Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

Join us for inspiring life experiences and insights from experts to help you flourish in the life meant for you. Our conversational and practical episodes equip you to with encouragement, researched wisdom, and practical tools for living your best.

Check out more content on the Spark Network at https://www.sparkmedia.ventures/spark-network#/

CONDITIONS OF USE: All rights reserved, but users of the site may quote up to five sentences of material provided the appropriate attribution is given to the author and users link back to this site. Abusive, profane, or otherwise offensive content will be screened and blocked from comments. Site administrator will not engage with any user who submits abusive, suggestive, or offensive content via the contact form or email. DISCLAIMER: TinaYeager.com, Divine Encouragement, and Flourish-Meant provide the products and content on this site as a public service, but none represent or replace legal, medical, financial, or mental health treatment, prescriptions, or policy. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Tina Yeager, Divine Encouragement, Flourish-Meant or the owners, co-owners, or company. The views expressed by sponsors or featured products or guests on the blog or podcast are their own and their appearance on the blog/site/program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed or content represented by Tina Yeager’s, Divine Encouragement’s, or Flourish-Meant guests, guest contributors, or sponsors are those of the authors, guests, or sponsors and do not necessarily reflect the view of Tina Yeager, Flourish-Meant, or Divine Encouragement.

Apr 15, 2022

Could you be useful to God?

Today's guest, Dr. James Spencer, relates his journey of recognizing his academic, ministry, and career accomplishments failed to render him useful to God. He shares his moment of realization about having used God as a resource instead of a ruler. Dr. Spencer notes how he reflected upon Malachi 3 and the letters Dr. Dwight L. Moody wrote to his family to discover deeper levels of faith and connection with God.

We discuss the struggle of shifting from self-reliance to obedience and submission to God. James describes the joy and peace of letting go of the things we once held onto tightly in order to center on life-giving priorities in Christ.

Dr. Spencer describes D. L. Moody's authenticity in seeing the world from a perspective of profound, and yet simple, faith. James shares how the letters challenged him to deepen his relationship with God. 

We explore the way knowledge and circumstances can sometimes distract us from the core of belief.  Dr. Spencer outlines the three principles D.L. Moody set for gathering:  pray, worship, and experience the Holy Spirit.

Dr. Spencer highlights the benefits of a social media fast to center on dwelling in the presence of Christ. He invites listeners to participate in the social media fast organized by Shine Bright and the Moody Center. 

Dr. James Spencer is President of D. L. Moody Center, as well as an instructor, theologian, and author. He leads the Shine Bright Project which seeks to mobilize God’s people to be and make disciples James earned his PhD in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and served as an administrator and leader in Christian higher education overseeing education marketing and finance, instructional design, part- and full-time faculty, call center operations, and program design and development.  He continues to consult with Christian colleges and seminaries, as well as non-profit organizations to help them build stronger organizational capacity, design strategic products and programs, and improve marketing, recruitment, and enrollment efforts.

His book titled Useful to God released in March 2022.  He previously published Thinking Christian: Essays on Testimony, Accountability, and the Christian Mind, as well as co-authoring Trajectories: A Gospel-Centered Introduction to Old Testament Theology.  James contributed to The Moody Bible Commentary, The Moody Encyclopedia of Messianic Prophecy, and Marriage: Its Foundation, Theology, and Mission in a Changing World.  James is a regular instructor for Right On Mission where he teaches courses including Developing the Christian Mind, Prophets and Whistleblowers, Secular Ideologies, Cultural Maturity, and Biblical Interpretation.

Connect with D.L. Moody Center by visiting moodycenter.org or follow the ministry on Facebook or Twitter