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 anointing on his life. Michal allowed bitterness to consume her joy. Absalom’s pride and unforgiveness led him down a tragic path of rebellion. Yet Jonathan—humble, discerning, and selfless—shines as the truest friend David ever had.

Each of us has people like these in our own story. The question is not just who’s in our cast—but how we respond to them.

– Dr. Mark Rutland

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 Samuel for the Lord’s service. Along the way, I’ll reflect on how God uses “supporting characters” like Hannah—and like you and me—to bring about His plans. Even when we feel unseen, our influence may be far greater than we imagine.

– Dr. Mark Rutland

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, Pharaoh’s daughter who rescued him, Jethro who advised him, and Pharaoh who resisted him. Their choices remind us that our lives are never lived in isolation. God uses the people around us—both allies and adversaries—to shape our destiny. My prayer is that you will recognize the cast members in your own story and trust God to use every one of them for His purposes. — Dr. Mark Rutland

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, and some stand faithfully beside him. Through their lives we discover lessons about the people around us: those we may have to release, those who start the journey but cannot finish, those who drift toward compromise, and those who walk with us through thick and thin. My prayer is that these stories will help you see your own journey more clearly and encourage you to keep your eyes on the call of God, no matter who else is in the cast.

— Dr. Mark Rutland

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 at home—I share how God reserves the right to redirect His people and resources anywhere, anytime, without our permission. Sometimes His call feels like a gentle nudge; other times, it shakes our whole “house of cards.” The question is, will we obey? I challenge you to stay so yielded to the Holy Spirit that even His smallest prompt leads you to action. Wherever He sends, whatever He asks—just do what you’re told.

— Dr. Mark Rutland

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 I was certain would be a waste of time. Instead, I encountered God in a way I could never have planned. Through unexpected conversations, a prophetic word, and the gentle prayer of a pastor who simply said, “I love you,” I experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit—and with it, a new joy, power, and purpose that changed everything. My prayer is that you, too, will open your heart to the fullness of what God wants to do in your life.

— Dr. Mark Rutland

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 already saved and baptized still needed the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit to live boldly, love deeply, and endure joyfully. I share how this gift isn’t about wind, fire, or a cookie-cutter experience, but about the ongoing breath of God filling us again and again for the life we face today. Whether you’ve received Him before or never even considered it, I invite you to lean in, get hungry, and be ready for a fresh outpouring.

— Dr. Mark Rutland

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 share some humorous and real-life stories (including Braves baseball, a kitchen standoff, and a priceless vase) to show how Spirit-filled living is not about control, but about giving. Whether it’s a husband laying down his desires, a wife responding with grace, a parent leading with tenderness, or an employee working with integrity, the essence is the same—choosing to outgive each other. When we live this way, the Holy Spirit fills our homes, heals our wounds, and draws us closer together.

— Dr. Mark Rutland

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 that make no sense at the time—because the miracle is waiting at the end of the road. I also tell a personal story from my early ministry days in Mexico, when I thought I knew where God was sending me, only to hear Him clearly say, “Go home.” This message will encourage you to obey first, trust God’s plan, and step into the adventure He has for you.

— Dr. Mark Rutland

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 atmosphere—whether it’s a college student witnessing to a Muslim colonel in Nigeria or a believer releasing possessions for God’s glory. I’m inviting you to pray for the Spirit to shake your life free from fear, fill you with courage, and release you into the joy of generous living.

— Dr. Mark Rutland