This week's message concludes our 7-week series through the book of James, exploring what it truly means to live an integrated faith—where what we believe actually shapes how we live. Pastor Stephen Mizell challenges us to embrace the long game of discipleship through three essential characteristics: patience, prayer, and persistence.

Mature faith doesn't burn bright and fade fast—it stays, it prays, and it brings people home. Discover why spiritual maturity happens in seasons, not seconds, and learn how refusing to give up is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself.

Key Takeaways:

• Discipleship is a long game, not a short sprint—it's built over time through seasons, not seconds
• Patience is developed in the pressure, not given instantly when we pray for it
• Prayer isn't just for emergencies; it's the posture of a mature believer in every season
• Persistence means not giving up when the fruit hasn't come as quickly as we hoped
• There's someone waiting for your call today—go bring them home

Scripture References: James 5:7-20, Job's story

Not all wisdom is created equal. In this episode, Pastor Stephen Mizell from Open Door Church in Edenton, NC, tackles one of the most critical questions facing believers today: Where is your wisdom coming from—and where is it taking you?

Continuing the Integrated series through the book of James, Pastor Stephen unpacks James chapters 3 and 4 to reveal the stark difference between earthly wisdom and godly wisdom.

In This Episode You'll Discover:

• Why "garbage in, garbage out" isn't just about media—it's about the wisdom sources shaping your life
• The three characteristics of earthly (demonic) wisdom that lead to disorder and evil
• Seven qualities of godly wisdom that produce righteousness and peace
• The four internal wars every believer faces: frustrated desires, pride, friendship with the world, and resistance to God
• A powerful challenge to take physical action that represents spiritual surrender

Key Scripture: James 3:13-18, James 4:1-10

Whether you're wrestling with a major life decision or just trying to navigate daily challenges with godly wisdom, this message will equip you to discern which voice you're listening to—and how to align your life with God's truth.

About the Integrated Series: How do we integrate our faith with our life? This series explores the book of James to answer the question: "We say we believe this—but how do we actually live it?"

If you want to know where your life is headed, listen to what's coming out of your mouth. Join Pastor Stephen Mizell for this week's message from James 3 about the incredible power of our words to direct, destroy, and diagnose our lives.

In this online-only service (due to weather), we continue our journey through the book of James, exploring how faith moves from belief to behavior. This week, we discover that your tongue is the steering wheel of your life—and the words you speak reveal the condition of your heart.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Your words have the power to DIRECT your life's trajectory
• Your words have the power to DESTROY relationships and opportunities
• Your words have the power to DIAGNOSE the condition of your heart
• Small things (like bits, rudders, and sparks) can control or destroy massive things
• Inconsistent speech points to incomplete surrender to Christ
• God doesn't just want cleaner language—He wants a cleaner heart

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:

• James 3:1-12
• Matthew 12:34 (Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks)

THREE REFLECTION QUESTIONS:

1. What tone dominates my speech?
2. Who has been wounded by my words?
3. Where do I need a heart change, not just a habit change?