Relationship - connecting you with God’s plan

Pastor Luke Martin shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 26 September 2010.

Witnesses make a document, or event, official. It proves that a person on his/her own needs to have others around them. In fact, it underlines the very fact of relationship that God intends for our lives.

Think, for a moment, how the cross comprises an outstretched gesture from Christ. He's wanting relationship, just as He's wanting us to embrace others.

In 1 Corinthians 12, we read about just how connected we are - with Christ as the head of the Church. Most especially, in verses 21 and 22, we see how relationship is God's plan.

Relationship gives us the full picture. Alone and apart, we do not get the entire perspective and revelation.

Relationship produces fruit. Read Ezekiel 37:16-17, where we learn how God wanted to bring His people together. Judah and Ephraim were interesting tribes to be brought together when you consider the meaning of their names. When you connect them, you get a stretching out of hands to God towards double fruit with each other. Back in 1 Corinthians 12:25, we read how interlinked the people of God are. In relationship, good times are that much better.

Let's connect. We, together, have a lot to do with each others' futures.

And let's connect closer, love bigger, and give that love to the world.

When we connect, God will make a join - just like a carpenter would. God can also fuse together people into one.

Image source: By Paul Lee, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

Favour starts with dedication

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 19 September 2010.

In 1 Samuel, we read about favour on Hannah and Samuel.

By way of background, being barren was a dishonour for Hannah. Nonetheless, she remained committed and faithful to God.

Fast forward into our day, their lives are very similar to ours - and we should have the same focus and favour. God's love, just with Hannah and Samuel, is for all people.

Hannah, for example, prayed that if God gave her a child, she would commit him to the Lord. Read from 1 Samuel 1:26.

Hannah did, at times, struggle with feelings of self doubt and fears about self worth. But our feelings of unhappiness do not stop God's favour.

Hannah was consistent and effective in prayer. And when he was born, she fulfilled her commitment. From 1 Samuel 3:19, we read how he was favoured by God - revealed through His Word. That direct relationship with God that he had made the accomplishments possible.

Psalm 119:24 encourages us that He is in control.

^17-24 Be generous with me and I'll live a full life;
not for a minute will I take my eyes off your road.
Open my eyes so I can see
what you show me of your miracle-wonders.
I'm a stranger in these parts;
give me clear directions.
My soul is starved and hungry, ravenous!—
insatiable for your nourishing commands.
And those who think they know so much,
ignoring everything you tell them—let them have it!
Don't let them mock and humiliate me;
I've been careful to do just what you said.
While bad neighbors maliciously gossip about me,
I'm absorbed in pondering your wise counsel.
Yes, your sayings on life are what give me delight;
I listen to them as to good neighbors! (Psalm 119:24, The Message)

For Samuel, that control and favour began with dedication to God.

God's promises never return void. Continue on being faithful, worshipping and praying. He is committed to you.

Stay faithful to His purposes and His promises will come about.

He loves you.

Stay dedicated and He will bring about favour.

Image source: By Phil Ware, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org

Life's two big elements - Family and Covenant

Pastor Nicholas Tsakis shared at Empower Christian Church on Sunday 12 September 2010.

'Life's not all about money!' according to Pastor Nicholas's young son. ‘So what is it about?’ the Pastor asked...

• Family - for those with and without parents, partners and siblings. See Psalm 68:5-6. Our family in Christ has such diversity, with our children being unique and precious to God. Those with generations serving God are honoured by the choice made to serve under other family members.

• Life - it's true that arrows are thrown at us. But we are to enjoy life as a gift from Him (see John 10:10). We're meant to enjoy life, even with the highs and lows that we face. You can create a better future, no matter where we come from.

• Love - John 15:12 tells us to love others; and that's even when it hurts. In verse 17, it's a command. There has to be a difference in our lives compared to others. We can love people without loving the world.

• Forgiveness - it is very hard for many people to forgive. Christ took the sins of the world on Himself and still forgave. Treating others the same as ourselves is important.

• Jesus - we're not the boss! Jesus is. Seeing Jesus as Lord is a childlike purity. Be who you are, but rely on Him, no matter what.

• Church - Jesus loves the church, with all disappointments and hurts. He loves you.

At the end of these thoughts, we're left with a conviction that God is emphasising family and covenant.

Image source: By Ben Steed, linked from Heartlight, http://www.heartlight.org