This week, as I have thought about and prayed for the Philippines, I felt Holy Spirit drawing me to the following passage of scripture:
¹¹ “(God said) ‘(Elijah), leave this cave, and go standon the mountainside in my presence.’ The Eternal passed by him. The mighty wind separated the mountains and crumbled every stone before the Eternal. This was not a divine wind, for the Eternal was not within this wind. After the wind passed through, an earthquake shook the earth. This was not a divine quake, for the Eternal was not within this earthquake. ¹² After the earthquake was over, there was a fire. This was not a divine fire, for the Eternal was not within this fire. After the fire died out, there was nothing but the sound of a calm breeze. And through this breeze a gentle, quiet voice entered into Elijah’s ears.”
(1 Kings 19:11-12, Voice Translation)
Nature’s destructive strength was forcefully displayed as Elijah stood on the side of the mountain in God’s presence:
● a wind so strong it burst large boulders
● a devastating earthquake (Hebrew= ra’ash “grind; shatter; completely break down”)
● a type of lightning-fire associated with volcanic eruptions
Notice this important truth: The ETERNAL was NOT IN any of the destructive forces that Elijah witnessed!
The scripture says the wind, the quake, and the fire were not divine. They did not originate with God. And their power and intensity tells me they were more than just “natural” phenomena. They were similar in nature to the wildly violent storm that was launched against Jesus and the disciples on the sea of Galilee… i.e., a distortion of normal weather and geological patterns, used by the enemy as weapons to propagate fear, death, and destruction.
The truth is: GOD was NOT IN any of the disasters that beset the Philippines, no matter how many times people say they were “acts of God”, or “judgements of God.” Lies are still lies, no matter how many times they are told.
God told Elijah to stand IN the one place that could shelter him from the lies, from the fear, and from the destruction of the enemy… IN His presence, not with His presence, not near His presence, not beside His presence, but IN His presence!
The destroyer pridefully flexed his muscles, trying to overwhelm Elijah with fear. He didn’t succeed.
He uses the same tactics with us, trying to convince us that not only does he have great power to destroy, but that he will use that power to destroy us personally.
ELIJAH was sheltered, stable, secure, and safeguarded IN the PRESENCE of the ETERNAL ONE!
Where is our place of refuge from the storms of life? Where can we find a rock of stability when our world is being shaken and shattered? Where is our secret place? Our cleft in the rock? Our strong tower?
It is forever IN CHRIST! Our eternally secure union is with Christ! We are IN Him! IN Him forever! He is IN us! IN us forever! We are members of His Body, of His flesh, and of His bones… washed in His blood… filled with His Spirit… one spirit with Him forever!
The enemy unleashed hell against the people of the Philippines in the last eight weeks, the tip of his fiery spear aimed at Cebu, the very heart of the nation.
But prayer warriors in the Philippines and around the world networked to raise up the shield of faith. “Super-Typhoon Uwan” was deflected and the nation was spared another direct blow.
We shouldn’t be surprised by any of this. The Philippines is the gateway to Asia. The enemy wants to derail its progress and destroy its destiny.
I believe the last great outpouring of God’s Spirit before the Lord’s return will be a spiritual tsunami that sweeps hundreds of millions of souls from every Asian nation into the kingdom of God. That tsunami will be a tsunami of life, not desth. And the church in the Philippines will ride the crest of that wave!
A word of warning, now, to the watchmen and warriors… from the One with the gentle, quiet voice…
“Don’t lay down your shield! Don’t take off your armor! The enemy has retreated, but he has not yet surrendered. There are still challenges ahead to your victory in Christ.”
We must have warriors, from every nation, especially from the Philippines. who stand in God’s presence, on the high ground of His mountain, fearless warriors who are unshakeable and unbreakable as they overcome and decisively defeat the prince of the power of the air.
I have found two such warriors in Cebu, trained and equipped, Spirit-filled, and Spirit-led, willing to listen to and obey the still, small voice of Holy Spirit faithfully.
I am speaking of Ian “Aibek” Rustia, and Anne Ruiz. Ian and Anne are Co-Founders of the Student Life Organization. Inc. (SLOI) based in Cebu City, Philippines.
In addition to their current focus on relief work, SLOI supports students from marginalized backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities.
Their mission is to break down barriers to education and provide opportunities that help students realize their full potential. The organization offers a variety of programs that go beyond traditional learning, focusing on developing leadership, communication, teamwork, and creativity skills.
Through mentoring programs, scholarships, leadership training, and community engagement, they strive to equip every student, regardless of their circumstances, with the tools and resources needed to build a brighter future.
When all is said and done, we will ultimately build that better, brighter future for the Philippines, one student, one young person, and one precious soul, at a time. God saves nations by saving individuals.
It is my wife, Grace’s and my great honor to partner with, and endorse, the faithful and fruitful ministry of Student Life Organization, Inc., and to ask for your prayers and financial support as you help them to carry out their God-given mission. To God be the glory!
We will be publishing a new SLOI page on our home page in the near future. Please look for it.
The page will be feature profiles of SLOI leaders and staff, articles, pictures, and updates about outreaches, testimonies of team-victories, information on how you can partner with them, and links so you can easily donate to their work, and share the excitement and blessings of their mission!
In the meantime get to know Ian, Anne and their ministry by visiting at:
Finally, Grace and I want to thank you for your prayers. Your love encourages and enables us to bring the awe-inspiring, life-changing love of God to others.
Blessings!
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Instead of giving a “like” or “comment” on this post, please consider a donation to the Student Life Organization, Inc. as they show Jesus’ love to the hungry, hurting people of Cebu.
Just $13.60 (USD) provides food and water for a family of five for three days, or for a family of five for three days!
What an awesome opportunity we have been given, to help meet the physical and spiritual needs of these precious people. Would you please give generously today?
For donations please use this link:
paypal.me/anaferuiz
Thank you! Blessings!
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His Heart, My Home 
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