Matt Johnson returns for part two of the conversation with James Bryan Smith. In this episode, Smith and Johnson continue their conversation about the research on spiritual growth. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with spiritual director and friend Matt Johnson. James and Matt have a conversation about the research they are conducting together about what happens to people who experience significant spiritual growth. In this...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "Take your gratitude to the next level." In this episode, James gives us two practices we can do to give thanks to God. Smith explains both practices in detail and gives examples of how we can do them. Interested in...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "Let nothing disturb you." In this episode, Smith recites a prayer from St. Teresa of Avila. James goes through the prayer and explains what we can learn from the prayer in order to help us not be disturbed by...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above in this episode is, "God wants to talk with you." Following up from his previous episode, Smith talks about how we can talk with God when we pray. Smith gives some examples from the Lord's prayer and Psalm twenty-three to help...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "God wants you to talk to him." In this episode, James discusses the Lord's Prayer. Smith explains how he uses the prayer, goes through each verse, and discusses the importance of each verse. Listen here or anywhere...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "Jesus is gentle and he is mighty, he is good, but he isn't safe." In this episode, Smith talks about how Jesus is the lamb of God and also the lion of Judah. James explains how Jesus is gentle and mighty, how he...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above in this episode is, "There will be suffering in life, but it is different with Jesus." In this episode, James talks about how we all experience suffering in our lives, but we experience it differently when we are apprentices of...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above in this episode is, "Walking with Jesus is the greatest of all adventures." Smith starts the episode by talking about the day he chose to give his life to Jesus. He then talks about how we all can join in on the greatest of all...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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?...

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!...

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...

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...

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,...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "Jesus is God's Glory, Grace and Truth." This is the 4th episode of the series of episodes on the longings of our soul. In this episode, James explains the connection between beauty, goodness, and truth and how they...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "Our souls long for relationships." Over the last three episodes, James has been discussing the longings of our souls. In this episode, Smith talks about five of the final ten longings of our soul. Interested in...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author and spiritual director Casey Tygrett. James and Casey discuss Casey's latest book, "The Gift of Restlessness."  Casey emphasizes that restlessness is a sign that we must move up, move on, or move out....

In this episode, James Bryan Smith's thought from above is, "We all long to be loved." Smith picks up where he left off the last episode, talking about the longings of our souls. In this episode, James talks about three more longings of our souls: the need to be...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is "Your spirituality is what you do with your longings." Smith is starting a four-part-episode series about spirituality and our souls. In this episode, James examines the relationship between our spirituality and the...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author and publisher Jeff Crosby. James and Jeff discuss Jeff's book, "The Language of the Soul: Meeting God in the Longings of Our Hearts." For over fifteen years, writer Jeff Crosby has been searching for a...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "Everything turns on the turn." In this episode, James explains the meaning behind this thought from above, which he learned from Ann Voskamp. He talks about the three ways we turn when faced with difficult...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "Christ is your greatest treasure." Following up on his first two episodes of season six, James continues to explain what it means to live a good life. In this episode, Smith talks about six areas of our life that...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with author Ann Voskamp about her book, "Waymaker: Finding the Way to the Life You've Always Dreamed Of." Ann Voskamp is a Canadian author, blogger, and memoirist on themes of Christian women's spirituality and the...

In this episode, James Bryan Smith's thought from above is, "The good life is a deep, passionate, and emotional life." Following up on the previous episode about the good life, Smith talks about the importance of our emotions concerning living the good life. James...

In this episode, James Bryan Smith's thought from above is, "The good life is the obedient life." Smith begins the episode by discussing a class he teaches at Friends University called The Good Life. In the class, he asked his students about the age-old question, what...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Ruth Haley Barton. In this episode, James and Ruth discuss her book, "Embracing Rhythms of Work and Rest: From Sabbath to Sabbatical and Back Again" In her book, Ruth offers hard-won wisdom and practical steps for...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "You can have an Abba experience." Smith opens the episode with the question, what is the one thing you think God most wants for you? He gives a few different answers to his question but ultimately says that what...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "we need the church." In this episode, James talks about the impact of attending church and why we need it. To help illustrate his thought from above, Smith references two songs written by Rich Mullins; "Sometimes...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with long-time friend and author Trevor Hudson. In this episode, James asks Trevor questions about his upcoming book, "Seeking God-Finding Another Kind of Life with St Ignatius and Dallas Willard." Trevor is the author...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "your portion is perfect peace." In this episode, James talks about times when we struggle with our faith and what we can do during those times. Smith recalls a song that helps to explain his thought from above...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "Our doubts do not trouble Jesus." In this episode, James talks about the disciple known as "Doubting Thomas," and explains why we should not think of Thomas in a negative way. Interested in donating to the Things...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with Seth & Heather Thompson Day. James talks with Seth and Heather about their co-authored book, "I'll See You Tomorrow." You can learn more about Seth and Heather on their website here. Interested in donating to...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "As is the king, so is the kingdom." In this episode, James talks about Holy Week, how Jesus came to defeat death for good, and a leader's impact on their followers. Interested in donating to the Things Above...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "faith is trust without reservation." In this episode, James explains that faith is an extension of knowledge based on knowledge. Smith illustrates his thought from above by referencing Moses's story and struggles....

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "learn the unforced rhythms of grace." In this episode, James discusses four questions that Dallas Willard says all humans must ask and should answer. The first question is, what is real? The second question is, who...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Richard Foster. James and Richard have been good friends for over 40 years. In this episode, James talks with Richard about his latest book, "Learning Humility." Brenda Quinn joined Richard for this conversation...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is God is Glorious. In this episode, James talks about a recent challenge he gave himself. Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian Spiritual Formation degree...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above in this episode is, we are all on a magnificent mission. This week James discusses what Dallas Willard calls the "Great Ommission" and the Great "Commission." In this episode, James explains how we are all called to be...

James Bryan Smith has a second Things Above conversation with AJ Swoboda. James interviews AJ on his latest book, "After Doubt." Learn more about AJ on his website here! Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here! Learn more about the Christian...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "the kingdom of God is the with-God life." James opens the episode with a story about a time he was a teaching assistant for Dallas Willard. Dallas asked the class the question, what is the gospel? In the episode,...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "Give the best gift you can give." In light of the advent season, Smith gives us an example of the best gift we can give someone. James says the best we can give is not something money can buy. To help explain his...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Matt Tebbe and Ben Sternke about their latest book, Having the Mind of Christ: Eight Axioms to Cultivate a Robust Faith. Matt and Ben are the cofounders of Gravity Leadership, located in Indiana. Matt and Ben...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "you are called." In this episode, James talks about vocational calling and its impact on our life. Many have felt they are called to a specific job, while others may have never felt that calling. Smith explains how...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "you have a sacred story." In this episode, James explains how we all have an origin story that has shaped us into the person we are today. In our origin story, we encounter trauma, and Smith explains the difference...

In this episode, James Bryan Smith is interviewed by his friend Dr. Jeff Bjorck to ask James questions about his latest book, "The Good and Beautiful You." Dr. Bjorck is a licensed psychologist and a lifelong friend of James. Jeff helped Jim during the writing process...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "you are made for God." James begins the episode explaining why we have a longing for the "more than." To help explain his thought from above, Smith gives two examples from his life where he experienced the...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this episode is; you are God's masterpiece. Following his last episode, Smith talks about our significance to God. Smith continues to expose the false narratives we have about God and counters them with his thought from above...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above in this episode is, "you are significant." Smith explains how many of us struggle with the narrative that we are not enough. To help illustrate his thought from above, James tells us two stories that show us why we are more than...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above in this episode is; Jesus is the answer. Smith opens the episode with a couple of questions that many people have about God. The first question is, does God really love me? The second question is, what is God like? James explains...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with Gem Fadling. In This episode, James and Gem discuss her latest book, "Hold That Thought: Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads." Gem Fadling, CLC, is a founding partner of Unhurried Living, Inc., a non-profit...

Curt Thompson M.D. is back for part two of his Things Above conversation with James Bryan Smith. In this episode, James asks Curt questions regarding his books, "The Soul of Desire" and "The Soul of Shame." Psychiatrist, speaker, and author Curt Thompson connects our...

In episode two of season five, James Bryan Smith opens the episode with Colossians 2:6. A key word in this verse is "walk" Smith explains what Paul means in this verse through a story from his high school track team. James closes the episode with 10 things about who...

Season five of the Things Above podcast has arrived! To start off the new season James Bryan Smith shares a story to explain how God doesn't call the qualified but rather God qualifies the called. Smith closes the episode by explaining how grace is opposed to earning...

In this episode, James Bryan Smith's thought from above is, "You must live the exchanged life." Smith opens the episode by telling us that we are all saints. He goes on to explain how we are saints and how we can live into that identity each day. James closes the...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Angela Gorrell about her latest book, "The Gravity of Joy." Dr. Angela Williams Gorrell joined Baylor's George W. Truett Theological Seminary in Fall 2019 as Assistant Professor of Practical Theology. Prior to...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, "You are dedicated." In this episode, James recounts a story in which he was fasting to help explain his thought from above. Smith closes the episode by telling us we are saints and we have been made holy. We are...

In this episode, James Bryan Smith thought from above is, "there are benefits to doubt." Smith gives us three reasons to explain why there are benefits to doubt in our faith. The first reason is doubt allows you to make your faith truly yours. The second benefit is...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Dr. Amy Bragg Carey. Amy is the fourteenth president of Friends University and is currently in her seventh year as president. She previously served as vice president for institutional advancement at the University...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is, Jesus is Lord. Smith opens the episode with a reading of Colossians chapter three to help illustrate his thought from above. To close the episode, James reads a passage from Dr. Scot McKnights commentary on...

James Bryan Smith talks about two kinds of love, "gift love" and "need love." In this episode Smith's thought from above is, to love one another just as Jesus has loved us. "Need Love", is a kind of longing love much like romantic love. "Gift Love" is God's love, it...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Dr. Michael Wise. Michael Wise is an internationally recognized expert on the Dead Sea Scrolls. He frequently lectures on the Dead Sea Scrolls from coast to coast. Dr. Wise is ordained as a minister in the...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above comes from Saint John of Kronstadt. In this episode, James reads an excerpt from the writings of Saint John of Kronstadt. Smith uses this passage to help us look for traces of mercy. Interested in donating to the Things Above...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above in this episode is, don't trifle with our God. Smith recounts a story where Dallas Willard asked him a question that he could not answer. The question was, does God ever let us get away with anything? James goes on to explain why...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author and speaker Marlena Graves. James asks Marlena about her latest book, "The Way Up Is Down" and why she wrote the book. Marlena is a writer, deep thinker, and speaker who is passionate about the eternal...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is; The way of Jesus is Both And." In this episode, James tells a story about his one message, the grace of God. To help explain his thought from above, Jim states that grace is God's action in our lives. Smith gives...

In this episode, James Bryan Smith tells us how we can experience an authentic change in our spiritual life. He begins the episode with a quote from 2nd Corinthians chapter three verse eighteen. Smith uses this verse to help explain how we are able to see the glory of...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Brian Zahnd. Jim and Brian talk about his latest book, "When Everything's on Fire." Jim asks Brian why he wrote this book and both discuss the impact of secularism in society today. James asks Brian a series of...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above in this episode is, "everything is a gift." To help illustrate his thought from above, Smith tells the story of Alexander Hamilton. James goes on to further explain his thought from above with a passage from Will Smith's memoir....

James Bryan Smith's thought from above in this episode is, "can I be a witness?" Smith gets his thought from above from a book he read by his friend Angela Gorrell. In the book, Angela explains two important ideas about helping others grieve the loss of a loved one....

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Curt Thompson about his latest book "The Soul of Desire." Curt Thompson MD, is a psychiatrist, speaker, and author. Inspired by deep compassion for others and informed from a Christian perspective, Curt shares...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above is, "God can." Smith learned this from his late great teacher, Ray Anderson while in seminary. In this episode, James explains his thought from above in greater detail. To help explain his thought from above he adds on a few more...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above in this episode is, "God is on your side." Smith starts off the episode with a story about Eugene Peterson and his son. James continues the episode with another story about his friend Trevor. Both of these stories help explain...

The thought from above in this episode is, "the soul knows best." James Bryan Smith opens this episode with Psalm 25 to help explain his thought from above. Throughout the episode, Smith gives us definitions of the soul versus the self. To conclude the episode, James...

The thought from above in this episode is, kingdom obedience brings kingdom abundance. James Bryan Smith explains how we can have kingdom abundance through kingdom obedience. Smith gives us his definition of grace, which is God's action in our lives. James gives us...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Dr. Jeff Bjorck. Dr. Bjorck is a pianist, composer, and arranger with six solo piano albums to his credit. In addition, he is also a clinical psychologist and professor of psychology. In this episode, James and...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above in this episode is, "create a vision for life." Smith's thought from above comes his mentor Dallas Willard. Dallas taught Jim about many things but one of the most important was his teaching on creating a vision for your life....

In this episode James Bryan Smith's thought from above is, "take leaps with faith." In this episode James defines faith as "an extension of knowledge based on knowledge." To help illustrate his thought from above, Smith tells the story of the beggar Bartimaeus....

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with Philip Yancey. Philip is one of the best-selling contemporary Christian authors. In this episode, Jim interviews Philip on his memoir "Where the Light Fell." Jim and Philip discuss the book as well as the moments...

In this episode, James Bryan Smith's thought from above is; be happy for God. Smith quotes from the book, "The Divine Conspiracy" by Dallas Willard to help explain his thought from above. James points out that we should seek out beauty in our everyday life. When we do...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week is; Look for the Glory. Smith opens the episode with a story about a photograph he saw in Australia back in 2017. This photo reminded Jim of Psalm 119 and how it can help us to see the glory of God. James defines glory...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with author Sarah Clarkson. In this episode, James and Sarah discuss her book "This Beautiful Truth." In This Beautiful Truth, Sarah shares her own encounters with beauty in the midst of her decade-long struggle with...

The thought from above in this episode is, know your enemy. James Bryan Smith explains how the enemy (the devil) tries to deceive us and what we can do to defend ourselves from him. Smith quotes from Ephesians 6:11-17 to talk about the armor of God. James talks about...

The thought from above this week is, sin is slop. In this episode, James Bryan Smith gives us two ways to help us win the battle against sin. The first is to stay focused on God, and the second is to see sin for what it is. Smith uses the story of David and Bathsheeba...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with Bruce McNicol and Robby Angle. Smith asks both guests questions about their work with Trueface, and the book "The Cure." Both Bruce and Robby will be teaching at The Apprentice Gathering 2021. Learn more and...

In the second episode of season four, for the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith thought from above is; "you are blessed." Smith begins the episode with a story about his new puppy Wesley. The thought from above came to Jim through his experience of adopting and...

Season 4 has arrived! James Bryan Smith's thought from above this week focuses on soul wellness. Smith opens the episode by saying we have a soul, and it is very needy. In the episode, James announces he finished the 4th book in "The Good and Beautiful" series. The...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with Casey Tygrett. Casey is back for his second appearance on the Things Above podcast. In this episode, Casey and James talk about the impact the pandemic has had on us now that we have been dealing with it for over...

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above Conversation with Dorothy Greco. In this episode James and Dorothy discuss her latest book, "Marriage in the Middle." Dorothy is the author of Making Marriage Beautiful and Marriage in the Middle. Her work has appeared in...

James Bryan Smith's thought from above in this episode is, "You are wanted by the Trinity." In this episode Smith explains the importance of understanding the Trinity. Understanding the Trinity informs us that God wants to be in relationship with us. To help explain...

Today's thought from above is this: God is greater than our hearts. In this episode James Bryan Smith unpacks his thought from above with a story from his childhood.  Smith explains the importance of understanding our identity in order to get over our own shame.  When...