Apprentice 2 Jesus

Spiritual Formation

  • Immigrants and Strangers

    As James K.A. Smith would say in his book, Desiring the Kingdom, everything calls for allegiance. All of life has liturgies all around. Which liturgy will call out for our allegiance and we will respond? We are in the thick of political season in the U.S. Let’s face it, as long as there is a… Read more

  • Strengthening Our Resolve

    In case you haven’t heard, we’ve reached the end of the world. I find it interesting there is far more interest in the Mayan calendar and how it might be right, while we readily dismiss Christians who regularly predict the end of the world. So, the end is upon us. Unless, of course, it’s not.… Read more

  • Knowing and Doing Are Two Different Things

    There are different definitions of “sin” throughout Scripture, but James weighs in on this one: 17 It is a sin when someone knows the right thing to do and doesn’t do it. (James 4:17, CEB) We can know all day long what the right thing to do is… and just not do it. We can… Read more

  • Willing to Yield

    My wish for the political season as it kicks off: Everyone running for office needs to read the Book of James. Knowing that will not happen, I am still struck by the words compared to the political arena. 17 What of the wisdom from above? First, it is pure, and then peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled… Read more

  • Giving Without a Second Thought

    A refreshing look at James 1:5 from the Common English Bible. First, the NIV 2011: 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Common English Bible: 5 But anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very… Read more

  • The Advantage of Adversity

    The old saying goes, “Live and learn.” I have found that isn’t necessarily true. There was a friend in college who just didn’t really understand the purpose of the speed limit. Not understanding the speed limit in Wisconsin in those days was costly. He was winging his way through Wisconsin one year with some friends… Read more

  • Farewell and Hello

    I used to set goals for each year. I got away from it because somehow in setting goals it also implied a deadline. Now, I am trying to realize that I need to take time to re-evaluate my goals from time to time. Forget the timeline in many cases. For instance, I need to set… Read more

  • Living Dead to the Opinions of Others

    This story comes from The Sayings of the Desert Fathers. A brother came to see Abba Macarius the Egyptian and said, “Abba, give me a word that I may be saved.” (All we want is a word sometimes. We’re not into actually acting out. Just give me a pill.) The abba said to go to… Read more

  • Treasuring Jesus

    The text this Sunday is Matthew 25:1-13. As I work through this text, and all of Matthew 25 really, I am struck by how this passage brings together a lot of Matthew’s gospel. In particular, I see the 5 foolish virgins in the parable of the soil. They received the word with joy, but without… Read more

  • What Do You Expect?

    I am working my way through a book/journal called The Live/Dead Journal. It is a compilation of reflections for 30 days from missionaries in some of the toughest places on the planet. Modern day apostles. The reflection I read today began with the tough passage from Luke 17:7-10 7 “Suppose one of you has a servant… Read more