Authentic Conversations with Andy Mason

When everything seems uncertain... or simply crazy... how do you maintain peace, confidence and certainty? This clip was taken from the annual Heaven in Business conference. To watch more, and join the growing global community engaging with God at work, see Heaveninbusiness.com/Free-Trial #kingdombusiness #confidence #certainty #uncertainty #secure #purpose #focus #unsettled

Recently a friend asked Andy, "How do you personally know that God is real? Not theology, not philosophy, not trying to convince others. But how do you know for yourself?" That question has been stirring for a couple weeks, so Andy recorded his response and now you get to hear from Janine. Andy and Janine have been married for 25 years and have followed the voice of God from New Zealand to Redding, CA and more recently to New Hope, Pennsylvania. If you want to grow as a follower of Jesus in your work, join us online to grow in identity, assignment, culture and influence. See https://www.heaveninbusiness.com/free-trial #testimony #god #faithjourney #faithchallenge #godsnotdead #hearinggod

Recently we hosted our first Heaven in Business Strategic Retreat. in this episode I summarize what happened, what I learned and what we are doing differently as a result. 1. What happened We had 20 business leaders from across the USA meet us in Pennsylvania for three days. The first day we visited Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA. We got to tour backstage seeing the design, construction and execution of world-class shows that serve 2,000 people, 11 times a week for about 40 weeks a year! We were pleasantly shocked by the level of excellence from the moment you drive into the property through to the live animals that participate in the shows, to the intricate detail of the sets. We then got to experience the show of Moses (more on that later) followed by lunch and discussion in the story-room with the executive team, talking culture and Presence-based-leadership and how they hear God for solutions, strategies and the next show! We then headed to a catered dinner at the home of a local business friend. The second day we heard the remarkable revival history and interweaving stories of William Wilberforce and William Penn and William Tennant... and Count Zinzendorf and the Moravians... and the holy experiment that IS Pennsylvania. We then unpacked the science behind cultural change (John Seel and his book Network Power) learning how a handful of highly committed people can and have changed global culture. With minds full we then went into the Life Center prayer house with Bob Perry and Lou Engle got centered back on the voice of God. And if that wasn't enough we had teams of prophetic people from Global Awakening give us rotating prophetic booths for over an hour in the evening.  The final day we called an audible and headed down to the Capitol Building where we were gifted with a tour of the governors office, the senate and house chambers with the phenomenal art telling foretelling the story and prophecy of William Penn for this state. We then did mastermind groups unpacking key actions for each participant followed by impartation and launch! 2. What I learned To say that I was somewhat overwhelmed is an understatement. We have yet to gather the participants in a followup call to debrief learning and subsequent application. So here's my attempt as some of the key points: You are part of a story that is WAY bigger than you You are not the lead role of that story... Jesus is The quicker you yield your perceived control of the lead role, the easier it will be You will never fully understand... TRUST is key Don't try to connect all the dots; collect them A handful of highly committed and resourced individuals with a clear focus can literally change society (and have done!) If we truly trust God and believe His word we will take more risk... AND BE MORE PATIENT. This is a long term game - it is agricultural/organic in nature, not mechanical. History is important. Prophecy is important. Jesus joins both, so stay close to Him. It's time to awaken the soil - the Holy seed = the heritage and legacy you stand on and were grafted into When you know how loved you are, you never feel insignificant (and avoid the pitfalls of comparison) 3. What I'm Doing Differently... I find myself revisiting learning on a daily basis. The key points are coming up in multiple conversations. In many ways the learning further confirmed the direction we are already headed and raised the volume of that which is most important. => Be more patient in the journey (increase intentional joy-activities) Side point: Interestingly I heard a podcast with Jordan Peterson talking about physiological wellbeing is strengthened by writing down past trauma and your future vision (frees you from past and give future hope/focus) and cognitive wellbeing is strengthened by regular physical exercise (your brain is about 2% bodyweight but consumes >20% energy!) => Don't change the subject Know and stay in your lane/assignment. Celebrate, encourage and strengthen others in their lane but don't leave your priorities. Avoid Christian co-dependance (event based lifestyle, living to the lowest common denominator and 'if you're not ok then I'm not ok') => Protect and prioritize key relationships  Identify those running alongside you, just in front of you and those you are given to lead and nurture. Don't get distracted with bright and shiny 'new' relationships. Commit to discipleship (receiving and giving). Think long term.  If this has been of value for you, join the global community growing with God at work and engaging in the wellbeing of the cities we serve. FMI Heaveninbusiness.com/free-trial. Alternatively, join us in person at an upcoming event near you Heaveninbusiness.com/events

What do you do when you don't have time to pray? Listen as James Goll gives us grace and encouragement... 1. Give grace to yourself 2. Change your vocabulary 3. Your spirit never slumbers or sleeps 4. Every prayer matters and every sacrifice counts 5. The God-worked-in-prayer that avails much 6. The anointing of GRACE and supplication (prayer) Zechariah 12:10 From 7:11min James has some prophetic words/words of knowledge for listeners... Find out more on James Goll at https://godencounters.com/ #jamesgoll #prayer #toobusy #shortprayers #christianbusiness

In this podcast I introduce James Goll who gives us some great keys on what qualifies you to be a great leader and why Israel is such a big deal for followers of Jesus. James is giving away his120-page study guide that you can download Heaveninbusiness.com/JamesGoll  JAMES W. GOLL is the founder of God Encounters Ministries, formerly known as Encounters Network. He is an international bestselling author, a certified Life Language Coach, an adviser to leaders and ministries, and a recording artist. With great joy James has traveled around the world ministering in more than 50 nations sharing the love of Jesus, imparting the power of intercession, prophetic ministry, and life in the Spirit. His passion is to “win for the Lamb the rewards of His suffering.” In the spirit of revival and reformation, James desires to facilitate unity in body of Christ by relationally networking with leaders of various denominational streams. Praying for Israel is a burden of his heart, as Israel fulfills her role in the consummation of the ages. He has recorded numerous classes with corresponding curriculum kits and is the author of more than fifty books, including The Seer, The Prophet, The Discerner, The Lost Art of Intercession, Praying with God's Heart, and Revival Breakthrough. James is also the founder of GOLL Ideation LLC, where creativity, consulting, and leadership training come together. James was married to Michal Ann for thirty-two years before her graduation to heaven in the fall of 2008. He has four adult married children and a growing number of grandchildren. James continues to make his home in Franklin, Tennessee.

Last week a friend text me "Andy, how do you personally know that God is real? Not theology, not philosophy, not trying to convince others. But how do you know for yourself?" My answer took all of one minute as I picked up the phone and recorded a short voice memo. The thoughts have been rattling around my head since then so I figured I'd let you in on some of them. This is my story. How do I know God is real? 1. I thought I did My parents became authentic followers of Jesus when I was a toddler. Their primary reason was to find some help parenting! (I'm sure that was for my older brother, not me...). Consequently I grew up in a family where scripture reading around the family table, and Sunday church and Friday night youth group, were part of the norm. Alcohol was very rare and although I remember being disciplined at home, I don't recall any harsh words between my parents growing up. When I was seven I invited my mother into my bedroom as I knelt at a low table and invited Jesus to be my personal Savior and Lord. During school holidays I attended Christian camps - CBMC in Raglan and Adventure Camps at Waikanae, New Zealand. I remember choosing to do optional bible studies by correspondence in between to win prizes for completion. When I was 13 I chose to get water baptized in my local church. By the time I was a junior in high school, I had a solid knowledge of scripture, surrounded by wonderful mentors and leaders who exemplified authentic Christian living. I had experienced a few cycling, road-related escapes from death and hearing the voice of God. Then I left home - the sheltered community of support and godly structure, and was accepted for a two-year cadetship on a 12,000 acre ranch (farm) to be trained as a shepherd (horse, dogs, sheep, cattle...). This was boarding with 19 other young men and the conversations were primarily around rugby, beer, boobs and butts... Alcohol consumption was a badge of achievement - how much you could drink before passing out. Sexual conquests were proudly broadcast, and fed by a constant stream of porn videos and magazines. And me having a devoted religious stance, being a virgin, and not gay was a shock. So they confronted, challenged, tested and pushed me to see if what I believed was real. 2. I asked for more I was challenged by some awkward and some genuine questions. Being outside my safe and protected zone, I had to find out for myself rather than relying on a childhood experience or that of my parents. So, along with my Michael W. Smith and Steve Grace casette tapes, my bible, the audio book of God's Generals by Roberts Liardon and my guitar I prayed "God if you are real, I want to know you more." That's when things got real. I would be riding my horse in the New Zealand hill country and 'get' songs that inspired and encouraged me. I would be sitting in my room playing guitar and feel an external warmth that washed over my neck and back. I would be reading scripture and certain verses would stand out and then happen before my eyes. One was "My enemies laid a trap for me... and have fallen into it themselves" (see Psalm 57:6).  3. I grew in favor with God and man   4. I have a heritage of fearing God - walking in His ways, learning His voice, seeing His power So what about you? What is the reason for the hope you have? And if you don't have hope, here's how to access it... It's really simple, as a mentor of mine said "God wants you so badly He made the conditions so simple... only believe." It goes something like this: Pray with me... "Father I come to you in Jesus Name. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for all of my sin, shame and brokenness. I acknowledge I have sinned and fallen short of your best life for me. I ask you to be my Savior: to forgive me and cleanse me and make me new. I invite you to be my Lord: to live with me and lead me and show me Your way. I ask you to send your Holy Spirit to baptise me with your love and lead me in all truth. I commit to seeking your Kingdom first in all things. Thank you!" If you prayed this for the first time I encourage you to reach out to some authentic christian friends, find a local bible-believing church and start to grow in your journey of being a follower of Jesus. Don't hesitate to reach out to us with your questions or comments andy@heaveninbusiness.com. If you want to grow as a follower of Jesus in your work, join us online to grow in identity, assignment, culture and influence. See Heaveninbusiness.com/free-trial Until next time!  

Brandon M. Showalter is a journalist and podcaster with The Christian Post who has reported extensively on topics of theological interest in the Church; bioethics issues such as euthanasia, assisted suicide, artificial reproductive technology, and surrogacy; and the developments of the "gender identity" movement and transgender ideology. He was first inspired to pursue into a career in writing and journalism while mopping floors and scrubbing toilets as a church custodian in April 2015. He earned a bachelor's degree in international studies and Spanish from Bridgewater College of Virginia in 2007, a Master of Arts in human rights from The Catholic University of America in 2022, and is a fellow of the John Jay Institute for Faith, Society, & Law. He is also a graduate (class of 2015) of a three-year, non-degree program at Bethel School of Ministry in Redding, California. His favorite thing to do in life is to sing.

When was the last time you leaned in for some deep spiritual growth? Last month I asked a national faith and work leader I trust, what his suggestions were for me to grow. He told me a couple things then suggested I jump in on the momentum of more than one million Christians fasting and praying for 21 days May. What??!!! More than ONE MILLION PEOPLE already committed to fasting and prayer? I wanted to know more. Now, if you haven't been a praying person or you don't regularly pray for a country, don't stop here. Read on and it will all make sense. The key is, we want to grow in our intimacy and connection with God and we want to be part of what He is doing in the earth in our day. So I followed the link to Isaiah62fast.com and listened to Mike Bickle, the founder of International House of Prayer. He spoke about what the Lord said to him and the real, existential threats to the nation of Israel and how this had blown up to over a million intercessors committed to fast and pray one hour a day for 21 days in May. So, here's the story and an invitation for you to join us. 1. Join the weekly prayer (one hour, once a week) with Heaven in Business, OR 2. Find out more about the Isaiah62fast.com and go all-in for the daily prayer with one of the hubs, OR 3. Join us for a strategic retreat in Pennsylvania in May 17-19 Regardless of what you do, please engage in something extra with God this month and be found growing in faith, hope and love! Find out more HeaveninBusiness.com/global-prayer  

Do you want less stress, more flow and higher productivity that you can sustain? Then listen and watch! Dave Charlson has over 24 years business development experience. He was a mortgage banker for 16 years He has spent the past 10 years developing products for the pet industry and has created, branded and established sales for two products that have generated 16 million in revenue.( David's cat litter testimony is featured in Chapter 1 of "God With You at Work", by Andy Mason) He is currently CEO & President of North American Sales for Authentic Sales LLC, his pet product sales and marketing company. Dave is all about creating safe places for business people to be vulnerable and real about their struggles and brokering the truth of heaven in exchange for their limiting beliefs and fears.  He does this by attracting God's presence with his dedication to extreme joy filled vulnerability and boldly sharing radical testimonies. Dave also coaches a select group of executives across the United States. He has been heavily involved with Heaven with Business since January 2013 including speaking at conferences and executive retreats.  David is happily married to his wife Michele and has 4 adult children. David is one of the Heaven in Business advisory team and you can see more Heaveninbusiness.com/About.  

When it all boils down, why do you do what you do? Here's a story that highlights this and my personal story of sorting through why I REALLY do what I do and then how to break that down into something I can focus on - lead metrics compared to lag metrics.  "An American executive arrived on a beach on a beautiful island.  The executive strolled down the beach and noticed a fisherman rowing in to the shore. His boat was chock full of fish and the executive asked him what he was doing.  The fisherman replied, “I've been fishing because I love it. And now I'm going to have a BBQ on the beach with my friends. I'll play guitar and sing and hang out on the beach and then in the evening I will dine with my wife under the stars.” “That's crazy,” says the executive. “You've caught so many fish! I can invest in you and we'll sell the fish and make a ton of money!” “Why would I want to do that?” Said the fisherman.  “Well, in a few months we could invest the profits and buy a bigger boat and make even more money,” said the executive.  “Why would I want to do that?” Said the fisherman.  “Well in a few years we could invest the profits and open a factory on the beach and process our own fish and make even more money,” said the executive.  “Why would I want to do that?” Said the fisherman.  “Well with all the profits from that you could eventually retire early. And then you could go fishing just because you love it. And then you could have a bbq on the beach with your friends. And you could play guitar and sing and hang out on the beach. And then in the evening dine with your wife under the stars...”   Why do you do what you do? How would you know? What would the people around you say about why you do what you do? Is that really worth it?   Listen to the podcast or watch on the Heaven in Business youtube channel, then join us at Heaveninbusiness.com/free-trial to grow in what is most important.

What is the fear of God and why is it so important? What happens to believers, or anyone for that matter, who don't have the fear of God? Listen in to this podcast as Andy interviews John Bevere on his new book, The Awe of God. You will hear some powerful stories behind the book and the greatest benefit to business people who embrace the spirit of the fear of the Lord. Listen through to the end to receive the prayer John Bevere will pray over you. Grab your copy of The Awe of God on John's website here - JohnBevere.com/AweofGod If you are wanting to further your walk with God at work, then check out the Heaven in Business resources, events and online learning community at Heaveninbusiness.com. You can watch this episode on youtube at the Heaven in Business channel here - https://youtu.be/h5plZmdJAOU

It all started on an early morning flight from Canada heading home to California. I had been a guest speaker at a conference alongside Steve and Wendy Backlund, who are people of great hope and faith. (IgnitingHope.com) Up early after long days and late nights of ministry, my plan was to try and catch up on some sleep while on the first of my flights. It wasn't to be. I kept finding myself ‘interrupted' by some of the most ridiculously faith-filled thoughts I'd ever had. Having never had such a stream of thoughts before I was determined to capture them and I kept opening my eyes to write another of the impossibility-defying ideas down. The phrase my thoughts all had in common was, ‘It's entirely possible..' As I somewhat reluctantly engaged with the flow of thoughts and ideas about how good God is and also how powerful, I realized that there is literally nothing that doesn't go at the end of that phrase. He, as His word says, is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask or even imagine. I can imagine pretty big so what He can do is always bigger than that. He is so loving toward me that it's entirely possible that I will encounter that love today in a powerful, life-changing way. Why not? He is so full of power and authority that it's entirely possible that my friend in the hospital gets healed and sent home today. Read this as a blog at - https://www.heaveninbusiness.com/blog/its-entirely-possible Watch as youtube post here - https://youtu.be/sjq5snl2eks In addition to being an outstanding mom of four powerful young adults, Janine Mason's super power is asking highly perceptive questions that quickly reveal the heart of the matter. For the last two decades Janine has been Andy's strategic business, personal and life advisor (and best friend)! Janine's background is in horticultural consulting and adult education. She is also an accomplished life coach working with individuals and small groups. Janine has authored multiple books including Dream Culture: Bringing Dreams to Life and Kingdom Tools for Teaching: Heavenly Strategies for Real Classrooms.  

This podcast is an interview with scientific researchers, Dr Joshua and Dr Candy Brown. Joshua was diagnosed with brain tumor and Candy had a dream in which God gave her the key to deliverance and healing of her husband. What happened over the next five months was a wild and crazy journey learning about healing and deliverance and then experiencing their own miracle.  This then led to the formation of Global Medical Research Institute which researches then publishes evidence of healing miracles, in scientific journals! Find out more at GlobalMRI.org. In this session, Dr Joshua and Dr Candy refer resources on healing and deliverance: - Book: Free in Christ by Pablo Battari  - Global Awakening Dr Randy Clark Healing - Christian Healing Ministries Judith MacNutt - Orbis Ministries Ken Fish Healing and Deliverance - Chavda Ministries - Bethel Church and Healing Rooms - HUB Ministries Chicago - Scientific Papers Documenting Healing Who are Dr's Joshua and Candy Brown? Joshua Brown (PhD, Boston University) is a Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Cognitive Science, and Neuroscience at Indiana University. He serves as director of the graduate Program in Neuroscience, director of the Cognitive Control lab at Indiana University, where he uses a combination of functional brain imaging and computational neuroscience methods to understand higher brain function in healthy individuals as well as clinical populations. His research has been featured on NPR, the Discovery channel, and numerous other media outlets. Dr. Brown has published over 80 peer-reviewed scientific publications and is an internationally recognized expert on the neural bases of higher cognitive function.  He also serves as director of the Global Medical Research Institute (GMRI, www.globalmri.org), a separate 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to medical and scientific investigations of claimed miraculous healings through prayer. Since his experience of a life threatening brain tumor in 2003 and subsequent healing, he has traveled the world with various healing ministries, and he works with GMRI to research and publish peer-reviewed reports of remarkable healing through prayer. Candy Gunther Brown (Ph.D. Harvard University) is Professor of Religious Studies at Indiana University. Dr. Brown writes, speaks, and teaches about Global Christianity, with a focus on prayer for healing and deliverance from evil spirits. She is currently writing a biography of the Catholic Charismatic Francis MacNutt (1925-2020) and a book on Demonology and Deliverance for which she is traveling to observe and compare practices in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Singapore, Ghana, and Brazil. Dr. Brown's unique perspective is that of an academically trained researcher who also has personal experience with healing prayer. It all started in 2003 when her husband—a neuroscience professor—was diagnosed with a brain tumor, delivered from demons, and miraculously healed. Ever since then, the couple has been praying for others, observing dramatic recoveries, using scientific methods to document results, and publishing their findings. Candy Brown is author of The Word in the World: Evangelical Writing, Publishing, and Reading in America, 1789-1880 (University of North Carolina Press, 2004); Testing Prayer: Science and Healing (Harvard University Press, 2012); The Healing Gods: Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Christian America(Oxford University Press, 2013); and Debating Yoga and Mindfulness in Public Schools: Reforming Secular Education or Reestablishing Religion? (University of North Carolina Press, 2019). She is editor of Global Pentecostal and Charismatic Healing (Oxford University Press, 2011), and co-editor (with Mark Silk) of The Future of Evangelicalism in America (Columbia University Press, 2016). Media coverage includes The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Interfaith Voices, Tricycle: The Buddhist Review, National Catholic Register, Charisma, and Christianity Today.  

Have you ever been concerned you could miss out on revival or what God may be doing? Be encouraged as you listen or watch as Andy and Janine unpack what is happening, what you can do about it (wherever you are) and they are personally doing to lean into what God is doing around the world right now.   #asbury #revival #renewal #fomo #faithandwork #fearoffailure

This interview was recorded on the day Shae Bynes launched her updated and expanded edition of Grace Over Grind - how grace will take your business where grinding can't. In this conversation we go behind the story of the book, what Shae had to overcome in learning how to walk with God at work and the results. Shae Bynes is a passionate storyteller, teacher, and mentor whose life and business was completely transformed through the power of encountering the unrelenting love of God. Her heart is to see marketplace leaders and families that are courageous, connected, and aligned with Kingdom purpose.     Shae is the Founder and Chief Fire Igniter of Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur where she inspires, teaches, and mentors Christian entrepreneurs to be led by God in their businesses so they can experience His best and have a greater Kingdom impact in the marketplace.  Together with her husband and high school sweetheart Phil, Shae helps couples strengthen their marriages by cultivating true intimacy through the power and love of God. Shae is the proud mother of 3 beautiful daughters and lives in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area.

We don't live by best practice or a business plan alone, we live by the word of God that we are listening for day by day (see Matthew 4:4). Here's Andy AND Janine sharing HOW we hear, WHAT we are hearing and how we are applying that to all that we do. 1. How do we hear? We have a daily spiritual discipline of engaging with God in the Scriptures. This is one of the primary places and times God speaks (we are fully listening!). I then journal what I am hearing and often we discuss that as we walk the dogs around our neighborhood. This often results in more questions and interaction, such as Janine suggesting I was believing lies about "the crowd." That immediately resulted in a dialogue with the Holy Spirit, as we were walking, in which I repented of believing lies and got a new mandate which you can listen to on podcast episode #166.  We also regularly engage with our local church, listen to podcasts and intentionally go to conferences and events that expose us to what God may be speaking on a regional or national basis. Recently we got to experience our first conference at Life Center in Harrisburg and I was greatly impacted by the messages from Todd White and Bishop Joseph Garlington. This was a wonderful time of listening, receiving and connecting with like-minded believers that encourage and inspire us in faith, love and good deeds! In addition to the above, we are talking with business people around the world on a daily basis and each week have a live call with the Heaven in Business community where there are themes of what God is saying and doing, that become apparent. 2. What are we Hearing?  Get going! God is with us. It's time to move on from here and advance, grow, expand, influence, take risk BECAUSE God is with us. Exodus 33:1 and 14 - Get going and I will go with you It's no longer business as usual. Don't just continue with what you were doing before, even if that was working. Pause and listen to the Holy Spirit and ask for new insight or strategy or focus or favor! The time for favor is now. 2 Corinthians 6 and Ruth 2 - Ask for favor in the time of favor and the time of favor is now. You've got nothing to prove and nothing to lose. Stop comparing. YOU BE YOU and get going with what is inside YOU! 3. How are we Applying what we are Hearing? We are intentionally leaning in, learning, refining strategy and taking risk to expand. We started videoing our weekly podcast and you can subscribe to the youtube channel (See below). We were GIVEN brand new video camera and microphone and took this last weekend to paint the office, setting it up as a working studio. We are asking Holy Spirit regarding all our weekly activities (live Heaven in Business call for example) and our upcoming events to listen for specific strategies and insights. For the Birmingham workshop coming up, we leaned in for speicific strategy how to do our marketing - the result was a significant jump in registrations in one weekend.  We are testing our favor by reaching out to old and new contacts and exploring new possibilities. One of these is the Africa Adventure Missions trip in September. Another is a possible workshop in the UK and Germany in October. We are reviewing favor in connections we have had in the (recent) past and making sure those relationships are strong and valued.  We are catching ourselves where we are making excuses or fear-based statements and remembering 'we have nothing to prove and nothing to lose' and GOING FOR IT. So watch this space!  If you want to join us in the momentum, try out seven days for free on HeaveninBusiness.com/free-trial AND if you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to email andy@heaveninbusiness.com      

How could a viking, addict and infidel be embraced as the friend of hostile Muslim leaders and eventually win the International Peace Award in 2022? Listen to the story as Andy interviews Leif Hetland. Make sure you watch to the end to receive a powerful spiritual blessing from Leif. Find out more about Leif at https://globalmissionawareness.com/ Find out more about the April event at https://www.heaveninbusiness.com/events You are invited to join us in-person at the 2023 Heaven in Business conference in Atlanta, GA, April 20-22nd. See link above to find out more.

A couple episodes back we talked about having and listening to wise counsel. This is the best strategy to keep you from doing or being stupid. If you keep wise counsel close you will make better decisions, stay focused, have more joy and finish strong. So... how do you FIND wise counsel? Story 1 - New to country finding wise counsel - good and bad experience Story 2 - New to location finding wise counsel - slow(?) experience When I refer to wise counsel I am looking for practical wisdom with eternity in mind. In other words, I'm not simply looking for the best principles of the world; I'm looking for godly wisdom. With this in mind I am looking for three things: 1. Excellent at what is good Do they have a reputation (which has nothing to do with platform or 'likes') for being really good at what they do? Have they invested in their own growth? Are they still growing? Would you buy goods or services from them? Are they good at their craft? 2. Innocent of evil Do they have godly character, proven over time? What is their relationship like with those closest to them (spouse, children, parents..). How do they treat the people around them and around you - the personal assistant, your spouse or children, the janitor, the server...? Do they leave you feeling more or less energized? Do they leave you feeling more or less built up? Do they make you feel stronger or weaker? 3. Evidence of a walk with God What is the current evidence of their authentic walk with God? What are they hearing Him say? Are they engaged with a community of believers?  4. Do they have wrinkles? Wrinkles are evidence of life experience: Don't ask an 18 year old for relationship advice. Generally speaking, the more mature people are, the more perspective they have on life because they have been around long enough to see fads and fashions come and go. They have observed life. As long as they are secure in themselves, and anchored in the fear of the Lord, they will have some great perspective for you. 5. Do they have body scars? Are the scars septic or clean? If they still ooze toxic offense and bitterness then stay far far away. And if they don't have any body scars, they are not a guide - they haven't overcome their own challenges and are not qualified to guide you in yours. Anyone that has built anything significant - a marriage, a family, a business... WILL have body scars. These are difficulties or challenges they have had to overcome in order to build. And in doing so they have gained wisdom and perseverance and patience and perspective. Listen to those people! So where can you find wise counsel? 1. Proven professionals - these are the ones you pay for. Their reputation and reviews, follow them. You find them by asking around your community... "Who do you know that is excellent at... can give me advice on...." And be prepared to pay for it.  2. Business network and development groups 3. City fathers and mothers (not the position or title... the function) 4. Seasoned AND joyful church members 5. Heaven in Business and other like-minded organizations Finally - ALWAYS Check - "You are going out as lambs amongst wolves. So be as innocent as a dove and innocent as a dove." DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE. Don't assume. Check the references and reputation.  And if you would like to work with one of the Heaven in Business advisory team, contact them out by scrolling down on the https://www.heaveninbusiness.com/about page.

Last week I visited Asbury University in Kentucky where a student chapel service that started on Wednesday has continued, non-stop. I'm going to tell you my experience there, plus what else is happening and how you can engage. In addition to Asbury KY, Janine and I did a Heaven in business workshop in Washington, DC and joined our first Bethel Leaders Network regional call, hearing testimonies from the upper north east of America. On top of all that I was in Indianapolis participating in a healing and deliverance conference with Ken Fish. Here's what is happening, what I am hearing and what you need to do as a result. You are invited to be part of this awakening and there are no exceptions. All you need do is say “YES” and put on the daily life that Jesus gave you access to (read Galatians 5). No excuses. See full show notes what to stop doing, start doing and keep doing at Heaveninbusiness.com/blog/no-more-excuses Access these resources to help: There are many resources to help you grow in your walk with God. Here's two sources that I know and trust personally because I have personally used them. Orbis Ministries (Ken Fish) Weekly podcast (free) where Ken interviews people all around the world who are walking in the power of God. God is Not a Theory Online resources to identify and grow in spiritual gifts: hearing God, healing the sick, prophecy and deliverance Mike Connell Ministries (New Zealand) Even after being at Bethel Church in Redding, CA for over a decade and experiencing countless world-renowned ministers I still come back to Mike Connell as an outstandingly gifted teacher to ground you in scripture and impartation to operate in the Kingdom of God. Not only that but all Mike's resources are FREE. Here's a few that you can download, read and listen to… The Kingdom of God Healing the sick Deliverance Heaven in Business - practical tools to partner with God at work and engage in the wellbeing of your city And if you are in a profession or business and want to grow all of this in the context of your assignment in the workplace, join Heaven in business online (check it out for free) or in-person. We also work with a small number of highly committed people as part of a mastermind group or individual advisory. EMAIL ME if you want to know more. andy@heaveninbusiness.com No more excuses.

Last episode I made a confession to live up to who God says I am rather than making excuses or hiding or deferring to others. That's all false humility and is not helping anyone. On the other side, how do you keep yourself from getting too full of yourself and ending up in failure? I believe we are on the cusp of another great awakening that is happening all over the world, right now! So as we step and into more of what God does on and through us, beyond our own ability, how do we stay humble and finish strong? Step one - if you are in business or lead any organization, read this: I highly recommend you read the Jim Collins book, How The Mighty Fall, to see the evidential pathway to failure (THAT WE CAN AVOID!) At least read the summary HERE:  Hubris born of success - "We are awesome. Look at me." Overinflated view of self. Undisciplined pursuit of more - "We can succeed at anything, so we will..." Take on multiple tasks, objectives outside core strength and vision (or lack thereof). Denial of Risk and Peril - "We don't have a problem." Blaming others or ignoring the feedback. External momentum has pushed company to great height(s). Grasping for salvation - "This new product/leader/market/culture... will turn this around." Refusing to own the problem and return to core competency(ies). Capitulation to irrelevance or death - The end So what's the solution?  Some of my Christian friends would say "stay connected to Christ" or "stay in the Presence." Only problem is, I have read about Judas who couldn't have been more connected Christ, yet failed monumentally.  Then there's Lucifer who was the arch-angel of worship; literally surrounding the throne and directing praise and worship in Heaven. I cannot see how anyone could be closer to the Presence of God - the wonder and awe and amazement as angels and heavenly beings cry holy, holy, holy... Yet he still succumbed to the hubris born of success and failed eternally. Another solution is to pursue wisdom and understanding. The only problem there is that the wisest person in the world - Solomon, failed to heed his own instruction and failed miserably. Hmmmm.... So I need to have someone who will adjust me? Great idea! Yet Judas was an example of having the best discipleship on the planet, yet still chose to profit himself first, and ended terminally... Solomon looked so successful on the outside and was the wisest person in the world, and the entire nation was prospering ridiculously under his leadership.... He would have been very difficult to confront/adjust in the momentum of his success. And confronting Lucifer... or the most seemingly successful worship leader in history, would have been interesting. How many gifted or anointed leaders (in ministry or in business or in government...) have been easy to confront in the midst of their success? So should I stay small and avoid success?  NO!!!! Unacceptable. That is partnering with fear and robbing the world and your friends of who you are. Go back and listen to last episode to deal with that thought. So what is the solution? How do I ensure I step up fully in who I am called to be and knock it out of the park (ie. do awesome) and not allow awesome to sabotage my finish? The story of David is a great lesson to help us. He was incredibly anointed and gifted. He had epic success after years of wilderness discipleship. Then, at the heights of his success, when nothing he did looked like it could fail, David failed more than most people in a lifetime. He lusted after the wife of one of his most loyal and skilled mighty men. While his mighty man was fighting the King's battle, David took his wife, got her pregnant and then tried to manipulate the circumstances to cover it up. When the fiercely loyal soldier refused to be manipulated, David had him murdered. If that's not all, he failed to confront the poor character of his sons and his military leaders, resulting in murder, rape, treason and a divided kingdom. Ouch. Yet history records David as a friend of God and that Jesus is the son of David? Acts reports that he fulfilled the purpose of God in his generation. Hmmm.... I'd give him a 'B' at best. So what can we learn from David? David didn't just have people around him to speak up. He listened. He was confront-able.  He adjusted. Not at first. Sometimes he needed a metaphoric story to get the message, or a lot of pain before he could understand his error. But he responded. And God credited that to him. And he finished... mostly strong. HIs story is right there in all its unedited mess to teach us something. WILL. YOU. LISTEN? David had Samuel and Nathan. They were prophets and Nathan was considered to have studied under Samuel and become King David's court appointed prophet - advisor to the King on personal and national issues. But I think the best kept secret is will you listen to your spouse? At the end of David's life, he is about to choose stupid again by avoiding to confront one of his son's who is usurping the Kings succession plan. Then Nathan AND BATHSHEBA confront David.... and David listened.  So do we have a solution to stay strong and avoid failure?  Yes we do. Is it foolproof? No, regardless of how many powerful voices you are listening to and how close you are to the Presence of God you still have within you the power to choose stupid. The only guaranteed pathway is to stay tenderhearted in the process. How do you do that? Ask me in ten years time. Here's what I know: 1. Stay close to God... and constantly growing. When was the last time you were convicted of living less than what He has called you to? How are you responding? When was the last time you were humbled by HIs greatness, goodness or power? Stay in awe of Him. Daily word and prayer (no excuses) Fasting...???! Worship, and especially engaging in corporate worship experiences Journal what you are hearing Him say  Reflect on what you have heard and what you are doing differently 2. Choose to have wise counselor(s) in your 'court' Give them power to speak, anytime... and to your stakeholders Be intentionally vulnerable and consistently regular in connecting with them Listen in next week as we talk about how to find and walk with wise counselors and/or a band of brothers (or sisters)  3. Listen to your spouse (or your closest leader/parent-figure) Ask for feedback, listen and ponder it before responding Beware your expertise or success doesn't make you deaf and render them dumb... or you will suffer the consequences Ask yourself: Who can give me feedback? Who can disagree with me and change the way I see things? How easy is it for those around me to speak up? When was the last time someone confronted me? Would they do it again? AM.I.LISTENING? Congratulations on reading to the end of this blog! Please add your comments and share this with others who would find it valuable. And, as always, don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or comments to andy@HeaveninBusiness.com        

Last week I got my first speeding ticket in a long time and it was a big one. But that's not what I want to talk about. Something has changed in January 2023 and I am convinced it's God-time. Here's what's happening, how God is convicting me and how it applies to you. 1. What's happening - Upgrades In the last month we are seeing the 'lid' come off. We are not doing anything differently of ourselves but something has changed. This podcast is up 40% on the best month last year. We have travelled to two influential cities meeting and ministering to business leaders of leaders. We have some new connections that automatically upgraded our platform and favor (including sending us high quality audio visual equipment to upgrade the recording of this podcast!) And yesterday I was in a studio recording some Kingdom Business sessions that will be heading to Brazil.... On top of that, in-person events have opened right up with Washington DC, Birmingham AL, Atlanta GA, Portland OR, Destin FL, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Australia all saying "YES!" And then the last couple weeks of our live calls with the Heaven in Business membership community have highlighted phrases such as Exodus 33:1 and 33:14: "Get going!" "I will go with you." So what's happening? The lid has come off, nations are opening up, we are growing on every side.  2. What's the Problem - Self-Sabotage So in all of this am I not simply rejoicing and scrambling to meet the growing demand? Well, sort of! I was talking with a friend last week telling him what was happening and he caught me minimizing, deflecting and using humor to hide from what is unfolding. When I remember where I have come from or focus on my inadequacies I feel way out of my depth. I feel uncomfortable with the level of favor that God is pouring out. I feel scared that I might screw it up by saying or doing something stupid.  Where did that come from? I could blame what others have done or said or justify it by my upbringing... "I a small town country boy from a small country at the bottom of the world..." And what hit me was that all this fear and false humility and self-protecting was DISHONORING and DESPISING the goodness and grace (and glory) of God on my life. I will never step into all He has for me if I will not fully embrace who He says I am.  It's all about identity.  One of my life verses is Isaiah 55:5 that the Lord re-emphasized at the end of 2022: "Surely you shall call a nation you do not know, And nations who do not know you shall run to you, Because of the LORD your God, And the Holy One of Israel; For He has glorified you.” What's the point? The increase is because God has glorified me (upgraded, elevated, granted me favor and access and increase...). That still feels awkward saying it. And... if I don't get ok with it, I will reject what He is wanting to clothe me with in order to step into what He has assigned for me. In other words, it's not about me!  So I was behaving like the guy in the parable that Jesus told of a wedding feast...  In Matthew 22 Jesus tells a parable illustrating the Kingdom of Heaven. A King holds a wedding feast for his son. He sent out invitations but all those initially invited ignored or rejected the invitation, even killing some of the messengers. The King was furious and destroyed the murderers and their town. Then the King sent out his servants to simply invite everyone they could see (on the street corners and the highways). The wedding feast was now full and the only condition was that each guest had to leave behind their own garment and put on the wedding garment that was a gift from the King. When the King came in, one man wasn't wearing the proper clothes for the wedding (doesn't say why). That guest was bound hand and foot and thrown out where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth. Jesus then summarizes saying "For many are called, but few and chosen." (see Matthew 22:1-14) What's the point? I was/am like the guy invited to the wedding feast but refusing to wear the wedding garments because I don't feel adequate or worthy or comfortable or...  What's the risk? If I don't get over myself (note - self is the problem: when you focus on your SELF rather that what Christ has done) I will find myself weeping and gnashing having missed out on what I was called and clothed to be part of. What's the solution? Repent - change my thinking. God chose me, called me and clothes me; so who I am to refuse? If God says this about me, who am I to question it? I must simply align myself with what He says (continually) and humbly say "Yes Lord, be it to me according to your word." I must fill the gap of inadequacy with worship and grattitude then boldly and confident walk in the clothes, calling and commission that He has given me. And better yet, I got to confess to my friend who is walking through the same, and we can keep one another accountable to never shrink back or make excuses or minimize or defer or dishonor the glory of God on our lives again. 3. What about you? You will never step into the upgrades the Lord has for you if you don't embrace who He says you are.  It's not about you! It's about Him and His kindness and His goodness and His grace alone. So say 'Thankyou!"  Likewise, if you step into the upgrades and believe it is because of your efforts or ability or works (pride, religion...) you will find yourself being opposed by God Himself. He resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. So where are you holding back or hiding or making light of what the Lord is laying out for you?  Where has He called or commissioned or clothed you with favor and grace? Are you walking into that?  What will you do about it?  If you want to fully walk into a partnership with God in all of life and do this in community with a like-minded business community, join us online at HeaveninBusiness.com/free-trial Finally, if you ever see me making light (joking) or deferring inappropriately or holding back from what the Lord is calling and commissioning me to walk in, I give you permission to call me out! Let's commit to one another to building one another up until we ALL reach the fullness of the stature of the measure of Christ that is what He died for! If you have any questions or comments, don't hesitate to contact me andy@heaveninbusiness.com

What happens when God tells a 16 year old to give away his favorite clothes... or his car when he is 18... or his house deposit????!!!! Listen in as Aaron Christopherson of Pinnacle Wealth shares his story and unpacks radical generosity.

Over the last few weeks I've been praying and planning and now I can say I'm super excited about what is unfolding this year. Actually it's a little overwhelming and has been challenging making decisions what to say yes to and what to say no to! So here's HOW I'm using a credo or decision-making tree to help me make decisions in alignment with my values and assignment. It's easy making decisions when it's been good and not good. It's hard making decisions when it's between two (or three or four... ) GOOD things. The process I'm working through will help you also. If you want the notes and free worksheet on this, go to Heaveninbusiness.com/decision-guide 

I was afraid that things might not work out... I chose to walk in faith regardless...and God has done exceedingly abundantly better than I could ask or imagine. So here's what's happening this year....   Find out more Heaveninbusiness.com/events   Washington DC Workshop - February 8-9 Birmingham AL Workshop - March 16-17 Atlanta GA Workshop - April 20-22 Harrisburg PA Strategic Retreat - May 17-19 Zimbabwe and South Africa - end of September/Start October Stuttgart, Germany Workshop - third week October Nashville TN, Redding, CA, Portland OR, Largo FL... watch this space

Do you get worried about stuff? The cashflow. The future. The other people doing things that affect you. The relationship conflict. The cultural conflict. If I keep going down this line I'd have to include the local and national and global conflict over values... this list goes on. Full confession, I can get anxious and troubled really fast. Then I read what Jesus said about worry, anxiety and fear... The context was Jesus telling his closest companions that it was about to get bad, real bad...but that they should rejoice?! And that He was leaving but would return (?!) and that people would hate them and harm them because they followed Him... Awesome!  Let not your heart be troubled;  you believe in God, believe also in Me. John 14:1 => So if [or when] I fully believe [trust] in Jesus, the result is I wont let my heart get anxious, troubled, worried... Hmmmm. And there's more... Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I NOW give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you.  DO NOT LET your hearts be troubled,  NEITHER LET THEM be afraid.  [Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.] John 14:27 (AMPC - emphasis mine) => Oh, so I only worry when I don't trust God and in fact I have been ALLOWING or LETTING or CHOOSING worry. Oops. So, how do I fix this? What's the plan? That's where I read John 15, paraphrased it says this 1. Remain (abide, dwell, be constantly connected and present with) in Me 2. Let my Word remain (same definition above) in you 3. Don't let your hearts be troubled - about evil doers - about wicked schemes - about what you need - about others prospering  - about trouble when it comes - about tomorrow… For the Lord will be your confidence and Will Keep your foot from being caught. Proverbs 3:25, 26 And it all connects with other passages of scripture: Psalm 91 - remain with God and He watches over you. MAKE the Lord your refuge... Psalm 37 - rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him... Do not fret Psalm 16 - SET the Lord always before you and you will never be shaken AND you get joy Matt 6:34 REFUSE to worry about tomorrow.. Joshua 1 - Be strong and courageous; do not fear 2 Timothy 1:7 God hasn't given us fear but power, love and a SOUND mind (self-control of our thoughts - the ability to manage what we are thinking) So the bigger question is... How do I believe Jesus, remain in Him and let His Word remain in me? THIS is the key to never being (or allowing yourself to be) moved or shaken or anxious or troubled. Choose to remain in Him rather than choosing to remain in fear. This is not some wave-the-wand-and-instantly-you-are-better trick. This is the result of a LIFESTYLE of leaning into Jesus and His Word. It is allowing His WORD - His Voice to be louder than all the other voices. It is choosing to lean into the truth that He is always with me, never leaves me and with the Spirit of Jesus inside, there is nothing that can keep me down. So let's get real practical... HOW do I remain or abide or lean in to God - in His Presence - face-to-face with God.... (lot's of different terms through scripture effectively meaning the same thing). Jesus said it like this: "I only do what I see my father doing." He was walking conscious of the Spirit of God Almighty with Him. Always. Here's some ideas to help you: - Be intentional. Nothing of depth/substance is built without intentionality. You don't have to be crazy legalistic about it but you do need to choose what you will do. It's either DAY ONE or one day... Choose TODAY what you will do.  - Be accountable. Tell someone what you will do and give them permission to ask you about it. Anytime. - Be consistent. Give us THIS DAY our DAILY bread. Set aside focused time daily. If I am serious about REMAINING in good physical condition I must (especially as I get older) consistently invest in activity that ensures this. Left to my own devices I am guaranteed to procrastinate, eat what and when I like and end up unhealthy (a nice term meaning I will continue to purchase larger sizes of clothing and be positioned for increasing health problems!) So I must be consistent. It is a choice. Daily. Here's the basics... (it's not rocket science, if the untrained, uneducated disciples can get it then we can also!) - Read your bible daily (try the bible in a year or a reading plan - REMAIN in the Word) - Worship corporately at least weekly - Journal what you are hearing and learning (capture it, take God/his Word seriously) - Practice gratitude - Train yourself to be conscious of the Presence of God - be still and KNOW God Ps 46 - Pray in the Spirit, often (and out loud when you can) - Be obedient. Quickly - Practice repentance. Search me God and know me. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me. And lead me in the path everlasting. - Worship on your own, with your work, with your voice, with your attitude... If you want to join us WEEKLY for a live call with stories of what God is doing all over the world this will HELP YOU REMAIN in Him and His word remaining in you. You will be inspired by the stories of every day people. You will be activated in sharing your own. You will be trained how to use the Word of God in strategic and tactical prayer. And you will be connected with a growing movement of people partnering with God at work and engaging in the wellbeing of the cities they serve. Find out more Heaveninbusiness.com/free-trial  

This short episode gives you an inside look at the Mason family over Christmas and why I tell you that... something I'm learning and will be focused on all year! Merry Christmas! 

How do you partner with God for strategy concerning the coming year? How do you know what to start doing, stop doing and keep doing? Is God even concerned about the little things like your budget and your marketing plan and your target customer? Here's a behind-the-scenes look into what I do, why I do it and how I am partnering with Heaven in my business. 1. Set aside time I prioritized a day. In truth this is not enough. But it was a good start and has given me the foundations and ingredients to refine over the break (allow it to 'percolate' internally) before taking another take early in the new year to consolidate then execute. There are no major changes - simply confirming and refining focus. 2. Find a place that helps you be still, reflect, remember and refocus A prayer house is excellent for this. Perhaps your local church or a church in your city where you could go and sit before the Lord. Perhaps it's a place out in nature that works for you to be still and quiet any distractions. I went to the prayer house at Life Center Harrisburg.  It's a two hour drive from home and I intentionally left my laptop at home. Getting away was totally worth the effort!  3. Remember the Lord This not a transactional meeting but a relationship you are continuing to build. So take time to be together. Worship. Express gratitude.  I took a couple hours in the morning to do this first. I've felt more recently with so many opportunities and things opening up I really need to focus on connection and keep myself from running (back) into solely accomplishment/transaction mode. 4. Remember the results Reflect back over the last year and write down your metrics and results (key performance indicators - KPI's). Record the highlights - the testimonies that happened through the year that you want to see repeated. Consider personal and spiritual growth, financial growth, customer base, product or service development, systems and procedures, relational and emotional growth, marriage and family... How much did you give this year? What were the surprising areas of growth? What did you learn?  I wrote down our growth and demographics with social media and email correspondence. I listed the places we did workshops and conference and retreats. I listed all the mastermind groups and advisory relationships that I am working with. I then sat back and remembered and wrote down the testimonies from across those places plus what has happened in my life and family and our move. In doing this it is impossible not to overflow with gratitude and awe! 5. What do you see and hear for the coming year? Where is there favor or opportunities? What does looking back over the last year tell you about what could be coming next? We have significant favor with retreat and workshop opportunities and how the conference is literally falling into place for Atlanta in April. There are a couple of locations that also have unusual amounts of connections/favor that I have identified and will lean into making a priority. One is NYC with Markus and Claudia Kirwald, and another is Lancaster and/or Harrisburg, PA with some other key connections. We will be spending a day a month in NYC and looking to do a workshop or retreat in PA in May.  As I pondered this before the Lord I have three key scriptures that are guiding us for the foreseeable future, which give clear objectives: A) Isaiah 55:5 - Summon / call the crowd through a nurture sequence that invites them into a growth opportunity where they can access tools and resources to grow in identity and partnership with God at work. This encompasses our social strategy through to annual conference and membership community. The community piece is something we continue to lean into to find ways to make this more effective in facilitating purposeful connection. We have a promise that the Lord will give us the strategy to do this so waiting on more clarity before we implement. Of note, the website host we use has purchased a leading community platform and this will become available internally in January... timing is perfect! B) Titus 1:5 - Give clarity and confidence and connection to those we are working more closely with. Turn friends into partners through advising, mentoring, training, confronting, modeling and encouraging.  This encompasses our workshops, retreats, mastermind groups and individual advisory. C) 2 Timothy 2:22 - Identify those who have evidence of (Romans 16:19) excellence in their business, proven character, vibrant connection to Christ and ability to train others also. This is our strategy to multiply at the pace of relationship where we promote others as advisors, group facilitators and city-community leaders. I also asked Michelle, who works with Heaven in Business, what testimonies were highlights from this year and her perspective of growth. I also asked what she was seeing open up (where is our favor) and what she is hearing the Lord say. Next... run this all past Janine and more specifically map out the dates and locations we will be doing workshops and retreats and other activities for the year. FINALLY, one area we have been secretly experimenting with is intentionally and strategically giving to leaders and organizations to ignite and accelerate hope and fruitful growth of Kingdom initiatives, otherwise limited due to resources. This has included Exodus Cry - Benji Nolot, Redding City Mission, iReachAfrica - Tracy Evans, Alliance Defending Freedom, a Ukraine kingdom business group and more. We have also sponsored key individuals to attend events where they would have otherwise been excluded due to finance. OPPORTUNITY - if you want to join with us in multiplying impact by resourcing individuals and organizations limited by economics contact me or give to our registered charitable organization called The Hope Directive. You can give via paypal on Paypal.me/HopeDirective If you have questions or comments, don't hesitate to contact me andy@heaveninbusiness.com  

Last week Janine and I were in New Zealand. Our primary purpose was to revisit family for the first time in six years! We also got to do an executive retreat that was outstanding. One of the sessions, Janine and I unpacked the messy journey of together hearing God about moving to the east coast and how we navigated what God said compared to the delays and challenges we experienced along the way. Here's some of the questions we unpack: 1. How did you hear God? 2. How did you translate what God said into practical decisions and timeframe? 3. How and who did you interact with in the process? Who are the stakeholders? 4. What if/when leaders and mentors disagree? 5. What do you do when what you expect doesn't happen in your timeframe? 6. What about when what you 'heard' doesn't work at all? If you have any questions or comments don't hesitate to contact us andy@heaveninbusiness.com. If you would like to grow with God in your work then join us weekly online - Heaveninbusiness.com/free-trial

Kia Kaha, Kia Ngakaunui! That's the motto for the high school I used to attend. It's Maori for "Be Brave, Have Courage!" In other words, "Be strong and courageous!" Only be strong and courageous! Be careful to follow all My commands - do not turn to the right or to the left. Meditate on My Words night and day and in so doing you will make your way prosperous and will have great success. Only be strong and very courageous! Joshua 1 (*** Read on to access a 90% off coupon to help train you in the one skillset that made the greatest difference to me ***) This week I am in New Zealand visiting family and doing a two day executive retreat. I have gotten to spend time reconnecting with family and also drive past places we used to live and work. I got to drive from Taupo to Hawkes Bay, passing farms that I used to visit as a business consultant. I got to drive past the sports grounds where I played rugby. I got to walk the streets where I used to live. I got to see the trails I used to run and the office I used to operate from as a relationship manager with an agricultural bank. I got to remember what my life was like and the challenges that I faced and the thinking that I operated in. This morning I am in Havelock North staying with my wife's parents. I am now sitting on the couch and reading my bible and journaling what I am grateful for and marveling at how the Lord has led us and guided us and provided and challenged us to grow at every step.  I read in Psalm 61 I read in Joshua 1:2-9 paraphrased "...the time has come for you to lead... ...wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you... ...I will be with you as I was with Moses, I will not fail you or abandon you. ...Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this book of instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. The price for you to be all God has made you to be has already been paid. There are no exceptions or excuses. And it takes courage to believe that, step into it, keep walking and refuse to be defined by your situation, circumstances, genealogy, job (or lack thereof) and especially what people may have said about you. 1. Listen  2. Follow 3. Repeat So here's the greatest key for me in making 'my' way prosperous. It is listening to the voice of God. Follow the voice of God. Don't turn to the left or the right. Stay on course. And as I have done that I now look back amazed at what we have gotten to do, where we have been able to serve and the legacy that is now all over the world.  So I want you to do the same! We turned our journey into a mini course that will equip you to hear the voice of God for decisions you need to make daily. Use code: THANKFUL1 on HeyGodWhatNow.com to get $90 off until the end of December, 20222. You pay less that 10% normal price. Just $7 USD. Why? The greatest secret of my success is listening and following the voice of God. This is a very practical course on how to hear God on a daily basis, how to know it is His voice and how to apply what you are hearing to daily situations. We also cover what to do when what you hear doesn't happen like you think and how to do this with others. It's not easy. It takes courage. So  Kia Kaha! Kia Ngakaunui! Be brave and have courage! Only, be strong and very courageous!!!

How do you recognize and avoid burnout? How do you manage stressful workload? How do you recognize the signs in those around you and do something about it? This episode is brought to you by Nicola Murphy of Gnowbe.com.

This unusual encounter in my hotel room in Hawaii was the real defining moment of Heaven in Business. It is now burned into who I am and what we live for. It has also made it really obvious what we are NOT. When you know that it is God With You that defines you, you are no longer defined by anything else: Not your accomplishments or lack thereof, Not what people say or don't say, Not your history or trauma or sickness, Not your vision or purpose, Not your miracles or giving or net worth, Not your family or legacy or where you came from, And DEFINITELY NOT your church or political affiliation, or club membership! The Presence of God WITH US is what defines us. So what defines you as a follower of Jesus in the workplace? How would you know? If you've never been certain that God wants to break into your world and rock your business…if you've built your business with one foot on the gas and one foot on the brake because you didn't possess total conviction that business success is a holy pursuit… you need this book (Perry Marshall, writing about the book God With You at Work). If this leaves you wanting more, check out HeaveninBusiness.com and join us in person or online to grow in your partnership with God at work.

Did you hear about the guy at the coffee drive-thru who paid for the person behind him and it turned into a SIX HOUR spirit of generosity?!! Imagine what it would be like to be part of that? Or what if you were the one who ended it? One of the key attributes of the Kingdom of God is generosity. This is in stark contrast to a political spirit or a religious spirit which are all about greed, position and power. The result of those are division, fear, manipulation and futility. The best way to diffuse it is to do the opposite - intentional generosity. So that is what we are going to do. For the first 21 days of December we are doing a Generosity Campaign and I want you to add to the momentum by joining with us. We have made a list of 21 intentional acts of generosity, put those into a guide and will share tips and scriptures and inspiring stories to shift the narrative and build a culture where the Kingdom of God is demonstrated. So are you in?  Simply jump onto Generosity-Campaign.com, sign up and we will send you the guide and the steps from here. Also follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Linkedin to get notifications and updates of the testimonies. Finally, what are your favorite testimonies of generosity and what is the best resource on how to be generous?  Looking forward to hearing from you and shifting the story! #generosity #generositycampaign  

This is an update of episodes 166 and 167. I had been happily growing Heaven in Business as a viable business model and seeing some really great fruit - people accelerating in their partnership with God at work. This was evidenced by increased measure of peace regardless of circumstance, increased awareness of the wisdom of God directing different strategies and resulting miracles in dead businesses coming back to life, cashflow turnaround and divine favor for expansion. Then God spoke - "Call the crowd" I immediately jumped into action, ran ahead, got overwhelmed... then was lovingly realigned by God. Next I learned I didn't have to go looking for the 'crowd' but the crowd was already at my front door! Our website analytics showed over 10,000 visitors to the home page in the last 30 days.  So here's what Ive been doing since, how I am hearing God through His Word and through a dream and how it is unfolding. The rest you can assess for yourself! Just know this... our version of 'success' and timing are not always the same as His. I am learning!!! May this encourage you. And if you want to understand more of what is a Kingdom Business and how do you know if you are succeeding with that frame of reference, check out a free assessment and one page summary HERE - HeaveninBusiness.com/KingdomBusiness What am I Learning? 1. Patience leads to beautiful things... learn to wait! 2. Obedience IS success 3. Excellence is worth the time 4. God is still speaking and I am still learning to hear Resources Mentioned Superfans: The Easy Way to Stand Out, Grow Your Tribe, and Build a Successful Business by Pat Flynn plus the associated online course Irresistible Offer Plan Course and Free Pipeline Plan from Rebecca Austin

This episode is the founders story of Heaven in Business. Andy Mason is interviewed by Ken Fish and Grant Pemberton of God is Not a Theory. They ask insightful questions to unpack the raw and real journey of partnering with God and launching a business that is now serving businesses and leaders all over the world. Here's some of the questions: How & why did you go from New Zealand to USA? What is Heaven in Business How did Heaven in Business launch?  What were the barriers and challenges you needed to overcome? What was it like working with senior leaders at Bethel Church, Redding? How did you need up in New Hope, Pennsylvania? What is happening next? Make sure you check out Ken Fish on OrbisMinistries.org and their podcast God Is Not a Theory

Last episode I shared how I got a Divine business correction (I was believing lies...) and immediately jumped into a new strategy - "Don't ONLY focus on the few, ALSO call the crowd." Well, here's the update and what I am learning: Firstly, based on a word from God I seriously embraced the change and leaned right into ALL that I could do to IMMEDIATELY adjust. I'm sure you would never do this... I signed up for a course and diligently did the homework to redefine our target customer and their pain points and our irresistible offer and the nurture sequence and where to put lead magnets... And I listened to some podcasts and downloaded an audio book and researched what was actually going on with our 'crowd' market. I stayed up late reading and writing and listening. I forced myself to study and learn and plan rather than just dive in and execute. That's a success moment! Then all my work was interrupted by needing to drive to Virginia for an executive retreat. My head was bouncing around all the things I needed to implement and I wanted desperately to get the strategy and get.it.done! Then my wife, Janine, patiently and kindly (and firmly) asked me to get my head in the right space to be present for the job at hand. (Yes, I did marry exceptionally well.) Friday morning we got everything ready for an activity where people are setup to experience God in new ways and my job was simply to be present and help out if anything was needed. I sat in a chair, closed my eyes and imagined walking up onto a porch to meet with Father God. He was sitting on a chair gently rocking. I sat in a chair next to Him, pulled out my notebook and said something like, "OK Father God, what decisions do I need to make to get this moving?" Father simply looked at me and said, "How about we put down the notebook and connect?" It wasn't harsh or patronizing. It was humbling and kind-of-obvious, like you would say, "Ohhhh yeah... that makes sense!" For the next hour I just sat there, eyes closed, enjoying peace. My thoughts came back into alignment and it felt REALLY good. I didn't want the 'appointment' to end.  Oh, and I didn't write down ANYTHING! One thing was needed and I had 'chosen' (sort of) correctly. Some time around then a lot of floating pieces of information fell into place. I had been focused on how to better reach the crowd (for example, we have 30,000 followers on facebook.... and there are ???? MILLION people that need this message across the world). I had done some due diligence on our website analytics and discovered that 10,000 people had visited the Heaveninbusiness.com home page in the last 30 days and almost 3,000 people had visited the blog! Wow, I don't need to find a crowd, the crowd is ALREADY here!!! What if I called the EXISTING crowd into engagement? That afternoon I went for a run in the beautiful Virginia fall. I noticed how amazing the leaves looked and the temperature was PERFECT. The run was only four miles but took me an hour because I was listening to a new audiobook and had to keep stopping to take notes on my phone. "Spend less time on lead magnets and more time on creating memorable experiences..." OMG this was speaking to me right in the moment! Course correction! Don't focus on the unknown crowd in the cloud... somewhere out there, focus on the crowd that have already come to you that you are ignorant of! Give them a memorable experience that will benefit their lives and move them toward discipleship whether they choose to engage further or not. So what am I learning? 1. SLOW DOWN to speed up - pause, not just to get the right strategy... to get the right HEART. Ask, "Holy Spirit is there anywhere I need to slow down because I am running ahead? What do you have for me in this moment? How can we do this TOGETHER?" 2. Lead magnets are awesome - learn about them AND keep the priority the people, not the number or transaction. "Is this creating an experience that will genuinely add value to this person, whether they continue with me or not?" 3. Do your due diligence - know the state of your flock. What is already in your hand that you are not paying attention to? Do you know how many people are coming through your door, or to your website, or on your email list? Are you serving them? What is important to them? What is their greatest challenge in stepping into the help or service that you can give them? Ask them!  4. God is crazy good at leading and guiding and knows my business better than me - He truly is the good shepherd. Pause and express gratitude... you will be amazed at the traction and momentum that results. 5. Super practical - I'm working on making the HeaveninBusiness.com/free-trial much clearer and adding a free audiobook gift regardless of whether people engage or not. I have also already added an exit pop up that gives visitors a Kingdom Business one page summary and assessment and then follows up with a free video/audio session on the same topic and then an invitation to grow even more. Perhaps you can find it on the Heaveninbusiness.com home page as you go to exit!  Finally, I am LEARNING how to do business WITH God better. It's a journey that I don't believe ever ends and I love it!

Here's what happened when I became aware of some self-limiting or self-sabotaging beliefs about my business. Not only did the lies get flipped on their head; but I now have a very clear strategy going forward. For you.... what are the lies that you have believed about you and business that have limited your growth? What is the truth? Now what will you do about it? For me? I am doing a course with Rebecca Austin of Strive4Savvy.com that is refocusing me on who is my customer and what their pain is and the solution that we deliver. I am also working with a facebook Meta consultant (that happened to reach out at the perfect time... ) and listening to podcasts from Think Media on how to best grow our YouTube Channel. If you have any specific questions about what we are doing and why we are doing that and even HOW we are doing it, please don't hesitate to send them to contact@heaveninbusiness.com.

Here's a behind-the-scenes look into how I am learning - feeding myself - at the moment. What books am I reading? What podcast do I listen to? Also HOW do I do this when I am busy with family and business and other demands of life? How do you make time to learn? Why I Prioritize Learning Firstly I believe that if I want to continue to grow in excellent business and leadership, I must continually feed and challenge myself. It's no longer "I don't have time for this..." it is "I can't afford NOT to do this!" It has become a priority. But there are some life hacks to do this without stopping other things in my life. I call it double-time and here's some of the ways I do it: How I Create (or steal) Time to Learn It's amazing how taking a few minutes here and there through your day (and night) adds up over time to be SIGNIFICANT. Listen while at the gym or doing exercise (30-45min most days) Listen while driving to do chores or pickup kids (15min to supermarket, 60min school pickup) Listen If I wake up in the night (set the timer to 30mins and 'stop playing' afterward so you can fall back to sleep and the book doesn't continue playing) Listen as I go to sleep or if I wake up early and my wife is still asleep (I have airpods and my phone beside the bed so I can quietly reach over and grab it without waking her up) Read a few minutes before going to sleep (actually proven to help you sleep better!) Programs I Use to Learn on the go Audible membership (One book per month = $14.95 per month) - they have a promo right now where you can get four months for $4.95 per month. YouVersion - bible app, multiple translations, audio in some translations. I now donate to them on a monthly basis like I would a business. Apple Podcasts YouTube for worship and 'how to' videos Physical books to read before bed and for reference if an audiobook has greatly impacted me What I am Listening to Right Now Audiobooks: The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom Hero on a Mission by Donald Miller Shifting Atmospheres by Dawna de Silva Wild at Heart by John Eldredge The Passion Translation bible Podcasts:  Think Media God is Not a Theory with Ken Fish Ford Taylor Talks  Books The book of Ephesians in the Bible (Physical or YouVersion on my phone) Atmospheres 101 workbook by Dawna de Silva The 3D Gospel: Ministry in Guilt, Shame & Fear Culture YouTube Bethel Worship Elevation Worship Upper Room Worship Revere Worship Think Media Videos So, what are you listening to right now and what are you learning?

Are you feeling isolated or alone? Perhaps in the middle of a busy life, and bustling crowds and multiple friends... but something feels out-of-sorts on the inside? Here's my story and learning. I am a people-person My natural gift is quickly making connections (see WOO on Gallup Strengthsfinder). I have regular, weekly calls with people I love and care about and who have a shared vision. We recently relocated 3,000 miles from California to Pennsylvania into an area where we know no one. I am SURROUNDED by connections all across the country and friends within 2hrs drive BUT have yet to find local, in-person community. Feeling out-of-sorts and not knowing why Last week I was wondering why I felt irritated, unsettled and out-of sorts. Here's a few of the context: - My kids who have grown to be friends, have left for college (thankfully we have one adult child with us!) - My wife, Janine, had COVID so was keeping her distance - My daughter couldn't come home for the weekend, as planned, because of COIVD in my house. - I have reached out to connect with a local law enforcement community to build a similar relationship I had in California... only the local establishment had no grid for positive connections with good citizens without an agenda. - We have visited four different local churches and have yet to find one where we all sense we belong. "Oh.... I'm feeling lonely!" In talking with my wife about what was going on I had a lightbulb moment (often happens in conversation with her)... I am feeling lonely! I have more-than-I-can-manage connections via phone and zoom and facetime and email. But I MISS THE FACE-TO-FACE connections and unspoken sense of security from being part of a city-community. I miss the significance of being engaged with something in-person, that bigger than me. The first step to change is acknowledgement It was a bit of a shock to realize I was feeling lonely. And at the same time, freeing. Oh, that's whats going on. I am having a feeling!!! So I sit with the Lord and begin to process it. Actually that started to unpack (unravel?) over the next few days. Denial (or believing lies) results in unhealthy behavior I became aware of lies that I was starting to believe that were REINFORCING loneliness. Maybe I don't fit.   Maybe I just don't belong...     I am not wanted.        I am unloved.           I am an outcast...               I am rejected. This progression of thought is ENTIRELY what the devil wants to do with you. To lead you down a progression of thoughts that first self-protect, then isolate, then lead to depression and ultimately death. I was being passive They also result in passive (or perhaps victim-like) behavior - waiting from someone else to reach out or introduce themselves or include you.  STOP IT. Change your thinking - Divorce rejection Thanks to my wife and the Holy Spirit prompting I found the problem and now had a choice to own it and change it. That looks like this... "Jesus, thank you for loving me. Thank you for paying the price for me to be one with you. I have been feeling lonely. I have started to believe the lies that I don't fit or don't belong... Please forgive me for partnering with lies and listening to the spirit of rejection. I receive the acceptance and adoption and security and identity that you freely gave me. Thank you that I am accepted and I belong and I am a member of your family. I divorce rejection! Jesus, what do you want me to know instead?" Take a moment to pause and listen for what the Holy Spirit says... I immediately heard him say of me "I am in the right place at the right time with the right message and the right people," and that "I am dearly loved by all who know me." I wrote that down and use that as a weapon every time I recognize a lie trying to creep in. Take the initiative Dealing with the lies and reconnecting with who Jesus says you are is the first step. Now there's some PRACTICAL things that you need to do to walk into freedom and life and healthy in-person community. Ask yourself - what could I do to take initiative and reach out? Here's what I did and am doing: - Have dinner with some new connections - Introduce yourself at local church... don't wait for someone else to come up to you - Take initiative in your local community connections => I have joined the local Chamber of Commerce and emailed the contact regarding one of their leadership programs that introduces participants to the key people and influences of the community => I am going to a local Economic Development Corporation meetup that happens to be this week - Ask Holy Spirit what else... - I am taking more time in my office to pray in the Spirit and worship with Youtube Bethel  Seek further resources If you recognize you need more help to get free from thinking and behaviors that have made you passive and/or powerless check out some other helpful resources: - Read Shifting Atmospheres (and accompanying workbook) by Dawna de Silva - Read/watch Spirit Wars by Kris Valllotton - Find a counsellor or get a session with Bethel Sozo (link here) - See Orbis Ministries for Resources on inner healing and deliverance - Join Heaven in Business online community - Heaveninbusiness.com/free-trial and meetup at our weekly live call for encouragement, inspiration and activation  

We know that poverty is stupid and that selfish prosperity is not prosperity at all. So how do you know how much is too much? How do you keep a healthy focus on business growth and profitability without the pursuit of money consuming you or being your primary motivation (or marketing message!)? Listen to this conversation with trusted friend and influencer, Shae Bynes of Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur. Shae is the founder of Kingdom Driven Entrepreneur, author of multiple books including Doing Business God's Way and her devotionals on YouVersion have had more than 500,000 people! If you find this content valuable and want more, join us at Heaveninbusiness.com/free-trial or email your questions to contact@heaveninbusiness.com

Twenty four years ago I married my best friend... and she is still my best friend! We (mostly me) have had some bumps and adjustments along the way as we have navigated moving across continents, having no income for three years, avoiding wildfires and working through family health challenges. The last three days we have spent together in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, celebrating our 24th anniversary together and I've been reflecting on what has made our marriage a success - I found and kept the spouse of my dreams. Here's an insiders list of how you can do the same: 1. Get in the Right Position I was 25 years old when I met Janine. I certainly wanted that to (make it?) happen sooner but a key principle guided me:  Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness  and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33 Key action - seek God first. Make Him (...not a church or a career or a companion) the center of your life and you will find that He will ADD what is best and most important to you.  I was open to relationships as I went to college and considered a couple different people to pursue. In each case, I asked the Lord for His guidance and both times He let me know that wasn't the person I was going to spend my life with. That wasn't easy at the time (especially when I compared my single life with the lives of others around me). But I made a decision to trust Him fully with my life and seek Him first - above all else. History says He was right!  When I left college and prayed about which location to start my first job as an agricultural business consultant, I sensed the Lord leading to a particular location.  When I arrived I also joined a young adults group in the local church. There I met Janine, who grew to become my best friend. Nine months later, through a fun story, God showed me this is who He was sending my way (and me toward her!). 2. Get in the Right Condition A key part of the verse above says to seek God's righteousness = His way of living. This is simply impossible in our own ability which is why He gives us the Holy Spirit to teach and lead 3. Be a Life-Long Learner When you are an expert there is no room for mistakes. When you are a novice, you are EXPECTED to make mistakes. So stay a novice. Give yourself grace and give your spouse grace and keep learning! 4. Keep Short Accounts Don't go to bed angry or disconnected. Resolve it, if you can. Otherwise AGREE to resolve it in the morning.  5. Leverage Professionals I have found pastoral counselors are helpful. I have also found that professionally trained counselors are MORE helpful. In business you would be foolish not to engage the best professional advisors (accountants, lawyers... ) that you can afford. Your marriage is MORE valuable than your business so it should be even more important to engage professionals. 6. Have Fun Together Regardless of your budget there is always something you can do to laugh together or create shared experiences. Prioritize it. Explore what is fun.... games, walking, visiting... Your turn: What is one piece of advice you have learned, to find and keep the spouse of your dreams?    

Lately we have been having conversations with individuals and groups and repeatedly the focus has been on strengthening identity. When you don't know who you are, you will live someone else's life or expectation of you. You will feel frustrated or like you are never hitting the mark - never enough. Alternatively we make up a false identity or narrative to hide behind. This results in the same cycle of excessive performance or even futility and depression.  However, when you discover who you were born to be - your true design, and begin to move authentically towards that, you will find more and more fruitfulness and fulfilment (although not without challenge and adversity as others try to pull you into their version of you). So how do you discover who you were designed to be? And how do you stay true to that in the midst of pressure to conform to so much less. Here's some practical steps developed through my life and walk with God. To be clear - you will never find complete fulfillment without a growing connection with Jesus Christ who is the author and perfector of life. Secondly, you will never find complete fulfillment this side of Jesus returning with the fullness of His Kingdom. That's why there is always a desire for more. Get used to it and keep walking! The challenge and connection with Christ on the journey is the key to success - becoming friends of God. Now to who are you and how to stay true to that. For the purposes of this article I will focus on two sources - the Word of God = who scripture says you are, and prophecy = the Holy Spirit inspired, spoken revelation of who you are (spoken by trusted and mature people who are operating in the gift of prophecy eg. Dan McCollams ministry) 1. Who does Scripture say you are? What is written in the scriptures of you? Then I said, "Look I have come, as is written about me in the scriptures." Psalm 40:7 NLT (emphasis mine) This is David writing of himself and also referred to as Messianic prophecy, pointing to Christ.  Another great example is Cyrus, King of Persia who read about himself in Isaiah 45, mentioned by name (150 years before he was born)! He then proceeded to do what was written of him (for more, search Cyrus and biblical prophecy). Then we have John the Baptist in John 1:19-27. He was approached by the religious leaders asking, "Who are you?" John responds, "I am not the Messiah... I am not the prophet (Elijah)." When they keep pressing him, he finally replies: "John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the LORD's coming!' In other words.... AS IT IS WRITTEN ABOUT ME IN THE SCRIPTURES. So... what do the scriptures say of you? How do you find out. 1. Read the scriptures while asking the Holy Spirit to guide you 2. What is your 'life' verse that defines who you are and/or what you will do? For me, we had a season of prayer and fasting at Church in New Zealand, asking the Lord to reveal purpose. At the end of that time I was directed (inspired thought) to read Titus 1:5 (NKJV) which reads,  "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you..." I was actually disappointed because this summarized what I was ALREADY doing as a business consultant, as a church leader, as a bank manager, as a community development practitioner in Uganda... I find what is missing and set it in order. Then I find and encourage (anoint/appoint) people to lead wherever they are placed by God. I AM A SKILLED BUILDER OF THE LIVES OF PEOPLE (that's actually my name - Andrew Jonathan Mason) I AM SENT TO SET IN ORDER WHAT IS LACKING AND APPOINT LEADERS (EKLESIA) IN EVERY CITY. 2. What does prophecy say of who you are I have been fortunate to be in communities that value hearing and sharing the voice of God. The beauty of this kind of community is you get to hear things repeated and are able to process what you are hearing with mature and wise people who can help you get clarity. I have written down what has been said and repeatedly go back over those words for direction, confirmation, courage and comfort. On hearing Dan McCollam talk on the subject of his book - The Good Fight, I took the prophetic word(s) and turned them into a declaration of who I am. One in particular was from Kris Vallotton as I was being commissioned as a minister. When I first turned it into a declaration, I felt awkward and embarrassed - "who do I think I am???" Then I was convicted, that this is not what I say I am... this is what GOD SAYS I AM.  I AM A PASTOR OF POWERFUL PEOPLE. I LOVE THEM FEARLESSLY AND THEY ARE ATTRACTED TO ME. I AM A BRIDGE OF CONNECTION ACROSS RACIAL, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC DIVIDES. As I have listened less to what people say and more to what God says... agreeing with that by declaring this over my life, I have seen a RAPID ACCELERATION of actually seeing this fulfilled. So, I encourage you to do the same! If this has been helpful and you want to continue to grow in identity, grow in business and grow in influence with a like-minded community, join us HeaveninBusiness.com/free-trial.

This episode is an interview that I did with Ellis Hammond of Kingdom Real Estate Investors Group (Check out their podcast here). Some of the questions we covered included - Why is dreaming with God so important and how do you do that with your work? - How do you build a connection with the Holy Spirit to get wisdom in your daily work? - How do you lead a local group of business people to grow community and their engagement with God at work? - How do you know the Holy Spirit is speaking and not just your own thoughts? (See Hey God What Now? for more) - What resources do you suggest for business people wanting to grow their partnership with God at work? If you valued this episode and want to find out more about Heaven in Business, go to HeaveninBusiness.com where you can join us weekly online or in-person at an upcoming event.

The last few episodes we have talked about how I'm reading the bible right now and protecting your priorities. This session I'm taking what I have personally heard/hearing and walking you through what that is, how I heard and how I am applying that to our business in a new location. The result is a more refined and clearer business strategy, making it easier to cut through the noise and pressure of society and culture. It also makes me go, "Ahhhhhh..." releasing a big breath - relaxing into the 'zone' that is for us right now. As you read and/or listen, you may want to jump back to the previous episodes (#156 and #158) to get the background. Then do this for yourself. Who is your customer? How do you serve them? What is your business model? How to turn that into day to day priorities and planning so that you don't get distracted with all the other noise and pressures? Firstly, one of my heroes is William Tennent, founder of the first Presbyterian Theological Seminary in North America in 1727 (until his death in 1746). What he started was labelled "the Log College" by other institutions - a derogatory name for this humble, 400 sq foot school house. In spite of ridicule, opposition and humble surroundings, he stayed focus on his calling... and died before seeing the full fruit. The Log College is now agreed as being the precursor to Princeton University (sadly, now long deviated from its foundation). What's the point? William Tennent stayed in his lane, focused on who he was called to serve and "built better than he knew." May it be the same and more for you. So, what's my process? As mentioned in How I'm Reading the Bible Right Now (#156), I have been reading over and over, the book of Titus. As I have continued to read this, a bigger and clearer picture has stood out to me. This is causing me to refine my focus for the STRATEGY of of my business. I have long had Titus 1:5 as a life verse. Reading the WHOLE book (letter) has give me much clearer context and reinforced the process. Vision (unchanged) - Connect and catalyze one million business people partnering with God at work and engaged in the wellbeing of the cities they serve. Purpose (enhanced 'why?') - Because work is a primary place we forge our friendship with God - Because I want to experience more of Heaven on earth in and through the workplace - Because I am sent to further the faith of God's chosen Ones and lead them to the full knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness (Titus 1:1) Mission (reinforced - unique approach/focus) - We focus on the few who influence the many - we intentionally aim to serve business leaders who are called to influence their city or region = the ekklesia (see Ed Silvoso book of the same name) How has reading Titus changed my business strategy? 1. Removed doubt - check out the first few verses of Titus. Paul repeats himself. "Paul, appointed by God.... at the command of God... as the Lord commanded me..." 2. Refined focus - look how clear the statements are in the first chapter. SENT to a specific location for a specific purpose. This is your customer. This is your region. This is what you are to do with them. Period. THIS IS AWESOME!!!! I love the clarity that the Word is giving to my business focus. 3. Raised conviction - I am SENT, STATIONED in a particular location with a particular customer and a particular purpose. Repeatedly the letter to Titus lays out... "...as i have commanded you." It's not a suggestion! 4. Reinforced key actions - throughout the book there are TONS of action words - teach, guide, lead, show, model.... This has reinforced the ACTION of what I will do as I serve my customers. So what IS the business strategy? Listen to hear the application...

How do you know what to focus on when you have SO MUCH going on? In this episode I walk you through a simple process to clarify and protect your priorities. If you don't know and protect your priorities you will live someone else's. One great YES must be protected by a thousand NO's. Download the notes and activity here: - NOTES DOWNLOAD - BIG ROCKS & IDEAL CALENDAR EXERCISE For more, see HeaveninBusiness.com 

Benji Nolot is a modern day abolitionist. Just like William Wilberforce, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth, who fought to see the end of human slavery, Benji leads an organization (Exodus Cry) that is fighting slavery (trafficking and exploitation of humans) today. Listen to hear the impact of their efforts to remove the false narrative and expose the illegal activities of Mindgeek (Pornhub) which hosted more than 80% of online porn globally. Subsequently Visa, Mastercard and Discover have withdrawn their facilitation of transactions supporting the site.  Even more, listen to what it takes YOU to be a reformer. I also highly encourage you to get involved with Exodus Cry by donating generously on their website - ExodusCry.com  

Ever wondered how an ancient text (the book of Genesis was first written around 3400 years ago) can give you wisdom and keys to the way of life on a daily basis? Better yet, the words are living and active and as you read them, they are READING YOU! So how do you engage with the scriptures on a daily basis to grow in wisdom and the best way to live life?  Here's some practical tips that I am doing right now. 1. My baseline, go-to reading, is the book of Proverbs This is the book of wisdom so reading a chapter each day keeps you from sabotaging your life success... IF you do what it says. To ignore the counsel of wisdom is to invite trouble into your life (Prov 9:12 TPT). The simple way is to read the chapter that coincides with the day of the month. Today is August 9 so I'm reading Proverbs chapter 9. As I read I am asking Holy Spirit, what wisdom He has for me today. Verse 6 pops out: "Lay aside your simple thoughts and leave your paths behind. Agree with my ways, live in my truth, and you will find righteousness." I then highlight it and re-read it across different versions. I love the YouVersion bible app for this as it is so quick and easy. Actually, I've just started giving to them on a monthly basis because it's such a great resource and I use it virtually every day. Reading across different versions helps with context - so that you don't read into the scripture something it was never intended to say. Different versions also help broaden your understanding of the passage as they use different words that can trigger slightly different perspective and understanding. I find that when I pause from my activity and lean into 'hearing' more that God speaks more. That's a principle - Pay attention, therefore, to how you listen. Whoever has will be given more, but whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him (Luke 8:18). So what am I hearing Wisdom speak to me today from Proverbs 8:6 I mentioned above? The simple framework S.O.A.P helps me (developed by Pastor Wayne Cordeiro) What Scripture is highlighted? What is your Observation about what it says? What is the Application to you, today? Now take a moment and Pray about it. My observation is that this is invitation to let go thinking and the patterns of behavior that lead to undermining confidence, sowing doubt and sabotaging or delaying success in the Way of life (righteousness).  My application for today is a re-emphasis and re-engagement in what I talking to you about! I MUST come daily and prioritize time to read and listen to the ways of Wisdom. I need to refix my thinking and behaviour on what Wisdom says about me and not what circumstance or opposition says. SO I AM EXTENDING MY TIME DAILY to do just this. It is how I start my day. This is significant because the last two months have been all over the map with transition and changing environments. Now that we are in our own home I need to re-establish daily patters, disciplines and rituals that set me up for success. This is the first one! Now I pray: Lord, I let go the distractions and mess all around me and recenter my life and focus on You and Your ways of Wisdom. Let Your Word read and align me. Search me and know me. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. Test me and see if there is any offensive way in me. And lead me in the way everlasting. Thank you for speaking to me this morning! 2. My current (re)focus is the scripture that define my life purpose  As we get setup again in a new home, in a new location, with a new schedule (and timezone) I felt prompted to go back to the scripture mandate that defines my purpose and calling. Titus 1:5 is a life verse that first opened up to me around 2005 after a 21 day fast. It is the Apostle Paul speaking to his disciple, Titus, saying "For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should SET IN ORDER THE THINGS THAT ARE LACKING, AND APPOINT ELDERS IN EVERY CITY..." This is what eventually became the tagline of my coaching/consulting business as I was running one day pondering how to say what I do: "I give individuals and organizations clarity for what's next and the courage to do it." So how am I uniquely reading the bible right now? A) I am going back over key scriptures that define who I am and what the Lord has commanded me to do Note, this is what THE LORD says about me; not a missionary, not a pastor, not a leader. According to the command of the Lord (see Titus 1:3 TPT) What are they key passage(s) of scripture that define you? If you don't have one, ask the Lord to reveal to you a scripture or passage. Don't wait, do it right now. B) I am going deeper and broader in the scripture I jumped into the passion translation and copied the entire book of Titus, then pasted it into a word document. I then deleted all the titles and verse numbers so that it reads like it would have originally... as a letter... to me! I then saved it as a pdf file and uploaded this into a document reader (I use ReMarkable) that I can then write over, highlight and add notes. You could simply do this by printing out a hard copy and writing over it. I have uploaded a copy of my document HERE (click to open/download). If this doesn't work, email me and I will send you a copy. C) I am highlighting actions, commands and behaviors to implement As I repeatedly read through this letter (to me!) I look for phrases or words that are repeated. I also read the entire passage in other translations for the same reasons I mentioned earlier in this post. I then underline, highlight or annotate things that stand out. For me that is the purpose for which the letter was written and the mandate given to Titus - what he was being commanded to do. I then look for HOW he is to do that.  All of this I note and then summarize in my journal/notebook. I am committed to reading this daily over at least a week, pondering it through and allowing it to percolate in my spirit (called meditation).  After a week or so, I will take time to summarize and then use that to refine and refresh the vision, purpose, mission, objectives, strategies and actions for my business... Heaven in Business!  PS. If you read through Titus you will find the very purpose for which I wrote this today for you! So, what will you be reading today and tomorrow? Send your questions and comments to contact@heaveninbusiness.com and join us in-person or online HeaveninBusiness.com        

We have a house! That's the great news. The journey has been... a challenging journey!!! I'm six weeks behind my schedule and what I thought was a simple loan application got intricately complicated. It was delayed by the underwriters continued questions to such an extent that we weren't sure we would close on time. In fact, the final approval happened at 6:30pm the night before closing! Then we discovered the moving company was.... (hmmmm, how do I say this nicely?)... uncommunicative. In spite of giving almost a months notice of the date we move in, they wouldn't answer my call, didn't follow through on what they said and blanketed it by saying "the contract gives us 30 days after the first available move in date." So what does faith look like in this situation? Do I bang down doors or pray and wait for God to move and my phone to ring? Do I call a lawyer regarding the moving company to add some heat?  Here's what I did and what I'm learning. First, the perplexing lesson is that God is delighted in the process. When I pause and ponder Him or simply ask, "Are we doing ok?", all I see/hear is Him smiling at me and my family. That either means He is sadistically loving watching us walk through emotional, physical and financial challenge... OR He knows this is working for good and loves how we are responding to Him and one another in the process. I am convinced of the latter. He is only good, His face and favor are toward me, not against me. He is with me. He is working, and has worked, this all for my good because I am walking in His ways, leaning in for His voice and adjusting along the way to represent Him the best I know how. So if He is with me, leading and guiding, why is this so challenging? Why am I having to seemingly fight for every step when He already paid the price? Here's a couple scriptures that give light 1. God is not afraid of your humanity. He joined you IN it Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”  Exodus 3:6 By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. Hebrews 11:21 ACTION - celebrate, be grateful, be thankful, worship in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES and IMPERFECTIONS (yes, yours!) 2. EVERY word from God will face challenge to PROVE it true and genuine Every word of God is tried and purified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him. Proverbs 30:5 (AMPC) ...that the genuineness of your faith, [being] much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.  1 Peter 1:7 ACTION - Be encouraged in midst of challenge, persevere, you will get through this and come out the other end stronger, more confident and more pleasing to God 3. Learn when to wait and when to act Since you have never traveled this way before, they will guide you. Stay about a half mile behind them, keeping a clear distance between you and the Ark. Make sure you don't come any closer. Joshua 3:4 (NLT) The priests will carry the Ark of the LORD, the Lord of all the earth. As soon as their feet touch the water, the flow of water will be cut off upstream, and the river will stand up like a wall. Joshua 3:13 (NLT) and 4:18  Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. Isaiah 26:8 (NIV) ACTION - keep your heart tender toward the Lord, trust His guidance, keep walking and let your action be done from and in a way that would still represent Him. eg. Polite persistence If this is helpful for you, please post your comments or email contact@heaveninbusiness.com If you would like to join a community growing together through the messy intersection of in faith, family and business, meet us at Heaveninbusiness.com/free-trial  

I'm on my way home from a Heaven in Business Adventure Retreat in Seward Alaska. Fourteen businessmen flew or drove in from all across the USA to spend a week fishing, hiking and growing as leaders. This episode is a summary of what happened and the answer to the most significant question that they had.  If you want more of what we talked about you can grab a copy of Ford Taylor's book, Relactional Leadership on FordTaylorTalks.com or TLOnDemand.com for the online training course. If you have any questions or comments please don't hesitate to email contact@heaveninbusiness.com and don't forget to subscribe to this podcast and share with your friends.

Welcome to the boat as I head out fishing from Seward Alaska and interview Philip Licht of Set Free Alaska. We talk about Luke 1:37 and how to walk BOTH stewarding excellence AND believing God for the miraculous. 

I thought I did... We are STILL in the middle of our house journey. Two weeks ago I posted the story of how God came through last minute with a home that is beautiful and released new hope! We were on track thinking we are perfectly positioned to close end of July then I got a call from my mortgage manager... "Ummm.... the underwriters don't like your situation..." Whaaat!!!! This is less borrowing than I had before and my income is forecast to be higher than before and the security from a banks perspective is brilliant!!!! "I know. But now that this house search process has taken so long, you have a new entity in a new state and you are no longer on salary and we don't have two years of you running the new entity, so your situation doesn't fit in the normal parameters." Key words - "you don't fit normal" It would appear that nothing I do is 'normal!' Initial response - calmly (at least outwardly) freak out wondering and hoping God has another phone call coming in within five minutes. After five minutes I text/talked to a couple friends for their advice. Next response - remember that I was reading Psalm 40 on this day and it TALKED about God rescuing me out of a pit and putting me on solid ground. I read it again...."I waited and waited AND WAITED SOME MORE, patiently (????), knowing (you sure about that?) God would come through for me. Then, AT LAST, He bent down and listened to my cry. He stooped down to lift me out of danger from the desolate pit I was in, out of the muddy mess I had fallen into. NOW He's lifted me up into a firm, secure place and steadied me while I walk along His ascending path." (Psalm 40:1-2 TPT emphasis and comments are mine). OK, so God's got this. He is completely relaxed. He is not in a hurry. BUT I NEED THE MONEY! "Will you trust me?" Ye.....s? (Can you answer the affirmative and still have a question?) "Do you trust me?" Yes. But can I have some more information... a plan.... a strategy.... an end picture of how and when this is going to work out good? ...silence... I remember, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding... He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5,6) Are you SURE I can trust you without understanding???? Is that even responsible????!!! And this really doesn't feel easy... or fun. Well, I guess there's nothing else I can do. OK, I trust You. Help me to trust you! Help me to walk this out in such a way that everyone who hears will stand in awe of God and fall in love with Him! (Psalm 40:3). So what does trust look like?  1. Listen and obey - I prayed and sensed I heard a couple names of trusted people to call so I did. That's always a vulnerable step that I have LEARNED is also a fastrack to deeper relationships. However, none of them had an alternative solution (we did talk to an alternative provider and the answer was exactly the same). All confirmed to continue the direction we were headed. 2. Continue walking - do the things I need to do. Sign the forms. Provide the information... quickly. Don't procrastinate. There is a solution our mortgage manager is pursing that should easily be approved; just at a higher cost. When I look at God's face He is not worried or concerned or upset; actually He is almost delighting in watching me navigate the process. So I keep walking even though paying more money (unnecessarily in my opinion) stinks. 3. Process honestly - I love how the Psalms doesn't sterilize the process! Be candid with what you are feeling. I'm disappointed. I'm scared. I'm angry. But I will trust You. Don't let my frustration spill over to undermine the Knowledge of You to my family or community. So, God is asking YOU... "WILL YOU TRUST ME? Will you let go control of what you think you know and walk with Me?" What is your response? "But may all who search for You be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The LORD is great!" As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in His thoughts. You are my Helper and my Savior. O my God, do not delay." Psalm 30: 16-17 NLT

The last few weeks have been a roller coaster! A friend texted me Exodus 33:11 - how Moses met and talked with God face to face like a man talks to his friend. Then Moses went back to work, but Joshua, Moses' servant would linger further in the Presence of God. Interesting how the SERVANT stayed longer in the Presence of God. "I have so much to do today, I'm going to take a couple more minutes being still before God Almighty. God, I could sure use some extra help today...." "I have so much to do today, I'm going to take a few more precious minutes to simply tell you how much I appreciate YOU. You, Christ the Messiah, are my hope and my salvation. You are my strength and my source of all good things. Thank you that my value and significance and security are already established by the price that You paid for me. Thank you that I GET to work today...." This episode is a recording from a Heaven in Business conference on the Performance of Rest. You will hear my story of bumping up against lack of performance that exposed cracks in my identity. You can read more by grabbing a copy of God With You at Work on Amazon.com. Enjoy! And don't hesitate to send me your questions or comments or simply join us online at Heaveninbusiness.com/free-trial.