Things Above

Have you discovered that worrying is a healthy way to deal with the future? Yah, me neither. Jesus has something better in mind. In this episode of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith tells us that worrying does nothing positive for us. However, it does come with several negative consequences. Jesus teaches us that worrying is something we can live without. In Matthew 6:27, Jesus asks, “And can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Jim goes on to wonder, Can any one of you by worrying… …make your child’s life better? …solve your financial problems? …take away an illness? …solve the fallout with a friend? …meet your goals at work? Here’s the thing: Worrying does nothing positive, but it does a lot of bad for us. Worry adversely affects our mental and physical health. So why do we worry? Maybe it’s because worry is superstition and we don’t even know it. The definition of superstition is “a widely held but unjustified belief in supernatural causation leading to certain consequences of an action or event, or a practice based on such a belief.” Black cats, rabbit feet, mirrors and ladders are things we connect to superstition. Superstition and, more importantly, worry has to do with control. We trick ourselves into thinking that our behavior gives us power and control. When we make the mistake of thinking we have all the power and control, we consequently take God out of the equation. So what is the antidote to worry? It’s the realization that (1) worry doesn’t do anything and (2) we live in the strong and unshakable kingdom of God. When we understand that God is out for our good, then we don’t need to worry. Now, this doesn’t mean we can live recklessly or assume that our life will be free of problems. But God is always with us and has the power to bring joy out of sorrow. We can trust and entrust our lives with God. Do not worry. Key verses include Matthew 6:25-34; John 10:10; Romans 8:28. Related episodes: 1. Second Birth 2. Guilt versus Shame 3. Blessed 4. Identity 5. Jesus is Praying for You The post Worry appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

In this episode of the Things above podcast, James Bryan Smith chats with author and pastor J.R. Briggs about a glorious thought that changed the trajectory of his life. Briggs offers a two-fold answer. First, it was the present availability of the kingdom of God and eternal living. The second thought centers on what it means to be a missionary in our everyday lives – to be a missionary cleverly disguised as a good neighbor. This has a critical connection to the message and activity of the local church. Briggs believes if Monday through Saturday is not impacted by our Christian living, then we should start to re-think how we are “doing church” on Sunday and the kind of gospel we’re communicating. Enjoyed this conversation? Listen to other Things Above Conversations here: 1. Things Above Conversation with John Ortberg 2. Things Above Conversation with Brian Zahnd Part 1 3. Things Above Conversation with Greg Boyd 4. Things Above Conversation with Brian Zahnd Part 2 5. Things Above Conversation with Chris Heuertz The post Things Above Conversation 4 appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

What is the true meaning of Christmas? In this episode of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith shares about growing up in the Methodist Church and the influence John Wesley had on his life. Interestingly enough, Richard Foster was the one who pointed Jim to Wesley’s writings and sermons. If he were alive today, Jim would ask John Wesley, “What does the incarnation mean for you and, consequently, for all of us?” Jim believes Wesley would say that, first and foremost, the coming of the Christ child means our transformation. In other words, we can be changed. But how? We no longer stand guilty before God. Jesus broke the power of original sin, which allows us to experience peace and freedom. For Wesley, Christmas was about God’s triumph over sin and death. Because of the incarnation, life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus, we can now be people of love, joy, peace and hope. Jim’s favorite movie (not just Christmas movie) is “It’s A Wonderful Life,” which begins in heaven. In that scene, God sends Clarence the angel help George Bailey realize what a wonderful life he has. The movie ends with everyone gathered at George’s house singing, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” – a song written by John’s brother, Charles Wesley. Read the third stanza of the song: Hail! The heaven-born Prince of peace! Hail! The Son of Righteousness! Light and life to all he brings, Risen with healing in his wings Mild he lays his glory by, Born that man no more may die: Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Hark! The herald angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King !” Christ was born to give us second birth. The first birth leads to the second. That, for the Wesley’s, is the true meaning of Christmas. Related episodes: 1. Shame 2. Be Mindful 3. The Last Word 4. God’s Beloved 5. Greater Than Our Sins The post Second Birth appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

The events of our world can be troubling – leading to fear, anxiety and panic. In this episode of the Things above podcast, James Bryan Smith asks, “Is our world governed by fear? Is our fate decided by a roll of the dice?” The short answer is no – because we live in the strong and unshakable kingdom of God. Jesuit priest Luis Espinal wrote a mediation that helps us grapple with the events of our world and the hope we have through Jesus. Meditation by Luis Espinal There are Christians Who have hysterical reactions As if the world had slipped out of God’s hands. They are violent As if they were risking everything. But we believe in history. The world is not a roll of the dice On its way toward chaos. A new world has begun to happen Since Christ has risen? Jesus Christ, We rejoice in your definitive triumph With our bodies still in the breach, Our souls in tension; We cry our first “Hurrah!” Till eternity unfolds itself. Your sorrow now has passed. Your enemies have failed. You are the definitive smile for humankind. What matter the wait now for us? We accept the struggle and the death, Because you, our love, will not die! We march behind you on the road to the future. You are with us. You are our immortality! Take away the sadness from our faces; We are not in a game of chance? You have the last word! Beyond the crushing of our bones, Now has begun the eternal “Alleluia!” From the thousands of openings In our wounded bodies and souls, There now arises a triumphal song! So teach us to give voice To your new life throughout the world, Because you dry the tears of the oppressed forever? And death will disappear. What troubles are you facing? Can you hear the alleluia beyond the wounds of this life? This world is not a roll of the dice. A new world has begun since Christ is risen. And God has the last word. Related episodes: 1. Conversation with Josh Larsen 2. Seeing Beauty 3. Forgiveness: The Way to Freedom 4. Christ is All Around Us 5. Desiring God The post The Last Word appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

Is it possible for God to overcome our shame? In this episode of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith tells the story of how the great Christian writer, Simone Weil, came to faith simply by reading a poem written by George Herbert, entitled “Love III.” This is what Herbert wrote: Love bade me welcome. Yet my soul drew back Guilty of dust and sin. But quick-eyed Love, observing me grow slack From my first entrance in, Drew nearer to me, sweetly questioning, If I lacked any thing. A guest, I answered, worthy to be here: Love said, You shall be he. I the unkind, ungrateful? Ah my dear, I cannot look on thee. Love took my hand, and smiling did reply, Who made the eyes but I? Truth Lord, but I have marred them: let my shame Go where it doth deserve. And know you not, says Love, who bore the blame? My dear, then I will serve. You must sit down, says Love, and taste my meat: So I did sit and eat. So what did Herbert really say in this poem that was literally life-changing for Simone Weil? Jim explains that there are certain ideas that we, as humans, believe about yourselves. Yet there are certain things God says that refute those ideas. For instance, we feel guilty because of sin, yet God still loves us. We feel unworthy before God, yet God determines and affirms our worth. We feel our shame is deserved, yet God’s Son bore our shame on the cross and invites us to experience and enjoy His goodness. So yes, it is possible for God to overcome our shame – when we embrace God’s love, affirmation and goodness. Related episodes: 1. Eternal Life Now 2. Hope 3. Living Godward 4. The Mystery of the Incarnation 5. God’s Love The post Shame appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

Many Christians are living into a shrunken, incomplete gospel that leads to sin management. To be sure, our relationship with God was severed by sin. But our sin problem is only a part of the issue. In this episode of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith looks at our sin problem and offers, perhaps more importantly, that we also have a life problem and a longing problem. Even if we never sinned, we would still need God’s grace – God’s action in our lives. Our life problem, Jim believes, can be found in the words of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 2:1-7. While we are physically alive, we are spiritually dead without Christ, according to Paul. This leads us to our longing problem, which was articulated in the book “Donald Grant,” written by author and theologian George MacDonald. The main character, Donald Grant, encounters a woman who was having disturbing dreams of damnation. She was ultimately concerned about avoiding hell. Afterwards, Grant wonders, “When our longing after a living God is met with the offer of an escape from hell, how is the creature to live? It is God we want, not heaven. God, not an imputed righteousness. Love, not endurance for the sake of another.” This reminds Jim of those billboards located alongside the highways of America that ask, “If you died tonight, where would you go?” Jim recalls Dallas Willard asking a different, if not more significant, question: “If you wake up tomorrow, how would you live?” The goal of the Christian life is not hell avoidance. It is an interactive, loving and life-giving relationship with God. Related episodes: 1. Spiritual Mirror 2. Episode 00 3. Episode 01 4. Finality of the Cross 5. Forgiven to be Filled The post Desiring God appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

As humans, we all experience problems and trials. Not just the small things, like spilling our coffee or forgetting to reply to our mom’s text message. We experience big problems, such as prolonged illness and career struggles. What trials are you facing right now? Are you in need of protection? In this episode of the Things above podcast, James Bryan Smith shares the little-known story of Saint Patrick, who was taken by pirates and sold into slavery in Ireland where Christianity was not present. Following his release and return to his native England, Saint Patrick had a vision from God, who urged him to get ordained and serve as a missionary in Ireland. There, Saint Patrick converted thousands of Irish to Christianity and built several churches. During his time in the mission field, Saint Patrick wrote a prayer of protection that is commonly known as “St. Patrick’s Breastplate.” James Bryan Smith shares his version of that prayer and asks, “Are you in need of protection?” If so, this prayer can be a wonderful soul training exercise to help set your minds on things above. St. Patrick’s Breastplate Prayer Here’s the prayer for the website: I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through the belief in the threeness, Through the confession of the oneness Of the Creator of Creation. I arise today Through the strength of Christ’s birth with his baptism, Through the strength of his crucifixion with his burial, Through the strength of his resurrection with his ascension, Through the strength of his descent for the judgment of doom. I arise today Through the strength of heaven: Light of sun, Radiance of moon, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of wind, Depth of sea, Stability of earth, Firmness of rock. I arise today Through God’s strength to pilot me: God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me, God’s shield to protect me, God’s host to save me From snares of devils, From temptations of vices, From everyone who shall wish me ill, Afar and anear. I summon today Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through belief in the threeness, Through confession of the oneness, Of the Creator of Creation. Related episodes: 1. Overcoming Temptation 2. Christ Plus Nothing Equals Everything 3. Already Present 4. Your Identity is in the Invitation 5. Jesus Holds Everything Together The post Christ is All Around Us appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

How do you understand the kingdom of God, Jesus’ gospel and salvation? In episode 15 of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith sits down for a conversation with pastor and author Brian Zahnd who, many years ago, experienced a growing discontent with the version of Christianity he knew and was living. Then he stumbled across a little book called The Divine Conspiracy, which helped him see the kingdom of God with fresh eyes and reconstructed his faith in a life-changing way. Both Jim and Brian trade stories of how their understanding of the gospel has shifted over time and what was of utmost importance to Jesus. This understanding has also had an enormous influence on how they understand salvation. The episode ends with Jim asking Brian a hypothetical question: If the Apostle Paul walked into an American church in our day and heard the gospel presented strictly as penal substitutionary atonement, how would he respond? You’ll have to listen to hear the answer! Key Scripture passages include Matthew 5. Enjoyed this conversation? Listen to other Things Above Conversations here: 1. Things Above Conversation with Chris Heuertz 2. Conversation with Chris Heuertz Part 2 3. Conversation with Jen Pollock Michel 4. Conversation with Emily P. Freeman Part 2 5. Conversation with William Paul Young The post Things Above Conversation 3 appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

What can a Martin guitar, autographed by music legend Eric Clapton, teach us about God? In this episode of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith continues his story about one of the greatest gifts ever given to him and the epiphanies that came through it. So what can an expensive guitar teach us about God? Well first, that Jesus wants to be the maestro of our life. When we run our little “kingdoms and queendoms” on our own and the music isn’t very good. But when we surrender to Jesus and start living in the Kingdom of God, something wonderful happens. In the hands of the “Great Musician,” our lives are capable of beautiful music. In the second lesson, we learn that God only gives us His very best. And we see that through Jesus’ loving, sacrificial act on the cross. This episode ends with a sampling of a very talented musician playing the now-famous Martin guitar in studio! Related episodes: 1. Epiphanies From a Guitar Part 1 2. Source of Life 3. The Gift of Pain 4. Moved to Pray 5. Practicing Patience The post Epiphanies From a Guitar Part 2 appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

Is giving truly better than receiving? Most of the time, the answer is yes. But sometimes receiving can be a life-changing experience too. In this episode, James Bryan Smith tells of how the gift of a valuable, limited-edition guitar helped him understand that we are people of sacred worth. When receiving something of great value, we naturally feel the need to take extra special care of that gift. As Jim received the guitar, he immediately felt the need to do everything he could to keep the guitar in perfect condition. He realized that if he cared this much for a guitar, why wouldn’t he do the same for himself? Jim goes on to explain that we are unceasing spiritual beings with an eternal destiny in God’s great universe, a glorious thought that informs us of our sacred worth. Once we begin to embrace this, we will in turn take greater care of ourselves and others. Related episodes: 1. Epiphanies From a Guitar Part 2 2. Jesus is Praying for You 3. God’s Joyous Being 4. Wired for Worship 5. Second Chances The post Epiphanies From a Guitar Part 1 appeared first on Apprentice Institute.