Insights on Leadership and Faith by Bethel Leaders Network

From Ark to Heart

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:00:06 GMT

How Did God’s Presence Change After the Cross?

Discover how God’s presence moved from the Ark of the Covenant to dwelling within believers—and how meditating on His goodness transforms your life.

Before the cross, the presence of God was carried in the Ark of the Covenant. It represented the throne of God’s presence; a holy, sacred place, but not easily accessible. It emphasized the holiness of God and the separation between God and humanity. His glory was revealed through visible signs such as fire and cloud, but did not dwell within people.

After the cross, God’s presence is now no longer confined to a sacred object or location but dwells within believers themselves, transforming them into living temples. This shift does not diminish God’s holiness but reveals a deeper expression of His desire to be intimately present with His people, moving from external manifestation to internal transformation.

We see the evidence of God’s goodness throughout history, both before and after the cross. And we see its evidence in our own lives. There is power in meditating on His goodness. By focusing on what God IS doing, rather than what it seems like he is not doing, his goodness is magnified in our lives and our awareness of Him increases. The more we share about the goodness of God, the more his Glory fills the earth.

«Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.” And the LORD said, “I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.»

Exodus 33:18-19 (NIV)

One Minute Watch

with Jessica Collins, Pastor & BLN Sphere Mentor.

Action Steps:

Actively recognize and share God’s goodness

Each day, identify at least one way you see God’s goodness in your life. Keep a journal tracking His goodness in your life.

Share it with someone! This builds awareness and helps “magnify” His goodness both in your own perspective and in others’.

The Fear of Man vs. True Humility

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 05:00:41 GMT

How Do We Break Free From the Fear of Man?

Discover how the fear of appearing prideful can become pride itself and how surrendering leads to true humility and freedom in God.

The fear of appearing prideful can quietly become pride itself when our thoughts are consumed with how we are perceived. When we measure our obedience by the comfort or approval of others, we step onto a road that leads away from freedom and into restraint. Scripture reminds us that “the fear of man lays a snare” (Proverbs 29:25), and that snare often looks like self-consciousness, hesitation, or the constant editing of our hearts before God. True humility is not found in shrinking back, but in surrender—laying down our reputations and trusting the Lord with how our lives appear in the eyes of others.

There is a holy exchange that happens when we release the need to be understood, admired, or even approved. When we say, “Lord, have Your way, no matter how it looks,” we create space for God to move with power and authenticity. Fear of man cannot coexist with wholehearted obedience; one must give way to the other. As we lay that fear on the altar, God prepares us for deeper encounters with Him and greater usefulness in His purposes. Today, let this be your prayer: that the Lord would gently but thoroughly remove the fear of man from your life, replacing it with bold trust and simple devotion to His will.

«The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.»

Proverbs 29:11 (NASB)

One Minute Watch

with Bill Johnson, Senior Leader of Bethel Church.

Action Steps:

Take a few quiet minutes today to ask the Lord to reveal any areas where fear of people’s opinions has shaped your choices. Consciously surrender those moments to Him in prayer, and commit to one act of obedience this week that prioritizes God’s will over human approval.

How Small Acts of Love Shape Healthy Leadership

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 20:00:00 GMT

What If the Smallest Moments Are Where We Learn to Love Best?

Discover how small, everyday moments can reflect God’s love and shape healthy leadership.

Loving people well doesn’t always require grand gestures or perfectly planned moments. More often, it happens in the in-between spaces of our day—the drive home, a short break, a pause between meetings. These small moments can easily slip by unnoticed, but they hold incredible potential when we choose to be intentional.

Life is full. Our schedules are crowded with responsibilities, conversations, and commitments. Yet God often works through what seems ordinary. A simple text, a quick phone call, or a sincere “How are you?” can become a powerful expression of care. When we choose not to waste these moments, we allow God to use them to encourage, affirm, and remind others that they are seen and loved.

Jesus taught us to love one another as He loves us (John 13:34–35). Just as a simple moment with the Lord can have a lasting impact on our lives, a simple act of love can have lasting impact on others—especially in leadership. Small, intentional expressions of care can deeply influence how a team functions and how they learn to love one another.

Each day presents us with opportunities to reflect God’s love—not by adding more to our calendars, but by redeeming the time we already have. When we pause and ask God to help us notice these moments, we may be surprised by how many people we can impact through small, faithful acts of love.

«Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.»

1 John 3:18

One Minute Watch

with Gabe Valenzuela, Senior Leadership Team of Bethel Church
in Redding, CA.

Action Steps:

Identify one “in-between” moment in your day (a commute, a walk, a break).
Use that time intentionally to reach out to someone with a call, text, or message of encouragement.
Ask God to open your eyes to moments you normally overlook.

Rediscovering Christmas

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:00:00 GMT

What Is the True Meaning of Christmas?

Discover the true meaning of Christmas—hope, joy, and peace through Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”

Romans 15:13

This is the heartbeat of Christmas. We don’t merely gather around a sentimental story of a baby in a manger; we celebrate the moment heaven invaded earth to restore us to the Father God. Jesus didn’t come just to be admired from a distance—He came as the first full revelation of life in the Spirit, and then He poured that same Spirit out on everyone who believes. The peace that silences our fears, the joy that rises above our circumstances, the courage that turns timid hearts into bold witnesses; this is the gift unwrapped at the cross and delivered at Pentecost, now living in us.

Let this Christmas be the season we walk in that power and speak with that hope. Challenge yourself today: share the true meaning of Christmas with at least one person who has never heard, or has forgotten, that the Savior was born for them.

Together, let’s overflow with the life of the Spirit until every heart around us hears the angels’ song ringing fresh: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” May this be the Christmas we stop containing the joy and start contagious-ing the hope, drawing all people to the One who came to save.

«May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit»

Romans 15:13

One Minute Watch

with Dave & Taff Harvey, Directors of Bethel Leaders Network.

Action Steps:

Commit to share the true meaning of Christmas with at least one person.
Choose one friend, coworker, neighbor, or family member who doesn’t yet know (or has forgotten) why Jesus came.
Invite them for coffee, send a heartfelt message, or simply tell your story—simply and boldly explain that the baby in the manger is the Savior who came for them personally.

Spirit-Led or Circumstance-Led?

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 19:30:00 GMT

Are Your Convictions Leading Your Life—or Your Circumstances?

Discover how Spirit-led convictions—not circumstances—can shape your decisions, strengthen your faith, and align your life with God’s purpose.

Conviction is more than an opinion —it is a firm, unwavering belief that carries weight and anchors us to what truly matters. It keeps us steady when doubt tries to shake us. But living by conviction and simply claiming to have convictions are two very different things.

Our core values should shape the way we move through each day, acting as the rudder that directs the course of our lives. The circumstances we face—the storms or pressures of life—were never meant to steer us. They don’t get the final say in how we act. Our actions should be a direct reflection of our convictions and beliefs.

When we’re faced with decisions, we are called to consult the Holy Spirit and the convictions He has planted within us. These convictions reflect what we’ve determined is most important. If the Lord has asked us to be generous, then generosity should define our daily living. If we value family, then our time and attention should reflect that priority. If God has called us to build our business for His Kingdom, then our choices and strategies should align with that calling.

So ask yourself : Am I truly convinced of what the Lord has placed in my life? Do I live according to His blueprints, or do I waver when doubt or inconvenience arises?

May we be guided, strengthened, and directed by the Holy Spirit and the convictions He’s graciously given us.

«A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.»

Proverbs 11:25

One Minute Watch

with Alley Vallotton, Strategic Projects & Communications Manager of
Bethel Global Response (BGR).

Questions to Ponder:

In what areas do I hold strong convictions?
Where have I allowed doubt to influence my decisions rather than my convictions or beliefs?
Ask the Lord for courage to live according to the conviction He has placed inside of you.

Building Kingdom Legacy

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 22:30:00 GMT

Are You Building a Ministry That Will Outlive You?

Discover how to steward your ministry with eternity in mind—aligning finances, leadership, and vision to build a Kingdom legacy that endures.

What’s one thing that you tend to overlook as you are building your church, ministry or business? In our zeal to reach the lost, gather people, and equip them, often the business side of ministry is on the bottom of the to-do list. Yet as Kingdom leaders, we’re not just called to lead for today—we’re called to build with eternity and legacy in mind.

Stewardship is more than managing money; it’s aligning our resources, vision, and organizational structures with heaven’s blueprint. Proverbs 13:22 reminds us that “a good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children,” pointing us toward the importance of long-term planning. A kingdom mindset doesn't just survive—it multiplies. It plans for sustainability, invests in people, and intentionally breaks poverty thinking by embracing generosity, faith, and wise risk.

Ask yourself: Are we preparing for growth, transition, and generational empowerment? Are we honoring our staff with fair compensation, supporting their health and families, and seeking wise financial counsel? Do we have a retirement and succession plan in place?

God calls us to steward not only what we have, but also who we’re becoming and who we’re raising up. As Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2, leadership must be passed on to faithful people who will multiply it.

Ask the Holy Spirit: Am I building something that will outlive me?

If not, now is the time to seek His plan. The God who gives vision also gives wisdom to establish it. Let your leadership, your finances, and your legacy reflect a Kingdom built to endure.

«Praise the Lord. Blessed are those who fear the Lord, who find great delight in his commands. Their children will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.»

Psalm 112:1-3

One Minute Watch

with Dr. Peter Young, Senior Leader of Bridgeway Church.

Action Steps:

Create a Kingdom-Aligned Financial Strategy
Consider developing a comprehensive financial plan that includes retirement planning, proper salary structures, investment strategies, and resource allocation. Keep kingdom values of generosity, stewardship, and long-term sustainability at the core.
Build a Leadership Succession & Empowerment Plan
Can you identify emerging leaders within your organization or church? Create a plan for mentorship, training, and gradual transition of leadership roles to empower the next generation and ensure a smooth organizational handoff when the time comes.

The Power of Leading by Example

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 22:00:07 GMT

What Does It Mean to Embody Kingdom Culture?

Discover how Kingdom leaders shift culture by embodying transformation, not pointing out flaws.

Are you shaping the culture around you, or just pointing out what’s wrong with it?

It’s so tempting when we think about cultural transformation to immediately see what’s missing in the people around us. But the deepest change always begins within us.

If we long to see kingdom culture in our families, or breakthrough in our workplaces, we can’t just point it out - we must embody it. Start with you. Start over. Start overcoming. Partner with God to let Him transform every part of your life that doesn’t yet look like Him.

David modeled this so beautifully in the Psalms. Before leading a nation into worship and victory, he prayed, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23–24). Transformation in Israel flowed from the transformation that began in David’s own heart.

When we demonstrate change instead of just talking about it, something powerful happens: people around us get hungry. Culture shifts because the atmosphere shifts. Like a thermostat, your life begins to set the tone in the room, showing everyone what’s possible.

May we be leaders who lead - not by telling people what they lack, but by living in such a way that creates appetite for the Kingdom they see in us.

«Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.»

Romans 12:2

One Minute Watch

with Charity Osorio, Leader of Life with Littles and Middles at Bethel Church.

3 Ways to Shift the Way You Bring Change:

Pause and Ask.
Where is God inviting me into fresh transformation right now?
Practice Embodiment.
Choose one area to model the change you want to see in your team, family, or community.
Shift the Atmosphere.
Instead of pointing out lack, create hunger by demonstrating what’s possible. Let’s be those who model what we long to see. Transformation always starts with us.

The Most Powerful Worship Isn’t on Stage

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 20:45:02 GMT

What Does True Worship Look Like in Everyday Leadership?

Learn how turning your heart to Jesus resets your direction, builds clarity, and transforms your leadership culture.

As leaders, it’s tempting to think worship happens only on a stage, with lights, songs, and a gathered crowd. But the most powerful worship is often found in hidden places—when no one is watching.

Worship is the simple turning of our heart toward the Lord in the midst of the ordinary; while leading a meeting, making a decision under pressure, or even navigating conflict. Worship is like resetting the compass of our soul. Just as a compass always points north, worship reorients us toward Jesus, our true center. Without it, we drift with the currents of stress, criticism, or ambition. With it, we regain our direction and lead from a place of clarity and peace.

Worship isn’t just the songs we sing; it’s the atmosphere we create around our leadership. It cultivates a culture where God’s presence is not an add-on but the foundation of everything we do. When we choose to worship in pressure, we invite heaven’s perspective into earthly challenges.

When worship becomes our first response, leadership is no longer about what we can accomplish—it becomes about hosting His presence, and that changes everything.

«I have set the Lord always before me;
because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved»

Psalm 16:8

One Minute Watch

with Peter Mattis, Worship Community Pastor at Bethel Church.

4 Keys to Worshiping While Leading:

Pause for His Presence.
In the middle of pressure, take a breath and invite Holy Spirit. Even a two-second pause to say, “Lord, where are You moving right now?” can realign your heart with Heaven’s perspective.
Model the Shift.
Your team will catch more than you teach. Let them see you move from frustration into faith, from discouragement into worship. It gives them permission to do the same.
Call Out Testimonies.
Begin team meetings with “Where have you seen God this week?” Testimonies are prophetic in nature—they don’t just tell us what He’s done, they reveal what He’s ready to do again.
Celebrate the Seeds.
Don’t wait for the mountain to move before you worship. Rejoice over the mustard seeds, because those small beginnings often carry the DNA of the miracle.

Modeling the Kingdom

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 17:00:03 GMT

Are You Living the Kingdom or Just Talking About It?

The most powerful leadership isn’t what you say—it’s what you live. Learn how to embody Kingdom values that shape your family, team, and legacy.

Have you ever noticed how much more our kids catch from us than what we intentionally try to teach?

More is caught than taught. As leaders, it’s tempting to think our influence comes mainly from what we say, but the greatest impact is often in what we model. The atmosphere of our lives becomes the soil where faith takes root in others.

Scripture echoes this truth. Paul reminded Timothy of the generational faith passed down through his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice; a faith that was alive and burning in him too (2 Timothy 1:5). Faith is multiplied and made tangible when it’s lived out in front of others.

May we be leaders who embody the kingdom. May we pave the way for our families, our teams, and our communities to follow in our footsteps. And may every act of devotion, every choice to live yielded to Jesus, create a legacy that others can step into.

«Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.»

1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

One Minute Watch

with Michelle Thompson, Leader of Life with Littles at Bethel Church.

4 Keys to Embodying the Kingdom:

Model First.
Before asking your family or team to embrace a value or culture, embody it yourself. People follow what you demonstrate more than what you declare.
Create Visibility.
Let them see your rhythms of integrity, rest, prayer, or excellence. Don’t just lead behind closed doors—invite them to catch the example.
Tell the Stories.
Share personal testimonies of how you’re living the values you want replicated. Stories imprint culture in ways that policies never can.
Celebrate What You Want Multiplied.
When you see your family or team living out the culture, highlight it. Recognition reinforces behavior more than correction do es.

Cultivating a Vision That Outlasts You

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 22:00:02 GMT

Are You Leading for Today or Building for Generations?

Kingdom leadership isn’t about short-term wins—it’s about generational legacy. Discover how to lead with vision that outlasts you.

Are You Thinking Like a King?

In Scripture, we see this kind of long-term vision in King David. Though he longed to build the temple, God told him it would be his son Solomon who would complete it. Instead of giving up, David spent his latter years preparing the resources, plans, and people so the next generation could run further than he ever could (1 Chronicles 28–29). David wasn’t just leading for his own lifetime—he was leading with legacy in mind.

As leaders, it’s easy to be consumed by the urgency of what’s directly in front of us—the next Sunday service, the next project, the next crisis. But kingdom leadership requires a higher perspective. Kings lift their eyes beyond the immediate and ask: How will what I’m building today impact the next generation?

When we lead with generational vision, our leadership shifts from being about quick wins to creating lasting inheritance. We begin to think not only about the fruit we can see in our lifetime, but the seeds we are planting for those who come after us—our children, our spiritual sons and daughters, our cities, and even nations.

May we be leaders who don’t just run fast—we run far. May our ceiling become the floor for those who follow us, and may our vision carry the heartbeat of heaven for generations yet to come.

«A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.»

Proverbs 13:22 (NKJV)

One Minute Watch

with Richard Gordon, Chief Technology Officer at Bethel Church.

3 Keys to Leading Like a King:

Pause & Pray.
Ask the Lord: What generational vision are You inviting me into right now?
Write it down, and keep this somewhere visual as a continual reminder.
Shift Your Horizon.
Identify one area of your leadership where you’ve been thinking short-term, and now imagine what it could look like in 20, 50, or 100 years.
Build for Others.
Choose one practical way this week to set up the next generation for success (mentor someone, delegate authority, invest in a future leader).

Reflection Question:

What’s one way you can shift your leadership this week from short-term wins to long-term legacy?

How to Lead Someone to Christ

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 20:00:00 GMT

What If You Got the Chance to Lead Someone to Jesus Today?

Learn how to lead others to Jesus with boldness, clarity, and love. The harvest is ready—start now.

Could you lead someone to Christ if the opportunity came today? Could you introduce them to the One who gave everything so they could live?

Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is the most powerful truth on earth—the gospel. And it’s not just a message; it’s a sword. A weapon of love and power that cuts through confusion, darkness, and despair.

But here’s the question for us as leaders: Is your sword sharp? Have you rehearsed the gospel lately? Could you walk someone through it with clarity and conviction? Do those you lead feel equipped to share the gospel? Because the harvest isn’t coming—it’s here. It’s ready. And it’s not just about better programs or louder microphones. Without the gospel, there is no transformation. Cities don’t change until hearts do.

The sword of the Spirit—the gospel—is the only thing with the power to truly transform a life. If we want revival, reformation, and awakening, it starts with one person at a time encountering Jesus.

So sharpen your sword. Get in the Word. Pray for boldness. Practice sharing your story. Be ready in season and out. Because we’re not waiting for a move of God—we are one.

And may we be leaders who are ready. Because the moment is now.

«Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.»

2 Timothy 4:2

One Minute Watch

with Tom Crandall, Evangelism Director at Bethel Church.

Tools for Sharing Christ:

Pray first - Ask God for wisdom, the right words and for the person’s heart to be open. Remember, we aren’t the Savior, so rely on the Holy Spirit to touch hearts, not your own ability.
Build genuine relationships - People aren’t projects. Make sure you sincerely care for people as individuals. Listen actively before speaking so that they feel known and that you understand where they’re coming from.
Know the tenets of the gospel clearly:
- God created us to be in relationship with Him
- Sin separates us from God (Rom 3:23)
- Jesus died and rose again to pay for our sins (Rom 5:8)
- We must respond with repentance and faith (Rom 10:9-10)
Use Scripture - God’s word has power (Heb 4:12) Share verses not just opinions. John 3:16, Rom 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9)
Share your testimony - Your personal story of salvation makes the gospel relatable. Keep it simple: before Christ - how you met Christ - life after Christ.
Ask “opening” questions - Questions open hearts more than lectures. For example: “Do you ever think about spiritual things? What do you believe about God? Can I pray for you?
Be respectful and patient - Let the conversation be natural, not forced. It’s God who saves; our job is simply to plant the seed (1 Cor 3:6-7)

The Key to Bold Leadership Decisions

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 22:00:00 GMT

Would You Rather Walk on Water or Stay in the Boat?

Discover why a faith-filled “yes” can lead to greater success than a doubtful “maybe.”

«A bad decision made in faith has a greater likelihood of success than
a good decision made in doubt.»
Steve Backlund

Let that sink in.

As leaders, we face countless choices, and many of them don’t come with a burning bush or a booming voice from heaven. Sometimes, it comes down to faith.

Romans 14:5 says, “Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.” The principle is powerful—God invites us to be convinced, not confused. He wants us to decide with Him, not sit stuck waiting for flawless clarity.

Peter saw Jesus walking on the water and said, “Lord, if it’s You, tell me to come.” Jesus said, “Come.” Peter didn’t get a full weather report, he didn’t ask for a second opinion—he just stepped out of the boat. In faith, not certainty. And even though he started sinking when doubt crept in, he walked on water. The other disciples? Still dry, still safe... still in the boat.

A risky step in faith gets you further than a safe seat in doubt. Better to walk on water and sink than never leave the boat at all.

Decision-making is one of the most important things we do as leaders. Yes, it’s healthy to develop a process with God where we ask for wisdom, get counsel, use discernment, but then—decide. Don’t just dabble or second-guess. Attach faith to your choice. Because when you do, something shifts and momentum comes. Because Heaven’s breezes blow on the sails of faith.

This is your moment to step into faith-filled decision making like never before. The fear of making the wrong move has paralyzed too many leaders. But God doesn’t reward perfection—He honors faith.

So ask Him. Trust Him. And then move forward, fully convinced in your own mind.

And may this next season be marked by bold, cheerful faith-filled decisions.

«But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.»

James 1:6

One Minute Watch

with Steve Backlund, Associate Director of Bethel Leaders Network.

Action Steps:

Pray, then decide.
Don’t stall—move with faith.
Own your choice.
No second-guessing. Be fully convinced.
Speak faith.
Declare: “God leads me. I move in faith.”
Cut fear.
Faith > perfection. Stop waiting for “perfect clarity.”

To learn more, check out Steve Backlund’s latest book “Fully Convinced - The Art of Decision Making”

The Power of Active Listening

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 22:00:01 GMT

Why is Active Listening Essential for Christ-Centered Leadership?

Learn how to lead like Jesus by valuing presence, empathy, and true connection.

In our efforts to lead well—whether in ministry, the workplace, or at home—we can often feel the need to have the right answers, offer guidance, or share wisdom. These are all good and necessary things. But the greatest growth in our leadership won’t come through speaking—it will come through listening.

As followers of Christ, our model for leadership is Jesus. And when you look at His life, one of the most striking things is how often He paused to truly listen. He didn’t rush people. He didn’t brush past their pain. He met them where they were, and He heard them. Whether it was the woman at the well (John 4), blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10), or even His disciples’ doubts and concerns—Jesus listened with compassion and intentionality.

We are called to do the same.

Active listening is more than a leadership skill—it’s an act of love. It’s a way of saying, “I see you. I value you. You matter.” And when those under your leadership feel heard and understood, your influence deepens—not because you have all the answers, but because you reflect the heart of Christ.

So may we create space for others to share their hearts and be leaders who listen—just like Jesus did.

«Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.»

James 1:19 (ESV)

One Minute Watch

with Garett Payne, BLN Influence Pastor.

Keys to Growing in Active Listening Skills:

Be Fully Present.
Eliminate distractions—put the phone down, close the laptop, and give eye contact. Show you value the person in front of you.
Listen Without Interrupting.
Resist the urge to jump in with a solution. Let them finish. Sometimes people don’t need answers—they just need to verbally process.
Ask Clarifying Questions.
Show genuine interest by asking, “Can you tell me more about that?” or “How did that make you feel?”
Reflect What You Hear.
Repeat back what they’ve shared to show you understand. “So what I hear you saying is…”
Affirm and Appreciate.
Thank them for being open. Validate their feelings—even if you don’t have a solution right away.
Follow Up Intentionally.
Circle back later. A quick, “I’ve been thinking about what you shared,” shows you truly care.

This ONE Thing Will Change How You Do Conflict!

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 22:00:00 GMT

What If One Small Shift Could Change Every Hard Conversation?

Learn how the first 3 seconds of a conflict can shape the outcome. Lead like Esther—with wisdom, kindness, and confidence in tough conversations.

When it comes to conflict, most people either avoid it or bulldoze through it. But here’s a game-changing truth: the first three seconds of a conflict can predict how it ends—with 80% accuracy.

In the story of Queen Esther, we see a powerful example of strategic communication. Esther knew she needed to communicate some hard things to King Xerxes, but she wasn’t rushed and she wasn’t reactive. She spent time fasting and planning for this conversation. She then invited both King Xerxes and Haman to a banquet that she put together. She knew that this would be the perfect atmosphere to communicate her concerns. Esther set the stage for her request by starting off with kindness.

As a leader (or in the context of your marriage or family), you don’t have to fear conflict. You just need to change how you start it. That’s it. One shift.

Before jumping into the hard things you want to discuss, decide how you want the conversation to end. Do you want the other person to feel seen, loved, and respected? Then start there. Literally say it: “Hey, I want you to know I care about you, and I want us to walk away from this feeling understood. That said, I’m struggling with something I need to talk about…”

Once you’ve done this—your tone is set. The other person isn’t bracing for a verbal ambush, and you’re leading with connection instead of confrontation.

Try it next time, and may this one simple tweak make a big difference.

«Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt...»

Colossians 4:6

One Minute Watch

with Jay Vallotton, Men's Pastor & Pastoral Care Overseer at Bethel Church.

3 Practical Steps Toward Loving Communication:

1. Before the conversation:

- Ask Yourself: “How do I want this to end?”

Peaceful? Understood? Honest but kind?

- Choose your goal: Love > Ego

2. Think of some opening line options. Pick one and actually say it out loud:

- “I care about you, and I want this to go well for both of us.”

- “This might be hard to say, but I’m saying it because I value you.”

- “I want you to feel seen and cared for, even though I have something tough to bring up.”

3. Finish positively:

- “I love you and really care about our relationship”

- “I really appreciate…”

Lead Without Comparison: Abundance Over Competition

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 22:00:08 GMT

What If There’s Actually More Than Enough for All of Us?

Discover how God's abundance frees you to celebrate others, lead with confidence, and walk in your full inheritance.

Leadership gets messy when comparison leads to competition. Whether you feel less-than or better-than, both attitudes come from the same lie: that there’s not enough to go around.

But here’s the truth: in God’s Kingdom, there is no pie. No slices. No scraps. Just abundance.

Jesus told a story in Luke 15 that hits this perfectly. The younger son squanders his inheritance, comes home ashamed, and the father runs to welcome him, throwing him a huge party. There is full restoration. But the older brother? He is bitter. Why? Because he thinks the celebration means he’s getting less. The father gently reminds him:

“You are always with me, and everything I have is yours.” – Luke 15:31

The older brother forgot the truth of abundance. He believed the lie of scarcity—like his brother’s blessing meant his loss.

We don’t need to compete for what’s already ours in Christ. Someone else’s win isn’t your loss. Their celebration doesn’t cancel your inheritance.

So may we stop scrambling for a slice and recognize the abundance of our father’s house. There is no pie. There’s just the Father—arms open, table full, plenty for everyone.

«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 9:8 (NIV)

One Minute Watch

with Michelle Thompson & Charity Osorio, Leaders of Life with Littles.

3 Keys to Leading Without Comparison:

1. Check Your Heart for Comparison

- Ask: Am I feeling threatened or inspired by others’ success?

- Catch the comparison early and replace it with gratitude for what God’s doing—in them and in you.

2. Celebrate Others Loudly

- Make it a habit to encourage, affirm, and cheer on your teammates and fellow leaders. Their win is a win for the Kingdom.

3. Stay Rooted in Your Identity

- Daily remind yourself: “I already have everything I need in Christ.”

- You’re not missing out—you’re already chosen, called, and equipped (Colossians 2:10).

Live and lead like there's no pie. Just a full table and a generous Father.

Faith That Moves You Forward!

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 21:30:00 GMT

What if your breakthrough isn’t about doing more—but believing differently?

Discover how believing God’s promises like the heroes of Hebrews 11 can shift your life. Align your faith and walk boldly into your calling.

«The question of the hour is not "Lord, what do you want me to do?" But, "Lord, what do you want me to believe?”»
- Steve Backlund -

We all face challenges, and the narrative we believe is critical to moving from glory to glory and into the promised land.

In the book of Hebrews we read about the heroes of the faith, and how they each decided what they would do when faced with challenges. They each believed and trusted that He who promised is faithful. In Hebrews 11:8-13 it says, “Faith motivated Abraham to obey God’s call and leave the familiar to discover the territory he was destined to inherit from God. So he left with only a promise and without even knowing ahead of time where he was going, Abraham stepped out in faith…Sarah’s faith embraced God’s miracle power to conceive even though she was barren and was past the age of childbearing, for the authority of her faith rested in the One who made the promise, and she tapped into his faithfulness. In fact, so many children were subsequently fathered by this aged man of faith—one who was as good as dead, that he now has offspring as innumerable as the sand on the seashore and as the stars in the sky! 'These heroes all died still clinging to their faith, not even receiving all that had been promised to them. But they saw beyond the horizon the fulfillment of their promises and gladly embraced it from afar. They all lived their lives on earth as those who belonged to another realm.”

Let us read their stories and allow ourselves to be inspired to do the greater works that Jesus said we would do. Though each hero faced difficulty, they set their eyes on the prize, persevered and won. Let us each take time to everyday align our internal compass to the One who is good and faithful and discover we are powerful in Him.

«Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen.»

Hebrews 11:1

One Minute Watch

with Tim Walls, International Business Consultant.

Key Steps:

Choose one testimony you’ve heard—one you’ve hesitated to believe God could do for you. Speak it over yourself each morning. Let it stir up faith and take root deep in your heart.

Dare to hope. Dare to believe. He who promised is faithful.

Embracing Change

Tue, 20 May 2025 22:00:00 GMT

How to Embrace Change with Hope?

Discover how to prepare with hope for change and trust that the One leading is always faithful.

God is about to birth something new in his church. Can you feel it?

Change is in the air. The stirrings have begun. Deep beneath the surface, a seismic rumbling is building.

As we hear words about a “new thing” and feel the tremors, different emotions rise within us. Maybe it's nostalgia—liking things the way they are and not wanting them to shift. Maybe it's restlessness—even frustration—that change isn’t coming fast enough. Or maybe it’s wonder and excitement—a holy anticipation for something fresh and new.

However you feel, one thing is certain: change is coming.

In Isaiah 43:19, the Lord declares, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”

The Hebrew word for perceive here is yada, implying a deep, intimate awareness. It’s more than just noticing. It’s about responding . So, how will we respond?

Will we be like old wineskins? Rigid, inflexible, unwilling to stretch and adapt to the new wine God is pouring out? Or will we become new wineskins? Flexible, open, and ready to be expanded so we can carry the fullness of what He’s doing?

«This is what God says…

“Forget about what’s happened;

don’t keep going over old history.

Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new.

It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?

There it is! I’m making a road through the desert,

rivers in the badlands.”»

Isaiah 43:19 MSG

One Minute Watch

with Geo Osorio, CPO of Mass Energy Works.

4 Steps to Embracing the New Wineskin:

1. Examine Your Wineskin (a.k.a. Heart Check)

Ask: Am I resistant to change? Am I clinging to old methods or comforts?
Pray: “Lord, show me areas in my life where I’ve become rigid or complacent.”
Journal your thoughts. What are you afraid to let go of?

2. Increase Spiritual Sensitivity

Set aside intentional time for prayer and listening. Not just talking at God, but listening to Him.
Fast from distractions (social media, noise, etc.) to tune in more clearly to the Spirit.
Write down any impressions, scriptures, or dreams you get—they may be part of the new thing.

3. Build Community That’s Ready for Change

Find people who are also hungry for what God is doing and link arms.
Have honest conversations about what change could look like in your church, your life, your city.
Be the agitator. The one who keeps saying, “But what if God wants to do it differently?”

4. Stay Soft and Stretchy

That new wineskin imagery isn’t just poetic, it’s your lifestyle. Stay humble. Stay flexible.
Don’t get bitter if it’s slow. Don’t get prideful if you “get it” before others do.
Keep asking God to make your spirit teachable and your heart expectant.

Discovering the Art of Decision-Making

Tue, 06 May 2025 00:00:04 GMT

Faith-Filled Decision Making: Choosing Boldly with God

Discover how to make confident, faith-based decisions rooted in relationship with God—not fear.

Decisions, from the smallest to the largest, can have the most profound impact. Whether they are easy decisions or not, we can have confidence as a child of God that God’s heart for us is not in question. He is for us. The only thing in question is what are we going to decide? If the Lord has given us a vision or a dream for our lives and those we lead, what’s in question is what are we willing to sacrifice for that vision?

How easy would it be if the Lord simply wrote His will across the sky and told us what to do? Yet, that would be religion not relationship. If the Lord gave us marching orders like a drill sergeant, there would be no relationship required. We would be called slaves, not friends of God (John 15:15). The beauty of being made in the image of God is that He gives us freedom, choice and creativity with our lives.

Old time religion says, “It needs to look like this box,” when Jesus said he came to give us life - and life in abundance. What if God’s will for your life is less focused on what you do, but who you are?

So, in this season may we let go of the fear of making mistakes, as we attach our faith to what we’re doing, and gain energy, cheerfulness, and power. And may we enter into a whole new season of faith-filled decision making like never before.

«I have never called you ‘servants,’ because a master doesn’t confide in his servants, and servants don’t always understand what the master is doing. But I call you my most intimate and cherished friends, for I reveal to you everything that I’ve heard from my Father.»

John 15:15

One Minute Watch

with Steve Backlund, Associate Director of Bethel Leaders Network.

Key Declarations for Great Decision-Making:

I am not afraid of decision making, I trust in the Lord to lead me.
I understand the times and seasons of my life, and I know what to do. (1 Chronicles 12:32)
Any bad decision of the past is now being supernaturally worked out for my good and for God’s glory.
Like Jesus, when I am making a decision, I look to see what the Father is doing and saying.

Leading with Authenticity!

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 20:35:27 GMT

Finding Identity in Christ: Leading with Truth and Confidence

Discover how to anchor your identity in Christ, lead with confidence, and resist the pull of worldly validation.

Knowing who we are is essential to leading ourselves and others. But where do we choose to find our identity?

Ultimately, our approval and self-worth must come from Christ within us. If we seek validation from anywhere else, we risk embracing the lies of the world—striving, performing, and compromising our beliefs and values, living beneath God’s intention for us.

With countless voices vying for our attention and agreement, we must anchor ourselves in truth. Our decisions should not be based on how we think others will respond. As sons and daughters of God, we stand firm in our beliefs, rooted in His Word. Acts 17:28 reminds us, "It is through Him that we live and function and have our identity." We are powerful people.

The disciples revealed human nature when they argued over status in Luke 22:24-27. The Passion Translation recounts:

"The disciples bickered over which one of them would be considered the greatest in the kingdom. Jesus interrupted their argument, saying, 'The kings and men of authority in this world rule oppressively over their subjects, claiming that they do it for the good of the people. They are obsessed with how others see them. But this is not your calling. You will lead by a different model. The greatest one among you will live as one called to serve others without honor. The greatest honor and authority is reserved for the one who has a servant's heart. The leaders who are served are the most important in your eyes, but in the kingdom, it is the servants who lead. Am I not here with you as one who serves?'"

In His mercy, the Lord will never allow our satisfaction to come from human approval, because He knows it is a life, a false identity. When others judge us or “look sideways” at us, we can dig deep and listen to the voice of our Good Father. From that place, we can love both ourselves and others with confidence and truth.

«My old identity has been co-crucified with Christ and no longer lives. And now the essence of this new life is no longer mine, for the Anointed One lives his life through me—we live in union as one! My new life is empowered by the faith of the Son of God who loves me so much that he gave himself for me, dispensing his life into mine!»

Galatians 2:20 TPT

One Minute Watch

with Jeff Kalte, Diamond Fellowship Pastor at Bethel Church.

Key Steps:

The hats we wear are what we get to do for a season, but one day this world will fade away, let’s make sure our identity is rooted in what will never fade away - Christ!

As we go about serving, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal when we may be trying to morph into what we think someone else expects of us. We don’t give in to shame or condemnation when the Holy Spirit does reveal it, we simply reject it and ask Jesus for the truth.

What If Your Greatest Obstacle Is Really Your Greatest Opportunity?

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 21:00:00 GMT

Breaking Down Walls with God’s Strategy

Discover how prayer, risk, and obedience can lead to breakthrough.

What is our response when we run into metaphorical walls in our lives? Do we throw in the towel? Or do we rise up like Joshua and his army in obedience to God and believe if the Lord promised to give us the land, then it will be ours?

After Moses died, Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River and brought the Ark of the Covenant into the promised land. Once there they faced a battle for Jericho - a city well defended with high walls. Joshua instructed Israel to let the Ark of God’s Presence lead them, along with the musicians, and march around the walls of the city of Jericho for six days. On the seventh day he instructed the people to yell and the trumpets to sound! The blast destroyed the walls and Israel won the victory that day.

Joshua trusted the Lord for a divinely inspired strategy to deliver his people and God revealed His great wis dom to break through the city’s walls.

We, too, can expect God’s faithfulness in our lives, whether we are in unfamiliar territory, in front of a situation that looks daunting, or anything we think can stop us from doing what God has called us to do. We can be certain that the Lord will lead us, grant us heaven’s strategy and set us up for victory!

«Later, after you crossed the Jordan miraculously, you faced another impossibility —Jericho! The lords of Jericho, as well as the Amorites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hittites, Girgashites, Hivites, and Jebusites, fought with you, but I gave you victory over them all! I sent the hornet ahead of you to run off the two Amorite kings. Your weapons and strength had nothing to do with it! I gave you land on which you had not labored and cities that you had not built. You are now living in the land I gave you. You are eating grapes from vines that others planted and olives from trees planted by the people who lived there before you.»

Ephesians 3:17-19 MSG

One Minute Watch

with Johanna Wilson, Director of Project Management, Ramsey Solutions.

Key Steps to Overcoming Obstacles

The next time you face a wall in your life:

Pause in prayer, asking Him for wisdom and strategy. Listen for what the Lord is saying.
Be willing to be unconventional at times as you follow His leading, and not rely on human reasoning and understanding.
Remember, faith is spelled: R.I.S.K
Obey in faith!
Trust Him with the outcomes - sometimes success and victory looks different in His eyes than the world's point of view.

How to Grow in the Awareness of God’s Love?

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 20:00:02 GMT

Never Outgrow This Truth: Jesus Loves You

No matter how big we become as leaders, the most profound truth remains—Jesus loves us. Discover how to grow daily in the awareness of His love!

“Jesus loves me,” is a children’s song we never want to grow out of. It is the most simple, yet profound truth for us all to orient our lives around. No matter how big we become as a leader, receiving this simple truth everyday is our most important calling, and will have the most profound impact on all we do.

So how can we grow everyday in our awareness of His great love for us? What if we haven't felt unconditionally loved by our father, mother, sister, brother, or friends? Experiencing His incredible love for ourselves through the Holy Spirit is paramount, especially when we don’t have a good frame of reference from family.

Similarly, simply ‘knowing’ His love in all its fullness is not meant to only be intellectual knowledge, or a one-time event. Our personal relationship with God is like lovers, who are in pursuit of each other everyday.

«My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.»

Ephesians 3:17-19 MSG

One Minute Watch

with Rich Schmidt, Bible Instructor at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry.

How can we experientially know God?

We can start simply by spending time meditating on His word, spending time in prayer and worship, or simply sitting down with a cup of tea and turning our affections towards him on our favorite couch. This Lent season, take time to meditate on the cross and God’s great love that would go to such lengths for the ones He cares for.

Stewarding Your Victories with Hope

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 21:00:00 GMT

How are you stewarding your victories?

Learn how sharing your testimony creates a world of hope, strengthens faith, and impacts those around you.

We all experience victories and struggles. However, we navigate them so uniquely.

Most of us will have negative self-talk, so that even when things go great, we find a way to be self-deprecating about it, and remain hopeless. When we choose instead to recount our stories or testimonies to those around us, we build a world of hope, and bring others into it.

When we speak, our words create multi-dimensional worlds. When we share our stories with our coworkers or those we do everyday life with, we plant seeds or water those deep places within them that know ‘God is real.’ When I share my victory, not only does it increase our own hope and faith but it also creates hope and faith in those we’re sharing with.

Sharing our stories with family and friends who have yet to come to know Christ, or are not in a church community, has the potential for deep impact. To speak to that place within them that knows, even ever so slightly that Christ must be real, breathes life into them and spreads this good news.

This is hope from heaven.

«Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen.»

Hebrews 11:1

One Minute Watch

with Dr. Jennifer Kang, OBGYN in Redding, CA.

How to cherish and nurture your victories?

Take some time this week to share with friends and/or family at least 3-5 victories you have experienced during the week and celebrate together.

Trusting God in Uncertainty

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 23:00:01 GMT

What Does It Take to Lead with Confidence in Challenging Seasons?

Discover how to trust God, lead with patience, and find clarity in uncertain seasons with examples from legendary leaders.

Feeling like you are in a fog does not mean you are on the wrong path.

In this week’s leadership minute, Jörg Walcher shares that in seasons where we feel we are in a fog, we can stay steady, keep moving forward, and trust God to bring clarity in His perfect timing.

Some real-life examples of leaders who slow down challenging moments to win from the world of sports include; Tennis legend Roger Federer, who is known for his calm and methodical approach even in moments of uncertainty during matches. Federer often slows the pace, focuses on precision over power and trusts in his preparation. This approach has won him many critical acclaims. Skiing champion Mikaela Shiffrin from the U.S, when racing in challenging weather conditions adjusts her speed and trusts her technique. Instead of pushing recklessly she prioritizes control and patience often resulting in a safer and ultimately faster descent. NBA superstar LeBron James, as a team leader, exemplifies patience during challenging games. When the team faces a scoring drought or a momentum shift, LeBron slows the game down, analyzes the situation and makes deliberate plays to guide his team forward.

So today, let’s lead with peace and confidence even in uncertain times. As we slow down, focus on God’s direction and encourage those following to do the same, I believe we will see the fog lift and see clearly again as we keep driving on the road God has prepared for us.

«You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.»

Isaiah 26:3-4

One Minute Watch

with Jörg Walcher, Founder of Beyond Gold International.

What Weight Are You Carrying?

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 23:00:02 GMT

What Does It Mean to Carry the Weight of His Presence?

Discover how to let go of worldly burdens and embrace the weight of God's Presence, living as a royal priesthood, and fulfilling your calling.

Several times in scripture our faith journey is compared to a race we must run like an athlete. To run our race to win we must let go of our pride and throw aside the weights of this world that we may think are necessary, in exchange for the weight of glory, the weight of His Presence.

Hebrews 12:2 says, “Looking away from all that will distract us to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith and is also its Finisher. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” The weights of this world can lead us to performance, worry, anxieties, fear, but the weight of His Presence is light and frees us to live the way we were always meant to live, in communion with God.

In 2 Samuel 6, when King David was on his way to bring the Ark of the Covenant back into Jerusalem, he had it carried in on oxen, but on the way there the oxen stumbled, and as one of his men reached out and held the Ark from falling, God struck him dead for having touched the Ark irreverently. The Ark was never meant to be carried on oxen, it was always meant to be carried with poles on the shoulders of Jewish priests.

In 1 Peter 2:9 it says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

So, may we rise to the call of our new identity, and as priests of the Almighty God, carry the weight of His Presence, the weight of His glory into our homes, our workplaces and our world.

«Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.»

Hebrews 12:1

One Minute Watch

with Rory Helart, Youth Pastor at Bethel Church.

3 Keys to welcoming the Presence of God in our lives:

God comes where He is wanted. Our hunger for God invites His Presence to come. Are we desperate for God to move in our midst? Ask God to stir a deeper hunger within for the “more” of His Presence in our lives.
God comes where He is honored. Reverence for the holiness of His Presence invites Him to come. When - empowered by grace - we seek to live lives of holiness, we create a beautiful and attractive landing place for a Holy God to come.
Remain present in the Presence. To lay aside the weights that so easily entangle us, requires us to remain present everyday, aware that in Him we live and move and have our being.

Seeking God for Creative Solutions

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 20:03:51 GMT

Tapping into Heaven's Creativity

Discover how to attach your faith to the creative power of Yahweh.

Leader, are you feeling stuck in a rut or like you've hit a glass ceiling?

Do you wonder if there's a better way to accomplish your goals or bring fresh life to what you're doing?

I have great news for you: creative ideas and divine solutions are within your reach! Whether in your business, your parenting, or your workplace, God's creativity is available to bring breakthroughs and new possibilities. The God of infinite ideas, solutions, and innovation lives in you. He is the same God who dreamed up the colors of the rainbow, designed the giraffe, and crafted ecosystems of perfect balance and beauty. The ultimate Creator—whose essence is creativity and beauty itself—dwells within you.

He has placed His brilliance in your mind and His presence in your hands (1 Cor. 2:16). You are a creative being, just like your Father, with direct access to the Creator Himself. He delights in expressing His creativity through you.

But sometimes, life’s pace can leave us stuck in autopilot mode, and we forget to pause and reconnect with the voice of the Creator. We may fail to tap into His inspiration for fresh vision, new ideas, and breakthrough solutions. Change can feel intimidating or overwhelming, but it also has the power to propel us into “greater things.”

Is the Holy Spirit prompting you to step away from the routine, revisit the drawing board, and dream new dreams? Are you ready to discover new possibilities with Him?

«For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.»

Ephesians 2:10

One Minute Watch

with DJ Topher Jones, Producer and Record Label Owner.

Practical steps:

Declare daily, “The God of infinite ideas, solutions, and innovation lives in me.”

What Legacy Are Your Words Creating?

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:00:00 GMT

Harness the Power of Your Words to Create Life and Destiny

Discover the life-changing power of your words. Learn how to speak with wisdom, release Kingdom realities, and create life in every interaction.

What are you creating in those around you with your words?

Within our vocal cords and tongue, lies star-breathing, life birthing, world forming power. No other part of creation holds the God-like honor and responsibility of being able to speak words that carry such authority. In Proverbs 18:21, we’re told, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Don’t pass by that verse with too much familiarity. Pause for a moment, and read that again.

Wow! We carry the power to release Life and Death on this earth, and that power is held within our very mouths! It’s a terrifying responsibility, but also a huge opportunity. With mere words we can bring things to life that were once dead, we can create realities that once were not. Our words can build futures, release destinies, heal bodies, and create miracles.

How are you using this gift of creative utterance the Lord has bestowed upon you? How are you partnering with Him through your speech to bring His Kingdom on earth? May we be a people who with sobriety and faith use our words wisely and strategically. May we not take this gift for granted, but wield our tongue like a sword - destroying the works of the enemy and releasing Heaven’s realities in the lives of every person we meet and every environment we are in.

«Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it.»

Ephesians 4:29 AMPC

One Minute Watch

with Don Mayer, Former Principal of Bethel Christian School in Redding, CA.

Practical steps:

Declare daily, “My words have catalytic power, I impart grace through what I say.”

Are You Willing to Trust God to Fulfill Your Dreams?

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 20:30:00 GMT

Trusting God’s Timing: Turning Dreams into Reality

Discover how to co-create with God, trust His timing, and see your dreams become a reality.

We all have dreams, but how many of us are willing to do what it takes to see those dreams become a reality?

One of the most exciting and conducive things we could do in co-creating with the Lord is to rest and trust in Him. We need to rid ourselves of the boxes and limitations in our thinking of how and when the dream needs to be fulfilled, and exactly what it needs to look like.

In Genesis 37:5-8 we can see how Joseph persevered through the rage of jealousy from his own brothers, trusted in God’s faithfulness through disappointment and setbacks, and waited many years to see the full fruition of the dream God had given him.

We must also never give up as we wait for the dreams God has placed on our hearts to come to life. In the same way a child who dreams of driving a car must wait until they are old enough to have a license to drive, we too can wait patiently for our heavenly Father’s perfect timing to open the right doors in our future. We can trust the Lord knows the perfect time, place and people and prepare ourselves to receive the promised blessings.

May you be filled with anticipation and may your hope soar as you patiently wait for the timing of the Lord to bring the dreams He has placed upon your heart into reality.

«If God’s grace doesn’t help the builders, they will labor in vain to build a house. If God’s mercy doesn’t protect the city, all the sentries will circle it in vain. It really is senseless to work so hard from early morning until late at night, toiling to make a living for fear of not having enough. God can provide for his devoted lovers even while they sleep!»

Psalm 127:1-2 TPT

One Minute Watch

with Deborah Wallace, Principal of Tree of Life International Charter School.

Practical steps to dream with God:

Take some time this week to write down the dreams and visions the Lord has spoken to your heart. Place these notes around your living space, let them be a constant reminder of the dream God has spoken to you and will bring forth in your life at the right time. As the Lord opens doors for you, be prepared to move where the Lord leads even if it doesn’t look exactly like you thought it would.

“Write the vision and engrave it plainly on tablets so that the one who reads it will run. For the vision is yet for the appointed time. It hurries toward the goal, it will not fail. Even though it delays, wait patiently for it, because it will certainly come; it will not delay.” Habakkuk 2:2

How to Show Up and Shape the Future

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 22:30:00 GMT

Are You Ready to Stand for Future Generations?

Discover how William Wilberforce’s fight against slavery inspires us to stand firm, engage in tough conversations, and impact future generations with courage and faith.

“You may choose to look the other way but you can never again say you did not know.”
- William Wilberforce -

Abolitionist, and parliament member William Wilberforce (1759-1833) dedicated over 20 years of his life to the abolition of the British slave trade. Through sickness, beatings, and rejection, he faithfully fought to see the Brittish slave trade not just abolished, but worked to change the hearts and mind of his generation. Wilberforce wouldn't achieve complete victory until 1833, and three days later would pass away. Before Wilberforce lived, slavery was acceptable in British society. After him, public opinion was changed and it was seen for what it really was, a moral wrong.

“To stand is to win.” Our modern-day fight may not be against slave ships, today, it may look like having conversations on assisted-suicide, abortion, or transgenderism and other bioethics. It may also look different from place to place, but whether over the family dinner table or on a public platform, let’s be okay with having uncomfortable conversations.

“We win by outlasting the crowd.” Even if we don’t see results immediately, let’s be aware that the Holy Spirit is doing something behind-the-scenes. We don’t shy away from difficult conversations or situations because these issues will be front and center for our children, and children’s children.

Let’s be those who determine to show-up for the generations we won’t ever see!

«And don’t allow yourselves to be weary or disheartened in planting good seeds, for the season of reaping the wonderful harvest you’ve planted is coming!»

Galatians 6:9 TPT AMP

One Minute Watch

with Dr. Andre Van Mol, Family Physician.

Practical ways to show up for the generation you will never see:

Take part in school board and city council meetings. Be aware of what is happening city-wide and within your schools. Give your city leaders feedback, they are there to serve you and your family.
Attend your children’s school events and family events, a healthy society starts with the family nucleus.
Lastly, pray for your nation and its leaders... On earth as it is in heaven.

Trusting God with the Unknown

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 00:20:02 GMT

Are You Ready to Surrender Your Dreams to God?

Learn from Abraham’s faith and trust God to lead you into a life of divine adventure and blessings.

How willing are you to surrender your dreams to the Lord?

When Abraham offered up Isaac to the Lord as a sacrifice, he did so in faith knowing the Lord gave his son to him and would somehow revive him or return Isaac to Abraham after death. Abraham trusted God in the unknown to fulfill all that He said He would do in his life, and make him a father of a great nation.

The story of Abraham describes how God loves inviting us to surrender it all for a beautiful adventure with Himself. We can confidently surrender all our lives to the Lord knowing He sees the desires of our hearts and loves to co-create with us.

Abraham had it all when God called him. He was from a prominent wealthy family, he had comforts, and security. But we can deduct that because the Lord promised Abraham he would be the father of a great nation, there must have still been a sense deep within Abraham’s heart for significance even though he had it all.

The Lord saw his heart and spoke to Abraham about his desire for children and invited him to dream in the midst of an unknown future, which may have seemed scary to some.

Abraham’s counter-cultural way of life included, following the Lord out of comfort, leaving his family inheritance behind, and choosing a single wife, yet the Lord returned it all to him blessed over and above.

God is the original adventurer.

At the core of each one of us is a love for adventure, one just needs to observe children to realize it’s only when life happens as we grow up, we might become fearful of the unknown.

«When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood, and bound Isaac his son and placed him on the altar, on top of the wood. Abraham reached out his hand and took the knife to kill his son.But the Angel of the Lord called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” He answered, “Here I am.” The Lord said, “Do not reach out with the knife in your hand against the boy, and do nothing to harm him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld from Me your son, your only son of promise.»

Galatians 22:9-12 AMP

One Minute Watch

with Dr. Mercedes Patee, Addiction Medicine Physician.

Explore New Possibilities with Holy Spirit:

Take 10 minutes with the Holy Spirit and journal where you may feel the Lord inspiring you to surrender. Remember it’s not an adventure if you already have all the answers.

Unlocking Dreams Through Kingdom Partnerships

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 22:45:00 GMT

What Happens When We Partner with God?

Embrace your identity in God’s family and co-labor with Heaven to see your dreams soar.

Some of the greatest dreams have been birthed from shared visions and partnerships.

When a partnership finds its rhythm, finds its brush stroke, creates a coalition, wonderful things are created. On the other hand, things like worry, stress, isolation or fear can choke our seeds of vision.

We are human-beings, not human-doers. In today’s western culture it can be difficult to remember we have permission to be in process. When we begin by doing rather than being, all kinds of weeds sprout in the garden of our lives.

The world says - “You are what you do, your identity is your accomplishments, seek a win-lose, you can do it ‘solo’”. But the Kingdom of God invites us into family and asks - “Who are you? Your identity is found here in God’s family, seek a win-win, let’s collaborate together on the dreams that are on the hearts of the family.”

Like children, let’s rest in our place in our amazing family, with only one thing on the agenda - to be well-loved and to in turn love well. May all we do come from this place of overflow, as we simply co-labor with the Father as He builds His Kingdom. May we respond to His invitation of partnership with others and with Heaven, and then may the dreams He has placed in our hearts soar.

«Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.»

Ephesians 3:20 TPT

One Minute Watch

with Katherine Warnock, V.P. of Original Content at The Chosen.

Key Declarations for the Journey:

As you go about your week, meditate on these truths on the beauty of the journey.

“I am confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in me will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
“I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead.” Philippians 3:13
“Where there is no guidance, the people fall. But in the abundance of counselors there is victory.” Proverbs 11:14

What Does Selfless Leadership Really Look Like?

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 22:00:02 GMT

The True Meaning of Selfless Leadership: Leading Like Jesus

Explore the heart of selfless leadership by following the example of Jesus, who led with love and humility.

What does selfless leadership look like?

In a movie, you can read the names of everyone involved in making the film in the end credits, but often in leadership, we simply don’t always get this kind of acknowledgment. In spite of this, the Lord is asking us to steward a heart posture that says, “I don’t need everybody to know because I know who I am, and my value doesn’t come from being acknowledged by others.”

In Jesus’ life, we can see He lived and served others from this place of knowing He was a well-loved child (Matthew 3:17). The Perfect Leader emptied Himself out of love. No one took His life; He laid it down of His own free will. He is the epitome of selfless leadership and agape love.

As leaders, most of us have been presented with both accolades and criticism. We have been supported by many volunteers in our visions and have been volunteers ourselves, working the hours it takes to bring a vision to life. Whatever the season may be, our ultimate goal is to remain childlike, knowing we have a good Father who sees us and is our true reward. Servant leaders build up treasures in heaven (Hebrews 12:2). If you receive accolades on earth, that is as far as the reward will ever go. However, servant leaders build eternal treasures in heaven. If we, as leaders, help someone else accomplish their vision and they are a success, our reward is watching them succeed.

Let us watch over our hearts, champion each other, and invite the Holy Spirit into our journey so that we may serve as Jesus did.

«Be free from pride-filled opinions, for they will only harm your cherished unity. Don’t allow self-promotion to hide in your hearts, but in authentic humility put others first and view others as more important than yourselves. Abandon every display of selfishness. Possess a greater concern for what matters to others instead of your own interests.»

Philippians 2:3-4 TPT

One Minute Watch

with Darrell Farley, Senior Pastor at Hillside Church in Redding, CA.

A moment of reflection:

Take a moment with the Holy Spirit and remember back to a recent time you were helping someone. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you your heart’s motivation. Were you looking for someone to notice you? Acknowledgement? Or looking for reward in some way for yourself? Or were you truly looking for that person to succeed without your own personal gain?

Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to awareness the moments where we act out of selfish gain. Pray for the courage to see it and repent in that moment. Go after love, expecting nothing in return, that our reward would be the success of the ones we are serving.

Is it OK to Wrestle with God?

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 22:30:01 GMT

Can Wrestling with God Strengthen Your Faith?

Discover why having questions can be key to your journey of faith.

If all the questions you’ve ever had were never answered, would that be okay?

As leaders we may feel as though we must have all the answers for not just our own lives, but for those we are leading as well. What are we afraid of? He is trustworthy and is not leaving bread crumbs for us to follow; He extends His whole hand and walks with us through it all.

"He loves me and He is good" is our assurance in the middle of so many questions, and allows us to rest and truly embrace the present. The Kingdom is here and now after all.

There is so much contentment and rest waiting on the other side of laying down our questions and trading them for just one: “Does He love me?” Jesus answers that with a resounding, “more than anything!”

Jacob wrestles with God

After stealing his brother's firstborn birthright, Jacob left his family to preserve his life and lived in fear of being discovered as a fraud. He wrestled with God (Genesis 32:22-32) and God answered Jacob’s true heart question of ‘‘Who am I?” with a new name, Israel.

Jacob embraced his new God-given identity and went forth to face his biggest fear - facing his brother and ultimately risk being killed. Jacob said, “I saw God face-to-face and lived to tell the story!” Jacob experienced the authentic goodness, and love of the Father who restores us to who He has called us to be.

«So here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Leave all your cares and anxieties at the feet of the Lord, and measureless grace will strengthen you.»

Psalm 55:22 TPT

One Minute Watch

with Jeremy Hilliard, Bethel Leaders Network Engage Pastor.

3 Declarations to Enter into Rest and Trust in God:

“I am not anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, I let my requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
“Jesus is the author and finisher of my faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)
“I know when to stand in faith against negative happenings, and I know when to rest and simply trust.”

Key: Being authentic is all about facing what we are afraid of. Take some time this week to seek God and journal about any areas where you may be holding on to fear and searching for answers.

How to Overcome Comparison and Embrace Unity?

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 18:00:01 GMT

Overcoming Comparison: Leading in Unity for God's Kingdom

Learn how to overcome the trap of comparison as a leader and embrace unity.

Comparison. It’s a trap the enemy loves to set for leaders. We can easily be tempted to measure our success up against the success of another, and forget that as followers of Christ, we are one.

Bringing God’s kingdom on earth is not a solitary endeavor. We have a collaborative calling to see His kingdom come on this earth. We are one body and one team. As such, every leader’s growth, success, struggles, and failures become our own. Their burdens are our burdens, and their triumphs are ours as well. In order for us to impact the broader mission of seeing God’s kingdom advance, we have to abandon individualism and unite together to see our cities and nations transformed.

So may we be each other's greatest cheerleaders! In doing so, we not only uplift one another but also reflect the heart of a God who rejoices with us in our successes and stands by us in our trials. Let's join together in radical love and unity, strengthening the entire body of Christ and showing the world how good our God is.

«A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.»

John 13:34-35 NIV

One Minute Watch

with Cole Zick, Lead Pastor of Risen King Church.

Ideas to Foster Unity Among Leaders:

Celebrate the successes of others with genuine joy —whether it's a milestone achieved, a project completed, or a goal met.
Offer support, not judgment , during times of another’s mistakes or failures. By sharing one another’s burdens and offering empathetic support, we sow seeds of mercy that will be returned to us.
Do something practical for the leaders around you , such as sending an encouraging message after a success or reaching out with a comforting word during tough times. Consider gathering leaders for connection and prayer, organizing support groups, or creating opportunities for leaders to share their experiences and challenges.

Find the Secret to Building Trust in Leadership

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 21:00:01 GMT

The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership!

Learn how to lead authentically and foster a culture where creativity and risk-taking are celebrated.

How can you as a leader unlock the potential of others, inspire innovation and create an ecosystem for growth in your teams?

Two simple but challenging words: Leadership vulnerability. As much as we may not like to admit it, the degree to which we are willing to personally take risks, fail (at times in plain sight) and not always have it all figured out, is the degree to which those we lead will feel safe to do the same. And, it is in this willingness to step into the vulnerable place of risk that greatness happens.

Leaders who through their own example create a space for true vulnerability, build environments in which people feel welcomed to be themselves. When our teams feel safe, they become willing to explore new ideas, take creative risks and attempt great feats. In contrast, like a turtle hiding in its shell, when our teams feel like perfection is the only standard and failure is not acceptable, they will cower from creativity and stay inside the box of mediocrity.

Leader, may you through your own authenticity set the tone for your teams as you build an environment where vulnerability and risk is celebrated, and begin to unlock the greatness of those you lead.

«He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.»

2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

One Minute Watch

with Caitlin Zick, Lead Pastor of Risen King Church.

6 Keys to Model Vulnerability & Create a Culture of Safety:

Embrace it in your own leadership! The best leaders aren’t the perfect leaders, but the ones most willing to grow. Vulnerability comes from the top down.
Celebrate progress, not perfection - in yourself and others.
Show them when you’re “in process” and let them see how you're journeying through difficult seasons.
Be honest about your struggles at times. This is a powerful way to relate to them in meaningful ways, and importantly, develop trust.
When you’re struggling with a task, be honest. When you need help with something, ask for it.
Remember, Christ’s power is made perfect in our weakness. Don’t be afraid to let moments of weakness show. God may have something powerful He wants to do through it. 2 Corinthians 2:9

Embracing Your Royal Authority in Jesus!

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 18:21:02 GMT

Understanding Our Authority as the Bride of Christ!

Explore the profound love story between Christ and His Church and learn what it means to be seated with Christ on His throne.

Jesus is coming for His bride! From the beginning of creation until the final trumpet call, Jesus has been in relentless, loving pursuit of His beloved bride. In the pages of Scripture, we read the heartbreaking, beautiful, and triumphant story of love. Genesis opens with a wedding, Revelation closes with a wedding, and the covenant between God and His people is interwoven into every page in between. Jesus has betrothed Himself to us. We are the church He wooed, washed, and cut a marriage covenant with, sealed by His own blood.

How great is His unfathomable love!

But let’s take this one step further. If Christ is Ruler and King over all, and we, the church, are His bride (Rev 21:9), then that makes the church His queen! And where does a queen sit in the courts of the kingdom? On the throne beside her king!

In Revelation 3:21, Jesus says, “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Leader, you are not just seated on a throne; you are seated on the throne. What an honor! Not only that He would choose us as His bride, but that He would then share His seat of authority with us! The throne of the King of Earth has room for you and me, and as such, we bear His authority on this earth.

Today, as you go about your daily tasks, will you take your place of authority as you reign with Christ?

«God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.»

Ephesians 2:4-7 ESV

One Minute Watch

with Bridget Hilliard, Engage Pastor of Bethel Leaders Network.

Questions to ponder:

How does being seated on Christ’s throne shift your perspective on your level of authority on this earth and in the spiritual realm?
What does it mean for the church to function in the fullness of her identity as Christ’s queen, seated on the throne in the courts of heaven?
What are you doing with the authority that has been entrusted to you?

How to Encounter God in the Ordinary Moments of Life!

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 19:30:00 GMT

Transforming Everyday Moments into Encounters with God!

Discover how to turn the mundane tasks of daily life into profound spiritual encounters with God.

What if we could transform the mundane moments of our lives into profound encounters with God? In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy for all of us to relegate our spirituality to designated moments of prayer or worship. But what if we saw things differently?

What if our daily tasks were not just chores but opportunities for deep spiritual connection with God? Whether we’re crunching numbers in an office, caring for patients in a hospital, or crafting art in a studio, each moment can be infused with an awareness of “God with us.” Each task we tackle in our everyday life can become a holy offering to Jesus of love and worship. But even more than this, Jesus desires to be invited into our work in the most practical of ways, seeking to give us the wisdom, creativity, and abilities we need for the very tasks at hand. These seemingly “unspiritual” moments are actually holy—an opportunity to partner in our work with Almighty God and see heaven manifested in the most ordinary of occupations.

In his book Practicing the Presence of God , Brother Lawrence once said of serving in the monastery kitchen, “And so it is the same in the kitchen (a place to which I have a great natural aversion). I have accustomed myself to doing everything there for the love of God. On all occasions, with prayer, I have found [my work] easy during the fifteen years in which I have been employed here… My set times of prayer are not different from other times of the day. Although I do retire to pray (because it is the direction of my superior), I do not need such retirement nor do I ask for it because my greatest business does not divert me from God… The time of business does not differ with me from the time of prayer; and in the noise and clatter of my kitchen, while several persons are at the same time calling for different things, I possess God in as great tranquility as if I were on my knees.”

As we navigate our daily work and routines, may we look beyond the surface—to recognize the Holy Spirit’s presence permeating all the seemingly mundane moments of our lives. May we embrace the opportunity to turn every moment or task, however small, into a heartfelt love offering, knowing that in doing so, we not only honor our work but also give all of our lives as a living offering of worship, holy and pleasing to God (Romans 12:1).

«Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.»

1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV

One Minute Watch

with Johanna Wilson, Chief Academic Officer at Bethel College.

A Prayer for Each New Day, by Brother Lawrence:

“My God, since You are with me, and since, by Your will, I must occupy myself with external things, please grant me the grace to remain with You, in Your presence. Work with me, so that my work may be the very best. Receive both my work and all my affections as an offering of love.”

How to Embrace Your Highest Calling!

Tue, 23 Jul 2024 20:00:00 GMT

A Leader's J ourney to the Father's Heart...

Learn practical steps to rest in the love of the Father as a leader.

Question for you...

Is your identity found in your leadership title, or your sonship or daughterhood? As leaders, it's easy to lose sight of who we truly are. We chase after achievements, approval, and success, hoping they will define us. Yet, deep within each of us lies a longing—an innate desire to know our purpose and our true identity.

No matter how great your influence is as a leader, the Father is calling you to walk a different path: the path of sonship or daughterhood that daily leads us up the mountain to the Father's heart. It's on this journey that we let go of perfectionism and trying to measure up to others' expectations, and glimpse our true reflection in the eyes of the Father. Our identity is no longer rooted in our accomplishments or failures but in the unshakeable truth of who God says we are.

Even Jesus, the Almighty One, the very Savior of the world, needed to continually walk the path of sonship. He often slipped away from the crowds to go spend time with His Dad. Like Christ, we must never lose sight of our need to always identify ourselves by our highest title: son or daughter. It is from this place that our leadership naturally overflows with His love, joy, and peace. We become conduits of His grace, impacting the world around us with all of the Father's goodness which we bring down the mountain each day from His Presence. He becomes the source, not us. We get to simply pass on the bread like the disciples feeding the crowds.

«And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.»

Mark 1:35

One Minute Watch

with Mark Brookes, BSSM Pastor for 25 Years.

The Art of Resting in God's Presence:

Solitude.
- Make time to be truly alone. No phone, no distractions, just you and the Father.
Silence.
- Turn off the worship music, and even quiet the prayers and sit in silence. Perhaps like Elijah, you might encounter a side of God you never expected.
Stillness.
- Take time to not accomplish or “do” anything. Even put your bible away for a moment and simply “Be still and know that He is God.” (Psalm 46:10)

Discovering the Infinite Waterfall of God's Love

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 17:30:00 GMT

How Can You Live Continually Filled with the Holy Spirit?

Learn how to live continually filled with God's Spirit, embracing the fullness of His love and power in your daily life.

Imagine for a moment...

You are one of the disciples sitting around the Passover table with Jesus. He starts talking to you about how He is about to leave this earth. Inwardly, you are heartbroken at the thought of losing your beloved Rabbi, friend, and Lord. But then Jesus says something you find almost impossible to understand: you're better off if He goes. How could that possibly be? Yet Jesus assures you that the gift He is leaving behind is even more wonderful than the very physical presence of your Lord Himself. He is sending another to not only be with you, but to be within you - the Holy Spirit.

In Ephesians 5:18, Paul says, "be filled with the Holy Spirit." In the Greek text, the word for "be filled" is actually in the continuous present tense, giving the verse the meaning, "Be continually filled with the fullness of the Holy Spirit." That means there is always more of God's Spirit available for you. He is the infinite waterfall of God's love cascading over you. He is your daily bread, He is the river of life that never runs dry, and in Him is the generous supply of all you need to live the abundant life He's given you.

Today, may you fall in love with the Holy Spirit all over again. May you receive afresh the "more" of God, and be filled yet again with the "better gift" Jesus promised you - His Wonderful Holy Spirit.

«It’s to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away the Divine Encourager will not be released to you. But after I depart, I will send him to you.»

John 16:6—8 TPT

One Minute Watch

with Paul Manwaring, Senior Leadership Team at Bethel Church.

4 Steps to Live Continually Filled:

Ask for an awakening of hunger within you for the “more” of His Spirit. Jesus said in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.”
Greet each morning with an awareness of the Holy Spirit’s presence with you , saying, “Good morning Holy Spirit. Fill me afresh today, I want to do everything with You, by You, and for You.”
Be intentional about receiving an impartation from others. Acts 8:17 says, “Then they (the apostles) laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.”
Create a rhythm in your day that reminds you of your need to be continually filled. Perhaps with each meal you eat pray, “Holy Spirit, more than this food I need You. Fill me with more of Your Spirit.”

Transform Your Life with the Power of Words

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 15:00:00 GMT

How Can Your Words Shape Your World?

Explore the profound impact of your words on your life and others. Learn six steps to harness the creative power of words , inspired by Proverbs 18:21.

What if your words became flesh? Would you like what they create?

Words are so much more than a means of communication or description. Words are spiritual (John 6:63). Like seeds, they contain within themselves a creative power. Just like God spoke and created the world, so too, as beings God created in His image, He has given us the ability to create worlds with our words. What a privilege to be bestowed with such power. And what a sobering responsibility!

The questions we must ask ourselves are: what are we creating? What are we speaking about ourselves, our current circumstances, and our future? If those words became flesh, would we fashion a world that we (and God) actually want? What are we speaking over the people God has placed in our lives - our children, co-workers, employees, or mentees? If it is true that with every declaration, we have the ability to form a future reality, imagine what we could be a catalyst for in the lives of those God has entrusted us to speak destiny over!

So leader, may you never underestimate the power of your words. May you be a leader who forth-tells according to the God sized dreams that lay within His heart for each person He has placed around you, and may those words become flesh.

«The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.»

Proverbs 18:21 NIV

One Minute Watch

with Donta Nelson, Associate Youth Pastor at Bethel Church.

6 Steps to Use Your Words to Transform Your World:

Change your inner narrative.
Scripture says we are transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:2). Our thought patterns directly shape our perception of the world and those around us. Our thoughts become our words, and therefore our future.
Change how you speak about and to yourself.
By consistently exercising positive thoughts and speech about ourselves, we not only change our self-perception but also how we perceive those around us. Speak words of life and love over yourself daily!
Get feedback.
Sometimes we are unaware of how we speak. Ask those around you to make you aware of how you are using your words. Discover areas in your speech where you can grow.
Remind yourself.
Get practical and put up quotes or scriptures around your home or office that remind you of the power of your words.
Listen.
Practice hearing what God is speaking over you and others. Take time every day to journal the voice of God.
Declare the truth (even when it may not seem true).
Remember, an apple tree is still an apple tree even before it produces fruit. Just because it may not be your current experience doesn’t mean it’s not true.

Are You in the Midst of a Spiritual Battle?

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 17:00:01 GMT

How Can Worship Serve as a Powerful Weapon in Spiritual Warfare?

Discover how worship can serve as a powerful weapon in spiritual battles. Learn six keys to using worship to overcome adversity and find strength in faith.

Do you feel like you’re in the midst of a spiritual battle? When so much warfare is going on around us, it’s easy to become fixated on the enemy's tactics, schemes, and maneuvers, and shift our focus onto the adversary rather than fixing our eyes on Jesus. However, our greatest strength lies not in fighting the enemy but in worship.

When Jehoshaphat, King of Judah, was faced with a formidable alliance of enemy nations marching against them, he didn't muster his troops or devise elaborate battle strategies. Instead, he turned to God in prayer and declared a fast throughout the land. In the midst of uncertainty and fear, Jehoshaphat's response was to seek the Lord's face (2 Chronicles 20).

What followed next was extraordinary. God spoke through Jahaziel, assuring Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah that the battle was not theirs but the Lord's. They were instructed to march out against their enemies but not with swords and spears. Instead, they were to position themselves, stand firm, and witness the salvation of the Lord. And here's the remarkable part – Jehoshaphat appointed singers to go out before the army, praising God for His holiness and declaring His greatness. Imagine the scene: an army prepared for battle, not with weapons of war, but with songs of worship. As the singers lifted their voices in worship, something miraculous happened. The Lord set ambushes against the enemy forces, causing confusion and discord among them. In their confusion, the enemy turned on one another, and Judah was spared from destruction.

Worship is not only a response to God's goodness, it's a powerful weapon in our arsenal. As we turn our affections to Jesus, darkness will flee, chains will be broken and strongholds demolished!

«And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.»

2 Chronicles 20:22 (ESV)

One Minute Watch

with Ben Armstrong, Prophetic Ministries Overseer at Bethel Church.

6 Keys to use Worship as Warfare:

Heart Posture of Surrender.
Surrender opens the door for the Holy Spirit to move mightily in our midst and empowers our worship to become a weapon of warfare.
Tell the Testimony.
Remember all that God has done and build faith for all He wants to do again.
Intimacy with God.
Intimacy with God strengthens our spiritual discernment and enables us to effectively discern and counter the enemy's schemes.
Unified Corporate Worship.
In times of warfare, gathering with fellow believers for corporate worship strengthens our resolve, encourages our hearts, and releases a tidal wave of spiritual breakthrough.
Persistent Perseverance.
Persistent worship demonstrates our unwavering trust in God's promises and our refusal to be swayed by circumstances.
Victorious Expectations.
Our worship is a declaration of faith, proclaiming that the battle has already been won through the finished work of Christ.

Embracing Your Weakness as a Leader

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 22:00:03 GMT

Do You Feel Inadequate? Discover How God Uses Your Weaknesses for His Strength.

Discover the power of divine qualification and spiritual empowerment through faith.

Do you ever grapple with feelings of inadequacy or weakness? Do you sometimes feel like you’re just ‘not enough’ ?

We’ve got good news… You’re a prime candidate for God’s greatness to flow through you! God often works most profoundly through our vulnerabilities. The moments when you feel inexpert and unqualified are when you’re primed and ready for God to show Himself strong. In fact, it's often our strengths that get in the way of what God wants to do in and through us more than our weaknesses. God isn't looking for your qualifications or strengths; He's looking for your dependence on His Spirit — therein lies your true qualification.

God doesn’t call the qualified; He qualifies the called.

Moses was a man who felt deeply inadequate. Yet despite his initial hesitations and shortcomings, he grew into a mighty leader by the power of God's Spirit (Exodus 4:10-12).

The apostle Paul also famously declared, "For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10). Our limitations serve as fertile ground for God's strength to manifest in extraordinary ways. Instead of viewing weaknesses as disqualifiers, we can see them as opportunities for divine intervention and supernatural empowerment.

Are you good enough for the job? Who cares! God is.

One Minute Watch

with Libby Gordon, BSSM Online Associate Overseer at Bethel Church.

5 Steps for Embracing Your Divine Qualification:

Cultivate intimacy.
Your secret place is the source of your strength.
Surrender.
Lay down your weaknesses and insecurities to God, inviting Him to work through them for His glory.
Surround yourself.
Seek the company of a community of believers who can offer encouragement, accountability, and support.
Step out.
Trust that God will provide everything you need to fulfill your calling.
Follow.
Go after the leading of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to lead and direct your steps.

Embracing Faith in the Midst of Tension

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 19:06:28 GMT

How to Navigate the Tension Between Problems & God’s Promises

Discover practical ways and inspiration to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus in the midst of difficulty.

In your own journey of faith, have you ever found yourself caught in the tension between the promises of God and the problems you face? How do we face the challenges and trials of life in a way that doesn’t "brush them under the carpet," yet still stand in faith as we put our hope and trust in the Lord?

We have to be real. Bill Johnson once said, “Faith doesn’t deny a problem’s existence; it denies it a place of influence.” It's important to start by acknowledging the reality of the problem we are facing. Whether it's a health issue, financial strain, relational conflict, or any other trial, pretending that everything is fine does not align with the authenticity Jesus called us to walk in. Jesus Himself acknowledged the difficulties His followers would encounter, saying, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

Faith is honest about the problem but refuses to become a victim of it. Jesus said, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28). 1 Peter 5:7 says, “Cast all your anxiety on the Lord, for He cares for you.” We get to come to Jesus and cast our burdens and fears, in all their raw reality, at the feet of the Promise Keeper.

One of the most powerful promises we have as Christians is the assurance of God's presence with us through every trial. He promises, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you" (Isaiah 43:2). Today, may you know that though you go through difficult times, you are never alone. God is not just with you; He is within you. There is nothing you go through that God doesn’t bear along with you. Isaiah 53 says He has borne your griefs and carried your sorrows, and He will carry you through the valley into a place of resurrection, triumph, and victory.

«You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.»

Psalm 23:5 (NLT)

One Minute Watch

with Lauren Brownlee, Senior Leader at Bethel Atlanta.

5 Ways to Navigate the Tension Between Problems & God’s Promises:

Acknowledge the problem.
Validate the various ways the difficulty affects you emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Take time to journal and process it authentically with the Lord.
Share the burden.
It takes humility, but bring your struggle to the light and allow other believers to bear the burden alongside you and support you.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Allow the problem to be viewed in perspective as you set your mind on Jesus and the hope set before you.
Recite the testimonies and promises of God.
He is the same God today as He was back then and is faithful to His word.
Give thanks.
There is joy to be found even in the hardest of difficulties. As you intentionally meditate on God’s goodness, you will begin to see His kindnesses all around you in greater and greater ways.

Cultivating Visionary Leadership

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:00:00 GMT

Cultivating Visionary Leadership: Insights and Strategies

Discover the Power of Visionary Leadership: Transform Your Team and Organization.

Are you dreaming big enough and believing God can do immeasurably more than you can imagine? One way to test your vision is to ask yourself the question ‘ can I accomplish this on my own? ’ If you can, you are probably not dreaming big enough.

In 1 Chronicles 28 we see that David had it in his heart to build a Temple for the Lord - a permanent resting place for the Ark of the Covenant. Yet because he was a man of war God told David he was not the one chosen to build the temple. David could have given up on the dream recognizing that he couldn’t accomplish it himself but instead he set a great example of leadership for us to follow. David had a dream he knew was greater than he could accomplish so he laid the groundwork and prepared the way for the next generation to complete the vision.

David and Solomon accomplished something together that stood for generations to come.

Our prayer is that you would embrace a vision greater than you can accomplish in your own lifetime or ability. And may you prepare today for your dreams to impact generations to come.

"Be strong and courageous, and act; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you until all the works for the service of the house of the Lord is finished."

1 Chronicles 28:20 (NASB2020)

One Minute Watch

with Kathy Vallotton, Senior Associate Leader

As you continue your leadership journey, remember: Visionaries aren't just dreamers; they're architects of the future. Keep building, keep believing, and keep pioneering. The world needs your vision, your courage, and your relentless pursuit of God's heart. So, go forth, ignite the flames of revival, and let the Spirit of God inspire your dreams!

Stay connected with us for more inspiration, insights, and updates on leadership excellence! Follow us on our social media channels to stay empower on your leadership journey.

Hope-Filled Leadership.

Thu, 21 Mar 2024 18:19:21 GMT

What Does Hope-Filled Leadership Look Like?

Explore how leaders can harness the power of hope to transform challenges into opportunities, uplift their teams, and create a positive impact.

Imagine following a leader with no hope. Doesn’t sound like much fun does it? We often think of a great leader as someone with skill, experience and strategy. But the most important characteristic of a leader isn’t ability or charisma, but hope. Hope isn’t something that can be taught, but it can be chosen.

A hope filled leader directs people’s attention toward the goodness of God, and His faithfulness to perform His word. They filter the current circumstances of the world through the lens of heaven, and proclaim along with David, “I know that I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”

Hope-filled leadership is about more than positive thinking. It requires action. Active hope knows that the future will be better than the present, and we have the power to help make it so! Active hope is about becoming active participants with God in bringing about what we hope for. When we align our prayers and actions with our future vision, we not only practice leadership, we also practice active hope. So, may you rise as a beacon of hope in the turmoil, proclaiming to the world that God is good and there is no circumstance that God will not transfigure into good. He is faithful and His Kingdom is forever advancing!

One Minute Watch

with Wendy Backlund, Co-Founder of Igniting Hope Ministries

The Pathway to Active Hope :

Take a Clear View of Reality :
We don't wear rose-colored glasses to view the present. We anchor ourselves in everyday reality, facing it, naming it, and compassionately acknowledging what is happening around us.
Get into the Presence :
In His presence, we can view our circumstances from a heavenly perspective.
Identify What We Hope or Desire:
We define the direction we'd like things to move in or the values we'd like to see expressed. We take time to imagine what “being better” would look like for ourselves and others, and lead our teams in this direction.
Take Steps to Move in That Direction:
We show up in prayer and action, aligning ourselves with the future we want to see happen.

Embracing Glory, Wisdom, and Power!

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 20:55:41 GMT

How Can Leaders Integrate Glory, Wisdom, and Power to Transform Their Leadership?

Learn from biblical examples and prophetic insights to understand how to seek God's presence, gain divine wisdom, and manifest His power in unprecedented ways.

If you were given the choice between obtaining all of the promises and blessings of God for your life and ministry, or an encounter with God’s face, what would you choose?

In Exodus 33:3 God tells Moses He will give the people of Israel the Promised Land, but His Presence will not go with them because of their idolatry and rebellion. Moses is given a choice between obtaining the promises of God without His Presence, or refusing to go another step forward without His “Face”. Moses didn’t want the promises of God without the Presence of God and he cried out in desperation to behold God in all His glory. In immediate response God declares, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest… I will make all my goodness pass before you and I will call out my Name YAHWEH” (Exodus 33:14,19). And then, glory came down. There, hidden in the cleft of the rock the Lord passed by Moses in all His glory. Moses didn’t have to plead, or strive for God’s Presence. He simply placed the pursuit of God’s Face above all else.

In this season we are being asked the same question: What do we want most? We cannot strive for or manipulate God to manifest His glory in our midst. However, God is eager to respond with the lavish outpouring of His Presence to a people whose hearts are wholly His. God comes where He is wanted. Will we choose His Face above any of the gifts from His hand?

May we be a people who put the pursuit of His Presence above all else. May beholding His Glory be the clarion cry of our lives and may we be captivated by the glory and goodness of God as He comes in a way we have never experienced before! Lord, we beseech Thee, “Show us Your Glory!”

“I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.”

Philippians 3:7 (NLT)

One Minute Watch

with Ben Armstrong, Bethel Pastor

3 Prophetic Words Over God-Fearing Leaders :

Glory - God's glory will be manifested in ways you have never experienced before.
Wisdom - When we see His face, we start thinking like God and have the mind of Christ. You will have encounters with God's glory that will be filled with wisdom, heavenly solutions, inventions, and creativity, impacting society.
Power - When God can trust you in an intimate face-to-face place with Him, and you start to think like Him, you will also declare His goodness, and the power of God will rest there. God is going to manifest His power in ways you have never seen before.

Finding Jesus in Every Storm

Thu, 07 Dec 2023 19:40:03 GMT

How Can Embracing Faith and Rest Help You Find Jesus in Life's Storms ?

Discover the profound impact of living with a connection to God's heart, mind, and promises, and how this can transform your response to life's trials.

Jesus set the standard for how we face life-threatening storms effectively—in rest. The storm mentioned in Mark 4:36-41 brought great fear to the disciples. They probably thought they were going to die. What made the moment even more confusing was that Jesus did not seem to care; instead, He chose to sleep in the stern of the boat on a cushion.

When they finally woke Him, they asked Him why He did not care that they were perishing. He got up and rebuked the wind, and released peace over the sea. Jesus asked them why they had no faith. This moment illustrates how the Kingdom works, how faith works: It works from rest .

I have seen countless times when believers were tormented by great fear in a horrible situation and rebuked the devil accordingly. It usually involved yelling, tears and threats. But I have honestly never seen the devil yield to such tactics. Not that raising our voices is wrong. There is just a great difference between the loud voice of faith and the loud voice of fear. And believe me, the devil knows the difference. The voice of faith repels him, while the voice of fear attracts him. The words spoken make little difference.

This place of rest can also be called abiding in Christ. Jesus taught of this in His story about the vine and the branches. In the same way that a branch is connected to the vine, so we are to be connected to Christ. Abiding in Christ must become practical again.

Abiding means basically that we live with a profound connection to the heart, mind and presence of God, with His promises. Living conscious of God's heart for us keeps us in a place of peace. And peace is more than the absence of something like war, noise or conflict. Our peace is the presence of Someone. It is the actual atmosphere of heaven.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27 (NIV)

3 Keys to Sleeping in the Storm :

The easiest approach to storms in life is to maintain peace in the first place. Cultivate a supreme value for the presence of God upon your life.
Always have God's promises for your life within reach. Memorize them, sing them, write them out on pieces of paper—do anything you need to do to keep His mind in front of yours, until His thoughts become instinctively your thoughts.
Declare - His peace is my portion. It is my possession forever. I choose to live aware of the Holy Spirit upon me, and will not forget that His thoughts about me are all good.

Mastering Feedback in Leadership

Fri, 21 Jul 2023 00:36:07 GMT

6 Steps to Embrace Feedback , Transform Your Leadership , and Foster Innovation

Explore strategies to create a positive feedback culture, encouraging continuous learning and development within your team.

“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always be where you’ve always been.”
- T.D.Jakes

Are you growing as a leader? How do you encourage greater growth in your own leadership and your team?

One of the most powerful tools of growth in leadership is through establishing a culture of feedback. Feedback is an essential component of any successful ministry or workplace. It creates an opportunity for continuous learning. The more comfortable and encouraged everyone feels with expressing feedback, the more it empowers each team member in their development. Fostering a positive feedback culture requires consistency, initiative, time, and the right mindset.

As leaders, we need to model a safe space for communication, continually asking ourselves and those around us where we are doing well and how we can improve. As we do this, those around us will see feedback as an opportunity for learning and improvement rather than criticism. Out of feedback will come innovation, solutions, and exponential growth.

So leader, may you and your teams thrive and grow as you value feedback and go from glory to glory!

6 Keys to Foster a Culture of Feedback:

Invite honest, regular feedback.
Create safety. Ensure your team members feel they can "shoot straight with you" without fearing backlash, and appreciate the feedback you receive.
Dig deeper and ask more questions. If there's something you don't understand, approach the individuals who provided the feedback and seek clarification.
Have growth-oriented goals. Be ready to act on the feedback and implement necessary changes.
Celebrate progress, not perfection. Godly growth involves progressing toward the greatest version of yourself that God destined you to be, for His Kingdom and glory.
Model empowering feedback to your team. Offer two "positives" with one opportunity for improvement sandwiched in between. Focus on strengths, as what you focus on grows!

Growing in Hope-Driven Leadership

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 06:40:10 GMT

How Can Hope Transform Your Leadership Journey?

Learn how embracing hope can transform not only your life but also those you lead.

As a follower of Jesus, you have access to limitless hope. Hope gives you the supernatural ability to rise above any circumstance with a heavenly perspective, even when it looks like all odds are against you. Additionally, you have the authority to offer others a life of hope. A heart of hope. The world is attracted to the hope that is in you. People are looking for someone overflowing with hope to lead them.

If you are lacking hope right now, turn your gaze to Jesus and ask Him to show you His promises for your life. There is nothing too broken or destitute that God does not have a solution for. And if you feel full of hope right now, allow that to overflow from your life onto others! Proclaim and infuse hope into the circumstances of those around you.

Start a spark and trust that God will fan that flame in their life.

Leading a Hope-Filled Life

At the start of Jesus’ ministry, He quoted Isaiah 61 which listed five things the Holy Spirit anointed Jesus to do on Earth. Knowing that we are filled with the same Spirit, and called to do the same things Jesus did, plus more, it is valuable to take note of what this list includes!

Proclaim good news to the poor.
Proclaim liberty to the captives.
Bring recovery of sight to the blind.
Set at liberty those who are oppressed.
Proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

What do these all have in common? Hope. What else do we notice? Three of the five involve simply proclaiming hope. Even hearing of hope can create faith for one’s reality to transform. Then watch as the power of our words bring things to life. So may we be hope-proclaimers, reflecting Jesus as our Living Hope. Hebrews 10:23 says, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.”

Prioritizing Presence Over Productivity

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 21:37:49 GMT

Prioritizing Presence : The Key to Balanced Leadership and Productivity

Learn practical steps to integrate God's presence into your daily routine and discover how it can enhance your leadership and productivity.

Are you too focused on productivity to notice the importance of God's presence in your leadership journey? Whether you’re in ministry, business, home life, or any other profession, it’s easy to miss God’s presence in the day-to-day places He wants to meet you. Take time this week to slow down and find God’s presence in your daily routine.

Remember the story of Mary and Martha—where Martha was absorbed in serving Jesus during His visit while Mary slowed down to sit at His feet. Though her work was valuable, Jesus responded, “My beloved Martha. Why are you upset and troubled, pulled away by these many distractions? Mary has discovered the one thing most important by choosing to sit at my feet.” (Lk.10:41-42 TPT)

Jesus was encouraging Martha to recognize the greater value of the moment—to not let our work for Him distract us from simply being with Him.

One Minute Watch
With Chris Cruz

8 Ways to Steward God's Presence Daily:

Don’t limit God’s Presence to just a church service or devotional. Keep your spiritual senses open to recognize God’s presence all around you.
As you discover His Presence in the ordinary moments, watch as His peace fills your life and things come into alignment.
Set a daily reminder on your phone for times in the days to slow down for 1 minute to connect with His Presence.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself “Who is the King of my life today?” Re-focus on Jesus as being King over each area of your life.
Simplify it. Ask Him a question. Express gratitude. Find Him in the room. Connection does not have to be over-complicated or over-spiritualized.
Don’t underestimate what God can do in a moment of connection.
Remember that God is present in your rest and in your work.
Be expectant for how your greatest productivity and leadership can flow from being in His Presence.

Mission or Position: Understanding Your True Motivation

Mon, 03 Aug 2020 22:22:31 GMT

Are You Driven by Status or Purpose ? Discover the Key to Authentic Motivation

A young pastor asked for prayer that his church would grow in numbers. The experienced pastor who was leading the meeting asked, “Why do you want your church to grow?” The young pastor responded, “I don’t know.” The experienced pastor said, “That’s why your church won’t grow.”

Why do you want a big church?
Why do you want to get married?
Why do you want to be famous?
Why do you want many social media followers?
Why do you want more money?
Why do you want the newest phone?

If we cannot answer the why concerning these, then that might be the reason it is not happening.

Vision is crucial to our forward movement, but the seed of that vision will determine what kind of life springs from it. If we desire a position or status more than we want to develop a mission and purpose to bring lasting positive impact, then our vision falls flat.

Why would God bless a dream that is based on our need for recognition? Kingdom vision starts with generosity, not fear or insecurity. The good news is we can change from position focus to mission focus. Just consider Joseph.

Joseph did not start out well. In his immaturity, he told his brothers and parents his dream that they all would bow down to him. His exclusive focus on a future position caused relational breakdown with the people closest to him. As a young man, he did not see the why for this dream. He fixated on the outcomes in the dream—people bowing to him, acknowledging his greatness, and the power he would experience when those dreams were fulfilled. Later, he understood the true purpose of his promotion was to save his family and his nation.

It is natural to want to be significant and to stand out from the crowd. Our vision for significance is what gives us the drive to succeed and overcome obstacles. We just need to make sure we have a greater heart to serve the needs of others than to appear important.

How To Know if We are Motivated by Position or Mission?

One clue is what we envision when we receive a prophetic word that speaks of our increased influence or increased blessing in the future (e.g. writing books, miracles done through us, incredible favor, etc.). Do we first see ourselves in the position of power and prominence or do we first see the people who will be helped and blessed by the result of the word? Are we most excited that people will be “bowing down” to us because we are an important someone, or are we thrilled that we will have a platform to positively influence the world with the mission we have been given by God? The answer to this question reveals how ready we are for God to trust us with increase.

More signs we might be wanting position instead of mission:

We are fixated on how many followers we have compared to others.
We are more interested in having certain people affirm us than we are in having a great cause or purpose.
We see other people’s success as a threat to our success.

There is no condemnation if we discover we are too fixated on having a position. Some pretty influential people have battled this. “Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Him with her sons, kneeling down and asking something from Him. And He said to her, ‘What do you wish?’ She said to Him, ‘Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom….And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers” (Matthew 20:20-21,24). Like Joseph, James and John overcame wanting position more than a purpose and, as they did, found a mission that brought incredible meaning to their lives.

Moving from a Position Mindset to a Mission Mindset :

Recognize servant-leadership is the highest form of leadership (Matthew 20:26)
When hearing a prophetic word, develop the habit of seeing who will be served and blessed through the word (Luke 4:18-19)
Be generous with your gifts and talents, and be willing to serve in secret (Matthew 6:3-4)
Discover your passions and commit yourself to grow in your gifts so many will be helped (1 Peter 4:10-11)
Faithfully serve someone else’s vision (Luke 16:12)

Why do you want what you want? What a powerful question! With Holy Spirit’s help, our answer will lead to massive impact and increase for others and for us.

*For more wisdom and encouragement from Steve backlund, check out his website, ignitinghope.com .

This insightful information from Steve Backlund will help you shift from a position-focused mindset to one rooted in purpose and impact, using examples from biblical figures and practical steps to align your vision with a greater cause.

3 Keys to Become a Great Mentor

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 20:20:17 GMT

What Makes a Mentor Truly Great ? Discover Steve Backlund's Top Strategies

Learn how to build confident leaders through personal connections, intentional training, and significant opportunities.

"People won’t mind you moving their dirt as long as they know you are looking for gold in them." - Steve Backlund

I recently received an email from a very gifted co-worker who asked: I would love to glean some wisdom from how you run your internships and do mentoring. What are the top three goals you have with your ministry students? What are the three most valuable things you do with them monthly?

Top 3 Goals for People I Mentor

Besides some of the basic goals like faith, love, and Christian commitment, here are the three I prioritize for people I lead:

1. They become hope-filled and resilient.

This can only happen by having good beliefs. Believing truth always leads to hope, while believing lies creates a lack of hope (Romans 15:13). I am more concerned with what my people believe than what they do. If they are trying to do the right things but are believing lies about themselves, others, and circumstances, they will perform out of fear, not faith, and will live in restriction instead of freedom (John 8:32). As they believe more truth, they will also become resilient and increase their ability to recover quickly from adversity and disappointment. Learning to identify and shift mindsets is a substantial priority for our team.

2. They demonstrate the ability to do relationships well.

When Jesus chose His twelve disciples, He not only chose them to be with Him but to be with each other. The disciples did not understand at first how important their relationships with each other would become. Despite periods of relational conflict, they continually chose one another in unity, and revival then broke out among them (Acts 2). Covenant relationships push us to grow up and to overcome limiting mindsets and habits. In order to see our dreams fulfilled, we need the strength and trust that come from a bonded community. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us we can do seemingly great things, but if we don’t have love, it profits us nothing. A heart for people and a commitment to developing relational skills are crucial traits for any leader of substance. When my ministry students have the fire of God in their lives and treat people well, then I know they are on the right track for powerful influence.

3. They grow significantly in confidence as a leader and influencer.

We are all leaders and influencers of someone. People’s lack of confidence as a leader is usually a bigger problem than any leadership weakness. Certainly, integrity and wisdom gained from experience are crucial to longevity and impact, but I most desire my ministry students to learn to overcome the insecurities and lies holding their leadership back. I want them to walk in humble confidence in who they are and how they relate to other leaders. As Bill Johnson says, “My goal is not to build a big church but to build big people.”

3 Valuable Strategies to Implement

1. Have numerous personal heart connections with them.

These connections range from my genuine excitement when I see them to really listening to them in a one-on-one meeting. The key here is for them to be seen, known, valued, and understood. I want to constantly send the message through personal interactions, texts, emails, etc. that they are a special part of the team. I also empower my team to particulate in these positive connections and to create a culture of radical encouragement .

2. Have group training and discussion times.

Whatever end result we want to see in our ministry students must be intentionally modeled and taught. Everything done in a mentoring program should have a purpose. We cannot assume the “why” of each aspect of the program is understood, but we explain it so people can participate with faith and vision, not from duty or obligation. Group trainings and discussion times reinforce the why behind what they are asked to do and also give an opportunity for me to answer their questions. Some of our main areas of training are: understanding the power of words, how to attach faith in large and small decisions, goal setting, and time management.

3. Give them significant assignments and opportunities.

Empowerment and trust create win-wins on teams. When I choose ministry students, I am not looking for mere slaves or servants to accomplish my goals. I want dreamers and co-laborers—those who can make us better. When a ministry student feels they can influence me and what we are doing, they have much greater buy-in to their mentorship, our ministry, and to me. As they are stretched through my believing in them more than they believe in themselves, they experience personal and ministry victories, which create momentum and a desire for more. These assignments and opportunities can include participating in ministry travel with me, having a few minutes to speak in team meetings, collaborating on projects, or sharing online prophetic encouragement to leaders around the world.

When I was a senior pastor in Nevada during the ’90s, the town I was in had a gold mine. They moved hundreds of tons of dirt a day, but no one talked about the dirt. They only talked about gold. People won’t mind you moving their dirt as long as they know you are looking for gold in them. Yes, mentoring people means giving feedback and requiring upgrades from people in attitudes and behaviors, but great leaders continually remember that they’re in the gold business. These often hard-won tools have been transformative for my teams over the years.

We bless you as you empower and raise up the next generation of leaders—you’re destined to succeed!

*For more wisdom and encouragement from Steve, check out his website, ignitinghope.com .

The Power of Sharing Your Testimony

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 18:30:27 GMT

Did You Know? Your Testimony is a Weapon that Unleashes the Supernatural .

Personal testimonies can serve as powerful weapons against adversity, extending God’s Kingdom on earth.

Testimonies are not meant to be like a can of Coca Cola that we drink from for a little energy pick up and then just throw away and forget about. Rather, they are precious weapons given to us by God to extend His kingdom on earth.

A few weeks ago I interviewed Sheri Downs, a BSSM (Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry) first year revival group pastor who received a miraculous healing. For 12 years she’d dealt with 80% bone on bone in her left knee, which caused constant swelling in her knee when playing sports. Recently, she heard Bill Johnson mention a testimony about lost cartilage being supernaturally replaced. Sheri had been prayed for probably hundreds of times by BSSM students and people from Bethel church, but had never seen any improvement. She had almost given up hope, but hearing about a particular testimony of healing injected faith into her heart, so she stood up one more time and believed God could do it again. Then, the moment came, as people prayed for her, she felt heat enter her knee, and she was instantly healed.

Two weeks after this event our team interviewed Sheri again. She told us her knee was still in perfect condition and that she could exercise without any pain or swelling. We asked her if she would like to see Jesus do this miracle again. “Why don’t you release it today at BSSM and see God heal more knees?” we suggested. Sheri lit up. “Ok, I’m doing it!” she told us. Minutes later, while speaking on stage, Sheri told her knee testimony and prayed for it to happen again. Instantly people were healed. One woman’s shoulder was healed and another woman’s knee was healed after having pain for two years.

While on a ministry trip some weeks later, Sheri shared the same testimony of healing along with another testimony of her sprained ankle getting healed. In that meeting, a man in a leg brace experienced complete healing in his knee and ankle, and a tumor the size of an orange also disappeared from a woman’s breast!

Revelation 12:11 says, “they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death.” The context of this passage of scripture shows us that the devil has been thrown out of heaven–and is now on the earth–for us to kick off!

As sons and daughters of God, you and I are seated with Christ in Heavenly places. It is our royal privilege to bring Heaven’s reign into the earth. This passage of Revelations is a promise to us that one of the most powerful weapons we are commanded to use in the great commission is “ the word of our testimony. ” Remembering our testimonies and picking them up like a sword instead of forgetting them like a throw-away bottle of Coca Cola, we give our great God, who's watching and waiting, the opportunity to do it again.

I wonder what God could do through your life today if you picked up a testimony of His goodness, and in faith released it over others to happen again? You've been given authority to overcome the enemy with the power of your testimony. Use it.

For more testimonies, subscribed to our Testimony Minute Newsletter .

Raising Spiritual Fathers and Mothers

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 18:24:44 GMT

Why is Raising Spiritual Fathers and Mothers Crucial? Insights from Bill Johnson

Explore the importance of raising spiritual fathers and mothers in the faith community with Bill Johnson.

Years ago Randy Clark and I were spending some time together, catching up on recent events in our lives. He shared an unusual word of correction he had received from Heidi Baker in the middle of a powerful prayer meeting. (She is not known for this kind of word.) It was very specific, cutting to the heart in a very profound way. The word basically addressed the fact that he avoided the responsibilities of being a spiritual father. When he shared that word with me, I came under the same conviction, as though Heidi had aimed that word directly at me. I was guilty of the same thing. I repented on the spot and have been attempting to return to God’s purpose and design ever since. It is in our hearts to learn how to father a generation of revivalists who are coming alive under our teaching.

God has recently refreshed this mandate to our Bethel family, speaking through Kris Vallotton for us to create an opportunity for leaders to belong. We believe we’re in the midst of the greatest revival in history and that the vehicle that will carry revival further is family .

Bethel Leaders Network aims to provide a place for leaders from every sphere of society to belong to the Bethel family and be empowered to bring heaven where God has uniquely placed them.

Our desire has never been to build a big organization; rather we are convinced that we are called to build big people. BLN is a place where global mothers and fathers can be at home and be released to raise up the next generation of mothers and fathers to take the kingdom further.

You have been designed as a resting place for the Spirit of God. You were created to change every environment that you walk into. If you have come alive to this drumbeat of heaven, I want to invite you to consider joining us at Bethel Leaders Network.

Massive blessings,

Bill Johnson

The Heart Behind Bethel Leaders Network

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 18:06:43 GMT

What Drives Bethel Leaders Network ? Kris Vallotton Shares His Vision

Learn how Bethel's core values and mission are shaping an apostolic family dedicated to transforming culture and fostering a sense of belonging among leaders.

A few years ago I heard a TED talk by Dr. Brené Brown entitled, The Power of Vulnerability . In her talk she shared the fact that we are all neuro-biologically wired for connection/relationship. She said that the greatest core need of every person in the world is to feel like they belong. Later, I heard a powerful quote by Robin Williams who said, “I used to think that the worst thing in life was to end up alone. It’s not. The worst thing in life is to end up with people who make you feel alone.” Yikes!

A year later I woke up in the middle of the night with a decree from the Lord. He said, “Create a place where leaders can belong.” I came to our team and shared the word with them. Through my tears I said, “We must find a way to create a culture where leaders feel at home; welcomed, honored, celebrated, and known.” Everyone was immediately on board.

We realized that we needed to build a completely new structure to accommodate this divine mandate. After many more months of dreaming, Bethel Leaders Network (BLN) was born, and is emerging as an apostolic family of leaders who are equipping the generations to transform culture and shape history.

We specifically seek out leaders who:

Carry the DNA of Bethel and express it in every sphere of influence
Are committed to living from our family core values
Are passionate about cultivating this divine connection
Are serious about seeing the global expansion of God’s kingdom

If this is you heart's cry, we invite you to prayerfully consider joining Bethel Leaders Network. We would love for you to get connected more deeply with Bethel and join us in shaping history!

Much grace,

Kris Vallotton

5 Keys to Creating an Empowering Culture

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 16:59:28 GMT

How Can You Create an Empowering Culture ?

From fostering radical encouragement to prioritizing people over projects, these strategies will help you lead with purpose and inspire others to grow in their gifts and influence.

Discover 5 keys to creating a culture of empowerment given to us by Steve Backlund:

1. I lead a culture of radical encouragement.

I lead the way in encouraging others by regularly giving specific thanks to people. Our leadership spends time encouraging and prophesying over each other. I even find ways to encourage people with "issues" because I believe everyone's negative qualities are just positive qualities out of whack. Hebrews 10:23-25.

2. I am more concerned about building people than I am about building a ministry.

I intentionally create an environment where people can thrive in life, ministry, family, and in the dreams they have in their hearts. I do not see those in my ministry as servants or slaves of my vision or the mission of the church. I certainly do call people to a deep commitment to these things, but I consider our ministry a “launching pad” for people to grow in their gifts to influence society in incredible ways.

3. I tell those I lead who they are much more than I tell them what to do.

It is very difficult for people to do what they don’t believe they are; therefore I spend more time telling them who they are in Christ, than telling them what to do as Christians. I believe those in my ministry are saints, not sinners. Because of that, I believe they are prone to do what is right instead of what is wrong.

4. I seek first to listen and understand before I seek to be heard and understood.

I am committed to understanding the people in my life. I am a great question asker and I make sure I can communicate effectively the feelings of others before I share mine. James 1:19-20, Proverbs 18:13.

5. I pursue 'buy-in' from leaders and key people involved before making a big decision.

In every situation possible, I involve important people in the decision making process instead of me just telling them what the decision is. This involvement creates a greater likelihood of “buy-in” with those I lead and decreases the likelihood of relational problems in the future. Acts 11.

*For more wisdom and encouragement from Steve Backlund, check out his website, ignitinghope.com .