Vaulting to Success, Part 3 - The First Step

Whenever the fact that I pole vaulted in college comes up in a social setting, it’s a great conversation starter. It seems like everyone is interested in the event, though very few people know much about it. As I’ve explained the steps of a successful vault over the years, I’ve realized that there are some terrific business lessons buried within the process that apply to both entrepreneurs and small business owners alike. In part one of this series, we talked about making sure you’re on the right track, because the last thing you want to do in sports or business is to start climbing a ladder only to find that it’s leaning against the wrong wall. In part 2, we discussed the importance of having a safety net to help protect you from the unexpected. In this post, I want to address the biggest obstacle to success that we face in just about any area of life, and that is taking the 1st step.

A few years ago I spent some time traveling and teaching at real estate seminars throughout the southeastern United States, and without fail the most attended workshop was always, “Getting Started”. There is no question that the first step in virtually anything is always the hardest, whether dieting, relationships, or business. In the pole vault, when your name is called and you step out on the runway, looking ahead at what you are about to attempt can certainly be an intimidating sight. Many good people (and otherwise “tough” guys) have been frozen in fear by the task at hand, unable to take that all important 1st step. The key to a successful vault, however, is to push those negative feelings aside, aim towards your goal, trust your training, and start moving forward. Speed is not important at the beginning of your approach (you’ll get to that at the end), it’s simply time to get moving, and begin building momentum.

Many entrepreneurs are oftentimes too worried about having everything perfect, with every single kink worked out of their new idea or business that they spend years “perfecting” it, but never actually get started (check out my post on perfectionism here, and how it limited me for years). I’ve seen timid pole-vaulters unwilling to take a jump because the wind wasn’t right, or they needed powder for their hands, or the coach wasn’t there spotting them…and that same attitude is pervasive in many aspiring small business owners. You have to understand that the conditions will NEVER be perfect, and you can’t keep waiting for your website to be “just right” and the economy to be “just right” and your new business stationary to be “just right”. Give me a break! Everything is never going to be “just right” and it’s time we stop letting these excuses keep us stuck in park, never moving forward to accomplish our dreams.

When I got radically saved (of course, isn’t it always radical when someone finds Christ?) after my freshman year of college, I didn’t want to return to my secular school for another semester. I knew the pitfalls that were awaiting me there, and as a young believer, I was terrified that I would backslide and lose the new freedom and peace I had found in this spiritual awakening. I knew I wanted to do something for the Lord, but I didn’t know if that meant full-time ministry or something else, and so I went back and forth for months trying to figure out my next step. I allowed what is commonly referred to as the “paralysis of analysis” to cost me the entire fall semester as I tried to decide where God wanted me next. This indecisiveness kept me from doing anything PERIOD, much less anything worthwhile for the Lord.

After watching my trepidation keep me immobile for far too long, my pastor finally stepped in and shook me out of my fruitless funk with one very simple phrase. He simply stated, “Son, you can’t steer a parked car.” Boom! The light bulb switched on, fireworks went off in my heart, and for some reason that analogy is all it took to get me off the fence to finally make a decision. All I needed to do was to get the wheels rolling, and even if I began to notice I was steering in the wrong direction, as long as I was moving forward I could easily make adjustments on the fly.

A lot of aspiring entrepreneurs have a passion for something, or a leading in a certain direction that they feel is inspired of God. Yet they have waited years, if not decades, waiting for some kind of prophetic confirmation or lightning bolt from the sky to see if it’s REALLY Him. They are stuck in park, and rather than start moving forward with a sincere heart, allowing God to shape their direction as they go, they simply sit idly by doing nothing as life (and opportunity) passes them by.

Nike had it right with their now infamous slogan, “Just Do It!” Woody Allen is often quoted as saying it in a slightly different way, “80% of success is just showing up.” When asked about that quote in a 2008 interview for The Collider, Woody elaborated, “I made the statement years ago which is often quoted that 80 percent of life is showing up. People used to always say to me that they wanted to write a play, they wanted to write a movie, they wanted to write a novel, and the couple of people that did it were 80 percent of the way to having something happen.” A lot of people TALK about doing something, but Nike’s slogan isn’t “Just Say It.” Woody’s point was that if you just do it, you’re 80% of the way to having success with what you’ve done. Yet so many people with that next big idea, or a best-selling book in their minds, never actually act on them.

So, the question is now left with you…what kind of person are you going to be? Will you be another silent tree in the forest of mediocrity, with “perfect” rattling around in your mind, but no one ever hears it, and nothing ever comes to fruition? Or will you take that first step, and actually get something done, even if it’s just “good” and not exactly how you wanted it? You’re on the runway and your spikes are on, you’re pointed in the right direction. Now let this post officially serve as your friendly “nudge” to start moving! Today is your day and now is your time…so take your idea, and get started.

Then you can work on making it great.



Vaulting Towards Success, Part 2 - The Safety Net

In part 1 of this series, we examined the importance of always making sure you’re on the right track and moving in the right direction, both in life and business. In a track and field competition, there are a dozen different areas that you could find yourself, whether it’s in front of the high jump mats, long jump or triple jump sand pits, the oval racing track, or even next to the steeplechase water pit.

If you plan on pole vaulting, as I did in school, you had better confirm that you’re on the correct runway, or the results could be disastrous. Only one area on the field has the necessary plant box for your pole to land in, and the necessary mats for you to fall on. Attempting to jump in the WRONG area, while running with a 15 foot fiberglass pole at full speed, is not strongly recommended.

The same can be said of your business pursuits and entrepreneurial endeavors. If you choose a track in life that doesn’t necessarily fit your skill set or your passions, the end result could be even more disastrous and painful than trying to pole vault on the wrong runway. There’s nothing more disheartening than spending your life climbing up the business ladder, only to find out you had it leaning against the wrong wall!

The Safety Net

After ensuring you’re on the right track, you also want to confirm that there is a safety net in place if things don’t go exactly as planned. In the pole vault, the padding is not limited to the area in which one would land if everything goes perfectly. In fact, the padding extends well in front of the plant box, around the bottom of the standards (metal contraption that holds up the cross bar), to both left and right sides, and to the back of the pits. The reason? Well, let’s just say that things don’t always go according to plan.

Anyone who has pole vaulted for any length of time can tell you the war stories of jumps gone awry. I have watched poles break in the middle of a jump (check out this video from last week's world championships), I’ve been thrown into the standards, I’ve come up short and landed in the metal plant box…and the list goes on and on. I have quite a few bodily scars that can be attributed to my jumping days of old. However, while it may be one of the most dangerous sports in all of track & field, the risks associated with the pole vault are greatly mitigated due to the padding and other safety measures that have been added to the sport over the years.

Much like in the pole vault, it’s extremely critical that all new entrepreneurs have a safety net in place. This is best accomplished in a new venture by setting aside dedicated cash reserves, preferably 6-12 months of anticipated business expenses. It’s important that there is enough available capital to sustain your company as its fledgling roots try to take hold in the local economy.

Too many times new businesses are formed because someone loses a job, or doesn’t have anywhere else to turn. While that may be a great motivating factor to launch out on your own, it provides little room for error in case your sales and revenue don’t immediately take off. In fact, this is the primary reason why 1/3 of all businesses fail in the 1st two years, and over half fail in the 1st four years. To ensure longevity and success, new businesses should be started from a place of strength, not cash-strapped and in a position of weakness and desperation.

However, a safety net of cash reserves should NEVER be confused with a “back-up plan” or a “Plan B.” Your reserves are designed to help you get through the growing pains of your new endeavor, giving you ample time to build your brand, your customer base, and your goodwill throughout the community. It is NOT a “fall back” or an excuse to give up if things don’t immediately go as planned, because…NEWS FLASH…things will NOT go as planned.

If you are not committed to your business for at least a year or more, it is obviously not a true passion or calling, and you should probably find somewhere else to spend your time and money. However, if you can’t get away from that gnawing inside of you to do something beyond yourself, if it eats at you, nags you and consumes your every thought…then you are right in the place you need to be, and ready to launch yourself towards greatness.

Today is your day! It’s time to tap into your entrepreneurial spirit, and create something new and life-changing, a product or service that can make the world a better place and enhance the lives of your customers. Burn your proverbial boats, commit to your business, and give it everything you have. When you do that (along with a safety net of cash) you will be destined for entrepreneurial success!

Selling Ice to Eskimos?

I’ve heard it said that you can’t sell ice to an Eskimo and I must admit that it seems like a rather daunting task. You know…the whole supply and demand thing. I think the same could probably be said of Europeans, who for some strange reason insist on drinking their beverages at room temperature. Personally, I love the frozen stuff but I must admit that even I may give the “cold shoulder” to an ice salesman. After all, wouldn’t even we avid ice connoisseurs view it as an unnecessary luxury if we had to pay for on it a regular basis?

Consider the proverbial “wandering man in the desert.” During his journey across the hot, barren land he comes across a water salesman who just set up shop next to your ice selling business. At first, it seems like the perfect marriage, a win/win situation with both businesses servicing the needs of the other’s customer. The water salesman charges $1.00 per glass and you ask a relatively small $0.50 fee to top it off with some icy cool goodness. Our desert wanderer reaches into his pockets and finds his last $2.00, just enough to satisfy his craving for an icy cold glass of H20. However, to your overwhelming dissatisfaction, the thirsty man makes a decision that quickly turns your business model on its head. He opts to spend his money for 2 glasses of water, and passes on your frozen version of the same.

One would think that selling ice water to a man in the desert would be an extremely easy sale. But on closer examination, does this man really need the ice? The temperature at which he consumes the water is not nearly as important as drinking the water itself. After careful consideration, this man came to the logical conclusion that he was unlikely to pass too many water salesmen in the desert, and so he opted for an extra helping of hydration. Finding himself in a time of personal recession, with only $2.00 to his credit; our friend was forced to spend his money wisely.

During an economic downturn, individuals are forced to make extremely difficult decisions with the limited resources in their possession. Consumers eliminate flippant buying decisions, and begin to analyze each expense with a greater deal of caution. Therefore, it is extremely critical that entrepreneurs in these trying times make sure that their product or service is in fact filling a need in the marketplace, and not just a want or desire (think Starbucks).

Many times a recession lends itself to creating new needs in the marketplace, which opens up new opportunities for wealth and increase for those who can identify and meet those needs. Debt elimination, mortgage modification attorneys, and loss mitigation specialists have already begun to pop up to meet some of the obvious needs in the current marketplace. To one person, a recession and the accompanying corporate layoffs and high unemployment are a sign of doom and gloom, while to the opportunistic entrepreneur they are a path to unlimited riches.

I recently heard of a tremendous recession success story that was started in Silicon Valley, California. The company helps executives that have been fired from large corporations to write resumes, obtain additional training, and prepare to find a new job. They are hired by the HR department of the company making lay-offs, and their services are made a part of the terminated employee’s severance package. The company was started specifically to fill the need created by the economic downturn, and last year alone recorded over 3 million dollars in total sales. The entrepreneurs behind this company capitalized on an economy-specific opportunity, but oftentimes we also see location-specific opportunities present themselves during recessionary periods.

After the devastation of Hurricane Ike, and the great need for rebuilding in the area, a long-time friend of mine founded a construction business in Galveston, TX. As unemployment rates climb near 10%, and many small business owners are closing up shop, his business is expanding on a daily basis. He is just one of many who are finding needs in the current marketplace, as well as locations with a demand for their services, and are being rewarded handsomely for adequately meeting that need.

This same economic phenomenon is found in the Biblical story of Joseph. After accurately interpreting Pharaoh’s dream of anorexic bovine feeding on their obese counterparts, Joseph was given charge over the Egyptian leader’s entire kingdom. During the 7 years of abundant harvest, grain wasn’t such an easy commodity to sell (remember that whole Eskimo thing?) and Joseph did little more than preserve and maintain the wealth of the Kingdom. However, when the years of famine came, Joseph was well positioned to profit by selling his product to those who had a tremendous need for it. By being in the right place at the right time with the right product, Joseph’s business was able to thrive during a recession and accumulate untold wealth and possessions for Pharaoh.

It may seem counterintuitive to start a new business, or even expand an existing one, in the middle of what has been called, “The Greatest Financial Downturn since the Great Depression.” But a recession can actually be the perfect time for entrepreneurs to take action on their passions and ideas. There is certainly less competition during a recession, and many times during an economic slow down the prices for advertising, raw materials and other business essentials will drop significantly.

In fact, many of the nation’s most successful companies (General Electric, Southwest Airlines, & Microsoft, just to name a few) were started right in the middle of recessions. Why did these companies succeed, while most of their competitors were hemorrhaging cash, cutting production, and eliminating employees? It's because the visionaries that started these successful enterprises recognized a market need and then worked tirelessly to fill it. That union between the supply of a product or service combined with the market’s demand for it is the ultimate key to any thriving business, regardless of the economic climate in which it begins.

What opportunities are there in your area or market? What new needs have been created by recent events in your community, including the local impact of this current worldwide recession? How can your company fill those needs and capitalize on the growing demand in your specific niche? By opening up our minds and allowing God to reveal his ideas to us, we can see great prosperity in a time when the world is searching for answers. When the lost and suffering see our businesses thriving, we’ll begin to see the fulfillment of 1 Thessalonians 4:12, as our success begins to “win the respect of [the] outsiders.” It is then that we will see God’s entrepreneurial mandate begin to assist in the fulfillment of His higher priority, something affectionately known around Christian circles as “The Great Commission.”

Despise Not Small Beginnings

"Who despises the day of small things?” Zechariah 4:10, NIV

There is no such thing as an overnight success story. We all love to believe that they exist, if for no other reason than to leave us with the hope that one day success will also find its way to our doorstep. After all, we pay our tithes faithfully and even give offerings above and beyond to our local church and various missions organizations, as the Lord leads. Isn’t that supposed to swing wide the windows of heaven and pour down piles of money into our laps, so much so that we can’t contain it? This possibility, regardless of how remote, keeps us hanging on; shuffling our way through each day until that monumental moment happens to us…just like it happened to that nice young man we heard about from the evangelist on TV.

As hard as it may be for some people in the Church to grasp, financial freedom and economic prosperity does not simply fall in our laps. (My temptation is to write about how I don’t want my words here to burst anyone’s bubble, but that would be disingenuous of me, because that’s exactly what I want to do!) Until we “prepare [our] minds for action” (1 Peter 1:13), and then ACT, we will never see the success that we so fervently desire. It’s the mindset of waiting, watching, and hoping that has kept the Church at large destitute, ineffective, and unable to fulfill its earthly mission.

From the beginning of time until today, every successful business, invention, ministry, or organization has been built the exact same way; small step-by-small step, difficult decision after difficult decision. The reason why we think overnight success stories do exist in our society is because we’re not privy to the blood, sweat, and tears that goes on behind the scenes before that multi-million dollar company goes public, the famous actor gets his big break, or before the world renowned evangelist becomes, well…world renowned.

The other night my wife and I were flipping through the channels and came across a show called Gladiators 2000, a teenage spin-off of the mega-hit American Gladiators, originally filmed back in the 1990’s. As a student of all things successful, my interest was not necessarily peaked by the fast-paced, dramatic nature of the competition, but rather by the name of the 19-year old host of the program: Ryan Seacrest. For those of you who have not been sucked in by the reality singing competition known as “American Idol,” allow me to give you an update on pop culture. Ryan Seacrest is also the host of that particular program, which just so happens to be the #1 rated television show in America. Accompanying those high ratings is also an extremely high paycheck for one Mr. Seacrest (now 34), who made in excess of 20 million dollars last year, as well as landing some other high-profile gigs such as hosting the Emmy Awards, Dick Clark’s “New Years Rockin’ Eve,” and the American Top 40 radio program, just to name a few.

Most people are familiar with the fame, success, and glamour that surround stars like Ryan, but few people know of their tireless work ethic and undying commitment to their craft that is typical of successful people in any industry. Those close to Ryan tell stories of his passion for radio, and how he had crafted a smooth presentation early in his teen years. After a few years as a DJ in his native Georgia, Ryan moved to L.A. and began hosting a radio show for just $15 an hour (which in Southern California has you living well below the poverty line). However, Ryan didn’t despise his small beginnings, and kept pushing towards the success that he knew could be his if he stayed committed to the process. This same story can be found in countless successful businesses, even those that were started in the middle of recessionary periods of our country’s history.

The oil crisis of 1973 sparked the largest recession in our nation since World War II. The high gas prices would have deterred nearly any entrepreneur from starting a business that relied heavily on transportation. Apparently nobody told that to Frederick W. Smith, founder of the mega-shipping giant, FedEx Corp (or perhaps they did tell him, and he just wasn’t listening). Beginning its operations on April 17, 1973 as Federal Express, the company delivered a mere 186 packages to 25 cities on its first night of operations. Not exactly an overnight success story (no pun intended). However, with a strong business plan and an even stronger work ethic, FedEx grew into the financial juggernaut that it is today, now managing more than 7.5 million shipments everyday worldwide.

Our fast food, microwave-ready, instant coffee society has conditioned us to expect immediate gratification, but in business things don’t always work that way. Successful enterprises are built the same way in recessions as they are during times of abundance, and that’s through hard work and dedication. As you begin to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams, don’t become discouraged if things don’t happen for you right away. The day of small beginnings should not be despised, but rather embraced as a time of trial & error, learning, growing, and developing a master plan that will launch you into success in the years to come. As more people succumb to the fear and dread being propagated by the news media, the greater the opportunity becomes for those who have the drive and commitment to take action and make things happen. Being an entrepreneur is not always a bed of roses at first, but over time it can create a wonderful life for you, your family, and those you choose to bless with your wealth and financial increase. Stay committed to the process, even in times of recession, and you will certainly see amazing results!

Recession Success Stories

It is often in the midst of economic turmoil that enormous fortunes are lost. Today’s recession is certainly no different. As credit tightens, and consumer confidence wanes, many of the mighty titans of Wall Street are left waiting around for their “stimulus package” to come riding in on a white stallion to save their ailing balance sheets. However, as we have seen with the previous installments of stimuli, throwing bad money at bad businesses with bad management will not produce good results. Those businesses that don’t adjust fast enough to a changing economy will surely fail. It is a simple free market principle, and today we are all witnesses of that fact.

However, at the same time that fortunes are being lost by some, great wealth is also being amassed by others. Those who possess the entrepreneurial spirit are finding unique niches within the marketplace and are positioning themselves to profit from the present economic conditions. These individuals continue to succeed because they are always looking forward, staying adaptable, and rising to meet the challenges of a changing economy. They focus on creating new customers, while searching for new opportunities to meet the needs of their current customers, and for this effort they are being handsomely rewarded.

I guess you might call me a bit of a contrarian, but I truly believe that now is one of the best times to be an entrepreneur, and for many of the same reasons it’s a great time to buy real estate. It may sound a little counterintuitive, if not absolutely insane, to start a business in the middle of one of the worst recessions in decades. However, if you look back at the history of business in the United States, some of our greatest success stories were either started, or substantially grew, during seasons of economic contraction.

From General Electric’s start in the panic of 1873 to Microsoft’s humble beginnings during the recession of 1975 (and many in between), some of the world’s largest and most profitable companies were started when most people would have never considered beginning a new venture. But then again, Thomas Edison and Bill Gates were not “most people” and neither should you be.

Over the next few weeks, I will be analyzing some of the most successful recession start-ups of the past 150 years, and sharing with you some powerful business lessons. My hope and prayer is that these stories will inspire you to reach higher, and to believe God to bless you even in the midst of famine, as he did for Isaac in Genesis 26. Now is not the time for you to take your business aspirations and put them up on a shelf for a “better time”. This in fact may be the perfect time for you to tap into your God-given potential and watch Him come along side of you to help bring to fruition your entrepreneurial dreams.

Can You Squeeze through the Needle’s Eye?

I would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a happy New Year (even if I am a little late in doing it). I am filled with optimism and unbridled enthusiasm as I look toward the future, a time I believe is filled with endless possibilities for each and every one of us. We launch into 2009 in the midst of a major worldwide recession, and yet my hope is undaunted. Some of the most successful businesses of the last century were started during years of economic downturn. There are niches and opportunities for entrepreneurs to grab hold of, and prosper from, especially if they are backed by the full force and anointing of Jehovah Jireh, our Great and Mighty Provider.

I plan on spending some time over the next few weeks analyzing some of those successful businesses, as well as some of the niches in today’s marketplace that could bring prosperity and abundance to those who seize it. God has blessed his children in the midst of famine and prosperity in the past, and I believe he is poised to do it once again. However, before I dive into that meaty subject, I would ask for you to bear with me as I take one more blog post to finish up my series on “Satan’s Favorite Bible Verse”. The most important aspect of analyzing Matthew 19:24 has yet to be touched upon, and I believe it’s important that we take a closer look at it.

“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:24, NIV)

If someone were to read verse 24 by itself, and go no further in the story, it is very easy to see how they could be led to the false assumption that God wants his people to abandon the notion of prosperity and live their lives in poverty and lack. However, when you take the time to read the next 2 verses, and consider verse 24 within the context of the conversation, you will come to a far different conclusion.

Many believers hate the idea of context, because it prevents them from manipulating Scripture to say what they want it to say. But shouldn’t our ultimate goal be to seek out what God is trying to say, rather than distorting the words of the Holy Writ to push forward our own agenda and/or belief system? Let’s check out verse 24 one more time, but now in the perspective within which it rightly belongs.

“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, ‘Who then can be saved?’ Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:24-26, NIV. Emphasis added)

To fully understand why the disciples were “greatly astonished” at Jesus’ words, you must have an understanding of more than just the literary context, but the historical context as well. During the time of Jesus’ life on earth, material wealth was considered a sign of God’s favor. Of course, there were some wealthy and influential people who were revealed by Jesus to be a “brood of vipers” and a stench in the nostrils of God. However, there were also many known by the disciples to be faithful followers of Christ who were blessed with great wealth and abundance. If these God-fearing men were unable to get into the kingdom of God, then the question must be asked, “Who then can be saved?” (Verse 25)

Jesus immediately clarifies his position with his next statement, “With man this (“this” being a rich man getting into heaven) is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Verse 26) Jesus knew the disciples’ hearts, and was encouraging them not to let their hearts be troubled over these great men of God who were rich in this present world. Faithful servants of Christ like Joseph of Arimathea (who would eventually provide Jesus’ burial tomb) and Zacchaeus (who had been radically converted), both men of great wealth, still had a place in His Kingdom because “with God” all things are possible.

The absolute life changing phrase here is “with God.” There are a lot of things that happen “with God” that wouldn’t otherwise take place. Jesus used the illustration regarding the eye of the needle to once again illustrate the awesome power of God to transform the heart of mankind. If a person’s heart & life are entangled in this world ruled by the prince of darkness and his minions, it will certainly keep them from taking up residence in Heaven. Riches often become a god to the lost and have the tendency to bring out the worst in mankind; greed, materialism, and corruption. Many become consumed with the idea of making more and building their own personal kingdoms on earth. Worldly possessions become their focus and the thirst for “More, Bigger, and Better” can never be quenched.

However “with God”, and his transforming power, the impossible now becomes possible. Those with wealth are not consumed by it, but rather use it for the good of those around them. Their financial independence affords them the opportunity to donate their time to a local church or ministry (Ephesians 4:12), give to missions and fund ministries (Phil 4:15-17), take care of the poor, orphans & widows (Acts 4:34, 35; James 1:27), provide for their own families (1 Tim 5:8), and leave an inheritance for their children’s children (Prov. 13:22). “With God” our hearts are changed and we are transformed by the renewing of our minds. “With God” there is new vision, new purpose, and new direction in our lives. “With God” money is no longer something that defiles and corrupts, but rather a tool that is used for the purposes of God and his Kingdom. With God, with God, with God!!!! Hallelujah!!!

That’s what Jesus was saying! That’s the power of context! How much clearer could Jesus be in this passage of Scripture? And yet many Christians have excused their own poverty for years by standing on verse 24 alone, as if it’s some kind of badge of honor to be broke, busted and disgusted.

That’s why I believe this is by far one of the devil’s favorite Bible verses. He probably has a cross-stitched version of the verse framed over his rocking chair in Hell. He would love for us to believe that God wants us poor. The emptier our wallets are, the more effective his kingdom of darkness remains. The wealth of the wicked may very well be laid up for the righteous, but if the devil can keep us from taking action to lay hold of it, he has that much more money to do his evil bidding.

For this new year of 2009, I pray now more than ever that God would give you a healthy view of wealth, prosperity, and abundance. I believe that a mighty deluge of His “power to create wealth” will overtake you this year! I pray that your mind and spirit will receive numerous God ideas and inventions, as well as the creativity and ingenuity to market and sell them for profit. I pray that the business idea that has been placed inside of you, that may have become dormant in recent years, COME ALIVE IN JESUS’ HOLY NAME!

I promise to continue doing my part to inspire, motivate, and equip you in the coming year to pursue your God-given dreams and visions. I look forward to the stream of testimonials that will flow into my e-mail box in the coming months. Until next week, be blessed…

Satan's Favorite Bible Verse, Part 2

“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:24, NIV)

As I discussed in part 1 of this series, the passage found in Matthew 19:24 is one of the most misused and misunderstood statements that Jesus made during his time on Planet Earth. The notion that God wants his people to suffer or to live in poverty is not only contrary to the scriptures as a whole, but also a complete misapplication of Jesus’ “eye of the needle” statement and his subsequent explanation to the disciples. As a result, it has also become one of the devil’s favorite and most-quoted verses of the Bible. It has helped to keep Christians underfunded and ineffective in their plight to spread the good news of Christ & His love, severely crippling one of the biggest threats to his demonic kingdom.

(If you haven’t had a chance to read last week’s blog post, take a minute and review the first 2 points by scrolling down to part 1 of “Satan’s Favorite Bible Verse”)

#3 - The Definition of “Rich”

Does God truly refuse to allow entry into Heaven for those who are considered “rich” in the present world? If so, I guess it would be pretty important for us as believers to come up with an exact definition of what “rich” truly is, so as to ensure that we stay far away from that dreadful number. So, let me ask you, how do you define rich? Is there a number in your head? Perhaps the more poignant question might be, “What do you think is the number in someone else’s head?” Isn’t it possible that the answers are numerous & varied, with nearly every person thinking of a different number or amount altogether? Not only is it possible, but also highly probably, because an individual’s definition of “rich” is most certainly shaped by their own personal circumstances.

When most people come up with an income number for “rich” or a net worth number for “wealthy”, it’s nearly always a number much higher than what they currently have or earn right now. For me personally, when I was making $30,000 a year, I thought that $100,000 was rich. However, when I was making $100,000 a year, suddenly it didn’t feel very “rich” anymore. This mindset is just as prevalent in the top 1-2% of Americans as it is in everyday folks, with a recent survey revealing that only 8% of all millionaires consider themselves to be “very rich”. Regardless of our current income, nearly all of us consider “rich” something to be attained, a far-off destination that we are striving for, not a present reality.

Another defining factor for the term “rich” would need to include the area of the country or world in which a person resides. Earning $100,000 a year in a small Midwestern town may make your life pretty comfortable, filling your days with luxury and convenience. However, that same $100,000 in New York City or London has you living in a cramped studio apartment barely larger than most master bedroom closets. On a global scale, the differences are even more dramatic.

In the United States, we consider our “poor” to be those who make less than $20,000 or so per year (depending on the number of people in the household). However, in many parts of Africa, running water and electricity are considered a luxury to be experienced only by the social elite. Seeing through the eyes and paradigm of the impoverished in 3rd world countries would put just about everyone in the United States in the “rich” category and, according to many in the church, would have us all destined to a fiery grave.

The term “rich” is obviously a very relative term, with the definition based primarily on one’s own perspective. So it stands to reason that the perspective or definition of “rich” that we should most be concerned with is God Almighty’s. In the world’s economy, Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are 2 of its wealthiest inhabitants, but in Heaven’s economy they are just above the poverty line. How is “rich” defined by someone who paves his streets with gold and has designed and prepared a mansion for each and every one of his followers? Is God pleased if you make $30k, $60k, or even $100k/year? If so, what is the yearly income number at which his pleasure turns into divine dismay and unrelenting wrath? What happens if you are successful in utilizing your God-given gifts and talents and, heaven forbid, get a raise to $150k/year? Is that a sentence to eternal damnation? Obviously I speak in jest, but there are many in our churches today who actually believe that!

With so many definitions of the word “rich”, wouldn’t it make sense for God to spend his time judging the heart, rather than the size of someone’s pocketbook? Wasn’t that the whole point of the Sermon on the Mount? The root problem with the rich young ruler wasn’t his riches, but rather his attachment to, and unwillingness to let go of those riches. He gave lip service to the cause of Christ, but he was unwilling to let go of his worldly possessions to truly “take up his cross” & follow. Jesus saw right through to the heart and put this young man to the test, one that he miserably failed.

Compare that to the Biblical account of Zacchaeus, a tax collector in Jericho:

“But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount." Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost." (Luke 19:8-10, NIV, emphasis added)

Notice that Zacchaeus only offered to give up half of his possessions in a show of repentance, while Jesus commanded everything of the rich young ruler. Regardless of how you define wealthy in today’s economy (1 Million, 5 Million, 10 Million), if you start off wealthy and give up only half, how much does that leave you with? Quite a bit! So why did Zacchaeus get off so cheap? Why was he allowed to keep a substantial portion of his net worth, while the rich, young ruler had to abandon it all? Because again, it has absolutely nothing to do with the AMOUNT, and EVERYTHING to do with the HEART! Zacchaeus had already been convicted of his greed and materialism and he came to Jesus with a penitent heart, ready to humbly obey as his master commanded. Zacchaeus’ heart was pure in the presence of God, so there was no need for Jesus to call him to the same radical abandonment of wealth as he did the rich, young ruler.

For some people it takes giving up everything to break their idolatry of money, to some it’s half, and to some it’s none at all. God is not in the “robin hood” business of taking from the rich and giving to the poor. He is in the “Jehovah Jireh” business of blessing his saints abundantly that they may in turn bless the poor, their families, and the needy ministries in the Church. It’s not about dollars and cents to God. It’s about who (or what) is guiding your heart and your decisions. Your commitment to Christ is measured by how much of your cross you have taken up, not by how much of your money you have laid down. Poor people can be just as worldy and uncommitted to Christ as rich people, but God is calling us all to follow him without restrictions, conditions, or limitations.

When we come to this type of unconditional surrender, it is then that the windows of heaven can truly open up and God can abundantly bless the works of our hands. He is scanning the earth for those who are being faithful with what they have, so that he can bless them abundantly, in full confidence that they will put it to good use in spreading the gospel of His dear Son (while also taking care of their families as they are commanded in 1 Timothy 5:8). As we stay diligent and faithful to our divine calling, keeping money in its proper place in our lives, there is truly nothing that can keep us from success and prosperity as we live out our days here on earth.

Stay safe, be blessed, and if you see my wife today, wish her a happy 27th birthday!

(Stay tuned for part 3 of “Satan’s Favorite Bible Verse” when we talk about the most important part of reading this or any Biblical passage…CONTEXT!!)

Satan's Favorite Bible Verse, Part 1

“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:24, NIV)

All of us have a favorite Bible verse or verses. For some it’s Jeremiah 29:11 and its promise of hope, for others it’s the strength we draw from God in Philippians 4:13, and for still others it is Proverbs 3:5, 6 and the knowledge that God is continually directing our paths. In stark contrast to those uplifting and encouraging messages, I firmly believe that one of satan’s favorite verses is found in Matthew 19:24. For centuries the devil has watched this one verse be repeatedly taken out of context and effectively used to keep God’s people marginalized & impoverished, unable to finance any type of lasting and effective missions or evangelistic outreach.

The devil has a variety of tactics and creative strategies to accomplish his goal of destroying mankind. However, one of his very favorites is using God’s Word and His people against themselves, rendering them ineffective in accomplishing their great commission. He tried the same thing against Jesus, though unsuccessfully, during His time of testing in the desert (See Matthew Chapter 4). Satan had the audacity to use scripture to try and deceive Jesus into cancelling his mission on earth and forfeiting his throne in Heaven. If he would try it on the Son of God Himself, why would we be surprised when he uses the same tactic on us?

When it becomes apparent to the devil that he will be unable to drag you into a lifestyle of sin, debauchery, and rebellion, he changes his focus to simply try to neutralize you, preventing you from doing any further damage to the kingdom of darkness. It’s called devil damage control or lucipher loss mitigation, if you will. By taking Matthew 19:24 out of context, and manipulating Christ’s followers into doing the same, satan has been successful in keeping Christians poverty-minded & consuming their time with making ends meet rather than preaching the good news to a lost generation. His minions continue to make billions of dollars to finance the moral destruction of humanity, while our missionaries spend more time itinerating than “seeking and saving”, because most of their donors can barely afford a few dollars per month.

When it comes to the topic of God’s will to bless his people and my blog subscribers, I know I run the risk of “preaching to the choir.” However, even those who believe God wants them to prosper still have a tough time explaining the meaning of this verse to others, not to mention to themselves. The “eye of the needle” concept, though completely misused and misunderstood, has become so deeply rooted in the hearts and minds of believers, that many times they will subconsciously sabotage their own success in fear that wealth will somehow keep them from God. Therefore, I want to help shed some light on the subject so that you can move forward in confidence that God truly wants to see you succeed.

#1 – The Preponderance of Evidence.

To rule on the side of the prosecution in a criminal trial, a jury must believe guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt”; however in a civil trial the burden of proof is simply “the preponderance of the evidence.” Once all the facts are gathered and analyzed, they are laid on the scales of justice and whichever way it tips determines the ultimate verdict. In the Bible, there are literally hundreds of verses that declare God’s will and desire to bless his people abundantly in regards to wealth and prosperity. There are a couple, literally 3 or 4, that when taken out of context could be used as an argument to the contrary. Yet, it never ceases to amaze me how many believers will hold fast to the one or two misunderstood verses, while ignoring “the preponderance of the evidence” that illustrates our loving Father’s desire to give good gifts to his children.

#2 – Guidance from the Apostle Paul

The Apostle Paul was one of the most radical followers of Christ to ever walk the face of the earth. He was the driving force of the rapid, exponential growth of the 1st century church and was eventually martyred for the cause of Christ. His zeal, passion, and unwavering adherence to the directives of the Lord were unmatched by any person of his generation. If Jesus’ advice to the rich young ruler was intended to create church doctrine and a fundamental belief system, wouldn’t Paul have been the first to admonish the church to flee from wealth and economic prosperity? Yet we find Paul repeatedly speaking of wealth and riches in a positive light

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” (2 Cor. 8:9)

“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. (2 Corinthian 9:10-12, emphasis added, NIV)

In 2 Corinthians 8:9, the word that is translated as “rich” is the Greek word “ploutizo”. The root word “ploutos” is actually defined as “riches, wealth, and an abundance of external possessions.” Paul’s statement that Christ died in poverty to make us “rich” refers to literal, physical riches, not just a spiritual blessing. As hard as it may be for poverty-minded people to accept, Christ’s death on the cross accomplished a lot more than just salvation for the lost. For those who are willing to receive it, Christ’s shed blood brings healing to the spirit, the body, the mind, and the pocketbook. Praise God!

In fact, the only time in the New Testament that Paul refers to riches in a negative way is in 1 Timothy 6:9 when he states, “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” Notice that the warning is to those who “want to get rich”, not to those who are rich or become rich. Paul was speaking to the attitude of want, greed or the “love of money”. However when extracted from the rest of Paul’s writings and taken out of context, this verse may lead some to believe that Paul was advocating against wealth & prosperity in the church. But when you read just a few verses later in the same letter to Timothy, you see him giving guidance to his young apprentice in the faith on how to advise those who are “rich in this present world.”

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6: 17-19, NIV)

It is obvious from his writings, which make up the majority of the New Testament, that Paul felt money could be used as a powerful tool for meeting the needs of Christians and providing the means necessary to continue the church’s evangelistic work. When combined with the hundreds of other verses throughout scripture, both Old and New Testament, it’s unmistakably apparent that in regards to His children, God’s very nature is one of abundant provision and blessing. The harvest is ripe and plentiful, but the Lord needs laborers who are well-financed and focused on the mission at hand, not on how they will pay this month’s mortgage payment. The truth of God’s Word, and his desire to bless you financially, needs to be fully assimilated into your spirit so that you will never hesitate in your entrepreneurial pursuits. It is then that we will begin to see the wealth of the wicked laid up and taken hold of by the righteous, and used to take the gospel to the ends of the earth and hasten the return of our Lord. Amen!

(This blog post was originally intended to be just one part, but as I began writing the content expanded beyond my control. Therefore, I will continue next week with part 2 of “Satan’s Favorite Bible Verse” when we examine the context of Jesus’ statement in Matthew 19:24, as well as God’s definition of what “rich” truly is. Until then, have a blessed and prosperous week!)

If You, Then God...

This week I was the recipient of a rather harsh & disturbing comment from a visitor to my website. He was upset by my assertion that our success in life in regards to wealth, business, and prosperity is tied to our action, or “works” as he put it. His contention was that we are all under grace and that all attention should be focused on God and nothing that we do impacts the way God works in our lives. His exact quote is as follows:

“According to you, our tithe brings the blessing. That's called the prosperity gospel. That's called works. ‘If we do this, then God will do that.’ He doesn't work that way.”

I typically don’t take the time to respond to negative e-mails or comments; however I felt as if this topic was far too important to ignore. The attitude of “let go and let God” is pervasive in the church and, not only is it unscriptural, but it’s keeping us poor, sick, and ineffective for the Kingdom of God. “If you do this, then God will do that” is EXACTLY how God works!

The Bible is filled with if/then relationships that apply to God’s people. There are literally hundreds of conditional statements in the Bible, including dozens in the book of Proverbs alone, many of which explain an action that is required of us by God and a reward if we obey. Do any of these sound familiar?

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14, emphasis added)

“If a man shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too will cry out and not be answered.” (Prov. 21:13)

“If a king judges the poor with fairness, his throne will always be secure.” (Prov. 29:14)

Though God is immutable (does not change), I am assuming that these verses would be disregarded by my friend because they are from the Old Testament. I assume from his comment regarding “grace” that he feels as if most everything in the old covenant is not important, even those statements and verses that describe the unchanging nature of Jehovah God. Therefore, here are just a few of the conditional statements from the New Testament. Any of these ring a bell?

“If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, [then] you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, emphasis added)

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” (James 5:16, emphasis added)

“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14, emphasis added)

Salvation is a gift that none of us can earn, but it still requires action on your part. The prayer of faith requires action on your part. The fulfillment of the Great Commission requires action on your part. And yes, reaping financial blessing in your life requires action on your part.

“For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10)

You will again obey the LORD and follow all his commands I am giving you today. Then the LORD your God will make you most prosperous in all the work of your hands…” (Deuteronomy 30:8, 9, emphasis added)

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' (Matthew 25:21, emphasis added)

The concept of grace has been misunderstood and misapplied by Christians for generations. Grace is defined as God’s unmerited favor. It is God doing good for us even though we do not deserve it. I can think of countless times early on in my Christian walk when God blessed me, even though I was failing in many areas of my life. I have seen his hand of grace provide for me financially even though I was not responsible in many of my financial decisions. I was a child in the faith, and so God looked past some of my childlike ways and blessed me in spite of myself. That, my friend, is grace.

But do those displays of God’s unmerited favor give me a license to live contrary to his commands, even as I grow in my knowledge of the faith? Of course not! Grace is there to pick us up when we fail, like all imperfect beings have the tendency to do, and I am extremely thankful for it. However, it is not a license to live however you want, whenever you want & it certainly does not eradicate the God-established principle of sowing and reaping. Grace or no grace, when we make bad decisions in our lives more often than not we will reap bad results.

God’s love and acceptance may be unconditional, but according to his infallible Word, his blessings are certainly not. Many of them come with conditions of action or obedience to God and most Christians would like to believe this is not the case. Why tarry in prayer if you can just “name it and claim it”? Why work hard and make wise financial decisions if you can just send in $20 to your favorite ministry and lazily sit back waiting for your check in the mail?

Francis Cardinal Spellman (US Cardinal 1946) once said, “Pray as if everything depended upon God and work as if everything depended upon man.” I understand that this phrase is not scripture and not a foundation for doctrine, but how much more effective would the Church be if we began living by that credo? It is time for the body of Christ to quit waiting for something to fall in their laps, and start taking their God-given gifts and putting them to work for the Kingdom. Whether in regards to healing, business, or ministry, the righteous take it by force, not by passively standing by. Faith without works is dead, fruitless, and accomplishes nothing. So rise up, mighty warrior, and remember…If you, then God!

Hello, My Name Is _______________.

“One of the most important things that you can do during the next few days of this seminar is to network with as many like-minded people as possible, because those contacts will be invaluable to you and your future success.”

That’s a quote I have repeated countless times at my 2 or 3-day financial freedom seminars, but I have a deep, dark confession to make. One of my least favorite things to do in this entire universe is business networking. Rubbing shoulders, handing out business cards, talking to people that I have nothing in common with in the hopes that they may one day do business with me…I can’t imagine a more painful way to spend my time. I know of countless people that simply thrive in that environment, however I’m just not one of them.

That being said, I must also admit that some of my most profitable business relationships have come from networking events exactly like the ones I so fervently despise. Like it or not, social networking is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to grow your business. Before a customer is a customer, they must first become a prospect, and before a prospect is a prospect, they must first be a contact. It is “Funnel Theory of Marketing 101”, and the most effective way to fill your funnel with as many contacts as possible is investing your time in what has become known as “Social Capital”.

Social capital, as defined by Wikipedia, is the value of network trusting relationships between individuals in an economy. The importance of building relationships with others in your marketplace simply can not be overstated, and it is essential to success in any area of life, business, or ministry.

One of my friends is an extremely successful business man, and his family is worth many millions of dollars. His father started his business career as a grocery store manager, and quickly ascended the ladder of achievement. He eventually started his own company, and now owns numerous businesses that operate in multiple countries throughout the world. I once implored my friend to share with me the secret to his father’s success. I expected some really in depth answer about cash flow analysis, managing inventories, mergers and acquisitions, or something even more over my head. Surprisingly, my friend summed up his dad’s uncanny success in one simple word, “relationships”. His father focused a great deal of his energy towards building strong interpersonal relationships with those around him, whether his employees, customers, or even his competitors. This investment into social capital has reaped great financial rewards for both him and his family.

In a world that is ruled by the clock, it’s easy to get caught up in all of the demands of the day. Family, work, school, kids, dinner, soccer practice, devotionals, exercise, and the list goes on and on. In the midst of this fast paced lifestyle, one of the first things to suffer is our personal relationships. After all, who has time for a deep, meaningful conversation any more? We are so busy racing from one appointment to the next that a simple “How are you?” has been replaced with a silent wave, for fear that someone might actually answer the question and make us late for the next event. However, if we want to be truly successful as entrepreneurs, it is imperative that we invest a portion of our time into this extremely neglected area of life. This commitment to growing our “social capital” through networking, meeting new people, and even attending community events will create contacts, prospects, and if all goes well, customers for life.

Falling Prey To Parkinson's Law

First articulated by Cyril Northcote Parkinson in the early part of the 20th Century, Parkinson’s Law states that "the demand upon a resource tends to expand to match the supply of the resource*." This concept has been applied to numerous areas of life, from politics to computer data, to point out the fact that the more we have of something, the more we tend to use. In financial terms, Parkinson’s Law can be summed up in 4 simple words, “Make more; spend more.”

One of the biggest mistakes that new & aspiring entrepreneurs make is not adequately investing in their businesses. Whether it’s a new business owner skimming a little too much of the profits for personal enjoyment, or an employee wasting a raise or Christmas bonus on upgrades to their material possessions, most of us have the tendency of falling prey to Parkinson’s law. In fact, studies show that through the availability of credit, American’s have in essence re-written Parkinson’s Law. We don’t only let our expenses rise proportionately with our income; we actually let them outpace us by spending an astounding 114% of what we actually earn!

Unfortunately this is another area of life where the church at large has followed right in step with the world, and its results are tragic. This fiscal unfitness that is so prevalent in our pews paralyzes us from taking action on our God-given visions and prevents us from starting or expanding our entrepreneurial efforts. The body of Christ must make a change, and it starts by breaking the law…

The key to success in your business and finances is to make a concerted effort to violate Parkinson’s Law. I tell my students all the time that there are only 2 ways to make room in your budget, and that is to make more or spend less. When you receive a raise or bonus, or your business has a good month, you have to resist the temptation of allowing your expenses to expand, filling up this new found room in your budget. This extra money is in fact a seed, that when sown into a God-directed financial endeavor, can produce a harvest of prosperity and blessing for you and your family.

Take a few minutes and check out this short clip from a recent financial conference at which I shared a few more insights about the phenomenon you now know as Parkinson’s Law. Have a Blessed Week!



* Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, www.wikipedia.com, accessed 10/22/2008

Financial Sanctification: Are We Set Apart?

As the world goes, so goes the church. The recent economic turmoil has once again served as a reminder of how most of us in the church still haven’t figured it out. We have been called to be separate, set apart, different. As the hackneyed maxim goes, our lives (and our finances) are supposed to be in the world but not of the world. However, just a little research will quickly reveal that the divorce rate, abortion rates, and even the existence of poverty, is the same in the church as it is in the secular world. We should not be affected by the economic cycles and shifting winds of Wall Street. But inevitably we are…

God longs to bless us even in the midst of economic downturns. He wants us to be the city on the hill, the ones to which the lost and hurting are looking to and asking themselves, “Why do they seem to be immune from what the rest of us are dealing with?” In fact, Paul speaks to this fact in what I believe is his call to an entrepreneurial church in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 & 12;

"Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody." (NIV)

Paul admonishes the church to work hard and mind their business for 2 very important reasons. The second one, which we will focus on more in later entries, is to become financially free so that you “will not be dependent on anybody.” The first reason, however, is so that “your daily life may win the respect of outsiders.” Who are the outsiders? It’s the lost; those who don’t know Christ as their Lord & Savior. Those who are “outside” of the church are always watching those who are “inside.” In the same way that we are called to be set apart from sin and depravity, we should also be an example to the lost in our independence from the typical ups & downs that come from the economic cycles of the world.

However, because we spend WAY above our means (just like the rest of the world) and because we don’t tap into the divine creativity that has been placed inside of us to start successful businesses and profitable endeavors, we suffer the same fate as those who have no heavenly blessing at all. Therefore, when the “outside” looks “inside” they don’t see any real significant difference. What is there then to draw them to take a closer look? We have become so much like the world in both actions and appearance that we have lost the ability to “win the respect of the outsiders” when they take a peek inside our walls.

These words are certainly not intended to discourage you, but rather to challenge you to take a closer look at your life, finances, and career. Perhaps you need a heavenly paradigm shift, so that you can begin to see your career or business as a spiritual calling rather than a secular annoyance. It is (or should be) part of your contribution to the advancement of the Kingdom of God, and thus should constantly be examined and perfected by the wisdom that comes only from above.

In the coming months, (& years if the Lord tarries) I will be sharing some powerful scriptures that reveal God’s desire for a prosperous church of entrepreneurs and successful business owners. I will also be bringing you insightful interviews with Christian leaders, weekly motivation, and various online seminars to help you take your idea, invention, or service and turn it into a profitable reality in your life & business. If you would like to receive regular e-mail updates on our powerful training, you can register anytime at www.e-mandate.org.

Looking forward to lifting you higher,

Matt Robinson
Portico Wealth Training