Things Above

Exploring the impact of mentors John Wesley and Dallas Willard, understanding Christian spiritual formation as a path to virtue and happiness, a transformative airport experience reflecting growth, and reflections on adopting the mind of Christ for spiritual growth.

Author and speaker, James Bryan Smith, discusses the meaning behind prayers and applying them in daily life. He explores 'The Serenity Prayer' and emphasizes living with an open hand, accepting hardships, and trusting in God's will. The podcast also touches on the power of surrender, finding peace through acceptance, and embracing courage in faith.

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with author A.J. Swoboda about his book, The Gift of Thorns. Today’s follower of Jesus exists at a moment in history when our desires, longings, and wants are being weaponized against us by cultural, spiritual, and relational forces. “Follow your heart” and “You do you” has become […] The post Conversation with AJ Swoboda Part Three appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

James Bryan Smith asks, what is the greatest opportunity you have ever been given? In this episode, James explores this question and explains that our greatest opportunity is to follow Jesus. Smith explains that we have been invited to a relationship with Jesus and how it is the greatest opportunity we have been offered. Interested […] The post Our Greatest Opportunity appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author Brian Zahnd about his book, “The Wood Between the Worlds.” Everything about the gospel message leads to the cross, and proceeds from the cross. In fact, within the narrative of Scripture, the crucifixion of Jesus is literally the crux of the story—the axis upon which […] The post Conversation with Brian Zahnd Part Three appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

James Bryan Smith, a spiritual practitioner, shares the Two Minute Morning practice for spiritual growth in 2024. He explains the benefits of this quick routine, focusing on gratitude, mindfulness, and setting positive intentions for the day ahead. The practice aims to shift focus from worries to blessings for daily clarity and alignment.

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with author and friend Emily P. Freeman. James interviews Emily on her upcoming book, “How to Walk into a Room.” The book will be released in March 2024. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship […] The post Conversation With Emily P. Freeman Part Four appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

In this episode, James Bryan Smith talks about how we can experience grieving with hope. James opens the episode by talking about what he considers to be his favorite book that he has written, Room of Marvels. Smith reads the foreword of Room of Marvels, written by Dallas Willard, to help further explain how we […] The post Grieving with Hope appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

James Bryan Smith starts the new year with an episode about a spiritual discipline he enjoys called breath prayer. In this episode, James explains what breath prayer is, and gives several examples of how to practice the soul training exercise yourself. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the […] The post Breath Prayer appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author Farrell Mason on her latest book, “Soulfull: A Weekly Devotional to Nourish the Mind, Body, and Spirit” Farrell Mason speaks to the universal human experience: navigating relationships, coping with change, rebounding from a setback or loss, finding peace, and prioritizing food, fellowship, faith, and regular […] The post Conversation with Farrell Mason appeared first on Apprentice Institute.