Canterbury School <---
Southwest Allen County Schools
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Book
Review 030910
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Matthew J. Mimnaugh gives us an overview of "The Masculine
Mandate" by Richard Phillips. You'll find the Book Review
on our Features
page.
Devotion
030710
Our
Devotion, "Absolute Obedience", comes from Corinne Hills,
a professional writing major at Taylor University and a freelance
writer for Church Libraries, Christian Book Previews, and The
Aboite Independent.
The Scripture
reference is Isaiah 49:6
"It is
too small a thing for you to be my servant… I will also make
you a light for the Gentiles."
What's
the difference between Mr. or Ms. Average Christian and, say,
Jim Elliot or Corrie ten Boom? Is it circumstances? Abilities?
Effort? No. It is the choice of absolute obedience to God. Jim
Elliot could have stayed in his comfortable church pew in America
instead of following God's call to missions and martyrdom. Corrie
ten Boom could have closed her eyes to the murder of Jews in Nazi-controlled
Holland. But both chose to go beyond being "good people"
and to obey God's call absolutely.
God's incredible call for us to be "a light
for the Gentiles," means more than just being "good
people." What's fortunate is, he says he will make us that
light. Jim Elliot and Corrie ten Boom couldn't have been brave
enough on their own. God gave them strength and courage. But first,
they had to choose absolute obedience.
If we obey absolutely, God will work wonders.
Book
Review 030410
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Matt Maine is a professional writing major at Taylor University
and a book reviewer for Church Libraries and The Aboite Independent.
His overview of "The Gospel-Driven Life" by Michael
Horton can be found on our Features
page.
Book
Review 030210
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Stephanie H. Warner is a professional writing major at Taylor
University and a book reviewer for Church Libraries and The
Aboite Independent. Her overview of "Lost Mission"
by Athol Dickson can be found on our Features
page.
Devotion
022810
Our
Devotion, "Time to Sink or Swim", comes from Maura Oprisko,
a graduate of the Taylor University professional writing major.
Her writings appear regularly in Church Libraries, Evangel
and The Aboite Independent.
Because
of television news coverage we have seen plenty of trauma in the
water. We've seen non-swimmers get swept out too far. We've seen
people get sucked under waves. We've even seen frightening pool
injuries. All of this makes us quite thankful for the all-important
lifeguard, doesn't it?
But what if lifeguards weren't there? A little
harmless roughhousing at the edge of the pool could-and probably
would-end up becoming something much worse. Needless to say, the
injury and mortality rates at pools and beaches would greatly
increase if there were no lifeguards..
Church families, and even accountability partners,
act as spiritual lifeguards. They are trusted friends. Often they
can dive in to help us when we're caught up in a whirlpool of
sin. They can talk some sense into us. Hebrews 2:12-13 calls for
church members to be actively involved in one another's faith:
"See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving
heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another
daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may
be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
If you are drowning in sin, seek a lifeguard.
If you see a brother or sister about to enter troubling spiritual
waters, become a lifeguard. Each day we must sink
or swim spiritually.
Book
Review 022510
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Randy Vincent is a professional writing major at Taylor University
and a book reviewer for Church Libraries and Christian Book
Previews. His overview of "Hero's Tribute" by Graham
Garrison can be found on our Features
page.
Book
Review 022310
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Alexis L. Warner, a professional writing major at Taylor University
and a book reviewer for Church Libraries and The Aboite Independent,
gives us an overview of "The Swiss Courier" by Tricia
Goyer and Mike Yorkey. It can be found on our Features
page.
Devotion
022110
Our
Devotion, "Careful Words", comes from Diana Savage of
Maple Valley, Washington
The Scripture reference is Psalm 141:3
"Set
a guard over my mouth, O Lord; keep watch over the door of my
lips"
Of
all the months in the calendar, February is perhaps the most difficult
to pronounce. People often skip over the first "R" and
say simply "Febuary." Everyone understands what the
speaker means, but such carelessness also can send subtle messages
about the speaker's education or lack of attention to detail.
February is not the only word we might struggle
to pronounce. Sometimes we stumble over phrases such as "I'm
sorry," "I was wrong," or "Will you forgive
me?" Tongues also trip when rash promises are made or secrets
are spilled.
The apostle James warned that an untamed tongue
can set the whole course of one's life on fire. Failing to say
the first R in February rarely results in such dire consequences,
but gossip and critical words aren't as innocuous.
During this, the shortest month of the year,
let's resolve to pay attention daily to everything we say-from
R's, to arguments, to truly edifying speech.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, set a watch over my mouth
so that I may speak only that which is helpful to others. Amen.
Book
Review 021810
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Matthew J Mimnaugh is a professional writing major at Taylor University
and a book reviewer for Church Libraries and The Aboite Independent.
His overview of "Kingdom Without Borders" by Miriam
Adeney can be found on our
Features page.
. Book
Review 021610
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Miss Micah York is a professional writing major at Taylor University
and a book reviewer for Church Libraries and The Aboite Independent.
Her overview of "Choosing Gratitude" by Nancy Leigh
DeMoss can be found on our Features
page.
Devotion
021410
Our
Devotion, "Loving One Another", comes from Diana Savage
of Maple Valley, Washington.
The Scripture
reference is 1 John 4:7
"Let
us love one another, for love comes from God"
The
U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one
billion valentines are sent worldwide each year. That makes Valentine's
Day second only to Christmas as the largest card-sending holiday
on the calendar.
Sending valentines is not the only way to express
our love for others. Actions also speak volumes. God uses both
words and actions to communicate his love to us. The apostle John
explained that God showed his love to us by sending "his
one and only Son into the world that we might live through him"
(1 John 4:11).
While loving someone on a valentine list isn't
difficult, exhibiting a loving attitude to one's mother-in-law,
a hard-to-please boss, or neighbors with yippy dogs might not
be as easy. Yet compared to the sacrifice that God made on our
behalf because he loves us, showing love to those around us is
no sacrifice at all.
Valentine's Day is named for St. Valentine,
but God is the holiday's true originator. So this February 14,
let's think of it as "God's Day" and consider who might
benefit from our loving words and deeds.
PRAYER: Lord, help me show love to everyone
you send across my path today. Amen.
Book
Review 021110
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Alexis L. Warner, a professional writing major at Taylor University
and a book reviewer for Church Libraries and The Aboite Independent,
gives us an overview of "The Leadership Ellipse" by
Robert Fryling. The Book Review can be found on our Features
page.
Book
Review 020910
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Nathan Biberdorf is a professional writing major at Taylor University
and a book reviewer for Church Libraries, The Aboite Independent,
and Christian Book Previews. His overview of "Enemies
Among Us" by Bob Hamer can be found on our Features
page.
Devotion
020710
Our
Devotion, "Groundhog Day" comes from Diana Savage of
Maple Valley, Washington.
Scripture
reference: Mark 7:8
"You
have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions
of men"
When
I was a child, I wondered who could possibly care if a large rodent
observed its shadow on February 2. And how in the world could
the outcome affect the arrival of spring?
Years later I discovered that Groundhog Day
began as a Pennsylvania German custom rooted in ancient European
weather lore. Continuing the tradition each year, thousands of
people gather in the U.S. and Canada to see if the groundhog observes
its shadow. Tradition can be a strong element in our lives.
Jesus taught that we must never allow tradition
to replace God's laws. If we do, we'll end up in trouble, as Bill
Murray illustrated in the 1993 comedy film Groundhog Day. When
our priorities are not in order, we can despair of even life itself.
After Punxsutawney Phil retreats to his burrow,
why don't we reexamine the priorities in our own lives? Determining
if we follow mere human rules or the true commandments of God
is, in my opinion, a much better tradition than spying on a groundhog.
PRAYER: Lord, reveal to me whenever I follow
human tradition instead of following you. Amen.
Book
Review 020410
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Lauren M. Peltier is a professional writing major at Taylor University.
She writes for Church Libraries, Christian Book Previews, The
Express, and The Aboite Independent. Her overview of "Walking
on Broken Glass" by Christa Allen can be found on our Features
page.
Book
Review 020210
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Corinne Hills, a professional writing major at Taylor University
and a reviewer for Church Libraries, The Aboite Independent,
and Christian Book Previews, gives us an overview of "A
Better Freedom" by Michael Card. It can be found on our Features
page.
Devotion
013110
Our
Devotion, "Spiritual Healing", comes from Nathan Marchand,
a graduate of the professional writing major at Taylor University
and a contributing writer for WBCL radio, Church Libraries,
and Pathways to God.
In
the movie "The Green Mile," Tom Hanks plays Paul Edgecombe,
a guard along the death row of a prison during the Depression.
He is plagued by an internal infection. It hinders his relationship
with his wife and makes it difficult for him to do his work at
the prison. Then he meets John Coffey, a gentle giant accused
of murder. Coffey touches Edgecombe, and in a flash, heals him.
Paul Edgecombe goes home, a new man with a renewed zeal for life.
Once, we were all spiritually sick beyond all
hope of recovery. Our souls were tainted by sin and we had only
spiritual death to look forward to. Then Jesus came into our lives.
As Psalm 30, verse 2, says, "O Lord, my God, I called to
you for help and you healed me." Because Jesus suffered
and died on the cross, our broken souls can be mended. By accepting
Christ, we receive that healing. We need not suffer from spiritual
sickness any longer.
Seek the Healer's touch.
Book
Review 012810
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Amy L. Nickerson is a professional writing major at Taylor University.
Her poems and articles have appeared in Parnassus, Ignite Your
Faith, Church Libraries, and Christian Book Previews. Her
book review of "Never Blame The Umpire" by Gene Fehler
can be found on our Features
page.
Book
Review 012610
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Austin E. Sisson is a writing major at Taylor University. His
overview of "Thirsty" by Tracey Bateman can be found
on our Features
page.
Devotion
012410
Our
Devotion, "A Cold Blanket" comes from Maura K. Oprisko,
a graduate of the Taylor University professional writing major
and a freelance writer for Christian Book Previews, The Secret
Place, The Aboite Independent, and Church Libraries.
It's
unlikely that you'd choose to protect yourself from the cold by
burrowing beneath a layer of snow. Seems counterproductive, doesn't
it? However, for agricultural soil and seeds, it's not. Packed,
solid snow actually serves as an insulator and a barrier against
ice and destructive winds. Additionally, when the spring thaw
comes, the melted snow provides nourishing moisture to the soil
and seeds.
In like manner, God's protection can sometimes
seem to be cold and uncomfortable. Romans 5:3-5 acknowledges this.
It says, "…we also rejoice in our sufferings, because
we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character;
and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because
God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
whom He has given us."
Because of sin, we were destined to ruin ourselves,
to opt for a life of separation from God. But God has provided
protection for us even by using the worst part of the human experience-our
pain-as a catalyst to work out our salvation. Glory to God.
Yes, cold is cold. Cold will never
be warm, but by God's grace it can still be protective.
Book
Review 012110
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Nicole Miller is a professional writing major at Taylor University
and a recipient of the Jerry B. Jenkins Writing Scholarship. Her
writings appear in Pathways to God, The Aboite Independent,
Christian Book Previews, and Church Libraries. Her overview
of "Embracing Your Freedom" by Susie Larson can be found
on our Features
page.
Book
Review 011910
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Kara Marie Hackett is a professional writing major at Taylor University,
a book reviewer for Church Libraries, and a feature writer
for Christian Communicator. Her overview of "Katy's
New World" by Kim Vogel Sawyer can be found on our Features
page.
Devotion
011710
Our
Devotion, "Facing the Winter Blahs" comes from Maura
Oprisko, an Indiana-based freelance writer whose devotions have
appeared on WBCL radio and in Evangel and The Secret
Place.
So,
did you jump out of bed today, energized and happy to greet another
dark winter day? Probably not. But that's okay. Most other folks
didn't either. Even the excitement of the Christmas season can
be dimmed a bit by the cold, dark, repetitiveness of the winter
blahs.
Nevertheless, even the drudgery of the various
shades of gray we see outside can serve as a spiritual reminder,
because we know this season will pass. It may not be until April…but
we can draw some hope from thoughts of a brighter future. And,
in the meantime, we can change our attitude. The ice coatings
of the trees give off a dazzling brilliance. Swirling snow forms
creative sculptures. And, hey - be honest-when school or work
gets closed because of inclement weather, it's kind of nice just
to kick back and relax at home. There is beauty even amidst the
trials of a gloomy winter.
1 Peter 1:7 says, "These (trials) have
come so that your faith-of greater worth than gold, which perishes
even though refined by fire-may be proved genuine and may result
in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
When we face difficulty, we know it has to end.
And in the meantime, God blesses us with refinement. As Solomon
explained, "There is a purpose to every season."
011410
Book Review
The Aboite Independent offers another in our
series of Book Reviews. Ruth Anne Burrell is
a professional writing major at Taylor University and a book reviewer
for Christian Book Previews. Her overview of "Cowboy
Christmas" by Mary Connealy can be found on our Features
page.
011210
Book Review
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Anna K. Medearis is a professional writing major at Taylor University
and a book reviewer for Church Libraries. Her overview
of "Always Watching" by Brandilyn and Amberly Collins
can be found on our Features
page.
Devotion
011010
Our
Devotion, "Choosing Life", comes from Diana Savage,
a freelance writer and public speaker based in Maple Valley, Washington.
Scripture
Reference: Deuteronomy 30:19
"I have
set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life
so that you and your descendants may live"
January
is a month of death for me. Every time it rolls around, I must
endure the anniversaries of the deaths of my father, mother-in-law,
grandfather, grandmother, and my thirty-four-and-a-half-year marriage.
Coupled with January's long nights and short days, sometimes I
struggle with depression. The more I think about my losses, the
sadder I become.
However, the book of Deuteronomy always turns
me around. God gave the Israelites the power to choose either
life and prosperity or death and adversity. It totally was up
to them.
We have the same options today. Yes, curses
and death are always before us, but so are blessings and life.
God wants us always to choose life. Making that conscious choice
reminds me that January is when my mother and my niece were born-both
reasons for great rejoicing. January is also when God spreads
before me twelve new months of opportunity. Since the choice is
up to me, I will select with care.
PRAYER: Lord, thank you for the wonderful option
of life. I choose it gladly. Amen.
Book
Review 010710
The
Aboite Independent offers another in our series of Book Reviews.
Shannon Potelicki is a professional writing major at Taylor University
and a freelance writer for Pathways to God, Church Libraries,
Christian Book Previews and WBCL radio. Her Overview of Kimberly
Powers' "Escaping the Vampire" can be found on our Features
page.
CD-Music
Review 010510
The
Aboite Independent offers a CD-Music Review provided by Stephen
Mortland, a student at Taylor University who is a book and music
reviewer for Church Libraries. His overview of Matt Maher's
"Alive Again" can be found on our Features
page.
Devotion
010310
Our
Devotion, "A Family Resolution", comes from Caitlin
Wilson, a professional writing major at Taylor University and
a freelance writer for Church Libraries and Christian Book
Previews.
Christmas
is over, presents have been exchanged, and all the pumpkin pie
has been devoured. Next up? New Year's! A new year means, of course,
resolutions. There are the typical resolutions, such as losing
weight, quitting a bad habit, or overcoming procrastination. Some
people stick to these resolutions; others know they won't achieve
their goals, so they don't even bother making resolutions.
This week, I encourage you to talk as a family
about a resolution you can make and achieve together. It might
be reading the Bible every night before dinner, or praying as
a family before bed. Proverbs 6:20 says, "My son, keep your
father's commands and do not forsake your mother's teaching."
As parents, you play an important role in your child's life. Why
not start fulfilling that important role by beginning a good habit
as a family? New Year's is the perfect time to make such a resolution
… and stick to it!
