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In a world overflowing with information but starving for wisdom, James invites us to consider not just what we know, but how we live. True wisdom—the kind that brings peace, integrity, and lasting fruit—comes not from the world, but from above.
Our words are powerful indicators of our spiritual health—what flows from our mouths reveals what's rooted in our hearts. In James 3:1–12, we're reminded that Spirit-filled speech is a mark of true maturity, with the potential to heal, encourage, and reflect the grace of Jesus.
True saving faith isn't just something you say or feel—it's something you live. James 2:14–26 challenges us to reveal our faith through action, because while faith alone saves, the faith that saves never stands alone.
Faith in Jesus calls us to reject favoritism, honoring all people equally as reflections of God's grace and mercy. When we show partiality, we contradict the Gospel's heart, forgetting that true worth is found not in status or appearance, but in our shared identity in Christ.
Part 2 of this Flex Band music series, with Colorado band director Nick Pierce, explores Grade 3-4 flex band music and strategies you can use to teach it to your students.To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!
Colorado band director Nick Pierce joins Kyle to discuss and listen to flex band music that might work for your students at the grade 1-2 level.To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!
James urges believers to slow down, listen well, and align their actions with God's Word, warning that unchecked anger and self-deception hinder true spiritual growth. Genuine faith is not just hearing truth but living it—marked by humility, self-awareness, controlled speech, compassion for the vulnerable, and a commitment to personal holiness.
God uses trials to mature and strengthen us, while Satan twists struggles into temptations meant to destroy. By adopting a mindset of joyful endurance and gratitude, we can gain wisdom and overcome temptation, focusing on God's goodness rather than dissatisfaction.
God's agape love is selfless and unconditional, calling us to actively love the lost with patience, grace, and humility—reflecting Jesus' heart and pointing others to salvation.
In this message from the Becoming Series, we explore how brotherly affection—deep, intentional love within the faith family—marks a Christ-centered community. Rooted in God's love, this affection shows itself through hospitality, forgiveness, encouragement, and bearing one another's burdens, shaping us into a family that loves beyond duty and welcomes with open hearts.
Godliness is a Christ-centered way of life combining right belief and behavior, empowered by God's grace, that shapes perseverance with humility and reverence. Though it may bring persecution, godliness leads to true spiritual gain and prepares us for eternal life.
Steadfastness—endurance and patience under pressure—is an active, Spirit-powered response to trials that God uses to shape us into Christlikeness, proving His presence and refining our faith rather than signaling His absence.
Self-control is not about willpower but about surrendering our desires and habits to Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our lives. It reflects spiritual maturity, protects our witness, and flows from grace-filled surrender rather than personal striving.
True knowledge of God comes not from mere intellect but from a personal, obedient relationship with Christ that transforms our character and equips us to live effectively. We are called to add virtue before knowledge, because a life entangled in sin cannot rightly receive or live out the truths of God, and true growth comes when our understanding of Christ shapes how we live.
The foundation of faith begins with recognizing that, through Christ, we have been made partakers of the divine nature and freed from the corruption of sin. True faith—personal trust in Jesus' death and resurrection—leads to salvation by grace and a transformed life, which we are called to actively grow by supplementing our faith with godly qualities.
Spiritual growth isn't optional—it's the natural outworking of our new nature in Christ, who has already given us everything we need to grow from rebirth to maturity and live a fruitful, God-glorifying life.
In Mark 15–16, we see darkness fall, a curtain tear, and hope rise. This week's message reminds us that the debt is paid, and access to God is wide open.
Though wrongly condemned, Jesus willingly endured the cross—bearing our shame, fulfilling God's purpose through injustice, and showing that even in the darkest moments, His sacrificial love brings redemption and hope.
When we deny truth and defend ourselves with lies, like Peter, it's only the grace of Jesus that keeps us from losing everything—how many second chances will we ignore before it's too late? It's God kindness that leads us to repentance.
Nick Pierce, LFSN Broadcaster, on C-USA Media Days & Liberty Football Preview by Ed Lane
In Mark 14:22–52, Jesus redefines the Passover with Himself at the center, revealing both His coming sacrifice and His disciples' coming failure—yet even in betrayal, He remains faithful to God's will so that we might walk in step with His Word, Spirit, will, and love.
In Mark 13:1-37, Jesus reveals God's future plan for Israel—not the Church—through prophetic teaching about the coming Tribulation, urging His followers to live expectantly, stay alert, and trust Him even when all their questions aren't answered.
Jesus calls us to move from outward show to inward substance, teaching that true love for God produces obedience, that He is both David's Lord and Son, and that God values sacrificial, wholehearted giving over impressive appearances.
Jesus confronts the religious leaders' rejection of Him through a parable, exposes their hypocrisy about authority and ownership with a coin, and corrects their denial of resurrection, declaring that God is the God of the living and that they are “quite wrong.”
Jesus' triumphal entry, the cursing of the fig tree, and the cleansing of the temple expose Israel's outward show without true fruitfulness or faithfulness, challenging us to examine what in our lives He might overturn or restore if He walked into our churches—or lives—today.
True faith, like that of a child, is humble and dependent—not earned. Jesus challenges self-righteousness and works-based salvation, illustrating through the rich young ruler and the "eye of the needle" metaphor that salvation is impossible through human effort but entirely possible through God's grace.
BC talks C-USA Tournament with Nick Pierce and Teddy Allen + breakdown the Diamond Dogs chances to make their fourth regional in five years this weekend.
Kingdom living isn't about reward but about sacrificial living that reflects Christ's example, with our lives becoming offerings to God—purified through suffering like salted sacrifices, rooted in love and eternal perspective.
Jesus, though the greatest, chose to make Himself the least—serving others, welcoming the lowly, and showing that true greatness is marked by humility and sacrifice. Even the smallest act done in faith matters deeply to God, revealing that what counts most is a heart aligned with His, not status or ability.
The Transfiguration revealed Jesus' divine glory shining from within, not merely reflected, affirming He is not just another prophet like Moses or Elijah but the very Son of God—God in the flesh, who "tabernacled" among us. Later, the disciples' failure to heal a possessed boy highlighted that spiritual power comes not from rituals or imitation, but from genuine faith and closeness to Christ through prayer.
Jesus continues revealing the nature of His upside-down kingdom: from feeding the Gentile crowd with abundant compassion, to challenging the pride and unbelief of His disciples, and ultimately teaching that true discipleship means self-denial and humble surrender.
Psalm 150 is a passionate call for all creation to worship and praise YHWH, bringing the Book of Psalms to a powerful conclusion. The psalm reminds us that God's sanctuary is not confined to a building but is found in His people collectively and individually, with Jesus Himself as the ultimate sanctuary. True worship goes beyond songs or outward expressions; it is a life surrendered in obedience, offering God what is costly and precious. Acceptable worship flows from the heart, transforming how we live and glorify God in every area of life.
From the divine council to God's call for justice, Psalm 82 paints a powerful picture of God's authority over the nations and His heart for the oppressed. Discover how Jesus fulfills God's promise to judge the earth and bring lasting hope.
Psalm 13 reveals the heartfelt struggle of navigating life's challenges and the growth that comes through surrender. David's repeated cry of “How long?” reflects the emotional, physical, and spiritual battles we all face. When feelings seem overwhelming and the body grows weary, it's easy to lose perspective. Yet, through faith, David's heart is transformed—not his circumstances. This message highlights that God values the journey and who we are becoming through the process, even when answers seem out of reach.
Nick Pierce joins the show as we discuss some of the history of Japanese wind band music, as well and aspects of the Japanese culture that helps them excel. We also listen to five pieces from the Japanese wind band canon you could do with your school band! Grades 1-5 To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.com Our mission is to share practical advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kyle-smith95/support
Ever wonder what traits would make a great bass player for your band? Ever wonder what tools would help YOU teach your bass player at a higher level, even if they are a total beginner? In this episode Nick Pierce give valuable advice on what to look for in a bass player, methods to help them develop, brands of basses and amps for every program, and much more! Full Bass-ics From the Self-Taught Bassist Presentation To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.com Our mission is to share practical advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kyle-smith95/support