All posts tagged: God Christ

Unexpected

October 10, 2015 Merlin Gonzales blog, KIOM

There many things in life that do not make sense.

The ministry that I founded, Faith Hope and Love Community celebrated it’s 11th “Mission Trip in Your Own Backyard” during the last full week of July through a week of community services with churches and ministries. Through food pantries, block party and other outreaches, hundreds of people were blessed.

A day after the week of missions, my wife and I were at a restaurant overlooking a lake to celebrate what God had done. Suddenly, we saw the dark heavy clouds moving in our direction. Just a few hours before this happened, my wife and I checked the forecast and there was no trace of rain for the day! The wind picked its speed and the waves got higher. Within a few minutes, we saw an incredible amount of rain poured like waterfall from the sky. It was amazing to see that kind of rain over the lake.

As we were mesmerized by the nature, we remembered that our office is in a flood zone and my 2 vehicles were parked near a creek. We rushed to our office while battling the downpour. By the time we reached our office complex, the parking lot looked like a rushing river. I saw both my vehicles in the flood path and decided to rescue them.

An unexpected downpour

I was able to start my truck and moved it to a higher ground. My van started but stalled after driving several feet. After letting it dry for a week, my friend and I changed the engine oil which was mixed with water. We tried several ways to start it but finally gave up. The van had high mileage and it has only third party insurance coverage which means that we lost a good running vehicle from a flood.

I asked God why He allowed it to happen, we just blessed hundreds of people and cannot afford to buy a replacement vehicle. We checked the forecast and we blessed the vehicles before this unfortunate incident happened! So many things ran through my mind. Maybe I should have just left it in the flood and let it dry later or I should have not left my vehicles in that parking lot! Maybe God will replace it and He is about to bless us with a nicer and newer vehicle.

It took me a few weeks to let it go and to stop asking why. I finally accepted that it happened and there’s nothing else I can do to bring back my van.

I was now looking forward to perform the marriage of one of our friends!

My wife had been busy for several months in the preparation of the wedding since she was the wedding planner. The bride and groom got us a nice hotel room for 2 nights so we could be close to the venue. Since the wedding started at 6pm, I had time to visit the town and to exercise at a gym. I stopped by Walmart to purchase weight lifting gloves.

I had a great time at the gym; I felt stronger and had more endurance. I went back to my hotel room, took a shower and had lunch at a fast food. Afterwards, I went back to the hotel and worked on my message for the wedding and reviewed the flow of the ceremony. I felt good!

It was now time to get dressed and go to the wedding venue. After putting on my clothes, I noticed that I was not wearing my wedding ring and my cross ring. I looked around the room and checked with the front desk! I called the gym and checked the room again but no one had seen my rings!

I was devastated to find out that I lost my rings – they represent my commitment to my wife and to the Lord! This loss was more than my van, not financially but emotionally! How could God allow this happen especially just before I officiate the wedding of my friends!

God gave me the grace to temporarily forget the lost rings during the wedding and the reception. It was a beautiful wedding and a magical night.

There are unexpected things and events that happen to us. Things that are good and things that are bad. We live in the tension between light and darkness, good and evil, choices and decisions. It is through those events that our faith is tested. Whether we think what’s happening to us is good or we perceive it as bad, our faith should be unwavering.

Think about Abraham, the father of faith. He left his home town to go to an unknown place. Joseph who had good intentions was sold as a slave by his own brothers and was put in a dungeon for doing what the right things. John the Baptist who proclaimed the coming of Jesus and was beheaded.

Hebrews 11:1-2, “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. ²This is what the ancients were commended for.“

Please be encouraged that no matter what your situation is, God is still Sovereign, He is in control and He is God! Unexpected things happen to all of us and we do not have the answers to all of them, however, God does NOT cause bad things to happen. He is for us, not against us. Perhaps He would give us answers to all the unanswered questions we had here on earth when we see Him in the fullness of time.

PS. I will be doing a Book Signing on Saturday, October 17th from 11am to 2pm at The Living Truth bookstore located at 17665 Cumberland Rd, Noblesville, IN 46060. If you are in town, please come and visit me; I’d like to meet you in person and sign my book for you.

PPS. Let me know if you are interested in participating to “Living in God’s Dominion Here on Earth” class based on my book, “The Kingdom In Our Midst“; I will keep you posted as the class develops.

God bless,

Merlin

The 3 images

August 31, 2015 Merlin Gonzales blog, Message

August 31, 2015

This morning, I woke up at 2am and could’t go back to sleep because I had an allergy attack. By 3:30am, I was still awake sneezing and blowing my nose. Then, I asked God if He has a message for me since I am staying awake.

I propped up my head with another pillow. I finally fell asleep – maybe around 4am. Then I dreamt.

My dream:

I found myself in a war zone. There were all kinds of noise and commotion. There were 3 enemy soldiers who were coming at me. I had a rifle in my hands; I aimed and pulled the trigger.

I fired at the enemy

“Bang”, the enemy went down. However, 2 more were coming at me but I didn’t know how to cock the rifle. The enemies were coming fast so I used the bayonet and killed both of them with it.

Soon, I ran away from that place to hide from the enemies. I saw buildings abandoned, streets were ravaged by bombs and total chaos all around. I found an abandoned building and tried to hide behind a wall while several people were passing by. There were a few other people hiding with me; they said that the people passing by are not enemies.

Next, I found myself in their camp. I saw an abandoned building where they house refugees – about 30 of them in the basement. I got to know some of the top leaders of the group. A man name Patel allowed me to see inside the building.

The refugees were children, parents and grandparents. They were all sleeping in beds made of ply wood, around 7 of them. Each bed is full of people lying in opposite directions to allow them to fit in the bed.

Later, I met an African American lady, she’s the refugees’ teacher. She comes on a regular basis to teach them for about an hour, then she goes back to her place. I later found out that she lives close by the building. Her place was the only one standing in an apartment-like building. Through the window, I saw that her place has electricity, a desk where she studies and a couch in the living room. However, the rest of the building was dilapidated.

As I was talking with Mr. Patel, the Lord showed me 3 images. I asked the Lord

what they represent. Towards the end of my dream, the answer was revealed.

Then, I saw Randy Clark was one of the leaders (Randy is a well-know apostolic Christian leader who has played a major role in bringing the Toronto blessings in the mid 1990’s when the Holy Spirit came in power upon a congregation calling out to the Lord.) I followed him and he showed me a large generator. There was some problem in it but he quickly fixed it. He commented that it seems like you have to do the mechanical things more than being a spiritual leader. It made me think – why did he say that?

We walked back towards the refugees’ building that seemed concealed. It is inside a compound with a large gate in the front. As you enter the gate, the entrance seemed like a quick sand. It was like a big mud hole and only small vehicles can go around it. From the look of it, I think the hard soil to the side of the gate is wide enough only for a motorcycle.

As we enter the building, we had to slide ourselves through a square hole on the side of the building since the door is impassable. I thought – how can the teacher go through that small opening? I thought that she was not fit and small enough to fit through it, but I was wrong.

I noticed that the enemies were marching on the side of the building but they didn’t seem to notice the building. An answer came to me – when the Glory of God is over you, the enemies cannot touch you.

This time, the refugees were awake. Mr. Patel instructed the leaders to line up the refugees in rows across the yard out side the building within the compound for the teaching of the day. It was a sunny day. He sat on a chair, grabbed a fresh donut in a box and he took a big bite. He said to have the refugees do the same. I was about to ask him “Why”, but he saw that I was going to ask it so he said that they should experience the enjoyment of eating a donut like the people in France during peacetime.

I saw that the leaders were so busy most of the time in the compound and I asked myself why they don’t raise new leaders to help them in running these band of people. I was about to offer my assistance to the leaders, but then I woke up.

I was still half awake in my bed trying to wake up. I asked the Lord what the 3 images represent. Quickly, I got the answer – CHURCH, SCHOOL and MONEY. We need to have those during calamities. As I was starting to type this dream, I wondered why food and water were not listed. My answer was delivered to me right away – the Lord will provide. Then I was reminded of the Israelites when they crossed the desert – although they had bread and livestock when they left Egypt, those were not enough to last them all through the 40 years of wandering. It was through the powerful hand of God that they received manna and water in the desert.

Next, I will share with you what we think is the interpretation of the dream.

God bless you,

Merlin

Lord, what have I got myself into Part II

July 10, 2015 Merlin Gonzales blog

Similar to the sign, the girl's experience a backstage.

Similar to the sign, the girl’s experience was a backstage.

As I took the picture above, I wondered how many people are taken advantage of on the side of the highway. The Backstage billboard on the road reminded me of behind the scene activities that are happening just around the corner.

Let’s continue with the young woman’s story:

“I’m so tired“, she said. “I have a little baby. She’s with a friend right now“, the young woman muttered. I continued to drive so I could drop her off as soon as possible because I was on my way to meet my son who was helping me move my daughter. The road was clear but it was a cloudy day.

The young woman told me that her fiancee kicked her and her baby out of their apartment to make room for his boyfriend. She continued, “That’s why my baby is with my friend and I am homeless right now! My daughter and I stayed at a place for a few nights and caught bed bugs there.”

I asked her if she asked for help from churches in the area. I was startled when she said, “So many people think I am dumb! I have been to every church in the area and they would not help me except for food for me and diapers for my daughter! There was a church here that threatened to call the police if I did not leave their property! They would not give me any money that I could use to go to Tennessee to start a new life with my aunt. I don’t know what to do!” Then suddenly she said, “Turn right here and then left to the next street.”

As I followed her direction, my mind was processing different thoughts. What if she’s taking me to a crack house or if this trip is a set up of some kind? While arguing silently with myself, I heard her say to turn right in what seemed like an office complex. There were no cars around since it was Saturday. My eyes started to search the surrounding area and then I saw behind the office complex was an established subdivision or housing addition. At that time I was able to breath normally.

At the entrance of the subdivision, she pointed to her right and said, “That’s where I am going to sleep.” Across a small man-made lake (similar to many lakes in Indiana) was a small gazebo. It had beautiful flowers surrounding it and behind it was thick bushes and small trees. I looked around thinking that some people may see me drop her off and may think that I was her customer, especially since I was driving my truck with ministry logos all over it!

I asked her, “May I pray for you, Miss…” “Kristine. My name is Kristine and my daughter’s name is Leila”, she answered with no hesitation. She held my hand and I prayed for her and her daughter. I asked that the Lord would bless her and guide her. I asked for protection and grace over her life.

After we prayed, she asked if I had some money so she could buy some food for herself. I slipped my hand in my pocket and found out that I did not have any money but a few coins. “I am very sorry but I do not have money with me“, I replied. “I heard you have some coins in your pocket; anything will help me right now“, Kristine said. I gave her all the coins I had in my pocket.

Kristine, got out of my truck, picked up her purse and her old Bible and proceeded to walk to the gazebo. I turned my truck around. As I was passing by her, I saw her reading her Bible while walking towards the gazebo. She looked to me and waved her hand with her face sending a message of a big Thank You!

I thank God that He used me to minister to her even for just a few minutes. This experience has given me many things to ponder. As I continued to drive to my daughter’s apartment, I was still in a state of shock. It was hard for me to believe that I was just ministering to a broken person, abused and in an extreme state of disaster.

I thought of going back there to bring her food or help her get connected with community resources. But after 3 hours of loading my truck with my daughter’s household items I never made it back. My truck was full to the brim and my son was right behind me with his car also full of clothes and kitchen stuff.

Please pray for with me for Kristine and Leila that they would find people who will help them. Also, that they will receive God’s grace and protection.

God Bless,

Merlin

Beyond the busyness

November 29, 2014 Merlin Gonzales Backyard Missions, blog

After Thanksgiving, things seem to accelerate in our lives. From work, to home and to the marketplace, most of us are rushing to get things done. Let’s slow down for a few minutes; hope the stories below would bless you.

Remember the church I wrote about in September? They were at a crossroads of selling the property or giving it back to the bank? The new congregation moved in a few weeks ago and they had their first service last night. Together with the reduced monthly payment, increase giving and rent from the new congregation, they are able to implement simple plans that are workable and effective.

This all happened because God had already put things in place. We were able to plug in with His divine plan and watched how things unfold before our eyes. We are truly God’s co-laborers and ambassadors 2 Cor. 5:20, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”

Today, Nov. 29, 2014, I visited my office to meet someone who is interested in buying one of my vehicles (2000 Nissan Maxima). After meeting him, the mailman came. In the mailbox, is a small white envelope. I opened the envelope and was surprised to see what’s in it. A check for an entire year pledge to the ministry! This donor made a pledge in Nov. 2013 to contribute on a monthly basis. However, after the first month, we were not able to process the monthly donation. He also had a hand-written note saying that he would like to continue to give on a monthly basis.

In April, 2012 we had a donor who pledged to give to the ministry. However, we did not receive any since then. Just 2 weeks ago, we received a check from her! With the check was a copy of the pledge card that she filled out in 2012.

Three days ago, a donor stopped by our office. He was so excited to hand us a Christmas gift! He was so stirred that he cannot wait till Christmas to give his gift to us! It was a baking pie plate with “Faith Hope and Love” printed on it!

I don’t know about you but I have been guilty of unfulfilled promises. I thought that my pledge for an organization would not make a difference – WRONG! God is making His appeal to us to let your Yes be yes and your No be no. My hats off to the 3 people who honored their words beyond the busyness of the season and, during the busiest shopping month of the year!

I pray that during this season, we become more in tuned with the Kingdom reality rather than the world as we know it.

God bless,

Merlin

Co-create with God

September 24, 2014 Merlin Gonzales Backyard Missions, blog

Last week, I shared with you a few amazing stories that I have witnessed in the past several weeks. It is fascinating to see when you become more aware of the supernatural, the greater reality that is beyond our physical senses. You and I are a part of the divine plan. But most of the time, we are not connected in the spiritual dimension. Generally, we are disconnected and thereby miss some pretty astounding events that can directly affect our worldview of reality and can change the course of lives of others and the history of a community.

If the greater reality is beyond our natural senses, how can we tune in with what’s going on in the spiritual realm? The answer is to train ourselves to be more conscious about the correlation between the natural and the supernatural, the physical and the spiritual. How do we do this?

We will start with a simple step and example based on a phenomenal story that just happened yesterday. I wrote from my previous Blog that another opportunity had landed on my lap. My organization has the opportunity to acquire a property worth more than half a million dollars with no cash involved on our part. As a Consultant, I come across some pretty interesting situations, this is one of them.

God has bigger plan

A Pastor and his wife came to my office several weeks ago asking to help them decide about the future of their church. The church building sits on a 7-acre land. It has 2 houses, a youth building that is not being used currently, a playground, a community center, a detached garage and a large pond. Back in the 80’s, the church had more 400 attendees. Throughout the years, and with many reasons, the church continuously dwindled down in number. Currently, it has less than 20 attendees. Needless to say, they cannot continue to pay the bills including the mortgage.

Simultaneously, I am helping a Hispanic church to find a site for their food pantry. I just trained them to start their own pantry and this is the last piece to get them started. I introduced them to the Pastor that I am consulting with. They visited the place and fell in love with it. The Hispanic Pastor gathered her leaders and we had a meeting. They asked for my advice and guided them in the decision-making process. They decided to rent a portion of the church!

Suddenly, I found myself in the middle of 2 churches who needed my advice. This put me in an awkward position so after prayers and several conversations with my wife and friends, I decided not to have an interest in the property.

We had a few meetings with the Pastor who owns the church, we prayed together and discussed the best option for them. We looked at the sources of their income and the list of expenses. They agreed to follow the plans and strategy that I presented to them. I showed them that they can actually keep the property even with just one renter. Yesterday (Sept. 23, 2014), I also negotiated with their mortgage company to skip the Principal payment for 12 months until they get back on the black. In addition, I also negotiated to spread out the payment for the last 2 unpaid monthly mortgage bills.

Through prayers (spiritual) and through meetings and evaluations (physical), we have solved the potential loss of a beautiful property. Both churches will be working to maximize their impact in the community and to utilize the property in greater way. This is an example of becoming more aware of our spiritual surrounding. It is through our communion with the Lord that we can hear more of His voice. We will develop our spiritual senses as we tune in with the greater reality.

There are more to the story but I would like for you to share yours. Do not think that your story is not worth sharing. God does not look from man’s perspective. Remember when Jesus fed the 5,000 through the little boy who had 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish? His disciples did not think that the food they will eat later would come from a child with only a handful of food! God is not bound by our reality, He is beyond time and space, He is infinite, He is the God of all creation.

This is the opportunity that lie in front of us – we can co-labor and co-create with God. Be aware of your spiritual space, tune in to the supernatural and see more of heaven here on earth. I am looking forward to hearing from you!

God bless,

Merlin