Steve Murrell's Blog, page 6

“Hoop in U” by ENFC Music

Every Nation Faith City in Potchefstroom, South Africa, recently released a new song in Afrikaans. Enjoy.

How to Lead the Next Generation

How do we lead in unjust and volatile situations? In the book of Esther, Mordecai was a despised minority living in a hostile environment.

Despite opposition, Mordecai did not allow his lack of a leadership position to stop him from leading.

Today, we look at four leadership lessons from the life of Mordecai:

Set up the next generation.Correct the next generation.Submit to the next generation.See the hand of God.

“Pentecost (We’re Waiting) + Rest On Us ft. Neil Batiancila & Eunice Loke” by Echo

Every Nation Malaysia’s worship team, Echo, recently released a new music video for their song “Pentecost (We’re Waiting)” from their No Matter What, Vol. 2 album. Enjoy.

The New Testament in Color by Esau McCaulley, Janette H. Ok, Osvaldo Padilla, Amy Peeler

This Bible commentary offers a fresh perspective of the New Testament that is mostly theologically orthodox and multiethnically contextual. While I enjoyed reading new perspectives from scholars from diverse backgrounds, several of the book intros were a bit troubling (over-contextualized) as were some of the interpretive comments. Contextualization is good and unavoidable. Over-contextualization is not good and must be avoided. This commentary has both. Specifically, I learned much from Esau McCaulley’s articles—not so much from some of his fellow editors and scholars.

View book here →

The chorus can create a beauty the soloist cannot.

The Two-Fold Burden of Leadership

Almost everyone in ministry loves the work of the ministry, but it’s the weight of the ministry that becomes a burden.

In Psalm 55:1–21, David talks about the burden a spiritual leader carries that can be categorized into two types of burdens: the noise of the Enemy and the betrayal of friends. But in verse 22, David’s response is to “cast your burden on the Lord.”

We’re not designed to carry weight but to walk in freedom from the burden. If you want to think like a leader, I encourage you to cast your burdens on the Lord.

“You Gave It All” by Every Nation Music

Here’s a new music video for “You Gave It All” led by Every Nation Berlin from the Generations album. Enjoy.

Then Sings My Soul by Robert Morgan

Pastor Robert Morgan’s devotional book hopes to encourage the reader with the history and personal stories behind some of Christianity’s great hymns. It’s been a joy to read.

View book here →

Two Undervalued Leadership Words

Trying to figure out leadership conundrums can be a wearisome task. In Psalm 73, Asaph expresses feelings of confusion, worthlessness, and depression because of his adverse circumstances. But when he “went into the sanctuary of God,” discernment happened, depression departed, and discretion ruled.

To think like a leader is to know we need the presence of God. And in the presence of God, we discern the difference between authenticity and discretion, and between transparency and stewardship.

“Refiner’s Fire” by Every Nation Southern Africa Worship

Here’s a song from Every Nation Southern Africa Worship. Love the creativity and the depth of the lyrics.

We Believe

It’s been great to hear how churches have been able to use We Believe in their local contexts. We’re working on similar resources that will be available soon.

View book here →