Have a big problem with entrepreneurs getting a divorce. Not because why you think though… Yes, God detests divorce. But I see it from a totally different angle. When an entrepreneur friend of mine gets a divorce, I’m immidiately hesitant about getting into a partnership with this person. They have lost integrity in my mind. What a person does in his private life is a strong indication of what is going on in his heart. This is so because the marriage relationship is the foundation for all other relationships we form in society and it mirrors our character. Marriage is a promise that puts someone else’s interests ahead of your own. Partnership in business, like marriage, is as much a responsibility as it is a privilege and is based on trust earned over time through hard work. If I can’t trust you, I’m less likely to do business with you. Period. That’s simply the way we’re wired to think. I still love that entrepreneur, I’m just extremely cautious about getting in a business relationship. The bible says, "For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him". Proverbs 5:21‭-‬22 NLT I’ve been sticking it out since 2011. My wife and I have spoken about divorce. I chose, though, to see marriage as the ultimate entrepreneurial venture that I’m never quitting because it’s shaping me and molding INTEGRITY. Regardless of how I feel sometimes towards my wife, I immediately take a bigger picture view of what’s going on and think that this is another test or my INTEGRITY and I’m going to PASS! Godpreneur Rule: Integrity starts at home. Godpreneurs are people of their word and stick with our commitments even when we no longer feel like it. #MarriedEntrepreneurs #StrengthenIntegrity

This message will be the most difficult concept to relay because it has to do with putting to death all of the materialistic things we planned on doing when we have money. I don’t know about you, but I have big ideas for when I’m balling. I want fancy dinners, expensive vacations, exotic car rentals, and I want to take my friends with me. There’s nothing wrong with any of these “things.” What’s wrong is my attitude towards them. These are all impulsive, materialistic purchases. And if we don’t keep them in check, we might not be trusted to manage the money in the first place. Our attitude NOW as Godpreneurs was a direct impact on our impulses and what we’ll do with money when it comes in contact with us. So what’s the right attitude to have that God honors and blesses? How do we change and prepare our hearts and attitudes to receive more? How do we undo all of the materialistic dreams we’ve set in our hearts, and replace them with God’s vision to do through our businesses? It’s all about taking on Jesus’s servant heart. The bible says: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."Philippians 2:3‭-‬4 NIV Having a servants heart as a CEO is a posture and a perspective. When you experience growth in your business and God provides new contacts, new clients, and money in the bank, your mind should expand, and you should begin to position yourself to birth God’s hope and a future for the marketplace you’re in. But what happens if your attitude is stuck in material possessions? What happens when our hearts are trying to prove something to someone? We misspend the resources. But if your heart and attitude were true of a servant, wanting to manage his master’s money correctly, your Godprenurial focus would become sharper, and you would start to embrace potential while placing emphasis on the value of your decisions. Your attitude in business tells God that you’re able to manage what you have; therefore you can be trusted with more. Before you ask for more from God, you need to check your attitude and make sure it lines up with a servants heart. I’ve lost my fortune, due to an attitude, or posture, of ignorance. I’ve been left ashamed and finger-pointing. I know now more than ever that this is the enemy at work in my heart because God doesn’t put me to shame. Our financial future is up to us, Godpreneurs. God wants us all to collaborate with Him. Will our attitude perceive collaboration or will it be stuck in the desire for worldly possessions, leaving us stuck in a cycle of fortune followed by the fall? Godpreneur Rule: As God elevates me and my business, I must decrease and become a servant to the world. #BusinessBibleStudy #DifferentiatingMyself #BecomeDisciplined Attracting Money In Your Business, God's Way Educate yourself and prepare your business to steward the financial blessings God has in store for you. Heard of the Godpreneur Academy? Grow Your Business, God’s Way! Bible-Based Video Courses for Entrepreneurs Putting God First In their Businesses Click here to create a Free Account

I like the concept of the self-made man. To me, it conjures up a hope that, despite my middle-class upbringing, maybe I’ll be the one to break us free and into the life of wealth and riches. So I work… And I work… And I work my butt off more! I labor day and night and even weekends. I’m determined to make this happen. But there’s a danger in my mindset. I’ve rationalized that to be self-made, I need to work harder. I’ve connected my labor to my riches. And this will only cause me to fall deeper into the self-made trap. Us entrepreneurs are especially vulnerable to the self-made trap. It sounds like: If I built my business and I made my money, that’s because I worked hard and I made that money. It was all me. I sacrificed, I put in the blood, sweat, and tears. I did it. I deserve it because I earned it all by myself. I started from the bottom and rose to the ranks of the rich and famous. I gave it 10X, and I did it all by myself. After all, we are entrepreneurs, and we did it on our own, right? Nope. And if we don’t correct this fundamental lie about business and money, we could be missing out on the greatest riches that God has planned for us. We need to replace the self-made man lie with the truth:  We are God- Made Men and Women! The bible says "Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God." Ecclesiastes 5:19 NIV Sure, you are brilliant, but where did you get your brains from? Yes, you work hard, but where did you get that healthy body from? And what about your education and upbringing? Parental figures in your life got their resources from somewhere. You could have died of malnutrition or been born in an oppressive country with no internet, but you’re reading this post now. You were placed in this marketplace, given this mind of entrepreneurship, given this energy and excitement for business and commerce, and given these human resource responsibilities and growth opportunities – all because of God. We can all directly or indirectly trace everything in our business lives back to God. God made us. God made our businesses. God brought out clients. God birthed the passions inside. We are the work of His hands. Imagine the peace and power that would flood us and the entire marketplace if gratitude eradicated selfishness for the gift of wealth. Godpreneur Rule: None of us are self-made. We are God made. Let’s pray right now. Father, search my heart, O Lord! Let me know where I’m taking credit instead of giving you all the honor and glory. Lord, remove the arrogance I sometimes get as an entrepreneur, and replace it with Godpreneur thoughts – I praise you for everything that makes me wealthy. You’re the reason. You get the honor and glory because you made me the businessman I am. #BusinessBibleStudy #EnhanceFocus #SharpenLeadership 5 Lies of Money and Business Instead of reading the blog posts, take the video course!  I personally teach you the method.  You get: Workbook 5-Video Teachings Access to dozens of courses in the Godpreneur Academy! Heard of the Godpreneur Academy? Grow Your Business, God’s Way! Bible-Based Video Courses for Entrepreneurs Putting God First In their Businesses Click here to create a Free Account

One of my partners called me one day asking me if I tithe from my business revenue or my revenue. He was genuinely concerned about it. He didn’t want to be wrong in this area of his life. This was a big deal…to him. Not to me. I see tithe differently. I see it as me helping build the kingdom. I love giving to my church because I know it’s growing. But the minute I let thoughts of “legalism” kick in, that’s when giving stops becoming fun and starts becoming a chore…a conviction…another area of my life to worry about…like I need more things to feel guilty about. As entrepreneurs, do we tithe from our businesses, or personal? Do we give after taxes or before taxes? Should I have an excel spreadsheet with the exact calculations of my tithe to make sure I’m not 1 penny short…or else…. In my study of money and God, the tithe conversation is always a hot topic. Whenever I see the old testament, it makes the tithe seem like an obligation…or else! But when I see Jesus talking about the tithe in the New Testament, I know the anti-obligation. The bible says “Woe to you Pharisees, because you give God a tenth of your mint, rue and all other kinds of garden herbs, but you neglect justice and the love of God. You should have practiced the latter without leaving the former undone.” Luke 11:42 When you’re thinking of tithing from your business or personal, or pre or post-tax, don’t make the mistake of falling into the obligation of pride or obligation tithe. As an entrepreneur, God is entrusting you with a lot of money that, Jesus himself is asking for you to keep in mind that being just and loving God is what’s important, and your business revenue is used towards that. In Luke 18:9-14 we read: To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else, Jesus told this parable: “Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’ “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” If we entrepreneurs become so concerned about keeping the law, we neglect our calling to love and church and tithe become an obligation and another potential opportunity for guilt. Godpreneurs are cheerful givers, motivated to come alongside our church family and help them build and grow in the same way our businesses are growing! Give to be HAPPY that you’re helping another Godpreneur (your pastor) build something great! The bible says "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work". 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 Imagine if all of us Godpreneurs were moved by love and not by the size of the check we give our churches. We should all pray for Godpreneurs worldwide to have our hearts guided by God to make joyful, cheerful, wise and FREE decisions for the resources God has given us! Godpreneur Rule:  Godpreneurs cheerfully give from our business resources. Amen. #BusinessBibleStudy #AccountingHelp #GodpreneurAcademy 5 Lies of Money and Business Instead of reading the blog posts, take the video course!  I personally teach you the method.  You get: Workbook 5-Video Teachings Access to dozens of courses in the Godpreneur Academy! Heard of the Godpreneur Academy? Grow Your Business, God’s Way! Bible-Based Video Courses for Entrepreneurs Putting God First In their Businesses Click here to create a Free Account

The restlessness I feel when I don’t have clarity is not a bad thing. I believe this is the longing and passion I as an entrepreneur, feel for wanting God more in my business. It pushes me to move forward, to create epic products designed before the foundations of the earth were laid. I do not know what my future holds, but I trust fully in the promise of Scripture that as I commit all of my ways to the Lord, he sets my path straight (Proverbs 3:6). For me, that has typically looked like only knowing the exact next step on the path and learning to trust him with the darkness ahead. I don’t need clarity of my future when I’m given the clarity of today. As a business owner, it’s ok to have a plan for the future, but it’s imperative that I focus on TODAY and let God direct that. The Bible says: “Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can’t believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I’m doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I’ve been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it. That’s how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I’ll do." John 14:11‭-‬14 MSG The word itself says that I’m going to do greater things than Jesus did. This mindset is what gives me the power to overcome my desire for clarity and my need for plans, and puts me in a position of 100% trust in God for today’s provisions. What phone calls do I need to make today? What projects need to move forward today? What’s my day look like today? Not tomorrow.  Today! I’m born for something great…TODAY! #ShareYourTestimony #FindingMyBrand

I can’t tell you how many of my tasks are overdue. You wouldn’t believe how many things are on my plate to get out. I’m not even sure how many balls are on my side of the court that are holding initiatives in my business up. I have campaigns to launch, client deadlines to meet, new business opportunities to create plans for, and prospects to follow up with. Oh, and not to mention, I have a personal life – you know… a wife, kids, working out, friends, and all of that. And I forgot – I have a spiritual life that, at times, takes a back seat to all of the other priorities and deadlines I have to meet. And putting God on the back-burner is precisely the problem with the hurry and rush of being a business owner. All of us Christian entrepreneurs have an enemy in our life that wants to rob our businesses blind. This enemy disguises himself to steal our love, our joy, and our peace. If this enemy can distract us long enough, we can all-together forget about leading a God-First business. The enemy is RUSH. I’ve heard it said before that if the devil can’t make you sin, he’ll make you busy. Busyness in business causes almost everything to be in “rush mode". Rushing is precisely where the enemy gets us to fail because it cuts off our relationship with God, other people, and our own Spirit. The ruthless elimination of rush will be one of the most significant challenges and accomplishments a Godpreneur can tackle so that the journey isn’t as burdensome as it feels right now. But how can we eliminate rush when people are relying on us, the bank accounts don’t just fill themselves up, and millions of our dreams still haven’t come to fruition? How can we slow down enough to lead emotionally rich and spiritually healthy and vibrant business lives? One of my favorite illustrations of the “chill” nature of Jesus was when a synagogue leader tells Jesus that his daughter had just died, and to come and lay hands on her so she could be revived. Jesus got up and started heading toward the leader’s house, but not before helping someone else on the way there. The story goes: While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples. Just then, a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment. When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. News of this spread through all that region. (Matthew 9:18‭-‬26 NIV) What if Jesus would have RUSHED to the leader’s house? Certainly, someone’s death would qualify as a “rush job,” right? When an ambulance responds to an emergency, traffic moves aside, cars stop, and the petal is to the floor to react as fast as possible. And yet Jesus had the confidence about his Spirit that made it seem like even saving a little girl’s life can be done in a calm, cool, and collected way. Jesus’ unrushed nature gave him the capacity to meet a need on the way to meeting another need. Do you see the two-for-one that happened there? In the same amount of time, Jesus did double the miracles. Look, there’s a way to be busy that’s healthy. When you have purpose and passion, you’re going to have a lot on your plate. Jesus was a very busy man traveling city to city. The problem isn’t when you have a lot to do in your business; the problems come when you rush because you have too much on your to-do list. The problem is thinking the only way to keep up with the demands of entrepreneurship is to rush everything. The reality is if the enemy always wants us to be in a hurry and disconnect us from God, then rushing things is entirely incompatible to leading a God-First business. We can’t be led by Spirit and speed. Slowing Down Let’s try slowing down today. The evidence of rush will show up in our bodies, our stress level, at meetings, and any sense of hurry or irritation. The evidence of this rush will all but eliminate our ability to be present in love so we can respond to the Spirit’s calling for the moment. Imagine if we were too busy to not pick up a phone call from a friend asking us to pray for him. Right now, and a few more times through the day, take a deep breath on, imagine God’s loving presence enveloping you, and thank God for slowing you down. #DifferentiatingMyself #WorkLifeBalance

I want to win the lottery. I’ll admit it, I want to win it because I know the road it takes to actually get to that amount of money, and it’s hard! I’d rather take a ‘get rich quick’ pill and be there already. Many times I’ve chased the fantasy of a certain business opportunity being ‘the one’ that will finally get me to the $1 Million club. After all, I deserve it! I love God, I follow his commands, I give to my church, I’ve discovered my purpose, I’m in my calling – isn’t it MY time? As I grow deeper in my faith with God, I’m reminded about the concept of success, and how I try to avoid His definition versus my definition. See, my definition of success is money in the bank. That’s how we’re judged in the world – the wealth we’ve accumulated. My assets, the land I own, the equity in my business, my last product launch numbers, these are all measures I’m judging myself by. And while profits do matter and are the lifeblood of the business, to focus solely on them will make us miserable. Why? Because they are constantly changing, it can be taken away in a heartbeat, and I’ll never have enough of it to actually feel successful because there will always be more and someone else will always have more. So what is God’s definition of success? Here it is: Success God’s way is not judging each day by the amount of money I make, but by the seeds I plant. When I’m trying to launch new businesses and chase new ideas, I find myself neglecting the basics in my business that give me the most joy and ultimately leads to more referrals and successful case studies. I neglect to the prospect I neglect following up with past clients I neglect blogging to my target audience I neglect building deeper relationships with my past clients I neglect pouring into my current employees I neglect solidifying my current operations It’s all of these things I neglect when I’m chasing the dream of being a millionaire with a new venture. The Bible says: "A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty". Proverbs 28:19 NLT Poverty…that's how I’ve felt (and been) at times in my struggles to desire more riches. God has taught me many times that success in entrepreneurship does not happen overnight. It is the result of faithfulness in little things over a lifetime. The small unnoticed things I do in business will add up to great achievement and a crescendo of success—if I am persistent. I can build my business life on a consistent body of small achievements, not just a single giant successful venture. Of course, I get bummed when a product launch fails, when I don’t sell out an event, or when revenue for the month dips below costs, but I must continually focus on my purpose and calling, continuing to obey the commands and decrees of providing value and service to others. Here’s another word of wisdom: "For I command you this day to love the Lord your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy". Deuteronomy 30:16 NLT I take this as God saying that there’s a lot of little things I need you to follow and do so that I can open up the heavens and pour down blessings on you. The two biggest commands: love God and love others. There’s nothing there that says love money, love a big business or love fame. Instead, the Bible teaches us you reap what you sow. Sow generously and I will reap generously. Sow sparingly and I will find myself impoverished when I meet the grim reaper of business. Godpreneur Rule: Don’t put all your eggs in chasing business fantasies. Sow many acts of value in your business, and you will be amazed at the harvest over time. #BusinessBibleStudy #NewEntrepreneurs

As I’ve written many times in the past, I feel a deep call to rid the world of an identity crisis. There are business owners who are running businesses they shouldn’t be running and have a whole different passion for something else, yet are stuck. I know this because I was one of them. Since I’ve chosen such a “worldwide” view of my deep desire, I’ve been able to re-shape the way I operate my business of doing logos and websites. It has helped me reveal my talent as a Brand Strategist. I’ve been able to focus on specific expertise. It’s helped me eliminate distractions from around me and discern what ideas I should pursue and which ones need to go in the icebox (for later). What I’ve discovered about myself, now I bring in as a methodology to my clients. There are three major areas I consider when looking to discover what my clients are born to do. Today I’ll show you one: the needs of the world. The business God calls you to is where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet. The single strongest indicator of the business mindset God wants you to be in is probably your awareness of what needs to be done to make the world more like what God intends. For me, I would see businesses fail constantly. Remember, I’m the guy doing the logo and website so I’m seeing people BEFORE the start. In 2014 I started to realize a trend: the successful ones were doing it out of a passion as if they were born to do it. The others were following a trend or doing it because there’s money in it. The Bible says: "Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need". Ephesians 4:28 NIV I’m in a position to take their money and run with whatever their idea is, or I can guide them to see how their product or service will impact the world as a whole. If we can’t find it, then we need to dig deeper. This doesn’t necessarily mean all of my clients solve world hunger or other huge, global problems. Working to serve the good of the larger society doesn’t have to be one of the obvious bigger issues. I can’t meet every need in the world, so I narrowed it down to helping people discover their true identity, their purpose, their passion. This set me apart from logo and web guys and helped me see my business in a way in which I’m helping meet the world’s needs. Questions I ask my clients to discover their world solution: What do you observe or notice that needs to change in the world? What do you feel strongly about? What people do you care about? What do you think God has called you to? Once we’ve identified areas, I ask them to consider needs that they are in a good position to meet, that few other people are willing to address, or that they find especially pressing. God has given me the ability to recognize something of what the world needs. There is no biblical formula for translating the needs of the world into a precise business to pursue. I didn’t hear God audibly say “Alex, rid the world of an identity crisis.” Instead, God expects me to notice it and get to work, rather than waiting for a special call from him. I noticed my call while participating in a Bible study at my church. I pray to God to please continue to open my eyes to ways (big or small) that may be inviting me to partner with Him to care for the world’s needs. As I experience more of God’s love, I love others as He loves me. This is how I stay in my ‘born to do’ zone. #BusinessBibleStudy #FindingMyBrand

The other day I heard great preaching! In summary, the pastor said that the same anointing that’s on a preacher is the same anointing on me and you. He referenced a part of the Bible where both the King and the Prophet were anointed. What I realized was that a prophet has a vision, but can’t do anything without the King going out and making the money necessary to bring the Prophet's visions to life. Follow me here, or you’ll miss something very important: in order for the church to do ANYTHING, they need money…like any other business in the world. So God not only anoints the pastor of your church, but He anoints YOU (the King) to go out and conquer markets, win the battles of business, and bring back the spoils (money) so that…the mission of the church can spread. We think, as entrepreneurs, that in order to give ourselves completely to God and to follow Jesus, we have to let go of our businesses and become preachers and go to seminary school. WRONG. That’s for a select group that has been CALLED to that. You….the entrepreneurs…the Godpreneurs….have been anointed as KINGS and QUEENS of your markets, and it’s your calling to go out and WIN so you can help build your church, so in turn, they can accomplish their mission of spreading the Gospel, which now just became your mission! If we focus on the gospel and the mission of our local church, and less on our success or influence in business, God will do all of the work in bringing you the monies necessary to accomplish that. We see this in the book of Acts. Peter is walking into the temple and comes in contact with a lame (paralyzed) man from birth. This was the exchange: “Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God.” (Acts 3:6‭-‬8) It’s easy to think here that Peter healed this man. But the healing came from the power of Christ. Peter’s identity in Christ, and his conviction to spread that word, did all the healing. Peter was being obedient. To have the most meaningful impact, we have to worry about our success and influence less and less, and the gospel more and more. This is why it’s necessary for us Godpreneurs to make big goals that are beyond our own wants and desires. It’s OK to have a goal to buy a home.  But above that, you should be having a goal to contributing at least 10% of your company income to the church. If that goal isn’t present, then we’re robbing OURSELVES of the opportunity to remove layers of selfishness, pride, and vanity that can so easily entangle the entrepreneurs.  Including me. Imagine if we can get to a point in our businesses where we die to ourselves, our desires, and our need to make our own kingdom great. For Christ to increase, we must decrease (John 3:30). Godpreneur Rule #90: We have been anointed to be great businessmen and women who contribute to their local church’s mission. #BusinessBibleStudy #SharpenLeadership

For a period of time, I had to trust that God was in my business, even when I didn’t feel any purpose or passion in what I was doing. I do branding. People come to me for logos and websites. It’s not very clear what my calling has to do with logos and websites, but I chose to participate in it as opposed to jumping to another industry or profession because there was more money or because I just couldn’t get into it.  I felt God keeping me exactly where I was at. Discerning my calling includes making choices about my business, as well as learning how to follow God’s leading in the work I do, even if I don’t like it. Boy, I’m glad I made this major discovery in my current business and didn’t try to find a business I think I’d like better. The discovery I’m about to share changed my life forever. What’s going to happen when websites and logos are no longer needed? Or there’s a whole new direction the world is shifting to, and I’m still doing it my way? I can’t be bound to the WHAT of my business. What we do is get you a logo and website. I need to be bound by WHY I do it. Why I do it is to help rid the world of an identity crisis. Business by business, I get to talk about purpose, passion and living in your “born to do” identity. Regardless of the prospect purchasing from me, I have the freedom I experience when I get to do God’s work of helping them realize that He has called them to something unique. When I’m led by my WHY, God is with me in whatever direction my business goes. I’m not bound by a certain product or service. In fact, I’m FREE to do what I choose. The Bible says: "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." 2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV Whatever my business, God’s gifts enable me to work for the common good, to find more contentment in my work, and/or to overcome or endure the negative aspects of my business situation. It is also possible that God’s guidance could lead me away from a detrimental entrepreneurial venture. In Christ, Godpreneurs have perfect freedom: That means I have the freedom to take risks, to fail, and to make mistakes. I take to heart, in the end, I will not be judged on getting the right logo or website or even fulfilling my God-given potential. I will be judged on how much resemblance I have to Jesus, and I’m grateful my business gives me the opportunity to work on and exhibit that. #FindMyCalling #BusinessBibleStudy

Distractions can prevent us from fully reaching our goals if we let them. The problem with us visionary entrepreneurs is that we struggle to identify which opportunities are distractions because we confuse them with the drive behind which we hope to succeed. What I’ve found is the best defense is a good offense. For us entrepreneurs to be distracted less, we have to do some prep work in our mind and heart. And God is faithful. Although the temptation to be distracted is all around us, we will never be tempted beyond what we can endure! Our success and help will come from God. The bible says: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it". (1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV) There’s hope for you because God strengthens us and gives us ways out. Here are five ways out I’ve used to help me focus on my calling and listen to the Spirit guiding me step by step. You’re Not Alone First, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. I used to think I was the only one with Shiney object syndrome. It turns out; this is a gift! Being able to spot out opportunities is a gift! But being able to put the idea in the right place is where wisdom comes in. But all of us visionary entrepreneurs experience this and are thus called to be wiser and manage our ideas carefully in the spectrum of time. Our struggles of distraction are normal. It doesn’t mean we are given the green like to execute on them always, only that we are not alone in this struggle. Self-Effort is Impossible You won’t be able to overcome distraction on your own. Instead, we Godpreneurs partner with God in our businesses. The means and the power for overcoming distractions come from God. And in His infinite wisdom, God gave us Jesus as an example of how to be focused on your calling. And God gave us the holy spirit to nudge us in the right direction. We’re not alone, and we don’t have to do this on our own! God’s Power Will Sustain Us As entrepreneurs, we experience so many twists and turns in our business that when a different opportunity presents itself, we’re so weak that we’re tempted to get off of our calling and seek the instant gratification of the following money or avoiding the struggles. As strong as the temptation to be distracted may feel, it pales in comparison to the power of God. Staying in your calling is like putting on a shield of armor because He will not allow you to be tempted or tested beyond what you can endure. We might think it’s time to close up shop on our dreams, but that’s not the fact. Fall More in Love with Your Calling Distractions will be all around you. You won’t avoid them. And we should not pray for God to remove the distractions. That’s not what God promised. God promises that He would provide an escape route. This means that the distractions will be there, but the escape route needs to be the focus. An amazing escape route I’ve set up is to set up my strategic priorities and review them each day. All of my priorities are focused around my calling – to help people discover what they were born to do. So as long as I’m clear on my calling and I continue to refine those skills, I’m providing myself with a wider escape route as time goes on because I’m more committed to my calling. Pray for God to give you wisdom about your purpose and strength to stay in the calling. With these five tips, we can experience a total focus on our calling before the distractions threaten to take us off our path. #FindMyCalling #BusinessBibleStudy

I’m convinced that I stay “on purpose” because I read the Bible every morning, first thing before anything. There’s a strong foundation being built in my life. Additionally, there’s a framework I’m staying within. Both the foundation and framework help me grow within my calling to stay focused on my purpose. If we Godpreneurs don’t have this strong foundation, we might be able to build a small business, but it could never grow because the foundation is bad. If we entrepreneurs don’t have the right framework around our calling, we’ll also fall for anything coming our way. That framework is: Connect regularly with your CEO (God) Involve other Christian entrepreneurs in your growth (community) Control your business thoughts (get on my daily email devotional) Control your media consumption (get off social media, news, and email) Say “NO” to opportunities that don’t make your spirit dance. We Godpreneurs want to build a strong business on a firm foundation like Matthew wrote about in Jesus’ words: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (Matthew 7:24‭-‬25 NIV) If you’re constantly going from idea to idea, and not finding meaning and purpose in your unique calling, either the foundation is bad, or the framework is bad…or both. Purpose-focused Godpreneurs have: A God-First view of God in their business A clear understanding of their identity in Christ A commitment to the seriousness of being out of line from our calling A sober realization of our weaknesses Vigilance to the ideas and thoughts that most tempt us off our path A strong understanding of what they are born to do Great relationships and accountability with other Godpreneurs who can encourage and challenge them An opportunistic mindset A positive attitude towards business, the marketplace A growing spiritual walk Constant vigilance on our thoughts, and being able to change them quickly A way to weed out people who won’t contribute to your calling The understanding that our calling is more important than any other seemingly great money-making idea out there If everything above checks off and you do have a great foundation and a strong framework, but you’re not living in your purpose, then your calling is sitting right in front of you…you just haven’t pulled the trigger. So, are you ready to finally say YES to your calling… And ONLY your calling? Imagine if we Godpreneurs all trusted that God would provide in our calling and that we wouldn’t need the other distractions?! If you need more help discovering your calling, I wrote a book called Discover Your Calling as an Entrepreneur. It’s available on Amazon. Also, I invite you to be a member of the Godpreneur Academy where I have daily devotional plans on all business subject matters. #BusinessBibleStudy #FindMyCalling

Now that I’ve found my calling in business, there are a couple of things I do to continue to fine-tune and cultivate it. Living within my calling is now a lifestyle for me. I’ve changed habits and adopted new ones in order to continue to hear from God. The visions of where God wants me to go are constantly flowing, the spirit is always guiding, and I need to stay alert. As I continue my journey, here are the two major ways I continue to seek God’s will for my business. Draw Closer to God I have practices that I follow in order to stay connected to God. It’s one thing to discover what you’re born to do, it’s another thing to walk down that journey towards the finish line. God gave me the vision and will also be the lamp at my feet to guide me. The Bible says: The Sovereign Lord has opened my ears; I have not been rebellious, I have not turned away. Isaiah 50:5 NIV Reading my Bible every morning and blogging to you is one great way I stay connected. I’m also trying to get better at praying, resting, teaching Bible studies, and going on short term missions each year. There are tons of ways for us to draw closer to God, these are personal to me. People connect with God in a wide variety of ways; so don’t be discouraged if your primary mode isn’t listed here, or if you haven’t yet discovered how you best connect with God. A Community of Entrepreneurs I’m also in the habit of meeting with a community of Entrepreneurs. I have a close group of friends that meet several times a year at Panera bread to check up on goals. I also participate in Mastermind groups. I’m also attending monthly entrepreneurial workshops to refine my skills. The Bible says: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24‭-‬25 NIV The church is also a great place to meet with other Christian Entrepreneurs. God will use anyone you’re in a community with to speak and guide you. My calling is best nourished in the body of Christ, not in isolation. Invest in Resources I continue to invest time and money into growing as a business owner. I love a new app called Blinking. I get to have a 15-minute snapshot of the top business books out there. I’m also an avid Audible book listener. I find listening to books the best way for me to digest massive amounts of content. Godpreneurs: Have a prepared heart to hear from God and follow His leading Invite God to speak in our lives Connect with fellow Godpreneurs to build each other up #BusinessBibleStudy #FindMyCalling #SharpenLeadership

There are certain people I don't want to be associated with on LinkedIn. I either ignore their connection or block their accounts from seeing mine. There are four kinds of business connections on our entrepreneurial journey: those who multiply those who divide those who add those who subtract We know the relationships that add to our work life, and the connections that multiply our joy for business are easy to identify (hopefully me → Daily Godpreneur on LinkedIn). This network of people makes us better. However, the Bible teaches us to guard our hearts and be very cautious of the bad apples in the business world that diminish us and cause us harm. We literally have to RUN away from them. The Bible says "Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) Your connection to abusive and angry business people will put you in peril, and you will become less than who you should be. Networking with these people lessens your feelings of self-worth, subtracts from the happiness of being in your calling, and divides the effectiveness of your purpose-focused approach to LinkedIn. Simply put: be careful who you're connected to and what groups you spend your time in. Those who do not increase your calling inevitably will decrease your purpose. To read more articles on LinkedIn, click here. #AttractingRightClients

When clients come to me for rebranding, I love to send them ours before and after look book. In the PDF we have compiled the best transformations that we feel will prove to potential clients that we are the firm they should choose to redo their logo and website with. As consumers, we want to believe that the service or product we’re purchasing is going to provide a real change in our lives. Whatever it is we're buying, we are looking for it to take us from one mental state to another. We look for proof of that by going to Yelp or reading reviews on Amazon. And when we find an amazing product, we can’t help but to SPREAD THE WORD!, Right? We are naturally born to tell others of the great service we just purchased! We are a people seeking transformation, but we seek proof to back it up. We are people finding transformation, and we can’t help but to tell everyone. This is why testimonials are very important in business. They give witness to the transformation. I’m reading the book of Acts in the Bible with some friends and we’re on chapter 4. Here we see Peter and John being taken to jail and judged the next day for performing miracles in the name of Jesus. Peter and John both experienced Jesus, saw miracles, received the Holy Spirit, and now they can’t help but to tell everyone about it. "As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:20) How can we create raving fans in our businesses? I believe that happens once we realize how our business fits into the bigger picture God has for us and His mission in this world: spreading the gospel of Jesus. Once I began to align my company mission with the mission of the church, my business began to change. I treated clients differently, I put more love into my work, I provided more value to my customers, I cared more about their success. I literally transformed in front of many of my clients, who knew that my level of service wasn’t like this before. Now is when I’m beginning to experience true testimonials from my clients. They are genuine and heartfelt. They will refer me clients and help grow my business the natural way. All I have to do is keep on being the change. You too have the ability to do this in your business. Personally, I only know of one way of getting you there: through a true relationship with Christ. You can read my blogs until you’re blue, you can even memorize them. Heck, you can hire me to do your branding…but nothing will change without the power of the Holy Spirit within you that will reveal the true identity and purpose of your business. Imagine if we were all on the same page, of the same spirit, leading businesses of true transformation! Godpreneur Rule #25: A Godpreneur first seeks to be the change. #SharpenLeadership #BusinessBibleStudy