Autumn Edition
Issue
10
Reach Community Church 2/177 Beavers Road Northcote VIC 3070
Tel: (03) 9481 6889 Email: info@reachcc.org
www.reachcc.org
Pastor: Victor Soo Church Administrator: Sharon Oen
CHURCH SERVICE Celebration Service REACH Kids
Chinese Service
Sunday Sunday
l 10am - 12pm l 11am - 12pm
Saturday l 7pm - 9pm
PRAYER MEETING
Monthly Ministry & Prayer Intercessory Prayer
1st Friday of the Month l 7.30pm - 9.30pm
Tuesday l 7.30pm - 9.30pm
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 Praise Dance
MOPS (Mothers of Pre-schoolers)
Ladies’ Meeting Men’s Breakfast
Thursday l 10am - 12pm Every 2nd & 4th Friday l 10am - 12pm Quarterly Quarterly
to the tenth issue of REACH. In this issue, we have lots for you! Like a bargain? How does exchanging excess baggage for endless blessings sound to you? How about remaining free in Christ? Sound impossible? Try to trust and obey, and practise obedience, the development of Godly character will make all things possible. If you are or know someone who is in the final year of high school, spread the news that learning from God’s created creatures might help to de-stress,or if you prefer, cook up a delicious Malaysian Kapitan chicken curry.
4_
Reach Testimony
Exchanging excess baggage for endless blessings 6_ Reach Message
Remaining free in Christ 10_ Reach Teaser
Godly Character
11_
Reach Character
Practise Obedience
12_
Reach Reflection
Trust and Obey 14_
Reach Testimony
Final Year Of High School 17_
Reach Junior
Learning from God’s Created Creatures 19_ Reach Recipe
Kapitan Chicken Curry
3 Reach / Autumn 2018
INSIDE
Reach / Autumn 2018
4
Reach Testimony
Exchanging Excess Baggage for endless blessings By Kent Lim
Looking back at my younger years, one attribute I lack was self-confidence. I started as a slow learner and did not have much achievement academically or in extracurricular activities. When I compared myself with my peers, the feeling of inadequacy often kicked in. Besides, being overweight did not help. The teasing lowered my self-esteem even more. To make myself feel good, I often reached for food for comfort and to ease the hurt. The ongoing binge eating led to an unhealthy state. In addition, exercise or sports were not my preferred activities. Due to self-doubt and wrong body image, I had difficulty fitting in with my peers, especially with boys who bonded through sports and physical activities. I therefore resolved to other measures for acceptance. I tried to gain attention by wearing branded clothes or owning the latest gadgets such as game consoles or mobile phones. These material interests helped me gain friendships and secure a place in the circle. My entire primary and secondary education were completed in Malaysia, where being academically strong was regarded very favourably. Since I was hopeless in sports and skills that require physical coordination, I knew I had to do well in my studies to be “somebody”. So I invested my time into it and my effort paid off. I achieved good results in high school and carried on to graduate from university. These accomplishments helped to restore my low self-worth. Since discovering that method, I began to wear a good boy hat. I concluded that as long as I do well academically or in my career and stay out of trouble, I prove that I am as good as others, and indeed on a good track in life. However, it was a tiring image to maintain. This insecure behaviour continued into my adulthood. At work, in order to please my bosses or colleagues, I would not turn down a job request or favour. I felt obliged to accept more work even though I knew I had no capacity to take more on. I simply could not reply with the word “NO”. I was fearful of disappointing others and the possibility that others might be disappointed in me or my ability. In my Christian walk, I applied the same principle that I needed to perform for God, to prove that I am worthy. I attended church services, small group meetings, prayer gatherings, and read the Bible religiously. Don’t get me wrong! These are all very good things and what Christians ought to do. However, my motive was to receive affirmation from others and to collect brownie points in the eyes of God.
Recently, I attended a Christian course and it struck me that such behaviour had rooted from my adolescence. The program was facilitated in a safe environment and guided me to recall and vocalise my past insecurities. It helped me identify the masks that I had worn to hide my weaknesses and the real me. Through the years, I had become really good at putting on a “show” and hid behind a pseudo character. I truly believe that many of us carry excess baggage from our past. Due to the fallen world (into sin) and imperfect environment, negative personal experiences creep into our lives that were initially meant for good by God. These imperfections cause us to be shameful, and hence attempt to conceal them to avoid judgement of others. Many of us, in some ways or another, struggle to hide these flaws. Though I had acted out mainly in a positive manner, it could easily have gone the wrong way. Some people ended up being dependent on substance of abuse to ease their painful experiences or spiralled into some kind of habitual wrongdoings and became stuck in a vicious cycle. At the completion of the Christian course, I realised that I should not continue in such pattern, otherwise I would burn out sooner or later. My story shared here is just a small part of my discovery. More importantly, the program laid a deeper conviction that God is my hope and confidence. He has fearfully and wonderfully made me and He alone is sufficient for me. I am thankful that I can live life with Him, together with brothers and sisters in Christ who are willing to support and encourage each other in the journey of life. Are you aware of any walls that you have built in your life because of past hurt or personal shortcomings? Are there any past experiences that are hindering you from moving forward? Are you struggling to overcome these on your own? Jesus exchanged His life at the Cross for our sins and iniquities. He came to set us free, once and for all. He came to give us hope and life in abundance. Surrender yourself at the cross and exchange your excess baggage for an abundant life.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Reach / Autumn 2018
5
Reach Testimony
Reach / Autumn 2018
6
Reach Message
Remaining free in Christ
Set free by Christ
Do you feel guilty or depressed, under pressure or anxious, even after you claimed to have believed in Jesus Christ? Do you wonder what rituals and performance are required to remain accepted by God? This kind of guilty lifestyle offers no hope. It only enslaves. God, out of love, gave His only begotten son Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sins, so that through His death, burial, and resurrection we are saved. The effect is that once we believe in this finished work of Christ, we are free from the guilt of sin and acquitted from the penalty of eternal death. Galatians 3:13 says, ‘Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”)’. Today, Satan’s tactic against those who claimed to have accepted Christ is to enslave them with guilt, low confidence in God, worthlessness and fear. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us that ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!’ Guilt and shame belong to our old life, but the new life is freedom from guilt and shame.
We must remain free from condemnation and fear.
‘There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus’ (Romans 8:1a).
We now have the Spirit of God in us. ‘Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ’ (Romans 5:1). We are no longer in bondage. Paul wrote in Galatians 4:4-5, ‘But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons’. He paid the price once and for all (see Hebrews 10:10). We must never forget that we are God’s children, inheritors of God’s promises through Christ (see Galatians 4:6-7). As children, we have a permanent place in the family of God and we are free indeed (see John 8:35-36). In Hebrews 2:14-15, it says that Jesus “shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death - that is, the devil and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death”. Jesus Christ came to help you and me, not angels (see Hebrews 2:16). We can remain free!
7
Reach Message
Our freedom is not because of our ability to satisfy God but by grace through faith in Christ. Our security comes by believing in Jesus Christ. As children of God, we are to continue to believe and not to lean on any rituals or performances. We must never substitute ritual or law for Christ as the basis of our salvation and acceptance by God. Ephesians 2:8-9 says that ‘For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast’. The event in the Galatian church is instructive (see Galatians 3-5): after believing in the gospel - the death and resurrection of Jesus - the Galatian Christians became saved and they experienced the power of the Spirit of God and witnessed many miracles. However, false teachers started teaching them that Jesus Christ had not come to give them the new and living way to salvation, but to add new teachings to the existing law. Today, many people also believe this erroneous teaching. These false teachers then required the Galatian Christians to be circumcised in accordance with the Old Testament ordinances to be acceptable by God. Paul then wrote a letter to the Galatians to admonish them and to warn them of the impeding fall from the grace of God and the need to stand in Christ alone as the basis of their salvation and freedom.
Paul wrote: ‘Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love’ (Galatians 5:1-6). Paul’s letter makes it very clear: we must stand and remain only in the liberty that Christ gives. What matters to God is FAITH (believing) working through love. Paul also wrote in Colossians 1: 21-23, ‘Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behaviour. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation - if you continue in your faith, established and firm, and do not move from the hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant’.
Reach / Autumn 2018
Remain free through faith
Reach / Autumn 2018
8
Reach Message
Clearly, our redemption is hinged on Christ’s finished work only. After believing in Jesus Christ and accepting him into our hearts, we become free from all condemnations. If we are to remain free we must continue to believe, so that we are not bound by any ritual as the basis of our salvation, but are set free by the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus: ‘For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death’ (Romans 8:2). This higher spiritual law sets us free from the binding written codes and rituals which lead to death. Whereas the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus gives grace and teaches us to serve God acceptably because of His love for us and our love for him and not because we will be accepted by performing rituals. John 3:16 says, ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life’. It is impossible for God to love you more than he already has. All you need is to accept His love and not be ignorant of what he has already done. Keep believing
daily!
The truth is that there is no need for any rituals or performance. Knowing and accepting this and many other truths of God’s word will help you avoid getting caught with superstition, rules, guilt, and the deception of satan which makes you feel that you are not good enough to stand before God. Feelings of condemnation, internal accusation, and insecurity in God after receiving Jesus
limits experience of grace. It is satanic and deceptive. Continuing to believe and accept the truth of God’s word of freedom in Christ helps us to view our lives through the lens of Christ’s finished work and brings internal victory over condemnation of satan. Paul wrote: ‘Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalt itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.’ (2 Corinthians 10:5) Remain free through God’s Word So, if we must remain free in Christ, we must constantly keep the truth of God’s word in view and keep on believing. Jesus made this clear in John 8:31-36: ‘Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed”.
Only by abiding in the truth of God’s word will keep us free. James wrote: ‘But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does’ (James 1:25). The law of liberty is the law of the new life and birth. As we discover the law of liberty, our new life is spontaneous because of the love of God in our heart. If we are to discover and internalise the law of Spirit of life in Christ, and of liberty,
we must give ourselves to the study of the word of God as well as rely on the Holy Spirit to teach and show us the truth of God’s word. Jesus said in John 16:13: ‘However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come’. There is liberty when the Spirit of God reveals the truth of God in Christ. ‘Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty’ (2 Corinthians 3:17).
It is for freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1) May God bless you and may you continue to remain free in Christ!
Reach / Autumn 2018
9
Reach Message
10
Reach Teaser
Godly Character Characters
Availability Gentleness Patience
Contentment Gratefulness Persuasiveness Enthusiasm Forgiveness
Hospitality Loyalty
Definitions1 1.
Realising that true happiness does not depend on material conditions.
3.
Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to those I serve.
2. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and not holding a grudge. Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I serve. Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks.
Accepting a difficult situation without giving a deadline to remove it. Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, or conversation to benefit others.
Letting others know by my words and actions how they have benefited my life. Expressing joy in each task as I give it my best effort.
10. Showing consideration and personal concern for others.
1. Contentment 2. Forgiveness 3. Loyalty 4. Availability 5. Persuasiveness 6. Patience 7. Hospitality 8. Gratefulness 9. Enthusiasm 10. Gentleness Answers
Reach / Autumn 2018
Match each character with its definition. As you do it, meditate on some practical ways to display these characters in your daily life.
1 The definitions are taken from the Character First! Program, Character Training
Institute.
Practise Obedience
11
Reach Character
Open your heart and mind to receive
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (James 1:22)
Be prepared to enlarge your territory.
And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested. (1 Chronicles 4:10, NKJV)
Embrace discipline and correction.
People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray. (Proverbs 10:17, NLT)
and act on the Word of God.
Dare to be different!
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Immediate response.
I hasten and do not delay to keep your commandments. (Psalms 119:60)
Entrust yourself to God.
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
Not to be self-seeking.
But for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. (Romans 2:8)
Complete submission.
But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. (1 Samuel 15:22, NLT)
Emulate Jesus’ example
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Philippians 2:8) Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)
Reach / Autumn 2018
Practise Obedience
Obedience to God is not simply following a set of rules, it is about developing a Obedience to God is not simply following a set of rules, it is about developing a personal relationship personal relationship with God, to learn to discern His will for us, and to have the with God, to learn to discern His will for us, and to have the confidence to act on His Word. And the confidence to act on His Word. And the reward? A fulfilled life on the earth and an reward? A fulfilled life on the earth and an eternal life in heaven. eternal life in heaven.
Reach / Autumn 2018
12
Reach Reflection
Trust and Obey One of my nieces recently turned 10, and for the first time she had a birthday party. “What’s so special about turning 10?” I asked obliviously. I was informed that it signified her entering into the second decade of her life, her first age with 2-digit number! Since this is the 10th issue of REACH, I will take this opportunity to reflect on the journey…... In August 2015, during the worship time of a Sunday service, I saw a picture of the church members going out into the neighbourhood, with brochures in their hands. That same afternoon, at the S.T.E.P. class – a bible study class – we prayed for the neighbourhood of the church. While praying, the same picture appeared to me, and I felt a need to have our own church newsletter. “Why don’t you start one?” “But I have no idea how to!” Pioneering church newsletter would at least involve having ideas for its content, as well as writing and editing the content. Even though I had always loved reading and admired people who write well, my chosen career had dampened my ability and desire to write, and I had no training in editing. I went home that day and Google-searched “What does an editor do?” and I looked up websites on church newsletters. Despite these, I remained clueless; but the desire to start a newsletter grew stronger in me. After many weeks of praying and sharing with other Christians, I
decided to approach Pastor Victor about starting our own newsletter. When the Sunday came, I faltered, “What if this is not from God? What if pastor disagrees?” By the end of the church service, I decided to wait and pray for another week for more confirmation. But God had a different plan! After the service, while queuing up for lunch, Pastor Victor came and stood beside me, and I heard myself asking him about the newsletter. To my surprise, he exclaimed that it had been in his heart to have our own newsletter, “But who is going to be the editor?” “I will!” When I replied, “I will!” I had no idea where it would lead me. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions of my life – it led me onto a journey into the heart of God, taught me to rest in His promise, to let go of my own understanding, to trust and to depend on His wisdom. Importantly, I learned the following lessons about obedience to God: Valleys precede obedience On reflection, I realised that the valleys and the lows in my life were the times when my faith was strengthened. During these times, without exception, the presence of God was with me, He had always lifted me out of the deep abyss, and I developed a confidence that he has a special plan for me. These experiences taught me to entrust my life in His mighty hand. Even though I doubted my ability to pioneer this newsletter, I had the confidence that there must be a reason for it, and He would somehow enable me to fulfil the role.
Are you going through trials in your life? We might not be able to stop trials in our life, but we can always choose our response. When we respond in the right way, we will see the hand of God in our life. This confidence in God will take us into a deeper relationship with Him, a new level of obedience and life experience. The process of obedience Obedience is not easy because there will be obstacles, and many of these obstacles come from us. Even when I was certain about the newsletter, I couldn’t help but question, “What if pastor doesn’t want a church newsletter? What if he thinks I’m being conceited for volunteering myself to be the editor?” After all, I have no qualification to be one. “What if no one read it?” “Will I have the time and commitment to do this?” Can you see the pattern of my doubts? It is all about me! My fear of being rejected! Am I good enough? How about my free time? Obedience to God requires us to look beyond ourselves – our selfish desires, limited understanding, and narrow perspective – and turn our eyes to the subject of our obedience. Furthermore, when I hesitated in approaching pastor, God brought him to stand beside me. This is how well He knows us! God will not set us up for failures. He wants to guide us, step by step.
Reward follows obedience I cannot imagine how much I would have missed out if I did not step out in faith. The times I spent in preparing for the newsletters had been the most fulfilling times of my life. The times in seeking God’s direction in the content of the newsletter had quickened my sensitivity to His voice, and strengthened my faith in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. All these led to an overwhelming joy and contentment in my life. Not only that God guided me personally, He sent other people to help me – people who contributed articles, photos and pictures to the newsletters, people who helped me read through and edit the content, people with artistic talents who helped me with the graphic design, and people who read them and gave me constructive feedback. I learned to appreciate the diverse talents of people around me. Trials in life are opportunities for us to learn God’s character and to entrust our life to Him. This trust enables us to obey Him beyond our limited understanding and narrow perspective. When we trust and obey, we will be transformed inside out; but if we run away from His calling, we will never feel contended and be fulfilled in our life.
7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. 11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. - (Psalms 16:7-9, 11)
Reach / Autumn 2018
13
Reach Reflection
14
ReachTestimony
Sarah’s Testimony
Final Year of High School
Reach / Autumn 2018
By Sarah Oen
Going into year 12, I was both excited and anxious. I had heard from many people that it would be both the worst and the best year of my school life. Coming out of it, I agree that I have learnt a lot about the world, science and maths, as well as God and myself. Words of Encouragement In year 12, almost every person I met, I was asked two questions: “What subjects are you doing this year?” and “What are you looking to do after school?” To answer the first question, I did 5 subjects: English, Chemistry, Biology, Maths Methods, and Specialist Maths, in addition to Psychology the previous year. I was the Community Captain of my school and had to juggle other extracurricular activities such as choir and dancing, so year 12 was jam packed, stressful and I was under a lot of pressures the entire year. However, knowing God and trusting Him made year 12 much easier than other years. In previous years, I didn’t
depend on God as much, since school had been enjoyable, and getting good grades was easier. At the beginning of year 12, putting my best effort but only getting an ‘alright’ score was both disheartening and disappointing. After much prayer, guidance and stories from my parents and youth leaders, I started to trust God’s plan for me more, and I became more contented and more at peace with my studies. Some of the words of encouragement spoken over me throughout the year were from the Bible: Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (1 Peter 5:7, NLT) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
These bible verses encouraged and reminded me of God’s bigger picture. Knowing that I could give my best effort and leave the rest to God’s greater will for me, gave me peace throughout the year, especially during assessment season and exams. Words of Love In 2017, I learnt more about God’s character and how He works. I learnt that God displays his love and comfort to us through other people. I was blessed and fortunate to have an amazing support crew behind me the whole year. My number one cheer squad was my family. They supported me by demonstrating acts of love such as bringing me cups of tea, so I was able to work late into the night; staying up late at night with me; helping me understand the content of my hardest subject. I was very blessed to have such an incredible family, who also prayed and calmed me down before my exams, and put up with me for staying in
my room for 8 months. They spoke words of understanding and love, at my lowest point, when I cried to them that I wanted to quit, give up and get a job at Maccas, which fortunately they managed to talk me out of. I am thankful to God for placing me in such a loving family.
Reach / Autumn 2018
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)
15
Reach Testimony
I was also fortunate to have a great support group at school - great teachers who cared about my growth as a person and a good human being, and an amazing group of friends. I was privileged to have friends who wrote lengthy letters of encouragement at the right time and were always there for a comforting hug. I love being in a group of friends who are passionate about God and what He is going to do. Worshipping together during lunchtimes and on schoolies were some of my favourite moments. Sarah’s Testimony Being the last year of school life, year 12 was a very sentimental year. We were given many opportunities to stop and reflect. During these times I realised that God had taught me thankfulness and gratitude. I am thankful for an amazing family, school, a great group of friends, and a wonderful youth group.
16 Reach / Autumn 2018
The Word of God There are two types of people entering year 12: those who know exactly what they want to do, what course and at which university, and those who have no clue what they want to do and the means to get there. At the start of the year I was in category two, so whenever I was asked the second most frequently asked question “What do you want to do after school?” I was frustrated and annoyed as it was something I struggled with. I had a vague idea that I wanted to do something ‘sciency’ and wanted to aim high, so I set my sight on Biomedical Science. However, when the time came to enter preferences for courses and universities, I struggled with what God wanted me to do.
During this time God reminded me of Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope”. This gave me peace. After prayer I gained clarity in what God had in store for me. At the end of the year, I got a score that I was happy with and had enrolled in a double degree course of Bachelor of Secondary Education (honours) and Bachelor of Science. I am grateful for an amazing final year of high school and am looking forward to discover more about God and what He has in store for me.
When God created the living creatures on the earth, He saw that it was good (see Genesis 1). God created each creature with unique features. Many of them are specifically mentioned in the Bible. Let’s find out what the Bible say about them, and learn the characters of EAR (Endurance, Attentiveness, Responsibility) of the CDE (Camels, Deer, Eagles)1.
Enduring Camels Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, taking all sorts of choice gifts from his master; and he arose and went to Mesopotamia to the city of Nahor. And he made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time when women go out to draw water. (Genesis 24:10-11) Abraham sent his servant to travel from Hebron to the city of Nahor (or Haran) to look for a wife for his son Isaac. This was an 800 km journey! Undoubtedly, the servant would want to take with him animals which were reliable and able to endure such a long journey. Camels have been used for transportation, especially in dry and arid regions, for thousands of years. They are known for their endurance in harsh environment because God created them uniquely: 1. They can go without water for a long time, and can drink up to 150L of water at a time. 2. They can survive without food for more than a month. 3. They can endure extreme heat due to their unique body structure (see below). 4. They have unique toes that help them to travel better on sand.
5. They have three eyelids and two rows of long curly eyelashes which keep the sand from entering their eyes. They are also able to keep the sand away by closing their nostrils.
It is a misconception that camels store water in their humps. Instead, their humps are filled with fat tissue. Unlike other animals (and human!) who store fat throughout their bodies, camels store fat exclusively in their humps, leaving the rest of their body lean, with no layer of fat. This protects them from being overheated, because their body can expel heat better without the fat layer. The humps also deter heat from reaching their internal organs. In addition, the stored fat acts as a source of energy when water and food are not available. This fat can even turn into liquid when necessary. When the stored fat is used up, the hump shrinks and becomes loose. Endurance is an important character, it helps us to do the right thing even when it is hard to do so. Although we are not created like camels to endure harsh physical environment, God gives us strength and directs us, to help us to endure pressures in difficult life circumstances. If you follow this advice, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace. (Exodus 18:23) Attentive Deer In the Bible, King David praised God for making his feet like the feet of a deer: He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. (2 Samuel 22:34)
1 The matching of the character and the animal is taken from Character First! Program, Character Training
Institute.
17
Reach Junior
Reach / Autumn 2018
Learning from God’s Created Creatures
Reach / Autumn 2018
18
Reach Junior It is well known that deer have strong legs, they run as fast as 70kph, and leap as high as 9m. However, not many of us know that deer are very attentive. Whitetail deer are found in most parts of North America and some parts of Central and South America. They have sharp hearing and acute sense of smell, which help them to pay attention to their surroundings, to detect and hence avoid any danger. When they detect potential danger, they alert other deer by raising their tails to expose their white underside. This attentiveness helps them to survive in hazardous environment. Being attentive is an important character for us too. It helps us to focus, to learn new task, to complete important task, to listen to other people, and to build relationship. Most importantly, we are blessed when we give our attention to God, and to set our hearts to hear from Him. As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. (Psalms 42:1, NLT) Responsible Eagles Eagles are mentioned numerous times in the Bible. They are birds with strength and swiftness (see Psalms 103:5, Isaiah 40:31, Jeremiah 48:40, and Revelation 12:14). However, do you know that bald eagles have the character of responsibility when it comes to caring for their family? It is no surprise that the United States adopted them as its national symbol! Unlike many other animals, bald eagles are loyal. When they find their partner, they often stay together for life, until one eagle dies or disappears. Once the female eagle lays eggs, both parents take turn to hatch the eggs, which takes over a month. During this period, they share the responsibility of hatching the eggs and searching for food. After the
hatching, one of them stays with the chicks constantly for the first two weeks of their life. They feed the chicks until 10 to 12 weeks old, when the young eagles are ready to fly. They show tremendous love and patience towards their young ones. In the same way, God cares for us. For the people of Israel belong to the Lord; Jacob is his special possession. He found them in a desert land, in an empty, howling wasteland. He surrounded them and watched over them; he guarded them as he would guard his own eyes. Like an eagle that rouses her chicks and hovers over her young, so he spread his wings to take them up and carried them safely on his pinions. The Lord alone guided them; they followed no foreign gods. (Deuteronomy 32:9-12, NLT) You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. (Exodus 19:4) And God wants us to be responsible in what we do. Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. (Galatians 6:4, NLT) What responsibilities has God given you? Be it to obey and honour your parents, to speak positively to others, or to have a positive attitude in learning, you are to take these responsibilities seriously. God created us in His image. No other animals have such a privilege. We are therefore to cultivate Godly character. It pleases God when we learn to be enduring like camels, attentive like deer, and responsible like eagles.
Reach Recipe
19
Kapitan Chicken Curry By Crystal Soo
Reach / Autumn 2018
Serve 4 - 5 people
Ingredients
1kg Chicken pieces 250mL Coconut milk ¼ cup Cooking oil Salt to taste (approximately ½ tsp) Ingredient A: 2 Large red onions 4 Candlenuts ½ inch piece Belachan (hardened block of shrimp paste, sold in Asian grocery shop) Ingredient B: 2 tbsp Mild chilli powder 1 tbsp Turmeric powder ½ tsp Galangal powder
Methods: 1. Combine Ingredients A and blend in a food processor until fine. Add in Ingredients B and mix well. It should form a smooth paste, add additional water if necessary. 2. In a wok, heat cooking oil on medium high. Add in the paste and fry until fragrant. 3. Add in chicken pieces, and fry until each chicken piece is well coated with the paste. 4. Add coconut milk and salt to taste, bring to boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low and simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes. Stir occasionally until chicken is cooked and tender. 5. Serve hot with rice or bread.
Do you have any pressing life concerns or puzzling life questions? Write to us at: reachforum@reachcc.org and we will try to address and answer them.
Cover photo by Flor M Juera.
Reach Community Church 2/177 Beavers Road Northcote VIC 3070
Tel: (03) 9481 6889 Email: info@reachcc.org
www.reachcc.org
This photo won the second place of Expat Living Photo Competition 2015, under the category Family Moments.