In this powerful and personal episode, Andy Mason shares what he's been hearing from God after returning from an international journey of listening, learning, and leading. From setting up a new strategic base to hosting their first worship night in their new home, Andy dives into themes of transition, leadership failure, spiritual drift, and the critical call to consecration.

He explores insights from the books How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins and Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud—and how these principles overlay with the repeated leadership failures we see in Scripture, particularly in the life of Samson.

The episode culminates in a gripping and imaginative retelling of Samson’s story—what could have happened if he had chosen humility before humiliation. It’s an invitation to stop pretending, cut your own hair, and walk boldly in obedience with God.

The 5 stages of decline (from How the Mighty Fall)

The importance of pruning (Necessary Endings)

Why good leaders fall—biblical and modern-day reflections

The call to internal consecration, not just external appearances

What Samson’s story teaches us about surrender, identity, and strength

Where have I settled for external appearance over internal consecration?

What am I holding onto that God is asking me to lay down?

What does it look like for me to “cut my own hair” in this season?

Judges 17–21

Isaiah 26

Joshua 3:5

Matthew 4:4

How the Mighty Fall by Jim Collins

Necessary Endings by Dr. Henry Cloud

The Book of Judges

HeaveninBusiness.com – for training, connection, and activation

Website: HeaveninBusiness.com

Instagram: @HeaveninBusiness

YouTube: Heaven in Business Channel

🎧 Listen now and be stirred to move from appearances to authenticity, from drifting to decisive, and from leading alone to walking humbly with God.

Join Andy Mason as he shares fresh insight from his recent travels across Malaysia, Singapore, and Japan. From getting stuck in a glass elevator in Kuala Lumpur to discovering the unseen hunger for connection in Tokyo’s packed trains, this episode highlights what God is doing across Asia—and what it’s stirring in us. You’ll hear stories of exploding churches, underground faith movements, sushi adventures, and the sobering realization of how unreached much of Asia remains. Tune in for a real-time reflection on what it looks like to partner with God in unfamiliar places and what this means for how we engage, lead, and pray.

Read the blog here: Heaveninbusiness.com/blog/lessons-from-the-road-asia

⏱ TIMESTAMPS & HIGHLIGHTS:

[0:00] Nashville reset + re-entry chaos

[2:00] Arrival in Kuala Lumpur + stuck in a glass elevator

[4:30] KingdomCity Church – explosive growth and humble leadership

[6:30] Underground church leader from China

[7:30] 2-hour Singapore lunch with pastors and business leaders

[9:00] Culture-shock in Japan and awakening church movements

[13:00] The solitude/human connection paradox

[15:00] Clean cities, crowded trains, cherry blossoms

[17:00] Cultural and spiritual contrast between west and east

[20:00] Judeo-Christian foundations vs. alternative systems

[21:30] Grappling with the reality of unreached people groups

[23:00] A heart cry: “God, expand my heart for those not like me”

[25:30] The need for authentic connection—everywhere

[27:00] The big question: How do we reach and resource the unreached?

📌 CALL TO ACTION:
➡️ Visit HeaveninBusiness.com/blog for the full blog recap
➡️ Pick up your copy of Listen Up! Hearing God at Work and discover how to hear His voice in any nation, culture, or workplace
➡️ Pray this week: God, how do I engage in Your story beyond my comfort zone?

In this episode, Andy shares real-time reflections from the Australia leg of his working sabbatical through Australasia. Hear what’s happening on the ground, what God is highlighting, and what it means for you—especially if you're navigating business, leadership, and faith in a time of transition. Featured Resource 🎯 Listen Up: Hearing God at Work – Unlock the ability to hear God’s voice in your everyday decisions, business challenges, and leadership moments. 👉 Get your copy now and accelerate your connection with God in your work. [0:00] Introduction from Kuala Lumpur — purpose of the trip [1:15] Highlights from New Zealand to Australia [2:30] Unexpected family connection near Byron Bay [3:00] Two-day retreat with business leaders in Gold Coast [3:45] Business activation at Glory City Church, Brisbane [4:20] Catching up with Phil & Maria Mason in Byron Bay [5:00] Identity teaching: Soldier, Servant, Son, Friend [7:30] Dangers of finding identity in assignment [8:45] Signs you may be living from performance not friendship [10:00] Maturing into a friend of God [10:30] Divine connections with church leaders [11:30] Multiplying Heaven in Business through local churches [12:30] Helping pastors activate their people 24/7 [13:15] The curse of work is broken — reclaiming work as worship [14:00] Story of Dave Hodgson & Kingdom Initiatives [15:00] God uses everything — even your past training [16:00] Andy’s personal journey from sheep to shepherding people [18:30] You’re hearing God more than you think [19:30] Testimony: a business leader changed by Heaven in Business [20:30] The value of small moments in critical seasons [21:30] Final encouragement and blessing

In this special edition of Lessons from the Road, Janine Mason shares her perspective from the Heaven in Business working sabbatical in New Zealand. From family time and prophetic ministry to end-of-life conversations and faith-filled adventures, Janine reflects on the messy intersection of faith, family, and business. She opens up about what she’s been doing, what she’s observed, and the powerful lessons she’s learning—especially about courage, legacy, connection, and keeping Jesus at the center of it all.

Read the blog here: Heaveninbusiness.com/blog/lessons-from-the-road-new-zealand-with-janine-mason

In this episode, Andy Mason shares reflections from his time in New Zealand—hiking through national parks, hosting a business adventure retreat in Queenstown, and learning powerful lessons about slowing down, connection, and the long-term impact of small decisions.

Through stories from the Routeburn Track and the Dart River, to prophetic moments during masterminds, Andy unpacks how being still can unlock awareness, gratitude, and divine alignment—no matter where you are in the world.

00:00 – Welcome from the road: A working sabbatical in New Zealand
01:10 – The value of reflecting on what you observe and learn
02:20 – Hiking the Routeburn Track: Beauty, bruises, and bird encounters
03:45 – Don’t film waterfalls while walking on rocks! (Yes, there’s a fall)
04:45 – Adventure retreat in Queenstown: Who came, what we did, and why it matters
06:20 – The power of shared experiences and stillness during our events
07:10 – Observing tourism in NZ: Locals vs. foreigners hosting the experience
09:35 – “A Welshman doing a New Zealand farm demo?”—something's off
10:15 – Why do we do this? It’s not about accomplishment; it’s about connection
11:30 – Slowing down to truly see: paragliders, sounds, sights, and soul refresh
12:45 – “Notice what you notice”—a key to hearing God
14:00 – Don’t miss people and beauty by rushing toward a goal
15:15 – How small decisions done consistently lead to big impact
16:40 – Daily choices: health, thoughts, habits, and surrounding yourself well
18:20 – Head trash and excuses: How to eliminate them and live intentionally
19:40 – Everyone suffers. But will it shape you for good or grind you down?
21:00 – Jesus-centered suffering and community are key to growth
22:15 – Why diverse community matters—learn from people different from you
23:00 – Wrapping up: Where we're going next and how you can join us

• Be still and know God—busyness is not a badge of honor.

• Small daily choices shape your future more than big moments.

• Suffering is inevitable—but it can shape you for good if you let it.

• Surround yourself with people who sharpen you and stretch you.

• Your goal is connection, not just accomplishment.

👉 Want to join us on the road?
Check out upcoming events and retreats at: Heaveninbusiness.com/events

📸 Follow Andy on Instagram for behind-the-scenes moments: @andymasonofficial
💬 Let us know what stood out to you from this episode.

Join me in Taupo, New Zealand, as I reflect on what we’re doing, observing, and learning during our working sabbatical. We explore shifts in New Zealand’s spiritual climate, key insights from hosting a Heaven in Business workshop, and biblical revelations from Exodus 28. Plus, discover practical takeaways for business, faith, and leadership.

Read the blog here: Heaveninbusiness.com/blog/Lessons-from-the-Road-Taupo-New-Zealand

🔹 Staying in peace during uncertainty
🔹 Building Kingdom-minded business communities
🔹 Hearing God through nature
🔹 Walking in our calling as priests and leaders

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome & Introduction

• Broadcasting from Taupo, New Zealand
• The beauty of Lake Taupo and surrounding nature
• Purpose of this working sabbatical

02:21 – What We’re Doing: A Recap

• Visiting family and reconnecting with loved ones
• Running and hiking in native bush
• Hosting a Heaven in Business workshop in Taupo
• Observing cultural and spiritual shifts

04:18 – Testimony: Holding Peace in Crisis

• A friend's orchard destroyed by a cyclone
• How staying in peace led to unexpected increase
• The power of speaking life over business situations

06:35 – Heaven in Business Workshop: Key Takeaways

• 42 business leaders gathered from across NZ
• Confirmation of the need for Kingdom business community
• Importance of facilitating connection and collaboration

09:00 – Observing a Shift in New Zealand’s Spiritual Climate

• Increased openness to faith conversations
• Generosity emerging where there was once small thinking
• Powerful testimony of a young leader investing in my niece

11:24 – Hearing God Through Nature

• How walking in native bush led to fresh revelation
• Slowing down to experience God outside of study
• Rediscovering the simplicity of connection with Him

13:50 – Scriptural Insight: Exodus 28 – Walking as a Kingdom Priest

• The priestly calling of leaders in business
• Carrying people in our hearts before God
• The significance of how we present ourselves

16:13 – Applying This to Business & Leadership

• The power of prayer and intercession for employees and teams
• Seeing business setbacks as opportunities for growth
• Dressing with excellence as a reflection of Kingdom identity

18:32 – Actionable Next Steps

1. Ask God who you are called to carry – Write down and pray over names.
2. Hold peace in uncertainty – Stay rooted and look for God’s solutions.
3. Facilitate connection – Create mastermind groups or business networks.
4. Engage with God in nature – Slow down and listen.
5. Represent well – Walk with Kingdom confidence in business and life.

21:00 – Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

• Traveling to Queenstown for a business retreat
• Hiking the Routeburn Track
• Continuing to observe what God is doing in this season

Connect & Follow:
📌 Website: HeaveninBusiness.com
📌 Instagram: @HeaveninBusiness
📌 YouTube: Heaven in Business

➡️ If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and leave a review!

In this episode, Andy Mason shares reflections from his working sabbatical in New Zealand, discussing insights on faith, business, connection, and hearing God. He unpacks key lessons from his travels, observations about culture, and powerful revelations from the book of Exodus.

Read the blog here: Heaveninbusiness.com/blog/lessons-from-the-road-a-journey-of-discovery-connection-and-hearing-god

00:01 – Welcome & Episode Introduction Andy introduces the episode from Taupo, New Zealand. Overview of his working sabbatical and what to expect in this episode.

02:22 – Travel & Observations in New Zealand Journey from Nashville, TN to New Zealand. First impressions: The country feels smaller, but the people seem bigger!

04:47 – Cultural Observations: The Impact of Safety vs. Risk Comparison between U.S. and New Zealand mindsets on ambition and safety. How a safety-driven culture can limit creativity and personal responsibility.

07:12 – The Beauty of the Outdoors & The Value of Slowing Down New Zealand’s national parks, hiking trails, and free access to nature. Reminder to slow down and enjoy God’s creation.

09:35 – Surrounding Yourself with Multiple Generations The danger of limiting vision by only engaging with people in the same life stage. Story of Don Finto (94 years old) and his approach to staying engaged with young people.

12:01 – Lessons from the Book of Exodus Moses’ journey from privilege to wilderness to calling. The significance of Jethro’s name: Overflow, abundance, and excellence. How limitations can be seasons of preparation.

14:26 – God’s Timing vs. Our Expectations Why did God wait 430 years to deliver Israel? Understanding divine patience and trusting God’s plan.

16:46 – Curiosity Unlocks Encounter The burning bush moment: Moses’ decision to turn aside and investigate. Staying curious as a key to hearing God.

19:14 – Encouragement for Those in the Wilderness Feeling overlooked or forgotten? God knows exactly where you are. What you’re learning now may be preparing you for the next season.

22:00 – Final Thoughts & Upcoming Events Takeaways: Risk, connection, multigenerational influence, and curiosity. Heaven in Business workshop in Taupo + retreat in Queenstown, NZ.

Share what you're learning in the comments!

Resources & Links: 📖 Scripture Reference: Exodus 3 (Moses & the Burning Bush)

📅 Upcoming Heaven in Business Events: Website Link

🗣️ Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts and insights in the comments!