Apprentice 2 Jesus

Spiritual Formation

  • Missing the voice of Dallas Willard

    The whole idea of this blog and its name came from reading Dallas Willard decades ago. When I talk about “Ancient Wells” and the familiar Scriptures to visit, it was an idea begun by reading and listening to Dallas Willard. Read more

  • Contrasting views on hatred and hell

    I came across a post from a Christian nationalist and then a thought from Thomas Merton in New Seeds of Contemplation. Read more

  • Attempting to overcome utilitarianism

    The assumption behind utilitarian pragmatism is that human endeavors are only deemed worthwhile if they are useful to the whole, whether that be a company, family or community. In such a world, those who are disabled, those who are oppressed, or those who are without voice are seen as ‘useless’ and disposable. We have a… Read more

  • Lord, save me from certainty

    Three quick sayings that get in my mind from time to time: The opposite of love is not hate. It is silence. The opposite of faith is not doubt. It is certainty. The opposite of poverty isn’t wealth. It’s justice. Read more

  • The affections of Christ

    We approach Lent and that is always a reflective time for me. Yet, as we draw in, I am struck by a hunger that keeps calling me… and I keep ignoring. Read more

  • All I have

    There are some challenges I’ve given myself in the new year, one of which being more in the Word and less on social media. It’s all a work in progress. May 2025 find me leaning in to hear the Spirit speaking through the Word. I want to understand his whispering to me on a regular… Read more

  • Keeping calm in chaotic times

    We can — we must! — take responsibility for the way we live and work in our homes and neighborhoods, workplaces and public squares. We can refuse to permit the culture to dictate the way we go about our lives. More HERE. Read more

  • Freedom from self promotion

    7 When Jesus noticed that all who had come to the dinner were trying to sit in the seats of honor near the head of the table, he gave them this advice: 8 “When you are invited to a wedding feast, don’t sit in the seat of honor. What if someone who is more distinguished than you has… Read more

  • “Give ’em heaven”

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  • Our deep need is to be spiritually formed

    “Spiritual formation” is the process through which those who love and trust Jesus Christ effectively take on His character. When this process is what it should be, they increasingly live their lives as He would if He were in their place. Their outward conformity to His example and His instructions rises toward fullness as their… Read more