In this episode of the Next Level Freedom Podcast, host Ray Mertens, a flooring contractor from Whitefish, Montana, and guest Tim Holloway, shares his profound journey of heart healing and transformation. With over 15 years of experience on this personal journey, Ray discusses the powerful role of the heart in unlocking true freedom and potential in men. As he dives into the pillars of masculinity and the importance of heart work, Ray emphasizes how men can break free from external pressures and tap into the deep, inner strength that God has placed within them.

Ray explains how many Christian men are introduced to faith with a focus on escaping hell and going to heaven but miss the deeper journey of heart restoration and transformation. He shares personal reflections on his own faith experience, stressing the need for men to align their hearts with God’s plan and embrace the Christ within them. Ray’s approach challenges listeners to go beyond behavior modification or external coaching and instead focus on the restoration of the soul, which leads to real, lasting change.

Throughout the episode, Ray highlights key biblical insights, including the importance of seeking glory, honor, and immortality as mentioned in Romans 2:7, and the powerful truth that “Christ in us is the hope of glory.” He passionately encourages men to slow down, recognize, and explore this mystery within themselves, understanding that they carry resurrection life in their hearts. This episode is not just about spiritual reflection but also about how this heart transformation manifests in everyday life—impacting relationships, family, and business.

Whether you are seeking deeper faith, freedom, or understanding your identity in Christ, this episode provides a roadmap for tapping into the incredible power God has placed inside you. Ray’s powerful insights challenge men to embrace the good news of the gospel, leading them toward a life of effortless, yet profound, transformation.

“Our mandate as Christian men, as Kingdom men, is to bring heaven to earth.”

Key Takeaways:

• Heart Healing Journey

• Focus on Internal Work

• Bringing Heaven to Earth

• Personal Growth and Identity

Learn more about Tim through the following links:

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Learn more about Ray Mertens through the following links:

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School of Freedom

In this episode of the Next Level Freedom Podcast, host Ray Mertens welcomes his close friend and fellow warrior, Lindsay Levesque. With a rich history together, including their time in Warrior, led by Garrett J. White, Ray and Lindsay dive deep into the topic of work-life balance and share how their faith has shaped their approach to managing the pressures of life. Ray and Lindsay discuss their shared journey, their connection through mutual friends, and the personal lessons they’ve learned about balancing the demands of being a provider, protector, and family man.

Lindsay, a devoted husband and father, opens up about the struggles he faces as he tries to balance work, family life, and personal growth. He reflects on the common challenges many men encounter, such as the vicious cycle of working hard to provide for the family, yet missing out on time with loved ones. He and Ray explore the concept of creating meaningful family experiences and carving out moments for rest, even when life feels overwhelming.

Throughout the episode, Lindsay also shares the powerful role his faith plays in maintaining balance. He emphasizes the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance, describing how his walk with God has become his personal source of counseling and strength. They also tease the upcoming release of Lindsay’s e-book, which focuses on the Kingdom of God, a central theme in his spiritual journey. The conversation delves into how many men stop at salvation and don’t fully embrace living within the Kingdom, a place where true freedom and growth in all areas—faith, finances, fitness, family, and fun—can be found.

Listeners will be inspired by the candid conversation between Ray and Lindsay, filled with humor, real-life struggles, and insights on how to take life and faith to the next level. Whether you’re seeking guidance on work-life balance or looking to deepen your spiritual walk, this episode provides practical advice and encouragement.

“My wife is really big on creating experiences for us as a family, trying to have fun and get away from the things that steal so much time.”

Key Takeaways:

• Work-Life Balance

• The Vicious Cycle of Life

• The Importance of Rest

• Seeking First the Kingdom of God

Learn more about Lindsay Levesque through the following links:

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School of Freedom

In this episode of the Next Level Freedom podcast, host Ray Mertens takes listeners on a heartfelt journey as he shares a personal reflection on his own challenges, growth, and the question many of us face: “Am I enough?” As Ray juggles six-figure projects in his flooring business, the development of his podcast, and the launch of a consulting and coaching venture, he confronts the question of worthiness that so many grapple with across various areas of life. Through an honest look at his experiences, Ray dives deep into the emotional and spiritual aspects of his journey, encouraging listeners to ask the same of themselves in their faith, finances, fitness, family, and even fun.

This episode centers around the idea that failure is not final. Ray challenges the traditional narrative surrounding failure, viewing it instead as a stepping stone toward success and breakthrough. Drawing on biblical principles and his own belief in being created in the image of God, Ray discusses how we are enough not because of what we achieve, but because of our identity in God. He explains that God has designed the universe with success in mind for those who pursue it, and that the journey to the next level of freedom is about recognizing and embracing this divine setup.

Listeners will walk away inspired by Ray’s message of encouragement, practical wisdom, and deep gratitude. He reminds us that while the road to success and freedom may be filled with struggles, it’s essential to learn from failure, to “fail forward,” and to understand that the goodness meant for us is already within reach. Whether you’re facing challenges in your personal life or professional endeavors, this episode offers insight into how to relax, trust in the process, and extract the gold from each experience. Tune in to discover how your next level of freedom not only transforms your life, but also positively impacts those around you.

“Failure isn’t final. It’s simply another iteration, bringing you one step closer to your breakthrough.”

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace Growth and Stretching

• Questioning Self-Worth

• “Failing Forward” Mindset

• Resting in God’s Goodness

Learn more about Ray Mertens through the following links:

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School of Freedom