November/December 2003
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Today’s Child Experts: “Punishment does not help”
by Mark Roberts
Journalist Betsy Flagler writes the syndicated “Parent to Parent” column that asks readers to write in with parenting problems and then tries to get expert help to those troubles. A mother in California recently wrote in that her first-grader has been pushing and hitting, been kicked out of the library, and all attempts to take away privileges and toys to discipline him have failed. “His problem seems to be a lack of self-control” she writes. Flagler’s response well illustrates the destructive psychology of today that destroys children rather than helping them.
Being of Service to the Lord
By Ed Whittlesey
Each of us has hobbies or activities that we enjoy, and because we enjoy them they tend to take precedence over other activities of lesser significance. Likewise, we all possess a drive or determination to do those things that are most important and enjoyable to us. You might recall one such activity or hobby in your own life such as hunting, sewing, fishing, gardening, singing, reading, cooking, or spending precious time with family and friends. Other activities we enjoy, from a spiritual perspective, may include Bible reading, praying, praising God in song, teaching, giving, and serving. Do we spend more time or focus on any one of these activities than another? As with our hobbies and other activities, serving the Lord requires motivation and determination. It requires initiative and effort. It is a never ending commitment. Let us consider the idea of JOYful service to Jesus, Others, and You least of all.
Re-Defining Adultery
by Paul K. Williams
Troubles with divorce and remarriage abound. Despite plain teaching by Jesus some try to evade what He says. For example, did you know some teach that adultery is a non-sexual act? See if you can find such in Jesus’ words: