Lawrence’s Thoughts Nov/Dec 2015

An interesting title, Lawrence’s Thoughts. If you knew the content of half of the thoughts that went through my head, you might reconsider reading this column! If you thought that this was all I thought about then you’d probably think I was crazy or at the very least lying. Let me reassure you, that this column only contains some of my thoughts and those thoughts are very filtered to ensure that you receive the best that my mind can offer.
 
I was inspired to see on the front page of last week’s Kapiti News, a photo of Dave Orchard with some of our young people (amongst others) representing the new Kapiti Youth Centre which is being developed. God is amazing how he orchestrates things. He calls people, speaks vision into hearts, draws people and gives us opportunity to influence. As we say yes to him, are patient and faithful to his call; he brings things together for his glory and purpose. Please continue to pray for Dave and Emma as they walk in what God has called them to with Zeal.
 
Regarding Activate Youth, our youth ministry, Leanne & Geoff have been absolute champions in stepping into an interim Youth Leader’s role for the last two terms of 2015. They really love our youth and want to see them encounter God for themselves, growing into the men & women he has created them to be. I want to honour them for the sacrifice and service they have given to our church in this ministry. As we look to 2016, we are looking for new Youth Leaders to carry on the great work that is happening. Please join us in praying for the right people to be identified for this key role.
 
The Marriage Course has been fantastic! Philippa and I have had the privilege of being spoilt over the last 6 weeks to great input into our marriage coupled with some amazing hosting and hospitality from Duncan & Becs’ Lifegroup. I believe that there is a plan to run the course again and I recommend you and your partner consider attending. Why not invite friends to join you in attending? The course is not ‘in your face’ Christian and it provides tools helpful for all the various relationships between a man and a woman nowadays.
 
As we head into Christmas, there are a few events which you’ll need to know about so you can join in on them:
Carols by the Sea 12 December
End 2015 Celebration Service 20 December
Christmas Eve Service 24 December
 
Also, in January, KIC’s tradition has been to have bring’n’share BBQ’s at different homes on the Sunday evenings. If you would like to host one of those, please contact Nyria at the Hub.
 
I want to leave with this passage from Romans 8:9-14 The Message:
 
But if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, won’t know what we’re talking about. But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells—even though you still experience all the limitations of sin—you yourself experience life on God’s terms. It stands to reason, doesn’t it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he’ll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ’s! So don’t you see that we don’t owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There’s nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God’s Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go!
 
As we move unerringly towards Christmas and 2016, I want to encourage you that the way of Jesus is not a way of silliness, stress and strain; it’s one of purpose, reflection and celebration! Please guard yourself so you don’t get caught up in the world’s way of this season. Instead, take time to pause, reflect, then act with love, purpose and consideration so we can truly celebrate the Advent (the coming) of Jesus amongst our Kapiti Coast community.
 
Blessings
Lawrence