Apprentice 2 Jesus

Advent

  • What’s Your Label?

    36 Look, even in her old age, your relative Elizabeth has conceived a son. This woman who was labeled ‘unable to conceive’ is now six months pregnant. (Luke 1:36, CEB) Nothing is impossible with God. The labels we wear, the labels put on us…just don’t matter to God. If the Lord declares you “favored” that is the… Read more

  • The Use of the Plural in Genesis 3

    I am on the Common English Bible Advent Blog Tour, which has afforded me a great opportunity to dig into this new translation more carefully. Overall, I love the freshness of the language. There is a fresh clarity to some phrases that I find helpful. Using a new translation always keeps me on my toes… Read more

  • The Zeal of the Lord

    The beauty of Advent is the realization that God loves humanity so much we don’t have to try and find him. He comes to us. His passion for us is real! 2 The LORD of heavenly forces proclaims:    I care passionately about Zion; I burn with passion for her. (Zech. 8:2, CEB) His coming is about… Read more

  • The Astonishing Power of the Spirit

    Part of our Advent Reading has us in Zechariah. He is much nicer than Amos, and I’m sure he was invited to at least a few dinner parties. Zechariah prophesied in a time when Israel was at their lowest. They were back in Jerusalem trying to rebuild the Temple after the captivity. Those who could… Read more

  • The View From Heaven

    I really enjoy the Book of Revelation. When I get the voices of Tim LaHaye, Hal Lindsey, etc., out of my head, I really enjoy Revelation. There are pictures of worship in this book that draw the reader into the presence of God. We get a window into heaven in this book. When we worship on… Read more

  • REMINDER of Giveaway

    I would like to give away more Common English Bibles! HERE are the rules. Let’s hear from you!   Read more

  • Emerging Victorious

    One of the phrases repeated throughout the letters in Revelation is “those who emerge victorious” (Common English Bible). Often it is translated, “the one who overcomes.” Each of the seven churches have their issues. For a couple of them, very little is going right. For a couple of them, they are doing well spiritually but… Read more

  • Repent — Comparing NIV and CEB

    It’s an old fashioned word. It’s a biblical word. It’s a word that fits an “old time” Pentecostal preaching method. I like the word! I get visions of Billy Sunday with his flaring high kick and his finger ready to come down as he glares into someone’s soul and cries out, “REPENT!” And I like the… Read more

  • The Place of Obedience

    38 Then Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be with me just as you have said.” Then the angel left her. (Luke 1:38, CEB) We need this place of submission in our own lives. Too often we offer the Lord a place of negotiation. “Lord, I’ll do whatever you say… now if… Read more

  • Step Into the Extraordinary

    1 The LORD God’s spirit is upon me,     because the LORD has anointed me.  He has sent me     to bring good news to the poor,     to bind up the brokenhearted,     to proclaim release for captives,        and liberation for prisoners,   2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor        and a day of vindication for our God,     to… Read more