Steve Murrell's Blog, page 19

Total Forgiveness by R. T. Kendall

I highly recommend Total Forgiveness for all pastors. It might be the most convicting, painful, and liberating book you will read this year.

View book here →

The ultimate proof of total forgiveness takes place when we sincerely petition the Father to let those who have hurt us off the hook—even if they have hurt not only us, but also those close to us.

The Prominence of the Heart

Our hearts play a prominent role in our leadership. While we always want to upgrade our strategies and ministry work, we must remember to begin with a correct heart posture.

As I was reading Proverbs 3 recently, I found three things we gain when we position our hearts properly: 

PeaceFavor with God and manGuidance

If we want to serve God and others as leaders, we must watch over and guard our hearts.

Applied Faith

There are times when we apply our faith in one area of life but then approach other areas with doubt and complaints.

Hebrews 11 gives us many examples and heroes of faith—some who received the miraculous promises of God, and some who received the strength to endure and honor the Lord despite not receiving an answer to their prayers. How should we as leaders use this gift of faith in our lives?

There are three areas where we should apply our faith:

To draw near to GodTo save our householdTo go on mission

I pray that we remember that we are called to be a people who walk by faith, not by sight.

“Send Me” by Hugh Masekela

Listening to South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela as I prepare for Go 2023.

And Sons Magazine

Published by John Eldredge, And Sons is a magazine for Christian men—specifically to help fathers and their sons. Although they just published their final magazine issue, you can find the rest of their issues, podcasts, and more on their website.

View magazine here →

The Other Disciple

All over the world, there is a lot of talk about identity. Much of it is misguided. Some identities are rooted in reality and truth. Others, not so much.

The Apostle John had a double identity. In John 20, he self-identifies as “the one whom Jesus loved” and as “the other disciple.”

Today’s message focuses on John’s second and less understood identity as “the other disciple.” To think like a leader is to think like “the other disciple.”

“We Will Sing” by Beyond Music

Here’s the latest release from Every Nation Tshwane’s Beyond Music in South Africa. Looking forward to worshiping with our Every Nation family soon at Go 2023.

You Might Be a Pharisee If . . . by R. T. Kendall

I enjoy reading Dr. Kendall’s books and highly recommend them and his teachings. I had the pleasure of meeting him two years ago, and it’s great to see him still preaching the gospel and writing extensively at the age of eighty-seven. His book You Might Be a Pharisee If . . . gives the dangers and signs of the sin of Pharisaism and how to avoid it.

View book here →

We are all born Pharisees! We are all—without exception—born with a deadly predisposition to self-righteousness. It is the essence of original sin.

Lead Like Jesus

Jesus was the greatest leader ever. He was also the greatest developer of leaders ever. For those who want to lead like Jesus, John 13 gives three descriptions of spiritual leadership.

Leaders are servants.Leaders are leaders.Leaders are doers.

“Jesus Is Alive” by Every Nation Southside Music

Here’s a song from Every Nation Southside in Aukland, New Zealand. Enjoy.