75.9K
Downloads
201
Episodes
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 Sep 13, 2022
161 How to Write Your I AM Statement
Tuesday Sep 13, 2022
Tuesday Sep 13, 2022
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.
Wednesday Sep 07, 2022
160. How do you begin to live out supernatural in your work?
Wednesday Sep 07, 2022
Wednesday Sep 07, 2022
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.
Wednesday Aug 31, 2022
159 Case Study - Hearing God for Business Strategy
Wednesday Aug 31, 2022
Wednesday Aug 31, 2022
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...
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
158 How to Know and Protect Your Priorities
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
Tuesday Aug 23, 2022
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:
- BIG ROCKS & IDEAL CALENDAR EXERCISE
For more, see HeaveninBusiness.com
Wednesday Aug 17, 2022
157 Modern Day Abolitionist - Benji Nolot - Protect Children Not Porn
Wednesday Aug 17, 2022
Wednesday Aug 17, 2022
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
Tuesday Aug 09, 2022
156 How I’m Reading the Bible Right Now
Tuesday Aug 09, 2022
Tuesday Aug 09, 2022
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
Wednesday Aug 03, 2022
155. Do I Wait or Politely Push? What does faith look like?
Wednesday Aug 03, 2022
Wednesday Aug 03, 2022
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.”
By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.
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.
...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.
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.
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.
Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts.
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
Wednesday Jul 27, 2022
154 What happened in Alaska?
Wednesday Jul 27, 2022
Wednesday Jul 27, 2022
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.
Thursday Jul 21, 2022
153 Where is the impossible?
Thursday Jul 21, 2022
Thursday Jul 21, 2022
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.
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
152 Do You Trust Me?
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
Tuesday Jul 12, 2022
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