Things Above

Latest Episodes:

Conversation with Ken Shigematsu Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

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 […]

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Glorious Morning and Evening Part Two Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Have a glorious morning and evening.” This is the second part of the two-part episode. Smith discusses the spiritual practice of examen. He expands on this practice and talks about a time in his life when it came into play. Interested in donating to the Things […]

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Glorious Morning and Evening Part One Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Have a glorious morning and evening.” In this two-part episode, Smith discusses his spiritual practice, “the two-minute morning.” He expands on this practice and gives more insight into how it can be helpful and why it is important. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? […]

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Conversation with John Mark Comer Part Two Apr 24, 2024

Show notes

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with author John Mark Comer about his book, “Practicing The Way.” We are constantly being formed by the world around us. To be formed by Jesus will require us to become his apprentice. To live by what the first Christian disciples called a Rule of Life—a set […]

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The End In Mind Apr 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, James Bryan Smith’s thought from above is, “Begin with the end in mind.” Smith explains his thought from above by talking about his two mentors John Wesley and Dallas Willard. James illustrates his thought from above with a story about a friend and his understanding of Christian spiritual formation. Interested in donating […]

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Open Hand Mar 28, 2024

Show notes

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “Live life with an open hand.” In this episode, Smith discusses one of his favorite prayers, “The Serenity Prayer.” James talks about the meaning behind prayer and how we can use it in our time with God. The Serenity Prayer: “God grant me the serenity To […]

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Conversation with AJ Swoboda Part Three Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

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 […]

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Our Greatest Opportunity Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

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 […]

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Conversation with Brian Zahnd Part Three Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

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 […]

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Two Minute Morning Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

James Bryan Smith gives his second spiritual practice for 2024, called the two-minute morning. In this episode, James explains how to do this practice and why he feels it helps him set his mind on Things Above. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree […]

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