Things Above

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Are you preparing for your weight of glory?” In this episode, James discusses the essay by C.S. Lewis, “The Weight of Glory.” Smith uses verses 16 through 18 from 2nd Corinthians chapter 4 to help explain his thought from above. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friends University! Related Episodes: 1. Conversation with Ken Shigematsu 2. Glorious Morning and Evening Part Two 3. Glorious Morning and Evening Part One 4. Two Minute Morning 5. The End In Mind The post Weight of Glory appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author Ken Shigematsu about his book, “Now I Become Myself.” Drawing on a rich variety of personal experience, Scripture, spiritual formation classics, psychology, and relational neuroscience; award-winning author and pastor Ken Shigematsu shows how a deep, experiential encounter with the love of God can heal us of our shame, make us whole again, and inspire us to fulfill our purpose by making a faithful contribution to the world. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friends University! Related Episodes: 1. Glorious Morning and Evening Part Two 2. Glorious Morning and Evening Part One 3. Two Minute Morning 4. The End In Mind 5. Open Hand The post Conversation with Ken Shigematsu appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

Explore the transformative power of the spiritual practice of examen, designed to identify meaningful moments in daily life. Discover heartwarming stories that illustrate finding peace through simple comforts during anxious times. Learn about a nightly reflection routine that enhances gratitude and recognizes God's grace. Finally, hear a personal journey of reigniting a passion for tennis, overcoming fears, and fostering joy through the support of teammates.

Discover the art of starting and ending your day with glory. Explore the transformative 'two-minute morning' practice that promotes mindfulness and gratitude. Hear a personal story illustrating how letting go can ease inner turmoil. Learn to trust the universe through reflective exercises that encourage releasing burdens, symbolized by a balloon. This enlightening conversation merges spiritual freedom and practical tips for fostering a positive mindset.

Author John Mark Comer discusses the importance of spiritual formation and developing a Rule of Life to follow the Way of Jesus. The conversation explores the transformational power of ancient practices, rearranging our days to be with Jesus, become like him, and do as he did.

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 our moment’s mantras. The result, for too many, is feeling torn asunder by the raging desires within. What do we do with our desire? What about our unwanted desires? And how do we cultivate desires which bring life and freedom and lead to Christ? The Gift of Thorns, by A. J. Swoboda, addresses these questions and more. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friends University! Related Episodes: 1. Our Greatest Opportunity 2. Conversation with Brian Zahnd Part Three 3. Two Minute Morning 4. Conversation With Emily P. Freeman Part Four 5. Grieving with Hope 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 in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friends University! Related Episodes: 1. Conversation with Brian Zahnd Part Three 2. Two Minute Morning 3. Conversation With Emily P. Freeman Part Four 4. Grieving with Hope 5. Breath Prayer 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 biblical story turns. But it would be a mistake to think we could sum up the significance of the crucifixion in a tidy sentence or two. That kind of thinking only insulates us from the magnificence of what God has done. In our ongoing quest to make meaning of the cross, we need to recognize that this conversation will never conclude—that there is always something more to be said. Brian Zahnd reminds us that the meaning of the cross is multifaceted and should touch every aspect of our lives. Just as gazing through the eyepiece of a kaleidoscope reveals a new geometric image with every turn, Zahnd helps us see that there are infinite ways to behold the cross of Christ as the beautiful form that saves the world. The Wood Between the Worlds is an invitation to encounter the cross of Christ anew. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree Scholarship at Friends University! Related Episodes: 1. Two Minute Morning 2. Conversation With Emily P. Freeman Part Four 3. Grieving with Hope 4. Breath Prayer 5. Conversation with Farrell Mason The post Conversation with Brian Zahnd Part Three appeared first on Apprentice Institute.