James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “God is the most joyous being in the universe.” In this epiode Smith explains how and why God is joyous. He gives examples from the book of Job and The Divine Conspiracy.

Interested in donating to the Things Above Podcast? Donate here!

Related Episodes:
1. God is Looking for You
2. Conversation with AJ Swoboda and Nijay Gupta
3. Love Has You
4. Deny
5. Conversation with Aundi Kolber

The post God Is Joyous appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

James Bryan Smith’s thought from above this week is, “God is looking for you.” In this Christmas-themed episode, James talks about how God invites us into a relationship with him through the Holy Spirit. Smith quotes a sermon from St. Augustine 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 AJ Swoboda and Nijay Gupta
2. Love Has You
3. Deny
4. Conversation with Aundi Kolber
5. Integrate Like Jesus

The post God is Looking for You appeared first on Apprentice Institute.

James Bryan Smith has a Things Above conversation with AJ Swoboda and Nijay Gupta about their book, “Slow Theology.”

In our fast-paced world of outrageous headlines and knee-jerk reactions, we struggle to hear God’s voice amid the noise. Despite constant connectivity, our lives lack true spiritual connection and depth.

A. J. Swoboda and Nijay Gupta offer a practical theology guide for building resilient faith through Christian discipleship. Addressing spiritual deconstruction and doubt with honesty, they show how to fortify your faith against cultural challenges through eight transformative spiritual practices, including

● taking your time in prayer and Bible study,
● building patience for your spiritual journey and faith formation,
● slowing down your thinking and decision-making process,
● finding peace with unanswered questions rather than demanding easy solutions, and
● facing spiritual difficulties head-on instead of avoiding them.

This Christian living book helps weary believers reconnect with God and neighbor through intentional spiritual growth. With a foreword by Glenn Packiam, it’s perfect for devotional reading, small group study, or anyone seeking authentic faith formation.

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. Love Has You
2. Deny
3. Conversation with Aundi Kolber
4. Integrate Like Jesus
5. Your Project

The post Conversation with AJ Swoboda and Nijay Gupta appeared first on Apprentice Institute.