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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
P.S. Can you think of someone who might enjoy this episode? Please share it with them.
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.
071 – Lent is not Biblical
Then 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 wonderful week.
Blessings,
James
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.
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:
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
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.
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:
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
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.
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
Humility is the key to unlock your relationship with God
Jesus 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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
065 – Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." John 14:15
Instead 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.
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.
064 – Goodbye 2020
What 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:
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.
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.
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:
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
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.
From the publisher's feed
Have you ever poured out your heart, almost begging God to solve a problem, but it doesn’t feel like your prayer is ever answered? You wonder if there’s a better way to pray you don’t know about.…
Each week The Bible Speaks to You Podcast helps you rediscover the original Christianity of Jesus. Host James Early, Bible teacher and speaker, and an occasional guest dig deep into how to think, pray, and love like Jesus. And how to experience more of Jesus’s promise that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

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