Apprentice 2 Jesus

Eat This Book

  • The Power of the Grace of God

    Grace isn’t just about forgiveness of sins. It is the power to live. Titus 2:11-14 gives an outline on the power God gives us through grace. There are things TO do… and things NOT to do. I am reminded of Dallas Willard saying Christians should burn through grace every day like a jet burns fuel… Read more

  • Convinced of the Power of God

    2 Timothy 1:12 — I know whom I have believed. Paul knew he was suffering for the gospel. Simply recanting what he was preaching would set him free. His personal freedom wasn’t the issue, though. It was about the power of the gospel. It was about freedom in Christ. Paul trusted what Christ had done… Read more

  • Live Up to What You Have

    Phil. 3:16 — Live up to what we have already attained. Early thoughts on this week’s reading: build on what you have, not what you wish you had, or bemoaning what you don’t have. Take what you have in Christ and build on it. Take up the passionate pursuit with what is already in you. Read more

  • The Song We THINK We Hear

    This is the longest I’ve spent in New Orleans. One of the thoughts I’ve had about the city is this: New Orleans sings its story. It is a city of incredible music. I heard a street musician playing some incredibl classical pieces on his cello. I’ve heard some great jazz. There is a “cajun” style… Read more

  • Praying Powerful Prayers

    If you REALLY want to pray for someone, use Paul’s prayers in Ephesians. I pray these prayers over people in my church, my family, friends, enemies… I want to know God the way Paul knew him! What generous prayers! God’s overwhelming power is at work in each of us. Truly PRAY over your friends this… Read more

  • IN Christ

    I think of an old hymn when I read through Ephesians 1. My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name. On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand; All other ground is sinking… Read more

  • Centered in on Christ

    Colossians 3 is a great passage for spiritual formation. The “nuts and bolts” of living life in Christ are here. Spiritual formation helps us center in on what is essential. Center to our lives is where we fix our gaze. It is Christ. It is Christ exalted. Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts… Read more

  • You are DEAD… and That is Good News!

    Before there was a TV show about hoarders, I lived it. Well, I didn’t personally live it. My dad was in business and some customers he dealt with were in that category long before there was a TV show. Too bad those folks died so many years ago, those TV producers would have LOVED them! Before there… Read more

  • Our Cues Need to Come from the Living Word

    There are passages of Scripture I could just “camp on” like anyone else. Two of those passages are in this week’s reading for our church. One of the books we’re reading this week is Ephesians. That letter restored so much in my life several years ago. Then, we are reading Romans and Romans 8 is… Read more

  • Paul, Calling, Servanthood, and Apostleship

    Our journey through the New Testament takes us through Romans, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon. Just starting with Romans 1:1, I am struck by how Paul describes himself. A Slave Many translations say “servant” or “bondservant.” The word can also mean “slave.” He is shackled to his Savior in service. “Slave” isn’t a very safe word… Read more