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 [email protected].

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