The 30/30 Challenge

I am taking the 30/30 challenge motivated by no other, one of my favorite authors to date, Joyce Meyer. First word I receive for the day from the book of Psalm chapter 119 verse 105, Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light for my path. As I was meditating on the said scripture, one thing that comes into my mind. LIGHT, ILLUMINATION, LAMP that illuminates. Have you ever tried to be in the dark for quite some time that you have longed for at least a piece of light to lighten the place where you were?Maybe your parents forgot to pay the electricity bill, they will eventually.But how about a dark situation in your life where there is no more light you could see?

I believe all of us have faced a darkest life situation because everyone of us have fallen short of the Glory of one true God. Perhaps, mine has a little bit of light that slowly diminishing. Yours, could have been worst . However, I found the greatest energy supply that can fill my lamp of the strongest light, even more that forever I will no longer ran out of it. Through my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the light of the world as He said in His word and whoever wants to follow Him will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of Life (John 8:12). It is amazing that King David, who wrote the book of Psalms years before the messiah was born already knew the WORD of GOD who is to be the lamp for everyone's feet. JESUS CHRIST is the WORD of GOD (John 1:1).


I love how God's WORD illuminates my christian walk. In every difficulties I have encountered, only the WORD of GOD give me the wisdom on how to handle every details of it. The same as it has become a lamp to my feet, when everything is so vague like my current trials. I don't know if it is right to just step in without finding out from the very word of God if the decision I am going to make is from Him or my own accord. My christian friends kept on reminding me to pray in everything including His will.

The Great Commission step 1

Sabbath Shalom!

I thank the Lord, Jesus Christ for by His grace I was able to meet and have fellowship again with my fellow brethren from Christ Living Stone Fellowship (CLSF-DUBAI). They came here in Dibba not minding the long-drive hours just to fulfill God's will and purpose. To WIN SOULS. I am so happy and grateful to God because He is so faithful, answering my prayers. I remember months ago, I enlisted on my prayer request this kind of task and mission and that, God would send someone who can help me fulfill this great commission. 

To be frank, I am reluctant to share the gospel of salvation. I am afraid people might refuse me if I'll talk to them about Christ and I also don't know how I would start. Though, I know some useful verses to set the ball rolling but the enemy (Satan) would often distract me and would instill spirit of doubt and hesitation in my heart.Like what happened at the park when our team came. We saw some group of Filipino people unwinding at the distance so we nestled next to them. Since I am the only one who’s from Dibba, I have to come and approach their group and invite them to join us. Though they didn't refuse, they came there as well for the same purpose and that they are already belong to a different Christian denomination. Again, my heart turned weary. I feel so much pressure because I don’t want our group’s effort to come meaningless. They came here all the way from Dubai. I don’t like the feeling and I know it is something that needs to be addressed.

Thanks be to God, the point of the message that was delivered by Ate Janet was really meant for me. In doing the great commission that God has given to us, we don’t have to be afraid and doubtful if we can do the task. Jesus promise that He will be with us always until the very end. He will surely be with us and He will guide us in what to speak (speak the truth). He will never leave nor forsake us. (Matthew 28:16-20, The Great Commission).

I feel comforted. I have to admit, I need someone who is a mature Christian that can constantly remind me of His word. God in His faithfulness always make a way to deliver His comforting messages to me by means of my fellow brethren. I don’t know what my future holds now, the path is vague and I cannot clearly visualize my future like what I used to do. Whatever it is, Thy will be done. God will equip those He called and qualifies them. May the Lord equip me with the right wisdom I needed if Evangelism is what He calls me to do.

Lastly, I am really so amazed how the dedication of ate Janet and Kuya Joel has for evangelism. Truly, their labor in the Lord is not in vain and their time is not wasted at all. Despite the fact that they already knew that the other group who were next to us is already part of some other Christian denomination, Ate Janet and Kuya Joel still went on their way to share the Gospel of salvation and have fellowship with them while we, served as a prayer warrior interceding for them. At the end, they all prayed the prayer of acceptance. I strongly believe that, the two groups have the same spirit. The Spirit of God. We ended our fellowship with a Sabbath Dinner. What a great way to cease the day.

Seek ye first

Shalom! is the word to describe how I feel at the moment. Funny because most of the time, I would get easily depressed after hearing bad news particularly if it involves my family members and just this afternoon when I received a phone call from my sister whose in Al Ain tackling about her daughter, our Mom and our finances back home. What surprises me is that I didn't feel so much burden after listening to her story which I normally does. Instead, the yoke is easy and light and I was at my very calm and peaceful manner. I even manage to sing, dance, make some jokes in between work and laugh. Though I cried but it was only for 5 minutes and the tears rolling down my cheeks are tears of unexpected joy.... and there comes a revelation: My conversation with Pastor Elmer yesterday (March 12,2014) and how God used him as a mouth piece to relay God's message concerning the predicament I was in.

Truly amazing because the message served as a preamble, a warning words before it would actually happen. A prophecy towards what is going to happen. At first, my understanding of Pastor Elmer's message is limited and I was kinda resistant to what does it imply. I thought that I was right when all I have dreamed of is to give my family anything they wanted and needed to the extent of sacrificing my own happiness. I even said to myself I would never be happy and contented until I can save my whole family from the lowest pit it has now departed. I know and always believe God will help me with constant prayer and petitions. Is this really what God want me to do?Or Am I overtaking God's own plan for them?and making my own decisions to what is good and better for their welfare?Am I trying to be God of my own providing for my family even if I cannot?Honestly, I do not know.All I have desired is for them to know God, live their remaining days before God, offer their life to God, obey the Lord, follow Him and Be saved. I guess, this is what all true Christ follower hoped for. Our family to be saved by God's Grace. (Acts 16:31)

But As for me and my house, We will serve the Lord- Joshua 24:15

In Matthew 11: 28-30, Jesus said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light". When Pastor Elmer gave me the exact verse. The very first thought that sunk in to my foolish mind is this, I know and I did. There's a bit pride in my heart that I know the verse and I already come to Him. I may be knew the verse and memorize it but not really heartily understanding it and believing what it says. A very good promise of Jesus to those who believe in Him. Anyone, who will come and trust Him completely not relying on his/her own self will simply have rest. I need to rest, rest on thinking what will happen to me and to my family tomorrow. Rest on over thinking how I can be able to apply for my american dream, rest on planning for my future actions like purchasing house and lot, learning to drive and get driving license, travelling to different places, and so much more. Finally, rest on thinking about the guy who once invaded my dream in the beautiful kish Island and for a year now, I have never forgotten (Sigh).

Why not take rest with Jesus and let Him do the work?He has greater plans than I do or we do. Admittedly and I humbly proclaim, I need you Lord Jesus to take over my plans and do the rest of work for me. Apart from you , I can do nothing Lord and By your grace, you will fulfill your promises to me in your perfect time. I know your timing is always right and just.

In all these, I learn the importance of Seek ye first in every situation. Always seek His approval and submit to Him everything cause our God is Omniscient God (All knowing), before you think, it is already known to Him.

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our Heavenly Father, for by His grace, I am saved and called upon to become His child through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. In Him, I am justified and made righteous through His finished work on the cross of Calvary. Indeed,  He is God who never fails to answer our prayers, A God who is our ever present help in trouble. Our refuge and strength (Psalms 43). Thank you Lord for always sending me an angelic message by means of Pastor Elmer, every time I got seriously in trouble and cried out to you, He is always there to be your mouth piece. I don't know what's the significance of all these, but one thing for sure, it is not a co incidence rather a prophetic message. And to my fellow Brothers and Sisters in kish fellowship: Ate Melanie, Kuya Marasigan, Kuya Arman, and Ate Cathy. Thank you from the bottom of my feeble heart. I love you all with the love of the Lord. My day starting March 12, 2014 would never be the same again. As a christian, we continuously walk in never ending lesson learning. We may stumble due to our poor judgement and decision making but God disciplines us for our good. Oftentimes, we misinterpreted His discipline, have discouraged. Dare not, the Lord disciplines the one He loves. (Hebrew 12:-6). He loves us.

Pastor Elmer

Here's to my Love

This is love:  not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

Who can ever say to me that Single on Valentines day is boring?

I certainly disagree. Single ladies, friends, Romans,Countrymen: I have something to tell you. There is no such thing as boring as long as you know how to be content on who you were with. In my case, I have Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior and this day of love is just another day to give back to Him the love He showed to me on the cross of Calvary when He died for my sins. What a wonderful feeling that I start my day right by praising Him and ends it worshiping His Holy name.

Thank you Jesus for being my Valentine not just today but forever and ever.

Dubai Marina

Dubai has becoming the most popular destination for tourist nowadays and it gained popularity even stronger after they won their bid for the World Expo 2020 that was announced last year in November beating to host the event against Izmir in Turkey, Sao Paulo in Brazil, and Yekaterinburg in Russia. Another milestone for Emirat and with the vision of the Crown Prince of Dubai, it is certainly a place you wouldn't missed to explore and every traveler must include in their very own "places to see before dying".

Of course, I can proudly say, I visited Dubai. I've been to Dubai and I know Dubai. In my 4 years here in United Arab Emirates, I decided to settle in the near provinces for my comfort  because City Life for me is a big no-no. I don't think I can handle all the stress and the fast paced living. It is much easier for me to live in the nearby area and just visit Dubai once in a while for some weekend getaway. In such a way,  it will not make me immune to its beautiful and wondrous infrastructures.

 At the Dubai marina..The Largest man made marina in the world and this twisted building is called the cayan Tower

WOMAN OF FAITH: Single lady

This Valentines day, I feel loved as never before. This year is completely different from my previous hearts day moment. In all honesty, I've never tried romantic dinner dates on the exact February 14th, even to receive bouquet of flowers and chocolates as many couple does. Probably because my ex's aren't that romantic or something like romance-phobic?whichever, I believe God is preparing for me a suitable man that make me shudder in delight and can perfectly give me once in a lifetime experience better than a fancy dinner and stuff. 

Moreover, I believe that it was the transforming work of God in my life that I delight myself now being single. Before I knew the Lord and accept Him in my life, I always thought that happiness and contentment can only be achieved if you find your right partner. I still believe though, but more than that, it was in God's presence that gives me much joy and happiness and I submit to Him. God also taught me how to love unconditionally. How can I love if I am hostile and distant?How can I care for the one I love if only I want is to be loved?I remember, my ex would always complain to me that I didn't care for his feelings, for his needs and his love for me. The truth is, I do care. It's just that, I don't know how to show my affection unto him and at that point of our relationship, I was realizing that something was missing in the puzzle. Sadly, we ended our relationship and settled as friends. 

The peace and calmness I have now is a gift from God that I freely received. By His grace, He changed my perception about love and relationship. He put an emphasis on me the importance of  love first and foremost, to Him who undoubtedly love me more than I can imagine. To my family, who is my inspiration to have a better and strong family of my own in the future; to my fellow believer in the body of Christ, who strengthen me and to everyone for this is what God commands us to do. To love one another (John 13:34-35).

God is love and because I love God and I abide in His promises. I am waiting for  His perfect time to reveal His plans to me. As what my Pastor often told me when I was still in kish, "Hingin mo kay Lord" phrase will always include in my prayers. There's a certain dream that I had in Kish Island. I saw a guy wearing white polo and I was walking towards Him. He call my name but I don't know his. In my dream I was puzzled and clearly saw His face (a filipino) only, when I woke up, I forgot what he looks like except for his smile. He has the most beautiful smile. (Thinking on that dream now and how it made me smile).

Love is patient and the one who is impatient is not really in love. 

MIEL

The Perks of being single

I'm happily single and proudly survive my "not in a relationship status" for a year and half now. What's good about being single is that you get the chance to try exciting new things, have more quality time for yourself without worrying what your partner would think of you and your out of this world ideas, meeting different people (boys and girls) not ended up with nonsense quarrels when caught by your  partner talking with someone else (Jealousy,a common problem of many couples).

Though I have to admit, being a single among lovers is depressing but its normal feeling and I get used to it. As you aged, you mature enough to wait for the right person that God wants you to have in His own perfect time and patience is the key here. While waiting, enjoy His love and grace and do things that only pleases Him.

My Dubai trip now is another chance for me to spend time alone, fulfilling my dream of travelling solo and experiencing things I've never done my whole life. Quite interesting and challenging even, asking for random people to take you a photo. Finding locations with the help of google map, asking for directions to the people you've encounter along the way and the never ending walking and walking. Plus, you can make friends with fellow travelers as well. I'm looking forward for future travels.

The perk is the relationship with my Creator. I have more quality time with Him now, knowing Him intimately and serving Him alone. I like when apostle Paul said in one of His letters concerning singleness. It is much happier to live and remain single because those who marry will face many troubles in this life which I totally agree. It is true from the word of God. However, if you cannot control your passion might as well get married for it is better than to be burned with lust. In addition what concerns unmarried is how to please the Lord while those married has divided devotion between His/her love for their partners/children and the Lord.

I believe we all have our own God-given destiny. If God's will for you, remain single or have a happy married life. The most important thing a Christ follower must remember is 2 Cor 6:14, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers". And always abide in the love of God.

As of now, I am happily single and by the grace of God I will meet my man in the midst of my random travels.

People that Inspires me 2013

This post is inspired by one of my favorite blogger/TV personality in the Philippines. I was looking at her new and updated blog site when I read about People of 2013 that inspires her. As I was reading throughout her posts and knew different people that impacted her life gigantically, it inspires me to make my own list too. Likewise, I met new friends that has become my inspiration for year 2013 and gave so much difference in my life now.

Here's my People of 2013:

 Pastor Elmer Duque

I met Pastor Elmer in the beautiful Island of Kish sometime in April of 2013. What draws me to him was his humble persona that I believe was completely different from who he was before he met the Lord. I was totally moved when I heard about his life-transforming testimony of his old life,old job and old characteristics. At that moment, filled with joy and hope, I thought for myself that I could change mine too with God's help. I too, has many past left overs that I want to forget. Imagine a former sinner turned mighty man of God?Indeed, God is a transformer God. He will exalt those who humble down before Him. Pastor Elmer is now ministering his own congregation called "True Follower of Jesus Christ". Indeed, he is a true follower.

""With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."- Matthew 19:26

 Bro. Bonn

Through a simple fb message we became friends. We are first introduced by Pastor Ramil when I attended a seminar called Dunamis in Dubai.I was in complete awe when he shared to me his experiences and journey with the Lord. He was a Pastor too but prefer to be called bro or kuya to those who are close to him. His words of encouragement lead me to read my bible daily and ask for the Lord the wisdom to understand His word not relying on preachers alone but to God who generously give wisdom to those who genuinely asked. He also taught me to be an open minded christian and to skip skepticism. As a believer, we are member of one body which is Christ is the head. Whether Gentile or Jew, we are one in the sight of the Lord. Whatever sect we belong to we must kept our mind and heart open, loving one another as what the Lord calls us to do. After all, we were all be judged individually. 

 "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.-1 John 4:7 

Sis Melanie

She is one of a kind..a rare species (lol). What I learn from ate Melanie is her endurance and perseverance in facing challenges and life's difficulties. I can't think of how she was able to handle everything smoothly despite of her immigration status. She is a picture of perfect strength that truly inspires me.Instead of wallowing on depression, she delight more gladly for it is Jesus Christ who strengthens her. The Lord use her mightily for a ministry, the Kish Fellowship in both UAE and Iran that now has become home to the lost sheep in Kish Island. Day by day they harvested souls for heaven. 

"But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Cor 12:9-10

Pastor Ron

I could not forget the day he preached the gospel of salvation in Venus hotel. I could feel the moving of the Holy Spirit when he started to do the Altar call. Since then, he's one of the Pastors that I admire so much. On our morning devotion, he was constantly making "dagdag" to our infant knowledge of the word of God. He was the first one to believe in me and to what God's gift that has in store for me. I could not forget the day that he declare it in one of our morning devotion after I preached the memorable Psalms 23. Even I, too was surprised with the revelations that God has put to me. When you pray, declare it because there's power in declaration as Pastor Ron always reiterate.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 

1 The 5:11

Pastor Jomhar

Unbelievably young and full of wisdom. He is a true man of God with sense of integrity and faith. One of the most powerful and anointed Preacher/Pastor I encountered during my time in Kish. Though very young, I learn to submit on his leadership. Through him I was set free from being oppressed and demonized from some sort of childhood demonic forces (will explain later). He is one of the best mentor I had. 

"The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds". 2 Cor 10:4

Angel

She is beautiful inside and out and I was so blessed knowing this young lady who have become my first motivation to learn more about the Lord. She was so nice, humble, slow to anger and even patient to us (with ate Claimen) during our kish days. She has full of wisdom and knowledge that really so enthralling. I want to be like her. A woman of faith. Having a beauty that's not gonna fleet because it comes from within.

"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised". Prov 31:30

Ate Emma

One of my first friend and ate her in Dibba. A very loving and supportive daughter plus a personality that never gets you boring. I wish I could be like her that can laugh and dance to the fullest. Her lovingly, kind heart and family oriented characteristics are what I wanted to imitate. I want to be more closer to my family especially to my Mom that now is a retired and getting old. 

Kuya Manny

He has deep and profound personality like me and one of my first ever adviser before I became part of Kish fellowship in Iran. Thinking now, maybe God has prepared me ahead by meeting Angel and kuya manny before He'll introduced me to a bigger one. We first formed a small group sharing each other's experiences at the sea side near farabi. Unlike the other, he was so generous and down to earth given his status in life. 

Hima

This Indian colleague of mine is surprisingly included on my list. There's nothing unusual about our friendship and we are not really that close except we shared the same faith as a born again christian. She was a former devotee Hindu and me, as a nominal Roman catholic. We are both baby Christians feeding milk but slowly introduced to a more solid food. As I was making my very own list of people for 2013, The thought of her comes. Maybe the Lord want me to realize something and it's bothering me. Hima, shows the worst in me, my very own weakness when it comes to treating fellow believer. I admit to be mean all the time to her whether in conversation or not. It troubled me because I was often convicted by my thoughts and actions. She's not even doing anything that against me. I believe Satan is using her and our work situation to provoked me. One time, Satan's tactics prevailed and I was really so angry with her with job-related reason. Satan took away my peace that day and bury inside me his pride and enmity.God who knows my heart made me realized that Satan's deception could ruin me and my Christian walk.   Later that day, I reach out to her by calling her up and say my sorry. That very day my peace has returned. God give it back to me the peace that Satan took by my obedience to Him.

"From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. Galatian 6:17

My Mom and the rest of my family

I love my family and they are my second priority in life next to God. The very reason why I am striving hard to be successful in life. I want to give the best that I can especially for my Mom but I always thought it would never be enough. I have a dream and a vision for them that only God knows and By His Grace it will all come true in His perfect time. Now, I was eyeing to build a small house for my Mom. She's getting older and she needs to be comfortable. I don't have a picture of perfect family and Glory to God He change my views in life. I no longer dwelt on the past which traumatized me. I learn to let go of it because there's a brighter future that God has prepared for me. 

"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Kish fellowship friends

Random people that I've met who have different characters but one spirit. I am a type of person who love to be surrounded with good, positive and not complicated individuals. I want less conflict better no conflict. I want peace, love and good laugh all the time and these people that now become my friends gave me such a feeling. I wished I could turn back the time and went all over again to Kish Island and spent time meaningfully there because all of them that I've met even the pastors will never be the same again. 

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12

What's interesting about all these people? They all have great impact in my life. I have become better and better and soon will bloom into someone that is pleasing to the Lord.