Reach Community Church 2/177 Beavers Road Northcote VIC 3070
Tel: (03) 9481 6889 Email: info@reachcc.org Website: reachcc.org Pastor: Victor Soo Church Administrator: Sharon Oen
Rea wel ch Com ons comes muni (subite cele you baty Chur on ject to bratio ck to ch che COVID gover n servi our info ck our restric nment ce rma web tion p tion site ). Pl olicy . for u ease p-to -dat e
CHURCH SERVICE Celebration Service
Sunday
l 10am - 11:30am
Fellowship Lunch
Sunday
l 12pm - 1pm
REACH Kids
Sunday
l 10:30am - 11:30am
PRAYER MEETING
Monthly Ministry & Prayer Intercessory Prayer
1st Friday of the Month l 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Tuesday l 7.30pm - 9.30pm
via Zoom, please contact our office for further information.
BIBLE STUDY Young Adults
University & Youth Groups
Family
Wednesday l 7.30pm - 9.30pm Friday l 7.30pm - 9.30pm Monday l 8pm - 10pm
Friday l 7.30pm - 9.30pm
OTHER ACTIVITIES
MOPS (Mothers of Pre-schoolers)
Men’s Breakfast
Reach United Football Club matches
Praise Dance Table Tennis
Ukulele for beginners
Every 2nd & 4th Friday l 10am - 12pm
20th Mar, 19th June, 16th Oct 11th April, 19th September Thursday l 10am - 12pm Thursday l 10am - 12pm Thursday l 1pm - 2pm
Welcome to this 23rd issue of REACH. During this cold and gloomy winter, let us continue to Practise Diligence and Surprise the World by Cherishing and Strengthening Relationships. Being ruled by the truth of God’s Word, not our feelings, we can overcome The (not) Great Detour and thrive in the winter, knowing that God’s love enable us to sing “None of self, and all of Thee”.
Reach Message
Cherishing and Strengthening Relationships Reach Insight
Being ruled by the truth of God’s Word, not our feelings Reach Book Review
Surprise the World Reach Testimony
The (not) Great Detour Reach Character
Practise Diligence Reach Song
None of self, and all of Thee Reach Recipe
Chicken Adobo Reach Teaser
Crossword – Sermon on the Mount
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welcome
Cherishing and strengthening relationships
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Reach Message
Reach / Winter 2021
By Pastor Victor Soo
It is easy to like someone when you meet them for the first time. They might appear very sincere, kind, loving, and generous. You wish to have known them earlier. However, over time, you realise that they are not all they appeared to be. Soon you are not so sure of the nice thoughts you experienced at the first meeting. Later, you realise that this same person is most difficult to get along with. This person has now become the most obnoxious, over-bearing and most selfish human you have ever met. In reality, it is not simple to love everyone. Most people are generally easy to get along with; and the number of those who are a challenge, thankfully, is small. But when this small group steps on your toes, they can cause a big hurt or offence. Remember, God loves them too despite their shortfalls. So you need to love them too. Hurts must be dealt with, before it goes around as a vicious circle. Hurts and bitterness set you on that vicious cycle and you go round, and round, and round, rehearsing the offence in your mind. This is not only a futile exercise but a health hazard. Sadly, many people depress themselves in this way. They wake up with the burdens of the hurts, bitterness and emotional baggage. They are consumed and possessed by these woes. Their life is badly poisoned and they suffer physical and mental health issues. We read stories where family feuds go on for many generations. The story of Romeo and Juliet is like that. Wars and genocides resulting from unresolved squabbles between a few, but resulting in the deaths of thousands and millions of people.
To love is God's Command
1 John 4:7-12 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. (Emphasis added)
The whole Gospel is wrapped around giving. God the Father gave us His Son. When Christ went around in His ministry, He gave all His love and ultimately His life. Now, we are called to replicate His way by going around and loving even the unlovely, the difficult, the tough ones, and even our enemies. The demonstration of love is giving and this is the opposite of selfishness. The world gets hurt and naturally withdraws. But when the Christian is hurt, he is commanded to continue giving and not allow the thought of self-preservation and withdrawal to come upon him. We are blessed with a countless measure of love, to offer them freely to others, especially to the offending party. You can never give away all of God’s love. Keep sowing and loving others. But you say, “How can I love my enemy?” You can as the love of God is in you. When you become born again, the love of God comes upon you. So you can offer love as you receive it. When you do so, you allow God’s love to flow through you to that person who hurt you. To facilitate the flow, you open up your heart and focus on God’s love for you, and how He gave Himself for you. You loosen up and surrender all your fears, pain, and hurts to God, and release His love to that person causing the offence. God loves the peacemaker who goes all out to restore broken relationship. Make this a ministry to bring about reconciliation, for Christ came to reconcile us to His Father. Recognise that love covers a multitude of sin. 1 Peter 4:7-8 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”
To forgive quickly
Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Isn’t it ironic that we expect others to not only forgive us but forget our offences against them; but when the role is reversed, it becomes a different story. To love and to forgive is an act of the will. If you are willing, it is easier. If you are unwilling, it becomes impossible. You have a choice and it is not based on feelings. “Forgive” in Greek is aphiemi meaning “cry, forsake, lay aside, leave, let go, put away, yield”. When you forgive, you let go of the offence you have against God, others and even yourself. Some of you need to forgive yourselves; and some of you need to make it right with The Lord. By the way, God is never wrong and it is not His nature to hurt you or grieve you. When you hold on to offences, you hold on to unforgiveness, and lock in resentment, anger, and bitterness. When you forgive, you yield it, and this frees you from the entanglement of negative emotions.
Reach / Winter 2021
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Reach Message
Reach / Winter 2021
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Reach Message Minor offences become big and blow out of proportions, because the hurt becomes a festering wound. In the physical sense, a simple cut, when infected and left unattended, can turn into gangrene, which can cost you a limb or even your life. We must be so slow to get angry but most prompt to forgive, so the enemy have no time to stir things up. Do not carry such a baggage around for it tires you out quickly. When the enemy gets you through unforgiveness, your relationship with God and your friends gets messed up. Your life suffers as you become a prisoner of your emotions; your personality changes and you no longer are the happy and fun person. Ephesians 4:26-27 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, nor give place to the devil.
To speak righteously
Luke 6:27-29 But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. It is difficult to think honourably of those who offended you but easy to flare up each time you think of them. The offence does not only remain in you but choke you of your joy and zest for life. When your emotions hot up and you feel uptight, your blood pressure goes up. Satan comes along rubbing his hands in glee for he is only too happy to come to the party. He helps with the celebrations by adding fuel to the fire. He is always all fired up because hell is all flames and smokes. This happens in the media when the TV, radio, and newspapers sensationalise an unimportant news to make it a big news. To overcome hurts and offences, try to be honourable by not going low and dish out revenge. Forget the tit for tat but seek to be reconciled. Remember… you might dish out hurtful words that ignite misunderstanding. Do not fight pain for pain. Do not trade blows for blows. Instead, fight evil with good. Speak well of the offender and move on. In this way, you release yourself from replaying the events and emotions of the offence. Opening old wounds is not a wise thing to do. You risk exposing yourself to infections and subsequent death. But when you speak well, you allow the Holy Spirit to do His work of healing in your life. Do not bring up old offences when they had been dealt with. Give them up to God and move on. The best way to stop flashback and be healed from pain is to be honourable and speak well of the offender. Matthew 5:6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
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To speak honourably
Reach Message
Learn to offer others the benefit of doubt when you hear negative reports against you. Do not make any attempt to think any further about it. If it troubles you, commit it to God by saying something like, “Dear Lord, I heard Joe Blogg said this about me. I’m not sure whether he meant it but it hurt me badly. I give him the benefit of doubt as he is generally a very nice guy and this is unlike him. I ask that you take this pain away from me. I pray this in Jesus’ Name. Amen”. Often, the speaker meant no harm but our feelings mis-interpret or we over-react to something usually very small. Remember that Satan can deceive us and trick us in understanding the wrong thing. He is the accuser, and does the only thing that he is good at which is accusing others of wrongdoing. Learn to move on and think honourably of others. In this way, the enemy shall find no space in your life to hurt you. Examine your own mood and spirit, whether good things offered to you are contaminated because the vessel of your life is polluted. In conclusion, hurting people hurt people. Do not become a statistic and suffer the consequences of broken relationships. Acknowledge we are imperfect beings who are work in progress. Put aside pride, the overly sensitive self, and cherish people and their feelings. Yes, it is hard to forget the hurts but we can choose to forgive. Yes, you might be dealing with a repeat offender but instead of seeking for justice, love and pray for this person. Wisely consider the friendship that has taken years to cultivate and do not destroy it. Forgiveness shall develop character in you. John 13:34-35 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.
Reach / Winter 2021
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.
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Reach Insight
To be rul ed by t h e truth of G od ’s Wo rd , not ou r feelin gs
Reach / Winter 2021
By Kemi Aibinu
Our so called “modern world” is becoming more and more reactive to feelings above facts and truths. Lies are being promoted as truths as long as they hide under the statement “that’s the way I feel”. The danger is that feelings are never stable and hence can never be the truth. Feelings can never bring true freedom because they lack direction themselves. Our feelings are falling and broken because of sin. How can they be a reality on which we base our lives? No wonder confusion and depression are prevalent in our so-called “modern society” today. This is the result of allowing feelings to direct our lives. The Bible makes it clear that to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace (Romans 8:6). When you allow the Word of God to rule your life rather than feelings, it brings life. For example, when you feel sad or depressed, whether it be a result of chemical imbalance in your body or because you are having a bad day, the Word of God is the best cure. Instead of succumbing to that negative state of mind, look for God’s Word about joy and peace (Nehemiah 8:10), meditate on God’s Word again and again because this is the truth of who you are as a child of God. God’s Word is your reality, not how you feel. Let His Word bring life to your body because the spirit of Christ lives in you (Romans 8:11). You can apply this principle to sickness, disappointment or anything contrary to what the Bible promises. Working and living according to the truth of the Word of God is liberating. It brings life and strength to our body that is subjected to weakness and death. Working and living based on the dictates of our feelings brings sickness, weakness and a life of defeat (Romans 8:6-11). When we face difficult situation, most children of God will pray; however, for it to be effective, prayer needs to be according to God’s Word. We could pray and fast for days waiting on God to swing His “magical wand” and get us out of certain mess. But the Word of God says Christ has already done everything that we would ever need. 2 Peter 1:3 (AMP) For His divine power has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary for [a dynamic spiritual] life and godliness, through true and personal knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.
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Reach Insight
I know this works because I have applied it in my life many times. I remember one morning; I woke up very weak spiritually and physically (feelings). I had bad dreams in the night and negative thoughts clouded my mind as a result of the dreams. Thoughts of defeats and weaknesses overwhelmed me to the extent that I felt powerless and felt like I can’t help but to succumb to this defeat until maybe God comes to my rescue. Suddenly, I remember the above truth that God had taught me. I deliberately changed my thoughts and began to pray according to the promises of God. Rather than praying, “God please help me to overcome these thoughts”, I prayed, “thank you Lord for what you have already done for me through your death and resurrection. I raise up to work in this victory according to your promises for me” (I quoted few of those bible verses of the promises I had personally received from God’s Word). After few minutes of meditating on God’s truths and promises for me, I galvanised enough strength to fight the weaknesses and any seed of negativity that the enemy had sown in my thoughts through the dream. I was instantly free and had an amazing day that day. Friends, none of us are immune against negative thoughts or situation because we live in a fallen world. We can only overcome when we look beyond our feelings and redirect our lives to align with the truth of God’s Word. It takes a daily renewal of our mind. It is never a one-time thing. The bible says that “we are not ignorant of the devices of the enemy” (2 Corinthians 2:11). One of the greatest devices the enemy use against us is our own feelings. If we are used to placing our feelings above God’s Word, the enemy will constantly use it to defeat us. To live a victorious Christian life every day, we need to learn to make our feelings bow to the integrity of God’s Word that never fails. Numbers 23:19 (NIV) God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill? 2 Timothy 2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. In Matthew 24:35, Jesus said, Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. Let His word be your anchor. Believe it more than what you hear, see, feel, taste and smell. Believe it more than what your five senses tell you.
Reach / Winter 2021
He has given us everything we need to live a victorious life. God is waiting on us to raise up and enforce the freedom He has given us through active faith. One of the ways to do this is to allow the truth of God’s Word, rather than feelings, to rule our lives.
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Reach Book Review
S ur pri se t he World: T h e Five Habi t s of Highly Mi ssi onal People
Surprise the World: The Five Habits of Highly Missional People
Reach / Winter 2021
Author: Michael Frost Reviewed by David Giang
Author : Michael Frost
Reviewed by David Giang
Across your lifetime of reading, there are books that have a lasting impact on you because they have a simple message. Michael Frost’s Surprise the World: The Across your lifetime of reading, there are books that have a lasting impact on you because Five Habits of Highly Missional People is one of those books. He has been able to they have a simple message. Michael Frost’s Surprise the World: The Five Habits of Highly captivate his readers with an easy to remember framework about evangelism, and Missional People is one of those books. He has been able to captivate his readers with an it provides everyday believers the practical tools to cultivate new habits that will easy to remember framework about evangelism, and it provides everyday believers the change the world around them. If we can embed these simple lessons into the practical tools to cultivate new habits that will change the world around them. If we can rhythm of our lives, we will see the goodness of God and understand how we are to embed these simple lessons into the rhythm of our lives, we will see the goodness of God reconcile the world to Christ. and understand how we are to reconcile the world to Christ. Frost begins by asking a question, “What kind of life will evoke questions?” He Frost begins by asking a question, “What kind of life will evoke questions?” He points out points out that Christian philanthropy should not come as a surprise to most people, that Christian philanthropy should not come as a surprise to most people, nor living an nor living an upstanding life in the middle class. He suggests rather, what set of upstanding life in the middle class. He suggests rather, what set of rhythms or habits will rhythms or habits will foster a missional lifestyle that will intrigue others? This is foster a missional lifestyle that will intrigue others? This is where we are first introduced to where we are first introduced to the B.E.L.L.S framework. the B.E.L.L.S framework.
Bless Eat Listen Learn Sent
I will bless three people this week, at least one of whom is not a member of our church I will eat with three people this week, at least one of whom is not a member of our church I will spend at least one period of the week listening for the Spirit’s voice I will spend at least one period of the week learning Christ I will journal throughout the week about all the ways I alerted others to the universal reign of God through Christ
Bless To bless someone can take three different forms according to Frost: words of affirmation, acts of kindness and gifts. The simple act of blessing can have a huge evangelical impact and
Eat One of the most thought-provoking bible verses from this chapter was Luke 7:34, “The Son of Man has come eating and drinking”. Frost highlighted how the early church thrived under the rule of the Roman Empire by the practice of hospitality and the service of tables. Through sharing a meal together and conversing with one another, “conversion flowered from communion”. Did I hear someone say lunch? Listen A quieted heart is the best preparation for all this work of God. Setting aside dedicated time during the week to engage and listen to the Spirit’s voice will set up a divine appointment for the person whom God has prompted. Listening to the Holy Spirit is one of the five habits of highly missional people. Learn Can you think of a highly influential person who sparks global attention and somehow you know all these facts about him or her? That is the challenge presented by Frost, except the role model is Jesus. Study the gospels, read about Jesus, and further learning are the key steps to orientate our lives to things of Christ and enables us to give a clear account of the reason of our hope. Sent The final habit Frost identifies is the practice of journaling B.E.L.L moments to help us identify that we are sent by Christ to reconcile the world. This may be in the form of processing events, keeping a record of insights, asking important questions, or identifying ourselves differently. When we see ourselves as ambassadors of heaven then the call to action becomes central to our identity. Frost’s book Surprise the World: The Five Habits of Highly Missional People is about keeping it simple. And less is more. I greatly appreciate how easy it is to read and the profound impact it has had on churches from across the world. By creating missional habits that invite people to be curious about our faith, it opens the door for a world of opportunity to tell others about Jesus. “If our only habits as Christians are going to church and attending meetings, they’re not going to connect us with unbelievers nor invite their curiosity about our faith.” - Michael Frost
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Bless To bless someone can take three different forms according to Frost: words of affirmation, acts of kindness and gifts. The simple act of blessing can have a huge evangelical impact and a researcher recounts a study comparing a team of missionaries with two distinctive strategies. The “blessers” went with the intention of simply blessing people and the “converters” went about evangelising to everyone they encountered. What the study found was the group of “blessers” had almost 50 times as many conversions as the “converters”. Can you think of someone whom God wants you to bless this week?
Reach / Winter 2021
Reach Book Review
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Reach Testimony
The (not) Great Detour Reach / Winter 2021
By Kevin Hua
Elijah’s detour
When mentioning Elijah, we think of the fire at Mount Carmel, and challenging the prophets of Baal. But we gloss over his 3-year journey: beginning with God sending Elijah to call the king of Israel to repentance. Elijah faithfully declares a drought, yet God tells him to run and hide in a cave. He spent those 3 years hiding and waiting, first being fed by ravens, then hiding with a poor widow. When God finally calls him out of hiding, there is a brilliant display and Baal is defeated, yet Elijah is on the run again. (see 1 Kings 17-19)
Life’s detours
I can’t say I’ve ever made a bull spontaneously combust while in a pool of water, nor have I caused a drought, been fed by ravens, multiplied food or raised the dead. But like Elijah’s story, life seems to be full of detours, where our goal appears to be in front of us, yet we seem to be just waiting. This is our story; it is not about a miraculous healing or God turning things around in response to our faithfulness; it is a story about life’s detours.
The need to upsize
A little over 3 years ago, my family and I were living in a 2-bedroom unit. It was small, and the tour ended where it began, but it was ours. At the time, it was only the three of us: my wife, my son, and me. We knew we wanted a second child, and decided it was time to upgrade. We decided to build further away from the city, the price would be fixed, it would be predictable, there was no auction, and we could design it the way we wanted according to our budget.
Asking God
Recently, a friend shared a passage with me, from Joshua 9:14 “Then the men of Israel took some of their provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord.” When the Gibeonites deceived the Israelites, the Bible tells us they were successful because the Israelites did not ask God for His opinion. And this is something we ask ourselves, “Did we ask God back then?” I can still remember the ominous wind I felt just before signing the contract of purchase. Yet, we were convinced that we had prayed, and that God approved. And oftentimes, this is our challenge when talking to God, He does not respond the way most people do. And so, often we convince ourselves that God has approved, and yet find ourselves hitting a brick wall.
Reach / Winter 2021
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Reach Testimony
The first detour
Everything seemed to be going to plan, we purchased a block of land, we agreed on a floor plan, and the design of the house. This was going to be our dream home, but instead, it turned into a nightmare. First, we found out that the “Basic pack” was not included in our building quote, it was going to cost us a significant amount if we wanted to have a floor. Then, we found out we were expecting a second child, and this would significantly drop our borrowing capacity. We prayed, and we had others praying for us, but all signs seemed to be saying “no”. As a last desperate measure, we tried selling our unit to see if it would be enough. We had our unit anointed, and prayed day in day out; then, the property bubble burst and house prices dropped.
Learning to forgive (ourselves)
We blamed ourselves for “not being obedient to God” when we signed the land contract. We blamed ourselves for “not having enough faith” to see a miracle. But this was the wrong way to think because it suggests that we are in control (or that we control God). We needed to learn to forgive ourselves for our mistakes, and then trust God when He says, “Do not worry” (Matthew 6:34).
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Reach Testimony
Reach / Winter 2021
God bails us out
Do not be mistaken, there was no flashy miracle, no miraculous buyer with deep pockets willing to give us the money to build. Not only could we not afford to build, we were also contractually obligated to settle the land and build according to estate specifications with money we did not have. This was a process of great anxiety for us. The many restrictions on the land contract made novation near impossible. But God did bail us out. First, the builder gave us a full refund of our deposit. Then, He sent Christian lawyers, friends, and a real estate agent to help us to novate the land, navigating through each challenge.
Giving thanks to God during the trials
Christians are an odd bunch, we praise God for the good times, but we also praise Him during our struggles. At the time, our cell group was studying from the Book of Acts, and the name Silas was impressed upon me. Paul’s disciple Silas became known as the “friend in troubled times”, having accompanied Paul through many trials. And so, where we had named our eldest Daniel, with a prayer that he would live with the courage of God; we named our youngest Silas, as a prayer of thanksgiving. God had given us Silas to comfort us and ease our burdens during this period of struggle.
The second detour
We spent another year in that 2-bedroom unit, when my wife reminded me that it is time to move on. This time, we decided to rent before buying. The plan was to rent a house and sell our unit so that we could be more confident over what we could afford. We sold our unit, and moved into a rental property. We started inspecting houses and attending auctions, then COVID-19 happened, and people started panic-buying houses. Before long, Victoria went into lockdown. Unable to inspect properties, we decided to extend our lease.
Blessings in trials
I’d like to remind the married men in the church, if you struggle to hear God, He gives us godly women who will more than happily speak, and I thank God that my wife did. We could not have known that there was going to be a global pandemic, so in retrospect, I have come to realise that because my wife had prompted the sale of our unit, we benefited twice. First, we sold our unit before the pandemic became a global concern. Secondly, during lockdown, we were able to enjoy a larger 3-bedroom house, even if we were only renting it.
Reach / Winter 2021
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Reach Testimony
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I [God] know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” COVID-19 has been hard for a lot of people, and our struggles do not even come close to comparing. The world is not fair, but Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33), and the promise written by Jeremiah is not that life will be rosy, but that God will see us through to the other side, because He loves us and will always make a way.
Redeeming time, enjoying the wait
Looking back, despite going on a 3-year detour, it was not a loss, it was gain. Because we could not afford to build, we had more time to say our goodbyes to the neighbours we loved. When Melbourne went into lockdown, I could work from home, a dream come true. We explored and enjoyed the new neighbourhood of the rental property and learnt what we wanted from a home. We built relationships and went on adventures. We were waiting, but we were never bored.
Conclusion to a journey
As the lockdown eased and the real estate market resumed, we got a mortgage approval, inspected properties, bid and lost. But finally, we secured our new home, in a better location than the land from 3 years ago, a larger block of land, and many extras we could not have afforded if we built. Every now and then, at the end of the day, I pause and reflect on how blessed we are to have a God who loves us so much. We have a loving God, who gave his very life for our salvation; He withholds nothing from His children (Romans 8:32).
To those on a detour
Life is full of detours, whether it is a detour from finding love, financial independence, building a family, or a family home; but they are just that, detours, nothing more. This very life itself is a detour, we are all waiting for Jesus as He prepares our room in Heaven (John 14:1-3). But along the way, there are blessings and God is faithful, keeping and delivering on all His promises.
Reach Character
Reach / Winter 2021
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Practise Diligence Develop good character takes time.
Practise Diligence
To be diligent requires dedication,
determination, devotion, and discipline. There is no shortcut. Let us persevere
Develop good character takes time. To be diligent requires dedication, determination, and in due time, we will reap the fruit of our hard works. devotion, and discipline. There is no shortcut. Let us persevere and in due time, we will reap the fruit of our hard works.
Do our works with the utmost standard.
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, know that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. (Colossians 3:23‐24)
Invest our time and effort to set priorities to fulfill our callings.
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble. (2 Peter 1:10)
Learn to be disciplined and not procrastinate.
No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:11, NIV)
Immerse ourselves in God’s Word.
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15, NLT)
Give attention to the vision for
Where there is no vision [no revelation of God and His word], the people are unrestrained; but happy and blessed is he who keeps the law [of God]. (Proverbs 29:18, AMP)
Establish a timetable or plan to ensure we use our time wisely.
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. (Proverbs 21:5, NLT)
Not to be lazy.
He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. (Proverbs 10:4)
our life.
A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest – then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber. (Proverbs 24:33‐34, NLT)
Complete each task assigned to
At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm. (Nehemiah 4:6, NLT)
Engage fully to our assigned tasks.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58, NIV)
us in a timely manner.
Hymn:
None of self, and all of Thee
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Reach Song
This song reflects the Christian journey so well, moving from vanity and pride “all of self, and none of Thee”, to being found “some of self, and some of Thee”, to being won “less of self, and more of Thee”, to eventually being conquered by God’s love “none of self, and all of Thee”. May we all be able to declare as we grow in maturity that “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
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Oh, the bitter shame and sorrow, That a time could ever be,
When I let the Saviour’s pity
Plead in vain, and proudly answered: All of self, and none of Thee, All of self, and none of Thee. Yet He found me; I beheld Him Bleeding on the cursed tree;
Heard Him pray: forgive them, Father, And my wistful heart said faintly: Some of self, and some of Thee, Some of self, and some of Thee. Day by Day His tender mercy,
Healing, helping, full and free,
Sweet and strong, and ah! So patient, Brought me lower while I whispered: Less of self, and more of Thee, Less of self, and more of Thee. Higher than the highest heaven, Deeper than the deepest sea,
Lord, Thy love at last hath conquered; Grant me now my heart’s petition: None of self, and all of Thee, None of self, and all of Thee.
Reach / Winter 2021
Lyrics by Theodore Monod (1836-1921) Music by James Mountain (1844-1933)
Reach / Winter 2021
18
Reach Recipe
Chicken Adobo By Sarah McGregor
Chicken Adobo is a well-known dish originated in Philippines. There are many variations of the recipe, this one has the sweetness and tanginess of the Sprite, and is best served with rice. Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (cut into pieces) 8 cloves of garlic (chopped) 1 onion (sliced) 1 tsp ground black pepper 4 whole cloves
3 pieces of dried bay leaves 1 cup of soy sauce 1 cup of vinegar 1/3 cup of Sprite
Method: 1. Heat oil in a saucepan; add chicken and saute until the chicken is golden brown. 2. Add garlic and onion, cook until garlic and onion are lightly browned. 3. Add ground black pepper, whole cloves, bay leaves, soy sauce and vinegar. 4. Let it boil for 2 minutes, then turn down the heat to simmer for 20 to 35 minutes, until the chicken is tender and the liquid reduced. 5. Taste and adjust to suit your taste (should be a bit tangy). 6. Add Sprite and simmer for 5 more minutes. 7. The dish is ready to be served.
Crossword Sermon on the Mount
Reach / Autumn 2021
19
Reach Teaser
See how well you know the Sermon on the Mount by filling in the blank of the following Bible verses, taken from Matthew 5.
came