV E N T I S T C H U R C H I N AT L A N TA Atlanta-Berean

SDA Church Atlanta is the home of the fifty-ninth General Conference session for the Seventh-day Adventist Church being held June 23July 3, 2010, where some 70,000 church members are expected to attend. Why was Atlanta chosen for the church’s quinquennium business session? “Atlanta has a long history of hosting national religious organizations and gatherings,” said Sheri Clemmer, associate session meeting planner for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Seventh-day Adventist Church has more than 80 houses of worship in the Atlanta area.

Search for a church: www.plusline.org/churches.php

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NewsHour and was featured in Black Enterprise magazine. “My experiences at Howard played a very vital role in my education, and prepared me for where I am today,” he shared. A PAT H WAY O F P O L I T I C S Reed’s political career has been an admirable one. He was the leading vote-getter in the 1998 Democratic primary for the Georgia House of Representatives, ultimately earning him the victory in that general election. He served as a state representative for five years. In 2001, while continuing to serve as a state representative, Reed served as the campaign manager for Shirley Franklin’s election to become Atlanta’s fifty-eighth mayor. In 2003 he was elected as a state senator representing the 35th district where he served for seven years. Reed feels that his prior political positions “served as training bodies.”

Courtesy of the staff of Mayor Reed

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Civil rights leader and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient Joseph E. Lowery endorsed Kasim Reed for mayor at a press conference alongside community and civic leaders.

www.kasimreed.com

“You learn how to represent your ideas. There is a certain code of ethics and decorum that is expected in the house and senate that helps you move your agenda in a professional and aggressive way,” he said. After experiencing success in the Georgia legislature, Reed set his sights on becoming Atlanta’s mayor. “Several people whose opinion I valued encouraged me, which included my family, Ambassador Andrew Young, and former mayor Shirley Franklin,” he shared. Experiences in his

My faith in God is the framework for everything that I seek to accomplish. My life is ordered by my faith in God, and my commitment to improving the lives of others. MESSAGE editor Washington Johnson talks with Mayor Reed about religion, education, and his vision for the city of Atlanta.

mayoral campaign taught him “endurance and mental toughness—toughness in the sense of reaching my goal and trusting in my faith.” He was finally declared the winner of the mayoral race on December 9, 2009, after a close-call race between him and Mary Norwood. H I S C O M M U N I T Y A N D H I S FA I T H For one who has grown up in metropolitan Atlanta, Mayor Reed sees the importance of investing in its young people. “I want to place young people and children at the center of our culture. We are losing too many lives to violence—putting an entire generation at risk. We need gifted people to come behind us and continue the forward move, and if they are not there and prepared, we all lose,” he said. He also believes that God will help in his commitment to youth and their footprint in society. “My faith in God is the framework for everything that I seek to accomplish. My life is ordered by my faith in God, and my commitment to improving the lives of others. It gives me order, discipline, and guidance,” he said. M GEORGE JOHNSON, JR., is the associate communication director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. He writes from Baltimore, Maryland. w w w. m e s s a g e m a g a z i n e . c o m

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D olla r

In today’s “anything goes” society, numerous activities considered taboo less than half a century ago have become the norm. Gambling is no exception. With the first modern state lottery established in New Hampshire in 1964, Americans were presented with a legitimized form of gambling. The lottery, defined as “a drawing of lots in which prizes are distributed to the winners among persons buying a chance,” has existed in various forms since biblical times, but was deemed illegal in the United States for 70 years prior to 1964 because of corruption and lottery fraud. State lotteries were originally intended as a temporary means to raise funds for specific projects—e.g., building a bridge, making a road, or constructing a school. However, over the years they have become a permanent channel for such projects, with gathered funds historically misused. Thus state governments are now promoting an activity formerly viewed as “an unacceptable, inappropriate, even sinful vice.” At present, an estimated 80 percent of Americans are thought to engage in some form of gambling. Video lottery terminals (VLTs), electronic slot machines known as the “crack cocaine” of the industry, have made gambling accessible even to young children, and even more addictive. With the hope of “a dollar for a dream,” Americans spent more than $57 billion on the lottery in 2007, and lost $17 billion. In these difficult economic times, the allure of the lottery is widespread. In one case, a nondenominational megachurch is capitalizing on the lottery craze to increase its numbers by running a church-based lottery. Not everyone is a fan, however. For Temple University psychology professor Frank Farley, the problem with the lottery is twofold. First, the lottery is wasteful. “What opportunities are lost because you are putting discretionary income into the lottery when you could be putting it into something else?” he asks. Second, it wrongly communicates that success is a result of chance rather than hard work.” The Bible discourages this attitude toward life in 2 Thessalonians: 3:10: “this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” Further, gambling addictions can be as harmful as drug or alcohol addictions. According to a Harvard Medical School study, 15 to 20 million (or 5 to 7 percent) of all American adolescents and adults exhibit problem or pathological gambling addictions. Tellingly, 65 percent of all lottery revenues come from the top 10 percent of lottery bettors.

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The Truth Behind the Lotto

More troubling, a poll of 500 Gamblers Anonymous members revealed that 48 percent had thought about suicide, and 12 percent had attempted suicide. Individuals from lower socio-economic groups most easily fall prey to the notion that the lottery is their only way out of financial struggle. Instead, gambling comes with its own set of problems, including violence, domestic abuse, financial pressure, criminal activity, and disruption of children’s development. While one’s chances of winning the lottery are slim, even winners tend to be losers, as they succumb to unrealistic expectations and greed, demands of family members, and relationship breakups. Not uncommon are stories of lottery winners who lose everything (including mental health) within less than 10 years.

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Dream CHRISTELLE AGBOKA From a spiritual viewpoint, the gambling life does not bear good fruit (see Matthew 7:15-20) and encourages the love of worldly riches rather than the true riches of the kingdom. This focus is a dead end. As Matthew 6:19-21 reminds us: “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” With a self-centered life, including an unhealthy attachment to money, peace is fleeting and contingent on externals. A God-centered life, on the other hand, engenders peace regardless of circumstances. The question remains, how do we overcome an unhealthy attachment to riches, or the promise of riches? Fortunately, while the social costs of gambling are high, it is one of the least expensive addictions to treat. Cognitive behavioral therapy, that helps patients identify and alter harmful thought patterns, has proven successful with addictions of all kinds. Self-help groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, founded in 1957, and now totaling more than 800 chapters nationwide, have also proven successful, based on the premise that abstinence from all gambling activity is essential for recovery. With a prayerful commitment to overcome this vice, as well as the structure of individual or group therapy, recovery is well within reach. M CHRISTELLE AGBOKA writes from Kingston, Ontario, and enjoys reading, writing, and learning languages. REFERENCES www.focusonthefamily.com/socialissues/gambling/lotteries.aspx www.apologeticspress.org/articles/2301 www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/wayoflife/01/04/lottery.tix.add.up/index.html www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2009/12/17/romans.church.lottery.cnn?iref= allsearch www.businesspundit.com/10-people-who-won-the-lottery-then-lost-it-all/

• For more info on Gamblers Anonymous, see:

www.gamblersanonymous.org/ • For a list of National Certified Gambling Counselors, see the website of the National Council on Problem Gambling

www.ncpgambling.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3309. w w w. m e s s a g e m a g a z i n e . c o m

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Unconfused

Genesis 11 reveals what some say was a plan to ensure safety if God reneged on His promise not to destroy the earth by flood again. In the plain of Shinar, the people erected the Tower of Babel in hopes of reaching into the heavens. So God went down, destroyed the tower, confused their languages, and scattered the people abroad because of their lack of faith. Thousands of years later, following Jesus’ earthly ministry and ascension “when the day of Pentecost was fully come they [God’s people] were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:1-4). It

was not long, in a relative sense, between the beginning of our earth’s history and the deplorable spiritual conditions spoken of in Genesis 6. Through faithful men like Abel, Seth, Enoch, Methuselah, and Noah, God demonstrated that though evil had taken root on a perfect planet, He was able to restore His people to holiness. It was not a foregone conclusion that people must continue down the slippery slope of sin just because the likes of Cain seemed to have lost the battle. Yet, this sad reality echoed throughout the portals of heaven: “God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart” (Genesis 6:5, 6). So God, after a merciful period of 120 years, caused a great flood to cover the earth, and only a few faithful people were saved. We do not know how many faithful people God laid L . DAV I D H A R R I S i s away in rest before the Flood came, founder of Each 1 Reach but only eight were saved in the Many Ministries, author of Know Peace Within: A Life ark (Genesis 7:13). These would in Transition, and the twostand as trophies to the reality of volume set Alive at 5: God’s saving grace. Victory in Retrospect. To Not long after the Flood, an find out more, visit even more confusing saga began. www.reachmanyradio.com

MESSAGE • jul /aug 2010

We are living in the most confusing time ever. was at that moment, prophesied by Joel, that the Holy Spirit unconfused that which sin compelled God to confuse many years earlier. Everyone who converged on that place was able to hear God’s Word in more than 20 languages. It is not often that these events are linked together in people’s minds, but we must not ignore the fact that the Holy Spirit miraculously communicated the message of good relationship with Jesus Christ in a way that could not have been accomplished by natural means. He was giving us a foretaste of heaven. We are living in the most confusing time ever. The book of Revelation speaks of the darkness and confusion caused by spiritual Babylon. And in miraculous form, the Holy Spirit leads the call for all of the peoples of the world to come away from her confusion (Revelation 18:1-4). We cannot go into all that this means, but one thing is certain: God is welcoming every kindred, nation, tongue, and people into His care. His plan has always been for us to live with Him eternally. He is making plain that which sin confused. There is no better time than now to ask the Lord to dedicate or rededicate our lives to Him. Will you do it today? M

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L. DAVID HARRIS

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Time together strengthens the relationship bond, and helps to keep the lines of communication open. Time together increases intimacy and closeness.

F IDo

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J A N I C E

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he most famous words spoken in the marriage ceremony are “I Do.” The intent of those words is meant for the m a r r i a g e t o l a s t f o r e v e r. Unfortunately, many marriages are not lasting forever. According to Jennifer B a ke r o f t h e Fo r e s t I n s t i t u t e o f Professional Psychology in Springfield, Missouri, the divorce rate in America for first marriages is 50 percent; second marriages, 67 percent; and third marriages, 74 percent. Marriage is a wonderful institution designed by God at Creation to fulfill the need for companionship; “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him” (Genesis 2:18). Yet marriage can also be a complex and challenging venture. The truth is, building a Christian marriage and keeping it strong require work; however, the results can be priceless. While a loving and lasting marriage does take deliberate effort, it's not so difficult if you start with a few basic principles. The first principle is to invite Christ to be the nucleus of the marriage by regularly engaging in worship and prayer together. Prayer, particularly, is the beginning and ending of all things. Set some special time aside each day, preferably each morning, to worship and pray together. If working hours don’t make the morning or evening hours conducive for this time with God, make it a point to leave a scripture, or a short prayer for the other to read, and carry in their heart and mind throughout the day. Second, set aside some special time for just the two of you to be togeth-

B R O W N E

er. Spending time together is ver y important. Time together strengthens the relationship bond, and helps to keep the lines of communication open. Time together increases intimacy and closeness. Continue to date. Dating intensifies the feelings of romance, and romance is good in a marriage. Remember how wonderful it was to get dressed and to meet him or her for that special time together? These same practices must continue. Dates don’t have to be expensive, or extravagant. Going out to lunch, walking on the beach, or attending a concert can add longevity to the relationship. Have fun surprising each other—fix his favorite meal, give her breakfast in bed. You will be surprised what this will do for the relationship. Intimacy begins with loving acts of kindness. Third, encourage each other. Encouragement is necessary for healthy self-esteem, and a good marriage. We all need encouragement, and increased mental, physical. and spiritual growth. If your spouse has a special gift, talent, or dream, encourage him or her to use those talents and to pursue dreams. A mate that has a sense of fulfillment will make a better mate than one who is unfulfilled and empty. It has been said that empty barrels make a lot of noise. When a spouse is not fulfilled, sometimes complaining and anger become the noise in the marriage, which can negatively impact the marriage. Fourth, Mary Fairchild, a frequent writer on marriage, suggests that couples make important decisions together. Major decisions, like financial ones,

are best decided as a couple. One of the greatest areas of strain in a marriage is the sphere of finances. As a couple, you should discuss your finances on a regular basis, even if one of you is better at handling the practical aspects such as paying the bills and balancing the checkbook. Keeping secrets about spending will drive a wedge between couples faster than anything else. If you agree to come to mutual decisions on how the finances are handled, this will strengthen trust between you and your partner. Also, you won't be able to keep secrets from each other if you commit to making allimportant family decisions together. This is one of the best ways to develop trust as a couple. The fifth and final encouragement to you is to attend church together. Attending church together sets the tone for the week, opens the relationship up to God, and allows you to have a support group. You may also connect with other couples, be mentored by an older couple who is successful in marriage, or you may become mentors. Marriage is ordained by God as a sacred institution between a man and a woman, and meant to last forever “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:6). Married life will never be perfect because we are not perfect, but with God, love, and commitment we can say, “I do forever.” M JANICE BROWNE, Ph.D., is an educator, author, and international speaker. She resides in Nashville, Tennessee.

r Foreve

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DONNA GREEN GOODMAN

f ood f o r hea l t h

I love

being able to add garden-fresh ingredients to my recipes. Whether it’s something from the garden that my husband grows, or fresh herbs that I grow on the patio (it’s more fun for me), I get so excited when I pick the ingredient in the warmth of the sun, inhale the aroma, and wash, and prepare it for the dish I am making. This month we feature garden-fresh ingredients that are in season during the summer. Why not make some for now and freeze some for later? Then you can pull out garden-fresh dishes when the snow is deep. Mmm! Mmm! Mmm! Enjoy!

MESSAGE • jul /aug 2010

4 1 ½ 1 1 ¼ 1 1 2 •

RECIPE

MANGO SALSA

G L E N D A’ S B A N A N A B R E A D

cups ripe tomatoes, chopped onion, chopped cup chopped green bell pepper medium mango, chopped 4-ounce can mild, green chilies, chopped (or fresh if you have it) cup fresh cilantro, chopped tablespoon lemon juice tablespoon lime juice cloves garlic, minced Salt to taste (optional)

¾ ½ 2 ½ 1 2 1 1 1

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to let flavors blend. Servings: 16 Final values determined by your choice of ingredients.

1 ½

cup evaporated cane juice cup canola or safflower oil teaspoons lemon juice cup soy, rice, or nut milk tablespoon alcohol-free vanilla flavoring medium ripe bananas, peeled and mashed cup unbleached flour cup white whole-wheat flour or whole-wheat pastry flour tablespoon Featherweight baking powder, heaping teaspoon salt cup chopped nuts (pecan or walnuts)

In a mixing bowl, combine evaporated cane juice with oil, lemon juice, and

Medioimages/Photodisc/Thinkstock

Garden Fresh

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other wet ingredients. Mix well. Stir in mashed ripe bananas. Mix all dry ingredients together. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Stir until blended. Place in bread pan that has been sprayed with vegetable spray. Bake at 350o for approximately 45 minutes or until golden brown. Yield: one loaf Final values determined by your choice of ingredients.

3 RECIPE

ZUCCHINI BREAD

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1½ cups unbleached flour 1½ cups white whole-wheat flour or whole-wheat pastry flour 1 cup walnuts, chopped 4½ teaspoons Featherweight baking powder, heaping 1 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons EnerG egg replacer ½-¾ cup soy, rice, or nut milk 1 large zucchini, washed and grated, or 2 cups grated zucchini 2 teaspoons grated lemon peel Dash-½ teaspoon of coriander or Jamaican allspice (optional)

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4 RECIPE

B R E A K FA S T I N A S K I L L E T • Olive oil 2 large Idaho baking potatoes, cooked, peeled, and sliced (leftover works best for me) 1-1½ cups simple, scrambled tofu 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped 1 cup fresh broccoli, chopped, or broccoli florets 1 cup chopped bell pepper (I use red and orange) 1 cup your favorite breakfast veggie meat (sausage, ham, bacon) 1 cup nondairy cheese, grated (Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Mozzarella) Pour enough olive oil in a skillet to cover the bottom of the pan. Place on stove and heat on medium-high heat. Add sliced potatoes and heat till slightly browned. On top of the potatoes, layer in the following order the tofu, spinach, broccoli, bell pepper, and breakfast veggie meat. Add grated cheese as the last layer. Turn heat down to low. Place cover on skillet and simmer till spinach and broccoli are tender and cheese is melted. Slice and serve.

Preheat oven to 350o. Spray two loaf pans with vegetable spray. In a large bowl, mix together dry ingredients and nuts. In another bowl, mix all wet ingredients and lemon peel. Stir liquid mixture into flour mixture, stirring until blended. (Mixture will look coarse.) Spread mixture evenly in pans. Bake one hour. Cool, slice, and serve. Top crust may be crunchy.

Serves: 6 Final values determined by your choice of ingredients.

Yield: 2 loaves Final values determined by your choice of ingredients.

1 package firm, silken tofu, your favorite brand 3 tablespoons canola oil 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice 2 teaspoons plus honey to taste ¾ teaspoon salt 2-3 tablespoons water 1-2 garlic cloves 4 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, or to taste 4 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped, or to taste 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped, or to taste

5 RECIPE

CREAMY HERB TOPPING

Blend all ingredients well, except herbs, until smooth. Stir in chopped, fresh herbs. Allow flavors to marry for a couple of hours before serving. Use as a topping for baked potatoes, dip for rel-

ish tray, or thin to use as a salad dressing. Yield: 1½-2 cups Final values determined by your choice of ingredients.

6 RECIPE

G O O D M A N FA M I LY SUCCOTASH STEW 1 medium onion, chopped • Olive oil 2-3 Idaho baking potatoes, peeled and diced ¼ cup white whole-wheat flour 1 cup water 2 cups fresh lima beans 2 cups fresh yellow corn (off the cob would be great). 2 cups nondairy milk • Season to taste with McKay’s Chicken-Style Seasoning, BAKON seasoning, large bay leaf, PepperLike seasoning. 1 small red pepper, seeded and chopped, or 1 small jar pimento • Soy-ham bits In a large pot, sauté onion in a small amount of olive oil. Add diced potato, flour, and stir. Add about a cup of water and let simmer for about 6-8 minutes. Add lima beans, yellow corn, milk, and seasonings. Bring to gentle boil then reduce and simmer till veggies are tender. If mixture becomes thicker than you like, add more water. Add red pepper and soy-ham bits near end of cooking. Adjust seasonings and serve. Serves: 6-8 Final values determined by your choice of ingredients.

7 RECIPE

CURRY STEW POT 1 cup your favorite vegetarian chicken, chopped or broken into pieces 1 medium yellow onion, chopped ½ cup each red, green, yellow bell pepper, chopped 4-6 medium, butter/golden potatoes, (boiled, baked or nuked) 1 ⁄3 cup quick cooking brown rice 1 medium ripe tomato, diced

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1 cup fresh corn (off the cob works great) 1-1½ cups cooked, red kidney beans 1 small can mild, green chilies, chopped (or fresh) 3-4 tablespoons mild curry powder 1 can coconut milk 1-2 cups water • McKay’s Chicken-Style Seasoning, garlic powder, thyme to taste

Final values determined by your choice of ingredients.

In a large pot, pour enough oil to cover bottom of pot. Heat; add vegemeat, onion, and bell peppers. Sauté for a few minutes. Peel 4 of the potatoes and dice them. Add diced potatoes, brown rice, tomato, corn, kidney beans, chilies, and curry powder. Stir, making sure to coat the ingredients with the curry powder. Add coconut milk. Then, add water, 1-2 cups at a time to make a “soupy” broth. Add seasonings, adjusting to taste. Take the 2 leftover potatoes, peel and mash them. Add a little water or nondairy milk to them (leftover coconut milk works) to make them creamy. Gently stir the potato mixture into the soup broth (secret to thickening it). Turn heat to low, let soup simmer to develop the flavor. Serve with cornbread, or homemade rolls. Yum!

1 12–ounce can frozen white grape raspberry juice concentrate 1 tablespoon cornstarch, heaping 4 cups fresh strawberries, whole, halved, or sliced

9 RECIPE

STRAWBERRY TOPPING FOR CHEEZECAKE (OR WAFFLES)

Pour fruit juice and cornstarch into a small pot. Stir until well blended. Heat until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool. Add fruit and stir. Use as a topping for pancakes, waffles, cheesecakes. Serves: 6-8, Calories: 102 Fat: 0.08, Sodium: 9.0 mgs.

Serves: 6-8 Final values determined by your choice of ingredients.

8 RECIPE

TOFU CHEEZECAKE 1 cup evaporated cane juice crystals 3 containers soy cream cheese (I like Tofutti) 1 box Mori-Nu silken tofu, extra firm 2 tablespoons EnerG egg replacer ½ cup water or nondairy milk 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon alcohol-free vanilla flavoring ½ teaspoon salt 2-3 tablespoons cornstarch • Lemon zest to taste (optional) Use a blender or food processer and blend all ingredients until smooth. Pour blended ingredients into a prepared piecrust and bake at 350o for 30 minutes. Then reduce oven to 250o and bake for 20-30 minutes until inserted toothpick comes out clean. Cool. Overnight is best. Cover/serve with strawberry topping that follows. Serves: 6-8

MESSAGE • jul /aug 2010

notes

shopping list Find the following items in the gourmet section of your local supermarket, health food store, or an Adventist Book Center.*

Alcohol-free vanilla flavoring Featherweight baking powder EnerG egg replacer Jamaican allspice Nondairy cheeses Nondairy milk McKay’s NO MSG Chicken-Style Seasoning BAKON Pepper-Like seasoning Coconut milk Vege-meat Earth Balance margarine Soy cream cheese Tofu

10 RECIPE

*Call 1-800-765-6955 for store locations.

WATERMELON POPS 4-6 cups seeded watermelon chunks 1 can white grape raspberry juice, thawed Blend watermelon and white grape raspberry juice until smooth. Add a little water if necessary for blending. Have children help you pour them into icepop molds. Freeze. Serve. Variation—for Creamsicles add ¾–1 cup your favorite soy, nut, or rice milk. Final values determined by your choice of ingredients.

DONNA GREENGOODMAN, M.P.H., is a health educator who teaches at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama; author of Somethin’ to Shout About! (Orion Enterprises, 1999), Cookin’ Up Good Health, (Still Shoutin’, 2008); and executive producer of her own cooking show, Cookin’ Up Good Health, that airs on HOPETV. Tune in weekly or visit Donna at www.stillshoutin.com.

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MUYIWA ADEDOKUN, M.D.

healthspan

Struggling With Obesity

Q A

Dear Dr. A, I have struggled with obesity since I was in middle school. I am in my 30s and still battling this problem. According to my doctor, I am 100 pounds overweight. My sister suggested gastric bypass surgery to combat this problem forever. Would you also recommend this surgery? —Renee

Dear Renee, besity is now recognized as a serious health problem that is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States and worldwide. Obesity is related to an excess of fat in the body that occurs when the caloric intake far exceeds the expenditure. This may be due to genetic factors, hormonal imbalance, and the side effects of some medications. Additionally, behavioral and dietary risk factors are known to significantly contribute to obesity in a majority of individuals. You mentioned that you have struggled with obesity since middle school; it is a well-known fact that a sedentary obese child will likely become an obese adult, unless he/she alters or decreases his/her caloric intake. Obesity can be categorized by using body mass index (BMI). A person is considered obese when the BMI is greater than 30kg/m2. An individual with a BMI greater than 35kg/m2 is classified as morbidly obese. Being 100 pounds overweight (as you have been told by your doctor) also puts you at alevelof morbid obesity, which is also defined as individuals who are 100 pounds or 100 percent over their ideal body weight. Renee, obesity causes significant morbidity—even mortality. We know that it is associated with risks of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, heart disease, cholesterol abnormality, sleep apnea, arthritis of the joint, depression, formation of blood clots in the deep veins in the legs and lungs, increased frequency of certain cancers, and a generally impaired quality of life. Most of these health risks can be reversed or avoided with successful weight loss. It is therefore important to achieve and maintain weight loss. There are many options for shedding the unwanted pounds. Decreasing caloric intake and/or increasing the energy expended is an effective formula for weight loss.

Creatas/Thinkstock

Decreasing caloric intake is dietary modification that involves the quality, quantity, and frequency of dietary intake. Increasing physical activity in the form of routine exercise helps to burn calories and thus increases energy expenditure. Behavioral modification is helpful. I would not recommend using medications to lose weight because of the questions concerning the efficacy of those drugs, as well as risk of abuse of the drugs. Surgical treatments for weight loss called Bariatric surgery have potential for complications; therefore surgery is recommended only for those individuals with morbid obesity—BMI greater than 40kg/m2, or those with BMI greater than 35kg/m2 who have serious associated health problems, or those who have failed other nonsurgical weight loss attempts. These individuals are expected to be highly motivated. The most commonly performed, and also most effective procedure is the one you mentioned—gastric bypass surgery. I believe you may benefit from this procedure. However, you have to be very motivated to adhere to the prescribed dietary regimen after surgery, otherwise the weight can return. Consult your personal physician before starting any weight reduction program. M MUYIWA ADEDOKUN, M.D., a board-certified general surgeon, writes from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. w w w. m e s s a g e m a g a z i n e . c o m

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LORETTA PARKER SPIVEY

noteworthy note.wor.thy |(nōt'wûr'thē)| Adjective: interesting, significant, or unusual; deserving attention or notice; remarkable.

word and learning to accept God’s infinite and matchless love. She challenges women to be clothed with strength and honor (Proverbs 31:25), instead of looking to St. John, Tahari, Gucci, and Prada for security. Beth says: “I hear echoes of fear and desperation from women day in and day out—even if they are doing their best to muffle the sounds with their Coach bags.” Beth Moore’s extensive research, rich personal experience, friendly conversational writing style, and willingness to be vulnerable make this book a winner. She does a great job of explaining and laying out the problem of insecurity, and why it exists. She also provides some funny, although pitiful, examples of how insecurity manifests itself in daily life. “Nothing is more baffling than our attempt to derive our womanhood from our men. We use men like mirrors to see if we’re valuable. Beautiful. Desirable. Worthy of notice.” She goes on to say later that “we are attempting to get our security from a gender that doesn’t really have much to spare. Our culture is just as merciless on men as it is on women.” With classic Beth Moore candor, she states that “I not only lack security, I also lack faith. I don’t just doubt myself, I also doubt God about myself.” B O O K So Long, Insecurity: You’ve Been a Bad Friend to Us However, the real value of the book is found in the chapters that outline the strategies for A U T H O R Beth Moore transformation. No positive thinking, look yourself in the P U B L I S H E R Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. mirror and chant. No look within yourself for truth, for you are god and P R I C E Kindle ($9.99), Hardcover ($24.99/$14.61 Amazon.com), CD ($29.99) you are truth foolishness. Moore has really nailed it. A V A I L A B I L I T Y Mega bookstores, Online (Amazon, Borders, B&N) Without giving away the book, I’ll tell you that the bottom (well, next to the bottom line) is that security is found in Christ and Christ alone. desires are legitimate. So Long, Insecurity is not one of those find inner beauty She doesn’t just tell you to pray and read the Bible and that’s and confidence within yourself type books. You know the it. She actually guides the reader through very specific secukind that points the reader to meditate on his or her goodness, rity-building, Christ-focused texts. She even provides detailed or repeat positive words till he or she starts to believe them. prayers for the reader to slowly and carefully pray. So if you, like Beth, have ever struggled with self-doubt, Rather, Moore points the reader straight to the heart of God. She asserts that we must stop the madness of living in inse- anxiety about relationships, fear, rejection, or self-consciousness, this book is for you. I know it’s not one of the “hot” subcurity, for example: • Not liking another women because you think she jects, and you might even be insecure about letting people see that you are reading a book about insecurity, but I promise thinks she is better than you are. that at the minimum it will change your perspective, and it, or • Giving women in a social setting “the look.” rather He, might even change your life. He changed mine! M • Incessantly comparing ourselves to each other. • Finding security by spending money we don’t have to LORETTA SPIVEY is living the exchanged life in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where impress people we don’t know. It’s not about digging deep and learning to love yourself she is getting to know the heart of God and looking forward to hearing about for Beth Moore. Rather, it’s about digging deeply into God’s your experience with So Long, Insecurity. Contact her: l.spivey@comcast.net here is something I’ve learned in my 29 (and holding) years of life. Even the most attractive, well-puttogether and confident woman on the outside is insecure in some ways on the inside It doesn’t matter if she is Red, Yellow, Black, or White. Tall, short, stout, or skinny, insecurity stalks most women at some point or another, and that is what Beth Moore’s book So Long, Insecurity: You’ve Been a Bad Friend to Us is all about—insecurity. Now, before we go any further, let’s address two issues. First of all, yes, this book is addressed primarily to women, but there are so many gems for men from two perspectives. The first is that her great discovery was that men are as insecure as women. They just show it differently. The second is, men totally “see” women’s insecurity, and they don’t like it one bit. Having said that, let’s go to issue number two and that is a working definition of insecurity. Insecurity refers to a profound sense of self-doubt—a deep feeling of uncertainty about our basic worth and our place in the world. Insecurity is associated with chronic selfconsciousness, along with a chronic lack of confidence in ourselves, and anxiety about our relationships. The insecure man or woman lives in constant fear of rejection and a deep uncertainty about whether his or her own feelings and

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w w w. m e s s a g e m a g a z i n e . c o m

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J O Y C E

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J O H N S O N

of child discipline represents one of the most essential elements of parenting. The reward for doing it well produces ultimate joy and satisfaction for all parties (see Proverbs 29:17). On the other hand, too little or too much discipline will assuredly result in failure for both parent and child. Consistently, the Bible supports use of the rod of correction in child discipline (Proverbs 13:24; 23:13, 14; 29:15), presenting it as a symbol of disciplinary action of many kinds. However, finding the ideal approach that aligns with the God-given responsibility to train children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6) seems to pose one of the greatest parenting challenges. Unfortunately, Child Protective Services (CPS) agencies report that misalignment is too much on the side of abuse and neglect, with more than 3.5 million CPS investigations in 2007, resulting in an estimated 794,000 of America’s children being identified as victims of maltreatment.1 Even with this alarming count, child maltreatment remains largely a hidden problem since most cases go unreported. Further, statistics alone scratch only the surface of the broad range of corresponding

MESSAGE • jul /aug 2010

physical and emotional implications. Visibly, cuts, bruises, scars, broken bones, and untimely deaths speak to the magnitude of this daunting issue. Invisible scars such as anxiety, depression, distrust, difficulty establishing or maintaining relationships, and sometimes attempted suicide have also found prominent places in almost every facet of abused victims’ lives. While the difference between discipline and abuse may not always be obvious, abuse or neglect of children is clearly unacceptable. Children are a gift from God—His property—and must be treated as such (Psalm 127:3). Child abuse is defined as nonaccidental physical attack on, or injury to, children by individuals caring for them, while neglect represents the absence of adequate social, emotional, and physical care. Both behaviors seem to be embedded in an extremely complex social context that is absent of a consistent pattern. Child abuse and neglect are not confined to lower-socioeconomic

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The awesome task

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BETWEEN DISCIPLINE AND households, but rather extend across the socioeconomic spectrum. Family stressors such as marital conflicts, dysfunctional family dynamics, drug and alcohol abuse, and unemployment often predispose children to perpetual behavioral problems and subsequent abuse. Parents who themselves were abused as children are also at high risk of becoming abusers of their young ones.2 Discipline, on the other hand, is training, a God-given duty to parents to teach children appropriate behaviors and actions. Rightfully carried out, it results in development of a character that fulfills the purpose for which God designed the child’s life. This makes discipline an imperative that must begin when the mind is most impressionable, as the child’s salvation largely depends on training received during childhood.3 A consistent and systematic approach will predictably produce the most favorable outcomes. 1. Identify and correct your own character flaws—Parents and guardians should first examine their own characters to ensure right examples are reflected before chil-

dren. Spiritual consecration and/or rededication will be necessary to identify and obtain effective parenting attributes. The One who said, “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven,” has a storehouse of parenting goods that will enable both safe and successful parenting (Matthew 19:14). 2. Consistently teach and hold children accountable to God’s standard of obedience— The Bible admonishes parents to “teach them [The Ten Commandments] diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:7). In both letter and principle, children should be guided by the law of God. They must know that obedience is a serious matter of life or death. Further, obedience to God’s law most often ensures obedience to parents. 3. Lovingly administer discipline—Avoid the heat of anger at all costs when administering child discipline. It sets the stage for potential abuse and demonstrates just what love is not. Frustrations, impatience, and inexperience are not good reasons to angrily correct child behavior. Rather than immediately inflict-

ing physical punishment or scolding the child, present God’s requirements in relation to the misbehavior through the use of kind, loving tones. Short, simple, exchanges are better than lengthy expositions with children. Too much talk will eventually create walls of resistance. A blessing is immediately available for parents who will work in cooperation with God to train His children to live for Him, here in time, and hereafter, throughout eternity. “Correct thy son, and he shall give thee rest; yea, he shall give delight unto thy soul” (Proverbs 29:17). M JOYCE JOHNSON, Ph.D., is an educator and consultant who writes from Hagerstown, Maryland. REFERENCES 1. http://www.cdc.gov/Features/HealthyChildren/ 2. Crandell, T. L., Crandell, C. H., & Vander Zanden, J. W. (2009). Human Development (9th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. 3. White, E. G. Child Guidance, p. 31.

HERE’S HELP • Prevent Child Abuse Georgia: www.preventchildabusega.org 1-800-CHILDREN • findcounseling.com • Childhelp: www.childhelp.org 1-800-4-A-CHILD w w w. m e s s a g e m a g a z i n e . c o m

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R A M O N A hen I was in the third grade, I had lunch with my Aunt Coreen five days a week. She set a marvelous table with glass china and beautiful silverware. She also prepared very healthy meals. Something else that I remember about her is that she held strong Christian values—said what she meant, and meant what she said. I vowed to be just like her when I became an adult. Lately I have thought about that phrase: “Say what you mean; mean what you say.” To me, this means to be intentional about what you say. The words you speak and think must represent the ideas and thoughts that you mean to express. John the revelator in John 1:1 expresses the singular importance of the Word: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” For John, the “Word” was Jesus. For me, John’s biblical declaration undergirds the importance of the “Word,” and how words should be used as resources to convey concrete ideas. In addition, John’s “Word,” and words in general, provide a three-point paradigm for effective communication that leads to positive change. Point One: Effective communication must begin with the “Word” [Jesus] in mind because further back in time than can be imagined, the Word of God was present. The Word was in attendance when God created the heavens and the earth (John 1:3). The Word was in attendance when Jesus took His last human breath on Calvary, saying before He died, “Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Therefore, it is important to speak meaningfully because Jesus’ communication and His act of death on the cross articulate His desire for humans to intentionally represent the best possible expression of Himself. This includes speaking meaningful words. Lesson: Use meaningful words that reflect the Creator’s likeness.

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H Y M A N Point Two: “The Word was with God.” The “Word” [Jesus] was in the presence of God. Verbal and nonverbal communication should be articulated as if Jesus is standing right next to you when you are communicating. Peter understood the impact of the convicting and knowing presence of the Word [Jesus]. Jesus knew Peter would use words to deny knowing Him. Peter began to curse to show the inquiring man that he was wrong. “I know not the man” (Matthew 26:74). The rooster crowed as Jesus predicted, and Peter became aware that the “Word” had witnessed his careless use of words while he denied Christ. Christ convicted him of the deceitfulness within his heart, and he sorrowfully wept. Lesson: Be intentional about what you say, and how you say it because you are always in the presence of God. Point Three: The Word [Jesus] was and is “fully God” (John 1:14). Jesus’ words while on earth were representations of God. He appeared as God’s Son, the Savior, with an aim to fully reveal His Father in words and actions. Without a doubt, His words are the ones that matter the most. They are also the words to which we must pay closest attention. In the not so distant future, the “Word” [Jesus] will return again to this earth when every spoken word will be weighed in the judgment. Lesson: If I want to be ready for the sooncoming Word [Jesus], I must have my heart in tune with God and hide His words in that very place (Psalm 119:11). Desiring to be like Aunt Coreen, I have made some notable strides. So far, I have been successful setting the beautiful tables and making healthy meals. The hard work, however, is imitating Aunt Coreen’s consistent communication tactics of saying what she means and meaning what she says. Nonetheless, I am confident that relying on the “Word” [Jesus] to choose and give meaning to my words will lead to a favorable end—one that ensures that I can be ready to meet Him when He comes again. M

RAMONA L. HYMAN, Ph.D., director of humanities, School of Religion, Loma Linda University.

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Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences educating healthcare professionals to extend the Healing Ministry of Christ

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What Difference Does a Day Make? DEAR PASTOR, Some of my friends have said, on several occasions, that Saturday is the biblical Sabbath, but all of them go to church on Sunday, like me. So does it really matter which day I choose to worship God—what’s the big deal? DEAR FRIEND, Thank you for your question. While there is much to be said on this topic, my response will provide a brief summary from a most reliable source, the Bible. In the first book of the Bible you will find these important words: “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made” (Genesis 2:1, 2). These verses indicate that the Sabbath was established for the human family as a part of Creation week. This means that, like the earth, marriage, humanity, and even life itself, the Sabbath was an important part of Creation. In fact, it is God’s designated memorial of Creation that continually reminds us of His creative and redemptive power. The

Since Sabbath means “rest,” we are to literally “rest” from, or cease to perform, normal activities, such as going to work, carrying out unnecessary household duties, and other secular jobs. God tells us in the command that even the animals are to rest on this holy day (Exodus 20:10). Sabbath is, however, a time to commune with God in worship, and fellowship with family and other believers. The Sabbath is also a time to do good deeds, such as visiting the sick or giving food to the Leslie Pollard, Ph.D., D.Min., hungry. M.B.A., serves as vice presi There is absolutely nothing wrong d e n t f o r L o m a L i n d a with attending church on Sunday, or University in Loma Linda, Wednesday, or even Friday, as long as California. He has been marwe understand that none of these repre- ried to Prudence for 31 years and enjoys writing, sent God’s holy Sabbath. As I’ve shared, reading, running, tennis, and God has given us specific instructions in snorkeling in his spare time. the fourth commandment regarding the only day of the week (the seventh day) that He set apart as holy time (Exodus 20:11). Adhering to the Sabbath command, then, becomes a matter of faith, love, and obedience. Certainly, obedience signifies our recognition of God as the supreme authority in our lives, and a willingness to abide by all of His commandments. And that is a big deal! M

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Adhering to the Sabbath command then becomes a matter of faith, love, and obedience. Sabbath is also a symbol of one’s sanctification and allegiance to Jesus Christ. According to Exodus 20, God wrote the Ten Commandments on tablets of stone so that His people would never forget or erase them. He especially emphasized the importance of remembering the Sabbath in the fourth commandment, found in Exodus 20:8: “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.” It is clear from this command that the Sabbath is a special day, unlike any other day of the week. The complete command lets us know, as well, that the seventh day of the week (Saturday) is the correct day on which to celebrate Sabbath. Like the other nine commandments, i.e.: “Thou shalt not kill, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not bear false witness,” etc., the fourth commandment regarding the seventh-day Sabbath observance has not been changed by God—the only One capable of changing His own law. The Bible gives us more evidence of this in the New Testament by letting us know that Jesus was also a (seventh-day) Sabbath observer: “And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read” (Luke 4:16).

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LESLIE N. POLLARD

faith in focus

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RALPH PEAY

study guides

Guarding Your Soul INTRODUCTION: The forces of good and evil are in a constant battle for the control of human minds. Any control is processed through the senses of sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. Amid the most ideal surroundings, the fight against evil and sin is not easy. There are seven simple success secrets in guarding the avenues of the soul. may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.” Note: The consistent reading of fiction has

5. Guard your language. Revelation 14:5: “And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Note: We should all refrain from swearing, crude

slang, vulgar language, and suggestive conversation. Don’t listen to filthy “comedy.” 6. Guard your amusements. Proverbs 16:25: “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Note: Is there such a thing as innocent gambling? 1. Guard the thoughts. Matthew 5:8: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Note: Usually before yielding to sin, one goes through a

gradual mental and moral breakdown. See Philippians 4:8. 2. Guard friendships. 1 Timothy 5:22: “Neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.” Note: Too many people have been dragged into unlawful

and immoral behavior by wrong friendships. Choose companions who have, and still practice, high moral values.

Is premarital sex safe or right? Is it OK to be a functional alcoholic? One should shun the first step toward evil in all areas of temptation. Guard your amusements, but enjoy recreation. 7. Guard your soul's love for your Savior. 2 Timothy 3:1, 2, 4: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves . . . , lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” Note: The person who is serious about the simple suc-

cess secrets will not allow anything or anyone to sever the relationship with his Creator/Redeemer. He/she should guard well this divine/human encounter. “Keep thy heart ances have caused a deterioration of present-day morals. A with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” good rule to use in choosing media input is WWJD? (What (Proverbs 4:23). M Would Jesus Do?) Avoid questionable types and places of amusement. R E S P O N S E : 3. Guard the eyes. Job 31:1: “I made a covenant with mine eyes.” Note: Moving pictures and suggestive (adult) perform-

4. Guard your reading. Revelation 22:14, 15: “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and DISCOVER BIBLE GUIDES are available online or you can call now and begin a new adventure with your Bible. Study at home at your pace. Absolutely FREE!

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MESSAGE • jul /aug 2010

___The avenues to the soul are the five senses. ___The choices I make determine how well I guard my soul. ___I will practice these simple success secrets and experience and enjoy the real lasting benefits.

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blurred the realities of life. The reading of exciting serials and novels dulls the desire for nonfiction. The desire for the unnatural weakens one’s defense against strong temptation. Read true biographies and biblical accounts of those who were overcomers.

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Be an

agent of change

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