The Leader’s Notebook with Dr. Mark Rutland
Dr. Mark Rutland, a New York Times best-selling author, shares insights from his extensive leadership experience as a mega church pastor and university president. The podcast offers practical, powerful, and inspirational knowledge for navigating life as a 21st century leader, covering topics like life, leadership, relationships, and faith.
Episodes
The Life and Leadership of King David (Part 7)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 334), I continue our study of the Life and Leadership of King David by looking at the complicated final seasons of his life. From the conflict between Israel and Judah in 2 Samuel 19–20 to David’s failures, the census, the plague, and the preparation for Solomon, we see a man who was both deeply flawed and p
The Life and Leadership of King David (Part 6)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 333), I take a deeper look at the complicated life of David through Psalm 51 and the story of his fall, repentance, and family brokenness. David was a king, warrior, poet, and man of extraordinary accomplishment, yet at the height of his success he committed adultery, conspiracy, and murder. When the prophet
The Life and Leadership of King David (Part 5)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 332), I continue our journey through the life of David in 2 Samuel 7–9, looking at a remarkable moment when a powerful king chooses mercy over judgment. David has become a military and political force in Israel, yet when he discovers Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s crippled son and Saul’s grandson, he remembers the
The Life and Leadership of King David (Part 4)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 331), I continue looking at the life of David in 2 Samuel 5–6 and one of the most difficult spiritual disciplines we will ever learn: waiting on God. David had been promised the throne years before he actually became king, yet he refused to force God’s promise through his own strength or timing. He waited fo
The Life and Leadership of King David (Part 3)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 330), I take a closer look at one of the lesser-known and most complicated seasons in the life of David. From 2 Samuel 2 through the events surrounding the death of Saul, Jonathan, Abner, and Ish-bosheth, we see a man moving from shepherd, to warrior, to exile, to king. David’s journey reminds us that God’s
The Life and Leadership of King David (Part 2)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 329), I continue the story of David through one of the darkest and most difficult seasons of his life. From his covenant friendship with Jonathan and his desperate escape to Gath, to the humiliation of pretending to be insane, David finds himself with no home, no resources, and seemingly no future. Yet even
The Life and Leadership of King David (Part 1)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 328), I begin a journey through the life of David, one of the most fascinating and complex people in Scripture. Before we ever get to Goliath, David’s story is shaped by the world around him, from the era of the Judges and the rise of Saul to his unlikely family heritage through Rahab and Ruth. David was a s
Revelation Pt. 2 | You've Got Mail (Part 13)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I conclude the You’ve Got Mail series by returning to the Book of Revelation and asking what its message means for believers living in the world today. Revelation is not merely a sequence of end-times events to be organized into a timeline. It is a letter to the Church—a sweeping, symbolic vision that pulls back
Revelation Pt. 1 | You've Got Mail (Part 12)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I invite you to approach the Book of Revelation not as a complicated timeline to be decoded, but as a powerful revelation of Jesus Christ. Written by the Apostle John during his exile on Patmos, Revelation is both a letter to the Church and a sweeping spiritual vision filled with images, sounds, symbols, and pro
James, Jude, 1-3 John, 1-2 Peter | You've Got Mail (Part 11)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 325), I invite you to listen beyond the words of the New Testament epistles and hear the voices of the men who wrote them. From James and Jude, the half-brothers of Jesus, to John, the beloved disciple, and Simon Peter, the bold apostle transformed by grace, these letters reveal not only doctrine but deeply
2 Timothy | You've Got Mail (Part 10)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 324), I take you into Paul’s final letter, 2 Timothy—a deeply personal message written from a prison cell while awaiting execution. As Paul reflects on a lifetime of ministry, friendships, hardships, and victories, he leaves Timothy with one clear charge: do not be ashamed of the Gospel. In a world filled wi
1 Timothy, Titus | You've Got Mail (Part 9)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 323), I take you into Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus—two young pastors entrusted with leading churches in challenging times. From 1 Timothy and Titus, we discover timeless truths about sound doctrine, Christian character, church life, and faithful stewardship. Paul’s message is as relevant today as it w
Hebrews | You've Got Mail (Part 8)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 322), I take you into the powerful message of the Book of Hebrews and its connection to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Hebrews was written to believers who were tempted to look back, but its message is clear: Jesus is better. Better than the angels, better than Moses, better than Aaron, better than the ol
1-2 Thessalonians | You've Got Mail (Part 7)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 321), I take you through Paul’s deeply personal letters to the Thessalonians and the powerful hope found in Christ’s return. Beginning in Acts 17 and continuing through 1 Thessalonians 4–5, we discover the heart of a spiritual father who was forced to leave a young church but never stopped caring for them. H
Colossians | You've Got Mail (Part 6)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 320), I open Paul’s letter to the Colossians and address one of the most important questions in all of Christianity: Who is Jesus Christ? Drawing from Colossians 1:11–19, John 1, and other key passages, I examine the biblical truth that Jesus is far more than a teacher, prophet, or miracle worker. He is the
Philippians | You've Got Mail (Part 5)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 319), I take you into one of the most joyful books in all of Scripture—the book of Philippians. Written from a Roman prison, Paul’s letter overflows with gratitude, faith, and rejoicing. Together we revisit the miraculous beginnings of the church at Philippi, from Lydia’s conversion to the Philippian jailer’
Ephesians | You've Got Mail (Part 4)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 318), I take us into Paul’s letter to the Ephesians and one of the most practical truths of Spirit-filled living. Ephesians is a book of grace, redemption, and the power of the Holy Spirit, but its message is not merely theological—it is deeply personal. The evidence of a Spirit-filled life is not found only
Galatians | You've Got Mail (Part 3)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 317), I take you into Paul’s powerful letter to the Galatians and one of the most important truths in all of Scripture: salvation comes by faith alone in Jesus Christ. From Galatians 3, we discover why Paul spoke so forcefully against anything that tries to add human effort, religious performance, or legalis
1-2 Corinthians | You've Got Mail (Part 2)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 316), I take you into Paul’s powerful letters to the Corinthians and uncover a theme that many readers miss: unity. Writing to believers living in one of the most corrupt cities of the ancient world, Paul calls the Church to stand together in holiness, ministry, and love. Through passages from 1 Corinthians
Romans | You've Got Mail (Part 1)
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 315), I begin a journey through the New Testament epistles with Paul’s remarkable letter to the believers in Rome. Written to Christians living in one of the most powerful, corrupt, and morally confused cities in history, Romans answers timeless questions: Who is God? How are we saved? And how can we faithfu
Personal Holiness
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 314), I explore one of the most profound truths in Scripture—holiness. From Exodus 3:13–14 and Leviticus 19:1–2, we see that God is “I Am”—always Himself, always holy, always loving. Holiness is not a burden but the good news: it’s the life of God within us, guiding us past sin, shaping our hearts, and filli
What Really Happened at Pentecost
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 313), I take you back to the very moment the church was born at Pentecost. Acts 2 tells the story: wind, fire, tongues, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on believers. But beyond the signs, what truly happened was far greater—God inaugurated a Spirit-filled, miraculous movement that continues today. This
Natural and Supernatural
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 312), I explore the profound tension between the natural and the supernatural in the life of Jesus. From His miraculous conception in Luke 2 to His post-resurrection promise of the Holy Spirit in Acts 1, we see how God’s power flows through ordinary human life. Jesus was fully God and fully man—born as a bab
My Dreams are Not For Sale
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 311), I explore the power and persistence of the dreams God places within us. From Genesis 37, we see Joseph’s dreams challenged, misunderstood, and opposed—even by family—yet God’s plan moved forward in His timing. Dreams from God are not for sale; they are gifts to nurture, share, and hold fast to, even wh
God's Ways of Blessing and Generosity
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 310), I explore the highest levels of generosity and the joy of giving as God intends. From Luke 19:20–30 and the story of the unnamed donkey owner to David’s lavish gifts in Jerusalem, we see that God blesses those who obey and give with a cheerful, open heart. Tithing anchors our giving, but God calls us b
Grace
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 309), I take us to Zechariah 4:6–10, where I want to show you what the grace of God really is—and what it is not. We often treat grace as a one-time event at salvation, then spend the rest of our lives trying to move the mountains in our own strength. But Scripture says, “Not by might, nor by power, but by M
Don't Let the Cross Be Religion
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 308), I take you to one of the most unusual and powerful pictures of salvation in all the Bible—Numbers 21 and the bronze serpent in the wilderness—and connect it directly to Jesus’ words in John chapter 3. When the people were dying from the bite of fiery serpents, God did not remove the snakes. He provided
The Power of Restoration
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 307), I take us to John 21, where I walk through one of the most tender and powerful restoration stories in all of Scripture—the risen Jesus meeting His discouraged disciples on the shore. After failure, denial, confusion, and grief, Peter and the others return to fishing, only to discover that Christ has no
Resurrection Sunday
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 306), I open John 11 and Luke 24 to explore what Jesus meant when He said, “I am the resurrection and the life.” The resurrection is not only an event we celebrate—it is a living power we receive. Jesus did not come merely to improve us, but to place His own life within us through the Holy Spirit.
I walk thr
Spontaneous Grace
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 305), I open Luke 19 and the Palm Sunday story to explore a simple but life-changing phrase: “The Lord has need of it.” Jesus’ triumphal entry was set in motion by an unexpected act of release and trust, and it reveals how grace is meant not only to come to us—but flow through us. Grace received but not give
Chronicles of David
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 304), I walk through the extraordinary and complicated life of King David, beginning in Ruth 4 and 1 Samuel 16. David was not an ordinary man—shepherd, musician, warrior, king, poet, and prophet—yet Scripture still calls him a man after God’s own heart. We explore his calling, his courage, his failures, and
This is the Moment of God
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 303), I walk through Joshua chapters 3 and 5 and what happens when God brings His people to a decisive moment. Israel stands at the Jordan after years of delay, and the Lord calls them to sanctify themselves, step forward in faith, and follow His presence into the unknown. Before the waters part, the priests
The Adventure of Serving God in Faith
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 302), I preach from Luke chapter 5 and the call of Christ to Simon Peter, “Launch out into the deep.” Serving God is not meant to be safe, shallow, or merely comfortable. Biblical Christianity is an adventure of obedience and faith. When Jesus steps into your boat, He will always call you beyond routine, bey
Made and Unmade
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 301), I walk through Judges 17 and the tragic picture of spiritual confusion. Micah’s story shows how easily people build a self-made religion, mixing truth with error and assuming God must bless whatever they assemble. From false idols to hired priests, it is possible to look religious while being completel
Receive Him
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 300), I walk through the sweeping biblical story of the Holy Spirit, from Genesis to Pentecost and beyond. We look at the Spirit who brooded over creation, empowered prophets and kings, and was promised in Joel, revealed by Jesus, and poured out in Acts. This is not a new doctrine or a modern movement, but t
21 Seconds to Change Your World
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 299), I invite you to listen as two of the greatest devotional passages in all of Scripture come together—the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6 and the 23rd Psalm. What happens when Jesus’ prayer becomes more than words we recite and David’s psalm becomes more than comfort we quote? In my own darkest season, these
Nevertheless
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 298), I open one small word that carries enormous spiritual weight—the word nevertheless. From 2 Timothy 2:15–19, we are reminded that error, deception, and cultural pressure can never weaken the foundation of God. False teaching may spread like gangrene, but truth remains untouched. The Word of God stands s
The Danger of Theoretical Christianity
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 297), I take us to Ephesians 4 and 5 to confront the gap between theoretical Christianity and real life in the Spirit. Too many believers are content to talk about faith without ever stepping into the canoe. Paul reminds us that being filled with the Holy Spirit is not an abstract idea—it shows up in how we
Adventuresome Living
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 296), I invite you into one of the most powerful yet often overlooked truths in Scripture—what God is really like. From John 1:16–18, we see that Jesus is the full revelation of the Father, and what He reveals is not distance, anger, or reluctance, but grace upon grace. Moses brought the law, but Jesus came
The Magnificent Seven: Part 7 – Paul
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 295) from our seven-part series, The Magnificent Seven, and the final message in this series, I turn our attention to Paul the Apostle and the decisive turning points God used to shape the most influential voice of the early church. We begin with his commissioning in Acts 13 and look back to his dramatic con
The Magnificent Seven: Part 6 – Peter
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 294) from our seven-part series, The Magnificent Seven, I examine the life, faith, and formation of Simon Peter—introduced in John 1 as a fisherman who meets Jesus and is immediately renamed, redefined, and relentlessly shaped by grace. Peter is bold, impulsive, strong, outspoken, and deeply human: quick to
The Magnificent Seven: Part 5 – John The Baptist
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 293) from our seven-part series, The Magnificent Seven, I walk through the astonishing life and ministry of John the Baptist. He stands as the last Old Testament prophet and the first man to publicly identify Jesus as Messiah. His voice rises out of four centuries of prophetic silence, set against the politi
The Magnificent Seven: Part 4 – David
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep.292) from our seven-part series, The Magnificent Seven, I walk through the life of King David not as a children’s story hero, but as one of the most complex, gifted, and broken leaders Scripture ever presents, drawing from Psalms 22, 23, and 51 to show how a shepherd, poet, warrior, prophet, outlaw, king, and
The Magnificent Seven: Part 3 – Moses
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 291) from our seven-part series, The Magnificent Seven, I take you into the long, demanding life of Moses—a man called by God and shaped by struggle. From a baby hidden in the reeds to an old prophet standing before Pharaoh, Moses learned that God forms leaders slowly and uses them despite their fears, failu
The Magnificent Seven: Part 2 – Joseph
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 290) from our seven-part series, The Magnificent Seven, we explore the life and leadership of Joseph—the dreamer whose faith and character carried him through betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment to become the second most powerful man in Egypt. From the prophetic dreams God gave him as a youth to the fulfillm
The Magnificent Seven: Part 1 – Abraham
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook (Ep. 289), I open our new series, The Magnificent Seven, by turning our attention to Abraham—the first great patriarch and the man through whom God began the redemptive story that shapes all of Scripture. Abraham stands at the headwaters of biblical history, yet he emerges from a pagan culture with no prior recor
Ep. 288 – Also Featured In The Cast - Pt. 10
In this final episode of the Also Featured In The Cast series, I reflect on those whose names you may not know but whose roles were essential—both in history and in the story of Jesus. From Mary Magdalene and Joseph of Arimathea to the humble parents of Christ, we explore the lives of those who shaped history and faith in quiet yet profound ways. We als
Ep. 287 – Also Featured In The Cast - Part 9
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I continue my series “Also Featured in the Cast” by looking at the “St. Peter movie”—and the people who surrounded him. From James and John, the fiery “Sons of Thunder,” to John’s quiet faithfulness at the foot of the Cross, to James the brother of Jesus who led the church in Jerusalem, to Paul’s bold confrontat
Ep. 286 – Also Featured In The Cast - Part 8
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I continue our series, Also Featured in the Cast, with a look at the Apostle Paul—not as the star of the story, but through the lives of three people who shaped his journey: Ananias, Barnabas, and Stephen. Each of these men was “also mentioned in the cast,” yet each played an indispensable role in God’s plan.
An
Ep. 285 – Also Featured In The Cast - Part 7
In this episode of Also Featured In The Cast, we turn to the New Testament and focus on two remarkable figures who surrounded Mary in the unfolding story of Christ’s birth—Elizabeth and Joseph. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophetically recognized the miracle growing within Mary’s womb. Her faith and affirmation strengthened the young woman c
Ep. 284 – Also Featured In The Cast - Part 6
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I continue our series Also Featured in the Cast—where we explore the lesser-known people surrounding the great figures of Scripture. Today, we look not at Elijah himself, but at those who stood around him: Ahab, Jezebel, and Elisha.
Ahab saw Elijah as a troublemaker—proof that when culture descends into wickedne
Ep. 283 – Also Featured In The Cast - Part 5
In this episode of Also Featured in the Cast, I turn our attention to the Solomon story—but not to Solomon himself. Instead, we explore the often-overlooked characters who shaped his rise to the throne and the lessons they still teach us today.
From the bold prophet Nathan, who spoke both judgment and grace, to the faithful priest Zadok, the scheming Jo
Ep. 282 – Also Featured In The Cast - Part 4
In this episode of Also Featured in the Cast, we turn our attention to the “supporting roles” in King David’s story—his brothers, his wife Michal, his son Absalom, and his loyal friend Jonathan. These often-overlooked characters reveal powerful truths about envy, bitterness, rebellion, and friendship.
David’s brothers struggled with jealousy toward the
Ep. 281 – Also Featured In The Cast - Part 3
In this episode of Also Featured in the Cast, I turn our attention to Hannah, the mother of Samuel. In the “movie” of 1 Samuel, Samuel is clearly the star, but Hannah—often overlooked—shapes the story in ways that change history. We’ll explore her passionate prayer, her faithfulness to keep her covenant with God, and her role in raising and dedicating S
Ep. 280 – Also Featured In The Cast - Part 2
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I continue my series Also Featured in the Cast by turning to the life of Moses. Moses is the central figure of Exodus—the lawgiver, the deliverer, the star of the story. Yet surrounding him are others whose faith, courage, and even failures shaped his journey: parents who hid him, a sister who watched over him,
Ep. 279 – Also Featured In The Cast - Part 1
In this series of The Leader’s Notebook, I begin a journey I’m calling Also Featured in the Cast. When we read the stories of great Bible heroes like Abraham, we often focus only on the star of the story. Yet around Abraham are others—Terah, Nahor, Haran, Lot, and Sarai—figures who also shape the journey. Some hinder, some fall away, some compromise, an
Ep. 278 – Real Life In The Holy Spirit - Part 9
In this final message of my Real Life in the Holy Spirit series on The Leader’s Notebook, I explore what a Spirit-filled church truly looks like. Acts 13 shows us Antioch—a powerhouse team of leaders God assembled, then promptly “broke up” for His purposes. Through stories from my own ministry—whether in remote African villages or unexpected encounters
Ep. 277 – Real Life In The Holy Spirit - Part 8
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I share one of the most pivotal moments of my life—a story of how the Holy Spirit broke through years of resistance, depression, and theological misunderstanding to transform my ministry, my marriage, and my heart. I take you back to December 1975, when I reluctantly attended a Methodist pastors’ conference that
Ep. 276 – Real Life In The Holy Spirit - Part 7
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I explore what it means to have not just a single Pentecost, but “Pentecosts after Pentecost.” Many Christians live as though the outpouring in Acts 2 was a one-time event for the church, but the book of Acts—and my own experience—tell a different story. From Jerusalem to Samaria to Ephesus, believers who were a
Ep. 275 – Real Life In The Holy Spirit - Part 6
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I explore how the Holy Spirit transforms our relationships—marriage, family, work—through one powerful principle: mutual submission. Too often, Ephesians 5:22 gets pulled out like a rulebook verse, stripped of its context. But Paul’s real key is found just before it—“Submit to one another in the fear of God.” I
Ep. 274 – Real Life In The Holy Spirit - Part 5
In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I share one of my favorite stories from the book of Acts—a challenge to every believer to “get off the porch” and follow the Holy Spirit into unexpected places. From Philip’s revival in Samaria to his lonely walk down a desert road, we see how God sometimes moves us from moments of great success into situations
Ep. 273 – Real Life In The Holy Spirit - Part 4
When the Holy Spirit fills your life, fear has to go. In Acts 4, Peter and John didn’t shrink back—they stood before the Sanhedrin with courage, prayed for even greater boldness, and lived with open-handed generosity. That’s the life I believe God is calling us to live. In this episode of The Leader’s Notebook, I share how bold faith changes the atmosph
Ep. 272 – Real Life In The Holy Spirit - Part 3
Dr. Mark Rutland shares how to move beyond theoretical Christianity into Spirit-filled living. Drawing from Ephesians 4, he shows how bitterness and gossip grieve the Holy Spirit—and how real faith is lived out through grace, forgiveness, and healing.
Chapters
(00:00:03) - The Leaders Notebook(00:00:25) - Spirit
Ep. 271 – Real Life in the Holy Spirit – Pt. 2
In this powerful nine-part series on The Leader’s Notebook with Dr. Mark Rutland, we explore real life in the Holy Spirit—not as a theological concept but as a practical way of living. Dr. Rutland dives into what it means to be Spirit-filled in everyday life: in how we think, speak, relate, and lead. Spirit-filled Christianity is not reserved for a plat
Ep. 270 – Real Life in the Holy Spirit – Pt. 1
This powerful nine-part series explores real life in the Holy Spirit — not as a theological concept but as a practical way of living. Dr. Mark Rutland dives into what it means to be Spirit-filled in everyday life: in how we think, speak, relate, and lead. Spirit-filled Christianity is not reserved for a platform or a moment—it’s the transforming power o
Ep. 269 – The Promise of Wonders
In this powerful sermon, Dr. Mark Rutland unpacks Joshua’s command to “sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do wonders among you,” showing how every new step in life and ministry requires us to clean out old mindsets, leave behind the comfort of the familiar, and boldly trust God for the miraculous. Through personal stories and vivid examples
Ep. 268 – Delivers In The Land – Part 5
In the final part of our Judges series, Dr. Mark Rutland explores the spiritual and national confusion that marked Israel’s darkest days. From Micah’s household idols to the horrifying story of a Levite and his concubine, these chapters reveal a people who had lost their distinct identity as God’s own. Yet even amid chaos and civil war, God’s plan was s
Ep. 267 – Delivers In The Land – Part 4
In part four of our Judges series, Dr. Mark Rutland returns to dive deeper into Gideon’s story—his famous fleece, and the gold ephod that became an idol. Dr. Rutland also unpacks the tragic vow of Jephthah and the flawed strength of Samson, reminding us that even in the chaos of Israel’s judges, God remained the God of mercy, grace, and supernatural vic
Ep. 266 – Delivers In The Land – Part 3
In part three of our Judges series, Dr. Mark Rutland returns to highlight two of the most well-known judges in Israel’s history: Deborah and Gideon. From a prophetic leader whose wisdom was as sharp as it was sweet, to a reluctant warrior called to tear down idols and lead a shrinking army to victory, their stories reveal God’s power at work through sur
Ep. 265 – Delivers In The Land – Part 2
In part two of our Judges series, Dr. Mark Rutland explores Israel’s first four judges—Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, and Deborah. One was empowered by the Spirit of the Lord, one was left-handed, one fought with an ox goad, and one was a woman. Their stories remind us that God uses unexpected people to do unforgettable things.
Ep. 264 – Delivers In The Land – Part 1
In this opening episode of a five-part series on the Book of Judges, Travis Rutland steps in as a guest speaker for Dr. Mark Rutland to introduce the historical and spiritual context of this powerful Old Testament book. From the leadership transition after Moses and Joshua to the tribes’ failure to drive out the pagan tribes in the Promised Land, Travis
Ep. 263 – Of Kings and Prophets
In this powerful message, Dr. Mark Rutland explores the dynamic tension between spiritual authority and earthly power. Drawing from Scripture and historical examples, he examines how God raises up prophetic voices to confront, advise, and sometimes challenge leaders. This sermon is a compelling reminder that God still speaks—often through unexpected mes
Ep. 262 – The Mystery of Communion
In this powerful Memorial Day message, Dr. Mark Rutland explores The Mystery of Communion through the lens of Matthew 26:26-30—the moment Jesus established a new covenant at the Last Supper. With deep reverence, Dr. Rutland unpacks how Holy Communion is far more than a ritual. It is a sacred act where the Holy Spirit meets us with grace, healing, and di
Ep. 261 – The God of Fire & The Fire of God
In this powerful sermon from 1 Kings 18, Dr. Mark Rutland explores the dramatic showdown on Mount Carmel. Fire falls from heaven, consuming the soaked altar and proving once and for all who the true God is. But this isn’t just history—it’s a prophetic picture. The fire of God represents the Holy Spirit, who purifies, sanctifies, and calls us to holiness
Ep. 260 – God in the Distaff Side – Part 2
In Part 2 of God in the Distaff Side, Dr. Mark Rutland turns to the hearts of women in Scripture—the compromised, romantic, and committed heart. From Lot’s wife and Bathsheba to Rizpah and Mary, each reveals how the posture of the heart shaped their destiny. Through these stories, Dr. Rutland reveals how the heart still directs the course of a life—and
Ep. 259 – God in the Distaff Side – Part 1
In this moving two-part series, Dr. Mark Rutland turns our attention to the women of Scripture—how they saw, what they carried, and how God met them in their pain. From Michal’s bitterness to Naomi’s brokenness, from a Gentile mother’s humility to Anna’s faith, their stories reveal how the eyes of women have been shaped by loss, insult, and hope. This m
Ep. 258 – POWER, Not Power
In this powerful message from Acts 1:1–8, Dr. Mark Rutland explores the profound communication struggle between God and humanity. Though God's message is perfect, it is received through our broken, fallen nature—leading to confusion about the very Kingdom Jesus came to reveal. Dr. Rutland illustrates how even the apostles misunderstood Christ's teaching
Ep. 257 – Also
In this powerful episode, Dr. Mark Rutland unpacks Isaiah 6:1—"In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord..." With deep insight and personal storytelling, he reminds us that no matter what happens in our lives or nation, God is still on the throne. Sharing a childhood lesson about depth perception, Dr. Rutland illustrates how the enemy magni
Ep. 256 – King David and Psalm 51
In this powerful episode, Dr. Mark Rutland explores one of the most profound moments of repentance in all of Scripture. Drawing from 2 Samuel 12 and Psalm 51, he unpacks the story behind King David’s fall with Bathsheba, the prophetic confrontation by Nathan, and David’s heartfelt response. Dr. Rutland dives into the raw honesty of Psalm 51, showing how
Ep. 255 – The Spirit of Jezebel
In this powerful episode of The Leader’s Notebook, Dr. Mark Rutland unpacks the story of Jezebel from 1 Kings 21—revealing how this ancient narrative exposes a manipulative and destructive spirit still at work today. Jezebel wasn’t just a historical figure; she represents a spirit of control that thrives in secrecy, manipulation, and ultimately, destruc
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