The First United Methodist Church Dubai

03/06/2026

TODAY’S REFLECTION
June 4, Thursday

FEASTING ON THE WORD
Rev. B**g De Castro, OSL

Read 1 Peter 2:2-3, NIV
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

Did you ever watch an infant take a feeding? Hungry little ones clutch the bottle, smack their lips, and make soft contented noises. They thoroughly enjoy their nourishment. But there comes a time when milk isn’t enough to satiate the baby’s appetite anymore. That’s when a whole world of culinary possibilities opens up.

Comparing new believers to babies, Peter said that they “long for the pure milk of the word” (v. 2). You wouldn’t feed a newborn steak and spinach, would you? Well, baby Christians must sip scriptural truths that they understand. Then, like a growing child, they shoot up as they feast on Bible passages, gradually taking in more and meatier principles and topics.

Believers are not left alone to make sense of Scripture any more than babies and young children are expected to get their own meals. The Holy Spirit, who indwells God’s followers, illuminates the Word. That is, He makes the meaning clear to those who seek to understand. Moreover, according to Ephesians 4:11-16, God has given gifted Christians to the church to act as pastors and teachers. They are charged with equipping the saints for service (v. 12). These leaders instruct, clarify, and motivate people to grow in their personal faith and to fulfill the church’s purpose of reaching the lost.

God’s Word is a feast for our hearts, minds, and spirits. This is one banquet table where there is no such thing as taking too much. In fact, the advice many parents give their children at the dinner table applies to the Christian life as well: “Eat up! Scriptural food makes you grow strong.”

PRAYER
Dear God, our Heavenly Father, thank You for the lessons Your Word teaches and for its cleansing power, purifying effect, and spiritual nourishment, which is so necessary in this time when the foundation of our faith is being attacked in all quarters. May I sincerely desire the pure milk of the Word so that I may grow in grace, mature in the faith, and become increasingly conformed into the image and likeness of the Lord Jesus. In Jesus' name, Amen. 🙏🙏🙏

02/06/2026

TODAY’S REFLECTION
June 3, Monday

SERVING GOD WITH A SOFT HEART
Rev. B**g De Castro, OSL

Read Jonah 4, NIV
“He prayed to the LORD, "Isn't this what I said, LORD, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” – Jonah 4:2

Jonah was swallowed by a big fish, while trying to run from God. In the creature's belly, he decided to follow the Lord's will. When Jonah was called a second time to preach remorse (repentance) in Nineveh, he obeyed.

The often-overlooked part of this story is what happened after Jonah obeyed. Jonah warned the people across the city of divine wrath. They responded by turning away from wickedness.

The Ninevites' response should have made Jonah happy. But, Jonah grieved over their sorrow. Jonah was upset about God's mercy on them. Nineveh and Israel were longtime enemies. Jonah angrily told the Lord he had fled to Tarshish to avoid this time of forgiveness.

Jonah was displeased because his heart was hard. It was just as hard as when he ran to Tarshish. Trapped inside the fish, Jonah changed his mind about following the Lord's command. He expressed willingness to do whatever God wanted him to do. But, Jonah's heart still desired the Ninevites' destruction. Jonah's bitterness and reluctance showed through in spite of his righteous actions.

God is not fooled by good behavior from a hard heart. Obeying Him with an unwilling spirit may achieve His purpose, but we lose the joy of our reward. Perhaps the Lord has called you to serve Him in a way that is personally challenging. As you commit to following His will, pray also for a soft heart. You will find peace and blessing in doing the work, if you follow Him without hesitation.

PRAYER
Loving Father, thank You that You are indeed full of compassion and mercy, for You stooped down to save me when I was dead in my sins and brought me into Your family. May my life be a true reflection of Your gracious character. In Jesus' name, Amen. 🙏🙏🙏

01/06/2026

We would like to send blessings to those celebrating this week’s birthday - may the Lord shower you with His love, joy, and favor:

5 June- Faith Zaliah Santos
6 June-Sis Remelyn Rabanal & Sis Junieleen Graze Morales

Love and prayers,
TFUMCD Family

31/05/2026

TODAY’S REFLECTION
June 1, Monday

THE BLESSINGS OF OTHERS
Rev. B**g De Castro, OSL

Read 1 Peter 1:22, NIV
“Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.”

If we responded simply out of our natural impulses, we would probably be nice when people were kind. At other times, though, we would likely be vengeful, angry, or hurtful.

Jesus clearly teaches us to love even when those around us seem unlovable. And He lived out what He taught. Christ loved us enough to die for us while we were still sinners. Surely, out of gratitude for what He did and with His strength, we, as His followers, can love others.

While it's hard to respond to unkindness with love, such godly behavior can lead to great blessing.

First, the Father is pleased. This realization should bring His children joy, peace, and a sense of accomplishment. Next, believers ought to feel excitement and anticipation to watch how God will move in the relationship. Finally, there will be an awareness the Holy Spirit is working from within, enabling divine love to flow through yielded human lives.

John 13:35 tells of an important benefit. Jesus said, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." Since unconditional godly love is uncommon in our world, people will notice.

Treating others as we want to be treated is what builds the deep, satisfying connections that all people desire. Without significant relationships, life lacks meaning...regardless of how many possessions or acquaintances we have. So, think about the people you come in contact with throughout the week. Are you treating them the way that Jesus modeled?

PRAYER
Dear God, our Heavenly Father, thank You that in obedience to Your Word of truth I have believed on the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sin, and have had my sin-sick soul cleansed by His blood and purified, through faith in Him. I pray that I would develop a sincere love for all my brothers and sisters in Christ. Give me a Christlike love, I pray. Develop in me a sacrificial love, so that I may fervently love others from the heart. I pray that I would grow in grace and in a knowledge of the Lord Jesus, and that He would increase and I would decrease until it is not I that live, but Christ that lives in me, and His love that flows through me. This I pray in Jesus' name, Amen. 🙏🙏🙏

31/05/2026

A Big Thank You to Rev Gener Ines . This is our one way of expressing our gratitude to your ministry at TFUMC - Dubai. Our support and prayers will always be there. God bless you in your new role at UMC - Sharjah.

31/05/2026

Trinity Sunday !

31/05/2026

TODAY’S REFLECTION
May 31, Sunday

A GODLY RESPONSE TO CRITICISM
Rev. B**g De Castro, OSL

Read Proverbs 15:31-33, NIV
“Whoever heeds life-giving correction will be at home among the wise. Those who disregard discipline despise themselves, but the one who heeds correction gains understanding. Wisdom's instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor.”

No one likes criticism, but encountering some is inevitable, so we need to learn how to respond in a godly way. Although you might be tempted to become defensive or angry, remain calm and listen. The words may hurt, but great benefits come to those who carefully consider what is said.

If we refuse to accept reproof, we'll limit our potential for Christlike character development and spiritual growth. Some of life's best lessons come through difficult experiences. If God allowed the situation, you can be sure that He wants to use it in transforming you into His Son's image. Whether the criticism is valid or not, whether it's delivered with kindness or harshness, your goal should always be to respond in a way that glorifies the Lord. Remember that you are responsible only for how you handle yourself, not for how the other person is acting.

When a criticism comes your way, be quiet and listen until the other person has finished. Make direct eye contact to show attentiveness and respect. When your critic finishes, thank him for bringing his concerns to your attention, and tell him that you will consider what he's said. Ask the Lord if the accusation is valid. Let Him search your heart and either affirm your innocence or convict you.

Every rebuke is an opportunity from God. It's a chance to let your Christian character shine by showing love to your critic. If he is angrily attacking you, your respect and kindness become a powerful testimony. Criticism is also an occasion to humble yourself and accept the Lord's correction.

PRAYER
Dear God, our Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your loving wisdom that teaches and corrects us. When criticism comes, give me a humble heart that listens rather than reacts defensively. Help me discern truth from every word spoken to me and receive correction as an opportunity to grow in godliness and maturity.

Teach me to fear You above all else, for Your fear is the beginning of wisdom. Remove pride, stubbornness, and self-justification from my heart. Grant me the grace to learn from others, even when their words are difficult to hear.

May every correction draw me closer to Christ, shaping my character and preparing me for the honor that comes through humility. Let my response to criticism reflect Your gentleness, wisdom, and love.

In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏🙏🙏

28/05/2026

Midweek Prayer Service !
UMW

28/05/2026

28/05/2026

📣 Sunday Worship Service

You are warmly invited to join us in worship this Sunday as we gather in God’s presence.

📍 Venue: St. John Hall, Holy Trinity Church, Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai, UAE
🕐 Time: 1:15 PM – 3:15 PM

Come and be refreshed, strengthened, and filled with God’s Word and Spirit. Let us worship together as one family in Christ. 🙏✨