GET BACK to Move Forward

Pastor Vicki Simpson preached an inspiring message on 'getting back' to what's most important this morning.

We don't put full sermons in our blog posts when visiting speakers come, instead encouraging you to see their websites. For Vicki, go here for more details: www.vickisimpson.com

But by way of quick summary, take up Vicki's challenge to get back to your first works of love for Jesus. In simple terms, you've got to get back and recover your most important things before being able to move on. In eternal terms, that means getting back to God.

Vision... and why it's more successful than 'Opposite George'

A message shared by Pastor Luke Martin at Empower Christian Church, Sunday 20 June, 2010:

Moving forward means aiming for a goal. That means getting fixed on the goal and taking attention off the 'now'. In fact, focusing on your position right now won't work. It leads to being uncomfortable with where you are at.

See in Exodus 16:1-3, how the Israelites wondered why they couldn't have just stayed in their previous state and died. We can become familiar with safe but negative things in our lives. The Israelites had something more and better ahead but they were stuck in the strangely comfortable mindset of their slavery.

The other downside to being fixated on current location is wanting to escape. Aiming for the mere opposite of what you're doing is just as static as doing nothing. It's because you are so focused on what your current place is.

George from Seinfeld didn't succeed in changing his life by being 'opposite' because he was still focused on what was 'currently' wrong.

So what's missing?

See Proverbs 29:18 and how vision is essential.

The Israelites failed to make the transition from 'moving away’ from' to 'moving into'.

Take note that vision is not just for church leaders.

There is a vision for your life that is specifically meant for you. Write it down and seek the support of others in prayer and personal support.

Whatever you dream for, God can accomplish great things that take you forward, away from where you are now.

Vision means the redemptive revelation of God. Being redeemed means walking in your vision. It's important to operate in your calling, to walk in your vision and redemption. God wants us to walk in purpose, do something more than just sitting.

It's also a revelation of the person of God, not just a place. God wants you to go after your vision but with a focus on Him.

So keep your eyes on Him and walk forward with and by God.

Image: Salvatore Vuono / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Thought-starters for the non-Rhythm of Life

Following our recent coffee morning and service at Empower Christian Church on 13 June, here are some simple summary thoughts for you to think about as you approach the coming week:

• You are not a failure because a plan or goal you had doesn't seem to have worked out. You could be exactly where you need to be.
• Life is not wrong just because you feel you're on the wrong side of your plans.
• In fact, God is not absent when you feel like there's a turn you didn't expect.

This coming Sunday 20 June, we're looking forward to hearing from Pastor Luke Martin.

And the following weekend, it's time to hear from Pastor Vicki Simpson.

Inspired navigation for life

Dr Robi Sonderegger visited Empower Christian Church for a special conference this past weekend: 4 to 6 June. We were blessed and encouraged with great teaching and motivational encouragement in our personal lives and families.

We also heard about Dr Robi's work in places across the world that are affected by trauma. An example was in Haiti, from where the linked video was produced and sourced.

Find out more by visiting http://www.drrobi.com/ or connect via Twitter @ http://twitter.com/drrobi_s or on Facebook via http://www.facebook.com/DrRobi