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 magnifies our pain until it blocks our view of God. But like Isaiah, we can declare: I see that... but I also see the Lord, high and lifted up. This message is a stirring call to reclaim our focus, renew our humility, and refuse to let grief or fear define our year—because this is the year of our Lord.

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 David’s confession wasn’t about managing consequences—it was about true transformation. A thousand years before Christ, David longed not just for forgiveness, but for a new heart. This message is a sobering reminder that no sin is isolated, but also a beautiful testament to God’s mercy and desire to restore.

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, destruction. This episode explores how the Jezebel spirit operates behind the scenes, pulling strings for power without accountability. Dr. Rutland challenges listeners to recognize the signs, understand the pathology, and learn how to confront this spirit by bringing it into the light.

In Acts 13, the Holy Spirit speaks, and the Church is launched into its mission. In this episode, Dr. Mark Rutland unpacks how Acts 13 reveals a responsive, missional, and intentional Church, led by the voice of God. But does God still speak and move like that today? Dr. Rutland shares his own powerful testimony of hearing from God in 1981 and following His call, even when the path seemed impossible. The Holy Spirit is still speaking—are we listening?

Dr. Mark Rutland takes us to Acts 9 and 10, where Peter’s encounter in Joppa becomes a turning point for the gospel. A Roman centurion, a vision of unclean food becoming clean, and a divine command—God was stretching Peter beyond his understanding of the law. Was God telling him to break it? No, He was revealing a greater plan. As Peter wrestled with tradition, the answer came knocking—literally. Joppa wasn’t just a historical moment; it was the gateway to the Gentile world, shaping the future of the Church. Just as Jonah resisted Nineveh, Peter hesitated—but obedience in Joppa changed history. The Holy Spirit is always expanding our faith, challenging our expectations, and leading us into the unknown. Are you ready to follow?

Dr. Mark Rutland takes us to Acts 2, where Simon Peter boldly proclaims, “This is that”—connecting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost to Joel’s ancient prophecy. What happened in that Upper Room wasn’t just a historical event; it was the future breaking into the present. The early believers couldn’t fulfill their mission without the power of the Holy Spirit, and neither can we. In this episode, Dr. Rutland unpacks the deeper meaning of Pentecost, its connection to prophecy, and why the Holy Spirit remains essential for the Church today.

In this episode of The Leader's Notebook, Dr. Mark Rutland reads from Matthew 13:18-48. Jesus describes the Kingdom of Heaven through parables, like a multifaceted jewel, each parable revealing another glimpse of its splendor. The Kingdom is ruled by God, but in its outward form, it remains a mixture until Christ’s return—imperfect in us, yet divinely orchestrated. And just as a man gives everything for a great treasure, so Jesus gave everything for you. God, the King, is calling you to His table of grace. Will you see yourself as He sees you—worth everything?

In this powerful episode, Dr. Mark Rutland explores the story of four leprous men at the gate of Samaria during an Aramean siege, with the city trapped in famine and desperation (2 Kings 7:3). These outcasts unknowingly stumble upon abundance where they expected death, and their next decision holds a powerful lesson for us today. Don’t miss this thought-provoking message!

In the Book of Judges, God used unexpected, inanimate objects—an ox goad, a tent peg, a pitcher, a torch, a trumpet, a millstone, and a jawbone—to bring victory to His people. These objects had no power of their own, yet in the hands of a higher power, they played a crucial role in God’s divine plan. In this episode, Dr. Mark Rutland explores how these unconventional instruments teach us about availability, surrender, and the supernatural power of God. Like Paul in Corinth, we must determine to know nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified—saying “yes” to be used as His instrument, for His purpose, no matter how ordinary we may seem.

In this powerful message from 2 Kings 4, Dr. Mark Rutland explores a mother’s unwavering faith in the face of tragedy. Her story challenges us to reflect on our own faith—do we have a heart for the lost and dying? Through personal testimony and biblical insight, Dr. Rutland calls us to embrace God’s mission and allow Him to work through us in our communities.