Episodes

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 this we will start to feel a sense of joy for and with God. Donate to the Things Above Podcast here! Related Episodes: 1. Look for the Glory 2. Conversation with Sarah Clarkson 3. Conversation with Bruce McNicol and Robby Angl...

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 as the combination of power and beauty. To close the episode, James quotes C.H. Spurgeon. “Though all preachers on earth should grow silent, and every human mouth cease from publishing the glory of God, the heavens above will neve...

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 mental illness, depression, and doubt. She paints a compelling picture of the God who reaches out to us in a real and powerful way through the “taste and see” goodness of what he has made and what he continues to create amid our dark...

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 each piece of armor listed in the passage and explains how we can use it today. Related Episodes: 1. Sin is Slop 2. Soul Wellness 3. You are Blessed 4. Beauty, Goodness and Truth 5. Episode 00 If you are interested in donatin...

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 to explain his thought from above. James closes the episode by explaining the spiritual practice of examen and how it has helped him focus on God. Related Episodes: 1. You are Blessed 2. Conversation with Bruce McNicol and Robby...

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 register here! Guest Biographies: Bruce McNicol: Bruce is co-contributor with Dallas Willard of The Kingdom Life on spiritual formation. Bruce is also President Emeritus of Trueface, whose mission is to equip people to experience auth...

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 training Wesley. Smith quotes Ephesians 1: 3-7 to help illustrate his thought from above. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ....

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 book will be titled “The Good and Beautiful You” and comes out in the spring of 2022. Before he finished the book, James went to “Restoring the Soul” for some soul rejuvenation. It was there that he came to understand this week’s th...