Living by Design and Not by Default
Friday 14th July 2023
Living by design means intentionally shaping our lives according to God's purposes rather than passively drifting through life. It involves making conscious choices, seeking God's guidance, and aligning our actions with His revealed will. By contrast, living by default refers to a reactive approach, allowing circumstances and external influences to dictate our direction. As a Christ Follower, the Bible provides valuable insights and principles that encourage us to live by design.
We make our plans, but the Lord decides where we should go!
Prov. 16:9 CEV
This verse highlights the importance of taking proactive steps to plan our lives while trusting God to direct our paths. Living by design requires seeking wisdom through prayer, studying God’s Word, and listening to His leading in our heart. As we align our desires and plans with His purposes, we invite Him to establish our steps.
Another biblical principle that emphasizes living by design is found in Jeremiah 29:11:
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
God has a specific plan for each of our lives, and it is our responsibility to seek and follow His will. By surrendering our desires to Him and seeking His guidance, we can live in alignment with His purposes, experiencing His blessings and fulfilling our God-given potential. Living by design also requires cultivating a transformative mindset. Romans 12:2 instructs us:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will."
Rather than conforming to societal pressures and worldly standards, we are called to renew our minds with God’s truth. This enables us to discern His will and make choices that honour Him.
In conclusion, living by design and not by default is a biblical principle that encourages intentional living. By seeking God’s guidance, aligning our plans with His purposes, and renewing our minds with His truth, we can experience a life of fulfilment, purpose, and blessing. Let us commit to living by design, trusting in God’s wisdom and guidance as we navigate the journey of faith, confident that He will establish our steps and lead us into His abundant plans for our lives.
Food Pantry | Our city needs our help!
Last year the Food Pantry supported 96 families with 231 visits who were in need of crisis support. 96 families! Imagine, they could be your friends or neighbours. Families who are doing it tough. The City of Casey Council recognised the generous support the Food Pantry and volunteers give to our local community. Council presented BCOC Food Pantry with the ‘Community Group of the Year’ award. Let’s reach out and show our support by purchasing something from our list in your next shop. You can drop it off in the Food Pantry basket located in the foyer, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or Sundays 9am-12 noon.
Let’s Love People and Serve Our City, and buy one item to be His presence in the City of Casey!
- Biscuits (e.g. Arnott’s)
- Jam Spreads
- Pasta sauces
- Olive oil
- Muesli bars
- Tinned tuna
- Soup (e.g. tinned, powdered)
- Long life milk
- Toothpaste & toothbrushes
- Shampoo & conditioner
- Blankets
We also accept cash, card, and online donations. Payment via cash or car can be made during the above times or you can donate online.
- Account name: Berwick Church of Christ Inc.
- BSB: 033 609
- Account number: 434168
- Reference: FOOD PANTRY
>>>FOOD PANTRY<<<
Playgroup | News
This term we are running a Lifekeys Woman to Woman group full of ladies who are connected to our Playgroup! And we also have playgroup couples booked in to do the Marriage Course! Some of these people also have a connection to our church – but some don’t, so please pray as they draw closer to the church and to Christ through doing these courses.
We always welcome new families and helpers at Playgroup – you can express interest here.
And if you are interested in doing the Woman to Woman program next time we run it, you can join our waiting list using this form. More information can be found here. Sue 0403 822 324.
Fuse Youth | Friday 14th July
This week we are back with an annual favourite, CHRISTMAS IN JULY! Come in your Christmas attire (ugly Christmas sweaters are highly encouraged) for a night of Christmas themed everything! 7-9.30pm, $5!
>>>FUSE YOUTH<<<
Sunday Service | Life By Design – Purpose
Are you tired of feeling like life is happening to you instead of taking control of your destiny? Do you yearn for a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and accuracy? Look no further! Our new series will reveal the transformative difference between living by God’s design and living by default.
Discover how to break free from the shackles of routine, mediocrity, and societal expectations. Unleash your capacity, harness your potential, and embrace a life where you rule over circumstance. Learn how to set eternally meaningful goals, create actionable Kingdom plans, and cultivate godly habits that align with your faith.
Join us as we delve into the secrets of intentional living, guiding you toward a future defined by good choices and honorable aspirations. God’s Word will ignite your passion, empower your mindset, and equip you with practical tools to design the life you truly desire.
In this series Life By Design, you will:
- Gain a clear understanding of the key differences between living by design and living by default.
- Develop a compelling vision for your future, rooted in God’s purpose and your authenticity.
- Learn powerful strategies to identify and overcome self-limiting beliefs that hold you back.
- Acquire practical techniques to set effective goals and create an actionable pathway to purpose.
- Cultivate a Kingdom mindset and embrace change as a catalyst for personal growth.
- Discover the importance of self-care, balance, and prioritizing your well-being in the pursuit of His Kingdom.
- Whether you’re a business professional, an entrepreneur, or an individual seeking personal growth, this transformative series will equip you with the tools to redefine your life. Step out of the shadows of default living and design a future that reflects your Godly potential.
Don’t settle for a life of passivity—grab this opportunity to take charge and design the life you’ve always dreamed of! Plan to be there and unlock the power of intentional living!
>>>WATCH ONLINE<<<
Kids Church | Sunday 16th July
This week Kids Church…
2 to 4-year-olds | Paul is shipwrecked | Acts 27:1-2, 14-25, 33-36, 41. Acts 28: 1-2, 7-9
5 to 12-year-olds | The perfect storm | Acts 27: 1- 28:10
>>>KIDS CHURCH<<<
Forge Young Adults Service | Sunday 16th July
Hey Youth and Young Adults! Our next Y&Y service is at 5.30pm on the 16th July!!! We have an amazing panel of speakers ready to share what is on their heart, so make sure you are there and bring your friends! Also, join us in a time of fellowship and food after the service See you there!
>>>FORGE YOUNG ADULTS<<<
Men's Prayer Group | Sunday 16th July
The Men’s Prayer Group is a group of men who meet to pray together. The group meets at the church every Sunday evening. Where individuals spend time in prayer, worship, and fellowship together as men who walk together to seek the face of God. Starts 5.45pm.
>>>MEN'S PRAYER GROUP<<<
Boys Brigade | Monday 17th July
Be part of the action Monday night. For over 20 years the Boys Brigade has advanced Christ’s Kingdom among boys.
ANCHORS | Grades 1 & 2: 6pm – 7.15pm
JUNIORS | Grades 3 – 6: 7pm – 8.30pm
SENIORS | Grades 7 to 18 years old: 7pm – 9.30pm
>>>BOYS BRIGADE<<<
Search To Find Course | Tuesday 18th July
Is there a better option for life? Experience connection, hope, and purpose. Come along to an initial meal and Introductory Talk, ‘Is it True?’ You then decide if you would like to continue the search.
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
GTM 2 Course | Tuesday 18th July
GTM 2 is aimed at developing deeper levels of intimacy and obedience to Christ and is an option for further growth for those who have completed the first unit.
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Mental Health Support Gathering | Tuesday 18th July
The Mental Health Support Gatherings is a ministry of the Berwick Church of Christ. We have been serving our community with support for over 150 years. You may be interested or might want to refer someone you care about to this opportunity.
We have two discussion rooms:
• one for people who live with a mental health issue/s; and
• one for those who are caring for them.
The Mental Health Support Gatherings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month from 7:30pm to 9:30pm.
>>>MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GATHERING<<<
Alpha Marriage Course | Wednesday 19th July
The Marriage Course is for couples who are seeking to strengthen their relationship. Some couples do the course to intentionally invest in their relationship, others are looking to address more specific challenges. Either way, the course offers essential tools and practical ideas to help you build a relationship that lasts a lifetime.
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Seniors Ministry | Wednesday 26th July
Shine up your crown or tiara as we celebrate the new King’s coronation with all things British. Prizes will be awarded for the best hat/fascinator, men’s & women’s royal outfit. A royal afternoon tea will be served. 1.30pm – 4.00pm.
>>>SENIORS MINISTRY<<<
Activation Workshops – Ken Fish | Saturday 29th July
Ken is from Los Angeles and is the founder of Orbis Ministries. Has ministered extensively in Australia as well as over 50 other countries. Ken has been involved in equipping the people of God for supernatural ministry for more than thirty years. Ken leads conferences on envisioning, leadership, Prophecy, Healing, Inner Healing, Deliverance, Sexual Brokenness, Signs and Wonders, and Hearing God’s voice. He has a humorous, laid-back style that lends itself to helping others become “naturally supernatural.”
Ken will be running two Activation Workshops on Saturday and Sunday afternoon and he will speak at our public Sunday 10am morning service.
The Sunday morning service is open to anyone, including those wanting prayer for healing or freedom.
The Activation workshop is a training event, especially for leaders and those with a heart to minister healing and freedom to others. Booking for the workshop is essential and numbers are limited.
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Exploring Partnership | Saturday 30th July
You may have been attending our events or even become part of a close-knit group of people in our community. We would love for you to consider taking up a partnership with us in fulfilling God’s call on our movement. Exploring Partnership is an important step in discovering how you can fit into Berwick Church of Christ. It is an orientation towards what makes us unique and how we function as a community. You will get to know the leadership and we will talk about how you can partner with us to make our vision a reality.
>>>BOOK NOW<<<
Thank you for being His Presence in Every Place!
BRAAM BOTHA
Senior Pastor
