Apprentice 2 Jesus

Spiritual Formation

  • Why we care so little for humility

    Richard Foster titled his new book: Learning Humility: A Year of Searching for a Vanishing Virtue. It makes more sense as I think back over the past few years in our culture and in the world. Read more

  • Learning Humility

    I remember a saying I probably first heard in high school: “Humility is the virtue of which I am most proud.” Another thought is: “Just when you think you’ve attained humility… you lost it.” Read more

  • The way of the Father

    The Kingdom of God is about flourishing. It is the abundant goodness of the Father flowing to humanity. We are to live like the Father. Read more

  • Accumulating knowledge or using knowledge?

    Renovare Ministries was started by a group led by Richard Foster several decades ago. The focus was to turn the Church back to the joy of spiritual formation and help the Church walk in transformation. This week’s email letter was thought-provoking as I wrote a post about trying to tackle Karl Barth’s Church Dogmatics. My… Read more

  • To be a saint

    We carry too much false humility in our lives. Or, if we truly wish to “achieve” we aim high at material goals or career ideals. But in our spiritual lives? We shroud ourselves in false humility or we don’t understand the true human potential and think we just want to survive this life and hope… Read more

  • Spiritual growth and chaos

    A few days ago I reflected on the death of Rich Mullins 25 years ago and shared thoughts from Tish Harrison Warren when she wrote about the impact of Rich Mullins. There was a lot of interaction from that post from friends who remembered how Rich Mullins’ music impacted them as well. One comment was… Read more

  • The centering place of Christ and love

    “My belief that God is love — that love is everything, our true destiny — sustains me. I affirm these beliefs through daily meditation and prayer, through contemplation and service, through worship and loving kindness.” — bell hooks, All About Love Read more

  • Constant rhythms in my life

    “Without grace, the Christian liturgy is hollow, and fruitful participation in it is impossible. The liturgy, like everything good in life, is an instance of grace.” — Patrick Malloy, Celebrating the Eucharist Read more

  • No surprises for God

    I am beginning a brand new book out called Shaky Ground: What to Do After the Bottom Drops Out by Traci Rhoades. It is an invitation to learn from the broader Church and its history rather than one narrow slice of what we have experienced in our lives. Read more

  • Four deep questions in my life

    I was reminded of four deep questions that draw me to life in the Kingdom of God: What is real? Read more