Value of a Dream

Another year is here and we are all faced with an opportunity to have a fresh start. But one thing is pretty certain; our dreams will have another year to be fulfilled. What makes any dream valuable is how it drives us to move forward no matter what transpired in the past. Dreams are driving forces planted by God as the Chief Dreamer. The 1^st chapter of the book of Genesis outlined God’s creation process including Adam’s and this is where anyone can read God’s dream for humanity realized. Take note that He was filled with great pleasure with His creation and the Scriptures described it this way, “And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day” (Genesis 1:31).

Dreams can change a man towards achieving even the grandest aspiration. Here’s a story I came across to illustrate it: It started like so many evenings. Mom and Dad at home and Jimmy playing after dinner. Mom and Dad were absorbed with jobs and did not notice the time. It was a full moon and some of the light seeped through the windows. Then Mom glanced at the clock. "Jimmy, it's time to go to bed. Go up now and I'll come and settle you later." Unlike usual, Jimmy went straight upstairs to his room. An hour or so later his mother came up to check if all was well, and to her astonishment found that her son was staring quietly out of his window at the moonlit scenery. "What are you doing, Jimmy?" "I'm looking at the moon, Mommy." "Well, it's time to go to bed now." As one reluctant boy settled down, he said, "Mommy, you know one day I'm going to walk on the moon." 

Who could have known that the boy in whom the dream was planted that night would survive a near fatal motorbike crash which broke almost every bone in his body, and would bring to fruition this dream 32 years later when James Irwin stepped on the moon's surface, just one of the 12 representatives of the human race to have done so? This is a great testimony to the value of a dream.

Walt Disney is a name synonymous of a dreamer and saw his dreams completed in his lifetime. He said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” He added, “You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality.” If you had the chance, like I did to visit Disneyland, you’ll definitely understand what he was talking about. Moreover, I believe the reason it is still popular today even after 50 years is because of dreams that are still being conceived to improve it and to become relevant to the changing times.

The truth of the matter is this: God has planted His dream in our life even before we can conceive them ourselves: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. How precious to me are your thoughts, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” (Psalms 139:13-17 ESV)

I don’t know about you but this is a very clear reminder of our significance that we are God’s dream fulfilled. With this knowledge, you can now begin to understand that He has a great plan for your life for the upcoming year. If you consider carefully what He has dreamt for you, then you will find success for your own dream wisely aligned to His. Thus, do not allow 2013 to just pass by but strive to become the year of seeing your dreams realized with God’s help. Remember that the dreams we have for our family, personal life and many others are valuable and these dreams will help us to progress towards great things especially if God is with us.

Let’s talk again!

Just my Thoughts: On Les Miserables

Please click here to read: http://aldrinnavo.wordpress.com/2013/01/23/just-my-thoughts-on-les-miserables/ 

Ministry Update: Pastoral Visit to JRAM Alberta

The past 10 days (January 4-15, 2013) was an opportunity to serve God in two Alberta cities where Jesus Rock of Ages Ministries currently exists. It was days filled with various events focused on strengthening relationships, updates, meetings and fellowships

Both Calgary and Edmonton was in a winter chill and it was really cold. Coming from rainy Vancouver was indeed a climate upgrade. Nevertheless, no weather situation can stop what needed to be done for God’s people. The Church Core Teams’ Symposium was the first event gathering the different Church Core Teams of Southern Calgary. It was a forum to discuss the many updates that they need to be informed. The mood was light and fun. Indeed, proper communication must be done to clarify and amplify the directions forward.

The following day was a joint service of the JRAM Churches from Southern Alberta with more or less 300 people filled with joy and excitement in seeing one another giving glory to God together. It was a great day to rejoice in such a wonderful event. Then, special meetings were done in the last two days with different individuals before heading to Edmonton for the next leg of the visit. The day trip driving to Edmonton from Calgary the following day was not bad at all. The day was especially sunny but a snowstorm was scheduled to arrive later that day and found out that 12 cm fell afterwards.

Upon reaching Edmonton, we had a special dinner fellowship with the Northern Alberta Core Team and we had a wonderful night. The next night was the Church Core Teams’ Symposium with discussion and I believed that all attendees were informed appropriately with JRAM’s status and direction. 

The following day was individual meetings but one of the special events of the day was the special launching of JRAM St. Albert. Seeing how it was started and came together was indeed a blessing to remember. But one distinct feature of this event was the special participation of the congregation and the Church Pastor of Grace Family Church where JRAM would use as their facility. They were there not just to support but also to welcome the JRAM family amongst them and an evidence of unity in action between two church families. A great eating fellowship followed after the service like a feast. God is good!

The next day was another launching of a JRAM Church in Edmonton North using the facility of Living Waters in Londonberry Mall. God was at work in finding this location to become the home of JRAM Edmonton North. The Senior Pastor of Living Waters Church also joined in the launching with his wife and rejoiced with what God was doing. People were filled with joy in seeing another JRAM church family established to serve God’s people. God is at work indeed!

The last days of the visit was spent in meeting key leaders for special fellowship and a chat to catch up for what to do next. This was a jam-packed visit coupled with great time of fellowship and many blessings. Before I forget, a JRAM Bible Study officially started in Fort McMurray with the Huguete family, as the initial seed of what God is about to do in that place. Thus, in this visit, God was at work to proclaim His faithfulness to us who believe in what He can do to those that are fully yielded to His purpose and agenda. Together, we will see greater things have yet to come. Glory to God!