Canterbury School <---
Southwest Allen County Schools
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Book Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Anita S. Tiemeyer, a freelance writer and professional
musician in Indianapolis, IN gives us an overview of "Whispers
of the Bayou" by Mindy Starns Clark. You'll find the Book
Review on our Features
page.
Devotion
Our Devotion, "Unfounded Fears", comes
from Nathan Biberdorf of Franklin, IN, a professional writing
major at Taylor University and book reviewer for Christian
Book Previews and Church Libraries.
The Scripture
reference is Matthew 7:1
"Do not
judge, so that you will not be judged."
Remember
the red M&Ms scare of the late '70s and '80s? In 1976, the
FDA banned the food coloring Red Dye #2 in the United States for
fear that it caused cancer. Even though red M&Ms didn't use
this coloring, the company stopped manufacturing the crimson candy
for fear of being associated with the dye. Even today, a few people
will shy away from the red ones…just in case.
We tend to pigeonhole people like this. When
we hear that people are Muslims or atheists, we immediately form
a picture of them in our minds without actually getting to know
them. These kinds of thoughts can hold us back from important
opportunities to witness to people. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus
interacted with people who could have been lumped into negative
groups, like Samaritans, prostitutes, and tax collectors. In many
of these instances, these stereotyped people were more open to
hear what Jesus had to say than the religious leaders of that
time.
Muslims aren't all fundamentalist jihadists,
and atheists aren't all snobby and narrow-minded elitists. So,
let's really try to get to know people. Otherwise, people will,
in turn, think all Christians are judgmental.
PRAYER: God, help me to see people as you see
them, and not in terms of their shortcomings. Teach me to follow
Your example always. Amen.
Book
Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Althea M. Kalman, a professional writing major
at Taylor University gives us an overview of "Cast of Characters"
by Max Lucado. You'll find her Book review on our Features
page.
Book Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Kristina Vander Meer, a professional writing
major at Taylor University and a book reviewer for Church Libraries
gives us an overview of "The Mind Diet" by Stan
Toler. You'll find her Book Review on our Features
page.
Devotion
Our Devotion, "The Lord Is My Shepard", comes from Helen
Burkart Presser of Fort Wayne, a freelance writing student at
Taylor University. She is a book reviewer for Church Libraries.
The Scripture
reference is Psalm 23:4
"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff
they comfort me."
Following
my dad's funeral, I returned home, opened his bedroom closet and
inhaled Old Spice. I'd been fortunate to have a father who valued
his family. I looked down at the floor and saw pairs of shoes
in perfect formation, like tin soldiers: dress tie shoes for work,
penny loafers for church, leather moccasins for gardening, Hush
Puppies for lazy Sunday afternoon country drives, golf shoes for
entertaining clients, and a pair of worn sneakers for my brothers'
baseball games.
When dad learned that esophageal cancer was
cutting his life short, he said to my mother, "What's to
become of me?" He then used what was left of his time to
write a letter to each member of his family. He left behind his
precious wife and seven grown children with big shoes to fill.
He had lived his life well, and when it was time to return to
the Father, he'd tied up loose ends and willingly accepted his
fate. God was with him in his final days, just as he is with us
in good times and in bad.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to follow in your footsteps
so that when I am called to join you, I will know I am prepared
for the journey.
Book
Review
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Helen Burkart Presser, a high school English teacher in Fort Wayne
and a student of freelance writing at Taylor University gives
us an overview of "The Uncommon Woman" by Susie Larson.
You'll find her Book Review on our Features
page.
Book Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Blake Bachman, a senior Media Communication major
at Taylor University and a book reviewer for Church Libraries
gives us an overview of "Practical Theology for Women"
by Wendy Horger Alsup. You'll find the Book Review on our Features
page.
Devotion
Our Devotion "Declare God's Power" comes
from Shannon Potelicki of North Royalton, Ohio, a professional
writing major at Taylor University. Her byline has appeared in
Church Libraries, The Secret Place, The Waynedale News, and
Christian Book Previews.
The Scripture
reference is Mark 5:19
"Go
home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for
you, and how he has had mercy on you."
When I was
a child, I had a potentially disfiguring and dangerous illness.
After a lot of prayer, my symptoms became so mild that I was essentially
healed. This miracle was not something I liked to share with others,
mostly because it caused people to look at me differently. I've
since realized that's it's not about me. I now know how important
it is to share my story-not because people will look at me differently,
but because they might look at God differently.
Often in Scripture, Christ tells people to tell others about His
miracles. He tells them to do this so that people will see God's
power. It is good to speak about the miracles that have happened
in your life. They give glory to God and allow others to see what
a mighty God we serve.
Give God glory for His miracles.
Book
Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Chadwick Rue, a professional writing major at
Taylor University and a frequent book reviewer for The Aboite
Independent and Church Libraries, gives us an overview of
"Refuel" by Doug Fields. You'll find the Book Review
on our Features
page.
Book Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Blake Bachman, a senior Media Communications
major at Taylor University gives us an overview of "Don't
Let Me Go" by David Pierce. You'll find the Book Review on
our Features
page.
Devotion
Our Devotion, "Asking for Directions",
comes from Nathan Biberdorf of Franklin, IN, a professional writing
major at Taylor University Fort Wayne and a book reviewer for
Church Libraries and Christian Book Previews.
The Scripture
reference is Proverbs 3:5,6
"Trust
in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths
straight."
Last
summer I invited my friend Pete to come down for the weekend.
He figured it would take two and a half hours to drive the 150-mile
trip. But as 7:00 became 1l:00, we started to lose hope. He finally
called us, explaining that he had gotten lost and had locked his
keys in his car at a gas station. As he described his location,
we realized that he was half a mile from our house!
It's easy to get lost, but it can seem almost
impossible to admit that we've made a mistake. This also is true
when we fall short spiritually. But swallowing our pride and asking
for directions, whether from friends, a pastor, or the Bible,
is the only way to find the path again.
PRAYER: God, help me to be willing to lay down
my pride and turn to You for the direction that only You can give.
In Your Son, Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.
Book
Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Shannon Potelicki, a professional writing major
at Taylor University and a frequent writer for The Aboite
Independent, The Waynedale News, Church Libraries, and Pathways
to God, gives us an overview of "Content to be Good,
Called to be Godly" by Janet Denison. You'll find her Book
Review on our Features
page.
Book Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Kate Miller, a professional writing major at
Taylor University and a frequent reviewer for Church Libraries,
gives us an overview of "The Shape of Mercy" by Susan
Meissner. You'll find the Book Review on our Features
page.
Devotion
Our Devotion, "Slave to (No) Sin", comes
from Katlyn Smith, a sophomore professional writing major at Taylor
University Fort Wayne and a book reviewer for Christian Book Previews
and Church Libraries.
The Scripture
reference is Galatians 4:7
"So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are
a son, God has made you also an heir."
Oftentimes, we hear of testimonies where people
are freed from the sins of alcohol, drugs, and immoral sex. They,
in an instant, no longer have a desire to indulge in any worldly
activity. And for a while, this hatred toward sin continues. But
after a few months of remaining strong, the Devil brings on temptation
harder than ever. It's at this crucial time that we all have to
remember the strength God has given us for fighting our sinful
nature, and it comes by remembering our initial release from sin.
It is then that this void of sin becomes filled with contentment
from God. But how do we protect ourselves from future temptations?
Matthew 26: 41 says to pray without ceasing
so that we may not fall into temptation. It also says that the
spirit is willing, but the body is weak. Yes, our spirit is willing
but not yet strong when we first become believers, and our physical
body is even weaker. But when we remember our past bondage of
sin, we also remember the relief we felt when we became saved
and free from sin's constricting chains. And when we are tempted
to sin, we should step back and reconsider the situation. For
example, while in the wilderness, the Israelites begged Moses
to lead them back to Israel. But that desire, had Moses listened,
could not compare to the joy that awaited them.
PRAYER: Lord, when the temptation of sin arises,
help me to remember the bondage from my former master and strengthen
me to desire the prize that awaits me. In Your name, Amen.
Book
Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Laura A. Coulter, a professional writing major
at Taylor University and a frequent reviewer for Church Libraries,
gives us an overview of "The Outward Focused Life" by
Dave Workman. You'll find the Book Review on our Features
page.
Book Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Katlyn K. Smith, a writing major at Taylor University and a frequent
reviewer for Church Libraries, gives us an overview
of "The Purse-uit of Holiness" by Rhonda Rhea. You'll
find the Book Review on our Features
page.
Devotion
Our Devotion, "In His Presence", is from
Laurie Filson, a professional writing major at Taylor University
Fort Wayne and a book reviewer for 'Christian Book Previews'.
The Scripture
reference is Psalms 16:11
"You
will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of
joy…"
"Ama-zing
grace! How sweet the sound!" I was driving to the store when
I paused: Am I actually singing? A broad smile swept over my face.
For the
first time in weeks my heart was no longer heavy. In fact, I realized
that
all day I had been singing.
This was significant. For four weeks I'd been
going through a
spiritually dry time. Usually excited about life, I'd become unimpressed;
usually embracing the mystery of future plans, I'd become complacent
about
the upcoming school semester. I'd been struggling to find joy
in my God
alone. Bit by bit I was pulled down; I needed to snap out of it.
The waiting
time, however, wasn't as simple as crossing my fingers.
"You will show me the path of life…."
Joy is not an option for the
Christian. It's a lifestyle. The psalmist is hanging onto this
promise while
feeling down. He has known true joy; yet, currently, he doesn't
feel it, so
he is setting his trust in God to fill him.
Where and how do I find this joy? "In Your
presence is fullness of
joy." When I pray, I am in His presence in the Throne Room
of Grace. It is
here that I find that "fullness of joy." Joy comes by
believing, not by
feeling.
Waiting on God and seeking Him in the Throne
Room does not mean sitting
there twiddling my thumbs; waiting means anticipating. Wait for
God to act.
This is the Hope I have. It is a life attitude that I should always
strive
to live out.
PRAYER: Lord God, teach me what it means to
believe and then be filled to
overflowing with the joy of Your presence.
Book
Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Jason Warne, a writing major at Taylor University
and a frequent reviewer for Church Libraries, gives us an overview
of "Prayer Coach" by James Nicodem. You'll find the
Book Review on our Features
page.
Taylor Writing Prof Hensley Helps Create Remedy.fm Bible
Last winter when the American Bible Society
(ABS) decided to create a new Bible targeted at the teen market,
its first choice for its "Dream Team" of writers was
Taylor University's Dr. Dennis E. Hensley. One year later, on
November 24, the Remedy.fm Bible: "The Cure,"
was released globally. It features 52 devotions and scripture
study guides written by Dr. Hensley and two other writers he hired
to work with him on this job.
"Remedy FM radio has caught on like wildfire,
and many teens who have tuned in for the music have also been
exposed to elements of the gospel message," said Hensley.
"This new Bible, The Cure, is translated into
language these teens can relate to, and it's supplemented with
devotions and study guides that will assist new believers in discovering
what the Bible has to offer them."
Char Binkley, program director at WBCL radio
and a board member of ABS, said, "We were thrilled when Dr.
Hensley agreed to put together a coalition of writers to prepare
the supplemental materials for the Remedy.fm Bible.
He is recognized nationally as a best-selling author, so Dennis
Hensley's name adds credibility to the project. Additionally,
he has written hundreds of devotions for magazines, as well as
five devotional books, so we knew he would know how to write for
young readers."
The collection of devotions, prayers, study
materials, and application guides had to be written in just five
weeks during November and December of 2007. These materials are
now printed as part of the actual Remedy.fm Bible.
Hensley hired one of his former students, Maura Oprisko of University
Heights, Ohio, and Jim Watkins, author of seven books related
to Christian teens, to help write the materials. Hensley wrote
25 of the sections and also served as overall editor of the content,
format, and style of all 52 sections. "We were up against
a vicious deadline, but so were the cover designers, layout and
print specialists, and the translators," recalls Hensley.
"Somehow, we all made it, and it wound up being first class
material. I was honored to be part of such an important undertaking."
Dr. Hensley is director of Taylor University's
professional writing major, having been with the university for
12 years in Fort Wayne and now moving his department to Upland
in the fall of 2009. He is the author of 51 books and more than
3,000 freelance articles, as well as movie scripts, recorded songs,
and stage dramas.
"Our goal is to get 100,000 copies of the
Remedy.fm Bible into the hands of teens and young
adults within the next two years," said a spokesman for the
New York based American Bible Society. "We feel we assembled
a dream team of translators, designers, and professional writers
in creating this cutting edge version of Scripture. It's really
an amazing new tool in the quest for spreading the gospel."
Book Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Jessica Becker, a professional writing major
at Taylor University and a frequent reviewer for 'Church Libraries',
gives us an overview of "The Book of Names" by D. Barkley
Briggs. You'll find the Book Review on our Features
page.
Devotion
Our Devotion, "Making Ends Meet", comes
from Helen Burkart Presser, a teacher in Fort Wayne who studies
freelance writing at Taylor University Fort Wayne. She is a book
reviewer for 'Church Libraries'.
The Scripture
reference is Matthew 14:19,20
"And
he… took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking
up to heaven, he blessed and brake, and gave the loaves to his
disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all
eat, and were filled…."
Thanksgiving
was always a special day at our house. We shared whatever we had
with close relatives. As we offered thanks to God for our many
blessings, it was hard to
ignore the aroma of the turkey and the trimmings. Following prayers,
dad would
traditionally stand at the table carving the 30-pound bird. Placing
the enormous drumstick on my plate, he would inevitably announce,
"This piece is for Helen. She likes the drumstick!"
Being one of seven brothers and sisters, I had never actually
requested the drumstick and often wondered how it was that I had
become the recipient of this seemingly great honor. It wasn't
until years later that I discovered that I was the only one in
the family who would eat the drumstick, or any dark meat, for
that matter. My six siblings preferred white meat! Looking back,
I realized that offering me the unwanted piece of meat was dad's
way of making sure that there would be enough turkey to go around
and nothing would go to waste. Just as Jesus found ways to feed
the multitude, so should we find ways to share what we have with
those less fortunate.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to remember that regardless
of how little I have, there is always someone less fortunate.
Help me to become more like you by sharing what little I have.
Book
Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Rachel Niehaus, a professional writing major
at Taylor University and a frequent reviewer for 'Church Libraries',
gives us an overview of "Havah: The Story of Eve" by
Tosca Lee. You'll find the Book Review on our Features
page.
Book Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Dustin Jones, a professional writing major at
Taylor University and a book reviewer for 'Church Libraries',
gives us an overview of "Shocked by the Bible" written
by Joe Kovacs. You'll find the Book Review on our Features
page.
Devotion
Our Devotion, "A Courageous Faith", comes
from Katlyn Smith, a professional writing major at Taylor University
Fort Wayne and a frequent book reviewer for 'Church Libraries'
and 'Christian Book Previews'.
The Scripture
reference is Psalm 73:23
"Nevertheless,
I am continually with you; You have taken hold of my right hand."
Two men stood at the edge of a bridge, a believer
and a nonbeliever. Both men had been strapped for the jump, and
as they had previously discussed, neither one had ever been bungee
jumping. One at a time they looked over the edge and took in the
fearful sight. The nonbeliever smiled as he stepped closer to
the edge, while the believer took on an expression of panic instead.
The nonbeliever noticed the believer's discomfort
and asked, "I thought you said you were a Christian."
The believer nodded that, indeed, he said he was a Christian.
"And didn't you claim that your God is always with you?"
Again, the other man nodded yes. The nonbeliever shook his head
in disgust. "Then how is it that you're so scared? If you
believe that your God is always with you, then what have you got
to fear?"
"I'm worried that you will die without
having Christ," said the other man.
PRAYER: Lord, when the pull of fear seems too strong for me to
push forward, help me to remember that You are always with me.
And when the Devil stands whispering for me to turn back, may
I never forget to have a courageous faith that will keep me walking.
In Your name I pray, Amen.
Book
Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Elizabeth D. Winebrenner, a professional writing
major at Taylor University and a book reviewer for 'Church Libraries',
gives us an overview of "Flesh and Blood Jesus" by Dan
Russ. You'll find the Book Review on our Features
page.
Book Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Bridgette Oakes, a professional writing major
at Taylor University and a writer for 'Christian Communicator'
and 'Church Libraries', gives us an overview of "Rex"
by Cathleen Lewis. You'll find the Book Review on our Features
page.
Devotion
Our Devotion, "To Everything There Is A Season"
comes from Helen Burkart Presser, a high school teacher in Fort
Wayne, IN who studies freelance writing at Taylor University Fort
Wayne. She is a book reviewer for 'Church Libraries'.
The Scripture
reference is Ecclesiastes 3:1,2
"To everything
there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant and a time
to pluck up that which is planted."
There
was little to say except how defeated he felt when he learned
he was being red shirted. This meant that after leading his high
school team to a successful season in soccer, his first year of
college would be spent on the bench. Couldn't his coaches see
what a great player he was? As he picked up after the other players
that year, he resolved to work hard at getting into shape so that
he would be ready to shine when his
time to play arrived.
Two years passed, and his hope began to fade
as he saw little playing time. When his final year of eligibility
came, he felt confident that this would be the year. However,
the season went by quickly, with much of his time spent on the
bench. How had he let this happen? Why hadn't he simply quit?
That year, the team made it to the Final Four. When called upon
to replace an injured player, it was he who was largely responsible
for the success of a Final Four win. The team was invited to Washington
and the morning paper included a photo of him being congratulated
by President Bush. As he shook hands with the President of the
United States he thought, The Lord works in mysterious ways!
PRAYER: Lord, help me to accept without question
the plan you have for me, knowing you have my best interests at
heart. Help me to embrace your plan with open arms.
Book
Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Bridgette Oakes, a professional writing major
at Taylor University and a writer for 'The Express', 'Christian
Communicator', 'Church Libraries', 'The Aboite Independent', and
'Christian Book Previews', gives us an overview of "Once
an Arafat Man" by Tass Saada. You'll find the Book Review
on our Features
page.
Book Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Jonathan Young, a senior in the Taylor University
professional writing program, writes for 'Church Libraries', 'The
Aboite Independent', 'The Express', and 'Christian Book Previews'.
You'll find his overview of "10 Choices" by Dr. James
MacDonald on our Features
page.
Devotion
Our Devotion, "Coming Back?", comes from
Nathan Biberdorf of Franklin, IN, a professional writing major
at Taylor University Fort Wayne and a book reviewer for 'Christian
Book Previews' and 'Church Libraries'.
The Scripture
reference is Isaiah 55:8,9
"For
My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways, My ways,"
declares the Lord. "For as the heavens are higher than the
earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than
your thoughts.
As
the summer came to a close, my friend Libby struggled with coming
back to college. Some things had been changing in her life, and
she couldn't understand why God was calling her to return. She
followed God's urgings, though she felt as though she was making
a mistake. In the first two weeks of college, God showed her His
plan by using Libby to bring one of the incoming freshmen to Christ.
This incident renewed her faith in God, and mine as well when
I heard the story.
It's hard to know what God is leading us to
do. The signs that we are doing the right thing aren't always
as visible and immediate as they were with Libby. Sometimes we
may never know what part we have played in another person's life.
All we can do is pray, read the Bible, and ask the advice of those
we trust and respect. We will make mistakes. But the successes
make the effort still worth it.
PRAYER: Dear God, show me what you want to do
with my life. Even when I don't know what is the right choice
to make, guide my steps and use me to further your kingdom. Thank
you for all that you have done for me. Amen.
Book
Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Linette Yoder, a professional writing major at
Taylor University and a frequent reviewer for 'Church Libraries',
'The Aboite Independent', and 'Christian Book Previews', gives
us an overview of "Living the Lord's Prayer" by David
Timms. You'll find the Book Review on our Features
page.
Book Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Andy Culbertson, a professional writing major
at Taylor University and frequent reviewer for 'Church Libraries',
'The Aboite Independent', and 'Christian Book Previews', gives
us an overview of "Hometown Favorite" by Bill Barton
and Henry Arnold. You'll find the Book Review on our Features
page.
Devotion
Our Devotion, "Working on Giving", comes
from Shannon Potelicki, a professional writing major at Taylor
University and a freelance writer for 'The Waynedale News', 'Church
Libraries', 'Christian Book Previews', and 'The Aboite Independent'.
The Scripture
reference is II Corinthians 8:7
"But
just as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge,
in complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also
excel in this grace of giving."
In my childhood Sunday school class, our teacher
pulled out a bag of dimes and gave each of us ten. As she proceeded
to explain the principle of tithing, she told us how good it felt
to give back to God. When she was done explaining, she asked us
to apply what we learned-I had to put one of my ten dimes in the
offering plate. I didn't want to. Giving was supposed to feel
good, but it didn't feel good to me. It meant less candy I could
buy.
Indeed, giving is a lot like having faith, praying,
or reading the Bible-it takes work! The same discipline we have
developed in each of those areas should also be developed in giving.
It doesn't always "feel good" or come easily, but God
will give us the grace to give back to Him and His purposes if
we ask.
Book
Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Rebekah Mosolf, a professional writing major
at Taylor University, gives us an overview of "My Sister
Dilly" by Maureen Lang. You'll find the Book Review on our
Features page.
Book Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Harmony Wheeler, a professional writing major
at Taylor University Fort Wayne and a writer for 'Christian Book
Previews', 'Christian Communicator', and 'Church Libraries', gives
us an overview of "When God Disappears" by Shane Stanford.
You'll find the Book Review on our Features
page.
Devotion
Our Devotion, "The Mindless Moments",
comes from Laurie Filson, a professional writing major at Taylor
University Fort Wayne and a book reviewer for 'Christian Book
Previews'.
The Scripture
reference is Colossians 3:2
"Set
your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on
earth."
While
pushing the mower through the yard one hot afternoon I suddenly
came to myself with a start. I tried to remember what had been
going on in
my head for the past thirty minutes. Nothing specific came to
mind. I'm sure
we each have these moments when our mind is running but not going
anywhere,
as we go through the motions of cleaning the garage, taking a
shower or
cooking a meal. I like to call them "the mindless moments."
God delights in His children living their lives
in wholehearted worship
to Him. It is easy, however, to fall into the habit of reserving
time for
God only in worship services and personal devotions. Only recently
have I
realize how often I do not focus my mind on the things above.
God has been
showing me how to keep Him close in my mind. I can:
1) Praise Him for Who He is.
2) Thank God for the things I normally take
for granted.
3) Pray for people who come to mind (friends,
missionaries, family members).
4) Carry around my Scripture memory sheet for
when I'm in line at the
grocery store
or when I can read and study it for a short time before bed.
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, please teach me what
it means to worship you continually in both heart and mind!
Book
Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Joshua Wagner, a professional writing major at
Taylor University Fort Wayne and a reviewer for 'Church Libraries'
and 'Christian Book Previews', gives us an overview of "Echoes
From The Edge" (Book Two) by Bryan Davis". You'll find
the Book Review on our Features
page.
Book Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Timothy J. Steece, a professional writing major
at Taylor University Fort Wayne, gives us an overview of "Seven
Words of Worship" by Mike Harland and Stan Moser. You'll
find the Book review on our Features
page.
Devotion
Our Devotion, "No Time Like The Present",
comes from Katlyn Smith, a professional writing major at Taylor
University Fort Wayne and a book reviewer for 'Church Libraries'
and 'Christian Book Previews'.
The Scripture
reference is Proverbs 2:11
"Discretion
will protect you, and understanding will guard you".
"Live
as though Jesus is coming tomorrow, and plan as though He is coming
in a hundred years." Are these words not true in the Christian
walk? Finding the balance between "getting ahead in life"
and "living for the moment" is often more difficult
than it sounds. As Christians, we want to be good stewards of
our gifts, as well as good stewards of our valuables, but at the
same time, we understand that we will only live once on this Earth.
It is because of this desire to serve God whole-heartedly that
we feel obligated to give all that we have in order to further
the Kingdom of God. However, the line between black and white
becomes grayer as life goes on.
I believe that the best way to find the balance
is by studying and applying Ephesians 5:15-16. "Be very careful,
then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most
of every opportunity, because the days are evil." Perhaps
the best way to live is by storing up the gifts that God has given
us, so that, when the time comes, we may be able to give more
abundantly. When there is no opportunity to serve, we should prepare
ourselves for times to come.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to live the way in which
you have instructed. Help me to make wise decisions for You. In
all that You give me, help me to give back to You and Your people.
In Your name, Amen.
Book
Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our series
of Book Reviews. Marissa Willems, a freelance writing student
at Taylor University Fort Wayne, gives us an overview of "When
God Goes To Starbucks" by Paul Copan. You'll find the Book
review on our Features
page.
