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.

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.  

#Throwback: My Journey to Kish Part 2

Kish Island is located in the Persian Gulf 19 kms from mainland Iran. Yes, it is part of Iran and it has become one of the most popular destination among filipinos and other nationalities port of exit while waiting for their new visas whether it is employment, husband/wife,investors,family, and tourist. The thing is, whether you like it or not you don't have a choice but to go there because it is required by the government of UAE (exit stamp) unless you have all the riches to go to some other places or go back to your own country like Philippines. When they say "Kish" always we hear negative feedback from all filipinos who have had bad experiences during their stay in the said Island. There's a hear-say about a girl locked herself inside the cabinet while taking her own life, kidnappings esp if your alone at night, rape cases, suicidal cases, horror stories,deportation issues,prostitution, drugs, and many more.Honestly, My first choice was to exit in Singapore and wait there perhaps 10 days for my visa but gladly I went to kish cause the suppose 10days waiting was extended up to 62 days.

My decision wasn't really mine I believe. It came from above when a small voice whispered to me "KISH". I really don't wanna go to Iran for the reason that if I have an exit stamp from that country I won't probably qualified to apply in the states(USA). I have an American dream since college and I don't want to mess up that dream. However, I also think that perhaps its all part of God's plan for me. I may not understand it very well and comprehend all that have happened but with the trust I have with God everything will work according to what He has in store for me. Jer.29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord, "plans to prosper you an not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future". Indeed, my journey to the Island is not by accident but by fate and purpose. It is He who directs my path and it is He who choose me to be his servant in a place where I least expected, a Muslim country.

Kish Island is not bad at all. It's so wonderful and there's a lot of things you can do aside from hiding in the four corners of your room for the fear of unknown. Yes, there's reality with those stories of killings and all but if your with God, who can be against us?

Beach side near Farabi Hotel

My first 20 days in Kish was all spent in nonsense activities like watching movies,biking,window shopping,eating with new found friends with gazillion stories of embarrassing moments. At first, I was happy and positive until I started to feel anxious regarding my visa perhaps due to negative stories I heard with my room mates. But with constant prayer, God did not allow me to feel alone. I met a few good friends purely Christ believer and we started having small sharing inside our room, in the beach side and anywhere when there's opportunity. One day someone posted at the back of our door "Kish Fellowship schedule of services".Yes!for the first time I attended their service in zaffran restaurant and what happened next was unforgettable. God's perfect plan indeed.

(Biking,gala,shisha are few things I did to enjoy my stay in Kish)

(Luto luto din pag may time @ tabing dagat)

(Before attending Kish fellowship..We already formed a small group sharing about God's Kingdom with Kuya Manny. One of my memorable days with good and positive people.)

-AFTER 20 DAYS-

I would like to thank Kish fellowship that I have become part of this group. I learned so much from all the Pastors I've met and to my brothers and sisters who have become my strength and inspiration to serve The Lord. The dedication they had with Christ was so contagious.

with our Pastors L to R ( Pastor Ron, Pastor Rob, Bro Matt, Pastor Ruther, Pastor Elmer, Pastor Ramil, Pastor Mike, and Pastor Melvin)

After our service in Zaffran Restaurant

(Di kami mahilig sa picture taking)

My Brothers and Sisters in Christ

Obedience is better than sacrifice. I obeyed the Lord when He calls me despite of so many rocks I encountered all throughout. God's mercy and protection has been always with me since then. 

Thank you Lord... When I trust you, you never let me down. When I went to Kish I know i have obeyed you and now comes the greatest faith I have in you.

"Obey"