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