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Life can be messy. The first step to successfully navigating faith, family and business is an authentic conversation. Andy and Janine Mason get real and raw sharing personal stories, insights, mistakes and lessons learned on his journey with God. Andy tackles the tough topics, including: - Purpose - Hearing from God - Relationships - Decisions - Leadership - Risk - Rejection and promotion - Growth - Success and failure... And much more!
Episodes
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
181. Full Confession... and Upgrades!
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
Tuesday Jan 31, 2023
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
Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
180. Case Study: Generosity, with Aaron Christopherson
Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
Wednesday Jan 25, 2023
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.
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
179. How To Create Your Decision-Making Credo
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
Thursday Jan 19, 2023
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
Thursday Jan 12, 2023
178. What I’m Excited About This Year
Thursday Jan 12, 2023
Thursday Jan 12, 2023
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
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
177. How to Manage Worry, Anxiety and Fear
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
Thursday Jan 05, 2023
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
Tuesday Dec 27, 2022
176. What I’m Focused On RIGHT NOW
Tuesday Dec 27, 2022
Tuesday Dec 27, 2022
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!
Wednesday Dec 21, 2022
175. Behind the Scenes - HOW I’m Planning for Next Year
Wednesday Dec 21, 2022
Wednesday Dec 21, 2022
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
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
174. Navigating the Challenges of Hearing God
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
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
Thursday Dec 08, 2022
173. Success Keys - Kia Kaha Kia Ngakaunui!
Thursday Dec 08, 2022
Thursday Dec 08, 2022
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!!!
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
172. How to Avoid Burnout and Breakdown
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
Tuesday Nov 29, 2022
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.