Are You Real | Finding Your Purpose

Latest Episodes:

Business 06: Creativity in Business Mar 20, 2018

Show notes

What's so creative about business? Everything! Especially if you are an entrepreneur, you are extremely creative. Businesses thrive when we are using our God-given creativity. When we don't we get caught in a cycle of constant striving, and strife is the opposite of creativity. You were made in the image of a creative God, and I think some commonly overlooked creative processes will be the key to your success in business.

Today, I want to give you easy tools to help you access your creativity, apply it to business, and then watch all of your endeavors thrive. I'll show you 5 habits successful business leaders DON'T have because I think we can learn just as much from what we are not, as we can what we are. Your authentic self is capable of creating so much! It's time to start thinking about how we can bring some creative solutions to our businesses.

More in this episode:

When you get into striving, you are using up your creative energy.
Biblically, what does it look like to be creative.
We should be praying for creativity specifically for our business.
Start drawing things with your opposite hand!
Get involved and around creative individuals.
Be abundant in the Kingdom.
We have such a fear of loss.
Money means more opportunities.
5 Things That Great Business leaders DON'T Do.

Resources:

Are You Real

Success 05: Definition of Success Mar 19, 2018

Show notes

How would you define success? We tend to define things in our lives incorrectly because we are either using someone else's definition of success or following the world's definition. When we take a close look at our definition, we may start to realize some unrealistic expectations. Today is your chance to redefine success so that you can actually see it manifest in your life. I am going to show you how!

There are five areas of my life where I need to have a balanced definition of success: Faith, Family, Fun, Finance, and Fitness. When I take a close look at these categories, I have to ask myself if I am reaching towards a goal for that particular arena. I want to challenge you today to look at how you define success in these areas and much more. You will also get a look at what influences our definition of success, and how we can take steps now to change our definition to a more positive one.

Practical wisdom and easy first steps are waiting for you in this episode of Are You Real: Success!

More in this episode:

We all have a different definition of success, as unique as we are.
We often let ourselves down by our own definition of success.
Lessons I learned about paying my dues and then redefining success as having fun.
We are bombarded with advertisements that try to define our lives.
Just doing works is not salvation.
You can define balance in your success as well.
Motivation starts with movement, and then the mental and emotional follows.
We are influenced by our connections.

Resources

Rureal.org

Government 07: Local Business in Local Government with Jenn Bara Mar 16, 2018

Show notes

Hey, everyone! Welcome to Are You Real Government episode 07.

Today we speak to Jenn Bara. You will hear all about her incredible journey about how God is using her in both the Government and Business Mountian.

When Jenn was young she wanted to be a women's pastor and work in the church, because that is where she thought God moved the most. After attending Bethel Church's Heaven and Business Conference God opened her eyes to all seven Mountains of Influence.

In episode two we explain in depth the Seven Mountains of Influence. If you missed it, we recommend going back and listening so you can fully understand some of the ideas shared today. Click here to listen.

Jenn is the current President of the Panhandle Restaurant Asociation. This organization is equipping the next generation of entrepreneur that want to be in the industry. They provide educational conferences to small business owners to educate them on ever-changing laws, and much more. Jann also helps run her families local restaurant. Their business just celebrated 35 years and is thriving.

After Jenn realized she was called to both the government and business mountain she received a phone call from Ginger Nelson who was running for mayor in her hometown. During the call, Ginger shared that God had told her that she needed Jenn on her campaign. This was a clearly a God-ordained moment, considering that Ginger Nelson had never met Jenn. She only knew her name because of her great influence Jenn had in the business mountain.

Jenn shares that the number one lesson that she learned from the campaign was learning how to see God moving in people regardless if she agreed with their policy's. Also, she dives into how to fight the spirit of religion in government.

Links:

Seven Mountian Printable PDF

Seven Mountian Strategy Explained

Download a FREE audiobook today with Audible.

Linked 09: City Taking 102 - Everyday Evangelism Mar 15, 2018

Show notes

We are so excited to continue the conversation about "City Taking".

In episode 5 "City taking 101" we had a great time with George and Sarah from City Light Church about how to start "taking" your city back for the Kingdom. We recommend going back and listen before you dive in today. (Link below)

Today we had the pleasure of speaking with Naomi Volkman. She is a 12-year old Christian and is making a huge difference in her community. When Naomi was young her Mother was diagnosed with cancer, and she began to struggle with suicidal thoughts. She was saved after experiencing an incredible vision of Jesus telling her how much he loved her. After that, she started evangelizing in her high school which turned into a passion to see City's restored back to the love of Christ and has since graduated from Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry and has traveled around the world, sharing the gospel. Pretty much... she is a rock star!

Links:

City Taking 101

citylighttoledo.org

enkindleministries.com

Download a free audiobook on Audible.

Like us on Facebook

Purpose 93: Matt Brough - Spirituality for Ordinary People Mar 14, 2018

Show notes

More of then than not, you are in the middle of your purpose before you realize it's even started. God has a funny way of taking us on a journey to find our calling, and he is certainly capable of working through us all in a might way, even if we can't see it. This is why I am so excited to have Matt Brough on the show today. Matt has many passions that seemed to have all converged at this moment in time. Primarily, Matt is a family man in Winnipeg, Canada. When he isn't spending time with his family, he is pastoring Prarie Presbyterian, a small but faithful and diverse congregation that is walking faithfully with God in this season.

What sets Matt apart from the rest is how his ministry has expanded beyond the pulpit. Knowing he had been gifted with words, Matt decided that he would start a podcast and write both non-fiction and fiction books on the side. It is incredible to see the way that Matt has listened to God's call on his life and walked faithfully towards these creative endeavors, even though "success" looks a bit different than he thought. Matt has no idea what God might have in store for him next, but he continues to pursue more books and opportunities as a supreme act of faith.

Matt's writing, his podcast, and his pastoring have all converged to make Matt a powerhouse of spirituality. He humbly wears his many hats with an attitude of service. He writes books his family would want to read. He shares stories that his church would want to hear. Above it all, Matt chooses where to use his gifts to serve others, and I think we have a lot to learn from him. You do not want to miss out on Matt's story in this week's episode, so let's dive right in.

More in this episode:

Matt considers his family most important next to God.
Authoring and podcasting is a very new journey that God has been teaching Matt through.
Why the podcast can be a part of Matt's ministry.
Philippians 2 is the character guiding scripture for Matt and his ministry.
Matt shares a time when he was doing ministry for the wrong reasons.
It is hard to connect sometimes, and Matt shares his best ways to get a support system.
How Matt ended up at this point of convergence.
Why Matt is just a bit like Abraham.
The system that Matt uses when he felt like he needed to start writing.
You can trust God with your mission and your gifts.
My prayers for Matt.
Matt would tell his younger self that fear is normal, and we can have courage.
Matt's big advice would be to step back and listen to God.
Learn how to participate in Matt's giveaway!

Resources:

Enter to Win Free Books from Matt!

Matt Brough

Find all of Matt's Books

Michael Hyatt Podcast

Fit 06: Your Health - Spirit, Soul and Body Mar 13, 2018

Show notes

If you are going to live a healthy life, you have to take care of your body, your soul, and your spirit. This week, I want to set us off on a three-part series that will change the way we think about taking care of our spirit, soul, and body. Jumping right in, let's talk about how we can nurture and feed our spirit by looking at the words the world uses to describe health and applying them to things in the spiritual realms.

The spirit is what allows us to communicate with God. When we pray, read Scripture, and act in the authority that Jesus has given us, we are absolutely feeding our spirit. It is so important that we nurture our spirit because otherwise, we will be playing right into what the world wants us to spend all our energy on. Satan loves it when our spirit feels far from God. We have the power to stop him in his tracks!

A healthy life starts with the spirit. Join me today as we look at how the Bible describes a healthy spirit.

More in this episode:

We can use Scripture to teach us what it means to have a healthy spirit.
What actually is our spirit?
Ephesians 2:5 describes what our spirit looks like.
Eating well, activity, growth, and alive are words the world uses to describe health.
We have to feed our spirit. Learn what that looks like practically.
Luke 5:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 teach us how Jesus fed his spirit through prayer.
Hebrews 4:12 illustrates how Scripture keeps our spirit healthy.
Jeremiah 29:11 and James 4:7 show us that God has our best interests at heart and we have authority in Jesus.
Jesus is our ultimate example of a healthy spirit.
Trust that God's plan is greater.

Resources:

Are You Real

Creatives 06: Jon Egan and Jesus Culture - Make A Way Mar 12, 2018

Show notes

Sometimes, God gives his followers a talent for the creative arts, and so they are called to ministry through the art that they create. Other times, the calling comes first, and the skills follow. This is exactly what happened to Jon Egan, this week's guest on Are You Real: Creative. Jon had a knack for the drums, but he didn't know he would lead and write worship music until later in life. God's call was crystal clear, and Jon listened faithfully. God would continue to ask Jon to be faithful, even in the midst of some truly tragic and difficult circumstances.

These days, Jon is leading worship at New Life Church and writing songs with people like Desperation Band and Jesus Culture. You've probably heard a lot of Jon's songs, but today we wanted to hone in on "Make a Way." This song was a response to scandals, shame, and fear that Jon was facing in his church. Through it all, God made a way for Jon to continue to make music. He makes things happen so that our relationship with Him and with others runs deep. If you've been experiencing a real struggle in your life lately, you need to listen to this episode!

Jon is not just going to reflect on his own experiences, but also on his experiences with the Christian music industry in general. The music industry can be a monster, but it is also reaching millions of ears. How can older musicians expect to keep up with the pace of the industry? What do musicians need to keep in mind if they want to make it big? Do they even want to make it big? We will dive into all of these topics and much more in our next incredible podcast installment. When you get a guy like Jon Egan with you, you know you are going to learn so much. Join us to learn and experience God in his fullness today!

More in this episode:

Jon shares his history at New Life Church and how he discovered his calling to be a worship leader.
Jon learned music because God called him to worship leading.
Learning about God's strength from struggles, sacrifice, and scandals.
Songs were written out of a desperation for God to move and the Scripture around them at the time.
How Jon, as a pastor, communicates the humility of praise through pain.
We are continuing to repeat the mistakes of our faith founders.
How "Make a Way" came to be, and why it was such a special song.
Jon feel that we need to talk about the Christian Music industry honestly.
God can use you outside of a massive platform in a powerful way.
Church music is transforming, and we need older musicians to stand up and stay involved.

Resources:

On Twitter and Instagram

@Joncegan

Government 06: Statesman Kingdom Understanding with Dr. Barry Lenhardt Mar 09, 2018

Show notes

Christians today are very good at the priestly practices but are often find themselves uncomfortable or intimidated by the kingly practices. God's Kingdom on earth functions in much the same way as an earthly one. There is a ruler, a structure, and a line of command. You and I, as followers of Jesus, have inherited the kingdom from God's own son. We can participate in princely powers and activities just as he does. It isn't just a privilege, it is our birthright.

To give us a complete understanding of what it actually means to be a Kingdom Statesman, I have on the show with me today Dr. Barry Lenhardt. Dr. Lenhardt has been working tirelessly to equip and empower men and women to bring God's dominion to the nations. Today, he is going to describe the physical structure of God's Kingdom, and how we are called to participate. He will also provide key areas in which we are not currently living out our kingly position. When we take on the mantle of a ruler, we can bring about healing and light to our fallen world. Countries all over the world have soul wounds, and only God's Kingdom and his promises will fix them.

It is time to take God's call on our lives very seriously. We only reap the benefits of our position in God's Kingdom unless we take action and participate!

More in this episode:

Lenhardt dives into a good definition of the Kingdom.
How the Kingdom is governmental in nature and its structure.
In order to be a King, God had to have a territory.
We are given a kingly position, not a priestly one.
The unseen realm is waiting for our utterance.
What we can learn from countries with significant emotional events in their past.
As Statesmen, we can begin to heal soul wounds in a nation.
You are a country!
Get things done with the mind of God.
The powerful Kingdom truths that can change the nations.
Measure the size of the enemy that is against you.
Take a look to the history of our nation to see where we need to act next.
We need manifestation to back up what we say.
Our enemy knows more about God and his Kingdom than many of us do.

Resources:

Llbd.org

Linked 08: Destiny - You Can't Do It Alone Mar 08, 2018

Show notes

Today on Are You Real Linked Christy Austin speaks to Anthony Turner. He is the founder of Destiny Ministries International, in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Almost 40 years ago God spoke to Anthony and told him to: "Elevate minds and disciple men to be examples of God's awesome power, tender mercies and everlasting love." ever since, he has been doing just that.

In 2012 Anthony and his wife Alicia started Destiny Ministries International with a goal to disciple, equip and mobilize the next generation of emerging leaders for kingdom transformation.

We continue our teaching over Luke 10, and what it means to be a modern day "City Taker".

You will hear Anthony's wisdom on topics like:

How to avoid "burn out" in your ministry
Your place in the body
How to be a leader in a town full of leaders
You can't fulfill your destiny alone
Plus more!

Links:

Purpose 92: Sharing Practical Wisdom in the Middle of the Masses with Preston Sprinkle Mar 07, 2018

Show notes

God has gifted and equipped all of us differently. Some of us are prayer warriors, and others glorify God with their service. A few of us have been called to teach and to study and know God's Word. We tend to see these teachers up in the "ivory tower," somewhat removed from the mission and the people. I'm here to tell you today that not all teachers are distant from the people they teach. That is the exact opposite of my guest, Preston Sprinkle, who is a clearly gifted scholar and teacher who wants to be in the middle of all the action.

Preston loves to write. He's written books on just about everything, but recently he is making waves in Christian circles with his Biblically-based perspectives on hell and homosexuality. Preston is a guy who has studied the word thoroughly during most of his adult life. Above all, Preston believes in the power of Scripture to change our lives, so naturally, he uses Scripture to inform his perspective on some of the toughest issues the church is facing. His book, Erasing Hell that he co-wrote with Francis Chan demystified some of our most common misunderstandings of an unsaved destiny. People to Be Loved tackles how we, as the church, should love those who identify as homosexual while still maintaining a Biblical standard of marriage.

Instead of staying high up in theology land, Preston wants to educate people with practical wisdom so that they can be the hands and feet of Jesus. In this conversation, Preston admits to struggles and setbacks with humility and plenty of grace. While he is a scholar at heart, Preston is also a man of the people. He has so much wisdom to share with you today that you do not want to miss. It's a power-packed episode, so let's get started.

More in this episode:

Preston shares his background in education, and why it is so important to him now.
Preston wants to go as deep as he can in Scriptures, but then see how it plays out in real life.
Ezra 7:10 and Psalm 115:3 model how Preston wants to first study the word and then execute it
How Embracing Hell came to be, and why Preston fell in love with writing.
The point in Preston's faith where he knew he was facing burnout.
Jesus has taken the full punishment of our sin!
Preston gets real about his struggles.
Why People to Be Loved was such a huge undertaking that impacted so many.
The advice Preston would give to his younger self.