Follower of One : Missions For The Rest Of Us

Serving our Bosses - Do you check your attitude toward your boss? Or if you're a business owner or a sales person, how about your attitude toward your customers? It can be tempting to develop a negative attitude toward those in authority over us. In one way it's easy to be negative toward others, especially those who force us to conform to something like work goals or objectives. And our negativity becomes a problem. It affects our witness. When we can honor and respect those in authority over us, we glorify Jesus. Whenever our behavior is outside what others might normally do, simply because we believe in Jesus, we make Jesus visible.   In verse 2, he goes on to talk about those who have Christians for bosses. We don't need to take them for granted, either. We still need to show them respect and honor, too. It matters how we act. We're reminded that giving respect is a choice. As Jesus followers, when we give respect, to believers or non-believers in authority over us, our actions become a tool Jesus can use in the lives of others.   Is your life filled with joy? Jesus promises joy to us. We simply need to follow and trust him. How are you doing in that regard? If you'd like to join a community of believers who follow Jesus and help one another, check out the online community for Follower of One. Go to community.followerofone.org to find out more and join up. You will get the opportunity to meet with other marketplace Christ-followers and we're all working to experience the joy of being a full-time minister in our current line of work

In this week's episode of the Follower of One Podcast, Mike talks with Bob Willbanks. Bob is the President of Ambassadors for Business, which helps Christians in business connect their faith values and their work. "AFB" has the goal of Creating the largest Christian business network on Earth, enabling commerce with Christian principles and connectivity with Christian values. Please give Bob a warm welcome!   Episode Breakdown   1:05 - Meet Bob Willbanks and his Story with Christ 9:00 - Bob's New Life in Jesus 10:45 - The Change Jesus can Make When He is First 11:15 - Ambassadors for Business Story 18:25 - How to Connect to Ambassadors for Business 25:35 - Bob's thoughts on Follower of One 27:40 - Bob's Yolk Story 32:25 - How to Set an Example for the World Through Crisis 34:40 - Bob's Tips to Integrate Faith at Work 37:20 - Take Action     What Can Change with Jesus at the Helm    If you have already listened to this interview, then you know just how much Jesus can change someone's life. If you are reading this and have not yet listened to Bob's story, go do so now! As Mike talks to Bob, the most prevalent theme is Change through Jesus. What does it mean to let "Jesus take the wheel"? I think it is very different for everyone. How much are you giving up? How much is Jesus taking care of the unknown? It is all and only part, it is a sum and a whole. When Jesus is at the Helm, anything and everything can happen for you and others. Do you have any stories of when you finally let Jesus be in charge? Comment below and tag us in your stories on social media! We want to know and share those with the world. These stories are important, and it all leads to understanding.     Understanding One Another   Empathy. Probably one of the hardest human traits, unless you are gifted by God with this talent! Coming to understand one another is essential to a combined successful human existence. Why is understanding so hard? It is hard because we typically don't listen. If we listen, we don't listen long enough. Bob talks about how to start acting during a world that is in crisis, and the first step is trying to understand the people around you. When was the last time you digested a person's story so well, you were able to regurgitate their story and they agreed with what you said back to them? You might find this as one of the hardest things to do when you try! I personally have found this to be very useful in past years and more importantly in recent months. Can you restate someone's point of view in your own words and have them agree? Let us know how this experience benefits you in the comments!   Interview Quote: "You've got a really solid curriculum to bring people through this process of living out their faith almost painlessly" - Bob Willbanks   Connect with Bob   Bob's LinkedIn Ambassadors for Business Auxanein Bob's Twitter   Connect With Follower Of One   Join us over in our Online Community, get social with us; Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Listen to our podcast on your way to work and subscribe using your favorite podcast app. Be a part of our next Marketplace Mission Trip 

In Matthew 18.7, Jesus warns us about the consequences of causing offenses, or "woe to that person by whom the offense comes." This verse serves as a sobering reminder of our responsibility to maintain harmony and unity within the body of Christ. The world is filled with offenses that distract us from God's purpose for our lives. These stumbling blocks can take various forms, including arguments, slander, gossip, or any action that hinders a brother or sister in their walk with Christ. When we harbor offenses or spread negativity, we become obstacles to others and bring ourselves under the condemnation of God. Jesus calls us to be gentle, humble, and authentic, like little children. By setting aside our pride and personal grievances, we can resolve offenses and create a conducive environment for faith to grow. In Romans 12:18, we are instructed to "live at peace with all men, so far as it depends on you." The goal of every follower of Christ should be to serve others, as Jesus himself did. When we lay down our own rights and desires to uplift and support those around us, we minimize the potential for offenses. Let us strive to be peacemakers and bridge-builders rather than stumbling blocks. As an organization dedicated to integrating faith into work, Follower of One recognizes the importance of fostering a positive and encouraging work environment. Our five daily habits – praying for others, expressing appreciation, knowing what we believe, serving others, and speaking for ourselves – are designed to promote unity and prevent offenses. By embodying these principles, followers of one can become catalysts for a transformative work culture. Remember, "woe to that person by whom the offense comes." Let us choose to be intentional about avoiding offenses and work towards creating a world where the love of Christ unites us all. of this world are temporary, but the consequences of our actions are eternal. Let us strive to be humble, gentle, and forgiving, reflecting the character of Christ and creating a world where love and unity prevail.  #offense #humility #authenticity #servingothers #gospel #gospelofmathew #followerofone   https://www.facebook.com/followerofone https://instagram.com/followerofone1 https://twitter.com/followerofone1  https://www.linkedin.com/company/follower-of-one  

Join Mike Henry, Sr., founder of Follower of One, as he shares his vision for a community of believers who are making a difference in the world by living out their faith in all spheres of life, including the workplace. In this inspiring livestream recording, you'll discover: How to overcome the compartmentalized life and live a fully integrated life Strategies for transforming your workplace through your faith Opportunities to connect with other Christ followers who are passionate about integrating faith and work How to join the Follower of One movement and be part of the solution to filling the earth with the knowledge of God's glory Whether you're a business professional, entrepreneur, or stay-at-home parent, this livestream recording will equip and inspire you to live out your faith in all aspects of your life. Join the Follower of One community today and unlock the power of integrated faith and work! #FollowerOfOne #MarketplaceMinistry #IntegratedFaith #FaithAndWork #ChristianCommunity

Discover the Power of Community for Marketplace Christians: Vision Cast #2 Welcome to Vision Cast #2! In this live stream, Mike Henry, Sr. invites you into the journey of Follower of One, an online community designed to help marketplace Christians integrate their faith and work on a full-time basis. Learn why community is essential for our Christian growth and how it can transform our daily lives. Reasons We Chose to Be a Community: We Need Each Other: Discover the biblical mandate for togetherness and why we thrive when we connect with others who share our faith. We're All Equal at the Foot of the Cross: Understand the significance of equality in God's eyes, transcending hierarchies and recognizing our shared purpose. We Become Like the People We Hang Around: Embrace the influence of our relationships and intentionally surround ourselves with individuals who inspire and encourage us in our faith journey. Join the community and explore marketplace mission trips, engaging reading plans, courses, and affinity groups that align with your interests. Find support, encouragement, and practical insights to infuse your faith into every aspect of your daily life. Remember, what we do because we follow Jesus matters forever. Together, let's make a difference and inspire others to draw closer to Him. Subscribe to Follower of One for more inspirational content!

Nicole Valance, Founder of Connected with Nicole, is a passionate leader driven by the Great Commission to reach people for Christ. Through her work as a keynote speaker, executive leadership coach, and consultant, Nicole empowers business organizations to achieve leadership growth and fulfillment. However, her ultimate goal is to facilitate encounters with Christ, particularly within the business community, helping individuals experience healing, deliverance, and a deeper connection with God. "In This Episode" Section: 00:00 - Intro: Nicole and Mike Henry, host of the Follower of One podcast, introduce themselves and discuss how they connected through LinkedIn. 01:24 - How Nicole got Connected with Mike: Nicole shares how she reached out to Mike after listening to his podcast and resonating with his mission to help Christians live out their faith in their everyday lives. 02:26 - Encounters Retreats: Nicole explains the purpose and format of her Encounters Retreats, which are designed to provide individuals with an opportunity to encounter God's presence, experience healing, and connect with others on a deeper level. 06:36 - How did Nicole get started: Nicole shares her journey from working in vocational ministry to becoming involved in organizational coaching and consulting. She emphasizes that her mission remains the same—to fulfill the Great Commission—but her methods have changed to accommodate the needs of the business community. 09:55 - How to live out your faith each day: Nicole offers practical advice for Christians who want to live out their faith in their daily lives. She encourages listeners to identify three people in their lives who don't know Christ and pray for them consistently. She also suggests inviting people to coffee or lunch to build relationships and share their faith in a natural and loving way. Summary: In this inspiring interview, Nicole Valance shares her passion for reaching the business community for Christ and facilitating encounters with God. She emphasizes the importance of personal experiences with God and provides practical tips for Christians on how to share their faith in a loving and authentic way. How to Connect with Nicole: You can connect with Nicole Valance and learn more about her work through her website, connectedwithnicole.com, or on LinkedIn. She also invites listeners to attend her upcoming Encounters Retreats, which are held throughout the year in various locations.

Join Mike Henry Senior in this inspiring vision cast. Discover how Follower of One is empowering believers to embrace the purpose Jesus has for their lives and make a difference in the world. In this live stream recording, Mike shares: The importance of integrating faith into daily life and work How Follower of One provides support and resources to help believers fulfill their God-given calling Exciting updates on the organization's growth, including the success of their  @youversion  reading plan and the increase in Marketplace mission trip participants Link to Bible Plan  Whether you're a seasoned believer or new to following Jesus, this vision cast will inspire and challenge you to live a life of purpose and impact. Join the Follower of One community today and discover how your faith can make a difference in your sphere of influence and beyond. Visit followerofone.org to learn more and join the community of believers who are making a difference in the world.  #FollowerOfOne #ChristianPurpose #FaithAndWork #MarketplaceMissionTrip #YouVersionReadingPlan #ChristianCommunity #SpiritualGrowth #Discipleship #EmpoweringBelievers #MakingADifference

Garry Miles is a fractional COO and integrator who helps visionaries and business owners with operational aspects and culture. He is passionate about creating ecosystems where people thrive and feel fulfilled, and he believes that businesses can be used as a force for good in society. Garry's unique approach to integration involves prioritizing the well-being of people within the organization and creating cultures where individuals can laugh, appreciate each other, and have a good time together. He is skilled at identifying and addressing obstacles to growth and is an advocate for the role of integrators in businesses. Garry is a sought-after speaker and writer on the topics of leadership, culture, and business operations, and he is passionate about helping others succeed. In this episode 00:00 - Intro 06:17 - Introduction and Background(6:17) 11:37 - The Importance of Integrators in Businesses (11:37) 22:19 - Creating a Thriving Business Culture (22:19) 26:00 - Overcoming Obstacles to Growth(26:00) 28:30 - Gary's Involvement with Follower of One(28:30) Connect with Garry Miles LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garry-miles-integrator

**LiveStream Recording** In this inspiring conversation, Mike Henry Sr. and Dale Young explore the concept of #calling and how we can discern and pursue it in our lives. Dale, a guest on the podcast, shares his insights on the importance of following God's leading and making our faith relevant in the workplace. Key Points:  Calling is a God-given sense of purpose that is bigger than any other goal or ambition.   The five daily habits of gratitude, serving others, sharing our faith, praying, and reading the Bible can help us connect our faith with our work and open ourselves up to hearing God's calling. Community plays a vital role in discerning and pursuing our calling. Surrounding ourselves with like-minded individuals can provide support, encouragement, and accountability on our journey. To discern our calling, we need to seek God's guidance through prayer and self-reflection.   Once we have a sense of our calling, we need to take steps to pursue it, set goals, take action, and persevere in the face of challenges. Fulfilling our calling is not just about personal fulfillment, but also about making a positive impact on the world around us. Join the Follower One community and connect with like-minded individuals who are intentionally following Jesus every day at work and beyond. Visit community.followerofone.org to learn more. 00:00 - Into  00:26 - The Essence of Calling  04:09 - Seeking God's Guidance  07:15 - The Five Daily Habits 08:50 - The Power of Community 12:47 - Taking the Next Steps 16:03 - Serving Others #calling #faithatwork #followerofone #christiancommunity #purpose

In Matthew 16:20, Jesus instructs the disciples not to tell anyone that he is the Messiah. This seems contradictory because we are called to share our faith with others. However, in this specific instance, Jesus had a set number of tasks to accomplish, including fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. If too many people knew too much too quickly, it would have been difficult for Jesus to complete his mission. After his resurrection, Jesus gave the Great Commission to the disciples, instructing them to go and make disciples of all nations. This shows that while Jesus wanted to keep his identity as the Messiah a secret for a time, he ultimately wanted his followers to spread the word about him to the entire world. For the past 2000 years, Christians have focused primarily on talking about Jesus when sharing their faith. While this is important, there are other ways to share our faith as well. By living like Jesus followers and demonstrating his love and compassion to others, we can help people understand that we follow a different guide and that our Savior is in charge of our lives. The ultimate goal is to help others move one notch closer to Jesus, which brings great joy to both the person helping and the person being helped. By living our faith in the world every day, we can make a difference and show others the love and compassion of Jesus.

The passage for today is Matthew 16:18. It says, "I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." This verse tells us that Jesus Christ has established his church, and the forces of evil will not be able to overcome it. We are called to take part in Jesus' work of taking back His creation from the forces of evil. We can do this by serving others, praying for people, and making a difference in the lives of those around us. We should not see our faith as a set of rules to follow or a way to stay out of trouble. Instead, we should see it as an opportunity to make a difference in the world for Jesus Christ. So let's not wait any longer. Let's start today by serving others, praying for people, and making a difference in the lives of those around us. We have been given a calling by God Almighty - to take dominion over the evil in the world and we need to remember that the gates of hell cannot prevail against His Church.

The passage for today is Matthew 16:16. It says, "Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the son of the living God.'" This passage tells us that Peter clearly stated his belief about Jesus. He said that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of the living God. We are called to do the same. We should be able to clearly state our belief about Jesus to others. This doesn't mean that we have to give a long or complicated answer. It simply means that we should be able to say who Jesus is and why we believe in him. When we are able to clearly state our belief about Jesus, we invite him into the dialogue. Our friends and co-workers begin to realize that we are motivated by something different than they are. This can transform our relationship with them and it might even transform their relationship with Jesus. So let's all think about how we would answer the question, "Why are you doing this?" if someone asked us about our faith. Let's practice giving a simple, clear answer that explains who Jesus is and why we believe in him. We are all marketplace ministers. We have the opportunity to make a difference with our faith in the world. Let's not be afraid to share our beliefs with others.  

In this inspiring conversation, business consultant and author Barbara Hemphill shares her journey as a professional organizer and her passion for helping people transform their homes and offices into productive environments. Barbara Hemphill is the founder of the Productive Environment Institute, a company that provides training and certification for professional organizers. She has over 40 years of experience in the organizing industry and has authored several books, including "Less Clutter More Life" and "Walking with Barbara: 30 Emails from God." In this interview, Barbara shares how she got started in the organizing industry, the challenges she faced in the early days, and the innovative systems she developed to help people manage their paper and digital clutter. She also discusses the link between physical and digital clutter and our emotional and spiritual well-being. Barbara's story is an inspiring example of how one person can make a difference in the lives of others. She is a gifted communicator and a passionate advocate for incremental change, believing that small changes over time can lead to big results. Whether you're struggling to keep your home or office organized or you're looking for inspiration to make a positive change in your life, this interview with Barbara Hemphill is sure to leave you feeling motivated and empowered. Connect with Barbara Hemphill at https://barbarahemphill.com

In today's passage, Matthew 14:30, Peter is walking on water with Jesus. When he sees the wind, he focuses on his circumstances and begins to sink. He cries out, "Lord, save me!" This short prayer is a reminder that we can pray to Jesus in any situation, no matter how desperate it may seem. Little prayers matter. When we follow Jesus, what we say and do matters. Prayer is a dialogue between us and Jesus, and we can pray all the time. We are called to be ministers in the marketplace, serving others so that they might see Jesus. This is our calling, and it is why we should focus on sentence prayers. They help us to stay connected to Jesus and to be open to His leading. Let's pray, "Lord, save me. Use me today. And may what I do today count forever."

The passage for today is Matthew 14:28. It says, "Lord, if it is you, Peter answered him, command me to come to you on the water." In this passage, Peter is asking Jesus to command him to come to Him on the water. This is a prayer, even though it doesn't look like one at first glance. Prayer is simply talking to God. It can be formal or informal, long or short. The important thing is that we are communicating with God and seeking His will for our lives. Peter's prayer is a good example of how we can pray to God. He is asking Jesus for something specific, but he is also submitting to Jesus' will. He is saying, "If it is you, command me to come to you on the water." We can all learn from Peter's example. When we pray, we should be specific in our requests, but we should also be willing to submit to God's will. We should also pray often. The more we pray, the more we will grow in our relationship with God. And the more we grow in our relationship with God, the more He will use us to make a difference in the world. Let's all make a commitment to pray more often. Let's talk to God about everything, big and small. And let's be open to His will for our lives.

In John 5:25, Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live." This means that Jesus brings life to those who believe in Him. We can help others come to know Jesus by living our lives differently, because we follow Him. We can pray for people, appreciate them, be prepared to answer questions about our faith, and serve others. When we do these things, people may notice and ask us why we are doing them. This is an opportunity for us to share our faith and tell them about Jesus. We are all part of Jesus' life-giving and life-distributing system. We can help bring Jesus to the world by living our lives differently and sharing our faith with others. To live our faith differently, we can: * Pray for people and appreciate them. * Be prepared to answer questions about our faith. * Serve others. * Share our faith with others. By doing these things, we can help others come to know Jesus and experience the joy of following Him.

In this video, we explore the concept of giving life in the context of following Jesus. We delve into John 5:21, where Jesus declares his authority to grant life to whomever he chooses, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life. We reflect on the idea that people who do not follow Jesus are not necessarily "lost" or "dead" in a negative sense, but rather separated from true life and separated from Jesus, who is the source of life. We emphasize the significance of helping others discover Jesus and experience eternal life through him. By living transparently and openly following Christ, we can be a blessing to others and share the message of Jesus, helping them to see what life is like following him. We encourage viewers to start their day by declaring, "Here I am, Jesus, what do you want me to do today?" This act of surrender to Jesus' will marks the beginning of a journey of following him and enjoying eternal life. By being a blessing to others and sharing the message of Jesus, we can help others experience the transformative power of following Christ.

In the Gospel of John, we encounter a compelling dialogue between Jesus and his disciples. As they navigate the tumultuous journey of ministry, Jesus proposes a seemingly audacious plan - to return to Judea, where just days before, the Jewish authorities had attempted to stone him. The disciples, understandably apprehensive, question his decision, prompting Jesus' profound response. This exchange offers a valuable lesson for us as followers of Christ. When Jesus presents us with challenging or seemingly risky opportunities, how do we respond? Do we allow fear or doubt to hinder our obedience? It's natural to question Jesus' directives, especially when they push us beyond our comfort zones. Yet, we must remember that he is the ultimate authority and has our best interests at heart. When we choose to obey him, even when it seems counterintuitive, we open ourselves up to unexpected blessings and divine transformation. To help us navigate these challenging moments, we suggest two practical steps: Examine the Idea Against Scripture: Reflect on the biblical principles that guide our faith. Consider whether the idea aligns with God's character and teachings. Seek guidance from trusted spiritual mentors or resources. Take a Trial Balloon: Instead of diving headfirst into the unknown, begin with small, manageable steps. This allows us to test the waters, receive feedback, and discern if the idea is indeed God's leading. As we follow Jesus more closely, we may encounter fear or resistance. In such moments, we can turn to our faith community for support and encouragement. Our fellow believers can offer fresh perspectives, help us challenge our assumptions, and provide a safety net as we step into the unknown. The call to follow Jesus isn't always easy, but it's a path that leads to abundant life and eternal fulfillment. If you're feeling challenged by a particular idea or opportunity, remember that Jesus is with you every step of the way. Trust in his guidance, take courageous steps, and prepare to witness the extraordinary ways he works in your life.

The passage for today is John 6:47, which says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life." This verse tells us that eternal life is not something that we get in the future, but something that we have now. We can experience eternal life by believing in Jesus Christ. When we live our lives for Jesus, we are living in eternal life. We are not afraid to take risks or do things that are difficult, because we know that we have nothing to lose. We are free to love others and serve them, because we know that we are loved and accepted by God. Let's all live like we have nothing to lose. Let's trust Jesus completely and let him lead us into the abundant life that he has for us. Here are some ways to live like you have nothing to lose: * Take risks for Jesus. * Step out of your comfort zone. * Don't be afraid to fail. * Love others unconditionally. * Serve others selflessly. * Live with joy and gratitude. When we live like this, we are not only living in eternal life, but we are also making a difference in the lives of others.

In today's passage, John 6:35, Jesus says, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." This means that Jesus is the source of all that we need to sustain us, both physically and spiritually. We often think of Jesus as the answer to our spiritual needs, but He is also the answer to our physical needs. He can provide us with food, water, and shelter. He can also give us the strength and courage to face whatever challenges we may encounter. When we come to Jesus, we will never be hungry or thirsty again. This is because He is the source of all that we need. He is the bread of life. We can trust Jesus to provide for us in all of our needs. He will never let us down. He is always there for us, no matter what. Let's ask Jesus to show us how He is our bread and how He is our drink. Let's follow Him today and ask Him how He would have us show up in our world serving other people so that they might come to know Him.