Faith Matters Podcast

Kingdom Insights; Day 3

Faith and Corresponding Action in BusinessI rarely meet a Kingdom driven entrepreneur who is not an action taker. It's the nature of a business owner to work hard to see a vision come to fruition and grow in both profitability and impact. Here is the problem.Taking action and taking faith-filled, God-inspired action are two different things.I am all too familiar with this from my own journey. Years ago when I left a thriving corporate career in obedience to God to become a full-time entrepreneur, I immediately entered what I like to call my six-months of faithless action. Here is what faithless action in business looks like: #1: Relying on your own wisdom and your own strength, working as hard as you can to make things happen in your business.#2: Failing to seek God concerning His heart, thoughts, and plans for your business and simply submitting your own plans and asking Him to bless them. This accompanies the behavior of #1 above.#3: Chasing after every new idea to make money any way you can. Looking to see what others have done and modeling your business activities based on what you see.#4: Ignoring the Holy Spirit's nudges to take action in an area that is uncomfortable or unfamiliar to you, and instead taking action based off of what is convenient and within your comfort zone.I distinctly remember the day when I heard God say to me "Are you done yet?" That was the beginning of my adventure to be led by Him in my business.Faith and corresponding action must work together in your life as a Kingdom driven entrepreneur. Seek God concerning your business plans, take steps in faith towards what He places on your heart (no matter how intimidating it may feel), and be willing to pivot when you receive a course correction. It's through your willingness to take action that your faith remains active and effective.

Kingdom Insights; Day 2

Lack Wisdom? Ask God.One of the most significant assets you have as a Kingdom driven entrepreneur is divine wisdom. Not only does God give you wisdom, but He does so without finding fault in you for asking Him! That is not a small thing, and too many entrepreneurs fail to tap in to His wisdom when faced with a problem that requires a solution.How many times have you failed to ask God for wisdom simply because you didn’t want to bother Him with such small details or what you consider to be minor matters? Or maybe you think you should already know the solution to your issue and feel shame for asking. Or perhaps you just asked God for wisdom 10 minutes ago about something else and now you don’t feel like you should ask Him for wisdom again on another matter so soon.If you lack wisdom (anytime, anywhere, and on any business matter), ask God and He will reveal His wisdom by His Spirit and through His word. The Holy Spirit may lead you to a specific scripture, may speak an answer to your heart, may make your path clear by removing blocks, or may lead you to a specific resource or person. The key is to not only ask, but to also:have a willing mind and heart to receive His wisdomfully commit to submitting to the wisdom you receiveendure patiently and faithfully as you await His answerUnlike man, God doesn’t grow tired of you. Like the good Father He is, He is right there with you both able and willing to help you in any area of your life and business.

Kingdom Insights; Day 1

The Power of PerseveranceThe journey of Kingdom driven entrepreneurship is filled with hills and valleys; deep challenges and fulfilling triumphs. There are times you will experience a true test of your faith. In my own journey, I’ve faced significant financial loss in business, not once but twice. I’ve experienced the unexpected loss of a business partner along with the feelings of confusion and depression that came with it. I know what it’s like to be diligent and faithful in my work, yet have $10 in my bank account that needs to cover both groceries for the family and gas for the car. On the other hand, I’ve experienced having more than enough to give generously and I’ve seen God move in miraculous ways both big and small in a variety of areas of my business life. The beauty of the trials and challenges you experience is the fruit it produces within you as you place your trust in the Ultimate CEO of your business and the best business partner you can possibly have -- God Himself. Enduring through trials matures you (spiritually and naturally), reveals more of the nature of God, and increases your faith. Are you experiencing challenges in your business? Don’t walk away; stay in it to win it by leaning into God through the trial. Be consistent in prayer, focus, and faith-filled action. Persevere because someone needs you and what you uniquely bring through your work in the marketplace. There’s a sphere of influence you are designed to impact, and as you continue to mature and become more like Christ, the greater and deeper that impact will be. Your entrepreneurial journey may not be sweatless, but when it’s surrendered to God, you’ll experience peace and encounter the infinite power of His grace.

Kingdom Entrepreneur; Day 5

The Call to City ImpactJesus Christ came to establish His Kingdom and sent the Holy Spirit so that His ministry could be continued through us in union with Him today. Through demonstration of the power, presence, and love of God, you are called as a Kingdom entrepreneur to make a difference wherever you are planted. Your city is blessed not by simply having church buildings erected throughout it, but by having believers living and working within it. The talk of the wicked tears a city apart, yet you’re able to help lift it up—releasing hope, covering it in prayer, giving generously, offering divine strategies and solutions for the communities’ needs, and modeling “love your neighbor as yourself.” Consider asking God what it looks like for your city to be exalted or lifted up by Him. What is His dream and heart for your city, and how might you get involved in what He is doing?

Kingdom Entrepreneur; Day 3

Kingdom Entrepreneur; Day 4