Things Above

Latest Episodes
Spiritual Mirror
In this Things Above episode, James Bryan Smith explains the concept of a spiritual mirror. Smith learned about the phrase “spiritual mirror” from George Macdonald, a great Scottish writer and preacher in the 19th century. James quotes from Macdonalds boo
Conversation with Josh Larsen
Josh Larsen sits down with James Bryan Smith for a “Things Above Conversation” about Josh’s latest book “Movies are Prayers.” Josh is the co-host of the radio show and podcast Filmspotting, author of Movies Are Prayers,
Jesus Holds Everything Together
Anger and worry are two emotions we deal with on a daily basis. We worry because we feel like it will help us to fix whatever problem we are dealing with. We use anger to make others behave as we want but in the long haul, it is destructive. In this episo
Conversation with William Paul Young
In this Things Above conversation, James Bryan Smith interviews William Paul Young. Paul is best known for his book The Shack which has sold over a million copies. Young is a native of Alberta, Canada and now lives in Washington with his wife Kim.
Your Identity is in the Invitation
Discovering our identity can be a lifelong journey. We all want to know who we are. In this episode, James Bryan Smith explains how our journey towards self-discovery is found in the invitation to be with Jesus. If we are to discover who we truly are, we
Conversation with Emily P. Freeman Part 2
In this Things Above Conversation, James Bryan Smith interviews author Emily P. Freeman about her latest book, The Next Right Thing. People average 35,000 daily decisions. Some of those decisions can really wear us down, which leads to the problem of chro
Already Present
It’s not abnormal for people to wonder, where is God? Maybe life isn’t turning out the way you hoped. You’ve lost a job or a loved one or your sense of purpose. And this causes us to feel alone, or at least very distant from God. If you feel distant
Conversation with Jen Pollock Michel
In the latest Things Above conversation, James Bryan Smith talks with Jen Pollock Michel about her latest book, Surprised by Paradox. Among many things, they explore the depths of topics, such as paradox, awe, certainty, mystery, and calling. They even sh
Christ Plus Nothing Equals Everything
In this episode, James Bryan Smith explains this glorious thought: “Christ plus nothing equals everything.” Jim goes on to explain that when we allow other things in our life to take the place of “nothing” in the formula it will not equal everything.
Overcoming Temptation
Temptation can lead to real problems. In this episode of the Things Above podcast, James Bryan Smith discusses the nature of temptation, then offers and unpacks six facts about temptation that can help you overcome it. 1. Everybody is tempted. 2.