Apprentice 2 Jesus

Advent

  • The Readiness of God… and Our Own Readiness

    I fully admit I am a “Johnny come lately” to all things liturgical. Growing up Pentecostal and fundamentalist, I honestly have good experiences. I’ve long said I’m not a bitter, recovering Pentecostal. But I am handicapped. I thought all the liturgical churches were bound for hell. As I’ve grown up I’ve realized I don’t need… Read more

  • Being the Consumer Rather than the Producer

    We successfully ventured out strategically yesterday on Black Friday. We targeted very specific needs: Tree, lights, a few grocery items. We hit stores that weren’t busy. Even when we ventured out a second time (cell phone, speakers) we found quiet little places. Whew. We go crazy on this stuff. Everyone has their strategy for Black… Read more

  • Behold! The Baby Wrapped in a Snuggie!

    This will teach me to read more slowly! As I was reading the Luke 2 account in my Common English Bible I had to do a double take in v. 12. I honestly thought it read: “you will find a newborn baby wrapped in a snuggie…” Upon further review: 12 This is a sign for… Read more

  • The Peek Around the Corner

    I love the story of Simeon. He was one who had anticipated. He was waiting. He had heard from God and knew each day was a gift. This could be the day he would finally see Messiah! Imagine living on that day. He wakes up, makes his way to the Temple, and finally, on that… Read more

  • Declaring the Beauty of the Lord

    I am a confessing news junkie. It’s genetic. My father named his cocker spaniel FDR. Not after the president. After Frank D. Reynolds, the ABC News anchor. I’m not kidding. When I am in the car I listen to news. Not music. Not sports talk. News. It’s been a tough cycle. It was talk radio… Read more

  • Don’t Let God Rest!

    Advent is about God coming down to us. It is about his pursuit of us. Advent is also about the expectation and hope of the return of Christ. We long for his appearing again. As God has pursued us we have this invitation to pursue him. We have the invitation of prayer. 6 Upon your… Read more

  • The Benefits of the Grace of God

    In the tiny book of Titus we can find the essence of the gospel. We find the core truth of Advent. 11 The grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. 12 It educates us so that we can live sensible, ethical, and godly lives right now by rejecting ungodly lives and the… Read more

  • For the Nations

    A favorite book of mine I use when teaching my Old Testament classes is Walter Kaiser’s Mission in the Old Testament: Israel as a Light to the Nations. One of the Psalms in this little book is Psalm 67. Kaiser walks through the structure of the Psalm and then how this particular Psalm has such… Read more

  • The Singing God

    This is the last week! Just six days to Christmas! In those days may we reflect on the JOY that Christmas brings. Our Savior came! Our Savior is coming again. As we approach Christmas Eve and Christmas it is a time of singing. I always anticipate singing “Joy to the World” on Christmas. We sing as… Read more

  • Let the King of Glory Come!

    Advent is the celebration of the first coming… and the hope of the Second Coming. Let us live in anticipation of our King!  7 Mighty gates: lift up your heads!     Ancient doors: rise up high!        So the glorious king can enter!  8 Who is this glorious king?     The LORD—strong and powerful!     The LORD—powerful in battle!  9 Mighty gates:… Read more