The Bible Speaks to You: Think, Pray, Love like Jesus

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

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 donation to 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
  
  

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. 

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 donation to 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
  
  

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

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 donation to 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
  
  

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!

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 donation to 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
  
  

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.

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 donation to 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
  
  

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

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 donation to 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
  
  

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

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 donation to 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
  
  

055 – "Therefore encourage one another and build up one another." 1Thessalonians 5:11

Wow! 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

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 donation to 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
  
  

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

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 donation to 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
  
  

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

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 donation to 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