The Bible Speaks to You: Recent Episodes
James Early
Discover the healing power of God. Do you want to understand what Jesus said and learn how to apply it in your life? Each week we take a fresh look at the Bible and dig beneath the surface of things to its deep spiritual lessons. You’ll get insights on how Jesus thought and prayed, and how you can follow his example. If you want to learn how to pray more effectively and experience God’s healing power for yourself and others, this podcast is for you. The goal of this podcast is to help you rediscover and live the original Christianity of Jesus.
381 – Does God still heal today?
The Bible is full of people who were healed by God, both in the Old and New Testaments.
Many Christian churches today believe in and practice Christian healing in some way.
Personally I have seen many healings in my own life and I have friends in many different Christian denominations who have been healed through prayer.
But there are some churches who say God is no longer in the healing business, that He does not heal today the way He did in the Bible. They claim those times are over.
In this week's episode we’re talking about
- The fact that God does heal today, just as He always has
- Why some Christians have a hard time believing God heals today
- How you can experience more of God’s healing presence in your own life
The reason you can heal and be healed is because you are a child of God, an heir of God and a co-heir with Christ.
Focus on who you are, that your name is written in heaven, and that you have inherited all God’s goodness. You are an heir of the kingdom of God.
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Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 29: Is It Ever God’s Will You Are NOT Healed When You Pray?
Podcast playlist on healing:
Spiritual Healing Today
SHOW NOTES:
For a full transcript and all Bible quotes go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/381
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
380 – Would you like to sit at the feet of Jesus?
Have you ever wondered what it would’ve been like to hear Jesus teach and preach? To see him heal people? To ask him to heal you?
Would you have followed him or opposed him?
Would your pride have rebelled at the strong moral demands he made on his followers?
Or would you have sat at his feet, humbly listening to everything he had to say? Hopefully the latter.
In this week’s episode:
- What it means to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from him
- How we can still do this today
- The blessings that come from it
- The people in the Bible who sat at Jesus feet and why
- The difference between sitting at and falling down at Jesus's feet
Sitting at the feet of Jesus today is a metaphor for being in Christ’s presence.
The more you come into Christ’s presence in this way, the more you make yourself available to be instructed, inspired, and healed by Christ.
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Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 203: What if Jesus Preached at Your Church?
SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and the Bible quotes go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/380
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
379 – What does it mean to be a Christian?
There’s a mistake the Christian church has been making for hundreds of years, 1,700 years to be more accurate, that has radically changed the way Christians identify and represent themselves in the world, as well as among themselves.
The sad truth is that most Christians don’t realize they’re making this mistake or that it has such a long history. In fact, they find comfort in it and think what they’re doing is totally appropriate.
But this shift in 325 C.E. has often taken the church down a path that has led away from the original Christianity of Jesus and the importance of putting his teachings into practice, and instead made the church more legalistic and dogmatic.
In this episode, we’re going to look at
- This mistake
- How it still affects the Christian church today
- How it goes against the original message of Jesus and how he described what it meant to be one of his disciples or followers, or what we call today, a Christian
- And more importantly, we’re going to talk about what you can do to correct this mistake, whether it’s you or someone else, your church or someone else’s church, making it
What you believe is important, in fact crucial, but Jesus requires obedience to his teachings in our daily lives if we want to be considered his followers.
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Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 224: Why Should I Believe in the Nicene Creed?
SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript of this episode and all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/379
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
378 – Do you ever ask God for a sign?
Have you ever had an important decision to make and you just didn’t know what to do?
You’ve gone round and round trying to make the right choice. You even prayed about it, but the answer still wasn’t clear.
When you’ve tried everything, is it okay to ask God for a sign showing you what to do, to point you in the right direction? If so, what’s the best way to do that?
And is ever not right to ask God for a sign? Spoiler alert: Yes, sometimes it’s not right to ask God for a sign.
In this week’s episode:
- When it’s a good thing to ask God for a sign
- When it’s not right to ask God for a sign
- The best way to ask God for a sign
- How God gave me a sign late at night on a bus ride
God is always giving you signs one way or another. Do you see them?
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/378
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
377 – Where does your confidence come from?
Are you a confident person?
Or do you sometimes feel a lack of confidence in yourself that keeps you from accomplishing things or even attempting to do something?
Or maybe you’re confident about some things and not so confident about others.
All too often, we get our confidence or lack of confidence from external factors like...family heritage, education, how much money you have, how you look in the mirror.
But true confidence can only come from
- God
- understanding your relationship with God
- knowing you are a child of God
- knowing God loves you
The best way to increase your true confidence is to practice your faith, to follow the teachings of Jesus.
When you are conscious of God’s will and obey it, you are no longer trusting in your own abilities, your own wisdom, your own will power to get things done. You’re listening for God’s voice and following His guidance.
And this is the basis for true confidence.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/377
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
376 – Is longsuffering good or bad?
You’re probably familiar with the word longsuffering.
It’s in the Bible, at least some translations of the Bible, multiple times. Sometimes it’s translated as patience.
And longsuffering is usually considered a virtue in the Bible. We are supposed to be patient with each other and not over-react when things don’t go the way we want.
But sometimes in the process of trying to be longsuffering, it’s easy to get discouraged because the thing or the person you’re trying to be patient with gives no hint of changing or getting better or even being aware of how you’re being negatively affected.
In this week’s episode, we’re going to
- Explore what the Bible says about longsuffering
- When it can be a very positive mindset to have
- How to avoid letting it go too far where you feel you’re just putting up with bad behavior and maybe even being taken advantage of
- It's not about suffering a long time
- The core spiritual essence of patience or longsuffering
Biblical longsuffering is not putting up with or ignoring inappropriate attitudes or behavior.
It's becoming more and more conscious of how God has empowered you to think and act.
And most of all, it’s seeing and rejoicing that God is actively involved in your life, and see and trusting He is working in the lives of all His children.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/376
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
375 – Do you ever tell God you Love Him?
When you’re going through a challenge, one of the most comforting things to remember is that God loves you. And it’s not just saying the words that help, but actually feeling God’s love and care for you in that particular moment.
But love is not a one way street.
Love comes and goes in both directions in a healthy human relationship, and this is even more true in your relationship with God. Yes, it’s important for you to know God loves you. But it’s equally important that you love God.
All too often, when we have a problem we focus more on the fact God loves us. But what if instead we focused on our love for God the next time a challenge comes up?
In this episode, we’re going to talk about
- the importance of telling God you love Him
- not just saying the words
- several ways to "tell" God you love Him
- letting your life show your love for God
And we’ll talk about the blessings that come as a result.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and all Bible quotes go to thebiblepseakstoyou.com/375
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
374 – Are you using your spiritual riches?
Have you ever felt you didn’t have enough money to pay the bills, to buy food, to pay the rent, or whatever it might be?
Maybe your job wasn’t paying enough. Or you’re not charging your customers enough for the products or services you provide or not enough people are buying your products or services.
Maybe you didn’t get your share of an inheritance. Maybe you’ve had plenty of money at one point, but realize now you spent too much of it on things that weren’t important.
It's time to discover your spiritual riches.
- Right this very moment, you have unlimited spiritual riches and resources at your disposal
- Just because you may not be aware of them, doesn’t mean they’re not there
- Money is not the measure of true wealth
- Learn how to discover and access your spiritual riches, and use and invest this spiritual wealth in your daily life
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and all Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/374
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
373 – Have you experienced God's redemptive grace in your life?
What did that feel like? How did it transform your life?
One of the most often quoted verses in the Bible is from Chapter 2 of Ephesians
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—(Ephesians 2:8 NIV)
But if you talk to enough people, it’s pretty obvious there are lots of different definitions or perspectives on what grace is and how it works in our lives.
And there are different aspects of grace, just like there are many facets in a diamond.
My guest today is Jennifer Sakata, an ordained pastor in the Presbyterian Church USA. We’re going to talk specifically about God’s redemptive grace. This is the grace that redeems us from our mistakes, the sins we’ve committed, and all the ways we’ve been hurt over the years.
In this episode:
- God is writing a story in your life and the life of everyone
- The connection between grace and our relationship to God
- What is real grace for real life?
- The one thing you need to acknowledge to be able to receive God’s grace
- How to create space for grace to show up in your life
- The difference between “on the ground grace” and grace as a theological concept
- The Psalm you should read if you feel far away from God
- What happened in her mom’s life after praying for her for 40+ years
- What does gratitude do that helps us receive more grace?
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SHOW NOTES: Full transcript and Bible quotes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/373
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
372 – Have you noticed? A spiritual awakening is taking place.
In spite of all the negative and evil influences in the world today, there’s a collective spiritual awakening going on in the lives of those who love and follow Christ.
Sometimes it’s subtle, quiet, personal, and almost unnoticed. Sometimes it’s loud and clear and obvious to anyone who is halfway paying attention.
The Holy Spirit is at work deep in the hearts of mankind rousing and waking us up to the deeper and more spiritual dimensions of life.
The question is: What can you do to be ready for and be part of this spiritual awakening?
This week's episode explores:
- What you can do now to be spiritually awake in your own life
- How this will enable you to be part of the great spiritual awakening of today
- Nothing can stop what God is doing spiritually in the world
What is one thing you can do to be more spiritually awake? Please do it starting today. Thank you.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript of today's episode and all Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/372
Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 79: How Do You Know if Something Is God’s Will?
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
371 – Are you willing to let Jesus upset your apple cart?
What happened to you the first time you encountered Christ?
Or maybe a better way to ask it: What happened to you first time you took the message of Jesus seriously, accepted it, and tried to live it in your life?
When you accept Christ into your life, it should have a profound effect on you. Something changes.
The commitment to follow Christ gives you a whole new perspective on life, no matter what your circumstances were before. And there are so many blessings that come as a result.
But sometimes it seems that following Jesus can turn your life upside down.
In this week’s episode, we’re going to look at a few folks in the Bible whose lives Jesus turned upside down and inside out and the blessings that came as a result.
- Peter and Andrew, James and John from fishermen to apostles
- Peter got his "apple cart" turned upside down more than once
- James and John had to let go of pride and the desire for high office
And we’ll talk about how you are blessed as well, when you let Jesus reorganize your priorities.
There's nothing to be afraid of when Christ upsets your old way of life. It empties your heart of the things and thoughts that aren't from God.
As a result, you are closer to God, more like Jesus, and you find the spiritual freedom to be all God made you to be.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript with all the Bible quotes in this episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/371
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
370 – Have you ever felt it's too late to do what God wants you to do with your life?
...that you missed the opportunity God gave you?
Or maybe you never got a clear message from God about what your purpose was. Or maybe you have heard God’s voice tell you exactly what to do, but you haven’t done it for whatever reason.
And now it feels too late to start, to try again, or get back on track. Or you’ve waited too long to do what God told you years ago.
Then this episode is for you.
We’re going to look at some folks in the Bible who were used by God to accomplish important things when it seemed life has passed them by or they were too advanced in years to have much to offer.
- Abraham and Sarah
- Joseph
- King Manasseh
- Elizabeth and Zacharias
- The servant who received one talent and buried it in the ground
What was true for them is true for you.
God is using you right now, preparing you for something purposeful and increasing the sense of purpose in your life. And it’s never too late for God to work in your life.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and all the Bible verses mentioned, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/370
Previous episodes mentioned this week:
Episode 105: Why Isn’t There Unity in the Body of Christ?
Episode 345: The Only Path to Christian Unity
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
369 – Where does your spirituality come from?
Have you noticed? A lot of people these days are talking about spirituality, but they don't all mean the same thing when they use the word spiritual (or spirituality).
What is spirituality? Where does it come from?
Is it something you make happen?
Or is it something that's already there, but you have to discover?
In this week's episode:
- The Biblical basis for your spirituality
- How to become more aware of your spirituality
- How to live your spirituality on a daily basis
- How to resist temptation
- What to do when you feel your spirituality is compromised
- What to do when your spirituality is attacked or opposed
The Biblical basis for your spiritual identity is the fact you are the image and likeness of God.
Nothing can change that. No mistakes you make, nothing anyone does or says, no circumstances can change the way God originally created you in His image and likeness.
Your spirituality is your heritage and birthright.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript of the episode and all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/369
Previous episode mentioned: Episode 37: You Are the Image and Likeness of God. What the Heck Does that Mean?
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
368 – It's true, nothing can separate you from God's love
Have you ever felt separated from God? Maybe because you did something you know you shouldn’t have, or maybe something traumatic happened you had no control over.
Or it could just be a feeling you have for whatever reason.
When God seems far away, it’s hard to know what to do or where to turn for help.
In this episode, we’re going to dig into the stories of several people in the Bible who found themselves in really tough uncomfortable situations but knew God was with them even in those darkest hours, days, and years.
- Joseph
- King David
- Jesus
- Paul
And I have a confession to make in this episode.
No matter what you’re going through right now, nothing can separate you from the love of God.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and all the Bible quotes go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/368.
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
367 – Are you letting God into every part of your life?
Or do you let God only into some parts of your life?
There's no need to be hesitant to open up completely to God. You don't need to be afraid of something you've hidden deep inside you.
Your past mistakes and insecurities, any doubts and fears you may be embarrassed about or ashamed of, are no match for God's love for you.
In this week's episode:
- The joy of letting God into every part of your life
- The freedom and peace of mind that come when you quit trying to hide anything from God
- Loving God with all your heart, soul and mind
- Steps you can take to let God have full access to your heart and life
- The blessings that come when you do this
Letting God into every nook and cranny of your life, you’ll discover things you never knew were possible.
You’ll see God’s love in everything you do and with everyone you meet. You’ll be where God wants you to be. You’ll say what God wants you to say, maybe without even realizing it. You will do what God wants you to do.
You will be blessed and you’ll be a blessing to others in the process.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/367
Previous episode mentioned: Episode14 – Would You Let Jesus in Your House if You Hadn’t Cleaned Up for Weeks?
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
366 – What is your spiritual identity?
How do you figure out what it is or what it even means? And why do Christians make such a big deal out of this?
In this week’s episode I’m talking with Clint Riggin about why understanding who you are spiritually is so important and the freedom it brings to your life. We talk about:
- What it actually means to surrender your will to God's will
- The only real way to discover your spiritual identity
- What your relationship with God has to do with it
- Why it's so hard to give up our own will
- Why being alone with God helps you discover who you are
- And so much more...
BONUS: At the end, Clint answers these three questions:
- If you could talk to anyone in the Bible except for Jesus who would it be and what would you ask them?
- Who do you identify with in the Bible?
- What is Jesus's original message to us about how he wants us to live our lives?
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/366
CONNECT with Clint Riggin:
Website: limitlessfaith.org
Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
365 – What will be the fate of today's corrupt leaders?
When will justice catch up with them?
Are the standards of integrity, honestly, and love for God and mankind out of date?
When will the moral and spiritual laws of God take their rightful place in the life of nations and the world?
In this week’s episode, we’re going to take a look at several leaders in the Bible who blatantly disregarded God’s laws.
The Bible gives us a preview of what could happen to corrupt leaders today, based on what happened to corrupt leaders back then. We look at:
- Ahab, King of Israel, more evil than any of the kings before him
- Nebuchadnezzar, who repented and was restored to his kingdom
- The untimely death of Herod Agrippa I, who killed the Apostle James
- Zacchaeus, a rich tax collector, who was influenced by Jesus to change his dishonest way of living
- The religious authorities of Jesus's day
Never underestimate the power of your prayers to help bring evil and evil doers out of their hiding places to be brought to justice and to establish in the power of God’s law of truth, love, justice, and righteousness to take their rightful place in the world.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/365
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
364 – How can you show Jesus how much you love him?
There are so many ways to show someone you love them.
- You can tell them directly: I love you
- You can show your love by how you act and how you treat them
- You can listen to get to know them better
- You might give them something or do something for them
- Or just spend time with them
Now think of how these things apply to how you love Jesus.
But Jesus isn't here in person the way he was 2,000 years ago. So how can you show Jesus you love him?
In this week's episode:
- The best way to show your love for Jesus is to obey his commandments
- What is true obedience?
- How will Jesus know you love him? By how you treat others
- Focus on one command of Jesus you're not obeying right now, like forgiveness
- Forgive that person who is hard to forgive
- Find one person who is hard to love and love them the way you would love Jesus. Treat them the way you would treat Jesus
The more you obey Jesus and love people the way you love Jesus, the more you become like him and the more you will show your love for him.
At some point you will no longer wonder how to love Jesus more, because you’ll be doing it and others will learn how to love Jesus by your example.
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SHOW NOTES: Full transcript and Bible quotes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/364
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
363 – What do you do when all hope is lost?
Have you ever been in a situation where the outcome was exactly the opposite of what your hopes and expectations were? Things just went from bad to worse.
You poured out your heart to God in prayer, but it didn’t really seem to do much good. Everything kept getting worse until it was all over and there wasn’t even a glimmer of hope.
But then, in the most amazing and unexpected way, things turned around and you found more joy and hope than you could have ever imagined possible?
Well, that’s what the Easter story is all about.
This week:
- How did the disciples feel watching Jesus on the cross?
- Why did some get close to the cross and others stay far away?
- Where would you have been?
- Why didn't Jesus's disciples hear him when he said he would rise on the 3rd day?
- What is Christ telling you that you don't hear?
When it seems all hope is lost, the resurrection is right around the corner. Christ gives you eternal life and hope and nothing can take them from you.
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SHOW NOTES: Read the full transcript and Bible quotes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/363
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
362 – How do you pray for world peace?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how concerned are you about the way things are going in the world today?
Everywhere you turn, it seems like there’s turmoil and chaos, wars and violence, plus a host of other serious issues. When will it ever stop? Will it ever stop?
Is there any way to find peace in this world of chaos and even more importantly, bring some peace to the situation?
That’s what this episode is all about. We’ll be talking about some first steps you can take to find peace, first in yourself and then bring that peace to those around you.
In this episode:
- What actually is peace?
- What it really means to be a peacemaker
- Why Jesus said he brought a sword and not peace to the world
- To be a peacemaker, you first have to find peace in yourself
- Jesus's profound insight into how he did all he did and how we can follow his example (Hint: John 5:19)
- How Esther dealt with the threat of evil intentions toward the Jews
YES! Your prayers make a difference.
BONUS
Special prayer project/challenge to pray for personal, local, national, and global peace.
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
361 – Would you like your prayers to be more effective?
Of course!
Sometimes it feels like God hears and answers your prayers almost immediately.
Other times you pour your heart out to God and you’re not sure it makes any difference.
So is there a best way to pray? What is the most effective prayer approach?
Well, there’s not a secret formula or a set of words or phrases that that make your prayers more effective.
But there are definitely some things you can do to pray more effectively.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- One of the most common mistakes most people make when they pray
- What you can learn from a rooster about more effective prayer
- The approach Jesus took with prayer, which was and is very effective
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Previous episodes mentioned this week:
Episode 46: Are You Working to Establish the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth or Are You Bearing Witness to the Fact that it's Already Here?
Episode 190: Quit Trying to Change Something When You Pray
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/361
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
360 – FREEDOM FRIDAY
What would you do if you were the gatekeeper for an important event?
You could only let in people who were authorized to be there, people who had tickets or an invitation.
You would be in charge of who got in and keeping out the people who weren’t supposed to be there.
In this episode of Freedom Friday, we talk about
- You are the gatekeeper for your mind of all the thoughts that come to you
- You have the ability to let in thoughts and keep others out
- Some thoughts are wolves in sheep’s clothing
- Some harmful thoughts, like temptations to do something wrong, may knock on your mental door disguised as something good and innocent
- The more you know yourself as the image and likeness of God, the more you’ll be able to discern whether a thought is actually good or bad, whether it will lead you to disobey Christ or to follow Jesus more closely.
This is the last in the Freedom Friday series.
Thanks for being on this journey with me. For a full list of all 25 episodes, go to Freedom Friday.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript of this episode and Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/360
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
259 – Have you ever read the New Testament Books in Order of Date Written?
Have you ever read through the entire New Testament from beginning to end?
What did you learn from doing this? How did it strengthen and encourage you?
Well, you’re probably very familiar with many parts of the New Testament, lots of the stories, and inspiring verses. But when you read it as a whole, you get a much bigger perspective of what’s going on.
But the order of the 27 books in the New Testament are not arranged in the order in which they were originally written.
My guest today, Tim Winders, is going to share
- How he read the books of the New Testament in the chronological order they were written in
- How this has opened up a whole new understanding of Jesus’s life
- The early Church
- The gospel message as a whole
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript of this episode and all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/359
Previous episodes mentioned
Tim Winders Episode 162: Redefining Success
Tom Wadsworth Episode 267: The Real Reason to Go to Church
YouTube Channel for Seek Go Create, Tim's podcast
YouTube video: In 90 days, read the New Testament books in order of date written
Website: SeekGoCreate.com
Download your FREE Reading Plan: https://www.k2m.foundation/nt90.html
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
358 – FREEDOM FRIDAY
How does it feel when you make spiritual progress in your life? It’s pretty exciting isn’t it?
You feel like you’ve finally had a victory over the guilt and sins of the past, or a challenge you’ve been facing.
But then sometimes, right on the heels of that spiritual progress, you fall back into the old patterns of thinking and acting.
How do you hold onto your spiritual progress?
In this episode, we talk about:
- Share your spiritual progress with a trusted friend
- Don't share it with everyone you know
- Let your spiritual progress settle first in your own heart before you share
- If you don't have a person to share with, write your spiritual progress in a journal as if you were sharing with a friend
- Keep a journal of your spiritual journey even if you do share with a friend
- Go back and review what you wrote in your journal from time to time
The more you focus on your spiritual progress and let it solidify in your life, you'll find freedom from the sin and guilt from the past.
AND you find the freedom to be who God made you to be.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript of this episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/358
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
357 – How do you explain God's wrath in the Bible?
Have you ever read some of those passages in the Old Testament where the text basically says God told the Children of Israel to kill all the inhabitants of Canaan, or other enemies, including the women and children, even babies?
But in the New Testament, Jesus brings a very different perspective to dealing with your enemies. Instead of killing them, or praying for God to kill them, Jesus says to love and bless your enemies.
What’s going on here? How can you reconcile the way God is described in the Old Testament with the way He’s described in the New Testament?
In this week's episode:
- The dichotomy between the Old and New Testaments view of God
- Your concept of God will affect the way you deal with the idea of God's wrath
- The Old Testament condones and encourages killing your enemies
- Jesus commands us to love our enemies
- Does God change His ways or did Jesus change the way see God?
If you want to be more like Jesus, then you need to look at the Old Testament through the lens of Christ to have a clear idea of who God is and how He destroys evil.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript of this episode and all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/357
Previous episode mentioned: Episode 197: Quit Looking at God Through a Wall of Glass Bricks
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
FREEDOM FRIDAY
Are you hungry and thirsty for spiritual things?
Have you ever been really hungry or really thirsty?
Why does that happen? It’s because your body is telling you need to eat or drink something. Hunger and thirst tell us there’s something we need that we don’t have.
Jesus said we will be blessed when we hunger and thirst for righteousness, when we realize the need in our lives for things of the Spirit.
In this episode:
- People, places, and things will never satisfy your real needs
- Only God can fill the hunger in your heart
- Eventually you'll have to admit your need for a spiritual dimension in your life
- The world will always tell you material things will satisfy
- But they never really can because the satisfaction they give is temporary
- The more you're hungry and thirsty for God, the more you'll be filled
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SHOW NOTES: Full transcript and Bible quote at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/356
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
355 – What is God teaching you?
When was the last time you felt like God taught you an important lesson? Was it when you did something really well and you felt God showed you how to navigate all the different things that had to happen for a good outcome?
Or did you make some mistakes and God taught you a better way to take care of the situation?
The real question is: What did you do next? What did you do with what God taught you?
Did you do apply those lessons to your life or just chalk it up to experience?.
In this episode, we’re going to talk about
- God is always teaching us something
- The importance of putting these ideas into practice in our daily lives
- What happens when you don't
- What to do when you don't understand or can't do what God is teaching you
- Jesus's emphasis on doing what you're taught
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SHOW NOTES: Full transcript and Bible quotes – thebiblespeakstoyou.com/355
Previous episode mentioned: #15-How to Stop Fighting Your Brother and Love Him Instead
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
Welcome to Freedom Friday
354 – Jesus said: The kingdom of heaven is at hand
Do you believe him? Most people think heaven is somewhere you go after you die.
When you start seeing yourself from the perspective that heaven is at hand, the shame and guilt from you past will begin to dissolve.
In this episode:
- Jesus promised that the kingdom of heaven is at hand
- You can't see it with your material eyes, just like you can't see radio waves
- But it's here and God reveals it spiritually
- You can discern the kingdom of heaven here and now
- You can see what is true about you in heaven now
- This brings healing and freedom from guilt and shame
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/354
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
353 – When you’re facing a serious challenge...
Do you tend to run away from it, ignore it, or face it so you can deal with it?
The best solution is to face your challenges head on, ask for help if you need it, and do what you can to find a solution.
In today’s episode we’re going to look at several examples in the Bible of people who faced their challenges some who tried to run away from them.
And we’ll talk about what you can do to face your challenges head-on and the blessings that come when you do.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/353
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
It's Freedom Friday
What if you could think and pray like Jesus did?
What if you could love the way Jesus did? Does that even seem possible? What keeps us from doing that?
Sometimes you might think there’s no way you could of be like Jesus and that it’s not even worth trying. Or maybe you’re afraid to love as much as he did. It’s just too much to commit to.
But Jesus wanted and expected everyone who believed in him to follow his example of living and loving.
In fact, Paul repeats this idea in a letter to the church in Corinth, “We have the mind of Christ.” (See I Corinthians 2:16)
In this episode of Freedom Friday, we’re going to talk about
- What it means to have the mind of Christ
- How you can begin to think, pray, and love more like Jesus.
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SHOW NOTES: Full transcript at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/352
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
351 – What do you ask for in your prayers?
A new job, a good relationship, to be healed of an emotional problem or physical disease?
What about asking God for guidance in what to do with your life and how to fulfill your purpose?
Sometimes we ask God for small things and sometimes our prayers have a broader scope.
But all too often we don’t go as broad and as deep as we could in what we ask for in prayer.
Considering everything that’s going on in the world right now, it’s time to be bold in what we ask for, like Elisha when he asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit.
In this episode, we’re going to talk about what that means and how you and I can do it today.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and all Bible quotes thebiblespeakstoyou.com/351
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
350 – Do you know your spiritual identity?
It's FREEDOM FRIDAY
How often do you really stop and ponder that you are a child of God? All too often we identify ourselves based on what we have done or not done, the accomplishments or the failures we’ve had.
And it’s very easy to fall into identifying yourself with the sins and mistakes you’ve made over the years.
But the way you see yourself, the way you identify yourself, determines to a large degree how you will act and interact with others.
God has created you in His image likeness. That is your true spiritual identity. The more clearly you see yourself in this light, the more freedom you’ll find from past mistakes and labels of limitation.
And that’s what this episode of Freedom Friday is all about.
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PLAYLIST about spiritual identity:The Journey of Self Discovery
SHOW NOTES: Full transcript and Bible quotes–thebiblespeakstoyou.com/350
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
349 – Are you praying for your government?
If you take an unbiased look at the government of countries all over the world, you’ll often find some degree of corruption.
Sometimes it doesn’t run very deep but other times senior leaders and the heads of government themselves are the source of corruption.
This has been going on since governments began. Is there a solution? Even when politicians claim they try to get rid of all corruption, it’s a difficult thing to accomplish. Many governments don’t try at all and are causing the problem.
As Christians, what can you and I do about this problem?
Should we get involved in politics, public demonstrations, or social activism, letter writing campaigns, calling government officials? What you decide to do is totally up to you, and not every Christian is going to feel compelled to fight corruption these ways.
What we all can do is pray.
But should we pray for a government when it’s corrupt? Does prayer even make a difference with such a huge problem? There are lots of different ways to pray about this.
How can we pray more effectively to get rid of corruption in government?
Previous episodes mentioned
Episode 240: How Would Jesus Heal Political Division? Episode 190: Quit trying to change something when you pray.
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SHOW NOTES: Full transcript and Bible quotes–thebiblespeakstoyou.com/349
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
348 – What defines your spiritual identity?
Do you ever struggle to find freedom from guilt over things that happened in the past?
You’re trying to follow Christ and live your life in obedience to all Jesus says, but sometimes it’s hard to let go of the guilt from things you did years ago, or maybe even just yesterday.
You know that God has forgiven you, but once in a while, those past sins and mistakes weigh heavy on your heart.
Is it possible to find freedom from all that guilt from things you did wrong in the past? Of course it is.
When you see that those sins and mistakes from your past have never been part of your true spiritual identity, and focus on who you are as a child of God, you’ll find freedom from the guilt and step into who God made you to be.
And that’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Freedom Friday.
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SHOW NOTES: Full transcript and Bible quotes--thebiblespeakstoyou.com/348
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
347 – What do you do when no one understands you?
Have you ever been with a group of close friends and you share some pretty deep ideas you’ve been thinking about, but then everyone looks at you like you’re crazy.
They have no idea what you’re talking about.
You try to explain, but they’re still clueless, their eyes glaze over, and they go back to discussing with great enthusiasm, something that seems trivial and inconsequential.
The same thing happens with your family.
You share ideas from way down inside of your heart about life or what you think your purpose is and you get those blank stares. Or they say you need to be more practical.
It can be really frustrating when it seems like no one understands you.
Who do you talk to? What do you do? Is there any way not to feel so lonely?
In this episode, you’ll learn
- Why some people will never understand you
- What needs to happen before you find the folks who will understand you
- What you can do to find the people who will understand and be supportive of you.
SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and all the Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/347
Article mentioned: Being Grateful when People Reject Your Purpose
Previous episode mentioned: Episode 256: The Biblical Cure for Loneliness
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__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
346 – Freedom Friday!
Have you ever found it hard to accept God’s forgiveness?
The mistakes you’ve made and the sins you’ve committed just seem too much for God to wink at, much less forgive?
When you carry around the guilt, along with the feeling you don’t deserve God’s love and forgiveness, it can be a terrible burden that keeps you from living the life of joy and freedom God has in store for you.
When someone gives you a gift, what do you do? You accept it, open it, and use it, wear it, eat it, or whatever it’s designed to do.
When God gives the gift of His love, grace, and forgiveness, you can do exactly the same thing: accept it and use it.
And that’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Freedom Friday.
Text me your questions or comments.
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__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
345 – Is Christian unity possible?
Ever been disillusioned by people from different Christian denominations arguing about who is right theologically, and in the process sending everyone who disagrees with them to hell?
So many churches today think they are the only true followers of Christ and dogmatically insist you must agree with their theology to be a Christian.
This attitude doesn’t bring fellow believers together but is incredibly divisive.
In this divisive atmosphere among so many churches, is it possible we will ever have unity in the Christian church as a whole?
If so, what will it take to have unity in the body of Christ?
The good news is, there is something you can do to, starting today, to dissolve the divisiveness among Christians and bring unity.
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SHOW NOTES: Full transcript and Bible quotes–thebiblespeakstoyou.com/345
Previous episode mentioned: Episode 224: Why Should I Believe in the Nicene Creed?
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__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
344 – Freedom Friday
What's your first thought when you hear the word, repentance?
It doesn’t always have a positive connotation does it?
Can’t you just hear an angry preacher shouting from the pulpit that you need to repent of your sins?
Sometimes it seems like they are trying to rub your nose in all the sins you’ve committed and make you feel really bad about yourself.
But when Jesus said we need to repent, that’s not what he meant at all.
True repentance is a actually a wonderful spiritual process that helps you see yourself in a positive, spiritual light.
And that’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Freedom Friday.
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SHOW NOTES: for full transcript go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/344
Text me your questions or comments.
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__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
343 – Understanding the Lord's Prayer
How often do you say the Lord’s Prayer. Now, what I really want to know is how often you pray the Lord’s Prayer. They’re not always the same thing.
Have you ever been at church and it seems like when you get to the Lord’s Prayer it’s a race to see how fast you can say it?
Jesus didn’t want us just to repeat words. He wanted this prayer to be a guide to understanding God and our relationship with Him.
And that’s what we’re talking about today, understanding the Lord's Prayer along with a better awareness of the historical, religious, and geographical context of this prayer.
My two guests are Brad Gray and Brad Nelson.
SHOW NOTES: for a full transcript, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/343
https://thelordsprayer.com/
https://bringingheavenhere.com/
https://walkingthetext.com/
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__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
342 – Bad motives versus good motives
Have you ever kept making the same mistakes and committing the same sin, even though you’ve tried to stop?
You’ve tried to do what’s right but you keep slipping back into old patterns of thinking and acting.
Sometimes, trying to change one behavior by a different behavior doesn’t really get at the root of the problem.
We need to go a little deeper and deal with the mental and spiritual motives, with our thinking, to consistently do what’s right.
The world says you don’t have what you need and you have break God’s commandments to get it.
But Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is at hand, where you already have everything you need.
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SHOW NOTES: Full transcript at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/342
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
341 – What are your hopes for 2026? Who do you want to be?
At the beginning of a new year a lot of people set goals and make resolutions of what they want to accomplish or stop doing during the next 12 months.
The focus is usually on achievements and results, changing behavior, establishing new habits, things like that.
Other people like to pick out a phrase or a word as a theme for the year.
But a lot of folks I know have trouble keeping their resolutions and their theme for the year because they’re just thinking about getting different results.
The real solution to being successful is to focus, not on what you want to do, but on becoming the kind of person you want to be.
And that’s what we’re talking about on today’s episode:
- To do what you want to, you first have to be who you want to be
- Discovering who you already are as the image and likeness of God
- When you know who you are as God's image, you'll do amazing things as the image of God
So, how do you see yourself? Let’s ask it this way: How would you like to be able to see yourself? Who do you want to be?
Or better yet, how does God see you?
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Previous episode mentioned: Episode 297: Always Remember Who You Are
SHOW NOTES: Full transcript and Bible quotes--thebiblespeakstoyou.com/341
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If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
340 – Ever have trouble admitting your mistakes?
Have you ever had a hard time accepting responsibility for the mistakes you’ve made and the sins you’ve committed?
I know, it’s all too easy to blame someone else or circumstances, the way you were brought up, the way someone treated you, or whatever it may be.
But if you really want to heal the burden of guilt you’re carrying around, you’ll accept full responsibility for your mistakes and sins. This will bring healing and freedom into your life.
And that’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Freedom Fridays.
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SHOW NOTES: To read the full transcript and bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/340
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
339 – Thank You 2025!
It's been a great year in many ways, but it had its challenges as well.
There have been ups and downs for sure, but from all the people I talk to and interact with online, I feel a gradual and growing momentum in the way people’s hearts are reaching out for things of the Spirit.
Before we launch out into a new year, it can be really helpful to appreciate all the lessons learned in 2025 and the good received and experienced.
In that spirit, that’s what this episode is all about. I’ll share snippets from 8 of the most listened to episodes from this past year. These are the things people found most helpful. And my hope is you’ll find renewed inspiration and gratitude for the blessings from 2025.
Thank you for being on this spiritual journey with me in 2025 and going forward into 2026.
2026 is calling out to you to know God more intimately, walk more closely with Christ, and to be moved by the Holy Spirit beyond the limitations the world would impose on you.
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SHOW NOTES: Full transcript and Bible quotes – thebiblespeakstoyou.com/339
Best Podcast Episodes 2025
284 Your Age Doesn't Matter to God's Purpose for Your Life
297 Always Remember Who You Are
302 Learning to Heal Like Jesus
304 Satan Has No Power over You
305 The Healing Power of Being Persistent
306 Let God Happen
307 God Wants a Covenant Relationship with You
310 Talking Face to Face with God
Text me your questions or comments.
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__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
338 - It's Freedom Friday
How often to you compare yourself with others? How's that workin' for you?
One of the things I’ve really had to work at over the years is not to compare myself with others.
When I’ve seen someone who is more successful, is smarter, stronger, better looking than me, it’s easy to feel inferior to them.
I've felt guilty I didn’t work as hard as they did, or maybe I tried but didn’t succeed like they did and it adds to the guilt of feeling I’m not good enough.
And sometimes I’ve compared the mistakes I’ve made in life and the sins I’ve committed to what other people have done and it usually paralyzes me from going forward with my life.
Comparing yourself to others is rarely a good idea and usually prevents you from making progress in your own life.
There's a simple way to stop comparing yourself to others.
And that’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Freedom Fridays.
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SHOW NOTES: Read the full transcript of this episode at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/338
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
337 – Let the light of Christmas shine bright
One of the major themes at Christmas time is the light of Christ shining into a dark world. In fact the Christmas story has all kinds of light in it.
There’s the star that appears to the Wisemen from the East. There’s the glory of God shining on the shepherds as the angels talk to them.
And most important of all is the birth of Jesus, who came as the Light of the world.
But Jesus didn’t come just for us to be passive recipients of his light. He wanted us to follow his example of bringing light to the darkness of fear, disease, despair, and sin. He even said we are also the light of the world.
And that’s what this episode is about, being the light and letting your light shine out into the darkness this Christmas, and beyond.
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/337
Spotify Christmas Playlist
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__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
336 – What makes you want to obey God?
People sometimes ask: "Is there a way to obey God from a place of love instead of from a sense of duty or fear of punishment?"
And my answer is always: Absolutely, Yes! It is totally possible to obey God from a place of love instead of duty or fear.
God doesn’t want you to obey Him because you’re afraid of Him. God wants a loving relationship with you.
When you realize He always has your best interests at heart, you really do want to obey God, you love to obey God.
And that’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Freedom Fridays.
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SHOW NOTES: Full transcript at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/336
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__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
335 – Will you or anyone you know be alone for Christmas this year?
An estimated 14 million Americans will spend Christmas alone in 2025.
That’s a lot of people! I don’t have numbers for other countries, but this really opened my eyes to a problem that’s a lot bigger than I realized.
There’s a wide variety of reasons why people are alone at Christmas, and a small percentage of them actually prefer to be by themselves.
But the vast majority of these 14 million people would rather be with family or friends, but aren’t able to for one reason or another.
What are your plans for Christmas? Will you be with friends and family? Or will you be all by yourself?
Either way, this episode is for you.
- If you’re going to be by yourself on December 25, we’re going to talk about how to face the loneliness and overcome it
- And if you’ll be with others on this special day, we’ll talk about what can you do to be supportive of and/or include someone who is by themselves
- Listen now and rediscover what you knew all along is the solution for loneliness at Christmas
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SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and all Bible verses mentioned, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/335
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__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
334 – It's Freedom Friday
How good are you at overcoming temptation?
What do you do when you are tempted to do something you know you shouldn’t do? How do you resist the temptation? Or do you just give in to it?
A question I get a lot is: How do I resist the temptations in my life? This is something we all have to deal with.
And at some point, as you grow spiritually, it’s not just about resisting temptation, but getting to where they are no longer temptations and you have freedom and peace of mind.
And that’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Freedom Friday.
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SHOW NOTES: For full transcript go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/334
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__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
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333 – God still uses ordinary people to accomplish His purpose
Christmas is just a few weeks away, and a lot of people I know are busy getting ready for this special time of year when we celebrate Christ’s coming. And I don’t just mean making all the preparations for holiday meals, gifts, and seasonal activities.
A lot of people take very seriously getting ready spiritually to be more receptive to the spirit of Christmas, the appearing of Jesus here on earth and the significance of that event, not just 2,000 years ago, but today as well.
Think of all the different sorts of people who will celebrate Christmas and the many different ways they’ll go about it.
Most of these folks, I would imagine, are just regular, ordinary people, and by ordinary, I do not mean insignificant, making room in their hearts for Christ’s coming.
And when you think about it, God has always used, “ordinary” people to accomplish His purposes, especially at Christmas.
And that’s what we’re talking about in today’s episode.
How will God use you to share the spirit of Christmas?
SHOW NOTES: Full transcript and Bible quotes for this episode – thebiblespeakstoyou.com/333
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__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
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332 – FREEDOM FRIDAY
You are made in the image and likeness of God. The Bible makes this clear in the very first chapter of Genesis.
But then the Bible tells story after story of how people have sinned and not been true to the way God created them.
Someone asked the other day: If I’m really made in the image and likeness of God, why do I keep sinning?
That’s a pretty deep question and that's what this episode of Freedom Friday is all about.
It has a LOT to do with how you see yourself.
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SHOW NOTES: Full transcript at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/332
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__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
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331 – What gives you a sense of self-worth?
Over the years, I've met some people who are very, very wealthy.
I've also met people who probably didn’t have $20 to their name. And lots of people in between.
Some of these very wealthy people, even though they have been incredibly successful in many areas of their life, have a very low sense of self-worth.
And a few of the homeless people I’ve met, who don’t have enough money to get a good meal, have a remarkable sense of their own value as a human being.
Of course, this isn’t always the case, but it’s kind of the opposite of what you might expect.
So I’ve been thinking about self-worth:
- What is self-worth?
- Where does it comes from?
- How do you find your own-self-worth?
Your self-worth is rooted and grounded in your relationship to God as His image and likeness.
You may not always see it, but your self-worth is always here because it’s part of your identity as a child of God.
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SHOW NOTES: Full transcript and Bible quotes from this episode thebiblespeakstoyou.com/331
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__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
330 – Does God ever tempt us?
A lot of people are convinced God sends temptations to see if they are faithful.
You’d be surprised how many Christians believe some version of this, that God tempts us or puts tempting things and thoughts in our path.
But nothing could be further from the truth.
God never tempts you.
That's what we're talking about this week on FREEDOM FRIDAY.
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Show notes:
Full transcript at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/330
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
329 – Are you grateful when things don't go the way you want them to?
A lot of folks I’ve been talking to lately are facing some pretty serious challenges. And they don't really think they have anything to be grateful for.
They’re worried about the rising cost of living, if they can pay their bills and put food on the table for their families.
They’re worried about the rising costs of health care. Some folks have lost their jobs and haven’t been able to find work.
Other people are feeling a lot of stress in the political arena, the constant barrage of conflicting opinions on social media, and the threat of violence getting out of hand.
And then like a ray of light piercing the dark clouds, someone facing these or other challenges will pause and express gratitude for all the blessings they do have.
When life gets hard, it’s actually an opportunity, it’s a call, to embrace the spirit of gratitude.
Every day is an opportunity to know and love God more, to love your neighbor and yourself more as children of God, and to be blessing to others. And that is a lot to be grateful for.
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Show notes: For a full transcript and all Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/329
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
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__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
328 – How do you quit being influenced by others?
Have you ever worked hard to quit making the same mistakes or committing the same sins and finally got your life cleaned up and straightened out, when someone, maybe even an old friend, tries to pull you back into that old life style?
You feel negatively influenced by others to do things you don’t want to do.
It can be a pretty hard situation to deal with. But there are things you can do and new ways to think that will help you not to let others have a negative influence on you.
That’s what we’re talking about this week on Freedom Friday.
Show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/328
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
327 – What are you most hungry and thirsty for?
What do you want more than anything else in the world? To be successful, to have a great job and make lots of money, to have a loving family and good friends?
Do you want to have a lot of power and influence? Do you want to make a difference in the world and help people who are less fortunate than you?
Maybe a better question is: What does God want you to do more than anything else? You may already have an answer for that and be working in that direction.
But lots of folks these days are preoccupied with trying to get what they want and do what they want, without really thinking about what God wants them to do with their lives.
Then there are those folks who have all the outward signs of success but there’s still a hunger for something more meaningful, something more substantial. It’s a hunger that can only be satisfied by things of the Spirit.
In this episode, we’re going to talk about
- What it means to be hungry for spirituality
- How this kind of hunger can be satisfied
- The blessing that comes as a result
What happens when you experience and are filled with the righteousness of God? You can’t keep it to yourself. You will be blessed and your light will shine and become a blessing to everyone you come in contact with.
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Show notes: For a full transcript of this episode and all Bible verses mentioned, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/327.
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
326 – FREEDOM FRIDAY
How do you deal with judgmental people?
Have you ever been talking to someone who gets very judgmental of you because of mistakes you've made in the past, things you're not still doing, attitudes and actions that you have left behind, but they want to keep you in the past?
Do you know how to deal with judgmental people like this?
Maybe it's not on purpose, but they make you feel guilty all over again for something that happened a long time ago.
In their mind they just can't see all the changes and progress in your life. And they don't see who you have become and where you're going now. This can be so frustrating at times.
In this episode of Freedom Friday, we talk about a few things you can do when people get judgmental.
Let me know what works best for you.
Show notes: Full transcript at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/326
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
325 – Does your life ever feel incomplete?
How often do you feel like there’s something missing in your life?
It could be a relationship, a better job, enough money to pay the bills, better health. It could go deeper than that.
You might feel like your life is incomplete because you don’t know what your higher sense of purpose is, and if you do, you’re not sure how to fulfill it.
Why is it that most of us at some time or another feel like something is missing in our lives? We don’t feel complete or whole. Maybe even if you have all the outward signs of success, on the inside, you may still feel incomplete.
In this week’s episode, we’re going to talk about Jesus’s perspective on what it means to be whole and how to catch his vision to experience our wholeness, our completeness as children of God.
If Jesus was here today physically like he was 2,000 years ago, he would see your wholeness and show it to you.
The good news is Christ is here today revealing your spiritual wholeness to you through the Holy Spirit.
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SHOW NOTES: Full transcript and all Bible quotes––thebiblespeakstoyou.com/325
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
324 - What do you do when someone won't forgive you?
Have you ever apologized to someone, but they won’t forgive you?
They're still feeling hurt or betrayed and they just can’t bring themselves to forgive you.
It’s a pretty lousy feeling. And sometimes it seems like you can’t get on with your own life until there’s some reconciliation and you get that relationship healed.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen.
So what do you do when that happens? How do you pray and what do you do someone won’t forgive you?
That’s what we’re talking about this week on Freedom Friday.
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Show notes: Full transcript--thebiblespeakstoyou.com/324
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
323 – You’ve probably heard of the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem when the Roman army destroyed it in 70 AD.
But have you ever wondered how that event is relevant to us today?
What can you and I learn from the destruction of Jerusalem, now almost 2,000 years later?
Well, actually there’s a lot we can learn and my guest this week, Ward Sanford, and I are going to dig into some important lessons we need to learn, individually and collectively as the church, that can make all the difference how we function in the world.
Spoiler alert:
What happened during the four years, and especially just the week before the Roman army destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple should open our eyes to what’s going on today.
Show notes: Full transcript – thebiblespeakstoyou.com/323
Ward's Website: www.cryforjerusalem.com
Books:
Cry for Jerusalem
- Book 1 63-66 CE: Resisting Tyranny*
- Book 2 66-67 CE: Against All Odds*
- Book 3 67-69 CE: Growing Anarchy*
- Book 4 69-70 CE: Final Siege*
Josephus: The Antiquities of the Jews- complete works*
Eusebius: The Church History*
* Affiliate links
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
322 – It's time to accept God's forgiveness
Have you ever had trouble accepting God’s forgiveness for mistakes you made or sins you committed?
And you still feel a burden of guilt even though you’re not making those same mistakes or committing those sins anymore?
That’s what we’re talking about this week on Freedom Friday. Here are a few key points to help you in this process.
- Forgiveness is a gift from God
- You are worthy to accept this gift
- Confess your mistakes and sins to yourself and God
- Be honest and specific
- You can't earn God's forgiveness, it's a gift. But you do deserve it because God loves you as His child
- Thank God for His forgiveness
- Take time for Bible study and prayer
- Nurture and deepen your relationship with God
Show notes: Full transcript--thebiblespeakstoyou.com/322
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
321 – If Jesus came to your home town, what would he do?
Have you ever wondered what would happen if Jesus came to your community?
Who would he talk to? Who would he preach to? Who would he heal?
Who would be receptive to his message?
Who would oppose him and try to stop him or get rid of him?
In this week’s episode, we dig into
- The way Jesus ministered to people in their communities
- How some people were receptive to him
- How others were opposed
- What’s going on in our communities today to see how we can get a better idea of how to be more like Jesus in the way we interact with people
Show notes – for a full transcript of the episode and all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/321
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
312 FF – Have you ever struggled to forgive yourself?
In this week's Freedom Friday episode, we're going to tackle what is sometimes one of the hardest things to do, forgive yourself.
I share my friend Jim's story where he learned to forgive his father and himself for things that happened years ago.
The thing that helped him the most was an odd little exercise I had him try.
It worked!
And it's helped a lot of folks since then actually forgive themselves.
I'd love to hear how you have been able to forgive yourself.
Show notes: Full transcript of the episode at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/320
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
319 – It's time to get back to Bible basics
Have you ever been in a conversation about the Bible with someone who is so caught up in some minute detail of something the Bible mentions only once, maybe twice?
But the way the conversation is going, it sounds like it's the most important thing in the whole Bible?
Maybe you’ve seen it happen when you’re watching a Bible-based video on social media where all the attention is focused on something very obscure or rarely mentioned in the Bible.
But they’re acting like it’s the key that unlocks the mysteries of the universe.
Sometimes the human mind gets distracted by details that aren’t as important as we think they are, or try to convince others, they are.
In today’s episode, we’re talking about the deep need to stop getting distracted by peripheral bits of Bible information and to focus more on the overall and more important messages of the Bible.
How would you summarize the main themes in the Bible. At the end of the episode you'll hear the five things I came up with.
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Show notes: For a full transcript and all the Bible quotes in this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/319
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
318 FF – Are you committing the same sin over and over?
You're not alone. A lot of people struggle with this. I sure have.
In this week's Freedom Friday episode, I share just a few ideas that can help you face these temptations to keep committing the same sin.
- Take an honest look at your self and what you think this sin is giving you
- Realizing whatever sin "gives" you is a counterfeit
- Sin never really meets a need
- God is the only one who can meet your needs
- Temptations don't come from you, but from the "enemy"
Show notes: full transcript of this episode at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/318
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
317 – What do you think of when you hear the word "evangelism"?
Is it a good thing? Or does it make you cringe?
All too often evangelism today has a negative connotation with some folks. The word is often associated with Christians, who may or may not be imbibing the true spirit of Christ.
Others, even many within the Christian church, get evangelism and proselytizing mixed up.
They don’t want to be too pushy in sharing their faith, so they don’t share it at all. They don’t like people who try to forcefully manipulate them to believe in Christ the way a pushy salesman tries to make a sale. And they don’t want to be that person.
There’s a huge need within the Christian church as a whole to return to the original meaning of the word evangelism.
In this week’s episode we’re going to talk about
- What true evangelism today is
- Why it’s so important for you to participate in it
- The example Jesus gives on how to share your faith
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Previous episodes mentioned this week:
Episode 288: Jesus’s Death on the Cross Does not Save You from Your Sins; it’s His Resurrection
Episode 32: The Parable of the Unbaked Cake
SHOW NOTES: For a full transcript and all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/317
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
316– Welcome to Freedom Friday
Ever wondered why you still feel guilty, even after you repented?
Being free from guilt is so much more that just repenting.
It's really about learning to see yourself in a whole new light, as a child of God instead of as a miserable sinner.
Paul says to put off the old man, be renewed in the spirit of your mind and put on the new man.
He doesn't say to fix up the old man, the old way of seeing yourself as a sinner.
Sin does not define who you are. Only God does.
The more you see yourself the way God defines you as His image and likeness, the more you'll find freedom from any and all guilt.
Previous episodes mentioned:
312: Finding Freedom from Guilt and Shame
314: What Does it Really Mean to Repent?
Show notes: Full transcript--thebiblespeakstoyou.com316
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
315 – Keep following Jesus
Have you ever been at a point in your life when you just didn’t know what to do next? It could be a simple project you’re working on at home, at school, or at work.
It could be a career choice or something with long term consequences. Or it could be a major life change on a much grander scale. If you don’t know where you’re going, what do you do next?
You’ve done all you’re allowed to or know how to do, and the next step just isn’t clear or doesn’t seem possible for one reason or another.
In this episode, we’re going to talk about the very best thing to do when you don’t know what to do, where you’re going, or how to get there.
It's all about starting with one thing Jesus tells you to do.
Then another, and another.
The more you follow Jesus, the more it clears the spiritual air and you can see more clearly where God is leading you.
•••••••••
Show notes: full transcript and Bible quotes--thebiblespeakstoyou.com/315.
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
314 – Welcome to Freedom Friday
What does it really mean to repent?
It's not just feeling sorry for something you did wrong. It goes much deeper. It's really about getting a deeper spiritual perspective on who you are, who God is, and how much He loves you.
It's about looking at things from the perspective of what is already true in heaven and letting go of old habits and negative ways of thinking that lead to sin.
When you see how much God loves you right now in the kingdom of heaven, the desire to sin and the guilt you feel what what happened in the past, begin to dissolve.
Show notes: For a full transcript, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/314.
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Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
313 – How much do you and your church really want to grow spiritually?
A lot of churches are struggling these days with dwindling membership numbers, but just getting more warm bodies in the pews on Sunday morning is not necessarily a solution or a fulfillment of your church’s mission.
The real need, which is not a new idea, since Jesus talked about it 2,000 years ago, is to be hungry and thirsty for things of the Spirit.
A church that is on fire with the Holy Spirit is a very attractive place to be. Going through the same church routines without the Holy Spirit can be rather boring.
In this week’s episode we’re going to talk about one of the most crucial aspects of a healthy, prospering church.
We each need it as individual church members and we need it collectively as a church body.
It's all about spiritual growth, individually and collectively as a church.
To grow spiritually, you have to really want to grow spiritually.
You have to be hungry and thirsty for righteousness, not just mildly interested in a way that doesn’t require too much effort on your part.
How hungry and thirsty are you and your church to be more like Jesus, to think like he did, to pray like he did, to love like he did, to heal like he did?
Show notes: For a full transcript and all the Bible quotes thebiblespeakstoyou.com/313
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
312 Freedom Friday – Finding freedom from guilt and shame
Welcome to Freedom Fridays: A new series from The Bible Speaks to You Podcast
Too many people these days are walking around with a heavy burden of guilt and shame from past mistakes and how others have harmed them.
If that sounds like you, this episode is for you.
Show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/312
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Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
311 – Do the people you love know you love them?
Have you ever felt a deep sense of love and affection for someone, but they had no clue you cared so much about them?
All too often someone feels unloved, while people actually do love them, but they never tell the person or express their love in a tangible way.
In this week’s episode we’re going to talk about the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself from a little different angle:
- How to love people so they know they are loved
- How Jesus loved people so they felt his love
- How you can love people the exact way Jesus did
Don’t just tell people you love them, although that is important. Show them your love by how you treat them, how you listen to them, how you’re patient with them, how you help them, and what you do unexpectedly to bring them joy.
And the beautiful thing in doing this is, when you let someone know you love them and express that love in a way they feel loved, you will feel more love as well.
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Previous episodes mentioned this week:
- Episode 4: Are You Afraid to Love as Much as Jesus Did?
- Episode 165: How Did Jesus Love His Disciples?
Show notes: For a full transcript and all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/311
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
310 – Do you ever look God in the face?
It's probably not on the top of your to-do list. It’s probably not something you think about very often or even consider as a possibility.
In fact, you may not want to talk to God face to face, for a variety of reasons.
And what does that even mean, to look at God this way? To talk to God this way?
Doesn't the Bible say you can't see God's face?
Yes it does, but it also talks about Moses and God talking face to face.
This week's episode jumps into the idea of
- Talking to God face to face
- What it really means
- Why you don't need to be afraid of it
- The blessings that come when you have this kind of intimate relationship with God
You can talk face to face with God at any moment for any reason.
You might have something on your mind. You might feel the need to repent. You might have a question. You might just want to express gratitude and tell God you love Him.
But you don’t have to have an agenda. You can just ask God what He thinks, what He sees, what He’s doing, how He loves or what He wants you to do.
Previous episodes mentioned this week:
Episode 37: You Are the Image and Likeness of God. What the Heck Does That Mean?
Episode 308: You Are in the Presence of God
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes--thebiblespeaksto
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
309 – What’s your first thought when someone says, “You need to repent.”?
Does it make you uncomfortable or uneasy? Or do you agree and admit to yourself that you do need to repent?
It might depend on the context and tone of voice someone uses to say those words, but all too often it happens during a sermon that sounds like a shouting match with the preacher yelling at his audience, using fear and emotional triggers to convince them of the consequences if they don’t stop sinning.
Some people are turned off by this approach and others take the message to heart and try to reform their lives.
Repentance is a crucial part of being a follower of Christ, but sometimes the word is misunderstood and the full blessing of repentance is lost.
In this week’s episode of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast, we’re going to talk about
- What true repentance is
- Why it’s an ongoing and important part of your faith
- Why you might resist wanting to repent
- The blessings that come when you do
Previous episode mentioned this week: Episode 15 – How to Stop Fighting Your Brother and Love Him Instead
Show notes: For full transcript and Bible quotes – thebiblespeakstoyou.com/309
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
308 – Do you ever feel separated from God?
Maybe because of something hurtful someone said or did to you?
Or maybe because of bad choices you made that weren’t good for you or someone else?
Or maybe it’s just because of all the problems the world is facing right now?
Where is God in all this? Sometimes God does seem far away.
In this week’s episode we’re going to talk about God’s nature as omnipresent, that God is everywhere, what that actually means, and how it affects your life.
You are never separated from God or God’s love for you, which was and is manifested through Christ. You are in the presence of God, now and always. And you have the ability to be aware of this.
Whenever you feel God is far away, remember this prayer of affirmation—and say it as often as you need to, "I am in the presence of God."
Show notes – For full transcript and Bible quotes, go to: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/308
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
307 – How often do you think about your relationship with God?
Not very often, once in a while, maybe a lot, maybe even every day?
What kind of a relationship do you have or would like to have with God?
Maybe a more important question is: What kind of relationship would God like to have with you? God has infinite love for you and is always willing and able to support you.
In this week’s episode, we’re going to talk about a deeper kind of relationship, called a covenant, which God had with people in the Bible and how that relates to us today.
And we’ll talk about why God wants a covenant relationship with you, what that means, and the blessings it brings.
Show notes: Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/307
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
306 – What will it take for you to let God be in charge?
Have you ever been so involved in getting something done, wanting everything to turn out just right that you put your whole heart into it but somehow you ended up having to push and shove to get things to come out the way you wanted them?
And even after all that effort, things don’t always work out?
Maybe you’ve even prayed about it and asked God to help you, but at the end of the day there was more of you trying to make something happen instead of letting God unfold a solution.
In this week’s episode we’re going to talk about what it means to let God be in charge, to let God’s will be done instead of manipulating events to get what we want. We'll look at
- The difference between the way Sarai and Elizabeth trusted God
- How King Saul took things into his own hands instead of trusting God
- How King Jehoshaphat instantly trusted God when several armies came to fight him
- And how Jesus admitted he couldn't do anything without God's help
If you have trouble letting go of the need to be in control, start with something small. Then go on to something else.
Go sit out in nature, without an agenda, without trying to accomplish anything. And just take in and observe all God has done and is doing.
Let God be God. Let God happen in your life.
Show notes: Full transcript and all Bible quotes thebiblespeakstoyou.com/306
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
305 – Do your prayers need to be more persistent?
Have you ever been praying about something and just didn’t seem to be getting any answers?
You poured your heart and soul into praying and studying the Bible, but after a while, you just couldn’t see any progress or evidence of your prayers having any effect at all.
Maybe some of your friends even told you it was ridiculous to pray for whatever it was you were praying about. And so you gave up.
Maybe you tried to convince yourself it just wasn’t God’s will for the thing you were praying about to happen. And frankly, sometimes that may be the case.
But sometimes we give up a little too soon in our prayers. Because we haven’t gotten an answer, or the answer we want, we quit asking God to heal us or for the solution to our problem.
If you’ve even found yourself with those kinds of thoughts running through mind, this episode is for you.
We’re going to look at several people in the Bible of people who were persistent and didn’t give up in searching for an answer, a solution to a problem, or a healing.
- The woman in Proverbs, Chapter 31
- The Syrophoenician woman who asked Jesus to heal her daughter
- The woman in Jesus's parable who kept asking a judge for help
- Blind Bartimaeus
- We'll talk about how and why you can be persistent like they were
Paul says: "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9 NIV
Blog post about our hike in Sardinia:
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
304 – Have you ever felt like the devil was trying to control you?
A preacher on social media recently warned all his listeners about how powerful the devil is and how careful you have to be not to fall into all the temptations that come to you.
It seemed to me he actually was trying to scare his audience so they would listen to him and do what he said.
I agree, it's important not to give in to temptations, but the question for today is: Does the devil have power over you?
In this week’s episode I’m going to take the opposite stand from this preacher:
- The devil has absolutely no power, no power over you, no power over me
- The devil has no real power at all (only perceived power)
- How Jesus's definition of the devil proves he is powerless to harm you
- Why most people believe the devil has power (when he really doesn't)
- How not to be deceived by the devil's lies and prove for yourself he has no real power
Agree or disagree? Questions? Click the Contact link below. I'd love to hear from you.
Show notes: Full episode transcript and all Bible quotes www.thebiblespeakstoyou.com/304
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
303 – Who decides what it means to be a Christian?
Have you ever been told by someone you’re not a Christian because you didn’t agree 100% with them on every tiny detail of theology? It’s not a great feeling.
Some churches have a pretty wide and inclusive definition what it means to be a Christian, including people from many different denominations.
Some churches believe they are the only ones with the truth but that God will be merciful to others.
But there are a few churches who believe only their members are true Christians and everyone else is condemned to hell.
Most of these groups make a fatal flaw in how they define what it means to be a Christian.
In this episode:
- I expose this mistake
- Talk about why no one else has the authority to decide if you are a true Christian
- And share what Jesus actually says it means to be one of his true followers or disciples.
Christians need to stop debating what it means to be a Christian and focus more on following Jesus and practicing what he taught us.
.....
Show notes: For full transcript and Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/303.
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
302 – Is it possible for you and me to heal like Jesus did?
Have you ever struggled with a problem and reached out to God in prayer for healing and resolution, but never really felt your prayers were answered, at least not in the way people who asked Jesus for help were healed?
Somehow you got through and were able to cope with the situation, but you didn’t have the kind of healing you read about in the Bible.
Is it even possible for you and me to heal and be healed the way Jesus did 2,000 years ago? His disciples healed and so did his followers in the early Christian church.
Why isn’t there more healing like that going on today in the church? Is there anything you and I can do to experience more of God’s healing power?
In this episode I share several things you can do to experience more of God's healing power in your life:
- Accept and affirm that the kingdom of heaven is at hand
- See what God is doing in heaven
- Know it’s always God’s will for you to be healed
- You are not the healer; God is
- Be filled with compassion toward people like Jesus was
The more you embrace and practice these precepts, the better you’ll be at it and the more healing you will experience in your own life and everyone you pray for.
∞∞∞∞∞
Previous episode mentioned: Episode 300 – Questions for Jesus
Playlist of episodes on spiritual healing: Spiritual Healing Today
Show notes: Full tran
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
301 – What is the secret to church growth?
How is your church doing these days?
Are you growing? Are you holding steady? Are you barely hanging in there trying to keep the doors open?
A lot of churches are struggling right now. Some are closing. Some are growing.
What is it that makes a church not just survive but thrive?
There are lots of factors, but what really helps a church grow, and I’m not just talking number of members, but more importantly, spiritual growth, the desire to follow Christ, spiritual vision and transformation, and love for the community.
In this week’s episode, we’re going to talk about how and why the Early Church, described in the Book of Acts, grew so quickly and how it can be a model for your church to grow today.
- Be full of the Holy Spirit
- Be in the presence of the spirit of Jesus’s resurrection
- Understand how Jesus fulfills the Scriptures
- Love Jesus enough to obey his command to share his message with your neighbors
- Love your neighbors enough to actually share your faith with them
- Look for the opportunities to share that are always there
- Speak in a way others can understand you.
When you and your church do these things, I can’t guarantee you’ll get a bunch of new members, but I can promise you there will a lot of spiritual growth in your church, and there are no limitations to what God can do when your hearts are on fire for Christ.
Show notes: For a full transcript and all Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/301
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
300 – If you could go back in time and talk to Jesus, what would you ask him?
This is the question I posed to you, my listeners, several weeks ago and in today’s episode I share all your answers.
I am totally blown away with the amazing responses you sent me, over 150 questions.
Now, there’s an incredibly wide variety in these questions. You will see very quickly these questions come from very diverse theological perspectives.
Some of them have an assumption built into them that reveals where the person asking the question is coming from. You may not agree with their assumption or their perspective, but that’s okay. They’re sharing their honest position.
So instead of getting judgmental, let this be a learning experience. Hopefully, hearing all these questions will prompt more questions in your own heart.
And ultimately, my hope is you’ll turn back to what Jesus said and did to get a better understanding of who Jesus is, how he thought, and how he lived, so you can follow his example.
I hope you enjoy the wide variety of things people are curious about and would like to ask Jesus.
Please share this episode with your friends and ask them what they would ask Jesus.
Show notes: Full transcript of all the questions at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/300.
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
299 – Has God put a calling on your life?
Have you ever felt a calling from God on your life but just didn’t feel you were qualified, or didn’t have the talents, time, or resources to accomplish what was being asked of you?
Well, you’re not alone. There are lots of people today and even in the Bible who have felt the same way when God called them to their purpose.
The beautiful thing is, God takes what you have – what He has already given you – even if it seems to be hardly anything, and can use that "little" to accomplish a whole lot.
In this week’s episode I’m talking with Dr. David Laton, about how to use what God has already given you, even if it doesn’t seem like much or enough, to fulfill your God-given purpose.
We talk about folks in the Bible who didn't think they were capable of doing what God wanted them to, but God used the little they had to do great things:
- Moses
- Miriam
- Gideon
- Elijah
- Elisha
- Lydia
- Dorcas
- And of course Jesus, who always knew what he was capable of and used what he had at hand to bless others
God has already given you talents and resources. Even if it doesn't seem like much, God can multiply what you have and empower you to do so much more than you thought you were capable of.
Show notes
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/299
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
298 – Do you ever feel like your life is full of unsolved problems?
Life seems to be racing along and it’s hard to deal with everything when it comes up.
This can happen on a personal level, but it happens at work, at school, at church. And just think of all the unsolved problems on a national and international level as well.
But the solution is more than just finding a way to get all these problems resolved.
Believe it or not, it’s more about how you see yourself. Because how you see yourself has a huge influence on how you act, interact and react with other people and situations, and how you resolve problems.
In this week’s episode we’re going to talk about how seeing yourself from a spiritual perspective will help you see your life is not defined by all the unsolved problems in your life.
And we'll look at how Jesus didn't just solve someone's accumulated problems. He disposed of them all at once.
You can do this too, when you know who you are as the image and likeness of God.
Show notes: To read a full transcript of this episode and all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/298.
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
297 – Do you know who you are?
When you ask someone who they are, all too often, they respond with what they do or maybe what their hobbies and interests are.
Sometimes they define themselves by their past, either good or bad, their education, their social and economic status, their cultural, religious, ethnicity and/or country of origin.
But none of these descriptions really answer the question, Who are you?
How would you answer the question: Who are you?
In this week’s episode, we’re going to explore why this is such an important question, and why it’s even more important to find the right answer to who you are.
Playlist of previous episodes on finding your spiritual identity: The Journey of Self-Disocovery
Show notes: Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/297
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
296 – What if Jesus was interviewing people to work for him?
Would you apply for the job? How would you get ready for the interview?
Do you think Jesus would hire you?
I know, it sounds kind of odd to even talk about this. But when someone asked me these questions, it got me to thinking.
How did Jesus choose people to work for him? We call them his disciples. But they were working for him and with him. He gave them on-the-job training for three years.
How does Christ choose people to work for him today, to follow him?
Have you ever felt called by Christ to do a particular task or embark on a life purpose, but you haven’t really felt qualified to do it?
In this week’s episode, we’re going to talk about
- What it means to work for Christ
- How to prepare ourselves to be ready when Christ puts a calling on our hearts
- How to respond to Christ's calling
- Christ doesn't always hire you for the job you think you're qualified for
Christ is constantly choosing you. He is constantly calling you to work for him. How will you respond?
Show notes: Full episode transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/296
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
295 – What do you think of when you hear the phrase: worshiping idols?
You probably think of something that happened thousands of years ago, but isn't relevant in today's world.
I mean really, who bows down to idols today?
Well, you’d be surprised. We may not make idols the way people in the Bible did, but there are modern day idols that we need to quit worshiping.
My guest this week, Jake Doberenz, host of the Smashing Idols Podcast, talks about some of the idols in today’s world that even the church has been bowing down to. And he’ll share:
- How to realize this is what’s going on when you’re not aware of it
- How to quit worshiping these modern day idols
- How to destroy them
- The blessings that come when you do this.
Jake says there are often times when we have to make choices in life. We can’t follow the world and Christ at the same time. We can’t serve a materialistic way of life and God. We need to serve God and follow Christ.
And in the process, not to make idols out of our own opinions and perspectives.
Jake Doberenz info:Website: www.jakedoberenz.com/
Podcast and newsletter: https://jakedoberenz.substack.com/
Theophany Media, Jake's podcast production co. www.theophanymedia.com
Show notes:Transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/295
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
294 – Are you tired of all the theological debates?
Social media is full of people from different churches "explaining" why their theology is right and everyone else's theology is wrong.
The basic problem is they are defining what it means to be a true Christian by doctrinal beliefs instead of actually living the teachings of Jesus in their daily lives.
This mistake has gone on for at least 1,700 years.
It's time to stop the theological debate mindset, trying to prove you are right.
In this week's episode I talk about:
- The attitude behind this urge to debate and condemn everyone who disagrees with you theologically
- It’s not how Jesus wants you to share your faith
- How to interact with someone who's trying to debate with you
- And most importantly, a more effective way to share your faith
Jesus didn't prove he was the Messiah by his words. He told people to look at what he was doing, because what he did was fulfilling the Messianic prophecies.
We need to follow his example.
Quit trying to prove you are a Christian, or disprove someone else is, based on doctrines and theology. Let people see how you are following in Jesus’s footsteps in healing and blessing mankind.
Previous episodes
- Episode 224: Why Should I Believe in the Nicene Creed?
- Episode 105: Why Isn’t There Unity in the Body of Christ?
Show notes: Transcript and Bible quotes:
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
293 – Can you see God's beauty in yourself?
Have you ever been out in nature and were just amazed at the beauty of the scene in front of you?
Maybe you were in a forest with towering trees above. Maybe it was a view of majestic mountains that took your breath away. Maybe it was the crisp yellow and red of fall foliage.
Or maybe it’s just the tulips and daffodils, the lilacs, iris, and the peonies blooming in your own yard showing the beauty of God’s creation.
Now think about yourself. Do you see yourself as beautiful? I’m not talking about your outward appearance. I’m talking about who you are spiritually.
In today’s episode, we’re going to be talking about
- Discovering the spiritual beauty which God is the source of
- The more you understand your relationship with God, the more you’ll discover God’s beauty in you, in everyone around you
- How this awareness brings healing into your life on a deep level
You are the reflection of God’s beauty, the beauty of holiness.
When you are conscious of your God-given beauty, then you can see this beauty everywhere and in everyone.
And this brings healing to you and your world.
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/293
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
Does your church need a mentor to help you find fresh ways to reach out to your community with the healing message of Christ?
For more information: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/speaking-bible-workshops
292 – How do you deal with evil influences in your life?
What do you do when you, or someone you know, is barraged by and overcome with evil influences?
How do you respond? How do you pray?
There no simple answers to these questions. But in this week's episode, we're going to look at how Jesus dealt with and healed people described in the Bible as being possessed with evil spirits, or demons. And we’ll talk about how you can follow his example.
- What did Jesus do and say when he cast out evil spirits?
- What guidance did he give his disciples (including you and me)?
- What mistakes should you avoid when you pray to cast out evil spirits
When you truly imbibe the spirit of Christ and follow in his footsteps, you will be able to get rid of the evil influences in your life, whether you call the evils spirits or demons.
But it is never through any power of your own. Even Jesus acknowledged it was God who worked through him. And so it is with you and me.
Christ gives you the authority. God gives you the power to cast out evil.
Listen for the voice of Christ encouraging, empowering, and guiding you. The world needs your faithfulness to Christ right now in every way possible.
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes:
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
291 – What does it really mean to preach the Gospel to all creation?
How do you feel when you read Jesus’s command to his disciples to preach the gospel to every creature, to all creation, to all mankind?
Does this get you excited to go share your faith with as many people as possible?
Or does it make you cringe because you don’t feel qualified to preach the gospel to even one or two people, let alone the whole world? And how would you be able to do that anyway?
Or maybe you just shrug your shoulders because you decide this command of Jesus really only applied to his immediate disciples at the time, or to preachers and evangelists today.
In this episode we’re going to talk about the idea of preaching the gospel to all creation and how that applies to you.
- You have a ministry
- Start where you are
- Watch for opportunities to share your faith
- The best way to preach the Gospel is to live your faith every day
- And pray for God's guidance on who you can tell about the kingdom of heaven
God has called you to let your light shine, to share your faith and your love for Christ with others.
Sometimes it’s just by living your faith, sometimes with words, but always it’s with love for God and all God’s children.
Previous episodes mentioned:
Episode 32: The Parable of the Unbaked Cake
Episode 288: Jesus’s Death on the Cross Does not Save You from Your Sins;
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
Does your church need a mentor to help you find fresh ways to reach out to your community with the healing message of Christ?
For more information: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/speaking-bible-workshops
290 – What do you do when you feel helpless?
Have you ever been so worried about something you couldn’t sleep?
The problem just loomed too large for you to fix personally.
And you couldn’t even imagine how anyone individually or collectively could resolve the situation.
Just recently two friends confided in me they couldn’t sleep because of all that’s going on in the world right now.
But there IS a solution.
This week's episode shares powerful Bible examples of situations where people felt helpless, and how God helped them in very unexpected ways.
- The Children of Israel in front of the Red Sea
- Jehoshaphat being attacked by enemy armies
- Jesus's disciples watching Jesus being taken down from the cross
In all these situations, there was something bigger going on. Even though most people couldn't see it, God was at work.
Whatever situation you're facing today which makes you feel helpless, there is something bigger going on. God is at work in your life and whatever situation you feel helpless in. Even if you don't see it, God is bringing healing.
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/290
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
Does your church need a mentor to help you find fresh ways to reach out to your community with the healing message of Christ?
For more information: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/speaking-bible-workshops
•••••••••
289 – What can you learn from women leaders at church?
What is your response to some Christians who insist that women should not be in any leadership roles in church?
This is more prevalent than you may be aware of. And these folks quote a few Bible passages, sometimes way out of context to support their convictions.
But the Bible is full of women who were in leadership roles, both in the Old and New Testaments.
In this week's episode, we’re going to look specifically at Miriam and explore how she used her God-appointed role to lead and bless others.
- She saw an opportunity to minister to others in a way no one else could
- She didn't ask permission, she acted
- She had to learn not to compare her leadership role with anyone else's
- She learned to focus on her purpose no matter what
Just as Miriam discovered, who you are and what you are capable of are gifts from God. These are your superpowers.
How will you use them to glorify God and encourage others to do the same?
Previous episodes mentioned:
Episode 88: What it Takes to Be a Prophet
Episode 158: Can We Be Modern Day Prophets?
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
Does your church need a mentor to help you find fresh vision for ways to reach out to your community with the healing message of Christ? For more information: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/speaking-bible-workshops
•••••••••••••••••
288 – Jesus's death on the cross cannot by itself save you from your sins
I know, this is a pretty bold statement. But have you ever noticed how lots of Christians focus on the crucifixion as the basis for their salvation?
But then at Easter, they suddenly start talking about the resurrection, as if they just discovered how important it is.
The whole message of Easter is that Jesus rose from the grave. That should be the focus for the entire year, not just at Easter.
In this episode, I challenge some traditional Christian talking points:
- Without the resurrection your faith is useless
- Without the resurrection your preaching is worthless
- Without the resurrection you're still in your sins
- The crucifixion, by itself, is not enough to save you
- It's not the literal, physical blood of Jesus that saves you from your sins
Don't get me wrong, the crucifixion of Jesus is incredibly important, because without it, there would be no resurrection. But without the resurrection, Paul says you're still in your sins.
As Christians, we need to shift our gaze from looking just through the lens of the cross to looking through the lens of the resurrection.
Then we'll see Jesus's risen glory everywhere we go and in everything we do.
Previous episode mentioned:
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
287 – Have you ever been a stranger in a foreign country?
You didn't speak the language. You couldn’t read any of the signs, you couldn’t understand what people are saying. You don’t understand the customs.
And you felt lost or confused by what was going on around you.
Or maybe you've been in a strange location and felt out of place.
Then, all of a sudden, someone helps you get where you're going or explains what's going on. A simple act of hospitality makes all the difference.
There’s a great need in today’s world to be hospitable to strangers, on an individual and a collective basis, and not just strangers from foreign countries.
We need to be aware of the strangers in our midst as well.
This week's episode shares several examples in the Bible of helping, even loving strangers, that bring healing and comfort and
- Abraham and Sarah
- Abigail's generosity compared to her husband's lack of hospitality
- Elijah and Elijah
- Jesus of course
- Peter and John
One Jewish scholar points out that in the Hebrew Scriptures there is one verse commanding us to love our neighbors but 36 places that command us to love strangers.
It’s hard to do for a variety of reasons. But it becomes easier when you've been a stranger somewhere, whether in a foreign country, a different city or neighborhood, a church, or a new job.
When you've been an outsider, it often gives you empathy for those who may feel they’re on the outside.
Jesus didn't have a home, but he made people feel at home and helped them realized they part of God's family, never a stranger.
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Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
Need a church mentor? Contact James
286 – Do you have a broken relationship in need of healing?
Maybe you’re having trouble with someone at work, either your boss or an employee. Maybe it’s someone at church. Or could it be someone in your family? Or maybe you’re completely estranged from someone.
Whatever the situation is, there’s always a possibility of healing and restoring these broken relationships, even though it may not be easy and require a lot of soul searching.
I’ve been thinking about what the Bible has to say about the healing and restoration of problematic relationships.
This week I talk with Greg Stephens, who has devoted his life to helping people clean up and improve their relationships and at the same time build new bridges to help the relationships go forward.
Greg talks about three broken relationships in the Bible and how they were healed:
- Jacob and Esau
- Joseph and his older ten brothers
- Peter and Jesus
What would you say to Joseph and his brothers to heal their relationship before it got so bad they sold Joseph as a slave? Listen to Greg's answer now.
Show notes:
Full transcript (PDF download) and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/286
Greg Stephens contact info:
Email: greg@alignment-resources.com
Website: https://www.alignment-resources.com/
Book:
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
285 – What do you do when you need healing and justice?
Is there something in your life, at work, or at church right now that needs healing?
What about justice? Have you or anyone you know experienced any injustice lately?
And if you look at what’s going on in the world as a whole, it almost seems everyone is crying out for healing and justice.
What on earth is the remedy to all this?
Well, the solution is never going to come from some government policy or any human organization.
The only real and lasting solution comes from standing in God’s presence, what the Bible calls standing before the throne of God.
This week's episode talks about:
- What God's throne represents
- What it means to stand before the throne of God
- What happens when you do
- What it requires of you
- What God says to you when you stand before His throne
You don't have to wait until after you die to stand before the throne of God. God is sitting on His throne–this is a metaphor for God being in complete control– right now.
Whatever you’re struggling with, on a personal level, or a global level, accept God’s invitation to be in His presence, to stand before His throne.
SHOW NOTES:
Full transcript of the episode and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/285.
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
284 – Do you ever get judged by your age?
Have you ever felt pigeonholed by someone as to what you're capable of doing based on how young or old you are?
Have you ever judged your own capabilities based on you age.
The world is always stereotyping what you can and can't do based on how old or young you are.
This week's episode looks at some of the people in the Bible who broke those age stereotypes and how they did it.
- Abraham and Sarah
- Moses
- Caleb
- Samuel
- David
- Elizabeth and Zacharias
- Mary, Jesus's mother
- Jesus
More importantly, we'll look at what you can do in your own life to start overcoming the limitations associated with how old you are.
SHOW NOTES:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/284.
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
283 – How is your church doing these days?
A lot of churches, in many different denominations are struggling.
Is your church growing? Are you holding steady? Are you barely treading water?
Does your church have a vision for where you're going?
In today’s episode, we’re going to look at some ideas that will hopefully give you a few fresh ways to pray for and be active in your church.
- What to do if your church members are hesitant to share their faith with others
- Why some churches close
- The need to see your church in the bigger picture
- Having a small church can actually be an advantage
- What does loving your community really look like?
- Church growth is not about getting more members
What would happen if your community felt loved by your church the way they would have felt loved by Jesus?
How can your church follow Jesus's example?
Having a vision for your church means you know where you are and where you're going.
When you're clear on your destination, it is much easier to get there.
Show notes:
For a full transcript of this episode and all Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/283
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
282 – Could you use a blessing from God right now?
Have you ever felt like you needed a little extra blessing from God in your life?
Maybe things are a bit challenging at the moment or you’ve just come through some rough waters and are on the other side of things, but you need to find some peace of mind?
It’s at times like this that we need to feel God’s presence and the blessings that come with it.
There are lots of ways to ask for and receive God’s blessings, but today we’re going to talk about a unique way to do this that I just discovered in the Bible a couple of days ago.
The Bible verse that sparked this Aha! moment is from Psalms:
I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of Egypt.
Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. (Psalm 81:10)
There's more to this verse than just opening your mouth to eat the food God gives you.
What does it mean metaphorically to open your mouth wide and have it filled by God.
That's what this episode is all about.
How wide can you open your mouth? How receptive are you to God's blessings for your life?
Show notes:
For a full transcript and all Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/282.
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
281 – How would your life be different if you trusted God completely for everything?
Sometimes it's almost easier to trust God when something terrible happens because there's no where else to turn.
Or when you're afraid and don't know what to do.
But what about your everyday life when there are just the normal challenges and obligations? Do you trust God then?
It's so easy to just let things work out and not bother God, right? Not necessarily.
What does it even mean to trust God?
It's hard to trust someone or something if you don't know who or what it is. It's the same with God.
If you really want to trust God for everything in your life – and that's a wonderful goal – you have to start with getting to know God better.
To trust God completely requires a conscious choice to know God more closely than you ever have before. Jesus could trust God in every detail of his life because he knew God so intimately.
The better you know God, the more you will hear His voice, and the more you will trust and obey Him in every circumstance.
LISTEN NOW to this week's episode.
Show notes:
Full transcript and all Bible quotes from this week: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/281
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
280 – What if there was a simple solution to every problem you ever had?
The good news is that Jesus has given us a solution that will solve every problem, whether it's in your personal life or a collective problem.
But just like any solution, you have to do what is required of you.
Jesus offered this solution to lots of people who came from
- A wide variety of education levels
- Differing job skill sets
- Different socioeconomic backgrounds
- Different religious and cultural heritage
- And he offered this solution to men and women equally
Jesus' solution for every problem is a simple, two word phrase: Follow me.
That's what this week's podcast is all about. No matter what your situation is, no matter how big or small the problem is, the solution is to follow Christ.
This is true even for collective problems on a local level up to international problems.
You can't make someone else follow Christ, but you can do it yourself in such a way that people you meet see the light of Christ in you and are inspired to let their own light shine.
Christ is calling you right now: Follow me.
Show notes:
For a full transcript of this episode and all Bible quotes, go to: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/280
Text me your questions or comments.
I’m putting together a special program called Guilt Free Faith. So many people I talk to are walking around with guilt and shame they don’t need to hold onto. They deserve to let go of this burden of guilt and live their lives in freedom.
It’s going to be a small group program. I’ll be running it over the next few weeks and it's starting soon. If you’d like more information, contact me and I’ll send you all the details.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
279 – What would you say to someone like Zacchaeus?
Zacchaeus was notorious for cheating people by making them pay more taxes than they owed. He was in cahoots with the Romans, which was basically a betrayal of the Jewish people.
What did Jesus say to Zacchaeus that caused him to have such a radical moral and spiritual transformation?
In this week's episode, I talk about:
- Why did Zacchaeus want to see Jesus?
- Why did he climb a tree to see him?
- Why did Jesus want to have dinner with Zacchaeus?
- What did Jesus see in Zacchaeus that no one else saw?
- What are some of the things Jesus might have said to him?
What does this story have to do with you and me?
We don't know the exact words Jesus said to Zacchaeus, but we do know he treated him with love and respect.
Is there a modern day Zacchaeus in your life that needs to feel the love of Christ? When you seen them with the eyes of Jesus and love them with the love of Jesus, you will be able to help them discover who they are as a child of God.
It's not just the words you say. It's about how you see and love them that brings moral and spiritual transformation.
You can do this today.
Show notes:
For a full transcript of the episode and all Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/279
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
278 – What do you do when you're overwhelmed with discouragement?
I've been talking to a lot of folks who are VERY discouraged by everything that's going on in the world right now.
Is there a way to overcome this feeling of despair and discouragement?
Yes, of course. And it's encouraging to see all the folks in the Bible who were face with all sorts of discouraging situations and how they overcame them.
That's what this week's episode is all about:
- The turning point for Elijah when he was ready to quit
- How Hannah poured out her heart to God in desperation but finally found peace
- Even Jesus got discouraged at times because people didn't understand or accept his message
- Jesus's secret for overcoming discouragement
When you feel discouraged, be honest about how you feel. Don’t pretend to be so holy and spiritually minded that you’re not bothered when you are.
Even Jesus expressed his discouragement, but he moved quickly from it to complete trust in God each time.
Right this moment, you may feel overwhelmed with discouragement, dismay, and despair over what’s going on in your life, at work, at church, in your country, or the world.
You may be at the height of hopelessness. But also, right in this moment, God is present, His hand full of hope, comfort, and resources, just as He was with the Children of Israel in the wilderness.
•••••••••
Blog posts and previous episodes mentioned this week:
- Episode 277: How to Overcome Evil with Good
- Episode 43: You Can Trust God’s Perfect Timing for the Events in Your Life
- Blog post: God Prepares Your Heart on His Timetable
Show notes
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/278
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
277 – How do you deal with all that's going on in the world today?
Do you ever feel overwhelmed with gloom and despair with all that's going on these days?
Or have you ever been in a threatening situation, either because of people or circumstances?
Whether it's on personal or global level, sometimes it seems like evil influences are wreaking havoc on our lives or in society.
How do we deal with this? Is it possible to overcome all this evil in the world?
That's what this week's episode is all about:
- How King Jehoshaphat overcame three armies attacking him without a battle
- The authority and power Jesus gives us to overcome evil
- The divine power Paul assures us we have to overcome all evil
- The spiritual tools Paul explains how to use to overcome evil
- The real reason people are evil (this is no surprise, but it is thought provoking)
- The final victory of good over evil--it's closer than you think
And most importantly I talk about what you can do, starting today, to overcome evil with good.
If you're struggling with evil influences in your personal life or overwhelmed with all the terrible things happening in the world today, this episode is for you.
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes--thebiblespeakstoyou.com/277
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
**276 – Do you have trouble letting go of things to follow Christ?
When Jesus asked Peter and Andrew** to leave their nets to follow him, it was a pretty big deal. Fishing was their livelihood.
If Jesus walked up to you and asked you to leave your job, your profession, the way you earned money for your family, would you leave it all to follow him?
Peter and Andrew immediately left their nets to follow Jesus.
Is it possible to follow their example in today's world?
This week's episode is all about
- What it means to leave your nets
- What it means to follow Christ
- AND some ideas on how to do it
Start with yourself. Start where you are, with what you’re doing, what you’re involved in. And see where God takes you.
Whether you leave your nets all at once to follow Christ or take a more step by step approach, is not as important as actually hearing Christ’s call, be willing to follow, and beginning the journey from where you are right now, however much or little you have left all for Christ in the past.
God has given you the ability to hear Christ’s call on your life and empowered you to follow it.
He has given you the strength and the courage, to leave your nets, to let go of whatever holds you back.
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes in this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/276
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
275 – Jesus says you are the salt of the earth. What are you doing about it?
Recently, my friend Terese said: It's time to take your salt out of the salt shaker.
I took that to mean: quit hiding yourself, your God-given gifts and talents, and what you have to contribute to society. Be who God made you to be and share it with the world.
Being the salt of the earth can mean lots of things. In the Bible salt had numerous uses and metaphorical meanings. Salt was
- Connected with purity
- Used to preserve food
- Used to flavor food
- Sometimes used to destroy the soil's ability to grow crops
- Required in many burnt offerings
- Used as a medium of exchange
- Considered a healing agent
When Jesus said we are the salt of the earth, he could have been referring to some or all of these uses for salt.
In this week's episode, I unpack how all these ways to use and think about salt apply to our lives today.
You'll be surprised how I describe adding salt to burnt offerings applies to us today.
Your salt is the Christly flavor you bring to your life and all those around you. If you keep this Christlikeness to yourself, it's like having a salt shaker on the table but never putting any salt on your food.
If you keep your salt to yourself, you may be the salt, but not the salt of the earth. It’s time to take you salt out of the salt shaker and share your love for Christ with others.
Show notes:
For a full transcript and all Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/275
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
274 – Putting God first in 2025
First of all, Happy New Year!
I wish you all the best in 2025 and that you'll discover more of who God made you to be and live this out in your daily life.
A new year is a wonderful time to think about your priorities, to let go of things and thoughts you've outgrown. It's a time to embrace more fully where God is calling you.
In this first episode of the new year, I focus on putting God first in your life as your number one priority. I ask and answer the 5 Ws and the 1 H.
- Who should put God first in your life?
- What does it mean to put God first?
- When should you put God first?
- Where should you put God first?
- Why should you put God first?
- How do you put God first, in everything you do?
On the surface, the answers to these questions are pretty obvious. But this episode goes deeper to get at the heart of what it means to put God first in your life.
Listen now. And let me know how you put God first in your life.
Once again: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Show notes:
For a full transcription and Bible quotes in this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/274
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
273 – Year in Review for The Bible Speaks to You Podcast
2024 has completed it's designated rounds!
I hope your year has been full of spiritual growth and progress. And I hope you'll take some time to reflect on the the things you have to be grateful for and the lessons you've learned this year.
This week's episode shares some of the highlights from the podcast this past year.
Want to listen to an entire episode?
Here are links to all episodes mentioned this week:
- 232 – You Don’t Need Someone Else’s Permission to Do what God Has Called You to Do
- 235 – How to Be Filled with the Fullness of God
- 239 – God Is Always with You, No Matter What
- 243 – The Secret to Spiritual Restoration
- 245 – How to Be Joyful No Matter what Happens
- 248 – That's Not the Jesus I Believe In
- 254 – God Already Knows What You Need
- 256 – The Biblical Cure for Loneliness
- 261 – The Best Motive for Prayer that Heals
- 262 – Redeeming and Healing the Past
- 264 – Finding Peace During Political Turmoil
- 265 – Trusting God No Matter What Happens
All blessing for the New Year!
Show notes:
Full transcript of the clips from each of these episodes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/273
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
**272 – When was the last time you read the story of Jesus's birth?
Christmas is the celebration** of the birth of Jesus Christ. How well do you know the story?
When was the last time you read the whole thing?
In this week's episode, I read the entire Christmas story.
That's it.
No commentary.
No explanations.
No historical context or data.
Just the story, all by itself, of Jesus's birth.
This Christmas, take a few minutes just to listen to the story, you probably know so well. But listen again.
Let the Christmas message of Christ's coming sink down into your heart and then shine forth in your life.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Show notes:
For a full transcript of the Bible passages in Matthew and Luke, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/272
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
271 – How do you celebrate the spiritual meaning of Christmas?
The world tries to make us forget about the real reason we celebrate Christmas with its focus on the excess materialism of the day.
To keep a spiritual approach to Christmas, the best place to start is focusing on Jesus and all he taught and did.
This week I talk about ways to discover the deeper spiritual meaning of Christmas.
- Start with gratitude for Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and everyone in the Christmas story
- Following Jesus's example every day of the year
- Not over-emphasizing the all the running around and festivities
- Finding quietude during the Christmas season to remember Christ's coming
- Reading out loud the Christmas story from Matthew and Luke
- Be more spiritually minded yourself
What would Christmas look like if you took away all the outward celebrations and focused only on Christ?
In this episode I share a poem, The Mystic's Christmas*, written by John Greenleaf Whittier, an American poet of the 19th century.
It's about an elderly monk who was not joining the other monks in the way they celebrated Christmas.
When they asked why, he admitted he used to join in all the festivities, but now he celebrated spiritually in his heart.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas season and I hope you discover this year, a whole new and deeper spiritual sense of what Christmas is all about.
Is there any way you can de-materialize, even in some small way, how you celebrate Christmas? The world is desperately crying out for this spiritual sense of Christmas you have to offer.
Show notes:
* To read a full transcript, the Bible quotes and Whittier's poem, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/271
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
270 – Have you ever put yourself into the Christmas story as one of the Bible characters?
If you're like me, you've probably read the Christmas story so many times, and seen so many Christmas pageants that it seems like the same story over and over, with nothing new or fresh.
But what if you were one of those characters? Which one would you be? Who do you relate to most in the Christmas story?
Have you ever seen yourself in the role of:
- The shepherds
- One of the angels who appeared to the shepherds
- One of the Wisemen
- Hopefully not King Herod
- Gabriel, who told Mary she was going to be the mother of Jesus? No way!
- Certainly not Mary, but...
- Maybe you can relate to Joseph
- What about the innkeeper who turned Mary and Joseph away
- Okay, just for fun, what about the animals in the stable
There's actually one more character in the Christmas story I didn't put on the list here, but it's the person we should probably relate to more than anyone else. Listen to find out who it is.
As Christmas approaches, take some time to ponder how you can relate to each of the characters in the Christmas story.
The more you understand and appreciate their unique roles in the Christmas story, the more you will discover your God given purpose in sharing the good news of Christ.
What unique role will you play in the ongoing Christmas story today?
Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 11: Thank God There Was No Room in the Inn when Jesus Was Born
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes in this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/270
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
269 – If Jesus walked into your church, would you recognize him?
Would he look the way we have imagined him with a beard and flowing hair? Would he be in a coat and tie or in blue jeans and a flannel shirt?
I know, this is a totally hypothetical situation, but it's helpful to ask these questions once in a while.
In this week's episode I talk about:
- The three main ways to recognize the presence of Christ in your church
- How to see Jesus in everyone who comes to church
- How to treat everyone at church the way you would treat Jesus
- What happens to your church when you do this
- The Parable of the Five Monks
When you look at someone else and recognize Jesus in them, you will treat them with great love, respect, care, and honor.
When you recognize Christ in yourself, you will treat yourself, your body, your mind, your soul and spirit with greater respect, honor and love.
When we do this collectively, that’s what church is all about: seeing Christ within each and every one, and treating them accordingly.
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/269
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
268 – How do you express your gratitude for Jesus?
There are always so many things to be grateful for during the Thanksgiving season here in the United States. But if you don't live in the US and don't have an official Day of Thanksgiving, I hope you always have some kind of gratitude practice.
Gratitude is always in season.
Right now, I am focusing on how grateful I am for Jesus. And I encourage you to do the same. That's what this week's episode is all about:
- Words are not enough. It's important to feel gratitude for Jesus in your heart
- Take some time to ponder how grateful you are for Jesus
- Put your gratitude into action by following Jesus's commandments
- Get close to what Jesus said and did: study his words and actions and follow his example
- Love people the way Jesus would
- Love people the way you would love Jesus
When you actively strive to follow Jesus’s way of thinking, praying, and loving, you’re going to start acting more and more like him. You'll be more and more like him and your life will be different.
You’ll forgive people who mistreated you. You’ll love your enemies. You will be a peacemaker. You will have compassion on people who are suffering and you’ll be able to bring healing and hope to them.
And you'll support others in their desire to follow Jesus.
There's no better way to express your gratitude for Jesus than to follow his example and share your faith with others.
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/268
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
267 – What's the most important reason to go to church?
Most people today would probably say it's to worship God. But according to Tom Wadsworth, PhD, the early Christian church did not have worship services, the way we do today.
Tom says the main reason to go to church is found in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 14.
It is to build each other up. Everything we do when we gather together is to edify on another other.
And everyone contributes to this, not just a pastor or church leaders.
Tom calls this "one-anothering." Supporting, loving, edifying one another in all we do.
Worship to early Christians was the way the surrendered to God and served Him in every detail of their daily lives.
Invitation: Next time you go to church, go with the intention to build up your fellow church members, to help them love and grow more in the Spirit.
Connect with Tom:
YouTube Channel
Website: tomwadsworth.com
Previous episodes mentioned:Episode 224: Why Should I Believe in the Nicaean Creed?
Episode 228: Women Leaders in the New Testament
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/267
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
**266 – Have you ever wanted to be part of a group so bad you tried to fit in but you still felt left out?
It happens all the time.** You want to be in a group or community or a church, but to feel part of things and be accepted you have to copy the attitudes and behaviors of the members of the group.
It's hard because you don't feel you can really be yourself, but being part of the group is important. So you sometimes end up compromising your own values and individuality to be in the group.
The Bible has some very encouraging things to say about this. And that's what this week's podcast is all about.
- The Israelites demanded a king so they could be like the other nations. What were the long term consequences of this decision?
- Why did certain Jewish leaders try to fit in with the Pharisees when they didn't want to admit publicly that they believed in Jesus?
- How did Jesus help Zacchaeus see he belonged to the kingdom of heaven?
- How can you help others realize they don't have to try to fit in to the world's way of thinking because they belong to God?
Take a moment for a little self-reflection. Are you trying to fit in to the way the world sees and does things?
Are you trying to fit in somewhere you don’t really belong. You don’t belong to the world. You don’t belong to sin or the past mistakes you’ve made.
You don’t belong to man-made theological dogma, doctrines, and traditions. And you don’t belong to the devil. You belong to God.
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes – thebiblespeakstoyou.com/266
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
265 – Are you trusting God no matter what happens with the election?
Have you ever felt like your life goes from one challenge to another, or one crisis to another?
And just look at the national scene.
As soon as one political battle comes to an end another one starts. And what about the election!!!
How do you keep your peace in all these situations? It’s not always easy.
The question is: Do you trust God in the midst of all these problems?
That's what this week's episode is all about. I ask some pretty honest questions:
- Do you only trust things will be okay if your candidate(s) win?
- Do you only trust things will be okay if the policy you want gets implemented?
- Can you trust God to work things out even if your candidate looses?
- Do you trust people and politics more than God?
Regardless of the political outcome here in the United States, or whatever may be going on in the country where you live in, you can trust God to provide for you, protect you, guide you, and heal you.
Regardless of the outcome of any event, large or small, local, regional, federal, and even international, you can trust God in every situation for all your needs.
Show notes:
Transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/265
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
**264 – How do you find peace in the midst of political divisiveness?
Politics can be so divisive.** And messy! It's so easy to get caught up in the drama, but at some point, we all need to get away from all the chaos and find a sense of peace.
Some folks think they will only get some peace when their candidate(s) win. But that kind of peace is pretty fragile, when it depends on people and situations to be just right.
True peace comes from God; it’s spiritual, and cannot be taken away from you. It’s about your relationship with God.
That's what this week's episode is all about:
- True peace comes from God
- We need to be in obedience to God to experience this peace completely
- Shalom: so much more than just peace of mind or lack of animosity
- The real reason people are so distressed by the political situation (it's not what you think)
- Why Jesus could share his peace with the disciples just hours before he was crucified
- Whose kingdom do you live in, man's or God's?
Jesus didn’t get involved in the politics of his day in order to make things better for people. He didn’t try to influence Roman politics. He didn’t try to influence the Sanhedrin. He simply went about his Father’s business, not man’s business.
No matter which political party you’re a member of, no matter who is elected President, or to Congress or any office, no political party’s policy can do for mankind what Jesus did. Don’t expect a human government to do what only God can do.
No matter who wins the election, the peace of God in your heart cannot be taken away. Jesus has given you this peace. Now it’s your turn to share it with others.
Previous episodes mentioned:
240 How Would Jesus Heal Political Division?
#49 How Does God Choose Leaders?
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblesp
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
263 – Do you ever think of yourself as an ambassador of Christ?
What does that even mean?
Well, it starts with walking in the footsteps of Jesus and living the way he taught us to, loving like he did.
And most of all it means letting the light of Christ in your heart shine in the world so others can see this light and be drawn to it.
This week's episode is a conversation with Paul Granger, host of the Where Did You See God podcast.
We talk about what it means to be an ambassador of Christ. It's not just the missionary who goes to some foreign country. We all can and should be ambassadors of Christ in every day life.
Paul says: "You are an ambassador of Christ whether you’re preaching at church or when you’re at home with your kids, or walking down the street. It’s in the details of everyday life."
To be an ambassador of Christ, doesn't mean you have to make some giant effort. Paul says:
"You may not feel you can take a giant leap of faith. Just take a small toe-nudge forward, one inch at a time, one day at a time. Focus on the fact that you have been given the privilege and gift and blessing to step toward God today."
Podcast: Where did you see God?"
Website: WhereDidYouSeeGod.com
Author’s page on Amazon*
Show notes for this episode:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/263
- Affiliate links
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
262 – What needs to be healed from your past?
Have you ever felt that because of things that happened to you in the past, either mistakes you made or things other people did to you, you haven’t been able to live your life the way you wanted to or be as successful as you could be?
Once in a while, it a can be a good idea to take a look at your past: mistakes you've made, things others have done that harm you, or situations that had a negative impact on your life.
If you're holding onto resentment for what others did, or the mistakes you made, or if you're still letting a some event from the past have a negative influence on the way you think and act today, it's time for some healing.
That's what this week's podcast episode is all about. I share some stories of people in the Bible who had to face the mistakes they made or the way they were treated unfairly, so they could go forward with God's purpose for them. I talk about
- Jacob
- His son Joseph
- Joseph's 10 older brothers
- God's forgiveness is so thorough, He will not even remember your sins
- The real reason you can let go of the past and it's negative influence on your life
- A prayer that brings healing to your past
You can't take any guilt or shame with you into heaven. You can’t take any memories of your mistakes or sins either. And you can’t take resentment over how someone or some circumstance may have harmed you.
Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is at hand. This means you don’t have to wait to begin to experience being in the presence of heaven.
To the degree you are aware that heaven is at hand, you can let go of these things from the past right now.
The love and forgiveness of God can reach back into what you call the past, wash away then negative memories and influence, and bring redemption and healing.
Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 135: Your Past Does not Define You
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes:
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
261 – What is your motive when you pray for healing?
Is there anything in your life right now that you’re praying about for healing?
Maybe you’re praying for healing for someone else. It could be a health issue, a relationship problem, finding a new job, financial struggles, or maybe an emotional challenge.
The Bible says that God "heals all your diseases." But have you ever not felt your prayer for healing was being answered the way you felt it should be? I sure have.
It's definitely good to pray for healing, but Jesus warns us that we need to look at our motives for prayer.
Sometimes we get so absorbed in the problem, we just want to get rid of it. Sometimes we want a healing for ourselves or someone else as a blessing.
But the best motive for a healing prayer is to glorify God.
In this week's episode I look at several times in the Bible when this bigger picture of glorifying God was the main reason for someone's prayer and how that was what brought healing or resolution to a problem.
- Hezekiah's prayer when the King of Assyria was threatening him
- Joshua's prayer of gratitude to God for being able to walk on dry river bed of the Jordan River
- Daniel's prayer not just for forgiveness but for God's name and glory to be restored
- Jesus's command to let our light shine so people would see our good deeds and glorify God
When your ultimate motive in prayer is to glorify God, you rise far above any self-centered or self-focused desires. It gives you a broader perspective of how God is working in the whole world, instead of how you want Him to work in your little world.
It is a righteous prayer for us to pray for healing or solutions so the whole world may know that God can and does heal today just as in Jesus’s day.
Whatever you’re doing, whatever you’re praying for, it’s always the perfect time to pray that God will be glorified.
Show notes:
For a full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/261
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
260 – Is it possible for you to bless people 100 years from now?
Have you ever wondered what impact your life might have on future generations? Will people remember you 100 or 200 years from now or will your life be forgotten by the world in general?
You just might have more influence on the future than you can imagine. Think of folks who lived hundreds of years ago who are a blessing to you: maybe an author or an artist, or some historical figure.
And of course, think of all the people in the Bible, who lived thousands of years ago, but their lives, and the lessons they learned, are still a blessing to us today.
If this can be true for them, then it can be true for you and me as well.
What will your spiritual legacy be for future generations? In this week's episode I talk about.
- The best way to leave a spiritual legacy is to obey God's commandments
- Teach your children and those around you to love God and all mankind
- God told Abraham he and his descendants would be a blessing to the whole world. If it's true for Abraham, it is true for you too
- Jesus knew he would be a blessing for the whole world for all time to come
- As a follower of Jesus, your life can have a similar far-reaching effect
The choices you make today in obedience to God, the way you live your life in following Christ, the humility you express in being guided by the Holy Spirit, will have a lasting influence far into the future, more than you can imagine or will ever know.
Acknowledge this influence is possible. Accept it. And trust God with the spiritual legacy you’re giving to future generations.
Related episode
Episode 176 – How Much Do You Love the People Who Will Be Born 100 Years from Now?
Show notes
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/260
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
**259 – What does your church need to learn from Deborah?
Deborah, the Judge and Prophetess in the Old Testament, has a message for you and your church, and it's probably not what you'd expect.
Most Christians don't really know** much about Deborah and how she broke the female stereotypes of her day as a Judge, a Prophet, and her role in a military victory.
This week's episode is a conversation with Sandra Richter, who has unlocked the lessons Deborah has for us today. Sandy sheds light on
- The cycles of obedience and disobedience of the Israelites in the times of the Judges, and how that cycle relates to us today
- How Deborah broke the expectations of what women could do
- How Deborah kept Israel faithful to God and maintained peace for 40 years
- How Barak depended on and requested her leadership
- How the people accepted her God appointed role as Judge and Prophet
- How Jael became a hero in a most unexpected way.
Sandy says the most important lesson we can learn from Deborah, both individually and as a church, is to work here on earth for God's kingdom. Listen to the episode now to see what she means and how we can do this.
Contest to win free copy of Sandy's book about Deborah
- Listen to the episode
- Share on Facebook before October 1
- Tag me (make sure you have the right James Early)
- Contest only available if you're in the lower 48 states in the US
- I will pick 5 winners randomly
Sandy's books*
The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament
The Epic of Eden: Psalms
The Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says About the Environment and Why It Matters
The Epic of Eden: Deborah – Unlikely Heroes and the Book of Judges
Contact info
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Show notes
Transcript and Bible quotes:
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
258 – If you had lived 2,000 years ago, would you have been a disciple of Jesus?
Imagine you lived in the time of Jesus and heard him preach. You saw him heal people. Would you decide to follow him? Would you want to be one of his disciples?
Would you have realized he was the Messiah? We would like to think we would, but it's hard to know for sure.
Jesus made some pretty strong demands on those who decided to follow him. Those expectations apply to you and me today.
What does it really mean to be a disciple, or follower, of Jesus?
This week's episode digs into what discipleship is all about and its "requirements"
- Deny yourself and take up your cross
- Be born again
- Remain faithful to Jesus's sayings
- Love Jesus and keep his commandments
- Love Jesus more than even your closest family members
- Actually love all other followers of Jesus
- Bear much fruit
- Give up all for Christ
- Eat Jesus's flesh and drink his blood. (spoiler alert: it's a metaphor)
To truly be disciples of Jesus, we need to have the same love for God and all mankind that Jesus did. And of course, this goes hand in hand with our love for Jesus.
Without this love in our hearts, we’re more like robotic manikins, going through motions but with no real life in them.
With this love, we are the hands and feet of Jesus in the world today.
Show notes:
To read the full transcript of this episode and all Bible quotes: go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/258
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
257– How do you show someone who you really are?
You've probably heard the phrase, “When someone shows you who they really are, believe them.”
I had a friend who used to say that all the time to remind herself that one person in particular she had been associated with in the past were not a good influence on her.
She had been fooled by his attractive personality and the smooth words he spoke. But his actions, the way he actually treated her, were harmful and even abusive.
It took her years to break away from the spell he had on her.
It's important to show people who you really are and not try to fool anyone.
Recently during my prayer time, God said to me: Show Me who you are.
My first response was, “God, You already know me. You already know who and what I am. Why do You need me to show You who I am?”
But God showed me what He was really asking.
In this week's episode, I talk about
- God showing Moses all His goodness
- God telling Moses to present himself to Him
- God telling Job to stand before Him and show he was a man
- The importance of acknowledging who you are as a child of God
- Doing this in God's presence
- You can ask God to show you who He is
- And much more
When God asks you to show Him who you are, remember you are the salt of the earth, stand forth and let your light shine. The world will see that you belong to God and will see who you are by the way you live your life.
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/257
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the show
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
246 – Do you feel lonely at times--or all the time?
Maybe you’ve lost someone you felt close to, or maybe there are lots of people in your life but there’s no one you can connect with, no one on the same wave length enough that you enjoy being in their presence?
Maybe at work or church, everyone is satisfied with the status quo, but you have some new ideas you think would make things better. But no one else feels that way. That's a pretty lonely feeling.
There are lots of reasons people feel lonely.
This is true for people in the Bible too. When they turned to God in desperation, He helped them.
In this week's episode I talk about:
- How King David was lonely, even though there were lots of people around him
- How David prayed when he felt lonely
- How Elijah felt so lonely and saw himself as a failure he asked for God to take his life. But God showed him several reasons why he was not alone after all
- A nameless young Jewish girl, who was captured by the enemy army and how she acted righteously even though she was separated from her country and family
- How even Jesus felt lonely at times
- Several ideas on how to overcome loneliness
- Sometimes being alone is a blessing and God is protecting you from evil influences. Think about that!
Maybe you're not a lonely person. Then pray for an opportunity to help someone who is. Minister to them. Love them. Let them know you see their value.
Please share this with someone who would enjoy it.
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/256
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the Show.
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
255 – Is it really possible to find true satisfaction in life?
So many people today are looking for satisfaction in getting a new car or a new job, accomplishing their personal and career goals, or maybe it's getting lots of followers on social media. Or whatever!
But the satisfaction that comes from these sorts of things never lasts very long. And then you always want something else.
The only thing that can bring you complete satisfaction, on every level and dimension of your life, is knowing God and your relationship with Him, and then living your life full of God's love.
That's what this week's episode is all about. I talk about
- What satisfied me as a kid, but didn't last long
- What Chirpie, a baby mockingbird, taught me about satisfaction
- What love has to do with satisfaction
- Why material things will never satisfy your deeper spiritual needs
- What only God can do that satisfies you like nothing else can
True satisfaction comes when you find your identity and your worth in God as His image and likeness, and then live your life accordingly.
Show notes:
Full transcript of this episode and all Bible verses: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/255
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the Show.
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
254 – Is it really true that God already knows what you need?
If that's the case, why do we need to ask God for anything? Why doesn't He just give it to us?
Well, sometimes He does, but usually it's important to ask because it reminds us that God is the source of all our blessings and we are not.
The question is: What do you really need?
Sometimes we get what we need mixed up with what we want and we end up praying for the wrong thing.
Based on what Jesus said and did, and knowing that he was giving people what they really needed, what does that tell us about what those needs were?
In this week's episode I go deep into what we really need based on what God sent Jesus to give us. We need:
- The Messiah, to show us the Way and be the Way of salvation
- To prioritize seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness
- Healing and forgiveness
- To know how to pray
- To know how to love our neighbors and ourselves
- The Holy Spirit
- The Bible
- And everything else Jesus gave us
How does the way God meets a particular need in a Bible story apply to you? Do you see any parallels?
The underlying needs of these folks thousands of years ago are pretty much what you and I need today.
God knows what you need. It may not be what you want or what you think you need. But God knows what you need, what you actually need, better than anyone else.
Show notes
Full transcript and Bible quotes; thebiblespeakstoyou.com/254
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the Show.
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
253 – Is it ever hard for you to surrender to God's will?
How often do you pray for God to give you what you want? And how often do you pray for what God wants?
You'd be surprised how many people actually tell God what they want and try to convince Him to give it to them.
There's a tiny little (actually big) problem with this. Sometimes, what we think we want and pray for is the worst thing for us.
This week' episode is all about surrendering what we want to what God wants for us. I talk about
- Why it's hard to let go of what we want
- The church doctrine that makes us think we can do whatever we want
- The root cause of not surrendering to God's will
- The real reason to surrender to God's will
- How to figure out God's ultimate will for you
Does that mean we'll never get what we want?
Well, maybe, if we're asking for the wrong things. But God's will for you is always much better than what you could imagine.
God's ultimate will for you is always worth surrendering to.
Show notes:
For full transcript and Bible verses quoted, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/253
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the Show.
If you enjoy the podcast, please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
__________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
252 – Are you following Jesus for the wrong reason?
Hey, it happens sometimes. Once in a while we get our priorities mixed up and our motives for following Jesus can get a little selfish.
You just want a blessing or a healing or a new job or whatever. Is that so bad? Well, there's nothing wrong with any of those things, but following Jesus just to get something is a bit self-focused.
The real reason to follow Jesus is because he's the Messiah, the Son of God. He gives us eternal life. He shows us our relationship with God.
This week's episode is a deep dive into Chapter 6 of the Gospel of John. We talk about
- Why so many people followed Jesus at one point
- What Jesus said that confused them about following him
- What Jesus said it really involves to follow him
- Why so many people quit following Jesus
- Why the 12 disciples continued to follow him
- What you and I need to do to follow Jesus
Following Jesus for the right reason
Take an honest look at the reason you follow or want to follow Jesus? Is it just to get outward blessings, or is it to find God and His kingdom and experience your relationship with the Father through His Son, Jesus?
Jesus does expect a lot of us when we are his followers. But he never asks or expects anything of us that we’re not already capable of doing.
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible verses mentioned this week: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/252
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the Show.
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
251 – Are you sharing your faith in unusual ways?
Have you ever been hesitant sharing your faith with someone who you thought probably wasn’t receptive or that you really didn’t even want to talk to?
What would you do if God told you to go directly to that person and tell them about Jesus and the difference he had made in your life?
Would you just automatically go at God’s command or would you try to explain to God why it might not be such a good idea?
Peter and Cornelius
This is sort of what happened to Peter when the Holy Spirit told him to go with three strangers to meet Cornelius the Roman Centurion.
This week's episode explores
- Sharing your faith in unexpected ways
- Having visions that don't make any sense until later
- God asking us to let go of some traditionalized practices
- Trusting God to prepare the way
- How to overcome resistance to sharing your faith with people who are different
Have you ever felt God calling you to share your faith in an unexpected way, with someone you would never have chosen to talk to? Do you ever feel you wouldn’t be able to do what Peter did? Or do you prayerfully yearn for such an opportunity? Maybe you don’t feel qualified or worthy to do something similar.
Never underestimate how God will use you and the good you will do when you have this desire in your heart. Then you’ll see yourself in this verse from Isaiah,
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 NIV
Show notes
Full transcript and Bible verses in this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/251
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the Show.
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
250 – How often do you have a conversation with someone who has a different faith than you do?
I know some Christians who won't talk to anyone except people they agree with 100%. They live in a "safe" little bubble.
But over the years, I have learned so much from people in other faiths. In fact, it always ends up strengthening my own faith when I talk to someone I don't agree with on everything.
That's what this week's podcast is all about.
And to make things interesting, my guest, Joshua Tapp, interviews me for this milestone episode, Episode 250.
We talk about what it means to
- Forgive when someone really hurt you.
- Be a true follower of Jesus (spoiler alert: it may not be what you're thinking)
- Put your faith into action instead of just believing what someone tells you
- Be saved by grace and how to live that grace in your daily life
- And, how to get out of a spiritual funk
In asking about why my faith is important to me, Josh uncovers one of the most pivotal moments in my faith journey.
Listen now and let me know what you think.
Contact info
Check out Josh's podcast, The Lucky Titan
To contact Josh, text him at 208-206-4652
Show notes
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/250
Thank you for helping The Bible Speaks to You reach this milestone of 250 episodes.
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the Show.
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
249 – What do you base your self-worth on?
Have you ever met someone who seemed to be full of confidence , but when you got to know them, you realized they based their self-worth on things like how much money they have, where they went to school, what job they have, or where they're from? Or maybe how good looking they are or how many followers they have on Social Media?
Unfortunately, when you define your worth based on these external factors, you'll never find your true self worth. In fact, this approach actually prevents you from seeing real spiritual self-worth as a child of God.
All these external things can be lost or taken away. But the fact you are God's child can never change.
In this week's episode, I talk about various folks in the Bible who didn't always have a good sense of self-worth. Sometimes they were worthy and didn't feel it. Sometimes they were basing their self-worth on the wrong things but didn't know it.
- Jacob didn't feel worthy of all the blessings God had bestowed, partly because he had cheated his brother out of his birthright and blessing. And he was very sly in caring for Laban's flocks, choosing the best for himself.
- Moses didn't think he was up for the task of talking to Pharaoh and bringing the children of Israel out of Egypt
- Hannah didn't feel worthy because she didn't have any children
- Nebuchadnezzar felt very worthy because he had built the kingdom of Babylon. But God took it all away. He had to find self-worth in glorifying God
- John the Baptist didn't feel worthy to unlatch Jesus's sandals
- The Centurion didn't feel worthy to have Jesus come into his house
Why is it so often the case that the ones who think they are not worthy – like Moses, Hannah, John the Baptist, and the Centurion – are actually very worthy?
How does this apply to you?
Listen now to discover how you can find what's keeping you from discovering your true self-worth.
Previous episode mentioned:
153 Where Does Your Self-Worth Come From?
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/249
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the Show.
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
248 – Have you ever heard someone talk about Jesus in a way that just didn’t quite fit with what was in the Bible?
Or maybe you read a book or saw a movie or a play about Jesus that either fell short of capturing the true essence of Jesus or it kind of stretched the truth and over-exaggerated things?
Recently in Season 4 of "The Chosen,"there was a scene where Jesus made no effort to heal Ramah, when Thomas asked him to and openly confessed his faith that Jesus could heal her.
And back in Season 3, Jesus explains to Little James, one of the twelve disciples, why he wasn't going to heal him.
This is not the Jesus I believe in.
There's nothing in the Bible that describes Jesus ever acting this way.
Now, don't get me wrong. I love The Chosen. I've been deeply inspired by the show, but when it depicts Jesus in a way that's inconsistent with what the Bible reveals about Jesus, I have a hard time swallowing the story line.
That's what this week's episode is all about:
- Is God sometimes willing to heal but not other times?
- Is God always able to heal or not?
- Was Jesus unable or unwilling to heal on some occasions?
- How does it affect the way you pray if you believe God might choose not to heal you or cannot heal you?
No matter what others say about who Jesus is or what he does, always come back to the Bible to find him. Don’t take The Chosen’s version of Jesus. Don’t accept a preacher’s version of Jesus. Don’t take the Church’s traditionalized view of Jesus without coming back to the Bible.
When you do find Jesus in the Bible, you will find the Jesus you can follow and believe in.
Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 29: Is It Ever God’s Will You Are NOT Healed When You Pray?
Show notes:
To read a full transcript and the Bible quotes in this episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/248
Text me your questions or comments.
Support the Show.
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
247 – Have you ever felt like some folks are preaching man-made doctrines without even realizing it?
Have you ever felt intimidated by people insisting their doctrines are correct? And then someone with a different doctrine insists they are right and the other person is wrong?
How do we tell if a doctrine is man-made or a God-ordained truth?
This week's episode jumps into this and give some basic tools you can use to help determine if a doctrine is man-made or not.
We talk about:
- What does it mean to be a Christian?
- Is being a Christian based on doctrine or deeds?
- Jesus's litmus test for what it means to be a true Christian
- Lots of Christians believe things that don't really agree with what Jesus said
- The one most important quality to have in your heart when thinking about whether you believe man-made doctrines or God's truth
I encourage you to take an honest look at your beliefs. Are they in line with what Jesus said and did? Do they express the love he lived?
The best way to find out is to pay careful attention to everything Jesus said and did and follow his example and obey his teachings. Do this until it’s totally natural to love your enemies and forgive those who have wronged you, among other things.
Then look through this practice and obedience to Jesus as a lens to evaluate your doctrines.
Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 224 – Why Should I Believe in the Nicene Creed?
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible verses mentioned: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/247
Support the Show.
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
246 – Is your faith based on what someone told you you're supposed to believe or on your relationship with God?
I've talked to several people lately who have recently realized they believe what they were taught without questioning it. They never really made their faith their own.
They have finally given themselves permission to ask questions, read the Bible for themselves, and focus on their relationship with God, instead of just believing and doing what other people tell them they should.
This week's episode is about making your faith your own. Jesus's disciples had to learn this same lesson. It wasn't enough to just repeat Jesus's words. They had to practice what he taught them.
How to make your faith your own:
- Get spiritually curious and ask questions
- Spend some time alone with God and ask questions
- Read the Bible for yourself
- Start with what resonates with you, like loving your neighbor as yourself
- Always ask God to direct the next steps you need to take
- Keep a record of how God has worked in your life
- Don't be surprised if you find yourself surrendering to God to guide your life
- Be an active part of a community of like-minded believers
The best way to make your faith your own is to practice the basic teachings of Jesus and see where that leads you.
If you just repeat what someone else says, or even the words of Jesus, without putting them into practice, it's like buying seeds and not planting them.
When you practice your faith, it will grow, just as seeds grow when they're planted.
Trust the process.
Show notes:
Full transcript of this episode and Bible references--thebiblespeakstoyou.com/246
Support the Show.
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
245 – What do you do when people or circumstances rob you of your joy?
Have you ever been on top of the world and full of joy when something terrible happens, your joy vanishes, and you feel like you're sinking into a pit of quicksand?
Is there a way to hold onto your joy when a challenging situation comes up?
That's what this week's episode is all about.
The Bible talks a lot about joy. But it's not the fleeting happiness that is like a weather vane, which shifts depending on which way the emotional winds are blowing.
True joy goes deeper than that:
- Joy comes from within because of who we are as children of God
- Joy is a result of knowing our relationship with God
- True joy comes from being in God's presence
- It comes from understanding your place in the kingdom of heaven
- When you've lost your joy, the remedy is gratitude
The more you feel your deep spiritual connection with God, the less you’ll be influenced when terrible things happen or you get bad news.
Jesus says nothing can take away your true joy, your connection with God. (John 16:22)
There may be times when it feels like circumstances have robbed you of your joy. But your joy is actually still there, still part of who you are as a child of God.
Are you ready to discover your true spiritual joy? Listen now.
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible verses--thebiblespeakstoyou.com/245
Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 111 : What Was Jesus Thankful for?
Support the Show.
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
244 – Do you want to be a more effective dad, or know someone who does?
This week I talk with Jared Haley and Chris Wilson about what it means to be a good dad, to nurture your kids and support their spiritual growth.
Jared and Chris are both passionate about being good dads, spending quality time with their families, and guiding their kids spiritually as they grow up. But most important of all, loving and respecting them under all circumstances.
We talked about all kind of dad things. I asked each of them:
- What's your favorite thing about being a dad?
- Who is your favorite father figure in the Bible?
- How do you help your kids hold onto their innocence and creativity?
- What's your biggest challenge being a dad?
- How do you guide your kids with healthy boundaries without stirring up resentment?
- How do you quit repeating the patterns of temper or anger that you learned from your own parents?
- What if we treated our children the way we would treat Jesus?
And of course, I asked my famous three last questions.
- If you could talk to any Bible character other than Jesus, who would it be and what would you ask them?
- Is there any Bible character you especially identify with?
- This podcast is about getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus. How would you describe Jesus’s original message of how he wanted us to live our lives?
Listen now to hear the answers to these questions.
Show notes:
To download a pdf transcript and to see all Bible quotes, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/244.
Support the Show.
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
243 – What's the best way to experience spiritual restoration?
Have you ever felt like you needed some spiritual restoration in your life? I sure have.
The key word here is "restoration." It means that God is restoring us to the original condition of how He made us in His image and likeness.
It's kind of like someone cleaning an old oil painting, removing all the dirt and varnish from so you can see the original intention of the artist in the original colors. Check out the video below.
Spiritual restoration
God removes from our hearts and minds everything that is not in keeping with His original intention for us: past hurts and fears, sins we’ve committed and bad choices we’ve made, pride or self-depreciation, to name a few.
The secret of spiritual restoration is the simple fact that God originally created you in all glory, beauty, purity, and wholeness. Whatever has covered that up is not part of God’s original intention for you, any more than layers of dirt on a painting are part of an artist’s original intention for a piece of art.
It's not that is not that God transforms you from a sinner into a saint. He removes the sin, the hurts, the fears, whatever it is that’s covered up God’s original creation, because these things are not part of the original way God created you.
Resources mentioned:
Episode 227: God Still Loves You
YouTube video of painting being restored
Show notes:
Transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/243
Support the Show.
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
242 – What is your priority at church, getting new members or taking care of the sheep you have?
I used to think my church should focus only on reaching out to the community, sharing the gospel, and getting more people to come to church.
But over the years I've realized it's equally important to nurture and care for the members we already have.
This week's podcast episode talks about the difference between the Great Commission and, what I call, the Great Shepherding of the flock.
- Jesus knew his followers would need to be cared for and fed spiritually
- He commissioned Peter (and all of us) to feed and care for all his lambs and sheep
- If you just focus on getting new members and don't "feed" them, they'll leave sooner or later
- If you only focus on taking care of your church members, you're missing out on the joy of sharing your faith with others.
Sharing your faith with others and caring for the sheep are both very important but they should not be mixed up. Each one has its place and each works together to enrich the other.
I encourage you to take an honest look at the way you as an individual, and your church (if you’re a member of one) fulfill or don’t fulfill the Great Commission and the Great Shepherding, sharing your faith and feeding the sheep of Jesus.
How can you get closer to the way Jesus preached and fed his sheep?
Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 155: Aramaic in the New Testament with Roy Gessford
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/242
Support the Show.
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
241 – Why should you read the Gospel of Thomas?Well, do you want to be closer to Christ? Then the Gospel of Thomas is for you.
But you have to learn how to decode it. That's where Kieth Giles comes in. His book helps find the deeper meaning: The Quantum Sayings of Jesus: Decoding the Lost Gospel of Thomas This week I talk with Keith Giles* about the Gospel of Thomas. Keith explains why this ancient text is really important and how it helps us get a really deep insight into how to follow Jesus.
We dig into all the questions you have about the Gospel of Thomas:
- How do we have this ancient text?
- What did church politics have to do with the disappearance of The Gospel of Thomas?
- When and where was it discovered and how was it found?
- Why wasn't it included in the Bible?
- How does it help us follow Jesus better?
- Is it really written by Thomas?
- What is the secret to understanding the Gospel of Thomas?
- Should Christians be wary of the Gospel of Thomas? Is it dangerous to read?
- What is the main message of the Gospel of Thomas?
- Why is it so relevant today?
Keith was on The Bible Speaks to You Podcast on a previous episode:
Episode 76: Keith Giles and the Atonement of Christ
Other resources mentioned:
Book by Elaine Pagels: Beyond Belief–The Secret Gospel of Thomas
Book by William Duffy: The Hidden Gospel of Thomas: Commentaries on the Non-Dual Sayings of Jesus
Blog: KeithGiles.com
Quoir Publishing Company: quoir.com
Happy Heretic Podcast
Second Cup with Keith Podcast
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible references: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/241
* Amazon affiliate link
Support the Show.
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
240 – If Jesus was here today, would he get involved in politics?
Do you think he would be a member of your political party? Would he take sides at all? Or would he take a different approach to solving the problems people are facing today?
How would Jesus bring healing to the political divisions in today’s society? Would he go to Washington, D.C. and make a speech in congress? Would he meet with opposing political opponents and try to get them to agree on things? Or would he hold a political rally and campaign for one candidate over another?
I don’t think so.
In this week's episode:
- The difference between your perspective and God's perspective
- Trying to solve the problem on same level of the problem never works
- If you want to heal like Jesus, you have to act, pray, and love like Jesus
- To do that, you have to think like Jesus
- What does the kingdom of heaven have to do with politics?
Jesus never got involved in the politics of his times. He never made it a priority to resolve the conflicts with the government of Rome, with its intrigues and powerful personalities. He never tried to resolve the disputes between the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Zealots, and the Essenes.
As we get closer and closer to the election this fall in the United States, and as you see the political scene do whatever the political scene will do, don’t be impressed or get absorbed in what’s going on. Don’t be alarmed or fearful. Don’t believe everything you hear. Don’t judge any situation by the outward appearance of things pro or con.
If you really want to bring healing to the political scene, start with yourself, surrender your personal opinions and perspectives and see everyone and everything from the perspective of what is true in heaven right now. This will bring healing to you, to others, and that can and will, in turn, bring healing on a larger scale, even to the political arena.
Show notes:
Read the full transcript and all Bible citations: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/240
Support the Show.
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
239 – Have you ever felt far away from God?
Maybe you've made some huge mistakes, or someone had done something that harmed you. But no matter what has happened in your life, God is always with you, even if you're not aware of it.
This week's episode digs deep into this idea that God is always with us, no matter what.
Highlights this week:
- Psalm 139: Wherever you go, God is there
- My parents story of losing their business, but feeling God's presence with them during the challenges
- Romans 8:38, 39: Nothing can separate you from God's love
- Modern day challenges and situations that cannot separate you from God's love
But whatever the situation is, even if it is a direct attempt to keep God out of things, it doesn’t mean God went away. No person, policy, or procedure has the power to make God disappear. Nothing can separate you from God. Nothing can separate God from you.
Under every circumstance, God is with us. Whatever tempts you to think you are separated from God, you cannot be deceived to believe that lie. God is always with you, no matter what.
Previous episodes mentioned:
Episode 126 – You Can Never Be Separated from God
Episode 238 – Everything Jesus Did Proves How Much God Loves You
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/239
Support the Show.
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
238 – Have you ever wondered if there's a way to really know God loves you?
Does God's love ever seem far away? Or maybe you know theoretically that God loves you, but you just don't feel it?
Maybe you've made bad life choices that makes it hard to imagine God still loves you.
When I'm discouraged, it's been really helpful to remember that God sent Jesus because He loves us so much, all of us.
Jesus's whole life, everything he said and did, is an example of how God loves you and me, not just the people he talked to and healed 2,000 years ago.
In this week's episode I share some examples of how Jesus's life, and how he treated someone with love, is actually proof that God loves us just as much as He loves the people in Jesus's time.
- Jesus chose a tax collector, Matthew, to be one of his disciples, even though Matthew was considered a sinner by the Jewish leaders
- Jesus healed the daughter of a Syrophoenician woman, whom Jews wouldn't normally even talk to
In both these cases, Jesus loved these people because he could see God loving them, even though society had rejected them to some degree.
The ultimate "proof" in Jesus's life that God's love us is the crucifixion. Jesus won the victory over death, not just for himself but for you and me as well.
Nothing you do can ever make God stop loving you. Jesus proved this. No matter how terrible someone's life choices or circumstances were, Jesus treated them with compassion, love, and healing.
That gives us hope that God loves us, no matter what life mistakes we may have made.
Jesus wants us to love each other the way he loved his disciples. And you can do this.
Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 165: How Did Jesus Love His Disciples?
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible verses mentioned: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/238
Support the Show.
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
237 – Is it possible to find healing from the effects of trauma and abuse?
Have you or someone you know been in an abusive or traumatic situation or relationship? This episode is for you.
Marina Carrier shares how she overcame the residual effects of being an unwanted child and sexual abuse at the age of nine.
It was only through the power of the Holy Spirit, which brought her back to the church and the study of the Bible, which started her journey of healing.
Some important steps along the way were
- The Prayer of Jabez to enlarge her territories
- Learning French
- Writing in her journal
- Listening to God and to herself
- Bringing her well-hidden pain out where she could acknowledge it and give it to God
Marina talks about how important it is to have a working relationship with God, but points out there's a difference between head-knowledge and heart-knowledge of God.
She loves when John the Baptist sends his disciples to ask Jesus if he is the Messiah. She can relate to what it's like to be in prison full of doubts. Her solution is always to keep turning to God and listening for His voice.
Don't close the door on God, on others, or yourself.
And if you haven't experienced abuse and trauma in your life, remember that those who have need your love and compassion. Don't try to fix them. Don't give them platitudes or quote Bible verses to them. Just love them. Just listen with your heart.
Contact info for Marina Carrier:
FacebookYouTubewww.overcoming.live
Show notes:Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/237
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
236 – If the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to your church, what would he say?
First, imagine if you had lived back in the days of the early Christian Church. Paul may have come to your church to preach.
And you may have received a letter from him later with some helpful ideas, prayers, and reminders of what he told you when he was there.
Of course, he might also rebuke you for a couple of things your church was doing that wasn't faithful to Christ.
Now, think of your church today.
What would Paul say to your church?
In this week's episode, I create an imaginary church in Franklin, Tennessee in the United States. I talk about some of it's strengths and some of its challenges, in particular, a couple of members who are real sticklers for the letter of the law. Legalism is keeping this church from growing.
I write a letter to this church, in the style of Paul, just to give an idea of what he might have said.
All this is to get you to think about what Paul would have said to your church.
Do you want your church to grow?
Here's a prayer project for you and your whole church. Please choose one of Paul's letters to a church and read it as if he had written it to your church. What can you learn about how to follow Jesus collectively as a church from this?
Please contact me to let me know what you discover in this process.
Show notes:
For a full transcript of this episode and all Bible quotes referred to, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/236.
Previous episode mentioned:
235: How to Be Filled with the Fullness of God
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
235 – What does it even mean to be filled with God's fullness?
In his letter to the Ephesians, at the end of Chapter 3, Paul prays that the church members would know the love of Christ and be filled with all the fullness of God.
But is that even possible?
Most Christians I talk to think that's the sort of thing that happens after they die and go to heaven. But Paul is praying for the Ephesians to experience here on earth.
In this week's episode, I talk about Paul's prayer (there's a lot more in there that applies to you and me as well). Fortunately Paul gives some really helpful guidance in chapters 4, 5, and 6, which helps prepare us to be able to receive the fullness of God.
You know this passage, (Ephesians 4:22-24) but think about it as a roadmap to experiencing the love of Christ and the fullness of God.
- Put off your old sinful nature, which is corrupt and deceitful
- Be renewed by the Spirit in your mind
- Put on your new self, created to be like God, truly righteous and holy
How do we put off our sinful nature?
Paul makes it sound so simple. In this episode I share two key points that will help you let go of the sin mindset and embrace the mindset of holiness and righteousness.
Your sin does not define you
A previous episode mentioned this week has some great insights on how to get rid of your sinful nature, change your mindset, and accept your true identity as a child of God. Check out Episode 144: Finding Your Identity in the Bible with Keith Ferrin.
Show notes
For a full transcript and all Bible verses mentioned in this episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/235
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
234 – Do you have a hard time forgiving yourself?
Right. Join the club. It's not easy to forgive yourself. But it's something we need to do. And we can.
This week I look at several Bible characters who, in one way or another, had to come to terms with the mistakes they made and their sins.
The Bible doesn't tell us what these folks were thinking and if they ever forgave themselves or if it was enough just to feel God's forgiveness.
Here are the people I talk about this week. Do you think they ever forgave themselves? If you had done what they did, would you be able to forgive yourself?
- Samson: Did he forgive himself for being deceived by Delilah?
- King David: Did he ever regret the choices he made with Bathsheba and Uriah?
- Peter: Did he ever forgive himself for denying Jesus three times?
- Paul: Did he forgive himself for persecuting Christians before he converted?
When you have a hard time forgiving yourself, what may be going on is that you haven’t felt worthy of, accepted, or experienced God’s forgiveness of your sin, perhaps because there’s someone you need to forgive.
When you forgive, you’ll be able to accept and experience God’s forgiveness. When God has washed away your sins, even the tiniest mistake, there is nothing left to forgive, no longer a need to forgive yourself.
Wherever you are on the path of forgiveness, whether of someone else or yourself, take a moment right now to take a humble look at any situation where you need to forgive someone else or yourself.
And then…forgive.
Previous episodes on forgiveness
Episode 18: Forgiving 70 x 7: How I Forgave My 8th Grade Gym Teacher
Episode 97: Mark Sowersby - Forgiveness Brings Freedom
Show notes:
For full transcript and Bible references: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/234
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
233 – Where are you looking for Jesus?
A lot of people are looking for Jesus these days, the real Jesus.
Unfortunately, a lot of people have become disillusioned by the difference between what they’re discovering about Jesus in the Bible and the way their churches have followed, or rather not followed, Jesus.
This week's episode is about where to look for Jesus and where not look for him. The Bible gives some pretty good insights on this.
Where NOT to look for Jesus:
- Your preconceptions and opinions
- Someone else's opinions
- Theological debates and man-made doctrines
- Asleep at the back of a boat
- On the cross
- In the tomb
Where TO look for Jesus:
- The Bible
- Jesus's teachings
- Your obedience to Jesus's teachings
- The way you help and heal people in need
- In heaven at the right hand of God
But your motives in looking for Jesus are just as important as where you look for him.
Take a moment and ask yourself:
- Where are you trying to find Christ?
- And just as important: Why are you looking for Christ in the first place?
- Is it for the loaves and fish?
- Is it to be healed?
- Is it because you are hungry and thirsty for righteousness?
The only real place to look for and find Jesus, the real Jesus, is in his pure spiritual dwelling place in heaven, the realm of God, the realm of Spirit.
The best way to find Jesus is to close your material eyes and open your spiritual eyes.
You will find Jesus when you look through the honest and sincere lens of your own heart: every time you follow and obey his teachings, every time you search for him in Scripture, every time you help others and heal in his name.
When you do these things, you can say with Stephen, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56 NIV)Show notes:
Full transcript of the episode and all Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/233
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
232 – Is anything keeping you from doing what God has called you to do?
Do you have a strong sense of purpose in your life but it seems things keep getting in the way of you doing what God has called you to do?
Or maybe you're still waiting to see what God wants you to do with your life.
Sometimes, even when we know what God's will is for our lives, we haven't really pursued it because somehow we're waiting to get permission and approval from someone else.
This week's episode is all about not waiting for someone to give you permission to do what God has called you to do.
There are lots of people in the Bible who didn't wait for someone else to give them the green light before they jumped in and did what God wanted them to. Here are the folks I talk about this week:
- David: didn't ask permission to fight Goliath. He just did it
- Jesus: didn't ask permission to preach, teach, heal, and forgive people
- Jesus: didn't ask permission to say everything he wanted in the Sermon on the Mount
- The Disciples: didn't get permission to speak in tongues on the day of Pentecost
- Peter: didn't get permission to preach to the crowd on the day of Pentecost
- Paul: did ask permission to speak to an angry crowd, but didn't ask permission for what to say
- There are a few exceptions - listen to this episode to find out what they are
The bottom line is: when God calls you to do or say something, you don't need anyone's permission or approval.
Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 19: How to Discover Your Spiritual Purpose in Life
Show notes:
For a full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/232
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
231 – Do you notice when God is trying to get your attention?
God talks to us in lots of ways. But how often do we notice?
Take a minute to think of all the ways God tries to get your attention.
Sometimes it might be because you're doing something you shouldn't. Sometimes it's because you're not doing something you should.
And sometimes it's because your doing exactly what God wants you to do and He's confirming that you're right where you need to be.
In this week's episode, I talk about how God got the attention of several Bible characters. And it wasn't always rainbows and butterflies. And how God used others to get their attention
- Moses and the burning bush, but more importantly it's how God talked to him
- Jonah: God had to get his attention lots of times (does that ever happen to you?)
- The Israelites often didn't pay attention to how God tried to get their attention through the prophets. Guess what happened to them!
- John the Baptist got people's attention and pointed to Jesus
- Jesus really got people's attention and pointed them back to God, not just because of all the people he healed, but especially because of the crucifixion and resurrection
How does all this apply to you and me?
God is always trying to get your attention. Why? Because He loves you and He wants the very best for you.
Please take some time to look back on your life and ponder all the ways God has spoken to you, protected you, directed you, rebuked you, provided for you, healed you.
Every time these things happen, even if you don’t realize God is there doing it, God is calling out to you, saying, “I see you. Do you see Me? Look for Me everywhere in your life. Trust Me. Love Me. Lean on Me. Ask Me for what you need. I am here for you. Pay attention to Me and all the love I have for you."
How is God getting your attention today? Then... what will you do next?
Show notes:
Full transcript of Episode 231 and Bible verses
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
230 – Has God ever asked you to dance with Him?
What does that even mean?
When God asks you to dance, it's a metaphor for God asking you to participate in life and follow where He leads.
Have you ever danced with someone who didn't know how to lead, or follow, depending on which role you were in? It can be confusing, awkward, and sometimes get pretty messy.
Things can get pretty confusing and messy when God asks us to dance with Him and we don't follow His lead, especially if we try to lead.
That's what this episode is all about. When God asks you to dance with him, do you
- Accept and follow every lead
- Accept and follow Him sometimes
- Accept and try to lead Him
- Decline the invitation to dance
In this Dance we call Life, I encourage you to accept the invitation to be God’s dance partner.
Let Him lead you to the dance floor, and embrace you. Look into His eyes and see His love for you. Follow His lead.
Pay attention to and learn the language of the many ways He directs you and shows you what steps to take. You don’t have to have everything figured out all the time.
You can trust God to lead you every time He asks you to dance.
Show notes:
For full transcript and Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/230.
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
229 – How often do you hear: "The blood of Jesus saves you from your sins," or something to that effect?
The more I have pondered and prayed about all the Bible has to say about God's forgiveness of sins, Jesus's crucifixion, and more specifically, the blood of Jesus, I've come to the conclusion that there's more to forgiveness than just the fact that Jesus's blood was shed.
Spoiler Alert:
This may sound a little controversial at first, but when you listen to this episode, you'll understand what I'm talking about.
What really got me to thinking is something Paul says in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 15, about the crucifixion, the resurrection, forgiveness of sins, and our faith.
Too many Christians pass over this crucial passage of Scripture and miss the bigger picture of what Paul is saying about salvation and forgiveness.
That's what this episode is all about,
- Getting a bigger picture of how and why our sins are forgiven
- The blood of Jesus and why it's not just about the literal blood that flowed through his veins 2,000 years ago
- The deeper spiritual meaning of what the blood of Jesus represents
- Why the crucifixion of Jesus, along with his blood, are not enough to free us from sin
Let me know your thoughts on this topic. I'd love to hear your thoughts, even if you disagree.
Show notes:
For a full transcript and Bible quotes: go to Episode 229
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
228 – Did you ever realize how many women leaders there are in the New Testament?
More than you probably realized. There are some I didn't even realize were women? Why haven't we been told about these amazing women who risked their lives to share the Gospel in the early Christian Church?
This week I talk with Dr. Nijay Gupta about these women leaders in the early Christian church and how they set examples for how women can have leadership roles in the church today. He has written a book called: Tell Her Story (see below for link).
Here are the women we talked about. How many of them have you heard of?
- Mary Magdalene
- Junia
- Joanna
- Susanna
- Phoebe
- Tryphena and Tryphosa
- Persis
- Rufus's mother
- Julia
- Nereus's sister
- Euodia and Syntyche
- Priscilla
Most of them we know very little about but Paul mentions them and commends many of them for their work in sharing the Gospel.
Nijay and I also talked about the so-called submission and women-be-silent verses, but he points out the cultural contexts of these verses, how they seem to contradict the fact that Paul commended women for preaching and promoting the Gospel elsewhere.
And Nijay makes it clear we get into serious trouble when we create a theology around just two or three verses.
Nijay Gupta's books:Tell Her Story: How Women Led, Taught, and Ministered in the Early Church.
A Beginner's Guide to New Testament Studies
Paul and the Language of Faith
Prepare, Succeed, Advance, Second Edition: A Guidebook for Getting a PhD in Biblical Studies and Beyond
New: Strange Religion: How the First Christians Were Weird, Dangerous, and Compelling
All books by Nijay Gupta
Podcast: Slow Theology
Blog: Crux Sola
Show notes:
For a full transcript and more detailed show notes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/228.
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
227 – Have you ever wondered if God still loves you?
All too often we think of all the mistakes we've made or the things that have happened to us, and somehow decide God must not love us anymore, that we're not worthy of His love.
But no matter what you've done ( or not done that you should have), no matter what mistakes you've made, big or small, God still loves you. It's as simple as that.
Why do we make it so complicated?
In this week's episode, I share some of my personal journey to actually accepting and believing that God really does love me. I'm curious if you have gone through a similar process.
Here are some of the points along the way to accepting the fact that God still loves you.
- Sometimes it begins with intellectually knowing that God loves you, even though you don't feel you deserve it
- Getting over the belief that God loves you only when you do something right
- Realizing that God sent Jesus to earth because He loves everyone – Gasp! that includes you
- If you had been with Jesus as one of his followers or asking him to heal you, he would have loved you just as he loved all the folks he ministered to
- If Jesus loves you, it's because he could see God love you (see John 5:19)
- Talking to God and asking why He loves you
- Listening to what God says
- Believing what God says
A conversation with God:
I also share a little conversation I had with God several years ago that helped me accept God's love for me.
God still loves you. He will never give up on you. No matter who you are, where you’re from, what you’ve done, what you haven’t done, whatever your circumstances are, God still loves you. He will do whatever it takes for you to accept and experience His love.
For a full transcript of this episode and Bible verses quoted, check out the show notes at: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/227
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
226 – What does it mean to be more than a conqueror through Christ?
With all the challenges in the world and in your own personal life, does it ever seem like there's just no end to the chaos?
In Chapter 8 of Romans, Paul lists a host of challenges that describes what a lot of people are dealing with today. But he also promises us that we can find answers, solutions, and healing through Christ.
In this week's episode, I talk about what it means to be more than just a conqueror:
- We can never be separated from God's love
- Once you have a victory over a problem, you're more than just a former slave to the problem
- You're more than just someone who had overcome a problem
- After you conquer a problem, you begin to discover you identity as a child of God
You are more than a conqueror. You are the beloved child of God and co-heir with Christ. This is your spiritual identity.
Give yourself permission to be what God has created you to be. It’s actually who you already are. You have inherited all the love and blessings God can give.
You have inherited His kingdom, with and through Christ. Accept your spiritual inheritance, right now, as an heir of God, and live your life from that perspective.
Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 61: Your Name Is Written in Heaven
Show notes:
Full transcript and all Bible verses mentioned: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/226
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
**225 – If you could ask Jesus a favor, what would it be?
If you had met Jesus 2,000 years ago** while as he was traveling around healing and ministering to people, what would you ask him for? A healing? Deliverance from a problem? The answer to a burning question in your heart?
Lots of people came up to Jesus to ask him for all sorts of things. Sometimes he granted their requests and sometimes he didn't.
There's so much to learn from these folks who approached Jesus with a request.
In this week's episode I talk about why Jesus answered some requests and why he didn't answer others. Here's who is in the show:
- Jairus
- Various religious leaders asking about how to obtain eternal life
- A man who wanted Jesus to get his brother to share the inheritance
- More religious leaders who wanted Jesus to show them a miraculous sign
- People who weren't sure if Jesus was the Messiah
- James and John, who wanted to sit next to him in heavenly glory
- A disciple who asked Jesus how to pray
- Philip, who wanted Jesus to show God to him
The crux of the matter: what you want or what God wants
If you could talk to Jesus, would you ask for something you want really bad? Or would you ask him to show you what God's will is for you?
And how on earth do you figure out what God's is will for you? There are some helpful ideas to get you started, plus a previous episode I recommend (see below for link).
Who should you pray to, Jesus or the Father? Listen to find out...
Episodes mentioned:
Episode 79: How Do You Know if Something is God’s Will ?
Episode 121: Praying in the Name of Christ
Please rate and leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Thanks!
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
224 – Do you have to believe in the Nicene Creed to be a true Christian?
This is a pretty heavy duty topic. And people have been arguing over this for about 1,700 years. So this is not the final answer or discussion on the topic.
But is incredibly important to think about what it means to be a Christian. Is it based on what you believe or how you put into practice the teachings of Jesus?
Or is it a combination of the two?
This week, I share my thoughts on the Nicene Creed and some of the problems I have with it. And as always, you are free to disagree with me. And I'd love to hear your perspective, whether you agree or not with what I say. I'm always open to another perspective. We have so much to learn from each other.
Here are the two main reasons I cannot adhere to the Nicene Creed.
- The way Athanasius and others who supported the Creed were ruthless and vindictive toward those who disagreed with them. They did not act in a Christ-like way
- There is nothing in the Creed that talks about obeying God, following Jesus, loving your neighbor, being humble and loving.
Jesus says we are to judge a tree by its fruit. The "fruit" of those who supported the Nicene Creed, as well as the fruit of those who opposed it, prove to me they didn't really believe in the Jesus of the Bible. Otherwise they would have followed Jesus's approach and done the mighty works of healing he did.
If you believe in the Nicene Creed, I totally respect your choice to do so. But I think it's important to know the history of how this Creed came down through history. And be aware of what it does not include.
For me, my approach to having a creed is simple: I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that God is good and made us in His image and likeness. And I add to that my commitment to seek and do God's will, follow Christ the best I can, love my neighbor as myself, and be guided by the Holy Spirit.
And I invite you to join me.
Book referred to:
When Jesus Became God: The Struggle to Define Christianity During the Last Days of Rome by Richard E. Rubenstein. *
Previous episode mentioned:
223 The Bible as a Verb with Polly Castor
Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/224
- Amazon affiliate link
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
223 – Have you ever thought of the Bible as a verb?
All too often we think of the Bible as a source for our beliefs, our theology, and our faith. But have you ever looked at the Bible through the lens of the action items that need to be on our daily to-do list?
This week, I talk to my wife, Polly Castor, about the Bible as resource for how we are to behave, what we are to do, not just what we're supposed to believe.
Polly shares LOTS of Bible action items, things we need to do, like:
- Obey the Commandments
- Let your light shine
- Love your neighbor as yourself
- Be reconciled to one another
- Edify one another
- Sing unto the Lord
- Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness
- AND so many more
Polly makes a practice during her Bible study to keep track of all the things the Bible instructs us to do.
She sees these action items as tools in her spiritual toolbox. When someone is demanding or really needs her attention, she practices patience.
If there's a misunderstanding with a friend or family member, she takes out the "be reconciled to each other" tool and works toward healing the situation.
You get the idea.
You'll love the practical wisdom and humor Polly brings to living the Bible in her daily life.
Polly Castor contact info:
Daily blog: pollycastor.com
Art website: pollycastorart.com
Instagram: @pollycastor
Email: pollycastor@gmail.com
Previous episodes mentioned:
Episode 53: How I Met My Wife
Episode 15: How to Stop Fighting Your Brother and Love Him Instead
Show notes:
For a full transcript of this episode and a list of all the Bible quotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/223.
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
222 – Have you ever tried to find yourself in the Bible?
So many people are trying to find themselves these days. They're looking in so many different directions, but they often overlook the spiritual aspect of who they are as a child of God.
The best place to discover your identity is in the Bible. In a couple of previous episodes, I talked specifically about this:
- Episode 37: You Are the Image and Likens of God. What the Heck Does that Mean?
- Episode 144: Finding Your Identity in the Bible with Keith Ferrin
This week I'm taking a different approach. I'm looking at various Bible characters to see what we can learn about ourselves from the way they dealt with the situations and the issues of their day.
Here are the Bible folks explored in this episode:
- Moses
- Gideon
- The 300 men Gideon chose to fight with him
- The thousands of men who were not chosen to fight
- King David
- Bathsheba
- Uriah
- Absalom
- Naaman
- Naaman's wife's servant girl
- Elisha
- Belshazzar’s wife (he was Nebuchadnezzar's son)
- Pilate's wife
- Jonah
- The king of Nineveh
- Zacharias and Elisabeth
- Joseph, Mary's future husband
- Jesus's disciples
- Saul, who becomes Paul
With each of these Bible characters, what can you see in them that helps you understand yourself? What lessons can you learn from them based on the situations they were in and how they responded?
If there’s someone in the Bible you especially identify with and relate to, let me know. I’d love to hear who it is and what you’ve discovered about who you are from someone in the Bible.
And more importantly, I'd love to know not just what you’ve learned about yourself, but what you’ve discerned that God has called you to do.
Show notes:Full transcript and Bible quotes
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
**221 – Have you ever been so preoccupied with what others are doing that you don't focus on following Christ?
Welcome to 2024!
A new year is a wonderful opportunity** to take stock of where you've been, where you are and where you're going.
Instead of a New Year's Resolution this year, I decided simply to quit comparing myself to what others are doing and just focus on following Christ.
Remember when Jesus said to Peter, "What is that to you? As for you, follow me." John 21:22
That's why in this week's episode I explain why my mantra for 2024 is "What is that to you? Just follow Christ."
I can't change what other people do or think. But I can change myself. The same is true for you.
I choose to follow Christ as a response to whatever happens this year:
- If someone does something better than me, I will follow Christ
- If someone does something worse than me, I will follow Christ
- If the candidates I vote for win or lose, I will follow Christ
- If people tell me I am right or wrong about the Bible or anything, I will follow Christ
- If there are still wars between countries, I will follow Christ
- Whatever happens this year, I will strive to follow Christ the best I can
I invite you to do the same.
This is possible. Paul says, "We have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:16 That means we can think and act like Jesus did.
Show notes:
For a full transcript and Bible verses in this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/221
Please join me this year in keeping your eyes on Christ, the Shepherd, and not comparing yourself to the other sheep.
_____________
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_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
220 – Highlights from The Bible Speaks to You Podcast in 2023
The end of the year is a good time to look back and see where you've come from.
It's a time to appreciate and be grateful for all the blessings from the previous 12 months. In these last few days of 2023, I've gone back to review some of the podcast episodes that, according to you, my listeners, were the most helpful.
This week's episode shares some of the highlights from these favorite episodes from 2023.
Here are the episodes which are highlighted. There's a 3-5 minute audio clip of each episode this week.
The Best of 2023
Episode 172: Living in the Holy Spirit
January 24, 2023
Episode 176: How much do you love the people who will be born 100 years from now?
February 21
Episode 177: You are on the pathway to healing
February 28
Episode 180: You are standing on holy ground
March 21
Episode 181: How to See Spiritually
March 28
Episode 189: How to Pray When You Feel Rejected
May 23
Episode 192: Jesus’s Recipe to Stop Worrying
June 13
Episode 193: Quietly surrendering to God
June 20
Episode 203: What if Jesus preached at your church?
August 29
Episode 216: Does God really love everyone? Christmas is the answer
November 28
Show notes:
For a transcript and Bible verses, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/220
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
219 – What are you expecting to get for Christmas this year?
Remember that sense of expectation you had as a kid at Christmastime? There was so much anticipation for what presents you'd get.
What if you could have that same sense of expectation for all that Christ is giving you this Christmas?
Have you ever stopped to think about all that Jesus has given us? In this week's episode I talk about some of the more obvious things Christ gives us, not just at Christmas, but all year long:
- Love, joy, peace
- A sense of God's glory
- An awareness of our relationship with God as His children
- Salvation and spiritual wholeness
- And so much more...
Right this moment Christ is pouring forth infinite, boundless, unlimited blessings, most important of which is a full salvation from the world’s evil, along with the awareness that we are the sons and daughters of God.
This is Christ’s gift to you.
How much of this gift will you accept, not just at Christmas, but all year long?
Previous episode mentioned
Episode 167: What Will You Give Jesus for Christmas?
Show notes:
Transcript and Bible verses: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/219
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
218 – Do you have a prodigal in your family?
This week I talk with Pam Fields, mother of nine, and grandmother of four, about how to pray when you have a prodigal child.
One of Pam's grown children has broken away from the family and renounced their faith.
Pam talks about the way she has prayed about this and how she has supported others who have had similar experiences.
Here are some of the points we covered:
- Acknowledge and deal with your emotions, such as guilt and shame
- A prodigal may leave not because of what you have done, but because they are rebelling against God
- Listen to your other children (if you have any) and be willing to listen and learn from them
- Each child has their own individual relationship with God
- You can trust God to be at work in the life of a prodigal
- If you don't have a prodigal, be of comfort to those who do. They are all around you but don't always talk about it.
- Payer is not limited by time, space, or geography
- Your prayers are more powerful than your words or physical presence
Pam says that having a prodigal does not disable your life. Step up and step into the calling that God has on your life.
Find a supportive community where you can feel support as well as support others.
_____
For a full transcript (pardon the typos): 218 Transcript.
Pam's previous appearance on The Bible Speaks to You Podcast
Episode 134: Moms in the Bible
Pam Field’s contact info:
• Website: TendingFields.net
• Facebook: Tending Fields page
• Facebook Tending Fields Moms Group
• Instagram: Tending Fields
Show notes with Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/218
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
217 – Have there been times in your life that gave you a deeper sense of what Christmas is all about?The Bible is full of these decisions people made and actions they took that create a chain of events that eventually lead to the birth of Jesus.
In this week's episode, I talk about a few of these pivotal moments that altered the course of Bible history and bring us to Bethlehem when Jesus is born.
Pivotal moments in the Bible that point us to that first Christmas:
- Caleb, of the tribe of Judah, was honest about what he saw when spying in Canaan
- King David's life as a whole helped pivot the people to expect a Messiah
- Ruth decided to go with Naomi back to Israel and marries Boaz
- The prophets continued to pivot the people away from the ways of the world toward the ways of God, preparing them for the coming Messiah
- Mary humbly accepted the message from Gabriel that she would be the mother of Christ
- Joseph accepted God's message through the angel that he should marry Mary
- The Wisemen obeyed the angel and returned to their homeland without telling King Herod where Jesus was
What if each of the people had made a different choice? Things would have been very different. God used each of these people to guide mankind to be ready for the birth of Jesus.
What does all this have to do with you and me?
It helps us see God’s hand in the chain of events that led up to Jesus’s birth.
But in addition to that, all these examples of important moments where things pivoted and took a new direction can actually be metaphors for how God works in our lives, preparing and leading us to the birth, or appearance, of Christ in our own lives. They show how God can give us a deeper, more spiritual awareness of what Christmas is all about.
As you’re getting ready for Christmas this year, or even if you’re listening to this in the middle of July, I encourage you to take some time to look back on things in your life that have given you a deeper sense of what Christmas is all about.
What have been the pivotal moments which have pointed you to the spirit of Christmas?
Show notes:
To read a full transcript of this episode and study the Bible quotes mentioned, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/217.
Previous episode mentioned:
Episode 53: How I Met My Wife
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
216 – Believe it or not, some people debate whether or not God really does love everyone.
And they can debate all they want. To me, the simple answer to this question is the fact that God sent Jesus to show and be the Way for us, to bring healing and salvation to us and the whole world.
The Bible verse that captures this all-inclusive love of God for all mankind, throughout all time is John 3:16
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.Here are some of the main themes in this week's episode:
- Since God loved the world so much and sent Jesus, the best way for us to prepare for Christmas is to love all mankind
- To get an idea of how God loves all His children, look at how Jesus loved people
- Jesus only did what he saw the Father do. That means he loved everyone because he saw God love everyone.
- But did Jesus love the Pharisees and those who opposed him? Yes
- Why did Jesus want us to love even our enemies?
- Why did Jesus love his enemies?
As you start thinking about Christmas, I encourage you to embrace in a deeper spiritual way than you ever have before, God’s love for all mankind. This prepares room in your heart to receive more of God’s love, more of Christ’s appearing. and it opens you up to express more of God’s love to those around you.
What would happen if you felt so powerfully God’s love for all His children, that everyone you came in contact with experienced God loving them?
**I can’t think of any better way to get ready for Christmas!
Previous episode mentioned:**Episode 115: Christmas Means Everyone Is Worthy of God’s Love
Show notes:
Read the full transcript of this episode and all the Bible verses mentioned. thebiblespeakstoyou.com/216.
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
215 – Does your heart overflow with gratitude?
I've been thinking of everything I'm grateful for. With all the tensions in the world, not to mention the challenges in my own life, I’ve found that expressing gratitude helps get me refocused on God and brings some peace of mind.
Gratitude helps clear the air so my heart can breathe more freely.
This week's episode takes a deep dive into some of the many ways people in the Bible express gratitude or encourage others to be grateful.
Old Testament:
- The "thank offering" or "sacrifice of thanksgiving" was one of the first ways the Children of Israel expressed their thanks to God
- When David brought the Arc of the Covenant back to Jerusalem, he appointed people to collectively praise and thank God
- When Solomon brought the Arc of the Covenant into the Temple for the first time, he also appointed a group of people to thank God collectively
- Jehoshaphat sent people out to sing thanks to God to meet the warring armies
- Ezra appointed people to collectively thank God when they laid the foundation on which the Temple would be rebuilt
- Nehemiah appointed two whole choirs to thank God in song on the newly built walls of Jerusalem
- Psalms is full of gratitude to God
- Don't forget Daniel and Jonah, who thanked God in tough situations
New Testament
- Anna thanked God for letting her see the Messiah
- Jesus gave thanks before he fed the 5,000 and 4,000 people
- Jesus gave thanks at the Last Supper, even though he knew he would be betrayed and crucified
- Paul thanked God for so many things
- The people he was writing to
- The fact that he got to serve Christ
- That Christ delivered people from their sins
- He encourages us to be grateful for everything in the name of Christ Jesus
And sometimes we just need to thank God for being God.
What are some ways you can be more grateful?
Mentioned in this episode:
Episode 213: How to Be Grateful in Every Situation
Episode 111: What Was Jesus Thankful for?
Show notes:
Read the full transcript and all the Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/215
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
214 – How are you surrendering to Christ today?
We live in challenging times with so many influences trying to pull us away from following Jesus.
But this is not new. It happened all the way back in Bible times.
This week, Jay Kim and I talk about what it means to surrender completely to Christ and how the book of Colossians gives us a roadmap.
Jay, the lead pastor at Westgate Church in Silicon Valley, California, has written a book about Paul's letter to the Colossians and how their challenges were very similar to ours today.
Here are just a few of the things we talked about:
- How a few guys at church never gave up on him, even though he left church
- How Jay got into the ministry
- What it really means to call Jesus Lord
- The solution to legalism and other church problems
- What a church pastor or leader should do when they are tempted or have sinned
- Why the Colossians were like us
- What we can learn from Paul's letter about overcoming our challenges
- How do we realize we're being influenced by the material world if we're not aware of it?
Above all, we talked about being more like Jesus and surrendering completely to Christ.
Jay's books (affiliate links):
• Analog Church: Why We Need Real People, Places, and Things in the Digital Age
• Analog Christian: Cultivating Contentment, Resilience, and Wisdom in the Digital Age
• Colossians Bible Study Guide: One Jesus, One People (40 Days Through the Book) plus Streaming Video
Jay's website:jaykimthinks.com
Show notes:
To read a full transcript of today's episode and study the Bible verses mentioned, go to the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/214.
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
213 – Is it really possible to be grateful in every situation?
When things are going well in life, it is pretty easy to be grateful.
But maybe you’re going through a season of your life right now where things aren’t going so well. Things aren’t working out.
Or whatever it might be. Sometimes it’s pretty hard to find anything to be grateful for.
So, where ever you are on the spectrum of how much or how little you think you have to be grateful for, I want to encourage you to just take a step back and let’s revisit what it really means to be grateful.
There are so many things to be grateful for. Here are just a few of them. Be grateful...
- Just because God is good and loves you
- When good things happen
- When you receive something
- When God delivers you from the mistakes you've made
- When God delivers you from the harm other people have caused you
- When God heals you
- When you are in the middle of a problem, thank God in advance for helping you
- When you don't have enough, thank God for what you do have
Do you have a gratitude practice?
- It could be a gratitude journal
- Finding three things to be grateful for before you get out of bed in the morning
- Sharing with a spouse, partner, or friend what you're grateful for
- Writing letters thanking people for how they have blessed you
- So much more
If we're supposed to be grateful for everything, does that mean we should be grateful for problems? The answer can be yes!
Sometimes, a problem makes us stop and turn to God for answers to the real issues we’re facing, which we might not have done if everything seemed to be okay in our lives.
As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I encourage you to look through the lens of gratitude, to embrace a mindset of thankfulness, that sees every person and situation as an opportunity to be grateful in one way or another.
For full transcript and Bible verses, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/213
Related:
Episode 111: What Was Jesus Thankful for?
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
212 – Do you want to pray more effectively?
I learned a really important lesson from Halloween several years ago about how to pray in a way I had never thought of.
When kids come to your door for Halloween, yelling "Trick or Treat," do you ever wonder if those are real witches or super heroes behind the masks?
Of course not. Even if you pretend to be scared, you know the kids are just wearing costumes. It's a game we play every Halloween and everyone knows the rules. You know the costume is not part of the kid and it's not who they really are.
When a sick person came to Jesus to be healed, Jesus knew something no one else knew. He saw something no one else saw.
To Jesus, sickness and disease was kind of like a scary costume. He knew it wasn't part of who someone was as a child of God. And he knew how to remove this "costume" or mask that tried to cover up a person's true identity as a child of God.
This week's episode goes into more detail and gives some examples of how Jesus healed people.
By the way, this idea that a problem is just a costume is just a metaphor. So take it in that spirit.
But when you can see this outward appearance of things as just a mask, a costume, that’s not part of who they are as a child of God, but is trying to hide or cover up their true identity as a child of God, your prayers will be more effective.
Because you’re not trying to change a child of God, but you’re praying to remove the "costume."
Show notes:
To read a full transcript of this episode and study all the Bible references, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/212.
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
211 – Surprise, not everyone agrees on how to follow Jesus
What do you do when someone says you're not following Jesus the "right" way? Has someone ever "sent you to hell" because you didn't believe in Jesus or follow him the exact way they did?
Jesus said simply, "Come, follow me." He said this to Peter and Andrew, James and John. He said it to tax collectors and anyone who was receptive.
And here we are 2,000 years later still trying to figure out exactly what it means to follow Jesus.
In this week's episode I talk about:
- The debate on how to follow Jesus has been going on ever since he was here
- Some people make it about doctrine and theology
- But Jesus wants us to follow his example
- If you love Jesus you will obey his commandments
- It's not about putting your feet where Jesus's feet were. It's abut putting your heart where Jesus's heart was--and is.
- Jesus told us not be surprised when religious authorities are judgmental of how we follow him
Maybe the real question we need to ask is, Why should we follow Jesus?
For me, I follow him – some days better than others – because he is the Son of God, the Messiah, who came to show us the Way of Life. He has given us the promise of eternal life by overcoming sickness and sin, disease and death.
Christ has opened my eyes to see that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and not just way off in the future, that God is always present to help us. The more I follow Jesus, the more my life is transformed in a very positive way.
I’d love to know: What does it mean to you to follow Jesus?
To read a full transcript of this episode and study the Bible verses quoted, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/211
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
210 – What if Jairus had not asked Jesus to heal his daughter?
The answer is pretty obvious. She would not have been restored to life.
I've been thinking of some of the challenges facing so many churches today and realized that Jairus's daughter being restored to life is a wonderful metaphor for what can happen to our churches when we turn to Christ for help.
All too often, a struggling church thinks to be successful, it needs to get better music or update their audio-visual equipment, have more programs for the members, or even have a coffee shop to get more people to come.
But none of these are real solutions to a dying church. In fact, they're actually decoys. The real answer to to reach out to Christ, like Jairus did.
That's what this week's episode is all about: the revitalization of your church based on turning to Christ, hearing and obeying his voice.
- Jairus could have given up when the messenger told him his daughter was dead, but he didn't
- When the world or a fellow church member says your church is dying or dead, you don't have to accept it.
- Everyone else thought Jairus's daughter was dead. Jesus knew she was not.
- Human opinions and activities will not save a dying church. Only Christ can.
- Christ can always bring resurrection to your church when all members humble themselves.
When your church is united in and obedient to Christ, you’ll be baptized with the Holy Spirit. God will put words in your mouth and actions in your hands and feet. God will send you to the receptive heart and those in need.
And God will bless your church abundantly.
Previous episodes mentioned this week:
Episode 206How to stop legalism from killing your church
Episode 120 You Are Loved and Accepted by God with Jason Elam
Show notes:
To read a full transcript of this week's episode and study the Bible verses mentioned go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/210.
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
209 – How often do you think about your spiritual identity?
It's one thing to identify yourself based on what you see in the mirror or how much money you have in the bank, and lots of other such things.
But your real identity, who you are way down deep, is spiritual. It's who you are as a child of God made in God's image and likeness.
This week I talk with Jared Capello, a life coach and fulfillment strategist. He helps people discover who they really are spiritually. This opens up unlimited possibilities for a productive life of joy and love.
He grew up in a cult that was manipulative and fear-based. Leaving the cult helped him discover his relationship with God through love instead of fear.
Here are some of the main points we talked about:
- Your spiritual identity is from God and nothing can take it away
- Your identity is not wrapped up in what other people think about you
- Jared shares how he helps people discover the deep desires of their heart and achieve them
- You can't put God in a box
- You can't find your identity or completeness in another person, only in God
- Jesus showed us the true nature of God as love, not wrathful
- When fear governs a church, they try to control you
- When love governs a church, they empower you spiritually
- And so much more
After the recent fires in Hawaii, Jared went to Maui to be a comfort to those suffering from the incredible losses of homes and family members.
Guess who Jared would like to talk to in the Bible and who he identifies with in the Bible. Check out this week's episode to find out.
For a full transcript of this episode and to study all the Bible verses quoted, go to the show notes page: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/209.
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
208 – What if you dug up a metal box in your back yard full of old gold coins?
How would you feel? Pretty good, right?
Why is it that, just the idea of unexpectedly getting a lot of money, makes us feel good? Well, it's probably because we tend to think of how much money we have as the source of how much happiness we can have in life.
But Jesus gave us a completely different perspective on life, happiness, and wealth. He said life isn't about all your material possessions. It's about your relationship with God.
In this week's episode, I talk about true wealth and the spiritual resources you have right now:
- True wisdom is better than material wealth
- We need a more spiritual concept of what riches and true wealth are
- It’s not how much money you have but how much wisdom, love, righteousness, obedience, and all God’s other qualities, that you have
- Jesus was completely aware that God would provide everything he needed
- Money, on its own, is not a measure of God’s favor or how much He loves you
- Jesus knew the kingdom of heaven is at hand and wanted us to see it too
- If you think heaven is in the future, you won't experience God's abundance
The fullness of God is in you right now
You can’t see it with your eyes. You can’t measure it with your bank account. But when you quit believing what the material world tells you, and instead open your eyes, to the present reality of the spiritual abundance of heaven, here and now, you will experience a rich and overwhelming abundance of God’s blessings.
Right this moment, you have access to the infinite, spiritual resources of God and His kingdom.
Show notes: To read a full transcript of this episode and study the Bible verses quoted, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/208
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
207 – What would happen if you built your house on the sand next to the beach?
You might have a beautiful house, but over time the water would probably erode the sand around and underneath your house. And your house would fall apart.
Jesus uses the idea of a house built on a rock or the sand as a metaphor for obeying, or not obeying, the moral and spiritual precepts he taught in the Sermon on the Mount.
In this week's episode I talk about how to build a firm foundation of obedience to Christ. Here are some of the main points:
- I share a real life story of a house that was built on the sand and what happened
- How to sum up the Sermon on the Mount
- The four guiding moral and spiritual principles to live by
- What to do when you realize part of your house (your life) is built on sand
- I include an exercise that helps you find freedom from past mistakes
When you build on the foundation of Christ, it has an influence on everyone around you. When you are living Jesus’s teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, people notice. They feel valued by you. They feel your love. They see the way you treat others. And it has an effect on them.
When you build you house, your life, on the rock of Christ – and I don’t mean by this going around and just quoting Jesus, telling others how they should be living – I mean actually living the precepts Jesus taught because you love Christ, when people see that, they often want what you have, the inner peace of mind and a strong faith.
You may never know what an impact you have on someone else, when you build your life on a spiritual foundation of obedience to Christ.
Show notes: To read a full transcript of this episode and study the Bible verses referred to, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/207.
Resources:
Previous episode mentioned: Finding Your Identity in Christ, Episode 85
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
206 – Is legalism killing your church?
Legalism puts a strangle hold on a church. It stunts the spiritual growth of the members and worst of all, it stifles the activity of the Holy Spirit.
But legalism is not a new thing. Jesus had to deal with the same tendency with the religious leaders of his day. They were more interested in observing all the minute rules and laws than having a relationship with God.
They thought their obedience to all these rules made them righteous.
In this week's episode, I talk about:
- What legalism is and how to discern it
- Some examples of legalism in churches today
- Some examples of legalism in the Bible
- Some examples of overcoming legalism in the Bible
- Some examples of overcoming legalism today
- And most importantly: the only real remedy for legalism
Is there any legalism in your church? Have you ever stifled the Holy Spirit?
We need to take an honest look at ourselves and our churches to see if there's any legalism lurking in our midst. And this requires humility.
The solution is simple. It's the presence of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is moving upon the waters of your heart and your church right now.
To read a full transcript of this episode and to study the Bible verses quoted this week, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/206
Support the show
_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Schedule a free one hour coaching call to see if the Jesus Mindset Coaching program is a good fit for you
- Contact James here
**205 – How can the book of James help your church grow?
For a church to grow,** there has to be a strong moral and spiritual foundation in Christ. And that's what the book of James is all about.
In fact, it's very similar in tone with the Sermon on the Mount.
When you and your church put these teachings into practice, individually and collectively, you will flourish.
This week I talk with author, Robin T. Jennings about how the book of James is a guidebook to church growth and a bridge to the next generation of church members.
Here are some of the points we covered
- The importance of church for worship and community
- The power of collective prayer
- We need spiritual mentors and to spiritually mentor others
- James shows us how to act (and not act) toward people when they come to our churches
- Why it's important to live your faith
- Who is James anyway?
Robin has written 3 books*
- May You Live in Christ: Spiritual Growth Through the Vision of St. Peter
- The Door to Renewal: Spiritual Growth Through the Mind of St. Paul
- A Letter to the Church and the Next Generation: Spiritual Growth through the Witness of James
Check out Robin's Guided Reflection for Spiritual Growth and Renewal
To download a full transcript of this episode and to check out all the Bible verses mentioned, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/205.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)?
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Contact James here
204 – Have you ever felt unwanted?
I have a friend who was told by his parents that he was a mistake. They had not intended to have any more children. They constantly reminded him of this, as if it was his fault he was born.
And they never gave him the love and support they gave to his brothers and sisters. All his life he has struggled with the feeling of being unwanted. It has affected him in lots of very negative ways.
You'd be surprised at how many people I've met over the years who feel unwanted.
So the question is: How can we pray about this problem? Is there a solution? How can we find healing?
Yes, of course there's a solution, but the only real solution is spiritual. You can't heal this without God's help.
In this week's episode I share some helpful ideas about how to pray for yourself or someone else when there's a feeling of being unwanted. I talk about:
- Start with God's promise in Revelation that you will find healing
- As hard as it may be, you need to forgive those who hurt you
- Find a supportive community
- Pray for yourself and ask others to pray for you too
- Take a deep dive into your Bible study
- How to look at yourself from a new perspective
- What would you do if you wrote a letter to God and got an answer?
You are not a mistake. You didn't just accidentally appear. God knew what He was doing when He created you. He created you because He wanted you to be His child.
The world may not see or believe that. But God does. And you can too.
_________
Here are two previous episodes mentioned this week:
Episode 135: Your Past Does not Define You
Episode 18: Forgiving 70 x 7: How I Forgave My 8th Grade Gym Teacher
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
- Reach out today if you need a speaker or Bible workshop for your church or organization (online and in person)?
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donationto support the show
- Contact James here
203 – What if Jesus was the preacher at your church?
How would things be different? Would you listen more carefully to what was said? Would you be more inspired? Would you be afraid he might read your mind and see the things you don't want anyone to know about?
How would it change you? Would you invite your friends to come the next week?
I've been thinking about this lately. And that's what this episode is all about.
What made Jesus a good preacher? Why did people come to listen? Well, there were lots of reasons. Here are a few:
- He was a good speaker
- He told good stories, or parables
- He spoke with authority, like he knew what he was talking about
- He gave new meaning to the Scriptures
- His message was powerful and had the ring of truth, because he lived the ideas he taught, he practiced what he preached
- People felt uplifted, valued, and loved by Jesus
- People were curious
- People told others about Jesus and invited them to come see for themselves
- People were healed and others came hoping they would be healed
- They often liked what they heard and came to hear him again and brought their friends
One of the most important aspects to Jesus being not just a good preacher, but the best ever was because he was the Messiah, the Son of God. And he knew it.
Peter and Paul were also so completely aware that Jesus was the Messiah that it gave a spiritual power to their preaching.
When you go to church this Sunday, pretend that Jesus is your preacher. How would you listen? Now, listen to your pastor the same way you would listen to Jesus.
Let me know how it goes.
To see the Bible quotes in this episode and a full transcript, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/203.
Thanks for listening!
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
202 – Can God still part the Red Sea today?
Have you ever felt like you were trapped on the edge of the Red Sea with Pharaoh's war chariots charging toward you? And it didn't look like there was any way to escape?
Imagine what it must have been like to be in that crowd when Moses raised his staff over the water, the wind began to blow, and the waters parted before your very eyes.
God still delivers us from bondage
He still parts the Red Sea. It just looks different today.
In this week's episode, I share a modern day parting of the Red Sea. A close family member realized she had to get out of an abusive marriage. The counselor said her husband had the worst case of narcissism she had ever seen.
Our relative went through a terrible divorce, but each step of the way, God provided the a path to take, sometimes at the last minute, and often in very unexpected ways.
Even her church and pastor were supportive, once they realized how her husband had been treating her. This was pretty amazing given the fact that this denomination often tells women to stay with their abusive husbands, pray harder and try to save the marriage.
There's a lot more to the story, including a new job opportunity in a different state – with just two weeks to move – opened up (aka: the Red Sea parted again).
God can deliver you from a toxic relationship or situation. It is never His will for you to be abused physically, emotionally, or spiritually. He will provide an escape route.
Listen to this inspiring story of how God parted the Red Sea for our relative. And let me know if there are any ideas that are helpful to you.
To study the Bible verses quoted in today's episode, and to read a full transcript, go the the show notes page: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/202
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
201 – How good are you at walking in someone else's shoes?
This week I have a conversation with Neil Matthews, host of the Other People's Shoes podcast.
We talked about the importance of empathy when interacting with others.
Neil shared several examples in the Bible when people expressed empathy:
- Jesus with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well
- Jesus with the woman caught in adultery
- Pharaoh's daughter when she took baby Jesus out of the basket in the Nile
Why empathy is important
Neil also talked about why empathy is important
- When you are empathetic with people, they feel seen, heard, and loved
- It helps you understand where someone is coming from
- You are less judgemental
- You have more peace of mind
Walking in Jesus's footsteps
Neil loves shoes and his podcast is about walking in other people's shoes, trying to understand things from someone else's perspective.
I asked: What it would be like to walk in Jesus's sandals? Listen to the episode to hear Neils heart-felt response.
For a full transcript of the episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/201 and click on the link to download a copy.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
200 – What are some of your favorite Bible verses?
That's what this episode is all about.
To celebrate Episode 200 of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast, I asked listeners to share their favorite Bible verse and why it's important to them.
The response has been tremendous. Over 70 people, from all over the world, emailed me with their favorite passages in the Bible.
Listen now, to see if someone mentioned your favorite verse.
If you'd like to read everyone's response, go to the show notes page: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/200
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
199 – How do you pray when bad things happen?
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by with a problem, or series of problems, when it seemed like evil forces are trying to tempt or harm you?
As always Jesus has the answer to these kinds of situations
He told his disciples, who had been out preaching and healing, that he gave them authority to overcome all the power of the enemy (Satan).
Christ gives you and me this same power today, to defeat the lies and temptations of the devil.
That's what this week's episode is all about. Here are some of the main points I cover.
- We can pray "with the mind of Christ.
- Accept the authority Christ gives us
- See the devil what he is, as Jesus defined him
- The lies Satan tells don't have any power over you unless you believe them
- Every time Jesus healed, he was exercising his power over the devil
- Turn Satan's lies back on him
- Why it's important to call Satan by name
You can only resist the devil, you can only speak with authority to Satan, when you first submit wholly to God. This allows you to see the devil for what he is: a liar, the father of lies, a murderer from the beginning, in whom there is no truth.
Christ gives you this authority over Satan. God empowers you to exercise this authority. And the Holy Spirit keeps you alert to when and how to speak to Satan with authority.
Never doubt your ability to follow Jesus’s example of speaking to Satan with your God-given authority.
To read a full transcript of this episode and study the Bible references quoted, go to the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/199
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
178 – Did you have to memorize Bible verses when you were a kid in Sunday School?
It can be a really good way to get to know the Bible. But it's not enough just to know the words. We need the spirit behind the words.
Too much of what's in our hearts has been put there by the world, by people with good and bad intentions, and our own experiences.
It seems like everyone and everything is trying to influence us in one way or another.
But the most important things in your heart are what God puts there.
God says to the Children of Israel:
"I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. " Jeremiah 31:33 NIVThis week's episode is about what God is writing in your heart. I share
- How my mom taught me the importance of learning Scripture when I was disrespectful of her
- Why God will write His laws in our hearts
- What happens when other people try to write things in your heart
- Why you need a direct relationship with God
I encourage you to become increasingly aware of, not what you or others have written in your heart, but what God has, is, and will write in your heart.
Think of the love and the joy He has put there. What about the spirit of forgiveness and patience, wisdom and understanding.
But that’s just the beginning. God is writing His law of love in your heart every day, in a language you understand.
To read a full transcript of this episode and study all the Bible references mentioned, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/198.
**I've extended the deadline
There's still time** to let me know what your favorite Bible verse.
Just go to Celebrate 200and let me know what your favorite Bible verse is and why. I will include your answer on Episode 200 of the podcast.
This is my way to thank you for helping make The Bible Speaks to You Podcast such a success.
Thanks so much,
James
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
197 – Have you ever looked at someone through a wall of glass bricks?
The image is all distorted. You can't really tell who's behind all that glass. You can see shapes and forms and some color, but that's about it.
Believe it or not, that's the way some people look at God. But it's not a literal wall of glass bricks. They see God through fear, man-made doctrines, and their own misconceptions about God.
For example, if you think God is wrathful and vindictive and gleefully waiting to punish you for the tiniest little mistake, that's a "glass brick" that distorts God's true nature as divine Love.
You may see God that way, but that doesn't mean that's the way God actually is. It's the lens you look through that makes Him appear that way.
How do I know?
Well, Jesus gave us a clear picture of God's nature. He only did what he saw God do and only said what God told him to. You can look at Jesus's words and actions and get a pretty good idea of what God is really like and how He wants us to act.
That's what this week's podcast is all about. I talk about:
- A modern day parable about knitting that explains why we don't see God clearly
- Some of the "glass bricks" that distort our view of God
- How to detect the glass bricks in our thinking
- How to get rid of them
- Why it's hard to get rid of them
- Why a distorted view of God prevents you from praying effectively
The good news is that Christ is revealing God's true nature to you right now without any distortions of human opinions, culture, limitations, or fear. Christ is always revealing God’s true nature to you.
Take an honest look at whatever glass bricks may be distorting your view of God. Let Christ dismantle them. Then bask in the un-distorted, undiminished light of God’s full glory.
To read a full transcript of this episode and study all the Bible verses mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes page: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/197
Thanks for listening. Please share with a friend.
**I've extended the deadline
There's still time** to let me know what your favorite Bible verse.
Just go to Celebrate 200and let me know what your favorite Bible verse is and why. I will include your answer on Episode 200 of the podcast.
This is my way to thank you for helping make The Bible Speaks to You Podcast such a success.
Thanks so much,
James
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
196 – How do you make room for God in your life?
With all the busyness of today's world and the demands of daily life, it's sometimes hard to find the time to make space for one-on-one time with God.
In this week's episode, I chat with author Tommy Thompson about how he has discovered ways to benefit from creating spaces in your life to be with God.
Tommy says the best way to do this is start with small steps making room for God in your life. It could be just 10 more minutes of prayer each morning.
And it's important to be consistent.
Even if there's a day or two where you may not feel connected to God in your prayers, the consistent practice of making room for God will have a long term effect.
Here are some of the questions I asked Tommy. You'll love his straight forward and practical answers.
- Why is it important to create space in your life for God?
- What practical steps can we take to de-clutter our minds and hearts from external distractions?
- How do you prioritize your day and find what is truly important?
- How can slowing down and creating space be more impactful than rushing through tasks?
- How has this impacted your personal life and relationship with God?
- Why is consistency important in connecting with God?
- What's the difference between chronos time and kairos time, and why is kairos moments are so important?
These are just a few of the things we talked about.
To read all the Scripture references in this episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/196 and scroll all the way to the bottom.
To read the full transcript of this episode, download it here.
Resources:
Tommy's book: Space to Breathe Again: Hope for the Overloaded and Overwhelmed
Website:* http://www.tommythompson.org/
*Amazon affiliate link
___________
HELP ME CELEBRATE Episode 200 of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast by answering this question:
What is your favorite verse or passage from the Bible and why?Go to Celebrate 200to share your answer.
Please respond by July 15. Thanks so much!
I'll read all the answers on Episode 200, which comes out August 8, 2023.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
195 – Have you ever thought about having a Spiritual Independence Day?
July 4 is celebrated in the United Sates as Independence Day.
It's the anniversary of the day, back in 1776 when a small group of men, gathered in Philadelphia, and after much discussion and debate, decided to declare independence from England.
If you would like to read a copy of that document, and don’t have one, click this link: The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America.
If you are a citizen of the United States, this is of deep importance. And it has served as a model for other countries.
But it also serves as a metaphor for each of us to declare our independence from negative, material, and evil influences, that would pull us away from our God-given heritage and freedoms.
Declaration of Spiritual IndependenceIt is in this spirit that I share something I wrote several years ago and had on my website, but have now updated. It is a Declaration of Spiritual Independence.
But it’s not enough just to declare our independence from the material and evil influences of the world. Just as those early Americans had to defend their newly proclaimed freedom and then fight to establish it, at times we need to defend our right to be free of worldly influences.
I encourage you to print off a copy of this Declaration of Spiritual Independence, sign it, and put it somewhere you can see it.
To check out the show notes for this episode with all the Bible quotes implied in the document, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/195.
___________
HELP ME CELEBRATE Episode 200 of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast by answering this question:
What is your favorite verse or passage from the Bible and why?Go to Celebrate 200to share your answer.
Please respond by July 15. Thanks so much!
I'll read all the answers on Episode 200, which comes out August 8, 2023.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
194 – Who do you identify with the most in the parable of the Good Samaritan?
We usually like to think of ourselves as always being like the Good Samaritan, but sometimes we play some of the other roles.
When I take an honest look at my life, there have been lots of times I have been more like the priest and the Levite.
But there are several other characters in the story and this week's episode talks about all of them and what we can learn from them:
Here they are. Which ones have you been? Who are you now?
- The priest
- The Levite
- The Good Samaritan
- The innkeeper
- The donkey
- The thieves
- The man who was robbed and beaten
If you're like me, you've been several of these characters.
As I said earlier, we usually like to think we are always the Good Samaritan in this story, but sometimes you may be the innkeeper or the donkey. All three are important and work together to bless the one who needs help.
And sometimes you need to be a Good Samaritan, an innkeeper or a donkey to yourself, especially if you’ve been the thief, the priest, or the Levite to yourself.
I’ll leave you with these questions: Who is your neighbor? And whose neighbor are you? What will you do about it?
To read the full transcript and Bible quotations in this episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/194.
Help me celebrate Episode 200 of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast by answering this question:
What is your favorite verse or passage from the Bible and why?Go to Celebrate 200to share your answer.
Please respond by July 15. Thanks so much!
I'll read all the answers on Episode 200, which comes out August 8, 2023.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
193 – What comes to mind when you hear the phrase: surrender to God?
Is it something you're comfortable with? Or is it a something you've tried to do but not very successfully? Or maybe it's something you don't really think about that much?
This week, we're going to dive into this topic of surrendering to God
- What does the word surrender actually mean?
- What it means to surrender to God
- What should we surrender?
- How to surrender to God
- The best example in the Bible of someone who surrendered to God
Surrendering to God should be a quiet process between you and God and no one else. You don’t need to tell anyone else about it. You don’t need to announce it at church to show how spiritually minded you are or to impress anyone.
Let them see the changes that take place in the way you live your life.
If there is something in your life you need to surrender to God, or if you’ve realized you need to surrender your whole self to God’s purpose for your life instead of trying to force your own plans, I encourage you to set aside some time to ponder this deeply.
Go into your prayer closet. Be still. Ask God for help. Be quiet. Listen for God’s direction. And I would encourage you to write down everything God tells you. Put yourself at God’s disposal. Put your life completely in His hands.
Thanks for listening.
Check out the Bible verses mentioned this week as well as a complete transcript of the episode at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/193
Help me celebrate Episode 200 of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast by answering this question:
What is your favorite verse or passage from the Bible and why?Go to Celebrate 200to share your answer.
Please respond by July 15. Thanks so much!
I'll read all the answers on Episode 200, which comes out August 8, 2023.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
192 – Have you ever known someone who worried about almost everything?
Or have you ever been that person, that just couldn't help worrying about stuff?
This week's episode dives into Jesus's solution to overcoming being a worrywart. It's all about embracing his promise that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Here are some of the key things this week:
- To quit worrying is about trusting God (Proverbs 3:5, 6, of course)
- You have to quit trying to manipulate people and circumstances to get what you want
- What are the consequences of the kingdom of heaven being at hand?
- How to get rid of the fear that keeps us from trusting God
- Find out what my friend Eunice quit worrying when there was no money and she didn't have one crumb of food to feed her family the day before Thanksgiving
- What does it really mean to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness?
- You can't just quote Scriptures and think that will solve the problem
- Some people think they're praying, when actually they're just worrying
The way to stop worrying, is to seek and find the kingdom of heaven at hand, to experience being in God’s presence.
Jesus would not tell us to seek this kingdom if we couldn’t find it. The implication is that we can be conscious right now of heaven’s presence and dwell there.
In heaven there’s nothing to worry about. And that is where you dwell. You have everything you need and God is in complete control.
For a full transcript of this episode and a list of Bible references mentioned, check out the show notes: Episode 192
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
191 – Did you know there are around 100 early Christian writings but only 27 of them are included in the New Testament?
This week my guest is Shirley Paulson, founder and principal producer of Early Christian Texts, the Bible, and Beyond.
We talked about how the early Christian writings, which aren't in the Bible, can help us understand the Bible better. They give us a bigger picture of what was going on in the early Christian church.
Shirley's academic work focuses on early Christian writings, and she discussed the Secret Revelation of John, a long text focused on the theology of healing.
Shirley emphasized the connection between healing and restoring the body and soul, which she sees as the essence of healing. We also talked about the concept of Gnosticism and how scholars have wrestled with ideas about Jesus, Christianity, and believing in God.
We covered lots of topics relating to these early non-canonical writings:
- Consolidation of power by the Roman Empire under Constantine's rule
- Development of the concept of heresy and exclusion of women, healers, and spiritual thinkers from positions of power
- Formation of the Biblical canon and disagreement on which books should be included
- Interests in reading various texts to understand better early Christianity and Jesus' followers
- The Secret Revelation of John, a long text focused on the theology of healing
- Shirley's focus on healing practices and theology in early followers of Jesus
- Gnosticism is not what you thought it was
- And so much more...
I learned that when the church became institutionalized, it tried to stamp out spiritual healing, the leadership of women in the church, and spiritually understanding your relationship with God. These three things were the biggest threat to the authority of the church institution.
One of the best books to start with is the Gospel of Mary.
Shirley has written a book exploring The Secret Revelation of John, which is really a guide to spiritual healing.
Shirley's books:
Illuminating the Secret Revelation of John: Catching the Light
And: After Jesus Before Christianity: A Historical Exploration of the First Two Centuries of Jesus Movements
Shirley's website: Early Christian Texts
For more details check out the show notes for Episode 191
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
190 – When you pray, do you start with the problem or the solution?
This week we take a deep dive into how to pray more effectively. And so we're going to look at how Jesus prayed and see how we can follow his example.
Jesus never started his prayers with the problem. But isn't that what we do sometimes? We try to explain to God how bad the situation is, as if He doesn't already know what's really going on.
Jesus always started his prayers with the solution. Just look at how he taught us to pray.
- It starts with our relationship with God
- Then it acknowledges the power, kingdom, and glory of God
- We humbly pray for God's will instead of our own
None of these lines in the Lord's Prayer are trying get God to fix the problem. The more we follow this model, the more effective our prayers will be.
Jesus said his purpose on earth was to bear witness to the truth. He could see what was true in heaven about a given situation, that God was supreme and in charge.
When challenges come up, ask yourself: What is true about this situation in the kingdom of heaven? Then be quiet and listen for an answer.
The more you do this, the better you’ll get at hearing God’s voice. Your prayers will no longer be an attempt to fix or change something or to get God to change something. More and more, they will become a joyful opportunity to bear witness to what is true in heaven right now.
Thanks for listening. To read all the Bible quotes in this episode, go to the shownotes page thebiblespeakstoyou.com/109.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
189 – What do you do when you feel rejected?
It can be a pretty lousy feeling. When you feel rejected, sometimes it's hard to know what to do.
I’ve been hearing from people lately who have been rejected in one way or another.
For some it’s being rejected by a family member or someone at school, or not getting the promotion at work they had hoped for.
I have several friends who have been rejected by their churches because they were misunderstood and misjudged, or sometimes because they disagreed with the pastor on some topic.
There are all kinds of rejection. It happens all the time. Some situations are not as significant as others. But sometimes a rejection, or series of rejections, can cut right into your sense of self-worth.
In this week's episode, I talk about several people in the Bible who were rejected for various reasons, some appropriate, some not.
- Eliab, and all David's other brothers, when they weren't chosen as king
- Hagar, when Sarah was jealous of her and had Abraham banish her
- Elijah, when Jezebel threatened to kill him
- Saul, when he had disobeyed God
- Jeremiah, when people would not listen to his warnings
- And Jesus, when religious leaders rejected his message and Messiahship
Some of the folks dealt with rejection better than others, but Jesus gives the best example: to love and forgive.
For a full transcript of this episode and all the Bible quotes this week, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/189 for the show notes.
How do you pray when you feel rejected?
If you enjoy this podcast, please leave a review and a rating on Apple Podcasts. Thanks.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
188 – The Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea have the same source. Why are they so different?Have you ever noticed how many water metaphors there are in the Bible?
One of the most important ones is not specifically mentioned. You have to know the geography of the Holy Land to understand it.
The Sea of Galilee has fresh water coming into and water flows out of it. As a result, the Sea of Galilee is teaming with life.
The Dead Sea has fresh water flowing into it, but there's no outlet for the water. It can only evaporate. All the minerals and sediments are left behind. Over thousands of years these deposits have become so concentrated that nothing can live in or around it.
These two seas are metaphors for how we live.
Are you someone who receives and gives in return. Or are you someone who takes, but never gives back.
In this week's episode I talk about several Bible characters who either have the Dead Sea approach to life or the Sea of Galilee mentality.
- Nabal, Abigail's husband
- The man who tore down his barns to build bigger ones
- Joseph
- Ananias, who healed Saul of blindness
- Dorcas, also known as Tabitha
The Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea don’t have a choice as to how the water comes in and goes out of them. But you and I do have a choice.
Be a cheerful giver. And I would add, be a cheerful and grateful receiver. You probably already are.
It’s not about the amount of resources you are given or how much time or money or effort you give. It’s about the gratitude for and generosity of God’s love that overflows in your heart to bless those around you.
To read the full transcript of this episode and to study all the Bible references mentioned this week, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/188.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
187 – What if the book of Revelation is not a prophecy of what will happen in the future, but a guidebook of how to follow the Lamb in the midst of Babylon?
This week I talk with Scot McKnight, author of Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple.Scot warns against the tendency to read the book of Revelation through speculation as to who in the world today might be fulfilling specific prophecies.
This misses the main point of Revelation, which is to alert Christians to be faithful to following Jesus in the midst of Babylon's influence in the world.
Some of Scot's main points:
- The book is a critique of Rome and its sin-sickness, its idolatry, its blasphemy, its immoralities, its exploitations, its warmongering.
- Revelation is concerned with the seven churches beginning to act like Rome, allowing the way of Rome influence the way they were living.
- The speculation approach to the book of Revelation has taught believers that we’re going to escape and this stuff is in the future and doesn’t have anything to do with us.
- And we have missed the opportunity to disciple our congregations politically enough to discern Babylon and live faithfully when Babylon is breathing everywhere around us.
- The three ways to resist Babylon as followers of Jesus
- How the dragon got sLambed.
- The effect of Constantine and the institutionalization of the Christianity was a great loss for the church.
Check out the episode and let me know what you think; contact info is below.
To purchase this book: Revelation for the Rest of Us: A Prophetic Call to Follow Jesus as a Dissident Disciple*
Check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/187
*Amazon affiliate link
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
186 – With all the challenges in the world and in your life, is it really possible to stay faithful?Yes, of course.
Sometimes we think of our faith in a big sweeping way. But staying faithful sometimes is about tiny little baby steps of doing what's right in the moment.
In this week's episode, I talk about
- What it means to be and stay faithful
- Who we should be faithful to (it's not just God)
- What we should not be faithful to, but all too often are
- Ways to takes steps that strengthen our faith
- God and Jesus are faithful toward us
- This gives us a foundation for our faith
When you feel your faith is challenged, or you've lost your faith, just pick something from the Sermon on the Mount or a chapter from one of the Gospels that calls out to you.
Be faithful over one thing that God is calling you to do.
- Walk the extra mile with a friend
- Forgive and love your enemies
- Be more patient
- Be grateful for times in the past when your faith was strong
Being faithful over a few things is not so much a final destination. It’s the way we journey one step of faith at a time on the path of life. Each step leads to the next.
Our faith grows and we are made rulers over many things. And then, from His infinite abundance of grace, love, and goodness, God gives us immeasurable gifts of the Spirit.
Show notes: Bible references quoted in this week - thebiblespeakstoyou.com/186
Previous episode mentioned: # 91 – Using Your God-given Talents
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
185 – What does it really mean to dwell in the house of the Lord?
Usually we think it means sometime way off in the future after we die. But the Bible gives a lot of clues which point to the fact that we live in the house of the Lord right now, and always.
That's what this episode is all about, living in the house of the Lord right now.
Here are some of the key points:
- Psalm 23:6 says we dwell in the house of the Lord forever
- Forever is not just in eternity. It's right now too.
- What I learned about living in the house of the Lord from fixing my kitchen faucet
- God Himself is actually our dwelling place (Psalm 90:1; Acts 27:28)
- Dwelling in the house of the Lord doesn't mean you live in your church. It's the way you live your life
- The way you live in your home is an indication of how aware you are of dwelling in God's house, being in God's presence
- The way you dwell in God's presence is really how you worship Him
Jesus wants us to get over a limited form of worship, constricted by a location, a building, or thinking your church is the only one that can worship God correctly.
You can worship God wherever you are, because you are always in the house of the Lord. You are always in God’s presence, dwelling with and in Him. This is true for everyone.
The house of the Lord is where you live, right now.
To see the show notes, with all the Bible quotes and links to the original Hebrew words mentioned in this week's episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/185.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
184 – Does it bother you if someone says they don't believe God is omnipotent?
There's a lot of fresh discussion around this age old question, "Is God omnipotent?"
A lot of people are challenging this concept and tying to be honest with themselves about what they really believe. So that's what we're talking about today.
In fact, a lot of people are deciding that they no longer believe God is omnipotent. If God was all powerful, why would He allow all the evil in the world?
In this week's episode I dig into this age old question about God and whether He is all-powerful. Some of the highlights:
- Most people who think they believe God is omnipotent really don't believe it
- They believe in lots of other powers, usually the devil or evil
- Those who say God is not omnipotent say the Bible doesn't teach it
- But the Bible has lots of references to God's all-powerful nature. Some of the folks in the Bible who mention this are
- Abram
- David
- Nebuchadnezzar
- Gabriel
- Jesus
- Voices in the book of Revelations
Just because you don't believe God is omnipotent, doesn't mean He isn't. Just because you believe He is, doesn't mean He is.
Maybe the question should be, Does God see Himself as omnipotent? Isaiah has several things to say about that.
This is really a mindset issue. If you start with the premise that God is not omnipotent, then you will see "proof" of that everywhere you look. It's like looking through tinted sunglasses and everything is the color of your lenses.
The color is in the lens, not the object you're looking at.
The conviction that God is not omnipotent is in you, in the lens or mindset you're looking through, not in God or an event. And it colors all you see.
I'd love to hear your thoughts. How do you answer the question: Is God omnipotent?
To review all the Bible quotes in this week's episode, check out the show notes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/184. Scroll all the way to the bottom.
Thanks for listening.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
183 – What is the best way to minister to the people most people ignore, the "least of these," as Jesus called them?
This week on the podcast, I talk with Kit Cummings about his ministry in prisons and institutions, including men on death row.
My favorite Kit quote:
“A selfless act of service wakes up something inside of a person that, I don’t think, can be touched any other way.”
We talked about
- How he got started in his prison ministry
- The struggle with alcoholism in his family and his own life
- His rise as a popular preacher as a young man
- His public fall from grace as a preacher
- How he dealt with the shame of his mistakes
- How he found healing for himself when he ministered to his brothers in prison
- 2 VERY powerful experiences working with men on death row
- How to start a prison ministry
- And so much more
You will love Kit's heart for Jesus. He truly sees Christ in each person he talks to in his ministry.
Kit encourages you to find a way to minister to the least of these. It doesn't have to be people in a prison. It could be someone in church who is lonely or someone in a nursing home that has no one to visit with.
Website:
kitcummings.com
Books:*
Peace Behind the Wire, a Nonviolent Resolution
The New Convict Code, Bringing Peace to the Streets from Behind the Wire
Check out the show notes page:
- All the Bible quotes Kit referred to
-
Kits full bio
-
Amazon affiliate links
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
182 – Have you ever wondered how Jesus could say “I have overcome the world,” before he was crucified?
Easter is in just a few days and I’ve been thinking about something Jesus said to his disciples after the Last Supper and just before he went to the Garden of Gethsemane.
It’s his famous saying, “I have overcome the world.” I’ve been pondering what he meant.
Jesus knew exactly what was coming. He had tried to warn his disciples ahead of time that he would be arrested, tried, falsely accused, and crucified. And he also explained he would return after these ordeals. But they just couldn’t take it in. They had no hooks to hang that information on.
Getting ready for Easter
In this week's episode, I talk about the fact that Jesus claimed victory over the world before his crucifixion and resurrection. Here are some of the points I cover:
- Jesus's kingdom-of-heaven-is-at-hand mindset
- Jesus's I-have-overcome-the-world mindset
- Jesus was conscious that his true spiritual dwelling place was heaven even when he was on earth
- We can claim victory over our problems because Jesus has already overcome the world
- Jesus overcame the world to bless us.
Spend some time this Easter season rejoicing over God’s love for all mankind, and being grateful for Jesus’s gift to you of his victory over the world.
To study all the Bible quotes in this episode, check out the show notes at
thebiblespeakstoyou.com
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
181 – It's easy to see what your eyes see, but have you ever wondered how to see spiritually?Recently a listener asked me to comment of 1 Corinthians 2:9-14. She wanted to know what it means to see spiritually and how we can do that.
This famous passage points out that the material senses, even the human mind and heart, cannot see or perceive the spiritual things God reveals to us. They can only be discerned spiritually.
That's what this week's podcast is all about: how to see spiritually. I share several Bible stories that had to do with seeing spiritually, seeing things that you couldn't see with your eyeballs.
- When Moses sent twelve men to spy out the Promised Land, only Joshua and Caleb saw the possibility of success. The other ten could only see failure. Their material eyes saw the same thing. But Joshua and Caleb were seeing spiritually.
- When Samuel went to anoint one of Jesse's sons to be king of Israel, he thought Eliab would be the one, because he was tall, handsome, and strong. But God said no. Samuel didn't look at Eliab spiritually
- When the king of Syria, or Aram, sent soldiers to capture the prophet Elisha, Elisha's servant was terrified, but Elisha saw the horses and chariots of fire.
Jesus had a lot to say about seeing spiritually,
- The light of the body is the eye
- The pure in heart see God
- Being judgmental of someone keeps you from seeing your own problems
- The evil thoughts in our heart keep us from seeing spiritually
- The good thoughts in our heart help us see spiritually
Right this minute, you have the ability to see spiritually. Jesus said to his disciples, and it is true for you and me today, "Blessed are your eyes for they see." He was talking about spiritual vision.
In this episode I talk about how to let go of the things and thoughts that keep you from seeing spiritually all that God is revealing to you.
Show notes, transcription, and Bible verses mentioned this week: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/181.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
180 – Have you ever had a "burning bush" moment and felt like you were standing on holy ground?God appears to us in so many ways and situations.
Even when it seems you're wandering in the desert, hungry and thirsty, either literally or figuratively, searching for answers and solutions to problems, in need of healing and love, maybe even at the end of your rope, right there and then, you are on holy ground.
God is ready to guide you, protect you, love you, and heal you. You only need to be humble, listen for and obey His voice. Even though it may not seem like it with all your challenges, you are on holy ground, when you turn to God for help.
In this week's episode I talk about several characters in the Bible who found themselves on holy ground, even though it didn't always seem holy at the time:
- Moses, of course, in front of the burning bush
- Mannaseh, who was disobedient to God and was taken as a prisoner by the Assyrians. He humbled himself in prison, which was his holy ground.
- Saul, who appeared to be on the opposite of holy ground when he was going to Damascus. But Christ met him where he was and turned that road into holy ground for Saul
- Jesus, who was always on holy ground, you could say. But in this week's episode I talk about his temptation in the wilderness and how he stood on the holy ground of the Scriptures.
- And I share a sweet little story of my youngest daughter when she decided what it meant to her to be on holy ground.
The fact is you are always on holy ground. You are always a nanosecond away from hearing and obeying God’s voice, no matter how far you may feel from God at the time.
Right this moment, you are standing on holy ground. Take off your sandals, anything that would make you feel separated from God. Be quiet. Be still. Be humble. And listen. God will tell you what to do next.
To check out the full show notes and transcript of this episode, along with all the Bible verses quoted, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/180.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
179 – Why did God rest on the original Sabbath day?
Was God tired? What does it mean for God to rest?
How does this apply to you and me?
Is there something we need to know about the original Sabbath day, that helps us find a Biblical rest and what it really means to obey the Fourth Commandment?
In this week's episode, I talk with Gregory Hall about what the original Sabbath is and how we can remember it the way God intended.
Here are some of the things we talked about:
- How some people misunderstand the 4th Commandment
- What the 4th Commandment is actually asking us to do
- What is true Biblical rest?
- How did Jesus think about the Sabbath?
- What kind of rest did Jesus offer us?
- What day of the week is the real Sabbath? (It's not what you think!)
These are just a few of the questions we dove into.
We also talked about Greg's new book Rethinking Rest, Why Our Approach to Sabbath Isn't Working.*
And check out Greg's podcast: Rethinking Scripture podcast.
To see the full transcript of the episode and all Bible quotes, go to the show notes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/179.
- Affiliate link
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
178 – How do you see yourself?
There's a lot of debate these days about how some people choose to self-identify when their choices don't follow society's stereotypes.
Who or what is that defines us?
- Can we decide who and what we are?
- Are we defined by our past, our position in life, our culture, our money and education, our emotions.
- Can our mistakes define us?
- Can other people define who we are?
- Can we define ourselves; can we decide our own identity?
You are so much more than whatever label you put on yourself, how you see yourself, and how others see you.
The real question is: How does God define you? How does God see and identify you?
Whether you think you're defined by your circumstances, your past, etc., or whether you think you can define yourself however you choose, your true spiritual identity is already established. You are the image and likeness of God.
Three previous episodes of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast that talk about your identity:
- Episode 037 – You Are the Image and Likeness of God. What the Heck Does that Mean?
- Episode 070 – Why Is It So Hard to Put Off the Old Self?
- Episode 085 – Finding Your Identity in Christ
Check out the Bible quotes in this week's episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/178
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
177 – Are you searching for the pathway to healing?
Have you ever felt like you were a long way off from getting an answer to your prayers?
Maybe you’ve been praying for a long time about a resolution to challenge of some sort, guidance in making an important choice, or maybe you’ve been praying for healing, either physical or emotional, in your own life or for a friend.
Sometimes it’s tempting to wish Jesus was here and we could just walk up to him and ask him to heal us, solve our problem, or guide us to make the right decision.
If you’re looking for healing in your life, the spiritual transformation that comes as a result of God’s presence in our lives, I’ve got some good news.
You are not so far away from healing as you might think.
In this week's episode I talk about the pathway to healing.
- The pathway to healing goes both directions. You are seeking Christ to heal you. Christ is coming to you
- Christ meets you exactly where you are on the path of healing
- Jesus didn't just randomly show up where someone was looking for healing
- Jesus knew exactly where to be because of how he listened to God
- Sometimes people came to Jesus asking for healing
- Sometimes Jesus reached out to someone who needed healing
- Someone can be on the pathway to healing and not even know it (think Saul)
Where ever you are, whatever your circumstances, whatever your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual state, you are on the pathway to healing and Christ is coming to you, finding you, encouraging you, strengthening you, and bringing healing to you. Whether you know it or not. Whether you believe it or not.
You are always on the pathway to healing because you can never be separated from Christ.
Christ is meeting you wherever you are, or rather wherever you think you are, and revealing to you where you truly are, the pathway of healing, the pathway of your wholeness, your presence in the kingdom of heaven.
To see the Bible quotes in this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/177
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
176 – Have you ever wondered if how much you love will have an impact on the future?
A couple of weeks ago during my prayer time, God dropped this question into my heart:
How much do you love the people who will be born 100 years from now?
It really blew me out of the water.
In this week's episode, I share some possible answers to this question. And I encourage you to think how you would answer it.
- Just thinking about this question gave me a more all-encompassing perspective of what it means to love all mankind
- Jesus said love your neighbor as yourself. People in the future are actually a kind of neighbor too.
- Jesus prayed for everyone in the future who would believe on him.
- Since Jesus knew he would be a blessing to folks in the future, we can follow his example and be a blessing for those in the future.
If you’re doing what God has called you to do, that will have an influence on those you know and they will pass it along to the people they know.
That’s how the gospel of Christ has come to us down the ages to this present moment.
This same process will continue. Even if people 100 years from now never know your name or that you even existed, the influence you have on the people you love and bless right now will have a ripple effect into the future.
Jesus fulfilled his purpose here on earth. He didn’t live his life just for himself or the people who lived in his time period but for all mankind throughout the ages.
When you live your life in fulfillment of your God-given purpose, you too will be a blessing for generations yet to come.
How will that happen? I have no idea.
But I deeply believe that when we follow Jesus’s example of doing God’s will in our own lives, as Jesus did, it will bless others, just as Jesus did.
And there is no time limit on that blessing.
Previous episode mentioned this week:
Episode 8 – How to Experience the Spiritual Power of the Lord’s Prayer
Show notes for this week (with Bible verses mentioned):
thebiblespeakstoyou.com/176
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
175 – How is it possible to live in the kingdom of heaven today?
Recently I was talking with a new listener to The Bible Speaks to You Podcast about what it means to embrace the mind of Christ on the subject of the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. If that's really true, how can we be more conscious of its presence? Can we actually live in the kingdom here on earth? And what does that look like?
These are some of the things I talk about in this week's episode:
- I share an experience when I had to see past the surface appearance of things to bear witness to what is true in heaven. It brought healing.
- You can't see, understand, or live in the kingdom of heaven with your material senses or the human mind
- Awareness of heaven's presence comes through revelation from God
- I share three of the many ways to be more receptive to the presence of heaven here on earth
- Jesus's parables are keys that unlock the gates of heaven so we can dwell there. Here are three I talk about:
- The lady putting yeast in her bread dough
- The man who finds a pearl of great value
- Waiting until the harvest to separate the tares from the wheat
A lot of folks think that the kingdom of heaven should appear in some grandiose and dramatic way with angels flying around blowing trumpets, but more often heaven appears following the model in Isaiah 28:10 – Precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept, Line upon line, line upon line, Here a little, there a little.
When you notice and are faithful over the little ways the kingdom of heaven appears, you’ll be ready to receive more of it in the future.
Think of something or someone in your life right now that’s giving you a bit of a challenge. Just from the three parables mentioned above, is there an aspect of heaven you can bring to your situation?
Can you add just a little bit of spiritual yeast to the situation like the lady in the parable? What do you need to focus on that is of great spiritual value? Where in your life do you need to wait on God’s timing of events?
Jesus promises us that the kingdom of heaven is here. It is at hand. And you can experience its presence now.
Previous episodes mentioned this week:
Episode 2: The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand
Episode 34: Windows into Heaven
Episode 46: Are You Working to Establish the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth or Are You
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
174 – Getting from hurt to hope
Are there things hurting you from the past you're still carrying around? Or do you know someone who is?
This week's podcast episode is full of healing. I'm talking with Steve Wormer about his work as a minister, and the Hurt to Hope program he works with to help churches and individuals find healing in their lives. It's a Bible-based program that helps someone move from the hurts of the past to hope for the future.
We talk about what it takes to bring healing to a person's life as well as to a whole church membership that may be hurting.
Here are some of the main points we cover:
- Forgiveness and trust are two different things
- What is forgiveness anyway?
- Sometimes forgiveness is like wrestling with God
- God likes you to be specific in your prayers
- Gratitude is the cousin of forgiveness
- Gratitude is a powerful healing prayer
- The 5 things that kill gratitude
- There's always something to be grateful for
- What brings healing to someone's life?
- What does being a follower of Jesus put on your heart?
- We all need to love more like Jesus did
- Our churches especially need to be more loving in and out of church
Connect with Steve Wormer:
Website: https://hurt2hope.org/
Email: steve.wormer5@gmail.com
Book: Rivers of Hope (Amazon affiliate link)
Check out all the Bible references we talked about: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/174
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Questions? Contact him here.Want James to talk or conduct a workshop on the Bible for your group? Reach out today.
- Subscribe to the podcast (and get your copy of Praying with the Mindset of Jesus)
- Make a donation to support the show
173 – Is there anything you need to surrender to God?
This week's episode is a parable about six year-old Charlotte, who tries to take all 12 of her stuffed animals on a hike, crammed into her backpack.
But it's not so easy to keep them all tucked away. One after the other they either fall in the water, get left behind, get covered in mud, or fall in a thorn bush.
But Charlotte is determined to take all her "friends" with her each day.
Join in the fun and listen as the wise little six-year old summarizes the camping and hiking trip:
“I had the best time ever and my favorite thing was that I learned sometimes the things you love, hold you back when you hold onto them too much. Sometimes you have to let go of the things you love so you can go where you want to.”The question is on the table for you and me: What will you take out of your overloaded backpack? What will you surrender so you can follow Christ more closely?
Check out the full transcript of this episode at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/173.
I also make mention of a conversation I had with my friend Pam Fields, host of The Mom Next Door: Stories of Faith Podcast. Pam shares how she was able to surrender something from the past and accepting the Holy Spirit's gift in exchange.
Two previous parables on The Bible Speaks to You Podcast:
Episode 14 – Would You Let Jesus in Your House if You Hadn’t Cleaned Up for Weeks?
Episode 32 – The Parable of the Unbaked Cake
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.Subscribe to the podcast • Make a donation to support the show
172 – What is it like to live in the Holy Spirit?
Is it still possible today? Yes, it is!
To understand why, we need to go back to when Jesus promises his disciples he will send the Holy Spirit to guide them, teach them everything they need to know, and remind them of everything he taught them.
In this week's episode I talk about
- Why Jesus had to leave before the Holy Spirit would come
- How to know that you have the Holy Spirit in your life
- 2 things you can do that bring the Holy Spirit
- The overall purpose of the Holy Spirit in Scripture and today
- Whether to say the Holy Spirit or just Holy Spirit
- How to actually live in the Holy Spirit
- Examples in the New Testament of people living in the Holy Spirit
Are you willing to let go of your agenda, your preconceptions, your opinions about what and how things have to be done, and be completely willing to go where the Holy Spirit guides you?
Is your church willing to do this collectively?
Never think you are exempt from being "employed" by the Holy Spirit to further the Cause of Christ in the world.
God can use your talents and abilities, and even your perceived lack of them, to His greater purpose. It’s not about how capable or holy you are, but how capable and holy God is.
My prayer for you is that you will feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life, that you will live in the presence of the Holy Spirit and that the light of Christ in you heart will shine out into the world to bless all mankind.
Blog posts mentioned in this week's episode:
What Does the Holy Ghost ACTUALLY Do?”
The Holy Spirit: Advocate, Comforter, and Defense Attorney
Bible verses quoted this week are in the show notes:
thebiblespeakstoyou.com/living-in-the-holy-spirit/
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.Subscribe to the podcast • Make a donation to support the show
171 – Have you ever wondered why Jesus spoke in parables so often?
Recently I got an email from a listener, Brian, wondering why Jesus spoke so often in parables but didn't ever explain things to the crowds of people who were listening. He only explained them to his disciples.
So I decided to do a whole episode about this. There's actually a lot to it and Brian actually had a lot of related questions.
Here are the questions Brian asked and that I talk about this week. He was referring specifically to the Parable of the Sower:
- What benefit was it to telling the multitude to plant seeds in good soil? Jesus wasn't trying to teach them how to grow their crops.
- What benefit could the crowds get if they didn't have an explanation?
- Did Jesus think people would think deeply about what he said and eventually figure out what he was talking about?
- Did he not care that most of the crowd didn't understand as longs a few people did?
- Did Jesus know that his words would be written down and shared in the future?
- Why didn't Jesus speak more clearly to his disciples?
I also talk about the number 1 problem in trying to figure out what the parables, or any of Jesus's teachings, mean.
And I share the very best way to actually discover the meaning of Jesus's parables.
To see all the Bible verses quoted in this week's episode, check out the show notes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/171.
NOTICE: If you have a topic you'd like me to talk about on The Bible Speaks to You Podcast, please click the contact link in the bio below.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.Subscribe to the podcast • Make a donation to support the show
**170 – If you're stuck in a legalistic church, it may be time to leave.
Being in a legalistic church** is like being stuck in a small, tight box with little freedom.
In today's podcast, I have a conversation with my friend Emily Louis, a worthiness coach and the host of the Abundant Grace Podcast, who left legalism for God's abundant grace.
Here are some of the things we talked about:
- Why did you start your podcast, Abundant Grace and how has it blessed folks?
- What was the first thing you found freedom from in you journey out of legalism?
- Why was it so hard?
- Why do you think people find comfort in the box, in the rules and the legalism?
- What caused you to rebel against legalism?
- Why do people obey the legalistic rules if they don't agree with them?
- What was your concept of and your relationship with God growing up and how has that changed?
- How has your approach to prayer changed?
- What are some of the theological things you don't believe anymore?
- How did you find your worth as a child of God?
- How do you help people discover and accept their worth?
- What is God's abundant grace and unconditional love like?
- How did it feel when you actually left the church you grew up in?
To see all the Bible references mentioned in this episode, go to:
thebiblespeakstoyou.com/170
Resources:
Instagram: emily.abundantgrace
Podcast: Abundant Grace
Please visit this special page Emily created just for you: emilyklouis.com/thebiblespeaks
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.Subscribe to the podcast • Make a donation to support the show
169 – Have you thought about what your spiritual vision for 2023 will be?
It's not just setting a goal and making it happen but seeing what God is doing in your life.
The book of Proverbs shares a powerful truth: "Where there is no vision, the people perish:" (Proverbs 29:18)
But this vision doesn't just mean what you see with your eyeballs. It means spiritual or prophetic vision, the ability to see what God is doing in your life and the world.
In this week's episode, I talk about
- Why spiritual vision is important
- What spiritual vision is
- How to look at your life from a more spiritual perspective
- Looking at yourself and others with your spiritual vision
- How did Jesus see things?
- Can you and I have the same spiritual vision Jesus did?
- Where will you go spiritually in 2023?
God has given us spiritual vision, we just need to use it.
God has given you the ability to see way beneath and beyond the surface appearance of things and discern the things of the Spirit
Use this gift often. Open your spiritual eyes and you will see what God is doing in 2023.
For Bible references mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/169.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.Subscribe to the podcast • Make a donation to support the show
2022 Highlights of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast
Sometimes at the end of the year and before the new year begins, you need a little reminder of all the good things that happened in the last 12 months.
In this episode I share clips from 10 of the most listened to episodes of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast during 2022.
Here are links to the full episodes of all those mentioned:
120 Jason Elam: You Are Loved and Accepted by God
125 Can Your Prayers to End War Make a Difference?
136 Cultivating the Mindset of Christ
139 The Healing Power of Blessing Others with Pierre Pradervand
146 You Are Filled with All the Fullness of God
149 You Are Here for Such a Time as This
153 Where Does Your Self-Worth Come From?
157 How to Find Inspiration when You Feel Uninspired
159 Following Wise Women in the Bible
161 You Are Already Complete
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.Subscribe to the podcast • Make a donation to support the show
167 – Have you ever thought about what you'll give Jesus for Christmas this year?
Christmas is in just a few days (if you're listening to this episode when it comes out). And you probably have most of your holiday preparations already taken care of except for the things that have to wait for the last minute.
In all you've done to get ready for Christmas, have you ever stopped to consider what you'll give Jesus for Christmas this year?
What could you possibly give him that he doesn't already have? He doesn't need any more gold, frankincense, or myrrh. He doesn't need any things. What he wants is the love in your heart, your whole heart.
And maybe we need to ask the question in a different way: What will you give up for Jesus this Christmas? The hurts, the fears, the unforgiving attitude, the desire to get even with someone.
When we clear out these negative thoughts, there's more room for Christ in our hearts. That is a beautiful gift for Jesus.
Every time you obey one of Jesus's commandments, you are giving him a gift.
In Matthew, Chapter 25, Jesus reminds us that we need to treat everyone we meet the same way we would treat him, because, that's actually what's happening.
This Christmas, I encourage you to see Jesus in everyone you come in contact with:
- in the stores
- in traffic
- on the sidewalk
- at church
- at home
- on the phone
- wherever
Express the same love to these people you would to Jesus.
And if you get so busy you forget, do it retroactively before you go to bed at night.
When you love everyone you meet the way you would love Jesus, that's the very best gift you can give him. It's the best gift you can give someone else. And it's the best gift you can give yourself.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas. I recognize and cherish the Christ in you today and always.
To read a transcript of the episode and see the Bible quotes mentioned this week, go to: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/167.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.Subscribe to the podcast • Make a donation to support the show
166 – How do you get ready for Christmas spiritually?
Christmas will be here in less than two weeks. Are you ready?
I'm not talking about the shopping and the cooking, the decorations and the Christmas cards. I'm talking about being ready spiritually to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Usually at this time of year, I read the Nativity stories in Matthew and Luke. And I look at the prophecies in the Old Testament the tell how Jesus will be born.
But this year I've been studying the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew, chapters 5, 6, and 7), to get in the Christmas spirit.
And I'm seeing things I've never seen before.
There's not time to go over every verse in this podcast episode, but here's what I talk about. And I share how these verses shed light on the spiritual meaning of Christmas.
- Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God
- Do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them
- Love your enemies
- Do not call anyone on earth ‘father,’ for you have one Father, and he is in heaven
- Each line of the Lord's Prayer
- Don’t store up treasures here on earth, store your treasures in heaven
- Don't worry about what you'll eat, drink, or wear because God will care for you
- Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness
- Don't judge others or you will be judged
I encourage you to read the whole Sermon on the Mount and think about how each verse brings vibrancy to the Christmas message.
I wish you a very blessed and holy Christmas.
For all the Bible quotes in this episode, go to the show notes page:
thebiblespeakstoyou.com/166
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.Subscribe to the podcast • Make a donation to support the show
165 – Have you ever noticed all the ways Jesus loved his disciples?
If you were going to tell someone you loved them, what would you say? How would you say it? There are so many possibilities. Just saying the words, “I love you,” doesn’t always convey love does it?
It’s about the tone of voice, the circumstances, your facial expressions and body language, the sincerity in your heart. A lot more than just words goes into letting someone know you love them.
And if you were going to show someone you loved them, what would you do? To them? For them? With them? Again, there are lots of ways to show someone you love them, sometimes without even saying a word. Actions often express much more love than words ever could.
A listener recently requested I explore in a podcast episode, all the ways Jesus expressed love to his disciples.
Well there's no way to talk about them all in one short episode, but this week I take an overview of many of the ways Jesus loved his disciples. And the implication is that he loves us in the very same way.
Here are the ways Jesus loved his disciples mentioned in this episode:
- Jesus loved them first and foremost by being true to himself and his purpose
- He loved them by choosing them to follow him
- He taught them publicly and privately
- He appointed them to preach and teach and empowered them to do so
- He taught them not just with his words but with his example
- He was patient with them
- He answered the questions
- He rebuked them
- He prepared them for when he would no longer be with them
- He sent the Holy Spirit to guide them once he was gone
- He trusted them to do what God called them to do
When you look at every single word and action through the lens of how much Jesus loved his disciples, his love is so much more obvious.
And remember, the love in Jesus's heart for his disciples includes you and me as well.
Here's how Jesus summed up this love: "As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love." John 15:9 NIV
Jesus loves us the way the Father loves him. Are you willing to open your heart to and accept that kind of love?
To see all the Bible quotes in this week's episode: thebiblepseakstoyou.com/165
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.Subscribe to the podcast • Make a donation to support the show
164 – Wouldn't it be great to be sitting with Christ in heavenly places?
Have you ever just wanted to get away from all the struggle, the challenges, and the busyness of daily life? Sometimes it seems the cycle of events never stops and we don’t have time to just be still and feel God’s presence as much as we’d like to.
I have certainly felt this way many times. But a phrase from Ephesians has been coming to me the last week or so which has given me a lot of comfort: “sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:6
That actually sounds pretty good doesn’t it? To sit in heavenly places in Christ.
But how on earth do we do that? Or, how in heaven do we do that, I should say. How can we get there, sitting in heavenly places?
In this week's episode I explore what this means:
- The verb tense indicates that God has already made us sit in heavenly places
- It's not just way off in the future
- To sit in heavenly places is part of our spiritual inheritance as co-heirs with Christ
- It is spiritually true now, we just can't see it looking through a distorted lens
- We need to accept the fact we are heirs to the kingdom and that we deserve this inheritance because God has ordained it for us, and us for it
- When we look the the lens of God's grace, we can see more of our divine heritage
- Before we can completely accept our divine inheritance we must give up a sin-oriented mindset that sees everyone, including ourselves, as miserable sinners
- Jesus looked at people through the lens of what's true in the kingdom of heaven and saw them "sitting with him in heavenly places."
Take a moment right now, and open your spiritual vision to see yourself sitting in these heavenly places we’ve been talking about. Quit looking through the smudged and cracked lens of a world full of sin. Look at yourself, and everyone you meet, through the lens of God’s grace, God’s divine influence in your heart.
This is not something to do just once or twice. It begins with that. But it’s a daily practice. It’s a mindset shift. The more you look through the lens of grace, the more grace you’ll see everywhere you go. And you will see yourself and everyone you meet sitting in the heavenly places in Christ.
For Bible references in this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/164
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.Subscribe to the podcastMake a donation to support the show
163 – What are you most grateful for?
What’s the first thing you think of? Is it something big or small? Something recent, something in the distant past, or is it for something in the future that hasn’t even happened yet?
Recently, when I asked someone in a class I was teaching what he was grateful for, he said it was his toothbrush. There's more to the story when you listen to the full episode, but it got me to thinking.
What does the Bible say about gratitude? A lot actually.
But most of the references I found have to do with thanking and praising God for the great things He has done, like create the heavens and the earth, deliver the children of Israel from Egypt and warring armies, and other grand and important things.
But I got curious about what the Bible says about being grateful for the little things in our lives.
I found some wonderful examples where the Bible brings out the importance of small things.
Here are just a few:
- Jesus giving thanks before a meal
- An angel tells Zechariah not to despise small beginnings
- Jesus telling his disciples they needed faith as a grain of mustard seed
- The widow who gave two copper coins to the Temple treasury
- Bits in the mouths of horses
- A rudder on a ship
- Yeast in bread dough
But we can take our gratitude way beyond just being grateful for these things. How about turning them into spiritual metaphors!
For example, Jesus's parable of the woman putting yeast in the bread dough gives us a hint of when we get a little taste of the kingdom of heaven, it completely changes our lives.
In this episode, I give a lot more examples of how to take the everyday things in your life, and see them as spiritual metaphors. Things like a light switch, a window and door, a steering wheel in your car. Check it out.
I'd love to know what are the little things you're grateful for.
To see the full show notes with all the Bible references mentioned in this week's episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/163.
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
162 – How do you define success?
Too many people today define success by how much money they have, their career, the things they have, their education, and lots of other externals.
But we need to redefine what success really is according to Tim Winders, my guest this week.
Tim made some very insightful observations about success:
- Redefining success is about busting up the Babylonian or worldly system of approaching life and business and how success is defined. And then asking 'What does the kingdom of God success look like? That’s really the bottom line.'
- What is success in the kingdom of heaven?
- Are you walking in the assignment God has given you?
- The three types of language Jesus used with different types of people
- Why brokenness often causes us to finally turn to God for help
- To be a good leader, you need a relationship with your Creator
- The difference between
- the Babylonian approach to success and the kingdom of heaven approach
- servant leadership and steward leadership
I also asked Tim three final questions:
- If you could talk to anyone in the Bible other than Jesus, who would it be?
- Who do you identify with in the Bible?
- How does Jesus really want us to live our lives?
Tune it to hear his answers.
Resources:
Website: timwinders.com
Book: Coach - A Story of Success Redefined*
For Tim's bio and the Bible verses mentioned go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/162
Previous episodes mentioned:
- 155 – Aramaic in the New Testament with Roy Gessford
-
160 – Why Does the Sabbath Still Matter Today?
-
Affiliate link
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
161 – Did you know that as the image and likeness of God, in a sense, you are already complete and whole.
When I was a kid, I usually felt there was something missing in my life. I didn't have everything I needed. I felt incomplete. I often thought I needed some thing or situation to make me complete, but it was actually a mindset issue. Way down inside, I felt incomplete as a person.
As I grew in my faith, I came to see that as a child of God made in the divine image and likeness, my completeness came from God, not external things or just good human thoughts internally.
In this week's episode, I talk about how Jesus saw the completeness of the people he came in contact with and the healing effect it had on their lives. I discuss:
- The woman who touched Jesus's clothes for healing and how Jesus took that healing to a deeper dimension
- Bartimaeus, whom Jesus could see as whole before he was was healed
- The two aspects of Jesus's mindset that revealed a person's wholeness and then healed them
- Where did Jesus see someone's completeness?
- What Jesus said to the woman who couldn't stand up that revealed she was already complete, even before she was healed
Christ represents the fullness of God. All God’s fullness is in Christ.
When you truly embrace this idea that Christ embodies the fullness, the full nature, of God, then, “you also are complete through your union with Christ.” (Colossians 2:10 NLT)
_________________________
Bible references in this week's episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/161
Subscribe to the podcast
Support the show_________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Have you ever wondered why we still observe the Sabbath each week?
A longtime listener to The Bible Speaks to You Podcast from Africa asked me to do an episode on why the Sabbath is still important.
In the world today, lots of people do not really think too much about honoring the Sabbath. They may be glad to have a day off from work, but they’re not aware of its deep spiritual significance.
Other folks who consider themselves spiritual but not religious, may think it’s just some old-fashioned religious tradition. They may be thinking, “Why can’t we just celebrate and be spiritual however we want to? Why should one day be more important than another?”
And some people take a very ritualistic approach to observing the Sabbath.
In this week's episode, I talk about
- Where the idea of the Sabbath comes from
- The origin of the Hebrew word that refers to the Sabbath
- God's displeasure with the way the Children of Israel were sometimes celebrating the Sabbath in the Old Testament
- How Jesus healed on the Sabbath and why that is so significant
- How the Pharisees felt about Jesus healing on the Sabbath (hint: they did NOT like it one bit)
- The spiritual essence of the Sabbath
- How we can remember the Sabbath all week long, not just on one day.
__________________
Bible references in this week's episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/160
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
159 – The Bible is full of women who speak with wisdom and have positions of authority.
Several years ago in my Bible class at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, CT, I put together a class on all the women in the Bible.
It was fascinating to look at the Bible from the perspective of what women were doing and what was being done to them.
One of the first things I realized in preparing for and teaching this class was that the Bible is full of examples when women were in charge, had great authority, were sought out by men for advice, and were chosen for important roles.
These women were not subservient to men. They owned their power and fulfilled their God-given purpose by being true to themselves and to God.
In this week’s episode, we’re going to look at a few of these women and see what we can learn from them. This not just for you if you’re a woman. Guys, there are lots of lessons we can learn from what God does with women in the Bible.
Here are the women I talk about in this week's episode:
- Sarah: God commanded Abraham to obey wife and do everything she told him, in regards to sending Hagar and Ishmael away
- Abraham obeyed his wife
- Husbands who think their wives should always obey them need to remember what God told Abraham
- Deborah was a prophet and a judge in Israel, before there were kings
- The people came to Deborah as a judge and prophet because they truested her.
- Her reputation spoke for her. They did not discredit her because she was a woman.
- Deborah commanded Barak to gather 10,000 troops and he obeyed
- Barak wanted Deborah to go with him into battle. He valued what she had to offer.
- Barak was willing not to take credit for the victory because he knew Deborah was the one who brought the victory
- Huldah was a prophet during the reign of King Josiah
- When the book of the Law was found in the Temple and read to the Josiah, he sent the priest and others to Huldah, a prophetess, to inquire what God wanted him to do
- The king, the mightiest man in the kingdom, asked for advice from a woman
- Mary Magdalene was commissioned by Jesus to proclaim his resurrection to the disciples
- This is a case where men should have listened to a woman but didn't
- Priscilla, along with her husband, taught a very educated man, who thought he already knew the Bible, about how Jesus fulfilled the Messianic prophecies
How many times throughout history has God given wisdom to women, but people did not listen?
Ask yourself: Who is God appointing today to share His wisdom with the world? When it’s you, are you sharing it? When it’s someone else, are you listening?
Bible reference and full transcript: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/159
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
158 – Have you ever thought of yourself as a prophet?
Have you ever thought it was even possible for you to be a prophet?
We usually think if someone is going to be a prophet, it’s going to be someone else. Not us!
And we have this stereotype of prophets in the Bible predicting the future, issuing a warning to an evil king, or performing miracles of some sort.
But to be a prophet, doesn’t necessarily mean you have to do all these things.
Basically, to be a prophet, in the Bible, or today, you have to be able to hear God talking to you, do what He tells you do, say what He tells you to say to whom He tells you to say it.
To be a prophet means you have to set aside your personal opinions and listen to God for what to say and do.
In this week's episode, I talk about what the spirit of true prophecy and what makes it's possible for you to be a prophet.
A true prophet:
- Hears God's voice
- Obeys God's directions
- Says what God tells them to say to whom God tells them to speak
- Sets aside their personal opinions and perspectives
- Is not deterred when someone tries to intimidate them or discredit them
Sometimes people try to squash your prophetic spirit. Even Joshua did this when two of the elders, who were supposed to come to the Tabernacle to receive God's Spirit, stayed in the camp. God placed His Spirit on them anyway.
When Joshua found out, he told Moses to stop them.
But Moses replied, "I wish that all the LORD’s people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit upon them all!” Numbers 11:29 NLT
Don't let anyone intimidate you out of sharing what God reveals to you and calls you to do. The world needs your spiritual vision, this spirit of true prophecy that you have and can bring to bear in a given situation. Human opinions will never bring healing to the world, but your prophetic spirit will.
Whenever you are filled with the Holy Spirit, even if it's just for a minute, whenever you hear God, whenever say and do what God impels you to, you are a modern day prophet.
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Bible references in this week's episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/158
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
157 – Have you ever had one of those days...You know, when you just feel down in the dumps, uninspired, and nothing seems to get you out of the doldrums?
You sit there praying and it just seems like words? You try to read and study your Bible but even your favorite stories and verses seem empty and flat?
It happens to most of us at one point or another.
So how do we get out of it?
Well, it may have very little to do with you. It may be the atmosphere you're in, the mental, emotional, spiritual, as well as physical atmosphere around you.
It's not the sailboat's fault when there's no wind to propel it forward. You many just need a little wind in your sails to get you going in the right direction.
In this week's episode, I talk about how to get out the spiritual doldrums and start going forward with your life. Some of the points I cover:
- Who has the wind in his fists? (Hint: Proverbs 30:4)
- What is the spiritual meaning of wind?
- What do you do when your down in the dumps and all your prayers and Bible study seem like a bunch of hollow words?
- The recipe for getting out of the doldrums (Hint: Psalm 42:11)
- The crucial importance of the word again in that verse
- The power of singing
- The power of gratitude
When your life feels like a sailboat out on the lake with no wind to move you forward, take a moment right now to start praising God.
Pour your heart out in gratitude for all your blessings.
Sing every hymn you can think of. Make up your own songs.
This is one of the best ways to get some wind in your sails, to get your life moving in the right direction, and to feel the genuine inspiration of God’s presence in your life.
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Bible references in this week's episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/157
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
156 – Do you remember the story about the Syrophoenician woman who asked Jesus to heal her daughter?
Have you ever wondered why Jesus was so incredibly inclusive of all types of people is in his ministry?
I mean, think about it. Jesus talked to every sort of person there was to talk to: the rich, the poor, the holy, the humble, the sinner, the self-righteous. It didn’t matter to him if someone was of high or low social and religious status. What he cared about was if someone was receptive to who he was and his message of the kingdom of heaven.
And Jesus didn’t only minister to people of the Jewish faith. He often broke the social and religious boundaries by talking to non-Jewish people.
In this week's episode, I focus on how Jesus interacted with the Greek woman who was a Syrian Phoenician. There are some important things to keep in mind:
- Matthew and Mark both recount this story, but they each give details the other leaves out
- Matthew says Jesus didn't even respond at first to her plea for help
- Jesus disciples were bothered by her presence and wanted Jesus to get rid of her
- Jesus saw an opportunity for healing; the disciples did not
- Jesus basically calls the woman a dog
- The word he used for dog actually meant a little dog, a lap dog, or pet. It was a term of endearment, not an insult
- The woman picked up on this. The "dogs under the table" are pets, members of the family and the woman realized Jesus was including her as worthy to be healed.
- Jesus was "the bread of life" and did not deny this woman this bread
- He healed her daughter
How was Jesus able to see this as an opportunity for healing when no one else did? How can we see these kinds of things as opportunities for healing?
Jesus knew his message of the kingdom of heaven and salvation was for all mankind. What is he teaching us about heaven in this story? What is he showing us about how his church should treat people who are rejected by social, cultural, and religious tradition?
This encounter is actually prophetic of how the Gospel would be shared with the non-Jewish world relatively soon after Jesus ascended.
How could Jesus love the social outcasts, and even the foreigners who worshiped false gods? What was he thinking?
Whatever it was, we need to think like he did. We need to love like he did. We need to, and can, see every situation as an opportunity to bear witness to the healing power of God. Even when it’s awkward, uncomfortable, or difficult.
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Bible references in this week's episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/156
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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155 – Jesus spoke Aramaic in the New Testament
Is there any advantage to learning Aramaic to understand his teachings better?
Of course!
In this week's podcast episode, I talk with Roy Gessford about the insights we can get from reading the New Testament translated from Aramaic.
Roy got interested in the original languages of the Bible when a speaker at a Bible conference told him he could learn these ancient languages.
His first research said it was a dead language. But he quickly learned it was not.
Roy shared some examples of how Aramaic has given him a better understanding of what a particular passage in the Bible means. He refers to
- When the devil tempts Jesus to turn the stone into bread
- The line in the Lord's prayer about God's will being done on earth
- Getting a deeper understanding of Jesus's mindset that God's healing power is here today just as it was then
- He shares a healing he had because of the conviction he found in Jesus's words
- In John 21, the word play with the words lamb and sheep when Jesus tells Peter three times to tend his flock.
Listen to find out Roy's answer to the question: "If Jesus walked in the room, would you be able to talk to him in Aramaic?"
Contact Roy Gessford:
Website: letinthelightpublishing.com
Email: letinthelightpublishing@gmail.com
Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/155
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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154 – Have you noticed lately how so many people are predicting the end of the world?
There is so much talk about "end times" these days. But actually it's been going on for years, even centuries.
Think of all the people who came up with exact dates for when the world was going to end. But it never happened the way they predicted.
Jesus said no one knows that day and time, not the angels, not even him. Only the Father knows.
If Jesus said he didn't know, then we shouldn't be trying to figure it out.
In this week's episode, I look at "the end of the world," share some ideas, and look at it all from a little bit different perspective. I talk about
- Harold Camping, who incorrectly predicted the end of the world several times
- What God has to say about false prophets
- When John of Patmos saw the new heaven and new earth, was it a vision of the future or was it something he was able to see that had always been there?
- Why it's important to understand the Greek word translated "world" in the phrase, "the end of the world."
- The end of the world is not just a one-time, far off, or not so far off, event in the future.
- Every time you obey God, every time you have a spiritual victory, the material world is coming to an end, bit by bit.
- We are not supposed to figure out when the final "end of the world" happens?
- We need simply to bear witness to God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
The end of the material world is today and every day that we obey the First Commandment, that we put God and the things of the Spirit first and foremost in our lives, that we follow Christ and imbibe his mindset that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
The more we do this, the more we will see the end of this material world, the less material it will appear, because the lens we’re looking through is more spiritual. And the more we will see of God's kingdom already come, here and now.
Don’t believe what the world, and the people in it, tell you. Open your eyes, your spiritual eyes, and bear witness to what already exists, and that God is revealing to you this very day, that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/154
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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153 – How can we find true self-worth?
A friend of mine lost his job. All his confidence and self-assurance vanished. He never was able to reclaim a sense of his own worth. He saw his value based on the job he had and the money he made.
But true self worth doesn’t come from anything you do, say, or achieve. It’s not based on how much money you make, how successful you are in business, with your family, or at church.
It doesn’t depend on where you’re from or where you went to school. It’s not about your physical appearance. Or how famous you are. Or how many followers you have on Social Media.
True self-worth comes from understanding who you are as child of God. It’s really that simple. Then, whatever the circumstances you can value who you are.
In this week's episode, I talk about:
- Gideon's low self-worth when based on social status and family position
- Gideon's high self-worth when he trusted in God's help
- How Jesus sees our worth
- How Paul describes our worth
- How King David describes our worth
- Why we don't feel our God-given worth
- Where the negative view of ourselves comes from
- The right and wrong way to get a better sense of your worth
This verse from Ephesians 2:10 sums it up: "We are God’s masterpiece."
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/153
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
To register for the 10 week class, The New Testament Angels Still Speak to Us Today, go to Angel Class
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152 – Sometimes, the best prayer is just being in God’s presenceA lot of people think they don't know how to pray. They assume you have to say certain words and phrases in a certain way for your prayer to be "right."
But there is no on right way to pray. It's more about feeling God's presence. Then the right ideas will come to you to pray with.
Being in God's presence
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, the idea of just being in God's presence.
In this week's episode, I talk about how:
- Moses felt God's presence at the burning bush, but wanted more
- Moses felt God's presence after being on Mt. Sinai, but wanted more
- Moses eventually learned that God's presence was enough
- The book of Psalms assures us of God's presence
- God told Jeremiah that He was always present
- And why some people are afraid of God's presence
- I felt God's presence in an electrical storm
- Jesus experienced God's presence, even on the cross
Practice being in God's presence
How would you feel if you were completely aware of God being present with you? Would you act differently? Would you think different thoughts? How would it change what you say or don’t say?
How would it change the way you think about and treat other people? How would it change the way you see and treat yourself?
I encourage you to practice being in God's presence.
Take some time when you’re not trying to solve a problem, not praying for anything in particular.
Just practice being in God’s presence.
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/152
Subscribe to the podcast ___________________________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
To register for the 10 week class, The New Testament Angels Still Speak to Us Today, go to Angel Class
Support the show
151 – Have you ever had to deal with modern day Pharisees?
It's a big problem in a lot of churches, where someone in a church’s leadership becomes dictatorial, self-righteous, legalistic, and does everything to stay in control.
Part of the problem is that Pharisees today, don't realize they are Pharisees.
In this week's episode, I talk about
- What a modern day Pharisee is like
- The 4 main ways to deal with Pharisees
- What works the best
- What happens if you try to correct or rebuke a Pharisee
- How I almost became a Pharisee
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/151
Subscribe to the podcast ___________________________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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150 – I asked for your questions about the Bible. Wow!
Several weeks ago, I asked listeners to send in their questions about the Bible. Thanks to everyone who responded. What wonderful and thoughtful questions.
Asking questions is one of the most important ways to learn. Unfortunately, some churches discourage questions. They don't want people to think for themselves. I feel the exact opposite.
Here are the questions sent in:
My responses are not the be-all and end-all answers. But I share a few thoughts and encourage you to think how you would answer these same questions.
- How do you explain the contradictions in the Bible?
- Are Adam and Eve the first humans created by God? Is this a legend or not?
- Should we interpret the Bible literally or figuratively?
- Does Jesus have siblings?
- If God is all powerful, all knowing, and all loving why do bad things happen to good people?
- And since bad things happen, is that a reason we shouldn’t believe God is good and all-powerful?
- Where does evil come from?
- Where does evil exist?
- Can you shed some light on the how Jesus multiplied the loaves and the fish?
- What does the Bible say about eunuchs?
- If only one of the sixty-six books that comprise the Bible could be preserved for all eternity, which book do you feel it should be?
- How can we see the Bible stories more spiritually and with fresh eyes instead of just from a human perspective?
- Are the miracles and healings of the patriarchs, the prophets, Jesus and his disciples, just symbolism of God being in power or can these things happen today? If so, how? If not, why not?
- Why doesn’t God just heal us automatically?
- You talk about mud as a metaphor for the sins and mistakes in our lives, that can be washed away with God's love and grace. How do you know this is true? What if the "mud" or sin seems really convincing that it’s part of us? How do we get rid of muddy thinking?
- What is your favorite Bible story, quote, or inspiration, and why?
- If God wants you to do something that is daunting and seems impossible, how do you know it’s really God guiding you and not the whispering voice tempting you to jump off the pinnacle of the temple?
- When times are rough, how do you keep walking in the Spirit, even though you’re afraid and times are hard?
Here are three previous episodes I mentioned this week
Episode 17 – If You Take the Bible 100% Literally, You’ll miss 90% of What is Says
Episode 2 – The Kingdom of Heaven Is at Hand
Episode 24 – Give Gratitude in Advance of a Healing or Blessing
Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/150.
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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149 – Have you ever wondered why you are where you are at this point in history?
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how each of us has a unique place and purpose in God’s creation. The Bible is full of examples of the right person being in the right place at the right time, saying and doing the right thing.
One of the best examples in the Old Testament of someone being in the right place at the right time, is Esther.
In this week's episode, I talk about the story of Esther at the crucial moment when her cousin Mordecai sent her a message encouraging her to go talk to her husband the king. She was hesitant but Mordecai explained that God had put her in the position of Queen so she could help to remedy the situation.
We still find comfort and guidance in Mordecai's words: "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)
"For such a time as this"You are here, at this point in history and whatever situation you find yourself, have the same opportunity as Esther did to make a right choice and stand up for truth and justice. You're probably not a queen in a palace saving thousands of people from being killed, like Esther did.
But with all the challenges in the world today, both on a global scale as well as your personal life, you have the ability to hear God's voice and follow God's guidance. That's where all true solutions come from.
In this episode I share
- How my friend Paul had an Esther moment with a dictator in Central America
- How God led me to discover a greater sense of purpose
- How Jesus thought about his purpose
- Why it was important for Jesus to come when he did, instead of 500 years sooner or later
- How you can begin to align yourself with God's purpose for you at this moment in human history.
Step with boldness into what God has called you to do. God is using you to accomplish something much bigger than you just solving your own problems. The world needs your light. The world needs your courage. And most of all, the world needs your love. You are here for such a time as this.
Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/149.
Subscribe to the podcast ___________________________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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148 – When does Christ open the book with seven seals?Recently, I was studying Revelation, Chapter 5, where John of Patmos is shown a scroll sealed with seven seals. Chapter 6 then describes what happens as the seals are opened.
A lot of Christians are incredibly fixated on what these seals represent and the events that follow in the book of Revelation. There are so many different opinions and theories about how and when these prophecies will be fulfilled.
Here are some of the key points in this episode:
- Many Christians believe these prophecies have not yet been fulfilled
- A growing number of Christians believe the prophecies in Revelation were fulfilled right after the book was written.
- Past prophecies as to time and date for Jesus returning and the end of the world have been wrong.
- Jesus said no one, not even the angels in heaven, not even himself, knew when that day would be. Only God knows (Mark 13:22)
- Jesus also told his disciples it is not for us to know the times and dates of when God will accomplish things (Acts 1:6, 7)
Instead of getting all caught up in how this is going to happen in the future or whether it has already happened in the past, I encourage you to focus more on how Christ fulfills this prophecy in your life today.
What if we don’t have to wait till the end of time for Christ to open the seven seals? What if it could happen right now?
Is there something hiding in your heart that needs to be exposed, faced, and healed? Things you have done wrong and haven't dealt with? Or the unhealed wounds from things others have done to harm you? Only Christ can open the seals of your heart, expose the evil, and defeat the foe.
Christ is knocking on the door of your heart.
All he asks is to share a meal with you, to partake of the bread of life with you. In the process, he will open the seven seals on your heart, everything that would try to keep you from being all that God made you to be.
Christ is uncovering and destroying whatever is unlike him, in your life, today!
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/148.
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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147 – What do you do when your church isn't following Christ?
Recently I’ve met several people who have left their churches because their pastor, the leadership team, or the church as a whole, was not really following Jesus or obeying his teachings.
I know folks who have been abused emotionally, spiritually, theologically, and sometimes even physically, in their churches. One or more of their church leaders, and sometimes the whole culture and the resulting politics at church, have been so far away from Jesus’s way of thinking and living, that my friends had to leave.
Their motives were misunderstood. They were accused of things they didn’t do or say. Friends betrayed them and often end up refusing to ever talk to them again.
My heart goes out to these folks. And there are thousands upon thousands who have left their churches or are thinking about it.
Here are two previous episodes where I interviewed pastors who left their churches because their churches weren't following Jesus
- 76 Keith Giles and the Atonement of Christ
- 120 Jason Elam: You Are Loved and Accepted by God
And by the way, leaving their old churches and their old doctrines behind did not cause them to abandon Jesus. They love him more now than they ever did before.
We all need to leave behind any version of Christianity that does not perfectly embrace what Jesus said and did.
I am tired of people defending man-made religion. It’s time to get back to the religion of Jesus, the original Christianity of Christ. That’s what this podcast is all about.
Re-examining your faith can be a scary and uncomfortable process. But you’re not alone in the journey. More people than you can possibly imagine are on the same path and each may feel like they are the only one with doubts and questions.
There’s no formula of what to do when you find yourself in this position or your church isn’t following Christ, but here are a few ideas to get you started in this process:
- Go back to the four Gospels. Take each idea and put it into practice in your daily life. That's one of the best ways to see if Jesus knew what he was talking about.
- Visit other churches and listen to people with different ideas.
- Ask questions and write them in a journal.
- Talk to a friend.
- And if you need someone to talk to, please contact me. I mean that very sincerely. I would love to talk to you.
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/147.
Subscribe to the podcast ___________________________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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146 – Is it really possible for us to be filled with God's fullness?
And what does that even mean?
Over the years, I’ve met people from all walks of life who, to greater or lesser degree, don’t feel complete. They identify themselves with their mistakes. They see themselves as victims of other people or circumstances. They don’t feel loved, good enough, or worthy.
I have struggled with this myself at times.
You can pray, read the Bible, talk to a friend, or even listen to a sermon or a podcast, or go to a Bible conference, and sooner or later you’ll come across the idea that God loves you and forgives you. But sometimes it just seems like words. It seems like something is still missing.
This week's episode talks about:
- What it means to be filled with God's fullness
- Why we don't believe we are
- The difference between trying to fix a problem and getting rid of it
- The importance of a mindset shift from a material perspective to a spiritual one
- Why it doesn't take time to change your mindset, but seems like it does
- A simple gratitude-in-advance prayer to accept and embrace God's fullness in your life
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/146.
Subscribe to the podcast ___________________________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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145 – Have you ever wondered why some prayers get answered and some don't?
Personally, I believe all prayers are answered, just not always according to our preconceptions. There are times when we think our prayers have not been answered, but we just didn’t realize that the answer was, “No,” or something different from what we were expecting.
Is it ever God’s will that someone not be healed or a problem not be solved? Unfortunately, too many Christians have been taught this very thing. I did a couple of episodes on this topic:
- Episode 29: Is it Ever God’s Will You Are NOT Healed when You Pray?
- Episode 98: Is it God’s Will for You to Be Healed?
When you have prayed every way you know how and someone is not healed or a challenge lingers, it is all too easy to think, “Well, I prayed for God’s will to be done and they weren’t healed. So, it must be God’s will this person wasn’t healed.”
But if you start your prayer with even the unconscious inkling that it might not be God’s will for someone to be healed, you cannot pray with the same authority Jesus did.
In this week's episode, I talk about some of the reasons our prayers don't seem to be answered or heal the way Jesus healed. Here are just a few:
- It has to do with our motives
- Undetected fear or sin
- Our lack of faith and spiritual vision,
- And sometimes disbelief and opposition from others
Take a moment for an honest look at your motives. Surrender to God all your carefully constructed plans for your life, all your preconceptions, personal goals, and aspirations. Just for a moment resign your will to God’s.
There’s nothing to fear because God’s will is always good, and so much better than anything we could come up with for ourselves. God will put you in the path that glorifies Him and blesses mankind the most. Be like a little child. Put your hand in God’s and trust Him to guide you.
Hold your life up to the standard Jesus set in the Sermon on the Mount. This is not about beating yourself up because you’re not doing everything perfectly.
Always acknowledge how much you’re doing right. But ask God to wash away any fear, uncertainty, or sin that may cloud your clear spiritual prayer-vision.
Quietly but with boldness: acknowledge God’s supremacy over all the lies of Satan; rejoice that God has revealed the remedy for all evil through Christ; claim and exercise the authority, given to you by Christ, over all the power of the enemy.
And your prayers will be effective.
Bible references in this week's episode.
Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/145.
Subscribe to the podcast ___________________________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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144 – Keith Ferrin shares a unique way to read the Bible that reveals more of your identity in Christ.
This week, Keith Ferrin and I have a conversation about experiencing the Bible's message on a whole new level that reveals more of who we really are as children of God.
Keith shares why he's so passionate about the Bible. Here are some of the ideas he shares:
- The world’s lies are really, really loud and part of why I read the Bible is to make sure that the truth is louder.” It’s not about learning something new. It’s about being reminded what is true.
- We need to read the Bible relationally, not informationally ( and he explains what that means)
- We have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwelling in us.
- He shares what happened on April 18, 1993, that caused a major shift in the way he thought about the Bible
- The difference between memorizing Scriptures and internalizing them
Keith shared a simple way to look at any Bible passageand see more than you ever did before:
- What does this passage tell me about who God is? Remember, God is the most important character in the Bible.
- What does it tell me about what God has done?
- What does it say about who I am? (in light of, or in relationship with who God is and what God has done)
- What is my response?
Keith emphasized the need to soak in bigger chunks of the Bible. All too often we study the Bible in tiny little pieces, as if we’re discussing the scenes of a movie we’ve never completely watched.
Keith and I created a Bible reading challenge. For the next 30 days, read the book of 2 Timothy out loud. It should take about 10-15 minutes. Read it like a letter you received from a very dear friend.
Keith Ferrin Contact info:
KeithFerrin.com
Keith's YouTube Channel
Keith's interview of me on YouTube: Developing the Mind of Christ
For more detailed show notes go to TheBibleSpeakstoYou.com/144
Subscribe to the podcast ___________________________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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143- Jesus said to go into your closet and shut the door when your pray.
Did he mean that literally? What is Jesus really asking us to do?
Imagine you were in the crowd when Jesus was giving his Sermon on the Mount. He's talking about praying and all of a sudden he says you should go into your closet and shut the door.
Most people you know pray on the street corners or in the synagogues. Jesus basically just called them hypocrites. How does he get away with that?
In this week's episode, I talk about what it actually means to go into your closet and pray. Here are several of the important ideas I talk about:
- The Greek word here means a storehouse. It's where you'd keep your resources.
- When we pray, Jesus wants us to go into our spiritual storage room where God has already provided an answer for our needs.
- It's not a literal closet or a literal door
- Jesus never went into a little room and shut the door to pray. For him the closet was a spiritual state of mind that shut out the material influences of the world so he could hear the voice of God.
- Jesus took his spiritual closet with him wherever he went
Another way to think about this is to ask: Where do you stand when you pray?
Jesus stood on his oneness with the Father when he prayed. He understood his relationship with God.
When you pray, do you stand on and in your relationship with God?
When Jesus prayed, he knew the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Is it possible for us to have that same conviction when we pray?
Are you standing where Jesus prayed for you to be? If not, you don’t have to go anywhere to get there. You just have to shift your whole perspective from what the world tells you is true to what Christ tells you is true. This is allows you to see that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and not just way off in the future after you die.
To acknowledge that the kingdom of heaven is at hand goes against everything the world has taught us. That’s why we have to shut the door on it.
To the degree that you and I see the supremacy of God’s rule, God’s kingdom, here and now on earth and bear witness to the truth that heaven is at hand, we will think like Jesus did. We will pray like Jesus did. We will heal like Jesus did.
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Check out the Bible references quoted in this week's episode here: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/143
If you have questions or comments please contact me.
Subscribe to the podcast ___________________________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Support the show
142 – Sometimes we need to stop learning about God
Several years ago, I knew a fellow who was always studying the Bible. He was always trying to learn more about God. He’d look up every little detail about whatever topic he was researching. He knew a lot about God. He could always quote verses from the Bible that seemed appropriate for almost any situation.
But all this knowledge about God was mostly in his head. Very little of it had made it into his heart. And even less had seeped out into his daily life in the way he treated others or how he saw himself.
He didn’t really feel God’s love for him. Oh, he could talk about the fact that God loved him but he didn’t feel it. And when he told others that God loved them, it usually came across as just empty words.
I don’t know if you’ve ever felt this way, but I have.
You know enough about God already
It's more important to know God, to feel God's presence and love in your life.
Paul says in 1 Corinthians 2:9, 10 that we can't know God through the material senses. It is only through a revelation of the Spirit.
The only way to really know God is by God revealing Himself to us.
A Sunday School teacher in the church I grew up in said, "God doesn't talk to us today like He did to the people in the Bible. We have the Bible and that's all we need."
I heartily disagree and actually did a previous episode of this podcast on this topic: Episode 39 Does God Still Talk to Us Today?
Why don't we hear God's voice?
We're distracted with and absorbed in our own little worlds, all our worries and fears, etc.
So how do we get to know God and not just learn more about God?
- We need a sincere and humble desire to know God on His terms
- We need to become aware of our relationship with God
- We need to nurture that relationship
- Don't just dump all your problems on God
- Have a conversation
- Ask questions
- Ask for help and guidance
- Ask God to show you how to love the way He does
In getting to know God, we need to get out of our human intellectualism and reside more in the Spirit. Studying the Bible is important, don’t get me wrong. But we need to make sure our Bible study is guided by the Holy Spirit and not the human intellect.
Sometimes you need to close your Bible
Close your Bible. Think about one aspect of God's nature, like love or forgiveness, wisdom or mercy. Now practice that in your daily life and you will get to know God better. You will experience God's presence in your life.
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/142.
Subscribe to the podcast ___________________________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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141 – What would spiritual rebirth look like in your church?Our churches are facing some pretty challenging times. We need a more spiritual approach to church, but in our individual churches as well as all of Christianity.In this week's episode, I talk about how the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus about the need to be born again, can apply, not just to us as individuals, but also collectively to our churches.
There needs to be a spiritual rebirth taking place in our churches.
Here are some questions I explore in this week's episode:
- What does it really mean to be born again and why did Jesus call it an "earthly thing" instead of a "heavenly thing"?
- When you or your church experience a rebirth here on earth, what's taking place in heaven?
- How do you conceive of church?
- Whose church do you go to, a church built by people's opinions and doctrines or do you go to the church Jesus built?
- What is the real foundation Jesus built his church on?
- Why did Nicodemus take the idea of being born again literally, and why do we take the idea of our churches being born again literally?
- How does God see your church?
Mentions:
Episode 106: Markus Watson and the Future of the Church
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/141.
If you have questions or comments please contact me.
Subscribe to the podcast ___________________________________________
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Support the show
140 – Is it really possible to leave all for Christ?
It's easy to say the words, but it's not so easy to actually let go of all our personal opinions, perceptions and preconceptions.
But that's what Jesus encourages us to do.
Does that mean we're supposed to sell all our worldly goods, give it all to the poor, live on the streets or in a cave, depend on charity, or get our money from a fish’s mouth?
No!
Jesus only told one person to sell everything and give the proceeds to the poor. And even if you did that, it doesn't automatically make you more spiritual and obedient to Jesus.
What does it mean to leave all for Christ?
As always Jesus gives us the answer. And it’s more the way he lived his life, and not just the words he said.
- He did not pursue his own will, he always did God’s will.
- Jesus didn’t come to accumulate and bask in personal glory. Everything he did was for God’s glory.
- Jesus did not come with his own personal agenda. From the time he was a young boy, he was about his Father’s business.
- He did not maneuver his way into people’s lives to exert his personal power over them.
- Each breath he took, each step he took, each word he spoke, each deed he accomplished, each person he healed, he did so because God directed and empowered him to.
How can we follow his example?
Let’s start just with the way he loved people.
Are we moved with compassion and love to the degree he was when he saw the multitudes? Or do we judge people by all the outward appearances and separate them into us and them categories?
I am pretty sure there were people in those crowds, which Jesus looked on with compassion, who were not necessarily the most outstanding members of society. We might not want to associate with some of the people Jesus loved so freely. And there some of those folks we might not want to show up in our churches.
But Jesus saw the worth and dignity of everyone he came in contact with, regardless of their social status or how much of a saint or sinner they were.
Take an honest look at yourself. What is it in your heart that hasn’t yielded to Christ?
- Is there any anger or resentment?
- Are you holding onto a victim mentality because of past circumstances or the way people have treated you?
- Are you a control freak and always have to be in control?
Why do we hold onto these things? Because we think they define us. But they don’t. They just describe something that happened to us.
Why should we leave all for Christ? Because in the process we discover our relationship, our oneness, with God and Christ.
Ultimately, to leave all for Christ is to let go of everything you identify with that is not part of how God originally made you in His image and likeness.
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Bible references in this week's episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/135.
Questions or comments: Please contact me.
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
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139 – How often do you actually bless the people in your life?
And what about loving and blessing your enemies?
The real question is "Why should we bless our enemies and how do we do it?"
My guest this week, Pierre Pradervand, talks about how he discovered the power of blessing everyone he meets. It all started when someone undermined him at work. At first Pierre was really mad and full of resentment.
But he was reminded of Jesus's command to love and bless our enemies. As he did this, he found a freedom from hatred.
Then he started blessing everyone he passed on the street, the people on the bus and at the grocery store. It has changed his life.
Pierre now helps others learn to love and bless in this way.
His book, The Gentle Art of Blessing, shares more of his story and many examples of his own and people he has helped.
Here are some of the questions and topics we talked about:
- Is it possible to love and bless someone like Vladimir Putin
- Is it okay to bless ourselves?
- What does it really mean to bless someone?
- The highest form of prayer
- Two mystical experiences in which Pierre experienced a deep all-encompassing divine love
- The real structure of the universe is spiritual
- The biggest blessing in his life
- Why people feel separated from God
Here are a couple of quotes:
**“Blessing is a way of sending unconditional love, peace, healing, goodness to a person or a situation, or simply seeing them bathe in the love.”
“Blessing is not something we do to attract good into our life; that would be attempting to manipulate the universe. However, the result will be that you will find more and more harmony pouring into your life. You will find greater peace of mind, greater poise.”
Bible references** in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/139.
If you have questions or comments please contact me.
Subscribe to the podcast
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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138 – What do you do when you feel unappreciated?
Have you ever felt your talents and abilities were underutilized on a project you were working on? People just don’t seem to appreciate how much you have to offer at work, at church, or wherever? You just don’t get the recognition, or the leadership opportunities you deserve?
I have felt that way many times over the years. And along with those feelings would come the little voice in my head, “If I were in charge, I would do things differently”, or “I could do such a much better job than they are.”
I really don't feel that way anymore. But I'm reminded of them every time I read the story of Absalom, one of King David's sons.
This week's episode explores how Absalom approached these feelings:
- He felt unappreciated and underutilized
- All the while he believed he could do a better job
- He wanted a position of authority
- He plotted and schemed to get revenge instead of seeking justice through the appropriate channels
- He flattered the people and won their loyalty away from King David
- He even planned to make himself King in Hebron
Unfortunately Absalom met an untimely death. All his plotting and planning got him nowhere in the long run. His egotism and self-will were actually part of his downfall, even though that's what he thought would get him what he wanted.
Another "Son of David"
We have a better example of how to live our lives from another one of David's sons, and I don't mean Solomon. He had his problems as well.
I mean THE Son of David, Christ Jesus.
Jesus took the exact opposite approach from Absalom in the way he lived his life
- He didn't seek his own glory
- He came as a humble servant instead of being a mighty earthly ruler
- He did not do his own will. He did the Father's will
- Absalom made himself a judge to get his will. Jesus made himself not a judge by listening to and obeying God's will
If you’re ever in a situation where you’re seeking a position of authority or leadership, whether at work or at church, or you’re impelled to seek public office on a local, state, or national level, it's important to examine your motives.
It’s always easier to see when someone else is acting like Absalom. It’s not always easy to see when we have some of those motives mixed in with our genuine motives of wanting to do something to help people.
When you feel unappreciated, undervalued, and underutilized and know you could do a better job than what’s going on, the question I have for you is: Which son of David will you follow, Absalom or Jesus?
Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/138.
If you have questions or comments please contact me.
Download the prayer project: 22 Ways to Pray with the Mindset of Jesus in 2022
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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137 – What if you had lived during the time of Jesus and heard him preach?
Would you have believed what he said and followed him? Would you have recognized that he was the Messiah?
What if Jesus came to your house for dinner? What would you ask him? What would he ask you?
What would he tell you was the most important thing to do in life?
This episode is all about what Jesus would say to do first.
Jesus says it pretty succinctly in the Sermon on the Mount: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." (Matthew 6:33)
Unfortunately, we’ve heard this phrase so many times that it has become a spiritual sound bite, something familiar that rolls too easily off the tongue. We know the words oh so well.
But once again, imagine you and I are in that crowd listening to Jesus say these words for the first time. He’s talking about the very things you’re worried about. You feel like he understands what you’re dealing with and the struggles you’re facing.
In this week's episode, I talk about several examples in the Bible of people who didn't quite have the kingdom of God at the top of their list.
- The young rich man who chose not to sell all his possessions
- The 70 disciples who were focused on what they did instead of what was going on in heaven
So, we're supposed to seek God's kingdom first, but what does that really mean? How do we do it.
I share some concrete examples of how you can search for and find the kingdom of God in your daily life.
The way to seek and discover the kingdom of God is to do God’s will. That’s what opens our eyes to it.
How on earth are we supposed to know what God’s will is? A good place to start is taking to heart everything Jesus says in the Sermon on the Mount. I keep coming back to this, have you noticed.
When you put Jesus’s teachings from that sermon into practice in your daily life, you are doing God’s will.
When you do God’s will, this is the kingdom of God in action and is the fulfillment of the Lord’s Prayer, "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. " (Matthew 6:10)
This is Jesus’s hope and prayer for us all.
And you are not only seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness as your first priority, but you will discover and experience them as well in your daily life.
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/137.
If you have questions or comments please contact me.
Download the prayer project: 22 Ways to Pray with the Mindset of Jesus in 2022
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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How can we cultivate a mindset like Jesus?
When I was a kid, I loved to plant things in the garden. At a very early age, my mom helped me know the difference between the plants I was trying to grow and the weeds that seemed to grow without any help from me.
One day when I lost my temper and said some things I shouldn’t have, my mother said to me, “James, your thinking is like a garden. Every time you say something loving, you are planting beautiful flowers in your thinking. Every time you say something mean or angry, you are planting weeds in your thinking.
“And that’s what other people will see in you. What do you want to plant in your thinking, flowers or weeds?”
Well, I wanted to plant beautiful flowers in my thinking.
I got the message and that simple little parable has come back to me many times over the years. And it took years for me to really learn this lesson, and I still have to work on it sometimes.
This week's episode is about the spiritual cultivation of godlike thoughts in our hearts and minds. And we'll use some gardening metaphors from the Bible:
- The parable of the tares and the wheat (see Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)
- The garden all grown over with nettles and weeds (see Proverbs 24:30, 31)
- Breaking up fallow ground (see Jeremiah 4:3)
- Fertilizing with rotted manure to make a fig tree bear fruit (see Luke 13:6-9)
What were some of the "spiritual plants" Jesus grew in his thinking? Here are just a few:
- Love for God, all mankind, and himself as the Son of God
- Forgiveness
- Mercy
- Gentleness
- Compassion, listening for God's direction
- Doing God's will instead of his own
- Being aware the kingdom of heaven is at hand
- And so many more
These are the spiritual seeds we need to plant in our thinking.
Because we have the mind of Christ, we have these same spiritual resources that Jesus did.
We need to pray. We need our private time with God. We need to cultivate our relationship with the Father. Just as Jesus did.
We discover that we can uproot any ungodlike thoughts from our hearts and minds, our mental gardens, just as Jesus did.
And what happens next? We get off the mountaintop. We get out of our prayer chairs. We go to the people who need to feel loved. And we love them. This is the mindset of Jesus.
And just like my mom said, they will see the flowers you have planted and cultivated in your spiritual garden.
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/136.
If you have questions or comments please contact me.
Download the prayer project: 22 Ways to Pray with the Mindset of Jesus in 2022
Subscribe to the podcast
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Support the show
135 – Did you know that your past does not define you? Only God does.
But don't you know someone who does define themselves by their past?
I have good friend who does. He still thinks of himself as mixture of being a victim of his father's emotional abuse and the recipient of his mother's tender love.
Most health care and well-being professionals would agree that we're a mixture of the good and bad influences from our past and that they define who we are today.
But we are so much more than our past. In fact, from a spiritual perspective, your past does not define who you are at all. It may influence how you think and act, but is does not define you.
Only God does that.
God set the record straight for all time the way He originally created us in His image and likeness. This is who we really are. This is how God defines us.
So the question is, if we are the image and likeness of God, who and what is God? Because, how you define yourself depends largely on how you define God.
But it eventually comes down to how God "defines" Himself. Check out this previous episode, #51, How Does God See Himself?
What God is and how He sees Himself defines who you are.
There are lots of examples in the Bible of people who did not define themselves by their past and some who did. In this week's episode I talk about:
- Joseph, who was a slave, a prisoner but he didn't let those experiences define who he was
- The man born blind whom Jesus healed: the man and all society defined him by his past, but Jesus did not
- The woman caught in adultery: the Pharisees defined this woman by the sin she committed in the immediate past. Jesus acknowledged her sin but did not define her by it
Jesus focused on what was true in the kingdom of heaven. His vision was so clear, he could see past the society’s definition of who people were based on their past. He saw how people were defined in heaven: sinless, whole, unfallen from grace, and free.
Is it possible for you and me to see ourselves in this light as well? Yes of course it is. But it requires daily discipline of our thinking and actions to be more Christlike.
You cannot bring into the kingdom of heaven any definition of yourself which is not in agreement with God’s original definition of you, in other words, the image and likeness of God.
The more we can acknowledge and accept God’s definition of us as His image and likeness, as His sons and daughters, “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17 KJV), the more we will begin to define ourselves that way and let nothing less than God define who we are.
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Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/135.
If you have questions or comments please contact me.
Download the prayer project: 22 Ways to Pray with the Mindset of Jesus in 2022
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Support the show
134 – What can we learn from moms in the Bible?
This week I interview my friend, Pam Fields, host of The Mom Next Door, Stories of Faith Podcast.
Mother's Day is this weekend and it was great to chat with Pam about lots of the moms in the Bible and the lessons we can learn from them.
Here are the Bible mothers we talked about:
- Sarah and Hagar
- Jochebed (Moses's mother)
- Hannah and Peninnah
- Naomi and Ruth
- The mothers of David, Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego (These moms aren't mentioned or named in the Bible, but Pam brought out the fact they must have had a big influence on how these men lived their lives
- Elizabeth and Mary
Pam brings a mother's perspective to all these stories. What were these moms thinking?
What prayers and songs did Jochebed sing and say over baby Moses? How did she teach her other two children, Arron and Miriam, to be quiet and not tell their friends they had a baby brother. How did it feel to put him in the basket?
How did God prepare Sarah for motherhood at such a late time in her life?
How did Hagar cope being all alone and being banished? Have you ever felt ostracized from a group or friends or family? What can we learn from Hagar?
Hannah, who was unable to have children, was jealous of Peninnah, who had children. What can we learn from the way she prayed when we compare ourselves to others and we don't have what we want?
What did Ruth see in Naomi's mothering that made her want to follow her back to Israel? How did Naomi feel when her husband and both sons died?
What influence did the mothers of David, Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego have on their sons? How were they taught to have such a strong faith? How can we follow that example with our own children?
If Elizabeth had been 20 years old when she had John the Baptist, would she have had the wisdom and life lessons of faith and trusting God to help raise John to fulfill his purpose to announce the Messiah's coming and prepare the people for it?
And Mary! How would you do if you literally had the perfect child to raise. Perhaps we should see all our children as "the baby Jesus" and treat them with the same love and reverence Mary had for Jesus.
These are just a few of the ideas we talked about. You get the idea.
Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/134.
If you have questions or comments please contact me.
Download the prayer project: 22 Ways to Pray with the Mindset of Jesus in 2022
Subscribe to the podcast
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Pam in a wife, mother of nine and grandmother of four. She's always had a heart for encouraging moms in their walk with God and their mothering journey . Check out her website, TendingFields.net.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8FJVXHLZPVZ8U&source=url)
133 – Why does the Bible say we should fear God?
There are lots of places in the Bible where we're told we should fear God. And sometimes, God actually says, "Fear Me."
But what does it really mean to fear God? Are we actually supposed to be afraid of Him?
In this week's episode, I explore several of the different Hebrew and Greek words for "fear." All these words have slightly different meanings and some of them have double meanings of being afraid AND honor or reverence and awe.
Sometimes the same word for "fear" can have a different meaning. The way you know which one it is is the context.
Just like the word "right" can mean "correct" but it can also be the opposite of left, as in which direction to go. The word left also has another connotation, to be left behind or remain.
We know the meaning because of the context, even though the word is spelled the same way.
When an angel tells Zacharias or Mary Magdalene, "Fear not" it means not to be afraid. But when the Bible says to fear God, it means to honor and reverence Him.
How do we know? Look at Jesus. He is always the best example of how we should think and act.
Was Jesus afraid of God? No, of course not.
He had a deep, reverent, humble, loving relationship with God.
Jesus expected us to follow his example. So, that means that we can embrace his mindset in his relationship with God.
It’s our privilege to honor, adore, revere, and love God. And never be afraid of Him.
There are lots of Bible references in this week's episode. Check them out at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/133.
If you have questions or comments about this episode, please contact me. I'd love to hear from you.
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22 Ways to Pray with the Mindset of Jesus in 2022
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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132 – What happens after Easter?
Do we just go on with our lives as if nothing special has happened?
All too often, we get busy with family activities, projects at work, planting the garden, planning a vacation. The list goes on and on.
In and of themselves, these activities are probably good and needed.
But honestly, how much do we continue to remember and be inspired by the resurrection two, three, or six months after Easter?
In this week's episode, I talk about
- What would happen if we constantly had the power and spirit of Jesus’s resurrection in our hearts and minds?
- Is there something holding us back from completely embracing the resurrection?
- Do we have doubts and uncertainties about how to share the good news of Jesus's resurrection with the world?
- Do we ever feel unworthy or incapable of bearing witness to Jesus with others?
Jesus did not want any of his disciples to carry around the guilt and shame they may have felt because of how they fell asleep when he asked them to pray, abandoned him when the Romans arrested him, or like Peter, denied he even knew him.
Jesus wanted them to be drop this mental baggage so they could get on with the business at hand, preaching the gospel to all mankind.
If you had been there for the morning meal with Jesus on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (see John 21) he would have looked into your heart and tenderly flooded you with so much love, you couldn’t possibly hold onto any feelings of doubt, fear, unworthiness, guilt, or whatever else it might be that would keep you from fulfilling your spiritual purpose in life.
This is true today just as it was almost 2,000 years ago. Christ tenderly comes to your heart and floods it with love so powerful that you can’t help but let go of the hurts, the doubts, the fears, the insecurities, or the pride – all the negative and egotistical self-talk we take part in.
Christ keeps pouring in love until you are spiritually baptized and every thing and thought unlike God in your life is washed away.
This may begin with a moment. But it will continue for a lifetime.
Jesus’s resurrection is not a one-time event that happened centuries ago. It is continuous, ongoing manifestation of the power of life over death, good over evil, and love over hate.
In that sense, there is no “after” the resurrection, because it is always taking place. So maybe we need to change the question from “What do we do after the resurrection?” to “How can we participate in the ongoing resurrection of Christ in our lives and in the world?”
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22 Ways to Pray with the Mindset of Jesus in 2022
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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131 – Jesus's resurrection is the reason we celebrate Easter
Easter is here in just a few days, but Jesus’s resurrection is hopefully not an event we remember only once a year.
As I’ve been pondering what Easter is all about over the last few weeks, I keep coming back to the resurrection and why it’s so important.
During most of the year, many Christians focus on Jesus’s death on the cross as the most significant thing Jesus did for our salvation.
And then at Easter time, they talk about the fact that Jesus is risen. Then, a week or so after Easter, they go back to talking mostly about Jesus’s crucifixion.
But frankly, I think we need to focus more on the resurrection all year long. If Jesus had not been victorious over death through his resurrection, there would not be much if anything to celebrate.
"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins." 1 Corinthians 15:17 NLT
That says a lot!
In this week's episode, I talk about Jesus's resurrection:
- How it applies to you and me
- Jesus's victory over sin and death gives us the victory too
- Is also our resurrection
- How it influenced Jesus's disciples and helped raise them up from doubts and fears to resurrected trust, expectation, and renewed faith
- Jesus's resurrection mindset
- We can have a resurrection mindset
- Can God raise the dead today, just as He did in the Bible?
This verse from Colossians always inspires me and reminds me where to keep my focus.
"Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand." Colossians 3:1 NLT
Jesus constantly set his “sights on the realities of heaven.” He could see that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
The more we bear witness to this fact, the more we will see the risen Christ and the more we will experience his resurrection and our resurrection in our lives today.
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22 Ways to Pray with the Mindset of Jesus in 2022
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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130 – Are you using your spiritual gifts?This week I talk with Laura Padgett about using your spiritual gifts.
We talk about Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth, where he discusses the spiritual gifts given to us by God.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT
4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all.
5 There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord.
6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
8 To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice; to another the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge.
9 The same Spirit gives great faith to another, and to someone else the one Spirit gives the gift of healing.
10 He gives one person the power to perform miracles, and another the ability to prophesy. He gives someone else the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another spirit. Still another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages, while another is given the ability to interpret what is being said.
11 It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.
Laura shares some of the lessons she’s learned over the years in discovering and using her gifts.
She points out that the list of gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians is not exhaustive. There are many gifts which aren’t included here, but are still just as much given by God and designed to glorify Him as we accept and use them.
Many ears ago Laura discovered one of her most important gifts is dance. She had danced for years in the secular world, but when she and a friend were at a women’s conference, she was inspired by the time set aside for sacred dance associated with worshiping God.
It opened up a whole new way for her to worship God and use the gift of dance He had given her.
Here are a few of the questions I asked Laura:
- What if someone doesn’t feel they have any gifts?
- How do you discover and your gifts from God?
- What if someone has had their gifts squelched or criticized by family, friends, or even the church?
Laura emphasized how important it is not to compare your gifts and talents to others’.
Everyone has spiritual gifts, abilities, and talents, from God. The best way to thank God is to use the gifts He has given you. In the process you will bless others and you will also be blessed.
Laura’s contact info:
Website: https://lauralpadgett.com/
Download the prayer project:Click this link then check your download folder:
22 Ways to Pray with the Mindset of Jesus in 2022
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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129 – Are you worshiping God in spirit and truth?
What does that even mean?
In this week's episode, I take a look at Jesus's conversation with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. (See John, chapter 4)
Jesus said things to her that he said to no one else that we know of. He cut right to the heart of what true worship is when he said, "The true worshipers must worship the Father in spirit and in truth." John 4:23
True worship is not about what motions your body goes through, the words you say, the ceremonies and rituals you participate in.
True worship is about what's going on in your heart.
It’s a spiritual experience honoring, acknowledging, and humbling yourself with God.
Some churches have lots of rituals and ceremonies in their worship services. Others have fewer.
But the human mind can make a ritual out of anything, like always sitting in the same seat at church, without even thinking about it. I am so guilty of that at times. But I must say, there have been many times when I have asked God where to sit during church, and it made all the difference as to who I met or talked to afterwards, and the blessings that came as result.
And have you ever listened to how you say the Lord’s Prayer? Sometimes it sounds like a race to get to the end. Other times it can sound more like a list of things to get at the grocery store. We are so familiar with the words, we’re just repeating them and not plumbing their depths spiritually.
When we just go through the motions or repeat the words at church, and there is little or no inspiration, we’re not really worshiping God.
True worship
- It's not just getting all worked up emotionally
- It's not just about what your body is doing
- It's not just about the words, prayers, and songs you say and sing
- It IS about what's going on spiritually in your heart
- It's how you acknowledge God
Ways to worship in spirit and truth
- Make a list of 300 qualities and attributes of God, then live them in your daily life.
- Be grateful, not just for the things in your life. Try to see things as metaphors for spiritual ideas. For example, a door can represent an opportunity God has given you.
Be fresh in your prayers. Be inspired in the way you worship God.
When we go through the outward motions of worship with rituals, ceremonies, or whatever form it might take, the human mind may be satisfied and think it has worshiped God. But we are no different than we were before
True, spiritual worship transforms us. We are more spiritual. We are more loving.
The more we worship in spirit and in truth, the more we will experience God’s presence and love in our own lives and the more others will feel this love.
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22 Ways to Pray with the Mindset of Jesus in 2022
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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128 – Have you ever stopped to ask why church is important?
There is a big shift taking place with church-going people. There has been an exodus from many churches for all kinds of reasons:
- Emotional and sexual abuse from church leaders
- Discrimination based on gender, race, and political views
- The patriarchy in some churches has turned away people who believe the body of Christ should provide equal opportunities for men and women
- Top-down decision making, with one or a few people dictating how a church should be governed has turned away people who feel there should be more of a spirit of democracy in the way decisions are made
- Legalism that is more interested in strict obedience to the letter of the law over the freedom to be led by the Holy Spirit, has caused people to leave church
- Dictatorial theological attitudes which don’t permit questions or any variance in what is considered “sound doctrine” has caused many to leave such a church to find a community of believers who can share openly their doubts, ask questions, and not pretend to have all the perfect answers.
The question is: Who runs your church?
People and strong personalities OR the Holy Spirit?
In this week's episode I talk about two times in the Bible when decisions were made by the church which are perfect examples for us.
- When Peter told the believers they needed to pick a replacement for Judas
- When the Holy Spirit picked Saul and Barnabas for a particular assignment
There was no church politics or one person who made these decisions.
We need to cultivate our direct relationship with God through Christ and be moved by the Holy Spirit directly instead of just copying what Paul or Jesus said without embracing the underlying spiritual essence of their message.
When a church doesn't let the Spirit guide it, the leadership as well as the membership, can become legalistic it is just focused on the letter of the law.
Paul says this kills a church. How is your church doing on this?
The final question: Who is building your church?People, doctrine, and personal opinions OR Christ?
Resources: Episode 120 Jason Elam: You Are Loved and Accepted by God
In this episode my wife, Polly Castor, reads her poem, "Church Is." You can also check out her daily blog at pollycastor.com.
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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127 – What does the Bible have to say about spring cleaning?
My wife came across this verse in Psalms and it’s what really prompted our efforts to de-clutter.
I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. Psalms 101:2 KJVIt's really what inspired us to want to do some serious spring cleaning a few weeks ago.
I got to wondering if there was anything in the Bible about spring cleaning, accumulating and getting rid of clutter or things that were no longer needed.
As it turns out the Bible has some very helpful insights about getting rid of things that are no longer needed or useful.
Here are some of the things I discuss:
- Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. God prunes away the parts of the vine that aren't productive (Okay, I know it's a gardening metaphor, but the ideas apply)
- Jesus's parable of the woman who lost a silver coin and swept her house until she found it
- My wife found a treasured oatmeal raisin cookie recipe. You can see it on her website
- Jesus's warning about what happens after you clean your house, or your heart
- If something causes you to sin, get rid of it
- Clean your own house, get your own life put together first before you try to fix someone else (Jesus says not to fuss over a speck in someone else's eye, but to get the log out of your own eye first
- Don't hoard material things, don't store up your treasures on earth
- Paul realized he shouldn't keep the childish way of thinking and acting
- Seek first the kingdom of God
The spring cleaning of your house is only a metaphor for the mental and spiritual spring cleaning that takes place in your heart when you put God first in your life.
Previous episodes with gardening metaphors:
27 What Kind of Seeds Are You Planting in Your Heart?
66 We Reap What We Sow
80 How to Redeem Missed Opportunities from God It's about compost
108 How to Separate the Wheat from the Tares
Download the prayer project: Click this link then check your download folder
22 Ways to Pray with the Mindset of Jesus in 2022
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8FJVXHLZPVZ8U&source=url)
126 – Nothing can ever separate you from God
Have you ever heard someone say, "Sin separates us from God?"
This idea goes all the way back to the story of Adam and Eve when they got kicked out of the Garden of Eden.
And it shows up lots of places in the Bible.
For example in Isaiah:
Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear. Isaiah 59:1, 2And in the New Testament, the man who had been born blind and was healed by Jesus, tells the Pharisees, "We know God doesn't listen to sinners." (John 9:31 NLT)
But if God doesn't listen to sinners, we are all in trouble.
Fortunately, the Bible also gives lots of examples when God does listen to sinners, proving that we are not separated from Him, even when we make mistakes or something bad happens.
Kind David, who committed some pretty serious sins, could still say in Psalms:
Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?”
If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, [Sheol] behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:7-10David knew he could never be separated from God.
What Isaiah and others are saying is that when you sin, you feel separated from God, but David reassures us that God is still with us, whatever the circumstances.
To get at the heart of this issue, we need to understand the nature of God.
The prophet Jeremiah records God revealing that He is everywhere. (See Jeremiah 23:23, 24)
Since God is everywhere, there is no place you can go where God is not already present. The more we grasp this, the more we will understand that we can never be separated from God.
In this episode, I also talk about
- Feeling separated from God when others sin against you
- God rebuking the belief that you have to suffer (or be separated from Him) because of someone else's sins
- Paul's declaration that we live, move, and have our being in God
- Jesus's prayer that reveals our inseparability from God
- Paul's promise that nothing can separate us from God's love
My prayer for you is that you embrace you unbreakable relationship with God.
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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125 – Do our prayers to end war do any good?
This past week, we’ve heard the news that Russia has invaded Ukraine. Tensions had been mounting for quite some time. But diplomatic efforts were not effective in stopping the onslaught of war. People all over the world are offering prayers to end this war.
I believe these prayers will help resolve the problem.
If you’re reading this (or listening to this podcast) the day it's published, I realize things are developing quickly in Ukraine and I may not have the latest information since I wrote this several days ago.
If you're reading this at a later time, some of the ideas I share may or may not still seem relevant, but my goal here is to offer some encouragement and ideas on how our prayers to end war can be effective.
In this week's episode of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast, I look at several examples in the Bible when prayer helped avert war and destruction by a military power.
The stories we discuss are
- Moses and the Children of Israel at the edge of the Red Sea when Pharaoh's army was approaching.
- King Jehoshaphat's prayers and the collective prayers of all the inhabitants of Judah when Jerusalem was about to be attacked by three huge armies
I share some ways to pray about resolving conflicts, whether it's war between family members, church members, political parties, or countries.
And here's my question for you. How do you think Christ Jesus would mediate the tensions between Ukraine and Russia?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. And I'd love to hear how you pray to bring war to an end.
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8FJVXHLZPVZ8U&source=url)
124 – The Bible is full of stories explaining that God is not a respecter of persons
When I was in college I had a professor who had a couple of favorites in class. I was definitely not one of them. In fact, it seemed she didn't really like me at all.
I asked a friend to pray with me about the situation. My friend said I needed to start with the fact that God loved the professor just as much as He loved me.
That's not what I wanted to hear, but it's what I needed to hear.
The more I prayed this way, the more the professor began to show me more respect.
It was an important lesson for me and started me on the journey of discovering that God loves everyone equally and does not show partiality. God is not a respecter of persons.
There are many verses in the Bible, both in the Old and New Testaments, that bring this out, as well as explaining that we should not show partiality in our judgements either.
There is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons. 2 Chronicles 19:7
For God does not show favoritism. Romans 2:11
One of the best stories to bring this out is found in Acts, chapters 10 and 11. It's about a Roman Centurion, Cornelius who hears an angel tell him to send for Peter.
God prepares Peter's heart to share the gospel of Christ with Cornelius, even though he is a Gentile.
Cornelius, his friends and family all accept Christ and receive the Holy Spirit, to the astonishment of the Jews who have come with Peter.
To hear more of the story, listen to this week's episode.
This is a pivotal event in the history of the early Christian church. Peter, first, then the whole church, had a mindset shift from thinking their faith was for a select few to realizing the gospel of Christ was for the whole world.
What if our churches today were paying more attention to what the Holy Spirit was telling us instead of listening to what other people are saying?
Do you ever express partiality to one type of visitor at church over another because of what they're wearing, how wealthy they seem to be, and how fancy a car they drive? Do you ever ignore the person who is dressed in dirty jeans and has a sad face?
Everyone needs to be greeted with the same, unconditional love--or you are being a respecter of persons.
It takes a lot of humility to recognize when we are not being impartial. But with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can do it.
Please make a special effort to express God’s unconditional, universal love to everyone equally, regardless of who they are, where they’re from, and all those other things we judge people by.
God is not a respecter of persons. And as God’s children, we should not be either.
You have that impartial love of God in your heart for all mankind. Just love everyone with it.
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8FJVXHLZPVZ8U&source=url)
123-It's easy to say the words, but it's still true. You are loved by God.
Have you ever had those times when you felt alone, unappreciated, and unloved?
You’re trying to live your life to the best of your ability, but there are challenges that keep piling up. You pray. You study your Bible. Maybe you go to church.
You try to do what’s right. You try to be loving and helpful to others.
But you just wonder sometimes if it’s all worth it. Does your life even add up to anything?
Does God really care about you and actually hear your prayers? Does your life even matter?
I have certainly had times like that in my life.
Once, many years ago, when I was really down on myself I found a passage in the book of Daniel, chapters 9 & 10, that was really helpful and brought me hope.
Daniel is praying and fasting. In fact, he is repenting for his personal sins as well as the sins of the Children of Israel. They had worshiped idols and disobeyed God over many years. And now they were in captivity in Babylon.
Right when Daniel was repenting, the angel Gabriel appeared to reassure Daniel that God loves him.
And just in case Daniel might have doubted God had heard his prayers, the angel tells Daniel that from the very first day he had prayed to get his heart right with God, God had heard his prayers.
I found that very reassuring. I suddenly felt that from the very first time I had ever prayed, God knew what was in my heart and that He heard my prayers. I felt seen and known. I felt loved.
This is true for you too!
God sees you. He hears your prayers. You are dearly loved by God.
What can we learn from Daniels’s situation? Have you ever felt like you were in captivity to a problem, either because of your own or someone else’s disobedience to God?
That is the time to pray and repent. Every time I read chapters 9 and 10 of Daniel, I marvel that Daniel does not just repent for his own sins. He repents for all the sins of all the Children of Israel.
How often have you or I done that? Honestly, I usually have enough to repent just of my own mistakes. Why should I repent for things I didn’t do?
But I have come to realize that I can repent for all the sins committed by the Christian church throughout history.
It’s very easy if you have not committed those sins, to think you are better than those who do commit them. And it’s often easier to see someone else’s sins than it is to see your own.
So, I would like to invite you to join me in a prayer of repentance, not just for what you have done wrong, but also for what the entire Christian church has done wrong throughout the ages.
But what does repentance have to do with feeling God's love?
God always loves you dearly. But if you are holding onto your own sins or resentful of others’ sins, you won’t hear God’s voice.
Repentance clears the air, so to speak, so you can hear God telling you how dearly you are loved.
And don’t be surprised when you pray this prayer of Daniel, when the angel of God comes to you, strengthens you, and says, "Oh child of the Most High, you are dearly loved by God."
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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122 – How do you observe the Lord's SupperThe night before Jesus was arrested he was the observing the Passover with his disciples. While he was still at the table he uttered some words which still guide us today in the way we honor and remember Jesus.
The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke all relate the event in pretty much the same way. John shares a completely different incident that happened at that meal.
And so, down through the ages, the Christian church has endeavored to honor Jesus’s request to remember him by what we call Communion: breaking bread and drinking wine (or grape juice) in memory of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross.
What does it mean to take Communion?
Does it mean we literally drink his blood and eat his flesh? No.
Jesus did not give his actual flesh and blood to his disciples at the Last Supper. The bread and wine were symbols.
Jesus said to "do this in remembrance of me." (Luke 22:19)
Did he want us to eat a piece of bread to remember him by or did he want us to partake of the Bread of Life, the Word of God, be nourished by it and share it with others?
Was he asking us to drink a sip of wine (or grape juice) to remember him or to participate and take part in the sacrifice he made by making those same sacrifices in our lives?
In other words, did Jesus want us to remember him through the material symbols of bread and wine? Or did he want us to eat and be nourished by the bread of Truth and imbibe the spirit of sacrificing our self-will to God’s will?
Most Christian churches use the symbols of bread and wine, (or an equivalent) when they take Communion. But there are some who do not use the symbols.
It’s interesting that John does not relate the bread and wine part of the Last Supper, and that none of the other Gospels talk about Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, as John does.
Jesus told his disciples to follow his example of washing feet, but the church, in general, does not do this literally. They see it as a metaphor for being a servant to mankind.
But the foot washing is just as much a metaphor or symbol of something deeper as the bread and wine are. Why take one practice literally and not the other?
Does that mean we should wash feet during Communion at church? Should we not use the symbols of bread and wine and just imbibe the spirit of what they represent?
I don't have the be-all and end-all answer. It's something to think about.
The next time your church or faith community celebrates the Lord’s Supper, in whatever way that may be, I encourage you to imbibe and partake of the deep spiritual essence of what the bread and wine, and foot washing represent.
Let it fill your heart. And let it overflow into your life.
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121 – What does it mean to pray in the name of Christ?
How many times do we hear tacked onto the end of a prayer the phrase, “In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.”? How many times do we say it ourselves?
If we’re not careful, it’s easy for that phrase to just roll off our prayer tongues out of habit instead of feeling the deep inspiration the words signify.
There’s nothing wrong with these words and much that’s right, but does just repeating the words, “in the name of Jesus” or “in Christ’s name” mean we’re actually doing it?
What does it really mean to pray in Christ’s name?
- It’s to pray with his authority, with his character, and as I like to say on The Bible Speaks to You Podcast, with his mindset.
- When we pray in the name of Jesus, do we feel the same spiritual authority that Jesus would have felt if he had prayed that prayer?
- To pray, or act, or heal in the name of Jesus is to see the world through Jesus’s eyes. To love the world with Jesus’s heart.
- It's to pray with the mind of Christ, the love of Christ, the grace, compassion, and forgiveness of Christ.
- It’s to be Christ’s representative right here, right now, knowing you have full authority from God to preach and teach and heal as Jesus did.
In your prayers, be mindful when you use the phrase, “in the name of Jesus.” Ponder deeply what it means. Imbibe the spirit of Jesus’s name, his nature, his character, his love, his mindset. You don’t actually have to use those words when you pray if your heart is already there.
You are Christ’s ambassador. You have been authorized by Christ to go forth in his name to preach and heal. May God bless you on this sacred journey.
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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120 – This week I talk with Jason Elam about God's unfailing love for us.
Jason Elam, host of The Messy Spirituality Podcast, shared some very personal stories about his faith journey.
- At seven years old he made his first profession of faith in a very legalistic church
- As a teen, he "died" during an operation, saw a Jesus type presence, and came back to life full of an indescribable sense of God's love
- His childhood dream of being a professional wrestler did not last as long as expected
- For 20 years, he was a pastor of a local church.
- But an encounter with God's overpowering love caused him to completely change his strict, legalistic, and conditional-love-based theology in a moment.
- He now hosts the Messy Spirituality Podcast and provides a safe space for people to ask hard questions about their faith as well as find and experience the love of God in their lives.
- He also helps people who have recently been incarcerated to rediscover their dignity and find employment.
Here are some of the questions I asked Jason:
What do you say to someone who has just been released from prison?
"The most important thing I can do for these men and women coming out is just to say, 'I'm listening to you. I see you. I hear your voice. I hear your worth. And I believe your best days are yet to come.'"
What makes you tick Jason?
"Somewhere along the way, I got captivated by Jesus. I was clinically dead and saw, someone I perceived to be Jesus. The light coming from this being is the purest, most accepting love I've ever encountered. And in the presence of that love, I knew that nothing that I ever had done that I thought was so disappointing to my parents and so disappointing to God, none of that mattered. There was room for me and everybody else in the presence of that kind of love."
You had a serious case of Covid. What did you learn from that experience?
The most important thing was the my family knew I loved them.
How would you describe the deconstruction process you went through?
The spiritual house I lived in burned down around me. But once I was standing there in the smouldering ashes of my faith, I looked up and remembered the God who loved and accepted me no matter what. I can live there and invite others to join me.
Why are people leaving church?
A lot of these people are not leaving because they want to go out and sin. They're not leaving because they're disillusioned with Jesus or with God. They're leaving because the institution has decided that the survival of the institution is more important than the people in the family. They are leaving to follow Jesus, not to walk away from him, because the institution that bears his name looks nothing like him.
What was Jesus's idea of what church should be?
I think the church Jesus dreams of is a family, where there's a seat at the table for everybody.
For more that we talked about go to: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/120
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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119 – If Jesus asked you to earnestly pray for something, would you do it?
Of course!
That's what this week's episode is all about. Jesus tells his disciples to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send more workers into the harvest field. (Matthew 9:37, 38)
Why did he ask them to pray that way? Because the harvest is plentiful.
This was true in Jesus's day. It's true today as well.
Lots of people are searching for answers and solutions to their problems. Some people are searching for Truth itself.
These folks are all around us. We walk past them on the sidewalk. They sit next to us at school. They're three desks down from us at work.
They are silently crying out for help, but we don't even notice. And if we do, we don't want to get involved with their drama.
But who will help them? Who will hear their silent cries for help?
These are the very people Jesus came to help. And he sent his disciples out to preach and heal them 2,000 years ago.
Now it's our turn.
But we need help today, just as Jesus's disciples needed help then.
Jesus's request to pray for workers is still important. There are so many people who need to experience God's love for them.
No one person can bring in the whole harvest. This is a joint effort. We all have a place to serve and a function to fill.
Be willing to work in fellowship with others and with the mindset of Christ. Jesus was not trying to glorify himself. He always gave full glory to the Father.
If the harvest was great 2,000 years ago, it’s even greater today.
Do you hear the voice of Jesus echoing down the centuries asking you to pray to the Lord of the harvest for more workers? Will you answer that call? God will send you to do His work in the harvest field.
God will empower you to preach the gospel and heal the sick. It may not look just like the way Jesus or his disciples did it. That’s okay.
When you have the compassion for mankind that Jesus had, you will be a blessing, and a witness to the power and presence of God’s kingdom. And you will have a healing effect.
And as you continue to pray to the Lord of the harvest, God will bring you together with others to work with.
The world is calling out for help. How will you respond?
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James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life.
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118 – Is it possible for someone to put a curse on you?
This is a pretty heavy duty topic.
I have met people who believe they have been cursed by someone. And there are people in the world who think they can put a curse on someone.
Unfortunately, there are even some Christians who think they can curse their enemies, and pray that they fail at what they're doing or even die.
Have you ever heard of anything further from what Jesus wants us to do?
Jesus said we should love our enemies and pray for them. He said we should bless those who curse us, not curse them back.
Just because someone has done you harm or you strongly disagree with someone does not mean you can curse them.
So, can someone put a curse on you?
Well, they may think they can. But as a friend of mine said, "A curse can only go as far as the nose of the person uttering the curse."
Proverbs 2:2 says, "Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim."
This is a promise from God that a curse cannot harm us.
Psalm 91 also assures us that God will protect us from this sort of thing.
In this episode I talk about:
- How Balak tried to get Balaam to curse the Children of Israel, but Balaam would not because he knew God had blessed them
- A man who cursed me with blindness because I would not agree with a couple of documents he composed about how he was going to save the world
- Another man who vehemently cursed me with all sorts of terrible things because I didn't agree with him 100% on what certain Bible verses meant
- (By the way, neither of those curses came about)
- How Jesus walked unharmed through a crowd that wanted to throw him over the cliff
- When someone curses you, there's really something deeper going on
- Ways to pray when someone tries to curse you
Ephesians, chapter 6, tells us to put on the whole armor of God.
When you trust in God, and put on this spiritual armor, you are safe in God’s care.
And no one can put a curse on you.
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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117 – Join us in praying with the mindset of Jesus this year
The more we embrace the mindset of Jesus, the more we'll be able to live our lives with the spiritual assurance and authority he wants for us.
Here are 22 facets of the mindset of Jesus that we'll pray with:
- The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17
- So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does... I can do nothing on my own. John 5: 19, 30
- Jesus was moved with compassion when he saw the multitudes. Mark 6:34
- Jesus only said what the Father told him to. John 12: 49, 50
- Jesus got up early to pray and sometimes stayed up all night to pray. Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12
- Jesus spoke in parables. Matthew 13:10, 11, 13
- Jesus always did the will of the Father, not his own. Luke 22:42
- Jesus knew he was the light of the world. John 8:12
- Jesus was willing and able to heal. Matthew 8:3
- Jesus rebuked sickness and disease and even a storm. Luke 8:38, 39; Mark 1:25, 26; Mark 4: 39
- Jesus taught with authority. Matthew 7:29
- Jesus ate with sinners and outcasts. Mark 2:15-17
- Jesus knew his disciples could understand his message and preach it to others and heal like he did. Matthew 13:11, 16; Matthew 10:7, 8
- Jesus always looked for receptive hearts to share his message with, whether they were Pharisees, social and religious outcasts, or even foreigners, whom Jews were not even supposed to talk to. John 3:1-12; John 4:5-42; Matthew 8:5-13
- He didn't take the bait of critics and naysayers. Luke 6:1-5; Luke 20:22-25
- Jesus knew God always heard his prayers. John 11: 41, 42
- Jesus knew he was the Bread of Life, the Messiah. John 6:48, 51; John 4:26
- Jesus does not rely on the testimony of men to validate or declare who he is. John 5:34; Matthew 16:16, 17
- Jesus saw the inherent goodness in people, especially little children. Matthew 5:13, 14; Matthew 19:14
- Jesus prayed for his disciples throughout all time. John 17:20, 21
- Jesus knew he would be victorious over the cross, death, and the grave. John 16:22
- Jesus knew his disciples would need the Holy Spirit to guide and protect them after he was gone. John 14:16; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1-4
Each week we will take the next one on the list to pray with for that week. For this week, please pray with #1, bearing witness to the spiritual fact that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
You can download a copy of this list at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/117.
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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116 – How will you make your New Year's resolutions?
2022 here. A lot of folks like to, or think they should, make New Year’s resolutions. For some people, this is a very helpful exercise to get them focused on what they need to do in the New Year to improve themselves, to make changes in their lives and behavior, and to progress as a person.
However, all too often, we tend to make resolutions which are unreasonable, either because of how much change or what kind of change we think we will bring about.
More recently, a lot of my friends are choosing a quality or attitude to focus on for the whole year and bring it to bear on all they do. It’s more of a resolution on how to think than a resolution for specific behaviors.
I love this idea because it’s about the way we think; it’s about our mindset. To get at the heart of what causes us to act the way we do, we need to examine our thinking. To bring true and lasting change to our behaviors, we need to change our mindset.
So I’ve been thinking about what kind of New Year’s resolutions I could and would make if I were fully imbibing the mindset of Jesus.
Did Jesus ever make any New Year’s resolutions? Well, not that I know of. He always did the right thing. He did what the Father told him to.
Jesus didn’t have his own personal agenda of what to accomplish while he was here on earth. He did have a master plan of what he would do, but everything on that plan was dictated and orchestrated by God. Jesus just did and said whatever God told him to.
If we are striving to follow Jesus, maybe we should try to follow this approach in our own lives.
I know, that’s a pretty big high bar to reach for, but if we’re going to follow Jesus, we have to start somewhere.
To what degree are you and I willing to adopt Jesus’s mindset as to how we live our lives? Are we willing to set aside our own will, our own agenda, our own hopes and dreams, our own desires, our own actions, and our own assessment of a situation or person – are we willing to set all these aside for what God’s will is and for what God sees and does?
As you think about your plans for 2022, please consider setting those plans to the side long enough to ask God what His plans for you are. What is God’s will for you in the New Year?
What will God be doing in 2022? Will you see what God does and do likewise? What will God say to you throughout 2022? There’s no way to know right now. Will you listen all year long for His guidance? Will you only say what he tells you to?
I know, this is a very high standard to reach for.
There will be times when we fall short. Don’t be hard on yourself if you mess up a little or a lot. Focus on the times you do listen for God’s voice and obey it. Be grateful every time you see God at work and you act accordingly. Rejoice over the times you only say the words God puts in your mouth.
The more you practice this mindset of Jesus, the better you’ll get at it.
And as we do this, 2022 will become the Year of the Lord for us.
My goal for 2022 is to give this whole year to God, let Him set the agenda, let Him decide what I need to do and when to do it, where I need to be, who I need to talk to, and what to say.
I invite you to join me in this grand adventure.
What will God tell you to do is 2022?
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on g
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115 – You, and everyone on this planet, are worthy of God's love.
That's what Christmas is all about. God loves us so much, we are of such immense value to Him, that He sent Jesus to show us the Way of Life.
We are worthy of God's love, not because of anything we did, but simply because we are God's children made in the image and likeness of the divine.
But all too often, we don't feel worthy of God's love because of mistakes we've made in our lives. That never stops God from seeing our inherent worth as His children and loving us unconditionally.
In this week's episode I tell about a time I tried to help a woman feel God's love, but she just couldn't accept it because she didn't feel worthy. She had made some serious mistakes and had been taught God would love her only if she never made a mistake.
Unfortunately, I wasn't able to comfort her, because I wasn't able to remove her negative view of self-worth.
But I learned so much from that experience. We need to remove the obstacles and barriers we have erected, like guilt, shame, and a negative sense of worth, that block God's love before we can experience it.
God sent Jesus to show us the Way of Life, not to make us worthy of God's love, but because, as God's children, we are already worthy of God's love.
Christmas is an opportunity to see the worth of everyone. God sent Jesus because we are worthy of His love. If we weren't worth it, why would God have bothered with us? If we weren't worthy of God's love Jesus wouldn't have spent so much time helping people by teaching, preaching, and healing.
This Christmas, please earnestly embrace the idea that you are worthy of God’s love. It’s not based on anything you have done. It’s not based on what you believe or don’t believe. It’s not based on where you live or any other external factor you define your life by.
You are worthy of God’s love simply because you are a child of God, created in the divine image and likeness.
And so is everyone else on this planet.
Can you see others in this light? The more you see everyone you come in contact with as worthy of God’s love, the more you will love them, and the more they will begin to experience their worth in God’s eyes for themselves.
My Christmas prayer for you is that you bear witness to and cherish your worth in God’s eyes and that you see others in this light, and help at least one person feel their worthiness of God’s love for them.
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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114 – Is it possible for the angels appear to us as they did to the shepherds when Jesus was born?
Yes it is!
Is it possible for us to feel the same sense of wonder and awe they must have felt when the angel appeared to them and told them the long-awaited Christ was here?
Yes it is!
This week's episode talks about how the message of the angel who appeared to the shepherds was a complete surprise. They were just minding their own business, taking care of their sheep when the angel informs them that the Christ has been born.
We have read this story so many times, we have lost the original wonder and surprise these humble shepherds felt when they heard this news.
Sometimes we get so busy getting ready for Christmas. Then there’s all the last minute, end-of-the-year demands at work or school, or wherever, to finish up certain projects before the New Year. There’s so much we have do, much of it self-imposed.
In all this flurry of activity, we sometimes don’t take the time to be quiet and simply revel in what Christmas is all about, the birth of Jesus, God’s gift of Truth to all mankind.
And when the angels appear to us, do we hear what they say, or are we so caught up in the busyness of celebrating the Christmas holidays, that we don’t have the time, the inclination, or the receptivity to hear what the angels are saying to us about the appearance of Christ today?
I encourage you this Christmas to take some time to be quiet with God, to listen for what the Christmas angels are saying to you, and to feel the original awe and wonder the shepherds felt when they heard the news that Christ was born.
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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113 – What is your approach to giving at Christmas?
Last week I got an email from one of my listeners that inspired this week’s episode. Here it is:
“Dear James I listen to you every week and love all you have to say. I have been struggling with Christmas coming up and how I will afford it all. Last night I had a deep prompt to trust in all I have, that it will be enough and absolutely not to borrow any money. In my mind I remembered the loaves and fishes and the water into wine. This morning I got up and read the gospel and it was all about the loaves and fishes. I feel reassured but still scared - James I wondered if you could talk about all of this I am sure there are many like me who this would help.”
So this week, we’re going to talk about the true spirit of giving, especially as it relates to Christmas.
The human heart is simply crying out for love. God is giving us all the love we need through the presence of the Christ. Isn’t that enough? Why do we sometimes think we need more material things and that these things will somehow make us happy and satisfy our deep inner yearnings.
When we fall for all those material trappings, we risk ignoring God’s incredible gift to us, the birth of Jesus and the appearing of Christ today in our lives.
And sometimes, even when we don’t feel the need for all these material things ourselves, we feel pressure to give the way others do.
Is this what God had in mind, is this how God wanted us to celebrate Christmas, when the angel announced to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem…?
Luke 2:10, 11 NKJV
10 I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.
11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
It’s time to take a step back from the commercialism that has tried to smother the true meaning of Christmas and focus instead on and receive the greatest gift of all time, the birth of Jesus.
Instead of just going along with people who focus on giving and wanting to get a bunch material gifts, we need to set the example of a more spiritual approach to giving.
In this week's episode, I share:
- How a lady had no food for her three kids for the holiday, and God provided a feast
- Sometimes the best presents don't cost any money
- A friend of mine gave very unexpected presents that healed some poor family relationships
- Lots of non-material gifts you can give this Christmas
Regardless of whether you exchange gifts with your friends and family, and under whatever circumstances, the best and most generous gift you can give is the love of Christ.
What would your Christmas be like if you loved everyone this way?
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here. You can subscribe to the podcast here.
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Have you ever wondered how Jesus healed Jairus's daughter?
He was Jesus right?
But did he have a spiritual methodology that we can practice too?
This week's episode explores the story of Jairus and how his daughter was healed.
But there is a lot more healing in this story than just a little girl being raised from the dead.
Jesus healed a woman who had been diseased for 12 years.
He healed Jairus of fear and despair and grief.
He healed a crowd of mourners of their sharp criticisms directed at him.
How does this story apply to you and me?
When you read the story of Jairus and the woman who touched Jesus' clothes, think about how it relates to your life.
Do you have the same expectancy of healing they did? Do you think you have to touch Jesus or he has to be physically present to be healed?
The Spirit of Christ is completely present today to heal us, to take away our doubts and fears, to walk with us, to calm us, to correct our misguided faith, and more than anything to reveal how much God loves us and how worthy we are of His love.
Will you search for Christ in the highways and byways of today’s world, with the crowd pushing and shoving for attention, as Jairus searched for Jesus?
Will you reach out to touch the hem of Christ’s garment, the spiritual purity and compassion that heal?
Or better yet, will you put on the Christly garments of heavenly inspiration and Christlike-mindedness which is fully aware of the presence of the kingdom of heaven here and now?
Jesus has walked in the way to show us the way. Jesus is the Way.
All we have to do, it sounds so easy, is follow in his footsteps, one step at a time.
And we can do this.
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Have you ever wondered what Jesus was grateful for?
There are only four times during Jesus's ministry when his gratitude was recorded in one of the Gospels.
In this week's episode we talk about each one in detail to get a deeper insight into Jesus's mindset.
Sometimes Jesus expresses gratitude for very specific things. Other times the Bible simply says that Jesus "gave thanks."
Jesus was grateful when people understood and accepted his message. He specifically thanked God for revealing it to the childlike thought of those who were receptive.
But had you ever noticed that Jesus also thanked God for not revealing his message to those who thought they were so wise and clever. There's a very good reason for this, which I explore this week.
The second recorded time Jesus gave thanks was when he had just a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish to feed a crowd of thousands. He simply thanked God.
When we thank God, no matter what the outward circumstances are, there will always be a bountiful blessing.
The third time mentioned when Jesus was grateful was just before he called Lazarus out of the grave. He thanked God for hearing and answering his prayer even before he prayed it or it was answered.
We usually thank God after we receive a blessing or a healing. But Jesus thanked God beforehand. This is a good example for us.
The final time the Bible mentions that Jesus gave thanks was at the Last Supper. Even though he knew he was about to be arrested, put on trial, falsely accused, and crucified, he still gave thanks.
There really was a lot to be grateful for and I explore what some of those things could be in this episode.
When you are facing a tumultuous challenge, will you follow Jesus's example to pause and give thanks?
In this Thanksgiving season, I invite you to adopt the mindset of Jesus in giving thanks when things are going well, and when there are challenges. This will bring a multitude of blessings in to your life.
I'd love to hear your favorite way to be grateful.
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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110 – Should women always be submissive to their husbands?
One of the most often quoted Bible verses used by those who believe women should submit to their husbands on all matters, is from 1 Peter 3:5, 6
"For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. "
Sarah actually referred to Abraham as "her lord" one time in Genesis 18:12. Does this mean that Sarah always submitted to her husband?
When you read the whole story of Abraham and Sarah, starting in Genesis, Chapter 11 all the way through Chapter 25, you get a very different picture of the kind of relationship they had.
It was not one of submission on Sarah's part at all. She did, in fact, obey her husband's wishes at times, but there were also times when Abraham told her to do what she wanted and others when he actually did what she told him.
And on one occasion, God Himself told Abraham to obey his wife. Does that sound like Sarah is a submissive wife at all times. Not at all!
In this week's episode I talk about all these examples and why we should never let a person or institution bully us into believing what they say the Bible says.
You can read the Bible for yourself and let it speak to you.
Here are some of the key points this week:
- Abraham and Sarah had a marriage based on equality and respect.
- Sometimes Sarah did what Abraham asked. Sometimes Abraham did what Sarah asked.
- Abraham told Sarah to do what she thought was best at times
- God actually told Abraham to obey his wife one time
- Are gender roles ordained by God?
Thinking about the story of Sarah and Abraham and their relationship, how can their situation apply to marriage today?
For me it means both husband and wife should seek God’s guidance directly and freely talk about what they should be doing individually as well as how to work together as a team.
These ideas may be different from what you've been taught. But no one told me to believe these things. I studied the Bible for myself and this is what I found.
I'd love to hear your thoughts (not what someone told you) on the subject.
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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Have you ever wondered why did Jesus need to pray?
He was Jesus after all, right?
Recently I came across the verse in Mark 1:35 that says Jesus got up while it was still dark and went off to pray in a quiet solitary place.
I totally get that. He wanted some peace and quiet to commune with his heavenly Father. That's what prayer was all about for Jesus, communicating with God.
So why did Jesus need to pray?
In this week's episode, I look at several reasons Jesus felt the need to pray.
- He had to follow his own teaching to turn to the Father for everything we need
- He needed to talk to God to find out what he needed to do
- Sometimes Jesus felt the need for God's help and strengthening
- He needed to pray for others, because they needed Jesus's support
- He prayed for himself before the crucifixion to affirm his relationship with the Father
- He prayed to set an example for us so we would know how to pray with the same authority he prayed with
To Jesus, prayer was living, moving, breathing in God’s presence, communing with the Father at every moment and in every situation.
Prayer was a way of thinking, a way of seeing and hearing God, being in conscious relationship with God.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on how you would answer the question: Why did Jesus need to pray?
To read all the Bible references quoted in this episode, check out the show notes page.
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Please subscribe to The Bible Speaks to You Podcast and receive a copy of my prayer guide, Praying with the Mindset of Jesus.
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James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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108 – It's not your job to separate the wheat from the tares.
Sometimes my life has felt like a hopeless mixture of good and evil forces fighting each other. Have you ever felt that way?
One of the parables Jesus used to describe the kingdom of heaven has helped me immensely and gives some insight on how to deal with this.
The Tares and the Wheat
In the parable of the tares and the wheat, Jesus gives some very practical advice on how good wins out over evil.
This parable is almost always used to show the big picture of eternity and salvation. But I am increasingly convinced there is also a micro meaning that applies to our day to day lives.
Have you ever felt your life was like a wheat field with a lot of tares growing in it?
The parable of the tares and the wheat shows us how find our God-given dominion over evil in our every day experiences.
In this week's episode, I talk about some of the important points Jesus makes in this parable:
- In the “field” of your daily life, it is not Christ who plants the tares.
- All the seeds planted by Christ in your life are good and they will all bear fruit.
- Tares never turn into wheat. Wheat never turns into tares.
- Don’t try to separate the tares and wheat in your life prematurely through human will.
- Better yet, let the angels separate the tares from the wheat in your life.
- The tares are harvested first.
- As soon as the tares are harvested, they’re bound together and thrown into the fire to burn.
- The angels don’t leave your wheat in the field to rot.
I go into detail on each of these points in the podcast this week.
I'd love to hear what lessons you've learned from the parable of the tares and the wheat.
Please share this episode with a friend. Someone you know may need the hear this message.
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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107 – What would happen if Jesus came to your church?
Last week in Episode 106, I asked my guest, Markus Watson, what Jesus would say to our churches. I'm still thinking about his response.
He said, "He would say, 'I love you guys. Follow me.'"
This week I expand on some of the things Jesus might say to your church or my church.
Jesus’s core message never changed
I think it’s reasonable to assume he would say to us the things he said to his disciples and the people who followed him.
- He would tell us we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
- He would tell us to love God with all our hearts, and love our neighbors as ourselves.
- He would rebuke the self-righteous, Pharisaical thoughts wherever he found them.
- He would be patient with us.
- He would probably rebuke our lack of faith, just as he did with his disciples.
- But his rebukes would come, not in condemnation, but from the immense depth of love in his heart for us.
- He would teach us the Scriptures and open them up in way we could see and understand things we had never seen before.
- But most of all, I believe he would tell us about the kingdom of heaven, that it is hear and within us, and our need to completely change the way we see and think (i.e. repent) about God, ourselves, and creation, from a material, earth-based view to a spiritual, heaven-based perspective.
Revelation 2 & 3
The more I’ve thought about this idea of what Jesus would say to our churches today, the more I’ve realized he really has already said what every church needs to hear in the book of Revelation in chapters 2 and 3.
The challenges, the struggles, and the mistakes, the victories, and the defeats the seven churches in Asia experienced are indicative of what the whole Christian church faces today.
Does your church face some of the same challenges these churches faced?
Are you holding fast to your faith in spite of the temptations all around? Is your church caught up in worldly ways, to small or large degree, and need to repent?
Jesus makes incredible promises to those churches that overcome worldly temptations. To hear these promises and how they can apply to your church, tune in to this week's episode.
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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Where does the church go from here?
As our churches emerge from the pandemic, what direction will we take? What is our vision for the future? Where are our churches going? How do we find our calling?
These are some of the questions my guest, Markus Watson, addresses in this week's episode.
Markus is a Presbyterian minister in San Diego, CA. In our conversation he digs down into the heart of what church is all about.
He shares how at first, he resisted the call to go into the ministry, but now pastors not only a church, but other pastors and churches as well.
We talked about
- The challenges pastors face from the pressure their churches put on them and the pressure they put on themselves
- The importance of silence and solitude
- Spending time prayerfully in the Scriptures
- Surrendering the control of the church to God
- Some of the struggles churches in North America are facing today
Markus says the real need for churches today is to pay attention to what God is doing in their communities and then get involved in that, to see where healing and wholeness are needed.
He defines the church's calling as Shalom, not just peace or the absence of hostilities, but the comprehensive state of well-being that touches every aspect of daily life.
The church is called to bring Shalom into the world, to bring this well-being into our relationship with God, with others, with all creation, and with ourselves.
Different churches are good at different things. They have different gifts to bless their communities with.
How is your church uniquely wired to bless your community?
How do you figure that out? That's what Markus's book is all about, Beyond Thingification: Helping Your Church Engage in God's Mission.
How is God calling your church?
I starts with listening to God and to people in your community and fellow church members. It requires time spent in prayer and in the Scriptures.
Over time, you and your church will get a sense of where you belong and where you're going as a church.
I asked Markus what Jesus would say if he walked into our churches today.
"He would say, 'I love you guys. Now, follow me.'"
Our call to follow Jesus and serve the world begins with our belovedness. Do we find our identity in what we have accomplished or in Jesus's love for us?
We all need to find our identity as "the one whom Jesus loves."
Markus defines the ideal church as
- a community of love for God, each other, and our neighbors
- a community that takes action flowing from that love
Where are we going as a church?
The church must learn to adapt to be "church" in new ways. Church is not going to look the way it used to. We have to let go of a desire to return to the past.
Markus says that the decline of the church is actually a gift which we get to wrestle with. It forces us to answer the question: Why do we exist?
It's not just to provide spiritual services for the community. Church exists to bring God's healing and wholeness into the world, to bring God's Shalom into the world.
How will your church fulfill it's calling?James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster. He conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8FJVXHLZPVZ8U&source=url)
105 – Is it possible to have unity in the body of Christ?
Have you ever wondered why there are so many different Christian denominations? And why isn't there more unity in the body of Christ?
In doing a little research for this episode, I found estimates ranging from 1,200 up to about 40,000 different Christian denominations.
If we all believe in Jesus, why can't we agree on everything else?
Why is the Church divided?
If you want to know how, study history. I think the more important question to ask is: Why does this happen? Why does it still happen?
In this week's episode, I talk about two basic reasons: It's about the difference your perspective can make on how you see the Bible. And the filter or lens we look through also changes what we see and believe.
Paul metaphorically describes the church as "the body of Christ"
Just as each part of the human body has a different place and function that coordinates and contributes to the whole, so in the body of Christ, all believers have a unique place and a function that no one else can fill, different gifts, talents, and abilities. Paul encourages all of us to work together in harmony and appreciate how all the different gifts work together as a whole.
Maybe you’re in a church that is the very right hand in the body of Christ. That doesn't mean that everyone else has to be just like you.
But isn't that how many Christians think? They know they are sincere Christians and falsely assume everyone must be just like them in order to be Christian. They have defined "Christian" as being the right hand. They even have their suspicions of the left hand: "I mean really, they have everything backwards."
And too bad for Christians in the left foot of the body of Christ. The right hand Christians think they have to convert the left foot Christians to be just like them.
Christian unity
But the body of Christ is not and cannot be a giant right hand. There are many members or parts and each has a unique place, perspective, and function. Each has something different to offer to the whole that no one else can.
Do you really want unity in the body of Christ if it means letting each member of the body of Christ be themselves? Or do you still want everyone to be just like you?
We need to let go of our personal perspectives and opinions and see things from Christ’s perspective. And we have to let the Holy Spirit wash our mental and spiritual “kitchen windows” that we don’t even realize are dirty.
When we do this, we will be able to say with Paul, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: [and we could add neither protestant or catholic, fundamentalist, evangelical, or liberal,] for ye are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)
James Early, the Jesus Mindset Coach, is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8FJVXHLZPVZ8U&source=url)
104 – How did you pray when you were three?
I was at a church related conference not too long ago and you should have heard the discussions these folks were having. They were dancing theological circles around each other.
I didn't even understand all the words they were using.
It was all in a spirit of brotherly love and respect for one another. And it was really inspiring to hear their deep conversations.
But it also made me realize that all their human intellectual brilliance was not the thing Jesus was necessarily looking for or requiring of his followers.
Jesus expects us to be as little children. He says in Mark 10:15, “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
We should pray less like adults, with all our knowledge, and pray more like a three year old.
In this week's episode I share a beautiful experience from when my oldest daughter was three. She had a terrible earache. I called a friend to help us pray for healing. What he said made all the difference. The earache just melted away.
Prayer is powerful.
Back to praying like a three year old.
A three year old can be an endless patter of needs, observations, silliness, thoughtful reflections, and spontaneous expressions of love. They are confident that you, as the parent, are always listening and interested in what they have to say. And to give them what they need.
Do you ever talk to God that way, asking for what you need however big or small, with the absolute assurance that He is listening to you at all times and ready to help you when needed?
Go back to being three – or rather the mental attitude you had when you were three – and pray from that point of view. In your best three year old voice, just talk to God. Ask Him questions. Listen for the answers. Have a conversation.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s not supposed to be complicated. Jesus wants us to pray as little children. He wants us to see through the eyes of a child, and live with the innocence, purity, receptivity to good, and trust that kids have.
The prayer of receptivity that a three year old has, may seem like a simple little thing and not adequate for all the challenges you’re dealing with. You may think you are too mature for that. But it’s really a way of seeing the world, a way of living in expectation of good. A way of complete trust in God to take care of you and meet all your needs. It is powerful attitude in prayer that opens the windows of heaven right here and now.
I encourage you to practice praying like a three year old.
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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Have you ever wondered why Jesus told us to be as perfect as God?
What did he really mean by this?
Too many people today are trying to be perfectionists in everything they do, but this isn't really what Jesus was talking about.
All that human effort at being perfect is just that, human effort, human will, and human egotism.
There's nothing wrong with striving for excellence, but trying to make yourself perfect is pretty much impossible.
The word perfect in Greek means to be complete.
That doesn't sound so demanding. But, here again, Jesus is saying we need to be complete the way God is.
The context of this verse is about how we love our enemies. We are to love them with agape love. This is how God loves everyone, good and bad, sinner and saint.
But what if Jesus is really expecting us to be perfect?
In this week's episode, I talk about what it means to be perfect in the way Jesus is referring to.
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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102 – How are you related to Jesus?
There are so many facets to your relationship with Jesus. Here a few obvious ones:
- Jesus is Lord and Savior: it's a Master-servant relationship
- Jesus is the Messiah, or Christ: it’s a relationship between prophecy and its fulfillment in our lives
- Jesus is our teacher: it's a teacher-student relationship
- He is the Great Physician: it’s a healer-patient relationship
Jesus is all these things and they are beyond value
But Jesus is not just all these high and holy things to us. He refers to God as his Father and our Father (see John 20:17). That makes Jesus our brother since we have the same Father.
And Jesus called his disciples his friends (see John 15:14, 15). That can certainly apply to you and me as well, as long as we actually follow Jesus in what we say and do.
When you think about it, it’s amazingly wonderful we can know Jesus as our Lord our teacher, our Great Physician, but for him to also be our friend and brother makes the relationship even more meaningful.
But there's one more aspect of our relationship to Jesus that most folks never really consider.
We can be Jesus' mother
Before you start thinking I'm crazy, check out what Jesus says when his mother, his brothers and sisters can't get through the crowd to talk to him. He asks the crowd,
Matthew 12:48-50 ESV
48 "Who is my mother and who are my brothers?"
49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers!
50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
Here’s another example of why you can’t take the whole Bible literally. Jesus did not mean we become his literal mother. We don't turn into Mary. Only she could fill that role.
It's easier to see how we can be Jesus' brothers and sisters. But his mother? Really? Yes, really.
When you hear God’s voice and do God’s will, you are, in effect, “giving birth” to Jesus in your heart and in your life. Every time you obey God's will, Christ appears more clearly in your life and to those around you.
But think about the relationship a mother has with her child. A mother does not just give birth; she nurtures, loves, protects, teaches, and guides her child.
Every time you set aside your will to listen for and follow God's will, you are metaphorically mothering the baby Jesus, the toddler Jesus, the teenage Jesus, the grown man Jesus in your heart.
You are giving your love to the Cause of Christ just as you would to your own child.
I encourage you to embrace this aspect of your relationship with Jesus. It is close. It is intimate. It is powerful, full of love and support. It is holy.
As you give birth to and partner with Christlike thoughts and actions, nurture them and they will nurture you.
It all comes down to listening for, hearing, and doing God’s will. This is the very heart of prayer. In fact, every time you hear God’s voice and obey it, you are praying.
When you do this, you become a member of Jesus's immediate family.
Cherish all the ways you are related to Jesus.
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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101 – Should women dress modestly to support guys trying to overcome lust?
According to some church circles the answer is yes.
But that makes the assumption that men can't think for themselves, are controlled by what women wear, and don't have to take responsibility for their own sinful thoughts.
In this week's episode, I talk about some of the issues involved in overcoming lust.
Even if all women dressed modestly, according to the definition of those self-appointed regulators of what they think the word means, it would not solve the problem. Men would still feel lustful desires.
Jesus explains that these lustful feelings come from the heart, not from what women are wearing. Okay, there are some women who wear things on purpose to lure a man sexually, but that's here motive. It's a man's responsibility to resist that temptation.
Sometimes we try to hard to overcome a sin. What we really need is to replace the sinful thinking in our hearts with Godlike thinking.
If you are struggling with lustful thoughts, you'll find practical ideas in this episode to help you face this temptation and overcome it.
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8FJVXHLZPVZ8U&source=url)
100 – If you could talk to your favorite Bible Character, other than Jesus, who would it be and what would you ask them?
In celebration of Episode 100 of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast, I have asked my listeners to share the answer to this question.
Here are the people from the Bible who are on the hot seat this week to answer some pretty good questions:
- Enoch
- Methuselah
- Abraham
- Joseph, son of Isaac
- Jochebed, mother of Moses
- Moses
- Jabez
- Deborah
- Samuel
- Abigail
- Ruth
- David
- Elijah
- Naaman's wife's maid
- Jonah
- John the Baptist
- Mary, mother of Jesus
- Peter
- John
- Mary Magdalene
- The one leper of ten who came back to thank Jesus for his healing
- The man who was possessed with the Legion of demons
- Rich young ruler
- The prodigal son's dad
- Zacchaeus
- Martha
- Lazarus
- Judas
- Young man at Jesus's arrest who fled naked
- Paul
- Timothy
- Author of Hebrews
- James, the brother of Jesus
Who is your favorite Bible character? What would you ask them?
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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099 – Have you ever wondered how Jesus healed people?There are so many ways to talk about this, and there’s no way to go into great depth in a single podcast episode. But there are a few main points I will emphasize.
How did Jesus heal?
First, I believe he was so completely aware of God’s healing presence.
Jesus knew the Scriptures, so we can assume he knew this verse "I am the LORD who heals you." (Exodus 15:26)
It brings to mind the words of David in Psalms, "He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies." (Psalm 103:3, 4)
Jesus knew God was the source of healing, of health, and wholeness.
That’s really the first step in understanding how Jesus healed and being able to heal as he did.
The second thing I want to emphasize is the way Jesus described his ability to accomplish something.
He said, "I can do nothing on my own." (John 5:30) and "...my Father who lives in me does his work through me." (John 14:10)
Jesus makes it even clearer how he is able to do all he does when he says, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does." (John 5:19 )
Jesus repeats that he can’t do anything on his own. He only does what he sees God doing and it is God working through him to accomplish whatever he does, including healing.
Let that sink in a minute. How does this apply to you and me? Can we say the same things? Can we follow Jesus’s methodology here? Can we adopt this mindset?
The answer is yes, but it’s not necessarily easy.
What can you see God doing?
When you and I can see God at work the way Jesus did, we will be able to do the works that Jesus did.
Listen to this episode for more insights on how to pray for healing.
If you have any questions about healing, I'd love to hear from you. Click the link in my bio.
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8FJVXHLZPVZ8U&source=url)
098 – God's will for you is healing
Over the years I’ve talked to many Christians about God’s healing power and that this is part of the original Christianity Jesus taught and practiced during his ministry, and that it should be part of Christianity today.
Today we’re talking about the fact, yes the fact, that it is God’s will for you to be healed.
So, why is one person healed when you pray for them and another person is not healed?
I don't have all the answers to that question, but I do have some observations to share. Here are a few reasons your prayers may not bring healing.
- When you start your prayer with a doubt or a lack of faith that God is able to heal
- When you start your prayer with the possibility that it might be God's will not to heal
- When you are preoccupied with un-godlike thoughts: fear, worry, selfishness, sin, etc.
- When you're not tuned into the right spiritual wavelength
Where to start
The best place to start to understand that it IS God's will for you to be healed is with what Jesus said about healing and who and how he healed.
Jesus always did the Father's will. That means that when Jesus healed someone, it was God's will that they were healed.
Jesus never told someone they weren't ready to be healed or that God was teaching them a lesson through suffering.
But isn't that what we say sometimes when we're not healed?
I have had many healings and seen many in my family and the Christian Church as a whole, in many denominations.
Don't give up
But when I haven’t been healed though, I don’t give up. I don’t decide it must be God’s will not to heal me. I keep praying.
I keep asking God for guidance and insight on how to fast and pray more effectively.
And by fasting, I don’t mean going without food for a certain amount of time. I mean fasting from negative, self-focused, fearful, sinful thinking.
Once I was healed of an unsightly growth on my abdomen about the size of a walnut. I had been praying for several months but it kept getting bigger.
I finally realized I had to be healed of resentment and animosity toward someone. When I healed that in my heart, I knew the problem was healed too. And the growth melted away in just a few days.
God is always able and willing to heal. It is His nature. It is His will that you are healed through His presence, His love, His mercy, and grace.
If you have questions about God's healing power, I'd love to chat with you.
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8FJVXHLZPVZ8U&source=url)
097 – What happens when you forgive someone?
For Mark Sowersby, forgiveness brings freedom.
Mark is a Pentecostal preacher and shares a powerful testimony of forgiveness in this week's episode. As a child, he was abused sexually. But freedom did not come when the abuse stopped after seven years.
It took decades for Mark to find true freedom and it only came as he was able to forgive his abusers.
At one point Mark thought he could just forgive his abusers and it would all be over. But he has realized that forgiveness is a journey. All too often, Christians want to forgive someone because they know they're supposed to, and they say the words, but don't really deal with the deep levels of forgiveness required.
We have to be willing to take this journey and trust in God's help along the way. We can't forgive someone all by ourselves. It's only with God's love and forgiveness that we can forgive others.
Two things propelled Mark on this journey of forgiveness:
- He was sick and tired of being sick and tired. He had hit rock bottom.
- His mother passed on, which stirred a lot of emotions and feelings and caused a lot of self-reflection and praying. It caused him to turn to Christ.
Mark says there are a lot of people who are hurting because of what has been done to them and they haven't been able to forgive. They don't want to go through the process because they think it's too hard or they don't want to forgive.
Here are some of the points Mark makes about forgiveness
- Don't make excuses for going on the journey of forgiveness
- It’s important to find individuals and communities of people who you feel safe with that you can talk to about your feelings
- Forgiveness needs to start in your prayer closet. You have to be honest with God. Ask God where to start, who to talk to
- To get out of the victim mentality we need to be sober about what happened to us. You can’t pretend those things didn’t happen. For him, God’s Word, God’s love, God’s grace, God’s voice, became louder than the voices from the past.
- Don't use your victimhood as a bubble to live in to protect you from having to deal with facing uncomfortable issues of the past
- Letting go of identifying as a victim can be scary but it forces you to accept personal responsibility for your own actions.
- When you forgive someone, they no longer have any power over you. It’s not allowing them to have real estate in your mind any more. That’s where the freedom comes.
- True forgiveness begins with getting to know God better. It’s about surrendering to God
- You can’t bury the hurt feelings. They have to come to the surface to be healed.
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8FJVXHLZPVZ8U&source=url)
096 – Is it possible to think with the mindset of Jesus?
Yes. Paul says, "We have the mind of Christ." (1 Cor. 2:16)
But how do we do it? How do we think like Jesus did?
There are so many aspects to the mindset of Jesus, there's no way to cover them all in one podcast episode.
I'll talk about two of the most important ones today.
The first thing to consider is what culminated in Jesus's prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane: "Not my will but Your will be done."
Jesus had this same attitude throughout his ministry. He said that he did not come to do his will but the will of the Father, who sent him. (John 5:30)
Related to this he said he only said what God told him to say (John 12:49, 50) and he only did what he saw the Father do (John 5:19)
Jesus has set the supreme example for us here. What if we only did God's will, only said what God told us to say, only did what we saw God do? Our lives would be very different.
It's a goal to strive for.
This gives us an insight into how to think with the mindset of Jesus.
To know what God's will is, you have to be able to hear His voice. So perhaps, the best place to start is nurturing your relationship with God.
The second aspect of Jesus's mindset I talk about in this episode is the declaration Jesus made at the very beginning of and throughout his ministry: the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
This was a radical idea. The Jews thought the Kingdom of God was in the past when David and Solomon had been kings of Israel. Or they thought the kingdom of heaven was off in the future when the Messiah would come on a white horse and deliver them from the Romans.
But Jesus wasn't referring to a geo-political kingdom. He meant the spiritual realm where God is infinite, supreme, completely in charge and all is good, beautiful, loving, and harmonious, filling the whole universe with God's presence.
If you look at things from earth's perspective, there' a terrible mix of good and evil. But in heaven there is no evil, no sickness, pain, sorrow, tears, sin, nor death.
Jesus healed and helped people by looking at things on the earth from the perspective of what is true in heaven.
For example, when people were mourning the death of Jaiurs's daughter, Jesus said to them: She's not dead, she's only asleep. From earth's perspective she was dead, but from the perspective of what'ss true in heaven, where there is not death, she could never die.
Jesus saw this spiritual truth so clearly, it was like turning on a light switch in a dark room so everyone could see.
The more we look at the earth from the perspective of what is true in heaven, the more of heaven we will see here on earth. The more we will think with the mindset of Jesus.
What a grand adventure.
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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095 – What if there was a Spiritual Olympics?
What events would you enter?
As I was recording this episode, the 32nd Summer Olympiad is taking place in Tokyo. Have you gotten to watch many of the events?
I love the stories of hard work and determination. I love the dedication the athletes have for their sports.
It's a good example for us. We need dedication and discipline to follow Christ in our daily lives.
Which prompts me to ask: What if there was a Spiritual Olympics?
Paul describes an event in what I am calling the spiritual Olympics. He wrote: "I want to know Christ and experience the might power that raised him from the dead....I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." (Philippians 3:10, 14)
What are some others events in this "Spiritual Olympics"?
Take a fresh look at the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:3-12.
I have never thought of them as Olympic events until this podcast episode. But each one has a gold medal associated with it.
Imagine being poor in spirit or meek as events, as well as the other Beatitudes.
It's not like the real Olympics where you compete with others and only one person or team get the gold medal (unless there's a tie, of course).
In the Spiritual Olympics, everyone who participates is able to get a "gold medal.
Th e book of Hebrews talks about the race we are to run. "...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." Hebrews 12:1, 2
Which events in the spiritual Olympics will you win a Gold Medal in? You could do a sweep and get the gold medal in every event. It takes perseverance. It takes discipline.
But the cool thing about the Spiritual Olympics is that they don’t just come around every four years. They’re every day. The more we discipline ourselves in these “events” they more often we will excel.
So, Let’s go for the Gold. Let’s strive to follow Christ, to hunger and thirst after righteousness, to be peacemakers, to be meek. In short, to think more like Christ, to act more like Christ, to be more like Christ.
To see all the Bible quotes in this week's episode, check out the show notes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/095.
Please share this with a friend.
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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094 – Jesus said, "Ask and you will receive."
Does that mean we will get whatever we pray for? Not at all.
In this week's episode, I dig down into what it really means to ask God for something. We talk about:
- What the Greek word "ask" really means
- Why we can ask and pray with expectation
- Reasons why our prayers aren't answered
- Why your motives are important when you pray
- What to do when our prayers aren't answered
- What to pray for instead of just asking God for things
- And so much more!
To read the Bible verses quoted in today's episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/094
Thanks for listening. Please share this with a friend.
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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093 – The Sermon on the Mount and the mindset of Jesus
Last week we started the discussion about how to be more like Jesus.
This week we’re going to look at a few things in the Sermon on the Mount to get a better insight into Jesus’s mindset. Everything Jesus tells us to do in this Sermon, he does as well.
It’s how he wants us to think, how to act, how to follow him, how to be more like him.
There’s no way to cover everything in the Sermon on the Mount, but we’ll cover a few things.
Last week I encouraged you to read the whole sermon pondering what it tells us about how Jesus thought and acted, and how he wanted us to think and act.
Here are the points I cover in today’s episode:
- What does it mean to be “poor in spirit” and why is that a blessing?
- If we’re persecuted for following Jesus, how can we deal with it like he did?
- What does it mean to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world?
- How can we get a fresh perspective on the commandments and other favorite Scriptures like Jesus did?
- What does it mean to love like Jesus did, even your enemies?
- How to give to charitable organizations or people who need help the way Jesus did
- How to fast and pray like Jesus did
- The perfect solution to worrying about everything
- Why Jesus never worried
- Do you value yourself and what you have to offer the world the way Jesus did?
When you follow the teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus says you are like a wise builder who builds a house on a rock. When the storms of life come, your life and your faith have a strong spiritual foundation and cannot be destroyed.
The more you put all these teachings into practice in your daily life, the more you will be like Jesus. Then, rinse and repeat. Do it over and over.
The beautiful thing is, Jesus knew we can do it. He expected us to do it. And he has empowered us to follow him, and to be more like him.
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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092 – Have you ever just wanted to be more like Jesus?
To be more like Jesus and truly follow him does not mean that we simply repeat his words and mimic his actions.
We need to embrace Jesus's mindset.
This week's episode, which is Part 1 of "How to Be More Like Jesus," points out the need to:
- Understand Jesus better
- Hear his voice
- Not use the human will and intellect or our egos in the process
- Not compare how you follow Jesus with how someone else does
- Quit using the mindset of the material world
- Embrace Jesus's mindset
- Face and overcome the world's hatred of God
The only way to correct un-Jesus-like behavior is to eliminate un-Jesus-like thinking.
That was one of the very first things Jesus asks us to do, is repent, which means to change our thinking.
How do we get rid of un-Jesus-like thinking?
We pour in God’s love and truth into our hearts. This flushes out whatever thoughts and actions are not like Jesus.
It doesn’t happen in one fell swoop. It’s a daily discipline.
The best place to start with understanding Jesus and embracing his mindset is by deep, prayerful study of the Sermon on the Mount. And then putting the ideas in it into practice in your daily life.
The more you practice the Sermon on the Mount, the more you will be like Jesus.
To see all the Bible references in this week's episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/092.
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8FJVXHLZPVZ8U&source=url)
091 – Are you using your God-given talents?
We all have so many God-given talents and abilities. The question is: What are we doing with them?
In this week's episode I talk about Jesus's parable of the talents and how it relates to us using what we have been given.
The parable of the talents:
- One man was given 5 talents
- One man was given 2 talents
- One man was given 1 talent
- One talent = 20 years worth of wages for a working man
- At $15/hour, one talent is $600,000
What would you do with $600,000?Would you bury it in the ground? That's what the man in the parable did who got one talent.
Do you ever bury the talents God has given you in the ground? Do you ever neglect the abilities God has given you?
It's usually fear or a lack of self-worth that keeps us from using our God-given talents.
Using your God-given talents
Please...
Take a moment and take an honest inventory of all the talents and abilities God has given you.
Make a commitment
Will you make a commitment to take at least one baby step today to use the abilities God has given you? Then, tomorrow, take another step.
Every talent you have is a gift from God. What you do with that talent is your gift back to Him.
To see all the Bible references in this episode, check out the full show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/091
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
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090 – True freedom is not just doing whatever you want.
Freedom is about being who God made you to be and doing what God made you to do without being influenced by the things that hold you in bondage to things that are harmful or ego-based.
Freedom is in relation to something else. We are either free from something or free to do and/or be something.
Freedom FROM something
There's the freedom that we feel when we are no longer in bondage to the past, to old habits, to negativity, a bad relationship, and so many other things that seem like a ball and chain around our ankles.
In this episode, I talk about some of the things we need to be free of:
- the past, not just the bad but sometimes even the good
- a bad relationship
- a dead end job
- negativity
- egotism
- self-depreciation
- worrying about all the terrible stuff going on in the world right now
These are just a few of the things we need to be freed from.
The only real freedom from these things comes from God. When you try to solve the problem on just a human level, it never actually solves the problem and often makes it worse.
Freedom To do and be something
When you are free from the hurts of the past, negativity (yours or someone else's), or anything that limits you, you are then free to be and do what God has ordained for you.
You are free to be the real you, made in God's image, full of life and purpose. You are free to live in the present, to thrive, and go forward with your life.
Christ has set us free. We can let go of whatever tries to hold us to the past, to things that aren't in accord with God's will.
You can be free from the things that hold you hostage and free to be who God made you to be and do what God made you to do.
This freedom to be who God made you and His child and heir to the kingdom of God is your divine birthright.
In the spirit of everything Christ Jesus taught us, I say to you: Whatever you need freedom from, you have that freedom right now. Because Christ makes you free.
Accept this freedom. Live out from it. You are free.
Links
Finding Your Identity in Christ
Lots of Bible verses this week: See them all at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/090.
James Early is a Bible teacher, speaker, and podcaster and conducts Bible workshops online and in person. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus by embracing the mindset of Christ in daily life. Contact him here.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8FJVXHLZPVZ8U&source=url)
089 – How can we dig deeper into the Bible?
Have you ever felt like your Bible study is sort of flat? The passage you're reading is just words and there's nothing new to get from it?
This week's episode will give you some ideas about how to get some fresh inspiration from your Bible study by taking a deep dive in a thoughtful and meaningful way.
Lectio divina
This week I have a conversation with Eric Nevins, who explores a Bible study method called lectio divina. Eric graduated from Trinity with a degree in Bible Studies and also went to divinity school at Trinity. Eric is the creator of Christian Podcasters Association and the Halfway There Podcast.
This week Eric answers talks about the importance of reading a Bible passage more than once to get more out of it. In fact, he recommends reading the same verses eight days to reflect on, ask questions, and ponder all that's going on in the passage.
Here are some of the questions we explore together:
- Is Bible study of the head or the heart?
- Is it just an intellectual exercise or is to help us experience the presence of Christ in our lives?
- What is the role of curiosity when reading the Bible?
- Are we willing to ask God for help and healing?
- When we study the Bible how can we imbibe the spirit of Christ, feel the presence of the Holy Spirit so it’s not just a learning exercise but something we experience and can practice in our daily lives?
- How do we take these deeper lessons we learn from our study and apply them to our daily lives?
- When do we have to change our beliefs?
- Why is it scary to change your beliefs?
- What to do if your in the Bible study doldrums?
Eric talks about the slow, meditative process of studying a Bible passage until the idea starts to show up and become part of your life.
Check out the show notes page to read the Bible references in today's episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/089.
Enjoy!
Please share with friend.
James Early
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088 – Have you ever thought of yourself as a prophet of the Lord?
What does it mean to be a prophet? Do you have to predict the future and call down fire from heaven?
Basically, to be a prophet you need to:
- Hear God's voice and follow His directions
- Not promote your own personal opinions and perspectives
- Share God's message in the way He tells you to
- Use your spiritual eyes to see what's going on
- Judge righteous judgment instead of judging by the outward appearance of things
- Be humble
- Be bold in your trust in and obedience to God
- Have a Jesus mindset
In this week's episode, It explore the story of how the prophet Elisha established peace between the kings of Syria and Israel. It's a pretty dramatic story. You can find it in 2 Kings 6:8-23.
Watch out for false prophets!
But there are also false prophets in the Bible, those people who told the people what they wanted to hear instead of what God was saying. Jesus calls them wolves in sheep's clothing who have the intent of destroying the sheep and being in power.
There are also false prophets today. They predict who is going to be elected president. And they predict the exact dates when Jesus will return as well as the end of the world. Even when these dates come and go, with their prophecies unfulfilled, they still proclaim their prowess as prophets and a lot of people believe them. Jesus told us not to believe these people.
Can anyone be a prophet?
Is it possible for everyone to be a prophet or is it just for a select few?
Here’s how Moses answered that question,
"Would that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!” (Numbers 11:29 ESV)
I go into a lot more detail in this week's episode.
Never assume that you are not capable of being a prophet of the Lord
Earnestly cherish your God-given ability to hear God’s voice, see what He reveals to you, and follow His guidance. Put yourself in His service, whatever it may be. It’s about humility. It’s about letting go of your personal opinions and perspectives and only doing and saying what God tells you to.
There are lots of Bible references this week. Check them out in the show notes at: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/088.
If you have any questions or comments about this topic, I'd love to hear from you. You can contact me here.
Have a great week. Please share this with a friend.
Until next week...
Blessings,
James
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087-When someone accuses you of making a mistake, what is your first reaction?
All too often it is to justify our actions, make excuses, blame someone else, or run for cover.
The Bible is full of this kind of behavior. It started all the way back with Adam. Instead of taking responsibility for eating the forbidden fruit, he blamed Eve.
What if Adam had actually gone to God and repented for his sin before God came looking for him? Obviously, that didn't happen, but it gives us something to think about.
In this week's episode, I talk about
- Our reluctance to repent and the solution
- Why we need to accept responsibility for our thoughts and actions
- The best way to repent
- What repentance really is
- God's forgiveness is always available for you
The important thing is to strive toward admitting your mistakes as soon as possible after you make them.
Repentance and forgiveness go hand in hand.
To read all the Bible quotes in this week's episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/087.
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086 – Have you ever wondered what happened on the day of Pentecost?
What would it have been like to be in the room when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples?
What would it have been like to hear Peter preach to the crowd?
The Day of Pentecost is important for so many reasons.
First, the disciples were obedient to Jesus
He had told them to wait in Jerusalem until they received the Holy Spirit. They were there 10 days. But they were faithful.
It was this obedience that set the stage for things to happen the way they did.
Second, the disciples were in unifiedThey were together, not just geographically, but spiritually in the same place as well.
They weren't debating theological points. They were united in their love for Jesus as the Son of God and rejoicing in his resurrection.
Third, they were baptized with the Holy Spirit
Not only were they inspired beyond measure, they started speaking in different languages. This was symbolic of the fact that the Gospel would be preached in every country around the world.
Fourth, Peter seized the opportunity
He preached to a crowd and tell them about Jesus. About 3,000 people believed what Peter said and accepted Jesus as the Messiah.
Not bad for one sermon!
How does the Pentecost apply to you and me today?
How can we be more obedient to Jesus? You can't live in disobedience to Jesus and expect to experience the presence of the Holy Spirit.
How can we support unity in the body of Christ? Are you willing to set aside some of your theological opinions and appreciate other Christians who may disagree with you on somethings?
When you are moved and inspired by the Holy Spirit, God will also provide an opportunity to share this inspiration with others. Be like Peter and seize this opportunity.
I'd love to hear your thoughts about the Day of Pentecost and what it means to you.
To see the show-notes for this episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/086.
Thanks for listening. Please share with a friend.
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085– Why is your identity in Christ so important?
First, let me ask you: How do you see yourself? Usually we start with what we see in the mirror. How tall we are, how old, how much we weigh, what color of eyes, hair, and skin.
But is that who you really are, the unique combination of all these material parts and conditions? No! There's so much more to who you are.
How else do you see yourself? Do you identify your self by your nationality, your ethnic background and culture, where you were born and where you live now, where your parents and ancestors came from, where you went to school, your job and salary, etc.?
And then, of course, we identify ourselves by our past, good or bad. We let the trauma and the drama of circumstances define us with certain emotions and feelings. We accept the labels the world puts on us and begin to identify with what others say about us.
We cling to all these ways of identifying ourselves because we think the condition of our body, our culture and heritage, the emotional events, failures, and achievements of our past, our bank account, our job, etc. define us.
But they don’t define us. They are more like a story board of what has happened to us. But they are not our identity. Sometimes they hint at who we are but other times they’re more like a counterfeit of who we really are as God’s children.
As a kid, I was very conscious of my body, especially my very blond hair. I thought that was my identity.
But when I was about 16, I got serious about my faith and started reading the Bible. I started learning about the way God originally created me in His image and likeness, and how God saw me. This was a very different view from what I saw in the mirror and how I saw myself in my mind.
I found a lot of hope in something Paul wrote in one of his letters to the Corinthians: He’s talking about what happens when you accept Christ into your life.
From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthian 5:16, 17 ESV)
You are a new creation
This is Paul's promise. Why then do we hold onto the things that are not who we are in Christ? We can let go of them. Christ washes them away. When we discover our identity in Christ, we realize our identity in the past is not who we really are. In Christ, we are so much more.
So, how do you see yourself?
It’s really not the best question. We should ask how does God see you. Or better yet, ask God directly, “God, how do you see me?”
Have you ever been afraid to ask that question because you think God will only see all the mistakes you’ve made? We need to remember that God doesn’t count our trespasses against us. (2 Cor 5:19) Why do we hold onto them so fiercely.
How does God see you?
How does God see you? The way He originally made you. We get a glimpse of this by the way Jesus saw people like you. He looked at people with compassion. He said we are the light of the world, the salt of the earth. We have much value.
Discovering your identity does not happen in a moment. It’s a lifelong process of discovery and putting into practice what you discover.
Your identity in Christ is intact. It is complete and whole in the heart and the hands of God.
For all Bible quotes this week, check out the show notes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/085
Blessings,
James
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084 – Have you ever noticed in the Bible how quickly God's healing power can come?A while back I read through the book of Mark. It seemed like every other verse had the word "immediately" in it. Everything happens so fast. There's a quickening pace in Mark you don't find in the other Gospel writers.
In this week's episode I focus mainly on the first chapter of Mark. where the immediacy of Jesus's mission bursts upon the scene with his baptism, temptation in the wilderness, and the beginning of his preaching and healing.
Here are a few of the examples:
When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, "immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.” (v. 10) Jesus heard a voice from heaven declare, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” (v.11) There was no delay in God’s response to this event.
The very next verse says, "The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.” (v. 12)
When Jesus calls Andrew and Peter to follow him, “immediately they left their nets and followed him.” (v. 18) They didn’t hesitate a moment to respond to Jesus.
When Jesus saw James and John, “immediately he called them,” and they followed. (v. 20) Jesus didn’t waste time deliberating what to do. He knew instantly whom to ask and when to ask them.
Jesus goes to Capernaum “and immediately on the Sabbath he entered into the synagogue and was teaching.” (v. 21) He just went in and started. He waited for no man’s approval. He just did what God impelled him to do with no delay.
God's healing power for a sick man
While he’s there, a man with an unclean spirit taunts him, and Jesus doesn’t try to reason with the man or ignore him. He instantly rebukes, not the man, but the unclean spirit. He wastes not one second in wielding his Sword of Truth and the man is healed. (vv. 25, 26)
What was the result? “And at once his fame spread everywhere throughout all the surrounding region of Galilee.” (v. 28) And they didn’t even have social media!
God's healing power for everyone
That night, when the Sabbath was over, the whole town comes to the house bringing their sick folks. Jesus healed them right on the spot. He didn’t tell them to go home and pray or read the Scriptures. He healed them right there and then. (vv.32-34)
I give several more examples in this week's episode.
The immediacy of evil's attempts to destroy Christ
But the response from those who opposed Jesus could be just as immediate.
- When Jesus healed a man the Pharisees immediately plotted to kill him.
- Jesus explained that the devil immediately tries to take away the word of God someone has just heard.
- When Jesus finished praying in Gethsemane, immediately Judas came to betray him.
How can we experience more of the immediacy of God's power to heal?
The key is having the same awareness that Jesus did, that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. When we are conscious of God’s presence and supremacy here on earth, as in heaven, regardless of what the outward appearances are, we can respond as Jesus did, because “we have the mind of Christ.” (1Corinthians 2:16)
The more we become aware of God’s immediacy, the more we’ll experience God’s presence in our lives and the more we will be inspired to take action when and how God directs us.
Take a moment right now and drink in the immediacy of God’s love and presence and power to heal.
Thanks for listening.
Blessings,
James Early
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**083-What is the Biblical model for hospitality?
How do you feel** when someone invites you to their home? Maybe it's a party or an intimate dinner with just a few people. Or maybe it's just a one-on-one conversation where you really get to know someone and they get to know you.
Or maybe you're the one inviting someone else.
Either way, there's a wonderful feeling of including others and being included that makes us feel loved and appreciated.
This week I talk with Sue Donaldson, author and speaker, about hospitality in a deeper sense of not just inviting someone over for a chat or a meal, but ministering to someone in a way that helps them realize how much God loves them.
Sue shares some great examples of how she has taken lessons on hospitality from lots of different Bible characters, especially Jesus.
Hospitality in the Bible:
- Simon the Pharisee who invited Jesus for a meal but did not wash his feet, a special sign of hospitality
- Compare Simon with the woman who sneaked into his house during the meal and washed Jesus's feet with her tears, then anointed his feet with expensive ointment
- Think of the men who carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus but had to climb on the roof and remove roof tiles to lower their friend to where Jesus was inside for Jesus to heal him. Jesus received their gesture of faith with gracious hospitality.
- Matthew, the tax collector, invited Jesus to his home for a meal. The Pharisees disapproved associating with sinners and people like Matthew. But Jesus always accepted the hospitality of those who were receptive to his message. He looked at their hearts, not their outward appearance.
- The Good Samaritan is a wonderful example of how to express hospitality, even to those who are different from you
- And of course there's the story of Mary and Martha. Martha was so busy worrying about the food, she missed an opportunity to sit at Jesus's feet and partake of his spiritual hospitality.
- So many more in this week's episode...
Lessons learned
There are so many lessons to learn from these and other stories in the Bible about how to minister to others' needs.
Sue shares some practical advice, from many years of experience, on how to reach out to, minster to, and include people in a hospitable and loving way, both in your home and elsewhere.
What if you can't have people in your home? Sue shares ways to express hospitality in every situation.
Higher purpose of hospitality
And what's the real reason to express hospitality? It all comes back to helping people know how much God loves them and that we are all welcome at His "table."
Sue says, “The more we look like Jesus, the better others can find him when we open our doors and add another chair to the table.”
That doesn't mean we put on sandals and wear a tunic. It means that the more our hearts are filled with the love Jesus had for all mankind, the more others will feel that love and experience Christ's love for themselves.
After listening to this week's episode, what are some ways you can express hospitality in some fresh ways that minister to the deeper spiritual needs of your guest? I'd love to hear your thoughts.
To review the Bible references in this week's episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/083.
Thanks for listening. Please share this with a friend.
Have a great week.
Blessings,
James
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082 –It's time to open your spiritual eyes
Look around you. What do you see? Your computer, your smartphone? If you're on a walk in the woods, you see the trees, the rocks, the gurgling stream.
Now be really observant. Do you see everything there is to see, where ever you are? At first you may think you take it all in. But there's no way to see everything.
Can you see the stuff in your desk drawer when it's closed? Can you see what's behind that tree or the big rock up ahead? Or what about the inside of an apple you just picked up to eat?
There's no way to see everything with your eyes.
But there are other things you can't see even though they are all around. Well, I shouldn't call them "things," because they're spiritual.
For example, can you see the love you have for your family, or God's love for you? You can see the effects of that love, but not the love itself.
Open your spiritual eyes
When Elisha was surrounded by the Syrian army, his servant was afraid. But the prophet prayed for God to open the young man's eyes so he could see. Suddenly the servant saw horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
They were there all along, but the man couldn't see them with his material eyeballs. Elisha did see the horses and chariots of fire. That's why he wasn't afraid.
Jesus saw the kingdom of heaven at hand
When Jesus's disciples were afraid they were going to drown in a storm at sea, they woke Jesus up. But Jesus wasn't afraid of what the material eyes saw. Using his spiritual vision he saw the kingdom of heaven at hand, where there are not storms, no danger, no fear.
Jesus rebuked what the material eyes saw, when it was not in tune with God's kingdom.
Can we learn to use our spiritual eyes?
Of course. You may not see horses and chariots of fire, but you can discern God's presence. You can feel God's love and protection.
And you don't have to wait until there's a terrifying army surrounding you or a life-threatening storm about to sink your boat. Even when everything is going well, we still need to use our spiritual vision to see God being in control of our lives.
Have you ever had an experience when God "opened your eyes" to see something that the material eyes can't see, when you discerned something that no one else saw?
This happened to me when I was studying in southern France during my junior year in college. A group of friends decided to climb Mt. Sainte Victoire, a mountain near Aix-en-Provence. But the weather did not cooperate at all.
To hear the story of how God protected us during a terrible electric storm with lightning bolts flashing right above our heads, check out this week's episode of the podcast.
If you'd like to refer to the Bible verses quoted this week, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/082.
I'd love to hear about when God has revealed things to your spiritual eyes. Please contact me. I'd love to hear your story.
Thanks for listening and for sharing this episode with a friend.
Have a great week.
Blessings,
James
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081 – How would you feel if Jesus spit on you?
I know, it sounds kind of gross. But once Jesus actually did spit on a blind man who had come to him to be healed.
If you were that man, it must have been quite a shock to hear that tell-tale guttural sound coming from Jesus's throat and then suddenly feel the warm gooey mess in your eyes.
Spitting was a sign of contempt and rebuke. Was Jesus showing contempt for this man?
Not at all.
By the way, the man was healed and could see clearly.
Not a bad result from getting spit on.
In this week's episode I answer this question and explain what Jesus was really spitting on.
Jesus heals a man born blind
There's another time Jesus healed a blind man by spitting. Really, it does sound odd doesn't it?
But Jesus never had a cookie cutter approach to prayer, healing, or how to deal with a given situation.
In this case the man had been born blind. Jesus's disciples thought that perhaps the man's parents had sinned and their son was being punished. They even were wondering if the man himself had somehow sinned before he had been born, which caused his blindness.
Jesus addressed these misconceptions head on in what he said and did. And once more he spit, this time on the ground. He made a little mud from the spit and then anointed the eyes of the blind man and told him to go wash it off.
The man did what he was told. And when he came back, he could see clearly!
Why did Jesus spit on the ground?
Why did he put mud on the man's eyes? Why did he tell the man to go wash it off?
What did all this odd behavior have to do with the man being healed?
That's what this week's episode is all about.
And of course the next question is: Can we imbibe the spirit of Jesus and pray with the same spiritual authority he did? Can we expect the same results?
Jesus has given us an example and expects us to follow him in our words and actions.
DISCLAIMER: This does NOT mean you should go around spitting on people to heal them. But when you pray with the spirit of what Jesus was doing when he spit, you will see the healing power or God in your life.
To see all the Bible citations in this week's episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/081.
Thanks so much for listening and for sharing this with a friend.
If you have any questions or comments, I'd love to hear from you.
Blessings,
James
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080 – Have you ever missed an opportunity God gave you?
I certainly have. It feels like such a waste, doesn't it?
Sometimes I have acted too soon and sometimes I have responded too late to do what God wanted me to do.
It reminds of what happens with my three peach trees.
It's spring time here in the United States. The weather is warming up. The flowers are starting to bloom. AND my peach trees are in blossom. That means I will have lots of tasty peaches to eat later in the summer.
Unfortunately, some of the peaches always get knocked of the tree before they get ripe. And invariably, some of the peaches will over-ripen on the tree, fall to the ground and rot. Yuck. What a mess. What a waste!
But usually, even though some fruit is lost, it always amazes me how productive my peach trees are each year.
So, I was thinking about the bushels of peaches each year and that reminded me of the fruit of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22, 23:
"...the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."Sometimes the fruit of the Spirit, which God gives us, is bountiful and we use these gifts and the opportunities that come with them wisely.
Just like some of the peaches fall to the ground before they're ripe, we sometimes do something before God tells us and that opportunity is like the little green peach that falls to the ground before it's ripe.
Other times, it seems like we waste the opportunities God gives us by waiting too long to follow His directions. It's kind of like the peaches on my tree that aren't picked when they're ripe and they rot instead.
We can either act too quickly or too slowly to God's plans for us and the opportunity is lost.
But you know what I do with those unripe and over ripe peaches? I rake them up and add them to the compost pile. They decompose and then offer nourishment for next year's garden.
So when you mess up and don't do something God has given you to do, it's not great, but it's the end of the world. You can put that unripe or rotten opportunity into your "spiritual compost pile." All that was bad about that experience will rot away, and what is left is God's love and your desire to do what is right (which was there all along).
You can take this "spiritual compost" and apply it to the next task at hand. You can take the lessons learned and the humility gained forward with you and it will bless all you do. Just like adding regular compost to your garden will help the vegetables and flowers grow better.
I hope you enjoy this week's episode. For all the Bible verses quoted, check out the show notes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/080.
Thanks so much for your support!
Blessings,
James
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079 – Have you ever gotten yourself in trouble by doing what you wanted to instead of what God wanted?
All too often, we do what we want and them complain when things go wrong.
Or we tell God what we want to happen. And we tell Him exactly how it should happen.
We talk to God like He's an old man who is hard of hearing. We talk loud and repeat ourselves to make sure He hears our prayers.
How's that workin' for you?
There's a much better way to pray. It has to do with humility and listening for what God has in mind for you instead of what you want or think is best.
God's will for you
In this week's episode, I explore some ways to discern what God's will is for you. Whatever you have imagined and planned for yourself, God has something much better in store for you.
Here are some things that can help you discover what God's will for you is, both in the every day choices we all have to make, as well as the bigger choices that change the direction of our lives.
- Ask God: What do You want me to do?
- Be willing to let go of your personal opinions about what should happen
- Trust in God instead of your own abilities to find an answer or solution instead of trusting in yourself, your own abilities, your bank account, other people, etc.
- Does what you're praying for go against something Jesus said?
- Are you telling God what has to happen?
- Have enough humility to admit you don't know the answer/solution
"Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven"
This line from the Lord's Prayer is a litmus test to discover if something is God's will or not. Look at your decision through this line of the prayer. Is what you are thinking about something that would be in obedience to God's will in heaven?
Woah! That's a pretty high standard, isn't it? It forces the question whether you really do want to do God's will or not.
But, assuming you really do want to do God's will, the Lord's Prayer as a whole is a wonderful way to figure out if something is God's will. Does what you're thinking of doing give glory to God and His kingdom? Does it acknowledge God as the source of your daily needs? Is there a spirit of forgiveness (if needed)? Do you ask God for help when you're tempted to do something wrong or do you just do whatever you want?
Why should we strive to obey God's will?
God has a bigger perspective than we do about what is good for us and what we are capable of doing. It may not always be easy to do what God wants you to, but the joys of life will be much more abundant when you do.
What makes it hard to want to obey God's will is that we have to give up our own will. Back to the Lord's Prayer. When you pray for God's kingdom to come, that necessarily means that you are praying for your little kingdom to go away. When you pray for God's will to be done in earth as it is in heaven, it means you are praying for your will not to be done on earth.
It takes humility to give up what we want. But there is nothing more rewarding.
So march yourself down to the bakery and order a nice slice of humble pie. Nothing tastes better once you sink your teeth into it.
To review the Bible quotes in this week's episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/079.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions or comments about today's episode. I'd love to hear from you.
Blessings,
James
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078 – Do you have to die and go to heaven before you see Jesus?
That's what a lot of people believe. In fact, I have a friend who can't wait to die so he will get to see Jesus in heaven.
But Jesus never said we have to die to experience heaven. He said the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And he emphasized the fact that the kingdom of God is within us. That means it's here right now. We just have to learn to perceive what the Holy Spirit is revealing to us.
And by the way, Jesus never said we have to die to see him either.
When will we see Jesus?
In this week's episode, I delve into some of the common beliefs about seeing Jesus after we die and point out that there's a much better to "see Jesus" right now, every day.
And by the way, just seeing Jesus is not going to solve your problems. Lots of people saw him 2,000 years ago, but they didn't really see him. They didn't see who he is or understand him.
Even his disciples, who saw him every day, did not always understand him or see him clearly. They were often full of doubts and fears.
Do you want to see Jesus?
The best way to see Jesus is to follow his example, have compassion on people, and minister to them the way he did.
In fact, this is exactly what Jesus said is the best way to see him. Referring to the time when he would separate the sheep from the goats, those who ministered to those in need and those who didn't, Jesus said that those who had helped others had actually helped him. And he added that those who didn't help others did not help him.
The "goats" complained that if they had seen Jesus, they would have helped him. They didn't get his point.
See Jesus face to face today
What if you treated everyone you met the way you would treat Jesus? I know that's quite a big IF. But it is possible to strive for that goal. Think of your family, your friends, the folks at work, school, and church, the strangers you pass on the street, everyone you come in contact with. What if you loved them the way you love Jesus? What do you think would happen?
What if just a few people did that? What if our politicians could pull that off? What a different place the world would be.
I encourage you to quit waiting to see Jesus. Start seeing him right now in everyone you meet.
And let me know how it goes.
To check out all the Bible verses in this episode, go to the show notes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/078.
Thanks so much for listening and sharing this with a friend.
Have a great week.
Blessings,
James
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077 – Where will you celebrate Easter this year?
I invite you to spend it in "the garden" with Jesus.
It was in the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus completely surrendered to God's will with that famous prayer: Not my will but Thine be done.
And it was in another garden, near the place of his crucifixion, where he was buried. And of course it's in this second garden where he rose and talked to Mary Magdalene.
In this week's episode I talk about...
- The significance of these events taking place in a garden setting
- What the origin of the Hebrew word for garden reveals about our relationship with God
- The contrast between how Adam and Eve dealt with sin in the Garden of Eden and how Jesus dealt with sin in Gethsemane and the Garden of the Tomb
- How we can "meet" Jesus in the garden of resignation and the garden of resurrection this Easter
To read all the Bible verses mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes page at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/077.
Thanks for listening. Please share this with a friend.
Have a wonderful Easter
Blessings,
James
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076 – The Bible says a lot about atonement.
There are many theories about what the atonement really is. And one of the most popular ones has only been around since the 1500s.
In this week's episode, I talk with Keith Giles about his new book, Jesus Unforsaken: Substituting Divine Wrath with Unrelenting Love. In it, Keith explores the history of various atonement theories and explains how they differed from the teachings of the early Church.
Here are some of the things Keith and I discussed:
- His journey in and out of the pulpit
- How he started a church that gave away all its collections to the poor
- What the gospel actually is (Hint: it's not the atonement)
- His gradual deconstruction from believing in a wrathful God to knowing God as a loving Father who forgives freely
- How the penal substitution theory of atonement (i.e. Jesus died on the cross in your place and God demanded a blood sacrifice to cleanse you from your sins), which is so popular with many Christians today was formulated by John Calvin in the 1500s and wasn't part of the early Christian Church's teachings
- Why so many churches are fixated on how sinful people are
- Worm-free Christianity
- Why Jesus was actually crucified
- Why the cross is about so much more than just forgiveness of sins
- The full scope of the atonement Christ provides for us
DISCLAIMER: This podcast episode may tip over some of your prized sacred theological cows. Proceed only if you are willing to look at things from a fresh perspective with an open and curious, but mildly cautious mind.To study all the Bible quotes in today's episode, and there are more than usual, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/076.
I would love to hear your thoughts on today's episode whether you agree or disagree with Keith.
Thanks for listening. If you know someone who will enjoy this episode, please share it with them.
Have a great week.
Blessings,
James
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075 – Jesus said to Nicodemus "You must be born again."
This is one of the most often quoted verses in the Bible. And rightly so! Jesus wanted Nicodemus, and all of us, to know who we are as children of God and where we come.
It's about our discovering our spiritual origin, not about somehow getting back into your mother's womb and being born again literally, like Nicodemus thought.
What it means to be born again
The phrase "born again" means several things. The Greek word for "again" can mean
- from the beginning
- again, repeated
- from above, from God, heaven
Unfortunately, no English word conveys all those meanings. And even Nicodemus did not understand the depth of what Jesus was getting at. Jesus wants us to understand that God is the source of our birth.
What if you could go back in time and "from the beginning" (see #1 above) the love of God and the Spirit re-birthed you at every point in your life? To be born again is to be completely purified and transformed by God's love and grace.
And that begs the question...
Is being born again a one time event?
Some people believe strongly that it is and others believe it's a life-long process. But maybe that's not so important as the fact that it happens at all. And once it does, you can't stop there. You need to continue to follow Jesus in your everyday life.
It's like the sunrise. Sure, the sunrise itself takes just a few minutes, but once the sun pops above the horizon, it doesn't just sit there the rest of the day. It continues its journey across the sky until it sets.
And the next day, the sun goes through the exact same process. What if being born again is like the sunrise? What if every day we feel reborn in the Spirit? What if every day we experience a the purifying presence of God's love and grace in our lives?
This week's episode explores these ideas and many more. If you would like to study all the Scripture references mentioned, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/075.
Thanks for listening. As always, I would love to hear from you if you have any questions or comments.
And please share this with a friend who would appreciate the message.
Have a great week!
Blessings,
James
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074 – True worship is deeply spiritual
This week's episode takes you on a journey back to Jacob's well when Jesus is talking to a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well.
Imagine for a minute that you are there as one of Jesus's disciples and how you felt when you saw your Master talking to "that woman."
But when you found out what they were talking about, you realized that Jesus had just revealed a powerful truth: God is Spirit and must be worshiped in spirit and truth.
What is true worship?
Jesus was very specific in how he defined worship and that we must worship the Father. It's not about where you are or how you hold your hands, or a certain ritual. True worship is in the heart.
Jesus knew that we can go through the outward motions and say the right words, but it's what's going on inside our thinking that matters.
True worship changes us. It purifies us. It baptizes us in God's love. And it transforms the way we see and treat others.
How do you worship?
When you worship, is it a function of the human mind and intellect? Is it about how many Bible verses you know and can quote by memory? Is it about how elaborate your prayers are?
Hopefully not.
The best way to worship is not just with your human mind. Have you ever thought about worshiping God the way Jesus did? Paul says we have "the mind of Christ." Isn't it time to use it?
That means we can worship like Jesus
Since we have the mind of Christ, we can worship God the way he did. We can love the way Jesus did. And our lives will bear the fruit of the Spirit the way Jesus did.
Worshiping God means loving all God's children
When you know God as infinite Spirit, filling the universe with the divine presence, you will worship Him in spirit and in truth. And you will be able to help people in the same way Jesus did.
When the "Samaritan woman" of today comes to you, you will not run away or deem her unworthy of your attention. You will see the opportunity to help someone and share the love of Christ.
To study the Bible verses quoted in today's episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/074.
I would love to hear your thoughts about worshiping God.
Have a great week.
Blessings,
James
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073 – How do you make important decisions?
If you're like me, you make a list of all the pros and cons of all the possible choices.
You go round and round trying to figure out what to do. You ask for advice from friends, family, and maybe even an advisor. But there are too many good options and there's no way to know which one is best.
In this week's episode, I share several experiences where I was in that exact situation. I had some life-important decisions to make. I had changed my mind at least 20 times. But I had no clarity.
I had prayed all this time but I was too close to the circumstances. In desperation, I finally prayed, "God, what will bless the most in the long run?" When I uttered those words, the answer came instantly.
When we step back from what we want and ask God to show us what will bless the most, it changes the motives of our prayers. It's no longer about us, but about what will glorify God the most.
So, how do you make important decisions?
What if, in every prayer and every action, your motive was to glorify God instead of just get what you wanted or thought the solution was?
How would that make a difference in your life?
The wonderful thing is, when you glorify God, God will glorify you.
Thanks for listening. If you have any comments of questions about today's episode, please contact me. I'd love to hear from you.
To see all the Bible verses quoted this week, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/073.
Have a great week.
Blessings,
James
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072 – According to the world's standards, Jesus was not a success.
He left a good career as a carpenter to become an itinerant preacher. He did not have an important job, big salary, or fancy house. He did not find favor with the religious authorities. A lot of people followed him for a while, but when he was executed like a common criminal, almost of them deserted him.
But from another perspective, Jesus was the most successful person to ever walk on this planet.
He did what no one else could do. He told people about the kingdom of heaven. He healed the sick, raised the dead. He showed us the way of salvation. He was the way of salvation.
What was Jesus's definition of success?
Jesus had a definition of success for himself: to do the will of the Father and to bear witness to the truth. This he did.
In this episode, I explore what Jesus considered to be a successful life for his followers. It's about obedience to God and putting into practice the things Jesus taught us.
The world has many definitions of success: lots of money, a great job, a fancy car, an expensive house, popularity and fame. The list goes on.
But all these concepts of success are based on things that are temporary. If you are rich, you can lose your money. If you have a great job, you might get fired. If you have a fancy car or an expensive house, they could be stolen or destroyed. You get the picture.
The kind of success Jesus talked about was much more substantial because it was spiritual. Spiritual success is not about how many things you have but how much love you express, how much humility and obedience to God are in your life.
True success is discerning, and accomplishing the specific purpose God has for you.
My prayer for you is that you discover God's specific call on your life. If you don't know what that might be, I suggest you listen to a previous episode, How to Discover Your Spiritual Purpose in Life (episode 19).
To study all the Bible references in this week's episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/072
If you have any questions or comments, I'd love to hear from you. Contact me here.
Have a great week.
Blessings,
James
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071 – Lent is not BiblicalThen why do so many Christians celebrate it every year in preparing for Easter? I guess it's because they find meaning in the Lenten season through contemplation, prayer, fasting, and other activities. It helps them feel closer to Christ and follow him more sincerely.
But shouldn't we do that all year long?
The first time Lent is ever mentioned in Christian history is at the Council of Nicaea in AD 325 where it was codified as a 40 day period of fasting, to mirror Jesus's 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. The practice of fasting before Easter had evolved over centuries into what was adopted in 325.
The word "Lent" comes from an old Anglo-Saxon word which means "lengthen." It comes from the time of year in the spring when the daylight hours are lengthening. But it's also a metaphor for Christ lengthening the spiritual light in our lives because of the crucifixion and the resurrection.
Here's an article I found very helpful in explaining the history of Lent and goes into more detail: A Short History of Lent
But Lent is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible
There is no place where Jesus asks us to observe the practice we call Lent. Nor does Paul or any other Biblical writer.
Again I ask, why then, do so many Christians observe Lent? I think it gives them an opportunity to remember Jesus, his crucifixion and resurrection.
But if you are going to fast, give up something that you shouldn't be doing for forty days, shouldn't you give it up for the whole year? Lent should not just be a spiritual crash diet to get closer to Jesus. It should be something deep down in the heart's desire to follow Jesus every day of the year.
Jesus and fasting
He said: Do it privately, alone with God, and not so others can see what you're doing. If you want to celebrate Lent and obey Jesus, at least don't make a big production of what you're giving up for Lent and post it all over social media. That is exactly what Jesus is saying not to do.
There are some very thoughtful and spiritually thought provoking ideas about how to observe Lent which circulate every year. Lots of these practices are beautiful and wonderful ways to grow spiritually.
My only problem with that approach to Lent is that is should not be just for 40 days, but all year long. And why call it Lent. Just call it being a Christian, a follower of Christ.
I realize this is a non-traditional approach. But the more I look at the Bible to see exactly what Jesus told us to do, I wonder why we have all these other traditions he did not institute.
Here's a previous episode called: How to Fast Like Jesus
Does that mean all church traditions that Jesus didn't start are invalid?
Not necessarily. A lot of it depends on what's in your heart and your motive for following a tradition, and why it was started in the first place. Jesus warned the Pharisees about breaking the commandments of God by obeying their religious traditions. Whoa! We don't want to fall into that camp.
For all the Bible references mentioned in this week's episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/071
Can you think of someone who would appreciate this episode? Please share it with them.
I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Listen to this episode and let me know what you think.
Have a
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070 – Do you have the mindset of Adam or the mindset of Christ?
Paul talks about putting off the old self and putting on the new self in Ephesians 4 and Colossians 3. He makes it sound so simple. But it is not necessarily easy.
He talks about his own challenges in Romans 7:15-25. He knows what is right and what he wants to do, but struggles to do it because of the tendency to sin. He cries out in exasperation but then reveals the answer: Christ.
It is only through Christ that we find this freedom from sin. But the problem is that all too often we try to put on our new self in Christ without putting off the old self of Adam. You cannot have both but that's what most of us try to do. We try to put on the new self before we put off the old self. That's like putting on a set of nice clean clothes over the dirty ones you're wearing from working in knee deep mud and expecting not to get the new set dirty.
You cannot go in two directions at the same time.
It's all about your mindset
How do you see yourself? As a miserable sinner or the image and likeness of God? ...or a combination of the two? Back to the problem of trying to put on the new self but holding on to the old self. You can't have both.
The mindset of Adam, the old self, insists that we are all miserable sinners. The mindset of Christ, the new self, reveals that we are the image and likeness of God and heirs to the kingdom of heaven.
Paul doesn't say to try to improve the old self or to get a better Adam mindset. He say's get rid of it. He calls us to the holiness of the new self created in the image of God (Colossians 3:10).
Have you ever looked at someone through a glass brick wall?
That's what the Adam mindset is like. It distorts the image of the person on the other side. You don't need to pray for that person to be healed or restored to wholeness; they are fine. You don't need to reorganize the refracted rays of light to get a better image.
All you have to do is walk over to the other side of the wall and you find the person completely intact and whole. They never had been distorted or deformed.
The belief that we are just a bunch of miserable sinners is like looking at ourselves and others through a wall of theological "glass bricks" that distort our original spiritual nature and identity as the children of God made in the God's image and likeness.
In this episode I do into quite a bit of detail explaining how to make the shift from the Adam mindset to the mindset of Christ.
There are lots of Bible verses this week. To study them in detail, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/070
Here are some previous episodes on this topic you may find helpful:
- 003 – Praying with the Mindset of Christ
- 037 – You Are the Image and Likeness of God. What the Heck Does that Mean?
- 051 – How Does God See Himself?
I'd love to hear your thoughts and any questions you have. Feel free to contact me.
Thanks for listening. Please share this with a friend.
Have a great week.
Blessings,
James
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069- Have you ever read the book of Proverbs for business advice?
Recently a webinar speaker, Brian Dixon, mentioned that he read one chapter in the book or Proverbs every day and used the ideas to run his business based on what he learned there.
The whole idea intrigued me and for the month of February, 2021, I will read one chapter each day to find Biblical business principles.
Business lessons from the Bible
There are so many helpful ideas in the Bible about running a business, but there is a heavy concentration of ideas on how to and how not to run your business in the book of Proverbs.
In this week's episode, I explore just a few of the many verses from the book of Proverbs that give insight on how to run a business based on wisdom, righteousness, diligence, and respect for others.
Here are just a few of the Proverbs for business success I cover:
- Proverbs 3:5, 6, 9, 10, 27, 29 ESV
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
9 Honor the LORD with your wealth
and with the firstfruits of all your produce;
10 then your barns will be filled with plenty,
and your vats will be bursting with wine.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
when it is in your power to do it.
29 Do not plan evil against your neighbor,
who dwells trustingly beside you. - Proverbs 5:15, ESV
15 Drink water from your own cistern,
flowing water from your own well. - Proverbs 10:2, 17 ESV
2 Treasures gained by wickedness do not profit,
but righteousness delivers from death
17 Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life,
but he who rejects reproof leads others astray. - Proverbs 12:11 ESV
11 Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense. - Proverbs 27:2, 23, 24 ESV
2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
a stranger, and not your own lips.
23 Know well the condition of your flocks,
and give attention to your herds,
24 for riches do not last forever;
and does a crown endure to all generations?
To see all the business based proverbs mentioned in this episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/069.
If you want the best business coach available, check out the book of Proverbs. Every single verse is a diamond that has already been mined, cut, and polished. All you have to do is pick them up and put them into practice.
I'd love to hear what you find helpful in the book of Proverbs. Contact me at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/contact.
Please share this with a friend.
Blessings,
James
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068 – Let's face it, humility is not the most thrilling topic to talk about.
But without it, we can't really understand and follow Christ.
In this week's episode, I talk about
- Why humility is important
- What it is and what it isn't (a lot of people get this wrong)
- Jesus was humble in his relationship to the Father, but he was bold in who he was
- You can be bold in fulfilling your purpose and still be humble
Humility is the key to unlock your relationship with GodJesus said that he couldn't do anything by himself, it was his heavenly Father who did everything. This is Jesus saying that. If he couldn't do anything on his own, the same is true for us.
Jesus didn't wait until the Garden of Gethsemane to submit to God's will. Throughout his ministry he consistently did only what God told him to do.
Can we say the same? Not usually.
Humility is not belittling yourself. That's just a negative egotism, the other side of the human ego "coin." True humility is recognizing how wonderful you are as the image and likeness of God but realizing you had nothing to do with it.
You are the light in all its glory, but you are not the source of the light. God is. Humility is understanding the cause/effect relationship God has with you.
Having the mindset of Christ
Paul says "We have the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16). Humility is the key to thinking, praying, and acting like Jesus.
I invite you to ponder deeply what the mindset of Christ is. How did Jesus think? How could he be so humble? What does this say about his relationship with the Father? How can you take these ideas and apply them in your own life?
To study all the Bible references in this episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/068
I'd love to hear your insights on humility.
Have a great week,
James
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067 – The first angel in the Bible appeared to Hagar
Angels appear to lots of different people in lots of different situations throughout the Bible, but it recently dawned on me that the very first angel appeared to someone who was not exactly on the top of the social or religious status charts.
Hagar was foreign. She was a slave, and obviously, she was female. Basically, she was at the bottom layer of social importance. And she is the first person in the Bible to whom an angel appeared.
Why would God do that? What is God trying to tell us in this story?
Maybe, just maybe, God is trying to get through to us that He talks to and sends angels to whomever He wants to, to all those through whom He will fulfill His purpose. And God does not always talk to the person you think He ought to.
In fact, just because someone is not in your religious club, or have the exact same theology as you, is a foreigner, a different sex or social background than you, does not mean God cannot and will not talk to them or send angels to minister to them.
In other words: It's time for a little humble pie!
In this week's episode, I delve into the story of Hagar, to discover some important lessons we all need to learn.
In light of all the talk about white supremacy lately, it's interesting to see how the story of Hagar and the angel obliterates anyone thinking they are superior to anyone else in God's eyes. God levels the playing field by showing His care for the least in society.
Do you ever think you are better than someone else, that you are closer to God, and more spiritually deserving of God's blessings (or angel visitations) that someone from a foreign country, a different religion, or different sex?
Then you might need more than one piece of humble pie to learn that God values all His children equally. God answers the call of those in need, not the call of the self-righteous.
To read the Bible verses that tell about the two times the angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar, check out the show notes for this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/067.
If you have any questions or comments, I'd love to hear from you. You can contact me here.
Can you think of anyone who would appreciate this episode? Please share it with them.
Have a wonderful week.
Blessings,
James
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066 – The Law of the Harvest is at work in your life
Have you ever planted a garden? When you plant carrots, you get carrots. It's not a mystery. It's the law of the harvest.
The rules that govern the way a garden grows also apply to our spiritual life as well. Jesus often referred to seeds being planted and wheat being harvested.
In this week's episode, I talk about many of the laws of the harvest that are at work in our lives. These laws apply equally whether our thoughts and actions are good or bad.
- We reap what we sow
- How much you harvest depends on where you plant your seeds, your spiritual efforts
- The harvest comes later, in a different season than the planting
- You have to plant something for it to grow and you have to wait for it
- You can't wait til the last minute and expect a harvest
- We reap more than we sow. One kernel of corn produces much more
- The harvest is proportionate: the more you sow, the more you reap and vice versa
- You have to plant more than one seed. Plant enough for a crop
- Why you shouldn't harvest everything, and/or share your harvest with others
- What to do if you didn't have a good harvest
- Don't compare your harvest to someone else's
There are tons of Bible verses in this episode. To see them all, check out the show notes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/066.
I'd love to hear from you. Let me know what you found helpful in this episode.
Thanks for listening!
Blessings,
James
P.S. Please share this with a friend.
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065 – Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15Instead of the traditional New Year's resolutions, I invite you to join me in striving to obey Christ more earnestly in 2021.
In this week's episode, I have included 21 specific commands that Jesus has given us. Some are to one person in particular. Others are to his followers in general. But they all apply to you and me today.
For the next several months, we will take one of these commands and focus on obeying it during the week. The following week we'll take the next one and do the same until all 21 have been covered.
Please join me in this prayer and obedience project for the New Year.
I truly believe that as we do this, the world will feel to some degree the influence of our conscious efforts to obey Christ more fully in our lives.
Spiritual goals for the new year
Week 1: Follow me [Jesus]. Matthew 4:19
Week 2: Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch. Luke 5:4
Week 3: First be reconciled to your brother, then offer your gift. Matthew 5:24
Week 4: Turn the other cheek. Walk the extra mile... Matthew 5:38-42
Week 5: Give to the needy, fast, and pray in secret. Matthew6:3, 6, 16-18
Week 6: Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Matthew 6:19, 20
Week 7: Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Matthew 6:33
Week 8: Beware of false prophets and leaven of Pharisees. Matthew 7:15; 16:6
Week 9: Pray to the Lord of the harvest for laborers to harvest. Matthew 9:38
Week 10: Preach the gospel; make disciples of all men . Matthew 10:7, 8; 28:19
Week 11: Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16
Week 12: Render to Caesar what is his, to God what is God’s. Matthew 22:21
Week 13: Come away to a desolate place and rest a while. Mark 6:31
Week 14: Deny yourself, take up your cross daily and follow me . Luke 9:23
Week 15: Let the children come to me ; do not hinder them. Mark 10:14
Week 16: Hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today. Luke 19:5
Week 17: Let him who is without sin among you cast the first stone. John 8:7
Week 18: Do not judge by appearances, but judge righteous judgment. John 7:24
Week 19: Fear not, it's the Father’s pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
Week 20: Abide in me, and I in you. John 15:4
Week 21: Feed my lambs. Tend my sheep. Feed my sheep. John 21: 15-17
To download this list, you have two choices:
21 Ways to Obey Christ in 2021-short (one page PDF)
21 Ways to Obey Christ in 2021-long (3 page PDF with more details)
Blessings for a happy and prosperous New Year!
James
P.S. Please share this with someone and you can do it together.
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064 – Goodbye 2020What a year it's been. We were all so full of hope and expectation last January, but things didn't turn out like we expected.
But through all the struggles and losses of 2020, there is still much to be grateful for.
Really? Yes, really.
Thank you 2020
Yes, there were so many challenges this year, but as a result, there were so many lessons learned, so many opportunities to trust in God.
I have learned so much, for example, to reset my priorities and spend more time and effort on the things that are really important.
What was your biggest lesson this year?
2020 year in review
This week, I share a some short audio clips from several of this year's episodes--just to give a flavor of where we've been and how far we've come.
If you'd like to listen to the episodes in their entirety, just click on the links below:
-
19 – How to Discover Your Spiritual Purpose
-
21 – How to Pray about Contagious Diseases
-
29 – Is It Ever God's Will You Are NOT Healed When You Pray?
-
35 – Teach Me to Love: Healing Racism
-
37 – You Are the Image and Likeness of God. What the Heck Does That Mean?
-
56 – How to Pray after the Election
-
59 – Are You Grateful God Created You?
Thanks for listening to The Bible Speaks to You Podcast in 2020.
Hello 2021
All best wishes for a very Happy New Year!
James
P.S. A gift for the New Year:
What if you could pray with the same spiritual attitude that Jesus had? When you subscribe to the podcast on my website, you will get a free guide, Praying with the Mindset of Jesus. Just click on this link--https://thebiblespeakstoyou.com/mindset/ and fill in your name and best email. Make sure to click on the confirmation email that comes to your inbox.
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063 – There's so much more to Christmas than Jesus's birth
I'm not talking about lots of goodies to eat and presents under the Christmas tree.
A major part of the Christmas story is how people in the Bible respond to the birth of Jesus.
In this episode I talk about how there were two main ways that these well-known and mostly loved characters in the Bible responded:
- Mary and Joseph
- Elisabeth and the unborn John the Baptist
- the innkeeper
- the shepherds in the field
- the Wisemen
- Simeon and Anna
- And don't forget King Herod
Jesus's message was, and continues to be, for all mankind.
From looking at the list above, it is clear God chose to reveal the appearing of the Christ to both men and women, rich and poor, young and old. All bare witness to the fact that Jesus was the Messiah. Even Herod believed that Jesus might indeed be the King of the Jews, but he responded very differently from the others because he didn't have a heart right with God.
How do you respond to the birth of Jesus?
How do you respond to the appearing of Christ today? Is there room in your heart for Christ to appear on a daily basis?
The true spirit of Christmas
People talk about keeping the Christ in Christmas during the holiday season, but we need to keep Christ in Christmas every day during the year. What does that mean? It means to think and act and live like Jesus did, ministering to those in need, loving your neighbor as yourself, and seeking God's will in all you do.
To read all the Bible references in this episode, check out the show notes at: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/063
A very Merry Christmas to you!
Blessings,
James
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062 – If it weren't for women, we wouldn't have Christmas
Just think about it. Without Mary, Jesus would not have been born.
But it's not just Mary who makes Christmas possible. Think of all the women you know who take to heart preparing for and celebrating Christmas.
And I'm not just talking about all the holiday traditions. Think about how women have brought the spirit of Christ's appearing to their daily activities all year long.
That is the true spirit of Christmas.
In this episode, I talk about
- What we can learn from Mary: humility and readiness to embrace God's plan for her
- Why we need to honor all women who bring the spirit of Christmas to the world
- Why honoring women is really honoring God
- How we can all "give birth" to the Christ every day in the way we act and treat others
- How to have the spirit of Christmas all year long
And for us guys, it's time to be a Joseph. Sometimes you have the lead role, but Joseph knew he was in a supporting role. How can you support the women in your life as they prepare for and celebrate Christmas?
To see the Bible verses quoted in this week's episode, check out the show notes: thebiblepseakstoyou.com/062
Here are the two episodes I mentioned this week:
It's Okay to Talk Back to Angels
Your Name is Written in Heaven
Please share this with a friend.
Christmas blessings,
James
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061 – What if you had lived at the time of Jesus?Have you ever thought of what it might be like if you had lived in Bible times and you found out about Jesus for the first time?
This week we take a trip back in time to experience what it might have been like to hear Jesus preach and see him heal the sick people who came to him.
And imagine with me that because you become such a faithful follower, Jesus picks you to be one of the 70 disciples he sent out to preach and heal the sick.
But when you come back to report the amazing things you have done, Jesus tells you what the most important thing to remember, that your name is written in heaven.
What the heck does that mean?
In this week's episode, I share a few ideas about what your name being written in heaven means and how empowering it is.
To read the Scripture references quoted in this episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/061
Have a great week.
Blessings,
James
P.S. Please share this with a friend.
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060 – What would you say if an angel appeared to you?
When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and commissioned him to lead the army against the Midianites, Gideon immediately peppered the angel with questions:
- If God is with us, why is He not protecting us from our enemies?
- If God could deliver our ancestors from Egyptian slavery, why can't He deliver us from the Midianites?
- Why would God pick me to lead the army? I am the youngest kid, in the smallest clan of the smallest tribe of Israel.
Gideon just couldn't figure out why God had chosen him. But because he talked back to the angel and asked questions, his confidence increased.
Talking to angels
In this episode, I also discuss how Zachariah, Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Mary Magdalene talked back to the angels that appeared to them and what we can learn from their experiences.
In each of these cases, the person opened their heart and put their honest thoughts on the table for discussion. This can be a lesson for us.
Talking to your angels
When God talks to you, don't try to hide anything from Him. I know from experience, that never works. Be honest. If you have doubts or fears, or don't think you're worthy, tell God right up front.
God wouldn't be talking to you if He didn't have something wonderful in store for you. Ask questions until you are confident in what the message is.
God is talking to you right now. You are more likely to hear His voice when you are quiet and not preoccupied with your own little world. Take some time to be still and listen. Ask God each day what He wants you to do.
And don't be surprised when you hear His voice. Every time you hear God talking to you, it is an angel.
If you would like to read all the Bible verses referred to in this week's episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/060.
Thanks for listening. Please share this with a friend.
Blessings,
James
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059 – Have you ever thanked God for creating you?During the Thanksgiving season you probably like to think of all the things you're grateful for. You've probably even made a gratitude list at some point, thanking God for all the blessings in your life.
But I have a sneaking suspicion that you have left off one of the most important items from that list – yourself!
It seems rather odd to thank God for yourself, doesn't it? Absolutely. But don't you thank God for all your friends and family and the people you love? Of course. Well then, it's time to add yourself to the list.
God created you
The Bible says we are "fearfully and wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14)
Jesus said you are "the light of the world." (Matthew 5:14)
We need to be grateful for what God had created, including ourselves.
In this week's episode, I talk about this idea of being grateful for yourself and how to get started in the process when it seems awkward or unnatural.
For all the Bible references in the episode, check out the show notes page: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/059
If you'd like to read a related blog post go to: Are You Grateful God Made You?
To listen to last year's Thanksgiving episode, go to: Everybody talks about gratitude, but what does it actually mean to be grateful?
Thanks so much for listening. Please share this with a friend.
Happy Thanksgiving and many blessings,
James
P.S. Please consider making a contribution by clicking the support button below. Thanks so much!
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058 – Do you know someone who is a lost sheep?Trust the Shepherd to do his job. Nothing can stop Christ from finding and ministering to the lost sheep. In this week's episode, I talk about how to minister to the sheep God puts in your path.
Many years ago I tried to help someone who was not not taking a very spiritual approach to life. He was struggling to just survive at times, but he didn't really want to hear about how God could help him get his life straightened out.
Nothing I said or did seemed to help much. And I was starting to feel personally responsible for this guy.
The more I prayed, the more I realized it was not my responsibility to "find" this lost sheep. Christ does that and nothing can stop him from doing his job. I was able to plant a few seeds in his heart that took root many years later.
Finding the lost sheep
Christ knows where all the sheep are and how to minister to them, how to feed and protect them, and how to lead them to safety.
Listen to hear how God answered this prayer in a very unexpected way.
Jesus and the lost sheep
Jesus spent much of his ministry seeking out the lost sheep, the outcasts of society, people who the religious authorities thought of as worthless. He loved them, he ministered to them, he healed them. And he set the example of how we should treat others who have gone astray.
To read all the Bible quotes in this week's episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/058
Thanks for listening. Please share this with a friend.
Blessings,
James
P.S. Please consider supporting the podcast financially. This helps offset the weekly and monthly production costs. Just click the "Support the Show" button below.
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057 – The solution is simple. We need to love each other.
Did you get caught up in the divisiveness in the United States before, during, and after the Presidential election last week? There were a lot of very strong emotions expressed from all quarters.
But strong emotions never really solve the problems we face as a country. They only make things worse.
In this week's episode, I talk about getting back to the simple solution of learning to love each other. But it has to be more than human love. That is never enough.
"A new commandment I give unto you"
Jesus tells us to love each other the way he loves us. Think about that for just a minute...or maybe years!
Can you love someone from the opposite political party the way Jesus loves you? It may seem impossible at first, but you can do it. God has already put that love in your heart. You just have to use it.
Love your enemies
This is hard to do, but Jesus knew you could do it or he wouldn't have told us to do it. No one can do it for you. So go ahead, give it a try. If you're a Republican, love all those Democrats. If you're a Democrat, love all those Republicans.
We are all brothers and sisters! It's okay to disagree, but we can do it with love.
If you say you love God, but hate your brother, John says you are a liar. Whoa! It's time to start loving.
If you would like to study all the Scripture references in this week's episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/057
If you listen to the end, I give you a little homework assignment that will make a big difference in your life. Enjoy!
Blessings to you and lots of love,
James
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056 – After the election, your prayers are more important than ever
A lot of people I've talked to are troubled about how things might develop after the Presidential election in the United States, on November 3.
Some people are worried civil war will break out. Some think there will be civil unrest and protests no matter who wins. There is a concern of voter fraud and valid votes not being counted.
The news media are always speculating and predicting all kinds of extreme possibilities.
Prayer after the election
Where does prayer fit into this and will it even matter if you pray at this point?
Yes, it will make a difference if you pray. And prayer should be at the forefront of all we think and do during the coming days and weeks.
But how should we act and pray? If your candidates win, will you gloat and feel empowered? If your candidates loose, will you react with resentment and calls of foul play? How will those attitudes affect your prayers?
OR...will you respond with grace and pray for blessings upon whoever wins, even if you didn't vote for them?
1 Timothy 2:1-4 ESV
1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,
2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,
4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
These wonderful Scriptures encourage not just Timothy, but you and me as well, to pray for all people, for the leaders and those in positions of authority. It doesn't say only pray for them if you voted for them and you agree with them.
All leaders need your prayers right now.
The United States is at a crossroads. We will either become more divisive or we will heal our angers and resentments and go forward together. Your prayers can make all the difference.
The right hand and the left hand
Your right hand and your left hand do not argue about who is right. The right hand can do some things by itself. Same with your left hand. But there are sometimes when they must cooperate and work together to get a job done.
The political right and the left should take a lesson from this relationship. One by itself cannot run the show without the other's input and aid.
My prayer request
Please pray for all those in government to be healed of animosity and pride, be filled with neighborly love for those in the other party, and work together to find solutions to our country's problems.
And let this prayer start with you in your dealings with those you disagree with.
In this episode...
- I share where you can find a guide book, an owner's manual so to speak, on how to pray after this election. It's a sermon given many years ago by a well-known preacher.
- I talk about how Jesus had a different perspective on government than we do.
- There are lots of Bible verses this week. You can find them all in the show notes for this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/056
I'd love to hear how you are praying during this important time. If you are not in the U.S., I hope you find these ideas helpful for when there is an election in your country.
Thanks so much for listening. If you think of anyone who would appreciate this episode, please share it with them.
Blessings to you and thank you for your prayers,
James
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055 – "Therefore encourage one another and build up one another." 1Thessalonians 5:11Wow! It's been a year since The Bible Speaks to You Podcast was launched. And what a year it's been.
This special anniversary edition is designed to build us all up. You'll hear from listeners around the world who have found comfort and correction, healing, spiritual growth, and a deeper sense of God's presence and love in their lives.
Unity and strength in the body of Christ
I hope you find encouragement in hearing how The Bible Speaks to You Podcast has helped others. When one member of the body of Christ is blessed and strengthened, we are all blessed and strengthened. When one of us grows, we all grow. Because there is unity in the body of Christ. God binds us together in unity and brotherly love.
This episode consists of letters from listeners sharing ideas from specific episodes over the last year that have been helpful. You can find links to all these episodes in the show notes, along with the Bible references mentioned: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/055
Thank you for making the first year of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast a success.
As always, I love to hear from you. Please let me know if you have any questions or comments or if I can be of support in your spiritual journey.
Blessings and gratitude to you,
James
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054 – Have you ever wondered why God loves you so much?Many years ago I met a woman who just couldn't believe that God loved her. She had made some pretty big life-mistakes and was absolutely sure God would never forgive her. I tried to comfort her, but to no avail.
In this week's episode, I explore the reason that God loves us, even though we have made serious mistakes in our lives and done things that do not please God.
God's unconditional love
I also share a little conversation I had with God a couple of years ago. I just couldn't wrap my head around why or how God could love me so much. I knew intellectually that He loved me, but as a practical matter, it seemed I had let God down so many times. In this conversation, God explains why He loved me.
This is true for you as well.
How to experience God's love
It's one thing to talk about God's love for us, but it's another thing altogether to feel and experience that love. I share several things that have helped me actually experience God's love more.
There are many reasons why God loves us. Why do we argue against this love? Why do we think we are not worthy of His love? Listen to find out why and what you can do about it.
I would love tho hear how you have discovered God's love for yourself.
To see the Bible references in this episode, please check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/054
Do you know someone who is not sure if God loves them? Please share this episode with them. It can make a world of difference.
Until next week when we celebrate the One Year Anniversary of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast.
Blessings,
James
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053 – Are you looking for companionship?
Here's the story of how I met my wife! Some of the ideas in this episode can help you find, nurture, or repair a relationship.
Last week was the 32nd anniversary of when my wife and I met. It's quite a story. And there was a special prayer that prepared me for that wonderful day when I first looked into my wife's eyes and knew she was the one I would marry.
Prayer for companionship
There is so much in this story that shows how God brought us together. And I share the special prayer that helped me find my wife.
Marriages in the Bible
In this episode I also talk about a few of the marriages in the Bible where we get to see how a couple meets:
- Isaac and Rebecka
- Jacob and Rachel
- Ruth and Boaz
- David and Abigail
- David and Bathsheba
- Esther and Ahazuerus
In each of these stories, I look at the qualities the people expressed. What is it that attracts them to the person they marry? Sometimes they are good qualities. Sometimes, not so good, as with David with Bathsheba.
Are you looking for a companion?
What are you really looking for? What qualities do you want in a companion? Do you expect to find fulfillment if someone else? That never really works. The sooner you find your own completeness, the sooner you will be attracted to someone who is right for you and the sooner they will be attracted to you.
If you are already married, there are still some great ideas in this episode about how to pray to maintain and renew your relationship with your spouse.
Hope you enjoy this episode. Check out the Bible references in this episode on the show notes page: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/053.
If you know someone who is looking for companionship, please share this with them.
Have a great week.
Blessings,
James
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052 – Jesus told us to "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." (Matthew 6 v. 33)
But what does that really mean? And how do we do it? Fortunately, he gave us a key that unlocks the door to the kingdom of God.
Jesus began his ministry proclaiming "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." He was so completely aware of the presence of the Kingdom that he could see it in a woman putting yeast in bread dough, a man planting wheat, a woman searching her house until she found her lost silver coin, and a man selling everything he had to buy an amazing pearl.
How to seek the kingdom of God
The kingdom of God is not far off in the future. It is here and now. But we can't see it with the five material senses. Jesus told us how to discover this kingdom. He even said it is within us.
So how do we go about seeking for this realm where God's harmony reigns supreme?
First, you have to admit it's there and give yourself permission to seek it. And acknowledge it can be found. But you can't go searching for it like a seven-year-old digging randomly for treasure in your back yard. You need a map.
Jesus gave us a map to the kingdom of God
Have you ever thought of the Sermon on the Mount as a map leading to the kingdom of heaven? That's where Jesus gives us point by point directions how to seek and find the kingdom within us, and in everything we do and everyone we interact with.
I encourage you to take a fresh look at the Sermon on the Mount as a treasure map. Look for the directions. Look for the clues that lead you to discover the kingdom of heaven.
How to find the kingdom of God
Seeking and finding are related. But one is the process, the other is the discovery. Jesus gives very specific instructions on how to find the kingdom of God. It's in Matthew 7, verse 21. In this week's episode I explore the simple, but profound way we can use the key Jesus gives us in this verse to unlock the door to the kingdom.
To the degree you use this key, you will see the kingdom of God all around you. Your daily activities will become metaphors and parables of what the kingdom of heaven is like.
I'd love to hear from you and how you have found evidence of the kingdom of God in your life.
Check out the show notes with all the Bible references in this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/052
To celebrate the one year anniversary of the podcast, please let me know of something that was helpful from the show and how it has made a difference in your life. You can reach me at james@thebiblespeakstoyou.com or thebiblespeakstoyou.com/contact.
Blessings,
James
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051 – It seems like everyone has a different concept of God
It's the age old question, Who is God? or What is God? Everyone has a different answer. Some people say we can't understand God and if we say we do, then we're just fooling ourselves.
I grew up in a church sort of like that. They said there were something we just couldn't understand. But the Bible says over and over that we should get understanding and that God wants us to know Him.
So many times we ask the wrong question when we want answers. Instead of asking other people what they they think God is, we should be asking God how He sees Himself?
Have you ever prayed with that question on your heart? I highly recommend it!
How does God reveal Himself in the Bible?
There are tons of stories and verses in the Bible where God reveals His nature, who and what He is, and how we are related to Him.
In this week's episode, I explore a few of these passages just to give a taste of how God sees and reveals Himself.
But to really know God, you must have a deep, spiritual desire in your heart. It is not an exercise of the human mind or the intellect. The only way to get a better understanding of who God really is comes from God revealing Himself to you.
It doesn't happen in one fell swoop, but it begins with moments of inspiration and quiet listening for God's voice. God is constantly revealing Himself to us. Are we noticing?
There are lots of Bible verses mentioned this week. For easy reference, I have put them in the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/051. Check them out.
I encourage you to ask God to reveal Himself to you. It is your divine right to know your Creator.
If you have any questions or comments, I'd love to hear from you. And please share this with a friend.
Thanks for listening!
Blessings to you my friend,
James
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050 – How often do you ask God: What shall I do Lord?Have you ever been in a situation when you didn't have a clue what to do next?
Sometimes it because everything happens at once and you just can't think straight. Other times a single, life-changing event turns everything upside down. It's like you're in a different universe all of a sudden.
Saul going to Damascus
That's what happened to Saul on the road to Damascus in Chapter 9 of Acts.
His familiar and carefully maintained world dissolved in a blinding light from heaven. He was in completely new territory. In humility, all he could say was, "Lord, what do you want me to do?"
In this weeks episode of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast, I talk about what can we learn from Saul and how he prayed about what he should do next?
Asking God for direction
Why do we usually try so hard to figure everything out for ourselves?
When we humbly ask God what He wants us to do, we will get an answer that's much better than anything we could ever come up with. But it's not enough just to ask God for direction. We have to do what we're told. Saul was told to go into Damascus and then be given more instructions. And he did the next things as well.
When you hear and obey God's voice, you're not done. That's just the beginning of hearing and following the purpose God has in store for you.
To study all the Scripture references in this week's episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/050
Have a great week. Please share this with a friend.
Blessings,
James
P.S. To celebrate the one year anniversary of the podcast, please let me know of something that was helpful from the show and how it made a difference in your life. You can reach me at james@thebiblespeakstoyou.com or thebiblespeakstoyou.com/contact.
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049 – What's the most important thing to God in a leader?In the Bible, there are many times when God chose someone for a leadership position. He told the prophet Samuel to anoint Saul as King of Israel. Later, God told him to anoint David as King.
God chose Zacharias and Elisabeth to be the parents of John the Baptist. And of course, He chose Mary to be the mother of Jesus.
How God chooses leaders
In this episode I talk about the single most important thing to God when choosing someone for an important role. It didn't matter how tall or good looking they were, how much money they had or how smart they were. It was about who they were on the inside.
With elections coming up in the United States, there is a lot of discussion and disagreement as to who will make the best leaders and who will be able to solve the problems we face as a nation.
Will you listen to what people are saying, or will you listen to what God is saying? Will you follow your own preconceptions based on what your political party promotes or will you not be impressed by the outward appearance of things, and humbly follow God's direction?
After God's own heart
God chooses someone for a position who is close to Him in spirit and whose heart is in line with His heart.
Will you follow the hearts of men or the heart of God?
To see all the Bible references in this episode, check out the show notes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/049.
ANNOUNCEMENTThe one year anniversary of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast is coming up in a few weeks. To celebrate, please let me know something from the podcast that has been helpful to you and how it has made a difference in your life. Go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/contact. I will share these in a future episode. Thanks so much!
Have a great week.
Blessings,
James
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048 – What is the most effective way to fast?
Most people think it's to go without food for a certain period of time. But that's not necessarily what the Bible actually means when it talks about fasting.
The heart and soul of fasting
In this week's episode I get down to the spiritual essence of fasting:
- True fasting is more about what's going on in your heart.
- It's refusing to eat the bread of selfishness.
- It's not drinking the wine of indifference to or unawareness of people in need of help.
- It's doing God's will instead of your own.
- It's helping those in need.
How to fast according to the Bible
Jesus rebuked his disciples when they failed to heal an epileptic boy. He told them they needed to pray and fast. He wasn't talking about going without food. He meant they needed to quit arguing about who was better and who would get to sit at the right and left of his throne.
To study all the Bible verses in this episode, check out the shownotes at: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/048.
Thanks so much for listening. Please share this with a friend.
Let me know if there's any way I can be of help to you on your spiritual journey.
Blessings,
James
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047 – What's the best way to pray about the weather and disasters?
In this week's episode I look at a few of the stories in the Bible where storms, fire, and earthquakes are mentioned. There's a lot to learn from how people back then dealt with and prayed about these challenges. I talk about:
- Jonah and the storm he was in
- Jesus stilling the storm on his disciples' boat
- The earthquakes at Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection
- The earthquake that freed Paul and Silas from prison
- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace
- How a Sunday School teacher prayed about a tornado headed directly for her house
- A lady whose house was not touched in the middle of a forest fire
And I share a few ideas about how to pray like Jesus in the midst of these kinds of situations.
There was one specific type of prayer he used to stop the storm. We can follow his example and pray with the same authority he did, because, as Paul promises us, "We have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:16
Check out the shownotes to study all the Bible references mentioned in this week's episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/047
Thanks so much for listening. Please share this with a friend.
And join me in praying for our world.
Blessings,
James
P.S. Please consider supporting the podcast. Below, you'll find a link or button to make a PayPal donation. Your contributions are very much appreciated. Your generosity helps cover some of the costs of producing these episodes each week. Thank you.
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046 – Jesus promised us that the kingdom of heaven is at hand
What does that really mean? If you look around, it sure doesn't look like heaven is anywhere close. There are so many problems in the world. How could Jesus say such an outrageous thing?
Jesus was looking at the world from a different perspective than we do. He looked at earth through the lens of heaven. He saw things from the perspective
When we look at things from the perspective of the material world, we see all kinds of things that are not in heaven.
But what if we took on the mindset of Jesus and looked at things from the perspective of what is going on in heaven right now? We would see things very differently. We would see what Jesus saw and we would do more of what Jesus did.
In this week's episode, I share some examples of how Jesus brought his perspective of heaven to those he ministered to. The result was healing.
You can learn to look at the world this way too.
To see the Bible references in this episode, check out the shownotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/046
Have a great week. Please share this and let me know if you have any questions or thoughts about this week's episode.
Blessings,
James
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045 – Have you ever realized you were taking things for granted in your life?It happened to me when we recently lost power during a storm. We didn't have electricity or internet for a week. All the things I had taken for granted, like turning on a light switch, checking my email, and using the refrigerator were not options during those seven days.
I really appreciated them all over again when the power came back on!
Important things in life
But there are even more important things that we take for granted sometimes, like the talents and abilities that God gives us or our friends and family.
And sometimes we even take God's love for us or our faith for granted.
In this week's episode, I talk about the importance of not taking anything for granted. But how do we do that?
The remedy is to value all that you have in life and to be grateful.
Learn to value yourself
And please, never take yourself for granted. God has given you abundant talents to do something wonderful and beautiful.
To see al the Bible references in this week's episode, check out the shownotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/045
And here's the blog post I mentioned where I made a list of 100 things I was grateful for: Can You Find 100 Things to Be Grateful for?
Have a great week! Thanks for listening. Please share with a friend.
Blessings,
James
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044 – Have you ever waited, for what seemed like forever, for a solution to a problem?
Remember the man at the pool of Bethesda? He had been unable to walk for 38 years. He was waiting at the water's edge for years hoping to find healing.
But he was looking for something outside of himself. He was waiting for the water to be stirred by an angel. He was waiting for someone to help him get to the water first.
When Jesus saw this man, he knew he had withing him the God-given ability to be healed and walk. And of course the man was healed.
In this week's episode, I share a poem I wrote about this man, what he might have been feeling and how he might have felt after waiting for so long without much promise of healing.
How long have you been waiting for something outside yourself to change before thinking a solution could come to your problems?
It is when we hear the Christ speaking within our hearts that solutions and healing come.
I encourage you to listen for that voice.
For the Bible references to this episode, go to the shownotes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/044. There is also a link to the poem that originally appeared as a blog post.
Thanks so much for listening. Please share this with a friend.
Blessings,
James
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043 – Have you ever felt like you were procrastinating on something God wanted you to, but when you finally did it, it was the perfect time?
Yeah! That's happened to me a lot. God has a way of working things out and timing events in our lives better than we can.
God has perfect timing!
In this episode, I share a major Aha! moment when I was very down on myself because, in my mind, I had failed to accomplish what I thought God wanted me to do.
I cried out to God for forgiveness and the simple eight words He spoke to me completely changed my perspective on what seemed like a bunch of starts and stops in my life.
God prepares us
God is preparing you for greater things than it may seem based on how you look at your life. If we could see ourselves from God's perspective, the view would be very different and we would see all the stray bits and pieces in perfect alignment with God's plan for us.
A simple prayer
Here's a simple prayer that was shared with me over 40 years ago: Dear God, prepare me for what You have prepare for me.
Check out the shownotes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/043
Thanks for listening. Please share with a friend.
Blessings,
James
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042 – Have you ever thought about your immortal life as already here right now?
Most people think about immortality as something that happens after they die when they get to heaven. But Jesus promised us the kingdom of heaven is at hand – right now. That means our immortality is at hand too.
What if we could see things the way he did? But somehow we don't think we're able to do that. We're all too conscious of our shortcomings and can't imagine seeing, thinking, or acting like Jesus did.
"We have the mind of Christ."
This is one of Paul's famous declarations (1 Corinthians 2:16). If it's really true, and I believe he knew what he was talking about, then we can start to think like Jesus did. It means that we can begin to see our immortal life right now. But how do we do that? It's all a matter of how we see ourselves.
How do you see yourself?
When you look in the mirror you see your reflection. And we usually identify ourselves by how we look, how tall we are, what color of hair and skin we have, etc. But how does God see us? He sees who we are spiritually. He sees us the way He originally made us in the image and likeness of the divine.
In this episode of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast, I talk about the importance of thinking about our immortality, not as something way off in the future, but something that is true about us right now.
You are immortal
The fact is, we are immortal. We can't see or understand this with the five material senses or the human mind. God reveals it to us. We catch glimpses of it when we feel God's love. Your immortal self, your true spiritual identity, is intact and indestructible. It hasn't gone anywhere. It's here right now.
Take some time to consider this profound fact that you are immortal, spiritual, made in the likeness of God. This is true of you in eternity, so it must be true of you now as well.
Let go of identifying yourself in material ways. Think about your spiritual identity, the spiritual characteristics that make you who you are, like love, joy, peace, wisdom, etc.
The more you contemplate who you are spiritually, the more you peace, harmony, and vibrancy you will see in your life.
If you haven't listened to episode 37, you might enjoy it because it talks about these ideas. It's called You Are the Image and Likeness of God. What the Heck Does that Mean?
For all the Bible quotes in this episode, check out the shownotes page: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/042
Thanks so much for listening. Please share it with a friend.
Blessings,
James
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041 – How many times have you heard that Satan was originally an angel?
That's what most people think, and they quote the Bible to "prove" it. The funny thing is though, they take those verses from Isaiah 14:12 and Ezekiel 28:13, 14 completely out of context.
These passages don't refer to Satan or an angel that fell and became Satan. They refer to the king of Babylon and the king of Tyre. This is obvious when you read the whole chapters.
Who am I to stand up to all those famous preachers that say the devil was an angel?
In this episode I take a close look at these two chapters as well as what Jesus says about who and what the devil is. I have become convinced that Satan is not a fallen angel.
Jesus's definition of Satan is the clincher. Check out John 8:44.
Paul says that the devil masquerades as an angel of light. He wants us to think he was an angel and still has heavenly powers. But it's all a scam, a lie. And it's a lie too many people have believed. He was never an angel. Jesus confirms that by explaining the devil was a murderer from the beginning, not an angel who became a murderer.
The only power the devil has is to tell lies.
The only way for those lies to have power is if we believe them.
I realize this can be a controversial topic because it is human nature to defend what we have been taught by those we trust.
My simple request is that you listen to this episode with a skeptical but slightly open mind. Read Isaiah 14 and Ezekiel 28 with a curiosity of the mind. Ask questions and look for answers in the text. Do some research.
And let me know what you see in the Bible texts. I would love to hear from you.
Here's an article I wrote a while back with some of the same ideas in it: Satan Is NOT a Fallen Angel.
For easy reference, I have put the Bible references quoted in this episode in the shownotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/041.
Why is all this important? It's all about getting the victory over the Satan in your life.
Thanks for listening.
Blessings,
James
P.S. Please share this with a friend. Thanks.
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040 – When is it right to question authority?
A friend of mine grew up in a church where she was never allowed to ask questions or question those in charge about teachings or practices. She was told to just accept everything she was told. This was very frustrating to say the least.
Jesus consistently questioned the authority of the religious leaders of his day. It got him into trouble. But that didn’t stop him from taking a stand for what was right.
How can we follow his example today?
There are so many issues that are coming to the fore. Old ways of thinking are being challenged on almost every front:
- political
- religious
- gender
- race
- sexuality
- and so much more
What once was standard behavior does not always continue as society progresses.
In this episode of The Bible Speaks to You Podcast, I take a look at some of the ways Jesus challenged the authority of the Pharisees. And how they challenged his authority.
Very quickly you will see that any time we create our own authority through asserting the human ego or will power, that power and influence is short-lived. Jesus gave us the supreme example to follow of depending on God’s authority instead of our own.
Is it ever okay to question Jesus’s authority?
The Pharisees tried to discredit Jesus by doing so. But Jesus doesn’t want us to follow him blindly. He wants us to question what he says, to take his ideas and put them into practice in our lives to see if they ring true.
It is so important to ask questions of those in authority. There are things that need to be corrected in all areas of society.
Will you take a stand to speak up for what’s right? If you don’t, who will.
But you have to start with yourself. What practices and ways of thinking have you bought into that need to be discarded?
To study the Bible verses referenced in this episode, please go to the shownotes page: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/040.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject. You can leave a comment all the way at the bottom of the shownotes page.
Please subscribe and share this with a friend.
Thanks so much for listening.
Blessings,
James
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039 – God is talking. Why don't we hear?
The Bible is full of people hearing the voice of God. And not just the prophets. Regular, everyday people like you and me heard God's voice. Even a pagan king, Nebuchadnezzar, heard God's voice at one point.
Why don't we hear God's voice?
Sometimes we don't want to hear what He/She says. Sometimes we are distracted with our worries and fears or the materialism of the world. It's hard to hear someone call your name if you are listening to really loud music in your earbuds. Just so, it's hard to hear God's voice when we are preoccupied with other things.
But some people still believe we can't hear God's voice. I had a Sunday School teacher in my old church say that we have the Bible and that is enough. So God doesn't still talk to us today. Not true? Just because this guy never heard God talk to him, doesn't mean God isn't talking.
When God talked to my Grandmother
In this episode I share some personal stories about my grandmother, Mimi, who heard God's voice on more than one occasion. And I share a couple of times when God spoke directly to me as well.
You can hear the voice of God
It may not be some big loud voice from heaven. Sometimes God talks through the gentle breeze in the grass or a gurgling brook. Some people might call in intuition. My mother-in-law used to say, "A little birdie told me..."
I also share some things you can do to help you hear God's voice, so listen to the end.
As always, there are lots of quotes from the Bible. After all this is a podcast about the Bible. Check out the shownotes to study them more closely: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/039.
Here's the blog post I mentioned which refers to some of the experiences in the episode: Does God Talk to You Too?
I hope you are safe and well.
Blessings to you and yours,
James
P. S. Please subscribe at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/podcast
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038 – There's a key in the Bible that explains the only way to really love yourself.It's about reflecting God's love.
But it's way too easy to think of all the reasons why you have a hard time loving yourself. Here are just a few I have struggled with:
- People say it's selfish to love yourself
- You don't feel worthy because of past mistakes
- Thinking you have to be perfect before you or anyone can love you
- A bad relationship that ended because the other person didn't know how to love themselves or you, but you end up thinking you are not lovable when it was their fault.
- A heavy atmosphere of guilt and shame from culture or religion
In this episode, I share some very personal experiences that helped me learn to love myself. It comes down to learning to love others as well. But the real key is to realize that God is the source of the love and you are not.
Learn to love yourself and others with God's love instead of your human love. It will make all the difference in how you see yourself and others, how you treat yourself and others, and how you love yourself and others.
For all the Bible quotes in this episode, please check out the shownotes: thebiblepseakstoyou.com/038
Thanks for listening. I'd love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and let me know if you have any questions or if I can be of help in any way on your spiritual journey.
Blessings,
James
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037 – Do you see yourself with the mindset of Adam or the mindset of Christ?
The mindset you look at yourself and others with will determine what you see, how you act, and how you think about life.
Did you ever see the movie, The Jungle Book?
It's based on a true story of a boy who was raised by wolves in India and discovered in 1872. The boy had been taught by wolves how to live like a wolf. After he was brought to civilization, he had a hard time learning that he was a human being. Even though he may have thought he was a wolf, he was never a wolf.
We have been taught that we are sinning mortals and it's hard for us to learn that we are actually spiritual, made in the image and likeness of God.
When you start with the premise that it is part of our nature to sin, then it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. When you start with the Bible promise that we are made in the image and likeness of God, you begin to realized it is our nature to be good, honest, and pure. It is natural to be like God
In this episode, I talk about the importance of starting with the right mindset, the mindset of Christ. It will make all the difference in your life.
To study all the Scripture references in this week's episode, please check out the shownotes.
And here's an article about the Indian boy who was raised by wolves.
Thanks so much for listening. Please share this with a friend.
Have a great week.
Blessings,
James
P.S. If you have any questions or comments about this episode or about the Bible in general, please feel free to contact me. I'd love to hear from you.
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036 – People are still speculating who Jesus is
Even 2,000 years ago people were trying to figure out who Jesus was. He only told a few people he was the Messiah.
One day, a man was talking to Jesus and burst out with the question, "Why do you keep us in such suspense? If you are the Christ, just tell us plainly."
Wouldn't that have made things so much easier for everyone? Well, not really.
What if Jesus had come right out and told everyone he was the Messiah? Do you think more people would have believed him? Probably not.
Today we have the advantage of the New Testament which shows how Jesus fulfilled all the prophecies of the coming Messiah. But people in Jesus's day did not have those resources.
Still, some people in Jesus's day did discover he was the Messiah, even though they didn't know how he fulfilled all those prophecies. How did they figure it out?
In this episode I talk about the only real way to discover and accept that Jesus is the Christ. Unfortunately, some people believe Jesus is the Messiah for the wrong reasons.
The hint is in Matthew 16:16, 17
What Peter said to Jesus is so important, but what Jesus said to Peter is just as important.
It's not what someone else says you should believe that's important but what God reveals to you.
I hope you find this episode helpful. If so, please share it with a friend.
If you'd like to read all the Scripture references in this week's show, check out the shownotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/036.
Thanks so much for listening. If you haven't left a review on Apple Podcasts, I would really appreciate it if you would.
Have a great week,
James
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035 – The real solution to racism is to love like Jesus did.
There is no skin color in heaven. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven." (1 Corinthians 15:50)
Jesus said we should love our neighbors as ourselves. When on earth are we going to learn what that means and then do it?
In this episode, I talk about healing the anger and fear in our people's hearts. Your prayers are powerful healing agents in the world today. You may never know the good you're doing.
The healing of racism is not going to come from legislation, demonstrations, protests and so many of the ways people are responding to the death of George Floyd. As important as these responses may be, they will only be effective if they motivated by a deep spiritual love. If the love is missing, all those efforts at reform will miss the mark.
To conclude this week's episode, I share a poem called, "Teach Me to Love" written back in 1908 by Louise Wheatley Cook Hovnanian. To download a PDF of the poem go to the shownotes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/035. You'll also find all the Bible verses quoted in this episode.
You might also be interested in a previous episode called: Are You Afraid to Love as much as Jesus Did?
Thanks so much for listening. Please share this with a friend.
Blessings,
James
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034 – What if you could peek through a window and see what it's like in heaven?Well, this is not some far-fetched idea. Jesus gives us lots of windows to look through so we can see what's going on in heaven. The cornerstone of his message was that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
In this episode, I talk about the windows we can look through not just to see what is in heaven but to experience the kingdom of heaven here and now.
You already have access to these windows and may have already been looking through them at times. Jesus calls them "Beatitudes."
Wait a minute, you're thinking, I know the Beatitudes. I can't see into heaven with them. Well, maybe it's time to look again and look at them from a fresh perspective.
The word beatitude means a state of blessedness. Jesus was blessing the people listening to him during the Sermon on the Mount. And he is blessing us with these proclamations of blessedness.
Jesus was blessing things that didn't seem like blessings:
- the poor in spirit
- the mourners
- and those who were persecuted for righteousness' sake
What on earth is he talking about? Listen to this episode and see if you get some fresh insights.
For the Bible references mentioned, check out the shownotes page: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/034
Thanks so much for listening.
Please share this with a friend.
I hope you are safe and doing well.
Blessings,
James
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033 – This just might be a little controversial...What did Paul really mean when he wrote, "Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost?" (1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV)In this episode, I get into some nitty-gritty grammar and a tiny little detail most Bible translations miss that completely change the meaning of this favorite verse.
It all has to do with what the words "you" and "thou" mean.
There is something much grander going on in this verse than most Christians realize. Paul wants us to see the big picture instead of just thinking of our own individual faith.
What if everyone who believes in Jesus could appreciate all other believers instead of judging and condemning them because of differences of doctrine? All too quickly we start adding doctrines and theological demands on what it means to be a Christian.
What a difference it would make if all believers would respect and value all other believers, regardless of doctrinal differences? The world would feel the difference overnight.
Are you ready for a little Bible controversy? Please listen to this episode. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject. You can contact me at thebiblespeakstoyou.com
To see all the Bible references and other items of interest mentioned in this week's episode, check out the show notes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/033
Thanks for listening!
God bless,
James
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032 – Faith is like baking a cake. If you only read the recipe, it doesn't do you much good.
Here's a modern day parable about the importance of living our faith instead of just reading books about how to be more faithful.
Imagine a mom who promises her kids she'll make a cake but spends way too much time hunting down the perfect recipe but never baking the cake.
How would you feel if you were one of her kids? Pretty bummed out, right?
The Bible says, "Faith without works is dead." (James 2:20) This episode helps us take an honest look at ourselves in the mirror and have a little fun in the process.
Sometimes we may feel we don't have enough faith and repeat what Jesus's disciples said, "Lord, increase our faith." But it's really a matter of using the faith we already have, even if it's only two mites worth.
And did I mention cake? Check out the shownotes page for my mom's recipe for my favorite when I was a kid. It's nothing fancy, just good old fashioned buttermilk pound cake. Yummmm!
If you make it, let me know.
BTW: This parable was originally a blog post. If you'd like to read it, check out The Parable of the Unbaked Cake.
Please share with a friend.
Blessings to you,
James
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031 – Has anyone ever tried to get you to do something God told you not to do?This happens way too often. It's so important to stay faithful to what God tells us to do. but sometimes it's hard.
In this episode, I retell the story of the prophet from I Kings, Chapter 13, who obeyed God until he believed what another prophet said instead of talking to God about it.
And there were consequences.
Here are some questions I talk about this week:
- What could the prophet in I Kings 13 done to make sure he was faithful?
- How do we stay faithful to what God tells us to do when others try to persuade us otherwise?
- What do you do when a religious authority says the God told them to tell you what you should do?
- How do we develop our moral courage so we will do what God wants us to instead of being influenced by others?
- What is the best way to know if you are following God's direction instead of listening to someone else?
To see the Bible verses mentioned in today's episode, check out the shownotes: thebiblespeakstoyou/031
Also mentioned this week:
Episode 010: What Are the Christmas Angels Saying to You Today?
Blog post: Listen to Your Angels and not Someone Else’s
Thanks for listening. Have a great week!
Blessings,
James
P.S. Who do you know that would appreciate this message? Please share it with them.
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030 – Isn't it time to quit defining yourself as either superior or inferior to other people?
I used to have a serious inferiority complex. Funny thing though, at the same time, I also had a superiority complex. I was pretty insecure.
In today's episode, I discuss a couple of experiences that taught me the importance of seeing all God's children in the light of spiritual equality. In the process I had to eat big piece of humble pie.
This literally saved my life. I would have probably been broadsided by an 18-wheeler running a red light if God hadn't shown me my equality to someone I thought was better than me.
We are all different and have unique gifts and talents. But that doesn't make us more or less important in the eyes of God.
I hope you enjoy this week's episode. Please let me know if there are any aha moments in your life when you realized you don't need to compare yourself to others.
As always, you can find the Bible quotes from this episode on the shownotes page: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/030
Thanks so much for listening.
Blessings,
James
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029 – Can our prayers heal like Jesus did?
The Bible makes that promise, but sometimes when we pray, we're not healed. Does that mean it's God's will we weren't healed?
In this week's episode I talk about this topic and explore some of the reasons our prayers for healing may not be answered the way we want. I firmly believe it is always God's will that we are healed, but sometimes we don't go far enough in our prayers
- Is there fear or doubt in your heart?
- Do you think that God isn't able to heal every problem?
- Or that God is unwilling to heal everyone?
- Is there something in your heart that gets in the way, like anger, resentment, or jealousy?
- We give up and quit praying
Here are two related articles you might enjoy:
How Did Jesus Heal the Sick?
Did Jesus Ever Decide NOT to Heal Someone?
I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Leave a comment on the shownotes page: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/029. You can also find there all the Bible references I mention in this episode.
Blessings,
James
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028 - What if you had a big debt due tomorrow and no money in the bank?
Remember when a widow came to Elisha the prophet with this exact problem. He asked her, "What do you have in the house?" All she had was a pot of oil.
It turns out, this was the solution. The widow trusted Elisha. She took action with the little she had and it was multiplied beyond her wildest imagination. You can find this story in 2nd Kings, chapter 4.
Sometime we are like Elisha and people come to us for help. Do we respond with our human opinions and a judgmental attitude, or do we respond with compassion?
Sometimes we are like the widow and are desperate for a solution. Do we go to a spiritual mentor for help or try to figure everything out by ourselves without turning to God?
What to do when you're homebound by corona virus
What do you have in your house? What do you have in your heart? It's important to know what resources we have and use them to the best of our abilities. God will pour out a blessing when we do.
For all the Bible references in this episode, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/028
Do you know anyone who would appreciate this message? Thanks for sharing it with them.
All God's blessings,
James
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027 – Jesus' "Parable of the Sower" has more than one meaningIt's not just about Jesus preaching the gospel. It's also about where and what kind of seeds of faith we plant in our hearts and our lives.
In this episode I talk about how our faith is like a seed:
- It's not enough to have seeds (faith). You have to plant them.
- It's not about how big your faith is, but whether it's alive.
- You never know how much good can come from one seed, one small act of faith.
- It's our job to plant the seeds (live our faith). God takes care of making everything grow.
- The law of the harvest never fails: we reap what we sow.
To see all the Bible references mentioned in this episode, check out the shownotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/027
Here's one of them:
Isaiah 61:11
"For as the earth brings forth its sprouts, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to sprout up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations."
Who would you like to share this with today?
Blessings,
James
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What if you had seen Jesus that first Easter morning?
What if you had been in in the room when Jesus appeared to his disciples after the resurrection? How would you act? How would it change your life?
What if we lived each day as if we had just seen the risen Christ?
In this episode I talk about:
- Why it's important to celebrate Easter as every day
- Why the crucifixion is not enough to save from sin
- Jesus’s resurrection is also your resurrection
- How to experience the resurrection in every detail of your life
For all the Scripture references in this episode check out the shownotes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/026
Easter blessings,
James
P. S. Please share this with a friend. Thanks!
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025 – What is the best way to prepare our hearts for Easter?When we take the time to get ready spiritually for the significance of the resurrection in our lives, we get a deeper sense of what Easter is all about.
In this week's episode, I explore the time Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead as a way to get us ready for Easter.
- Why did Jesus wait for two days before he went to see Lazarus?
- Why did Jesus say Lazarus was sleeping when he was already dead?
- "Jesus wept." Why (it's not what you've been told)?
- How does the story of Lazarus help us understand that life is eternal?
For all the Scriptures quoted in this episode, check out the shownotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/025.
Please share this with a friend.
Thanks so much for listening. I'd love to hear from you. Tag me on Instagram @thebiblespeakstoyou.
Blessings,
James
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024 – Have you ever thanked God before He heals or blesses you?Usually we thank God after something good happens. And that's important. But gratitude before the solution appears is a powerful prayer.
In today's episode, I share some ideas about why "gratitude in advance" is so important and you can add this powerful tool to your spiritual tool box. You'll learn about:
- How Jesus thanked God before two very important miracles, feeding the multitude and raising Lazarus from the grave
- The mindset of Jesus that empowered him to thank God in advance
- How we can use this same mindset to be grateful in our prayers
For all the Scriptures quoted in this episode, please see the shownotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/024
Thanks so much for listening. Please share this with a friend.
And if you have any questions, I'd love to hear from you. Just go the shownotes pages or tag me on Instagram @thebiblespeakstoyou.
Blessings,
James
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023 – How did Jesus pray? Can we pray like he did?
Yes. Jesus expected us to follow his example in everything he did, including our prayers.
In this episode, I present the first installment of an occasional series: How to Pray Like Jesus. The focus this time is on one of the very specific ways Jesus prayed, which I call the "prayer of rebuke."
I talk about:
- What is the prayer of rebuke?
- Why is it so powerful?
- How we can pray this prayer just as Jesus did
- The devastating results when you do this prayer wrong
- How this can empower our prayers about the Coronavirus pandemic
Check out the shownotes for all the Bible references mentioned in this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/023
Please take these ideas and use them as you pray.
Is there anyone you know who would appreciate this? Please share it.
Thanks so much,
James
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022 – The Healing Power of God is alive and well
The prophets in the Old Testament healed people. Jesus healed too many people to count. And his disciples followed his example by healing.
God’s power to heal
God heals today just as He did in Bible times. In this week’s episode, I share a remarkable testimony of healing in modern times and the prayer that brought the healing.
Check out the shownotes with all the Bible references in this episode at
thebiblespeakstoyou.com/022
Please share this with a friend.
Blessings,
James
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021 – Can prayer protect you from contagious disease?
According to the 91st Psalm, the answer is "Yes!"
With the outbreak of the Corona virus, many people are afraid of getting sick. But the Bible promises, "There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling." (Psalm 91:10 KJV)
But we have to hid in the "secret place of the Most High [God]."
In this episode, I take each verse of the Psalm 91 as a guide for praying about contagious disease. God's healing power is with us today just as much as it always has been and this Psalm uses vivid imagery to show that we are safe:
- You are hid in the secret place of God
- You are in God's fortress (a pretty safe place to be)
- You are under God's "wings" and He protects you from all harm
- God's truth is your shield and armor.
So you are safe, safe, safe, in God's care.
For all the Scriptures quoted in this episode, check out the shownotes: thebiblespeaklstoyou.com/021
Please share this with a friend.
Blessings,
James
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020 – When was the last time you shared your faith with someone?
I'm not talking about having a debate and trying to convert someone to your faith. But just about sharing what you believe with someone.
In this episode, I share a few practical ways to share your faith in a meaningful way. But I also talk about some of the ways that are not productive.
- Let your light shine
- Be the salt of the earth
- Sharing your faith without fear
- Be respectful
- Don't be argumentative or self-righteous
To study all the Bible references in this episode, check out the shownotes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/020
Please share this episode, leave a review, and let me know what was the most helpful. And I would love to know how you have shared your faith.
Blessings,
James
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019 – What does God want you to do with your life?There's a big difference between you trying to figure out what you want to do and listening for what God's purpose for you is.
In the Bible, there's no way Moses, Gideon, Esther, Elisabeth and Zacharias, Mary and Joseph, or Paul could have set a goal to end up doing what God chose them to do. There was no way for them to know what it would be.
The same is true for us. Even with all your great efforts of goal setting, you won't be able to figure out what God's plans for you are unless you ask for His help.
How can you discover your God given purpose?
In this episode I share some specific ideas on how you can find God's purpose for you. It's not so hard. It just takes spiritual obedience.
Check out the shownotes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/019
Please subscribe and share with a friend. Let me know what you found helpful.
Blessings,
James
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My gym teacher accused me of lying. It took me years to forgive him.
What does it really mean to forgive? Do we really have to forgive someone 70 x 7?
In this episode I talk about the healing power of forgiveness:
- how I finally forgave my gym teacher
- the stages of forgiveness
- several things that will help you forgive someone
- why it's harder to forgive yourself but is still possible
- why you can't experience God's forgiveness until you forgive others
How generous will you be with your forgiveness? Let it reach out to the whole world.
To see all the Scriptural references in this episode, check out the shownotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/018
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017 – Do we really have to take the Bible 100% literally, like some people insist?
Absolutely not. If you do, you'll miss a lot of what the Bible says.
There are many things in the Bible that are literally true, but there are many parts that were never intended to be taken literally. For example:
- The parables of Jesus. Heaven is not a woman baking bread
- The "hand of God" doesn't mean God has physical hand. It's a metaphor for His power
- The metaphors Jesus uses about himself. He is not literally a rock, a door, or a vine.
- Jesus didn't want us to literally take a bite of his human flesh and drink his blood. He was talking in symbols to illustrate a spiritual idea.
In this episode, I also talk about how even literal events have more than just a literal meaning.
It's all about getting to the deep spiritual essence of what the Bible is saying and how we can put these ideas into practice in our daily lives.
Don't ever let someone bully you into thinking you have to take the Bible 100% literally. It's just not possible.
Check out the shownotes to see all the Scriptural references quoted in this episode: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/017
Please subscribe and share with a friend. Let me know what you found helpful.
Blessings,
James
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016 – Why did the crowds follow Jesus?
What did Jesus do to prepare people to prepare their hearts to hear his message of salvation?
How does Christ prepare our hearts today to hear what he has to say?
In this episode I explore what it was Jesus did to get people to listen to him and be ready to accept his good news that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
And I talk about how Christ works in our hearts today as well and what we can do to support nurture that process.
Watch out! I quote a lot of Bible verses in this episode. You can find them all in the shownotes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/016.
Every day, Christ is pouring into your heart all the glory of God. And he is making sure you are ready for it.
- Please subscribe
- Please leave a review
- Please share with a friend
Thanks so much for listening.
Blessings,
James
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015 – It turns out I was lying to myself!
I thought I loved God, but I did not love my brother. The Bible says that if we say we love God but hate our brother we are liars (see I John 4:20).
Is there someone in your life, a sibling, a friend, a co-worker, a fellow church member who is particularly difficult to love? Well, join the crowd. If you say you love God but don't love these folks, then you don't really love God as much as you thought you did.
In this episode I share how I learned to love my brother after fighting with him for years. If I can do this, you can too. And loving your brother includes everyone you come in contact with, including – gasp – politicians, tax collectors, and enemies. Yikes!
But Jesus knew we could do this if we love God with all our hearts.
Check out the shownotes at thebiblespeakstoyou.com/015.
Please help me get the word out:
- Share this with a friend
- Subscribe at Apple Podcast (or where ever you like to listen to podcasts)
- Leave a review
Let me know if this has been helpful. Thanks for listening.
Blessings,
James
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014 – How would you feel if Jesus knocked at the door and offered to help clean up your house, but it was a total disaster?Would you let him in? Just think of Jesus cleaning your toilet. Yikes!
In this episode:
- I share an allegory of Christ coming to help me clean up my house (my life) and how embarrassing it is when he sees what a mess it is.
- Christ comes to us in many ways. Do we always hear his knock at the door of our heart?
- Why we need to let Christ into our hearts more than once, even if we already have before
- The importance of opening up the doors of all the nooks and crannies in our heart to Christ
- Why we often don't want to open up our whole heart to Christ
- Why Christ comes to us in the first place
- It may be hard to love yourself, but you can do it
Check out the shownotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/014
Please share this with a friend and subscribe at Apple Podcast or where ever you like to listen to podcasts.
Let me know if this has been helpful. Thanks for listening.
Blessings,
James
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013 – Why did John the Baptist baptize people in the Jordan River? Weren't there other places he could have done it?
It turns out the Hebrew word for "Jordan" gives a big clue. Hint: It's all about humility.
In this episode we're going to jump into the Jordan River seven times, submit seven times to God. Once or twice is just not enough. Naaman needed to dip seven times in the Jordan and so do we.
Check out the shownotes at: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/013
Will you please
- share this with a friend
- subscribe
- leave a review on Apple Podcasts and let me know what you found helpful
Thanks so much for listening.
Blessings,
James
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012 – What kind of spiritual resolutions will you make for 2020?Instead of just making the same old New Year's resolutions that will be forgotten by the end of the month, how about just following Jesus more closely – all year long?
In this episode I share 20 ways to follow Christ in 2020.
- Some of them are fairly straightforward
- Some of them are hard, like loving your enemies
- Some have a twist, like walking on the water and clothing the naked
- All 20 of them will help you get closer to Christ
For a print-out of the whole list, check out the shownotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/012
Join me in striving to follow Christ more closely in 2020 than you ever have before.
Would you like to help support The Bible Speaks to You Podcast? Just click on the "Support" button below. Thanks so much.
I wish you a very Happy New Year full of rich spiritual insights and growth.
Blessings,
James
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011 – Does it sometimes seem unfair there was no room in the inn and Jesus was born is a stable?
In this episode I talk about the familiar story of Jesus's birth and just a few ideas to think about this Christmas season:
- What is the significance of Jesus being born in a stable?
- Why did Mary put Jesus in a manger, aka feeding trough?
- The importance of flexibility and being spontaneous at Christmas
- What's really going on when Cæsar Augustus makes a decree
Check out the shownotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/011
You'll find all the Scripture references in this episode.
I wish you a very wonderful Christmas season full of Christ's appearing in unexpected places,
James Early
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010 – How does the message of the angels in the Christmas story apply to us?In this episode, you'll hear about
- What we can learn from how Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds responded to the angels
- What to do when an angel talks to you
- The importance of listening to the angels God sends you instead of what someone else tells you
- What to do when someone else tells you an angel spoke to them
- The over-arching purpose of the Holy Spirit and why that's important
- The secret to make sure you can hear what the angels are saying to you
Check out the shownotes: https://thebiblespeakstoyou.com/010If you'd like to help support this podcast, click the "Support the Show" link below. Thanks so much!
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009 – Getting ready for Christmas is not just about baking cookies and shopping.
More importantly, what will you do to prepare your heart to receive more of the Christ and the spiritual meaning of Christmas this year?
In this episode, I talk about how God prepared
- the Children of Israel, through prophecies, over hundreds of years to be ready when the Messiah came
- Zacharias and Elizabeth to become parents in old age
- the people to be receptive to Jesus through the preaching of John the Baptist
- and how God prepares our hearts to receive more of the spirit of Christ and Christmas
Check out the shownotes thebiblespeakstoyou.com/009 where you'll find all the Scripture references in this episode.
Thanks for listening. Please share this with a friend.
Blessings,
James
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008 – How often do you say the Lord's Prayer but it's just words?
It's time to re-discover the original spiritual power of this prayer. In today's episode I share some fresh new ways to approach this prayer.
Six ways to pray the Lord's Prayer
- Slow down already. Think about what each word and phrase really mean
- Rewrite the prayer in your own words
- Think about how big your "our" and "us" are in this prayer
- Thank God, instead of petitioning Him, for things as if they have already happened
- Say the prayer as if God is doing the talking
- If Jesus had just appointed you as one of his disciples, how would it affect the way you prayed?
For the shownotes, go to thebiblespeakstoyou.com/008. There's a template you can download to write the prayer in your own words.
Hope you find this helpful. I'd love to hear how you pray with the Lord's Prayer.
Blessnings,
James
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007 – Everybody talks about gratitude, but what does it actually mean to be grateful?
It's so much more than just saying the words, "Thank you." Gratitude is:
- an open door that lets more good into your life
- a magnifying glass to notice and amplify the blessings you already have
- like a set of jumper cables to get your life recharged
- tracing a blessing all the way back to its source, God
In this episode, we talk about:
- how to take your gratitude to a much higher level
- why it's important to thank God, not just for all the good in your life, but for the challenges as well, because they force us to turn to God for help, and that brings the blessings
- how to be grateful for things that haven't happened yet
- how to put your gratitude into action
Check out the shownotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/007
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006 – Have you ever had to take a stand to get the justice you deserved?
There's a wonderful story in the Bible about five sisters who made a courageous appeal for justice.
When the Children of Israel arrived at the Promised Land of Canaan after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness, the elders were deciding how to divide the land among the 12 Tribes of Israel.
Zelophehad, who had died in the wilderness, had five daughters and no sons. But there was no provision for families who had no sons.
It looked like his daughters might not receive their father's portion of land
In this episode, you'll hear how these five women boldly made a claim for their rightful inheritance. We can all learn from their example:
- They spoke up for themselves
- They went together
- They went to the top authority
- They presented a logical and reasonable plan that appealed to a higher sense of justice
Check out the Shownotes: https://thebiblespeakstoyou.com/006
Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend today. Thanks for listening.
Blessings,
James
P.S. If you'd like to support this podcast, please click the link below.
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005 – What is your divine inheritance?
Paul writes, "we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ," (Romans 8:16, 17)
What do we inherit from God?
It is your spiritual birthright, as a child of God, to live, think, and pray like Jesus. It is your divine right to inherit the kingdom of God, to be a citizen in the kingdom of heaven.
But we have to claim this inheritance, and use it service to God and our fellow man.
Included in this episode is the "Parable of the $10,000,000 inheritance."
How will you use your divine inheritance?
Check out the Shownotes: https://thebiblespeakstoyou.com/005
Please subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend today. Thanks for listening.
Blessings,
James
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004 – Is it really possible to love as much as Jesus did? How can we even hope to come close to how much he loved?
Today's episode explores how Jesus loved and how he promised that we can follow his example.
To get the Bible verses and shownotes for this episode, head to:
https://thebiblespeakstoyou/004
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003 – Can we learn to pray as effectively as Jesus did?
Paul said we have "the mind of Christ." What does that really mean? Adopting the mindset of Christ allows us to think, act, pray, and heal as Jesus did.
Check out the show notes page at
https://thebiblespeakstoyou.com/003
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002 – Jesus started his ministry with a bold promise: that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. It's not just way off in the future after you die. In heaven, there is no sin or sickness, no disease or death, no tears, no pain, no sorrow.
Is it too good to be true that this kingdom of God is here now and within us? First you have to do a complete 180º on the way you see and think. What if you looked at yourself and your world from the perspective of what is true in the kingdom of heaven right now?
Check out the show notes page at
https://thebiblespeakstoyou.com/002
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001 – Welcome to the first episode of "The Bible Speaks to You." This podcast is all about getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus, his focus on healing, and the promise that the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
It's about getting a fresh perspective on the Bible and learning to pray more effectively.
We'll talk about why there are so many Christian denominations and the importance of unity in the Body of Christ. Are you a right-hand Christian or a left-foot Christian? Your place and perspective determines how you see things.
Check out the show notes page at
https://thebiblespeakstoyou.com/001
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=8FJVXHLZPVZ8U&source=url)