Reach Reflection

Self-control The surest formula for self-control is Spirit-control. He dwells within to help us overcome the appetites of the flesh. We lose control and wreck ourselves when we do not have power brakes activated by the power of the Holy Spirit. Self-control is most important in our lives. When we lack self-control, we are in bondage – outof-control rage and passion gets us into trouble.

Self-control starts with our identification with Christ – knowing that we are children of the most high God!

Self-control is NOT a gift, it is a fruit. A fruit is something that grows - not a matter of instant results. We must allow God to work in us to get the fruit, and then get the fruit to grow.

So what is controlling you? Smoking? Substances? Pornography? Gossip? Internet gaming? Vanity? Adultery? Sex? Fear of man?

There are many traps and snares out there. The Bible tells us what they all are. It starts when you cross that line of thinking and considering it. We must all live pure and godly lifestyles. We need to be accountable to someone. The apostle Paul says, “ But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection…” (1 Cor. 9:27)

In Greek mythology, Ulysses, aware of the danger of the sirens and their deadly song, tied himself to the mast to restrain him. Crudely effective as it was, he was still tied up - he was in bondage.

In contrast with Jason (Argo) – he got the best lute player that he could find. At the first sound of the sirens, he got the lute player to play the sweetest best music. The sirens were rendered ineffective because the lute sounded sweeter.

Jesus is that beautiful sound. We need to hear THE Master’s voice!

The grass is not greener on the other side of the fence – it is greener where it is wellwatered!

Every life bears some sort of fruit, good or bad. Let us make sure that the right tree is planted. To harvest the right fruits, there must be the right roots. Remember, THE DEEPER THE ROOT, THE GREATER THE FRUIT!

To ensure spiritual health, let us make sure that we give daily attention and response to the tree of the Spirit. To live the abundant life, let us do right by the tree of the Spirit. Remember the words of our Lord: “ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be My disciples” (John 15:8).

To experience the full fruit of the Spirit, we must recognise that the Holy Spirit does dwell within us and that all of His purposes are always for our benefit. We need to respond to the wonderful and exciting truth that God’s greatest works arise from within us rather than from external stimuli. The Holy Spirit is eager to produce within us that attitude and disposition of heart and mind that will manifest itself in our conduct and cause others to see the beauty of Christ within us.

Reach Reflection For when I am weak then I am strong By L.C

For when I am weak, then I am strong? What an oxymoron! Some of you might ask, “What is an oxymoron?” Well, according to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, it is “a combination of contradictory or incongruous words (such as cruel kindness), or something (such as a concept) that is made up of contradictory or incongruous elements.” There are many oxymorons used in the English language, some common examples: Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is frequently described as a tragic comedy (or is it comic tragedy?); Mr Right as awfully nice (but after the wedding fairly awful); and Miss Right as awfully pretty (but after the wedding pretty ugly). OK, you get the idea.

The two well-known “oxymorons” in the Bible are: So the last will be first, and the first last. (Matthew 20:16a) and For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10b)

In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul explained that he had every reason to boast, but he was given “a thorn in the flesh” to keep him from boasting about his advantages and achievements in life. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

What does this mean? How can we be strong when we are weak? The meaning of these verses dawned on me recently. I have been involved in a fortnightly children’s ministry reaching out to children who live in the public housing of Collingwood. Last year, I was given the responsibility of tutoring (together with a few other volunteers) and mentoring two groups of senior students. One group consisted of 4-5 girls, ranging from Grade 5 to Year 8. Apart from tutoring Maths and English, I was responsible for the “Chat time” – an allocated time of 20-30 minutes, on any topic of my choice, to impart on them. Some topics we covered last year included peace comes from knowing God, the love of God, and peer pressure.