Inspiration Wednesday

Hello

As much as possible, I'll try to share an inspirational video every Wednesday and this week, I would like to share a testimony of a man who went from being a satanist to a Christian. Here's the video link...
From satanist to Christian

One of the impactful quotes from this video was when He was asking God why does He permit the attacks from the devil , the trials, and the tribulations. God simply answered Him by saying, "I want to know how much you love and trust Me"

 Sometimes we may not understand what is going on in our lives, and as Pastor Bernard said before, this is when our "FAITH" is tested. What is the main thing the devil wants to steal from us. That is our faith.. The moment we lose faith, we lose our connection with God. The devil is known as the great deceiver and sometimes he will deceive us with things that may seem good for us, like in the instance of this testimony.

Similarly, when Jesus was in the wilderness, He went 40 days without food. At his most vulnerable point, that is when the devil came and tempted Him by promising all the things He could have if He just worshiped him.
And how did the devil start, he started by attacking his basic needs. Jesus was hungry, and the devil said, in contemporary language, "just turn these stones to bread, you know you can as you are the son of God"

But Jesus didn't, He replied, in Matt 4:4 "Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God"

 What does this speak of? it speaks of selflessness. As young Christians we ask God for many things and yes God will provide but God is not just a wish-granter. He is more interested in your character! Ultimately, God is our loving father and just like an earthly father, He wants to see us grow, build character and be a person of value to the household. That is why sometimes He wants to test our faith in Him!

Sometimes this process involves hardships and difficult choices that we don't want to make as it doesn't satisfy our immediate needs. We just don't want to wait and hence we go looking elsewhere, which is exactly where the devil wants to lead us to. 

However, as soon as we go there, we'll be trapped in bondage and the moment we stop, we'll be attacked again. Since the devil is the one who attacks us in the first place, he can definitely make it stop. Yes you may notice your needs being fulfilled, but at what price? will you have to constantly ask for protection?

 However, if we choose to let go and let God and trust only Him, then we can be assured that no matter what, God will always have our backs and through this process, God will show his loving character to us and when the time comes, our faith will reap rewards and we can grow to be a person of character! Prayers will change from "God please bless my business, my health" to "God I surrender all and I know you have the best for me. I pray my business will prosper but even if it doesn't,  let your perfect will be done and give me strength to overcome anything by your power! I confess the promises of God that you will come through for me no matter what" As you grow connected with God, your needs become aligned with His needs for your life in order that you may fulfill your purpose and live out your destiny, becoming the strong and successful person God has intended for your to become.

And just like Jesus, who trusted totally in the word of God rather than giving in to his hunger, God elevated Him to a person of substance. One that is able to face rejection as well as physical and emotional pain and still come out victorious all so that we, who have Christ in us because of His sacrifice, may have that same victory no matter what happens in our lives! God is not just our Lord whom we worship so that bad things will not happen, but He is our loving Father who cares about every single detail in our lives and desires to see us build character and faith to come out victorious over any circumstance! That's why He sent us a model example, Jesus to follow!

Be blessed!
Daniel



 

Connecting with God

Last week's cell group message by Andy Teoh was one that I've been truly blessed by, with the main crux of the message on connecting with God. Here are some of the key points that I decided to expand on and I believe will be a blessing to you.

1. Science proves the existence of God
Andy gave us two very clear examples of his research that He found astounding. The first is that based on the theory of relativity, 1 year spent running at the speed of light is equal to many years of our friends and family who did not run. This coincides with the Bible, as Jesus says He is the light and as it says in Psalms 84:10,

"A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! "

The 2nd example he used was about similarity of patterns. If you look at the smallest thing in this universe, it is the atom, and as learnt in primary school, each atom has an electron that is circling it. The same can be said of the biggest thing in this universe which is our solar system. We have the sun, and the planets circling around it. Therefore, it must be of no coincidence that the aspects of the smallest and largest things in the universe follow relatively the same design. It had to be done by none other than a chief designer, God.

2. God intended design of creation was meant to give us true freedom.

As with the planets and atoms, there is a reason why they are placed where they are. If the earth was anywhere nearer the sun, we would be burnt, if its anywhere further, we would freeze. The scientific and physical laws are in place to ensure the earth is right where it is, just as the right temperature for life to blossom.

Although the earth is confined by the physical  laws, it does have the freedom to maneuver around it's circular path, which is similar to the atom.

Why is this important?
Because God's laws and his grace are intended in a way for us to have true freedom.

Picture going to jog in the evening, you won't think twice about your safety at all. This is as our nation has laws that act as a deterrent for people who may think about committing a crime towards you. Similarly, God's moral laws and His guidance is there so that we may have true freedom to live out the way our lives were meant to be lived!

Compare this to a documentary I watched a few weeks back about the US surrender in the Vietnam War, for those last few moments before the US left, there was anarchy everywhere. People were afraid to go out and there was looting everywhere. People were free from the law and in turn this created fear among the people rather than freedom.

Fear and anxiety, wars, suicide, pessimism or any other negative circumstances were never in God's plan for creation. These emotions and circumstances exist because of a disconnection from our creator God. These are the things that cause us to take many steps back from living the fullness of life and achieving the success that we were intended to live as originally designed by God. Disconnecting from God is similar to the earth drifting on its own away from its circular path and thus being too hot or cold for creation. It was never God's intended purpose!


"But it's easier said that done!" "Temptations are everywhere", "everyone else is doing it" you may ask.."you don't understand..."

Yes I may not understand your circumstance but I do understand that the Bible says. in Matt 19:26 that...
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
How can we have the strength to overcome temptations and negativity, simply by connecting back with God again. Why? , because through Jesus, God has given us GRACE to overcome and grace to once again be worthy to come back to God for His strength to overcome.This is why cell group, church and quiet time is so important. I believe God cant help you if you don't first choose to want to be helped and receive this grace and strength to live your life to its full potential.

Romans 12:1-2
"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."

And how can you let God connect back to you for your mind to be renewed? by simply wanting to connect back to him!
Matt 6:33 "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."

Thus, our personal quiet time is important but let's not be rigid to just follow guidelines or our quiet time will seem dry, which will lead to the lost of motivation. Instead of rigidity, the key to a refreshed quiet time is to freely express ourselves to God in creative ways. The most important thing is to have the right attitude of the heart.

And if you do find that you're quiet time feels dry and you cant seem to connect with God's presence, then the next thing to do is to find a cell group, service or prayer meeting. The Bible says "when 2 or 3 are gathered", God is in our midst and hence the best way to get a fresh touch from heaven is through these meetings!

Let's move from fear and anxiety to a life of faith and connection with God that "all things work together for the good of those who believe" Romans 8:28. Let's move from insecurity and the constant asking of prayers of protection (although there's nothing wrong with it)  to being a person who prays for powerful faith and connection with God.

Connect with God, and He will guide your life to success and through every trial and temptation so that you can live a life with a destiny as God has intended!, just as Earth is orbiting under the protection of God where its free to be a vessel for life to blossom ! 

I would like to end of with a supporting verse for this whole devotion, in Psalms 37:23-24. If we connect back with God, success will come naturally and we will lead a life of destiny as God intended.

Psalm 37:23-24 – “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.”


And if you're under temptation, always remember 1 Cor 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. wGod is faithful, and xhe will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Be blessed and remember that confession of faith comes with the right attitude of the heart!

Sincerely
Daniel

The MOE Story : God's goodness personified!

This is the story of God's never ending goodness

This is the story of how God's timing is always the best timing and a story of how He always has a "hope and a future" for us. As you know, I've finally been accepted to MOE. It has been a long wait though, 10 months in total! 

However, throughout this 10 months, many miracles happened and as I look back, I can really see the hand of God in my life. 

Let me take you on a journey to when left my first job. I spent a total of 8 months there and though I made some very good friends (my colleagues) , I was often muddleheaded and with no experience, I made mistake after mistake after mistake. I started to question God on why I couldn't get things as fast as others and why despite checking through many times, I still managed to make some glaring errors at work. 

This made both my superior as well as the volunteers under my committee frustrated. As the months past, it got worst. I started to question myself and since I was a fresh graduate, I thought that maybe this was not my calling. Hence, thoughts of quitting came many times. I even brought this up to my superiors many times.

Soon enough, I really left the job.  This disappointed my parents a lot but I assured them that I will find another job asap. I did think about teaching and tried applying for MOE. However, I messed up the interview and hence the chance was gone. 

Finally, I managed to get an interview to teach English in China. I jumped at the chance! By God's grace, I managed to do well for the interview and mock class session. I was delighted! 

However, they needed candidates to have TESOL diploma qualification which I didn't have. Thank God, however, that my parents were willing to 'loan' me the money first and let me pay them back later. I thank God for such wonderful parents! 

Soonafter, the company wanted me to lead an English camp for the China students who were coming to Singapore as a pre-empt before I go to teach in China. This, was a disastrous experience. Not only was I unable to communicate with the agent and vice-principal in Chinese,  the kids often got the better of me. 

Then, my worst fears came true. When I was about to make my visa to go to China, I was called back and told by the HR that they felt I wasn't ready. I was devastated. They then told me that I could first teach in their school in Singapore to gain some experience. As I was quite desperate at the time, I agreed, in hope that things will turn out for the better. 

However, things didn't turn out well! my classroom management was not up to mark and hence, the students didn't show signs of improving. However, I did have some hardworking students who were willing to study with me and one even commented "teacher, please tell me where you will teach next and I will apply to that school!" Another one , on hearing news that I was going to teach another class, was quite sad and became moody soon after... 

Generally, however, it was tough as most of these students were from overseas, here on guardianship. It was difficult and again, I questioned myself if this was what I was meant to do at all. Here I was, 26 years old at that time and still clueless about what I wanted to do. 

Then I thought, WHY NOT I STOP THIS CYCLE. Why not I first go to SOT and rediscover myself, my gifts, and my talents. Why not I take a step back and first commit myself to God and let Him lead me to where I am suppose to go. I did apply to SOT for 2 years straight  but somehow wasn't accepted due to various reasons. 

Finally, I got accepted! It was going to be a sacrifice for me but nonetheless I was so clueless about my life that I thought this was the BEST option. Even though I was broke and wondering how was I going to pay the school fees and living expenses, I just went forward with it. 

And here I was, 27 years old at that time. Some of my University peers have already been working for 2 years and have become quite capable and financially independent. Me however, was still not stable and struggling financially, and still finding my calling....

And so I was in SOT. This was a decision I never regretted at all! I got to experience God in many ways and He did many many MANY miracles for me! the biggest of which, was financially. By His grace, I was able to get many tuition assignments even though I had no experience in teaching tuition. Still, at this point I was a person who didn't like struggles and stopped some assignments the moment it became difficult. HOWEVER,  the replacement assignments just kept coming! eventually I gained alot of experience handling students and was able to sustain myself throughout SOT! (with some help from my wonderful parents of course) 

And so, during one of the SOT prophecy sessions, my best friend, Winson , prophesied to me that he saw me graduating in a course related to education. I was bewildered and excited at the same time and questioned him. In return, he said he just felt it. 

This prophecy stuck with me. Was I meant to teach? I did think about it before but when I reflected on my past experience teaching, I thought, how could I???

Then came the preaching test sessions when teaching as a career became clearer to me. We had about 4 sessions in total. The first session, I tried too hard to be funny and different but ended up performing badly. It was one of the worst feelings. I decided to change it up abit and go for the safe route on the 2nd round. This time it was ok but not outstanding. Then, Winson said something to me during lunch which changed me. He told me that he really appreciated my creativity and told me it was a gift from God that I should cherish. Even though I did badly on my first round, I preached as who I am. This, is your unique personality that you shouldn't put aside just to be 'safe'. Instead of holding back who you are 'to be safe', why not learn from the comments and adapt your style to be both creative and outstanding? 

And so, came my 3rd round of preaching which I decided to be myself and at the same time, adapt with the comments I received. To my surprise, it was outstanding!!!! The ZS who evaluated us even tweeted my points! mid-way through the test, I even got applause from my team! It was a moment I'll never forget and it inspired me that maybe, maybe I was cut out for this, to teach, to present, to educate! maybe, I could actually do it! despite all the past failures that tells me I cant. 

With this new found confidence in my abilities, I went on a mission trip to India and preached in one of the cell groups. Again, by God's grace, it was an awesome experience and I truly enjoyed it! As I was preaching too long, I looked at the CGL who signaled me to go on! All of them , in fact, looked really interested in what I was saying. More than that, my message was about serving God and when I told them to write the ways they can serve God based on what I preached, I got the most cutest answers, even from the children! 

Maybe, this was the call of God to be a teacher. Hmmm but I'm soft spoken, could I really be a teacher?

I graduated from SOT and eventually applied for MOE. I got the interview in October but as I had reservist, I couldn't go and hence asked to postpone it. 

Little did I know that it was going to be postponed all the way to december! Maybe this was a test from God to test my perseverance if I really wanted to be a teacher, as it was going to be no easy task. 

And I did feel like going for other jobs. However, somewhere inside of me, I knew this was for me and yes, all other doors were closed for me in the form of failed interviews (haha) 

While I was waiting for the interview, I needed provision and miraculously , God opened the door for me to go back to my first company to join as a temp staff. Even though I was just a temp, I learnt alot about how schools operated as this division did planning for social studies programmes in schools! 

As I looked back, this was surely all planned by God as during the MOE interview, I looked excited to tell them about my current temp work and how we were planning things for schools! I do think this somehow impressed them. Also, my boss was a professor in History (how coincidental is that) and he did teach me things on having the right working attitude which I used in the teaching presentation for the interview! Also, my TESOL certification and referral letters that I got while teaching was very useful as well! 

The interview was rather successful and I was excited! LITTLE DID I KNOW, however, that their reply was going to take some time.....

Hope you've enjoyed this part of my MOE story : God's goodness personified! I hope you've been blessed and do check back soon for part 2 !

Thanks and regards,

Daniel Foo