An average person handles about 300 sheets of paper per day including catalogs, magazines, flyers, newspapers, notes, junk mail, faxes, and school papers. In five days, a family of five can accumulate 7,000 pages. In a month, this figure jumps to 45,000 pages. Americans annually handle 660 pounds of paper, and we save a lot of it. A four-drawer filing cabinet holds 18,000 sheets of paper. — from Recognizing and Coping with Stress

Thought: How many of those 300 pages have God’s words on them? “Blessed is he that readeth . . .” (Revelation 1:3).

Preference of the Known

Several generations ago, during one of the most turbulent of the desert wars in the Middle East, a spy was captured and sentenced to death by a general of the Persian army. The general, a man of intelligence and compassion, had adopted a strange and unusual custom in such cases. He permitted the condemned person to make a choice. The prisoner could either face the firing squad or pass through the Black Door.

As the moment of the execution drew near, the general ordered the spy to be brought before him for a short, final interview, the primary purpose of which was to receive the answer of the doomed man to the query: “What shall it be—the firing squad or the Black Door?” This was not an easy decision and the prisoner hesitated, but soon made it known that he much preferred the firing squad to the unknown horrors that might await him behind the ominous and mysterious door.

Not long after, a volley of shots announced that the grim sentence had been fulfilled. The general, staring at his boots, said to his aide, “You see how it is with men; they will always prefer the known way to the unknown. It is characteristic of people to be afraid of the undefined. Yet I gave him his choice.”

“What lies behind the Black Door?” asked the aide. “Freedom,” replied the general, “and I’ve known only a few brave enough to take it.” —Paul Meyer, Vanguard, 7, 1981

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”—2 Timothy 1:7

“We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.” —Plato

Teens and the Supernatural

A recent report by The Barna Group spotlights an issue of growing concern: the increasing involvement of American teens with the supernatural and occult elements. According to a story at Barna.org: “Teenagers relish experiences and the supernatural world provides fertile ground for their explorations. In fact, three-quarters of America’s youth (73%) have engaged in at least one type of psychic or witchcraft-related activity, beyond mere media exposure or horoscope usage.

"The most common types of witchcraft behaviors were using a Ouija board and reading a book about witchcraft or Wicca, each of which had been done by more than one-third of teenagers. More than one-quarter of teens have played a game featuring sorcery or witchcraft elements. One-tenth of teens had participated in a séance and 1 out of 12 had tried to cast a spell or mix a magic potion.

“As for psychic activities, more than one-fourth of teens have had their palm read (30%) or their fortune told (27%). Other psychic deeds included being physically present when someone else used psychic powers (14%), visiting a medium or spiritual guide (9%), and consulting a psychic (9%).”

According to David Kinnaman, the author of the report Ministry to Mosaics: Teens and the Supernatural, today’s teenagers are part of the Mosaic generation, a category for those now under age 21. “The term ‘Mosaic’ is a great way to describe teens’ patchwork of values and lifestyles: they are the ultimate collage artists, pulling ideas and input from a variety of sources that consist of a great diversity of flavors.” Barna’s research also revealed that few churches are addressing the subject of the supernatural with young people, reporting that “only one-quarter of churched teenagers (28%) recall receiving any teaching at their church in the last year that helped to shape their views on the supernatural world.”

“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live . . . For without are . . . sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie”—Exodus 22:18; Revelation 22:15

Our Daughter’s Bewitched

Q. I discovered some books on Wicca under my 14-year-old daughter’s bed, and she’s admitted she doesn’t believe what she hears in church anymore. What can we do about this fascination she’s developed?

A. Wicca, the worship of the Mother Goddess, is a dangerous religious practice. Although Wicca, which forbids spells that bring harm to others, appears to be a form of “good magic,” its source of power is evil. God is a jealous God who forbids worship of anything or anyone besides himself. Any supernatural power that originates from a source other than God is from Satan.

You must take authoritative action. Remember, you have the right to decide what’s allowed in your home. After thoroughly explaining your concerns and reasons to your daughter, make it clear any Wiccan literature or articles of worship will not be tolerated under your roof. Talk frankly with her about the dangers of dabbling in any supernatural power. Be careful to communicate that these strict measures are because of your deep love for her, not your desire to control her life.

Above all, pray, pray, and pray some more. Second Corinthians 10:3-5 reads: “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” Search through your daughter’s room for any Wiccan materials when she’s in school. Pray for her. Pray boldly. Wicca is nothing compared to the power of a loving, praying parent—and an all-powerful God. —adapted from Lisa Welchel