First Touch Ministry

12/03/2026

The world will always find a reason for us to worry.

But God has already given us every reason to trust.

Many of us carry worries that weigh heavier than we admit. We worry about the future, the safety of our families, the condition of our health, the completion of our studies, the steadiness of our work, the gaps in our resources, and the quiet fear that we are falling behind. These are the silent burdens that keep us awake at night.

Yet in the middle of all these thoughts, one truth remains:
The world often teaches us to measure our peace by what is happening around us.
But God teaches us to measure our peace by Who is with us.

When circumstances shift and uncertainty rises, fear grows.
But when our eyes turn back to God, faith awakens.

The Bible reminds us:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
— Proverbs 3:5

Trust does not mean we understand everything.
Trust means believing that God is faithful even when life feels uncertain.

Peace is not the absence of problems. Peace is the presence of God in the middle of them.

Generations of believers have clung to this truth.

From Corrie ten Boom, who encouraged us to: “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God,” to Charles Spurgeon, who reminded us: “God is too good to be unkind, and He is too wise to be mistaken,” and even today, Joyce Meyer speaks directly to our hearts: “Stop trying to figure everything out. It will only lead to a headache. Let God be God and you just be His child.”

Faith across the generations reminds us that even when we cannot see the full picture, we can rest in the One who holds it all.

So today, if worry is pressing on your heart, remember:
God is bigger than the chaos you see. His love is stronger than the fear you feel.

Stop trying to outrun your worry. Stop trying to control what is beyond your reach.

Start leaning into the One who has already overcome it.

26/02/2026

Truth without love is harsh—but love without truth is dangerous.

God is merciful, yes—but He is also holy.

Choosing God means choosing His truth, not redefining it. Choosing God means choosing all of Him, not the parts we like.

Choosing God is not about instant change—it’s about daily surrender. Transformation is God’s work. Our part is to keep choosing Him.

📖 Joshua 10

12/02/2026

A few years ago, as we went to view a housing site in Talisay area with my nephew and his girlfriend (now his wife), I was on the driver's seat and took the wrong route back to the main SRP road. As we ask a few people along the way for guidance, it became even more confusing, leading us to very narrow roads that eventually took us to a circular passageway which turned out to be a large concrete culvert. To our shock, it turned out to be the drainage system underneath the main SRP road! We had no choice but to pass through it, though puzzled that many people are actually there, staying and using it as a passageway. Thankfully, we did make it back to the main SRP road and went home safely.

That was a scary, dangerous, and unthinkable place to be. We didn't plan or expect to be there; I just ended up taking the wrong path.

A few thoughts come to mind regarding that experience.

First, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙮, 𝙬𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙠 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙪𝙨—not just anyone, but someone who can lead us back in the right direction. The tendency is to distance ourselves from such individuals, fearing discipline, correction or rebuke. I speak from experience on my own tendencies, but we cannot allow the enemy of our soul to win over us in this area. ‭

Hebrews 12:11 (NIV‬) says,
"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Second, in life's journey, 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙪𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙖𝙮 𝙡𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙪𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙙𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣.

We need to get back to His word for guidance. Isaiah 43:19 (NIV‬) points out, "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."

Third, 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙬𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙮, 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙧𝙖𝙜 𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙪𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙙𝙞𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣. As Christians, we often believe that our mistakes are solely between us and God, but in reality, they impact those around us, especially those who love us and those who look up to us.

In ‭Matthew 18:6 (NIV‬) Jesus says, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

That is a hard teaching from the lips of our loving Savior himself who says in John 10:28 (NIV‬), "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will sn**ch them out of my hand."

So, can we really do all these difficult tasks ahead? The answer is Yes. Matthew 19:26 (NIV) Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

The apostle Paul says in ‭2 Corinthians 12:10 (NIV‬), "That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

In this month of Love, we can show our love to other people especially to those closest to us by following God's commands through His strength, not ours.

Lastly, let me give you a portion of a classic song by Steve Green.

"We're pilgrims on the journey of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives, a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race, not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us the heritage of faithfulness
Passed on through godly lives

Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh, may all who come behind us find us faithful."

05/02/2026

Today’s : You are made for so much more. How beautiful it is to have found a love that takes us as we are, yet a love too great to leave us as we are. God’s kind of love — accepting, intentional, and transformative.

29/01/2026

We are already four weeks into 2026. The celebrations have quieted. Life feels "normal" again. Routines are back in full swing.

This is often the moment where the initial "New Year energy" begins to fade. It’s the space where our resolutions meet our reality. The year may have already brought its first wins, but it has likely brought its first obstacles, too. Maybe your faith feels vibrant today, or maybe it feels a little quieter than it did on January 1st—wherever you are, God is meeting you there.

Here is a beautiful realization to hold onto: God is not only with us at the starting line—He is with us through every ordinary mile. He is not just the God of the "New Beginning." He is the God of Everyday Faithfulness.

“Let us not get tired of doing what is good. At the right time, we will receive a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

Growth in our walk with Christ is a beautiful mix of moments. Sometimes it’s a sudden, loud victory where we see His hand clearly. But other times, it’s the powerful, steady growth that comes from:

Showing up with a heart of worship even when you feel drained. Choosing integrity when no one is watching to applaud you. Trusting God’s heart when the next step isn't yet visible.

Maybe you’re walking through a season that feels more like a desert than a garden. Maybe you’re waiting for answers that haven't come. Or maybe you’re simply trying to stay faithful in the small, repetitive tasks of life.

Please know this: God sees it all. He sees every whispered prayer. He sees every silent effort. He sees every weary step. He doesn’t just value our "finish line"; He treasures our walk. Our consistency is our worship.

Our long walk with God isn't just about getting to a destination; it is where our soul is shaped, our roots grow deep, and our character is built. Don’t rush the journey and don’t quit too soon.

The harvest is coming—just keep walking.

22/01/2026

Happy Silver Wedding Anniversary Pastor Jay and Pastor Em. We rejoice in the Lord for this great milestone He has blessed you with. May God continue to bless you with more meaningful and colorful years to celebrate together.

With love and prayers - FTM Family
🎉😍

18/01/2026

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙞𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙪𝙙 — 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙙𝙤𝙢 𝙞𝙨 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜.

Every day, many voices compete for our attention: trends, opinions, even our own emotions. Yet Proverbs 8 reminds us that God’s wisdom stands in the open, inviting us to listen — not with noise, but with truth that brings life.

📖 “Blessed are those who listen to me… For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.” (Prov. 8:34–35)

And in the light of the New Testament, we see that wisdom is not just a message — Christ Himself is the wisdom of God. When we listen to Him, we walk in truth, peace, and righteousness.

Today, may we pause at wisdom’s doorway — in prayer, in His Word, and in surrender — and choose the voice that leads to life. 🤍

08/01/2026

⛔ 𝘾𝙝𝙚𝙘𝙠𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩: 𝙋𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙍𝙚𝙛𝙡𝙚𝙘𝙩 ✋

Congratulations, you've now entered 2026 and God's got a wonderful plan ahead!

Before the year ended, we were reminded to keep our hearts in check - to seek the Lord and allow Him to change us from the inside out. Psalm 51:10-12 reads, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

This passage highlights two necessities in our walk with God: a pure heart and a steadfast spirit. A pure heart that seeks the Lord's will above all and a spirit that's willing and faithful (not driven by emotion or impulse, but by devotion and long-standing commitment).

Dear friend, how's your heart been thus far? 🤔

With the start of the new year, God's Word reminds us of how we ought to live as followers of Christ, transformed by His power and yielded to His will.

📖 Romans 12:1-2 tells us, "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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."

Last Sunday, we recalled God's ingenious design for mankind - to worship and adore our creator. 🙌 Truly, this is easier said than done. To worship in spirit and in truth requires a life of sacrifice, of dying to oneself, and of taking active steps of obedience.

A week into 2026, where do you find yourself? 🤔

👉 Has your heart been made pure and your spirit steadfast?

👉 Do you find yourself expressing your love for God more actively by obeying His Word?

Today, let us all take a moment to pause and reflect. Evaluate how 2025 went and enter 2026 with newfound faith - obedience in action! 🏃🏻‍♀️

As we seek His face, may the Lord speak peace into our hearts and transform us from the inside out. May our tiny steps of faith lead us into God's best as we start this year anew! Together, let us worship God as we walk in truth and live by faith. 🙌

19/12/2025

𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗣𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘! 👑🕊️

The grandest and the merriest celebration in FTM family is here. 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 is all about Jesus, our Prince of Peace 🎄✨

From a beautiful time of worship, to fun and laughter during the game, and sharing food and fellowship; every moment was filled with the FTM kind of love and gratitude.

What a blessing it is to celebrate Christmas as one family, reminded that true peace is found in Christ alone ✨🤍 𝗠𝗲𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗵𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀! 💗🎉

19/12/2025

18/12/2025

Stop for a moment. Take a deep breath. Not the shallow kind, but the kind that reaches your soul.

You’re trying to be strong and hold it all together. Smiling on the outside while feeling tired on the inside. Your thoughts won’t slow down. Worries about tomorrow keep coming. You’re doing your best, but it feels like too much.

You are not alone. In moments like this, God speaks a blessing over His people, a blessing that still carries power today:

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24–26

This is not just kind words. This is God’s promise.

It doesn’t say life will be easy. But it reminds us that God is near, watching over us, and caring for our souls.

“The Lord bless you and keep you” — You don’t have to protect yourself alone. God is holding you.

“The Lord make His face shine upon you” — You are seen, known, and loved.

“The Lord give you peace” — Not when everything is fixed, but right in the middle of the mess.

This blessing is not only spoken. It is lived out.
It is the story God stepped into.

This is the holy reason for Christmas. God kept His promise to come near.
He didn’t just tell us what to do. He came to be with us.

Jesus was born into weakness, into noise and uncertainty, so we would know that God is not afraid of our broken places.
Christmas reminds us that God stepped into our world to be with us, to save us and to carry what we could not carry on our own.

Immanuel means God with us. Not just on good days. Not just when our faith feels strong. But right here. Right now.

So if you’re tired today…
If your faith feels heavy…
If your heart feels worn—

You don’t have to carry it all.

Lay down the worries.
Lay down the pressure to be strong.
Lay it at the feet of Jesus.

His presence is rest.
His peace is real.
Receive the blessing.

11/12/2025

There are moments in life when we are reminded of how deeply we long to belong. To be part of a family, whether by blood or by choice, and to have no fear of judgment. Afterall, who wouldn't want to feel accepted?

I’m reminded of this truth when I think of graduation day—a momentous occassion that calls for celebration, and yet for some, loneliness can quietly sit in the background. Even with your family present, saying goodbye to the people who walked closely with us for years (be it friends, companions, those who shaped our journey) can leave us feeling sad.

As Christmas approaches, this longing for connection becomes even more evident. This is especially true for Filipinos, with December seasons filled with reunions and merry laughter. Christmas holds countless cherished memories. But for many, this is also when losses feel heavier. Whether someone is facing the aftermath of a calamity, the grief of losing someone they love, the pain of a broken relationship, financial burdens, or even quiet inner battles, the contrast between the festive atmosphere and their personal reality can make them feel lonely.

Yet it is precisely in moments like these that the Word of God speaks with comforting clarity.

John 16:33 (NLT) says, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

This verse does not invalidate anyone's feelings. It doesn't deny the reality of our hardships. Rather, it faces them with honesty. Life brings trials. Sorrows are real. Loneliness, loss, and uncertainty are part of the human experience. But the promise doesn’t end there. Jesus invites us into a peace that is independent of circumstance—a peace anchored in the truth that He has already overcome everything that threatens to break us.

So, even in seasons when the world feels heavy, or when celebrations feel incomplete, we can find comfort in knowing this: We are never truly alone. We belong to a victorious God. And even in the darkest moments, His presence will be our home, our refuge, and our peace.

May this remind us not only to seek belonging but also to extend it. May each of us be a source of warmth and compassion to those who may feel unseen this Christmas season. And may we all find rest in the One who has overcome the world, and who lovingly holds every heart that feels tired or alone.