We’ve finished up Day 2 at Hydrate and it has been very encouraging to hear the conversations taking place around every session. Jonathan Martin and Bill Isaacs provided plenty to talk about as they challenged leaders to stand with Christ and live a life that honors God. Here are the points that I found most helpful…
Jonathan Martin (Renovatus)
- We may know what we are against but we do not have a sense of what we are for. Thus, we are unified by the things we are against.
- There are two kinds of people: accusers and advocates. In Scripture, Satan is our accuser while Jesus is our advocate.
- Many people are unsure as to whether they have advocates or accusers in the body of Christ.
- The gospel takes an accusatory crowd and leaves it walking away one by one (John 7:53 – 8:11, Matt 26).
- At times, we will have to take a stand on issues but the spirit of our stance is very important.
- For some reason, we feel like we need to take a stand for Jesus. But Jesus is not in trouble. Jesus is not looking for you to take a stand for Him but to take a stand with Him.
- You may say something truthful in the name of Jesus. But if you do it in the spirit of the world, you become just another angry voice.
- The Pharisees quoted Scripture. It is dangerous to be armed with Scripture but miss the heart of God.
- Genuinely showing the love of Jesus is both un-condemning and un-condoning.
- The best way to lead an accusatory congregation is to keep going back to the example of Jesus.
Bill Isaacs (Church of God, Ohio & ForwardLeadership.org)
4 Ways to Live a Life That Honors God
1. Identify Your Weaknesses
- You are most vulnerable on the backside of your greatest moments.
2. Protect Your Influences
- You need the right people to speak into your life.
- Make sure your coach is connected to you skills and gift set.
- If you live the life God desires, God will bring the people you need at the right times.
3. Embrace Humility
- Humble people do not want to be elevated.
- Every once in a while, ask, “How did I get here?” – You did not earn this spot in history. God gave it to you.
- Value relationships more than you value positions.
4. Commit To Finishing Strong
- It is about how you win, not how you begin.
- Stephen Covey encourages us to “begin with the end in mind.”
- Set up your life now to get to the right end.
Which points most resonate with you? If you are here at Hydrate, what other great points jumped out in these session?
