Steve Murrell's Blog, page 14

Spiritual Leadership Is Not Easy

In Exodus 32, Moses was in the midst of a difficult situation that involved sin, rebellion, idolatry, leadership failure, death, and violence. Yet, God still expected him to lead.

As God charged Moses to lead, he revealed three aspects of spiritual leadership:

Spiritual leadership is urgent.Spiritual leadership is relational.Spiritual leadership is directional.

I pray that as you lead, you will lead with urgency, have relational connection, and move with divine direction.

“Abide in You” by Every Nation Music

Another great song by Every Nation Music, recorded live at Go 2023.

Pleasing God: The Greatest Joy and Highest Honor by R. T. Kendall

I try to read at least one of Dr. Kendall’s books every year. (Since he has sixty published books, there are plenty available.) Pleasing God will deepen your faith, deal with your motives, and focus your passions.

View book here →

Some may wish that God exists merely to please us. But the God of the Bible is not like that. Rather, I am gripped by what is written about an ancient man named Enoch. We are not told that God pleased Enoch. No doubt he did. But what we know is that Enoch “pleased God” (Heb. 11:5). The greatest honor of anyone’s lifetime is to have the privilege of pleasing God.

When Your Dream Seems Dead

Every leader has dreams and visions. But what do we do when the dream seems dead?

Joseph’s dreams seemed to cause nothing but pain, persecution, and problems. But as he began celebrating the dreams of others, God slowly made his dreams become reality.

Likewise, when we serve the dreams of others, we wake up one day and realize that God has done beyond anything we ever asked, hoped, or dreamed.

“Miracle Working God” by Every Nation Music

Every Nation Music recently released the music video for “Miracle Working God,” led by Echo, from the Generations album. Enjoy.

Finish the Mission by John Piper & David Mathis

This book highlights the importance of the gospel and missions. I encourage you to give this a read to help you lead missionally.

View book here →

The goal of missions is the worldwide worship of the God-man by his redeemed people from every tribe, tongue, and nation.

Never Lead Alone

My leadership thought for today’s Think Like a Leader is this: wise leaders never lead alone.

Last week, I was in Honolulu, Hawaii, for my annual meeting with the Every Nation Oversight Team and to attend and preach at Emanuele Cannistraci’s Apostolic Leadership Summit. I am grateful for an Oversight Team of wise and veteran leaders who oversee me and my job and give me helpful input. I am a better leader because of the Every Nation Oversight Team.

“We Cry Holy” by AWAKE84

This classic song, written by Pastor Jon Owens from City of Lights, was recorded at the Discipleship Conference in Manila.

“The 50 Countries Where It’s Hardest to Follow Jesus in 2024” by Jayson Casper from Christianity Today

Please pray for believers who are suffering for their faith, including many friends and colleagues.

View article here →

The purpose of the annual WWL rankings is to guide prayers and to aim for more effective anger while showing persecuted believers that they are not forgotten.

Holiness and Identity

What is the connection between holiness and Christian conduct? Where is holiness rooted? In today’s Think Like a Leader, my son William (Academic Dean of Every Nation Seminary and Lead Pastor of All Saints Church) preaches from 1 Peter 2, where Peter talks about holiness and how our pursuit of holiness is ultimately rooted in our identity as Christians.

As we work toward holiness, I pray you remember that we are a part of God’s story of redemption and through our conduct, Christ will be glorified.