This week, I had the privilege of listening to a leadership conversation with Dr. R.T. Kendall, and I can’t stop processing the truths he shared. His words were simple, yet they cut right to the heart of leading and following Jesus well.
He began with John 5:19: “Jesus replied, ‘Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son likewise does these things.’”
That verse reminded me of something I too often forget: Jesus only did what the Father told Him to do. He wasn’t distracted by comparison, busyness, or pressure — He was anchored in His Father’s voice. Dr. Kendall pointed out that the degree to which we listen to God is the degree to which we respond.
Lessons From Moses
Dr. Kendall reminded us that Moses was a man of conscientious integrity. He knew who he was, and he gave up the chance to live as a prince to follow God’s call.
That challenges me: How often do I trade who God says I am for what feels easier or more comfortable?
Moses also showed us that we don’t have to figure out everything God is doing. Sometimes we just need to be content. Even when we don’t understand, our response isn’t to worry or demand answers. Our response is to worship. (See also: Trust and Praise — a deeper look at choosing worship in the middle of chaos.)
But what stood out most to me was Moses’ leadership posture. When the people sinned with the golden calf, Moses didn’t seek revenge or try to prove his worth as a leader. Instead, he interceded for them. His motivation wasn’t pride or self-preservation — it was humility and love. That is authentic leadership.
Lessons From Samuel
Then there’s Samuel. He learned early on that even his mentors weren’t perfect. That’s a humbling reminder not to put leaders on a pedestal. As Dr. Kendall said, the best of men are men at best. People will disappoint us, but Jesus never will.
Samuel learned to listen to God for himself — and he also learned not to take rejection personally. The Israelites wanted a king, and in doing so, they rejected God’s leadership. Samuel had to process that pain without letting it derail his obedience.
Like Moses, Samuel wasn’t driven by pride or the need to be right. Good leaders aren’t looking to one-up others or to act out of anger or revenge. Their motivation is somewhere else entirely — rooted in humility, serving God, and serving people.
The Simple Answer
As I listened, something kept standing out: most of the questions Dr. Kendall addressed had very simple answers: read the Word of God, keep your eyes on Jesus.
It reminded me of when you go to the doctor with a list of issues and they say, “Drink more water.” It almost feels too simple — but it’s exactly what your body needs.
The same is true here. The Word of God and fixing our eyes on Jesus isn’t just a quick solution; it’s a well that never runs dry. (Need help building this rhythm? Try my Intentional Faith Tracker or even my Bible Reading tracker.
What I’m Taking With Me
I walked away reminded that I don’t have to know it all or be it all. My call is simple: listen to the Father’s voice and respond.
One of the best reminders was the importance of being in His Word daily. I do this, but it was good to hear it again. God’s Word isn’t just a routine — it’s the well that never runs dry, and the place where I anchor my heart.
Dr. Kendall was also asked about his personal study time, and his response really stuck with me. He said, “What I do may not be what you do, and you don’t need to change to do what I do.” That was powerful. Because the truth is, we each connect with God in different ways. Our prayer and devotional time doesn’t have to look picture-perfect to anyone else. What matters is the direction of our heart — true worship, true surrender to God.
Dr. Kendall’s leadership insights were a gift, and I hope they encourage you the same way they encouraged me — to trust God more deeply, lead with humility, and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.
👉 If you’re not familiar with Dr. Kendall’s ministry, you can find more about him and his writings here: RTKendallMinistries.com
Pressed For Time 