Podcast appearances and mentions of James Harper

Rev. James Harper preaches on Habakkuk 1:1-17 as part of our Sermon series on Faith in Difficult Times.   In the midst of injustice and suffering, the prophet Habakkuk's honest dialogue with God offers profound wisdom for believers today. Habakkuk boldly questioned God about the evil in his nation, only to receive the shocking answer that things would get worse before they improved. Rather than abandoning his faith, Habakkuk demonstrated that we can express our frustrations while still trusting God. His story teaches us that our limited perspective prevents us from seeing God's larger plan, just as the Babylonian exile that seemed catastrophic actually laid groundwork for the spread of Christianity. When facing difficult times, we can be honest with God while remembering His covenant love never fails.

This is our 200th episode.  And in this solo episode, host James Harper reflects on the 10 most powerful lessons learned from interviewing the top leaders in the janitorial industry. Whether you've listened to one episode or all 200, this is the one to revisit if you want clarity, direction, and real wisdom.From faith-driven leadership to knowing your numbers, James breaks down the mindset, habits, and strategies of the most successful cleaning company owners he's met. This episode is packed with practical takeaways to help you grow your business and your impact.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Genesis 12:1-3 for our Kick Off Sunday. God's command to Abraham to 'be a blessing' extends to all believers today. This divine imperative is rooted in God's unmerited grace and love, not our qualifications or merit. Being a blessing requires stepping out of our comfort zones and taking practical action in others' lives. Through the BLESS model (Be in prayer, Listen, Experience, Serve, Share), we can intentionally impact those around us, especially those far from God. As recipients of Christ's ultimate blessing, we're called to extend that same blessing to others through meaningful relationships and tangible acts of service.

This episode is all about what actually works when it comes to sales in the commercial cleaning industry.Host James Harper just spent a full week on the ground with a $18M cleaning company as they launched a new market - and what he saw changed the game.From how they book walkthroughs to how they do cold walk-ins and follow-up, this episode breaks down a proven playbook that you can start using today—even if you're just getting started.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 21:5-24 as part of our Following Jesus sermon series through the book of Luke.  In uncertain times filled with fear-inducing headlines and global conflicts, Jesus teaches us that we've been living in the 'end times' since His resurrection. While following Christ during these times isn't easy, Jesus expresses absolute confidence about the future security of His followers. Our fear level is largely determined by who we're with - surrounding ourselves with voices of panic increases anxiety, but remembering we're with Jesus changes everything. Christians can find peace by recognizing fear-mongering, grounding themselves in biblical truth, remembering their security comes from Christ, and being a non-anxious presence in a fearful world.

This week, we're flipping the script.In this unique episode of The Profitable Cleaner Podcast, James Harper isn't hosting—he's the guest. Originally recorded on Dan and Lexi Schindler's show, The Cleaning Hustle Podcast, we're bringing you this candid conversation because it's packed with lessons you need to hear.From the truth about “cheap labor” VAs to how to create a culture of loyalty, performance, and trust across borders—this conversation is a masterclass in building virtual teams the right way.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 20:45-21:4 as part of our Following Jesus Sermon Series through the Book of Luke.   The story of the widow's mite is often interpreted as a lesson about sacrificial giving, when it may actually be Jesus highlighting religious corruption. Positioned between Jesus' condemnation of scribes who 'devour widows' houses' and prophecies about the temple's destruction, this account shows a vulnerable woman exploited by corrupt religious leaders. Jesus appears heartbroken, not impressed, by her giving everything she had to live on. This serves as a warning about how religious institutions can drift from their purpose and exploit the vulnerable, while also reminding us of the importance of accountability structures and healing for those hurt by the church.    

Rev. James Harper preached on Luke 20:27-44 as part of our sermon series "Following Jesus" on the Book of Luke.    Jesus confronted the Sadducees who denied the resurrection with a powerful defense of life after death. The Sadducees, a powerful but disliked group who controlled the Jewish Sanhedrin, tried to trap Jesus with a trick question about marriage in the afterlife. Jesus responded by revealing their misunderstanding of both God's character and Scripture. He explained that the resurrection reality differs from earthly life, and pointed to scriptural evidence including God's self-identification as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob - patriarchs who were physically dead but alive to God. This resurrection hope gives meaning that transcends our circumstances and reminds us that God desires eternal relationship with us.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 20:20-26 as part of our sermon series, Following Jesus in the Book of Luke. 

Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 20:1-8 as part of our sermon series through the book of Luke: Following Jesus.  Jesus faced a challenge from religious leaders questioning his authority, which reveals two foundations of his power: his identity as God's Son and his obedience to Scripture. As Christians, we should live under the same dual authority - our relationship with God and the guidance of Scripture. Other sources of authority like science, culture, or personal preference ultimately fail because they ignore our divine design. When we struggle in our faith, it's often because we've fallen into selective obedience, choosing which parts of God's Word to follow while ignoring others. True flourishing comes when we fully embrace God's authority in every area of life.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Luke 19:11-27 as part of our Following Jesus Sermon Series through the book of Luke. 

Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 5:19-27 as part of our sermon series on Gifts of the King.    God's discipline differs fundamentally from punishment, with discipline focused on growth and restoration while punishment deals with past wrongs. Through Gehazi's story in 2 Kings 5, we learn that believers experience discipline rather than punishment due to Christ's sacrifice. While all Christians remain under God's loving discipline, not all suffering indicates sin. Understanding this distinction helps us recognize God's role as a loving Father who shapes His children's character rather than a harsh punisher.

Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 5:1-14 as part of the "Gifts of the King" Sermon Series. True restoration involves being reformed into the person God intended from creation. Through Naaman's story, we learn that God's path to restoration is straightforward yet often challenging to accept. The process requires giving up control, embracing humility, and developing patience. Key steps include honestly naming areas needing restoration, building a daily relationship with Jesus, and connecting with supportive fellow believers. While complete restoration awaits in heaven, God offers ways to begin healing through kingdom living.

Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 4:38-41 as part of the Gifts of the King Sermon Series.  In times of famine, a deadly situation arose when poisonous wild gourds were accidentally added to a pot of stew meant for the prophets' sons. This story from 2 Kings 4:38-41 illustrates how sin poisoned God's perfect creation, affecting all humanity. Just as Elisha used flour to neutralize the poison, Jesus became the ultimate solution to sin's deadly effects through His death and resurrection. While believers may still struggle with sin's residual effects, transformation is possible through Christ's power, support from others, and practical steps toward change.

Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 4:1-7 as part of our Gifts of the King Sermon Series.    The biblical account of Elisha and the widow's oil reveals profound truths about God's compassionate nature and the power of generosity. God demonstrates His care for individual struggles by miraculously providing for a desperate widow facing debt and potential loss of her children. This narrative teaches that God has unlimited resources at His disposal and often works through the generosity of others. The ultimate message centers on breaking the power of money in our lives by recognizing Jesus as our true treasure, leading to a life of sacrificial giving and genuine freedom.

This episode is dedicated to honor the memory of Barb Ziegler, the founder of The Trailhead Community. "We are here to celebrate tonight, the opening of this building...we are not at the end of the trail. We are still working on making the trail longer, stronger, and more connected for more people to help solve the greater problem in this community {independent living for IDD adults}." This episode revisits The Trailhead Community at their building opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. If you hear any background noise or laughter, that's because this episode was recorded LIVE in the lobby of The Trailhead Community building in April 2025! In this conversation, Devon Tilly and co-host Matt McMullen chat with various partners at The Trailhead Community! Featured Guests: At 17, James Harper's stepfather told him, “James, you should find a sales job—you could sell anything!” Fast forward 17 years, and sales became his calling. Over the last 10 years, he has sold over $30 million in B2B marketing services and successfully exited two bootstrapped companies. His expertise and passion lie in helping B2B companies scale through effective outbound sales strategies that deliver results. He believes small businesses are the backbone of the economy, and entrepreneurship is its driving force. His mission is simple: to create opportunities that convert. He helps companies scale by blending sales, marketing, and operational strategy. He doesn't just focus on growth—he makes it sustainable by refining operations, improving team performance, and creating scalable systems. If you're looking to grow smarter, not just harder, he's someone worth connecting with. Jeans Mobley worked as an Office Manager for an accounting firm for several years after college. She realized the accounting world was not the best fit and she decided to leap into the nonprofit world with Trailhead Community. Her degree is in Communication with a minor in Leadership Studies. Communication makes the world go 'round! She is passionate about making Trailhead the model for neuro-inclusive housing and building a community that supports one another's ability to thrive. Jim Shipton was born in the Midwest and raised in Story City, Iowa, the heartland as they call it. He loves being from a small town where you have an opportunity to participate in all aspects of life. Jim played football, basketball, golf and learned to work hard in the farming community. He completed one year of undergraduate civil engineering at Iowa State University before transferring to Colorado State University where he met his future wife and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture. Upon graduation he and his wife, Denise, moved to the San Diego area for several years, gained valuable experience and his first license in 1992, before moving back to the Denver Metro area. He has been delivering his exceptional services to owners and developers in the western region of the US for the last 35 years. Currently he and his wife live in Littleton where they are trying to figure out how to become empty nesters. Jim enjoys outdoor activities, skiing, golfing, camping and all things Ford Bronco. Halie Behr of Behr Benefits is a force of nature in the auction industry, bringing forth the high energy and electricity to fire up a room and keep everyone engaged all night long. As the proud founder and lead auctioneer of Behr Benefits, Halie has spent the last decade raising millions of dollars for charities all over the U.S. Behr is a three-time champion auctioneer, becoming the first and only in history to win both the International Junior Auctioneering Championship in 2013 and the women's division of the International Auctioneering Championship in 2023, competing against the very best in the industry on the world's largest stage. Halie holds the title of Denver's favorite Fundaneer, bringing an unparalleled sense of enthusiasm and passion to maximize fundraising results at benefit auction events. Click this link to see previous episodes over The Trailhead Community. Keep up with the Art of Construction (AOC) podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn! Subscribe to us and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Kings 4:25-37 as part of the sermon series on Elisha the prophet, connecting the story with the power of Jesus's resurrection. The story of the Shunammite woman demonstrates profound truths about hope triumphing over grief. After receiving a miraculous son through the prophet Elisha, she faced devastating loss when the child died. Instead of accepting death, she demonstrated remarkable faith by placing her son in Elisha's bed and seeking the prophet's help. Her declaration that 'all is well' amid tragedy reveals a deep understanding that hope, through God's power, ultimately defeats grief. This ancient story connects to the eternal hope we have through Christ's resurrection, showing that while grief is temporary, hope is eternal.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Gideon, with scripture from Judges 7:1-8.  God's power can shine bright through those who feel inadequate or ill-equipped. Through Gideon's transformation from a fearful man hiding in a winepress to a mighty warrior leading just 300 men to victory, we see God's pattern of using unlikely heroes. This truth continues today, as demonstrated by untouchable women in India who, despite minimal resources and education, are successfully planting churches and transforming communities. The key isn't human capability but rather availability and trust in God's power.

James Harper reflects on Gideon with scripture from Judges 7: 1-8.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Peter, with scripture from Matthew 16:13-23. Peter's journey from fisherman to church leader demonstrates that faith develops through both triumphs and failures. Despite being one of Jesus' closest disciples, Peter experienced significant ups and downs - from boldly declaring Jesus as the Christ to denying Him three times. His story reveals how God shows patience with our failures, uses our imperfections to highlight His grace, and can transform any life story that centers on Jesus. Through Peter's example, we learn that authentic faith journeys don't require perfection to be powerfully used by God.

James Harper reflects on Peter with scripture from Luke 22:31-34.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Thomas, with scripture from John 20:24-29.   Thomas, one of Jesus's twelve disciples, was known for his analytical mind and need to question things. Rather than condemning his doubts, Jesus met Thomas where he was, even inviting him to touch his wounds after the resurrection. This demonstrates that God is not threatened by our questions and responds with patience and compassion to doubt. Different paths to faith are valid, whether through immediate acceptance or careful investigation, and God meets each person where they are.

James Harper reflects on the Apostle Thomas with scripture from John 20:24-29.

James Harper reflects on the Apostle Paul with scripture from Acts 9:10-16.

Rev. James Harper preaches on 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 as part our Lent Sermon Series, "Letters of Recommendation." Every personal experience shapes our unique story, and God purposefully uses these experiences for His kingdom. Through examining Paul's letter to the Corinthians, we discover that God uses unlikely people, regardless of their background or perceived inadequacies. Our authentic experiences, including struggles and victories, become powerful tools for reaching others in ways only we can. 

Rev. James Harper preaches on Ash Wednesday on 1 Corinthians 15:50-57. 

Rev. James Harper preaches on Psalm 42:1-5 as part of our sermon series on praying with the Psalms. In times of spiritual and emotional crisis, we can use the words of this psalm to give voice to our struggle, and our desire to live in hope.  David's words remind us that we can and should be honest with God about our feelings.  We should look to the past to remember God's faithfulness, and talk to ourselves about what God says about us.  We are invited to turn our hope from the temporary solutions of this world, to the eternal hope that we have in Jesus, the one who went before us and made the way clear for us to call out to God and receive his grace in the midst of our struggles. 

Rev. James Harper preaches on Psalm 46 as part of our sermion series on praying with the Psalms.  Life's challenges can shake our foundations, but there are two perspectives to consider: life in the world and life in God's kingdom. While earthly disruptions like natural disasters, financial crises, and personal setbacks are inevitable, God's kingdom offers unshakeable truths. Three fundamental principles emerge: our difficulties ultimately work for good, our spiritual blessings cannot be taken away, and the best things still await us in eternity. By being still and viewing challenges through the lens of kingdom citizenship, we can find peace amid life's storms.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Psalm 8 as part of our sermon series on praying with the Psalms.   Psalm 8 reveals God's authoritative perspective on human value and identity. As the sovereign creator of all things, God declares humans to be crowned with glory and honor, positioned just below angels, and made in His divine image. This truth stands in stark contrast to cultural messages that base human worth on usefulness, behavior, or appearance. The ultimate proof of human value is demonstrated through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, showing the immense worth God places on each person. For more information about First Presbyterian Church of Douglasville, visit our website:  www.fpcdouglasville.org  

We're back with another series of The Science of Coffee—and this time we're diving even deeper into coffee's hidden microscopic secrets!   Over the past year, narrative audio producer and coffee professional James Harper has scoured academic journals, ventured deep into coffee farms, and conducted bold tasting experiments.   Now, he's weaving those discoveries into captivating audio stories that reveal why coffee tastes the way it does—and how we can make it taste even better.   In this new series, you'll learn about cold brew extraction science, explore innovations in roasting, and follow the shifting business models that shape farmers' livelihoods. You'll also take a journey through commodity vs. specialty supply chains and examine the historical, sociological, and philosophical perspectives that define what “specialty coffee” truly means.   Press the “Subscribe” button so you don't miss an episode! https://bit.ly/3TdDnHO   For more coffee science and behind-the-scenes content, follow James on Instagram @filterstoriespodcast. https://bit.ly/2Mlkk0O   The Science of Coffee is a spin-off series from James Harper's documentary podcast, Filter Stories.  https://bit.ly/3ajoT5e   Season 3 is made possible by these leading coffee organizations:   The Coffee Quest | BWT | TODDY | Algrano | Probat

Rev. James Harper preaches on Acts 9:10-19 in our For God. For Neighbor. For You. Series!  Assumptions about God and others can significantly limit our ability to form meaningful relationships with God and with others. Through the biblical story of Ananias and Saul, we learn how choosing curiosity over assumptions can lead to transformative experiences. By examining our preconceptions about God and others, we can move beyond prejudices based on politics, ethnicity, age, or social issues. This approach allows us to develop deeper connections, participate in God's work, and better fulfill our calling as followers of Christ.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Hebrews 13: 8-16. Here's a summary: God's boundless generosity toward us calls for more than passive reception - it invites us to become generous givers ourselves. This transformative journey involves giving up our personal rights, offering consistent praise, and sharing our time freely with others. By shifting from a receiving-only mindset to one of active giving, we discover deeper purpose and closer connection with God. This lifestyle of generosity allows us to participate meaningfully in God's mission while experiencing the joy that comes from selfless giving.

Rev. James Harper preaches on 1 Timothy 1:12-17 and the importance of grace over judgment. 

Rev. James Harper preaches on Jeremiah 29:1-7. 

Rev. James Harper preaches on Isaiah 40:1-5 as part of our Advent Sermon Series, Grace Upon Grace. 

Rev. James Harper preaches on Genesis 15:1-6 as part of our Advent sermon series, Grace Upon Grace.

Rev. James Harper preaches on Genesis 3:8-15.

Sermon given by Rev. James Harper on Matthew 7:24-29. 

Sermon given by Rev. James Harper on Matthew 7:15-23. 

How does a San Francisco born Silicon Valley entrepreneur, "as American as apple-pie", become a vital intelligence asset for the Soviet Bloc? Hear the chilling tale of one James Harper, from national security reporter and the host of Spy Valley: Zach Dorfman. (Hear more from Zach here: https://brazen.fm/podcasts/spy-valley/) From SPYSCAPE, the HQ of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Justin Trefgarne. Music by Nick Ryan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices