All posts tagged: #Merlin

What If?

I’d like to share with you this article taken from my book:

I have been curiously interviewing people about their idea of the Kingdom of God for many years. This notion of asking people their perspective began in the early 2000s. I began asking my home group members this question: “If you were given a chance of a lifetime, what would you do for your neighborhood?” More recently a friend told me that a pastor once asked, “What would your neighborhood look like if you could say, ‘The Kingdom of God is here’?”

That question piqued my interest. I thought, that’s what I’ve wanted to ask all these years. So I started asking people the question. I went all out. I started a contest online, spoke about it on TV and on radio, and interviewed people from all walks of life. This question brought me to city halls, churches, businesses, schools and people on the streets. I even had an opportunity to interview medical professionals in hospital rooms and patients in ICU. That same year, the Super Bowl was in Indianapolis and I had the opportunity to ask people from different parts of the United States. I have summarized some of the answers below.

What would your neighborhood look like if you could say, “The Kingdom of God is here”?

Men’s Bible group:

“A bunch of people worshipping and astonished before the Lord.”

“Neighbors acknowledging each other.”

“ Getting to know each other and being able to serve by knowing what other people are going through.”

“Desiring righteousness, peace and joy.”

 

Indianapolis Mayor’s Neighborhood Services:

“There would be a greater sense of peace and safety to take away the constant looking over your shoulder and constant concern for your family. Developing relationships with different parts of your community beyond just having religion and spirituality.”

“You can better develop the sense of safety, which in turn fosters the moving of the Spirit. If we don’t have relationship with God, it’s hard to have relationship with others. But the opposite is true; if we don’t have relationship with our neighbor, it’s hard to have relationship with God. Oftentimes, the way that folks meet God is through their neighbors and through what they see in their neighbors’ daily lives. You cannot meet God if you don’t have relationship with somebody, even if it’s the small business owner that sells gasoline at the corner; you could go through life and never see God. There would be very few needs, less crime and more love.”

 

College students from Indianapolis universities:

“I envision our school as a place where everyone feels inspired to have a better education.”

“Everyone could come to school feeling welcome and happy to be there.”

“Having children feel the need to go to college and feel inspired and a sense of hope.”

“You could walk outside at 3 a.m. not worrying that you may get shot or robbed.”

“Everybody should be able to pursue their dream and attain them.”

“God breathed life into the world so God is already present in the world. There would be more love and kindness, more philanthropy events, getting all our school work done and building a good future. Being able to meet the needs of classmates and the community as a whole.”

 

A faith-based non-profit organization director:

“God’s presence is active and alive in our neighborhoods and workplace. I feel we do have world peace. The world is not in turmoil. But where we can have peace is within ourselves and with our neighbors directly so each little corner of our world can have peace and that peace is God’s love. We would have world peace because God’s love is present. It would be a place of peace, joy, love and excitement. This community would be a refuge for the neglected and disadvantaged children, a place set apart to grow up healthy, loved, appreciated and a place where they come to know Jesus to change the future generation for Christ. Building a network of the Body of Christ to help build the campus for children.”

 

A pastor’s perspective:

“We would be a people of unity; there would be no difference based on race and any type of settings that would make one separate. People being treated equally; needs would go away because they will be taken care of by others or a neighbor next to you. There will be an end to what’s wrong. More joy and peace, happiness. There would an end to destruction.”

 

An executive of an international company:

“God is with us all the time. It’s up to us to choose the right or wrong thing that will affect us. We need to help ourselves and others to make the right choices and it would be a growth spiral that makes community grow. The ability to see some of the athletes grow up from poverty or abuse and to help them to make good choices instead of resorting to violence in the streets. To encourage kids and give them the opportunity to see that there is a better life out there [South America] through our company-schools and having real life role models to change their lives.”

 

From the 2012 Super Bowl Village:

“God is all around in many ways.”

“There would be a lot less crime, no prejudice and less drama.”

“God is already in my city; it’s about your perspective. My church is multi-cultural and there is no discrimination.”

“My city would look like heaven, loving each other and submitting to each other and to God.”

 

In an ICU room in hospital:

The patient said, “There will be no judgment.”

The medical professionals I interviewed said, “Laying hands on the sick and seeing them recover. I am sent with a Kingdom assignment here in my workplace. I don’t just take care of patients; I know I am sent with a mission and a purpose. So I pray for patients and I see the Kingdom of God invading the hospitals with healings.”

“The Kingdom of God would manifest through the actions of God’s people. Miracles still happen in hospitals; along with miracles, God has gifted His people with knowledge and the ability to treat sickness and disease so it goes hand in hand. It is equally miraculous that God has gifted His people to do amazing things medically as well. I believe that’s God reaching out in miraculous ways.”

 

In a restaurant, a waitress’s perspective:

“People would be more real and less fake. Believing in religion and not just putting on a show for everybody. This should be a happier place and real good food!”

 

From mayors in Central Indiana:

“I think the presence of God is already here in my city. However, if every one of us is more aware of the presence of God and would act more Christ-like, we would have a much better neighborhood. We would treat each other better, we would not prejudge people. Treat others like you want to be treated.”

“If all of us are conscious of God’s presence it definitely would be a better community. People will be more courteous with each other and be able to enjoy God’s nature. Better neighborhood, serving people.”


 

Merlin GonzalesWhat If?
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Living by the Spirit; not by flesh Part 1

Galatians 5:16-25 (NIV), “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[a] you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.”

When we live by the Spirit:

  • We live by grace and not under the bondage to the Law
    • Grace is unmerited favor, which means we receive what we don’t deserve. Grace is based on our relationship with God
    • The Law is the commandments from God in the Old Testament. The Law is based on our performance. No one is perfect to follow God’s entire commandment. Only Jesus was the perfect one and lived a sinless life.
    • We are controlled by the Spirit instead of the flesh
      • We are led by the Spirit
      • We have the grace to withstand the desires of our flesh
      • We live for God’s Glory rather than for ourselves
        • We start living with Biblical worldview; being aware of God within us
        • We become aware of our selfish actions and we start to think of others first before ourselves

The Spirit and the flesh are at war with each other. They have different appetites and different perspectives. Our “human body” is not sinful; it is neutral. In verse 16, Apostle Paul said “the desires of the flesh” not the body. So if our body is neutral, and the Holy Spirit controls it, then we keep in step with the Spirit.

However, if the flesh controls our body, then we walk in the lusts or desires of the flesh. We live by the worldview instead of living with Biblical perspectives.

This is a brief overview of living in the Spirit. In my next issue, we will take a look at the second part of the equation. Until then, live in His blessings!

 

Merlin

Merlin GonzalesLiving by the Spirit; not by flesh Part 1
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A busy Pentecost Sunday

Come Holy Spirit!

When you are willing, God will provide you opportunities beyond your imagination. I wanted to encourage you with what happened last Pentecost Sunday but we’ll start with some background stories.

#1 Sometime 5-6 years ago, I met a woman who supported the works of my ministry. She later moved to Northern Indiana but promised that she will continue to support me. She contacted me a few weeks before I released my book and we became acquainted with each other again through social media. She had been doing her BlogTalk for a few years and she offered to broadcast my classes based on my book. Then, she offered me to be the Speaker for her Sunday “Be InSpired Show” at 9:30a.

#2 Through my regular partnership with Catholic Charities, my name was passed along to a Mentor for a Minister. The Mentor contacted me to find out more what I do with Christian leaders. Soon, he brought the Minister that he is mentoring to a “Missional Community” vision casting that I conducted. The Minister was there with a few other people including a city representative.

#3 The ministry that the Lord started through me in 2005, FHL, was inspired by bringing the Body of Christ to work together. God has been blessing the ministry, however, it seems like we needed more than projects/services to work together – Prayer/Worship.

#4 FHL has a volunteer who happens to be a good friend of my wife and mine. She spoke to a Youth Pastor for a church regarding the upcoming event of FHL. This volunteer has been supporting me even before I started the ministry.

So to wrap up the 4 background stories above, here’s what happened on Pentecost Sunday 2013. At 9:30am, I preached via www.artseesdiner.com BlogTalk (#1); at 12:30pm, I did a vision-casting (Missional Community) at a church where they hold their services – in a building that was used for planned parenthood in the past (#2). By mid afternoon, I did a vision-casting for 24/7 prayer-worship (#3) that will be on July 21-28. I ended my day at www.Indyvineyard.org to speak at their Youth group regarding living in God’s Dominion here on earth (#4).

What a day to spend my day on Pentecost Sunday! Come Holy Spirit!

Merlin GonzalesA busy Pentecost Sunday
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John 14:23-27 Part 2

It’s been almost 3 weeks since my past posting.

So, how can we resist the devil and sin? Jesus said in verse 26, that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things. The Holy Spirit is the same Spirit that Jesus had while He was here on earth. He is our Comforter and He provides us power to live a life of joy and peace. A believer can be filled by the Holy Spirit again and again in his life. The Holy Spirit will reside inside of us. He enables us to be strong to resist the devil.

The Holy Spirit is our Helper, which means that we can do the things through Christ who strengthens us. You may say, I continue to sin but I don’t have the strength to resist it. Ask the Holy Spirit for strength and He will provide you supernatural power not only to resist sin but also to overcome your weakness.

As we yield to the Spirit, our relationship with the Lord will go deeper. We will be able to live a victorious life. As God resides in us, we will hear more from Him, we will have peace that surpasses understanding. Verses 27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

One of the best ways to have a peaceful heart is to immerse ourselves in the love of God. When we become saturated with His love, our heart will beat with His heart, our thoughts will be dominated with what’s pure, rather than unclean thoughts. Our action will manifest our love for God and will be evident by our lives. We will be able to forgive others and release the toxin of unforgiveness.

Let me tell you a story of unconditional love that transcends the life of a person who was abused for many years. This is a story of a woman born in Sudan more than 100 years ago. Her family was rich and she grew up in luxury. But she was kidnapped by Arabs and sold her as a slave. She was forced to walk 600 miles barefoot. She was sold as a slave several times. As a slave, she experienced beaten so bad that she was not able to get up from her bed for a month. One of her masters beat her every day for years. Her suffering was so severe that she forgot her name.

Her most terrifying memories was when her master carved images on her breast and stomach with a razor knife and then putting salt on the wounds to leave a deep scar on her body. She was resold again to an Italian family who was very kind to her.

Later in her life, she served the Lord as a cook and a door keeper for religious organization. She was later known as a missionary. Her gentleness, calming voice, and ever-present smile became well known and Vicenzans still refer to her as Sor Moretta (“little brown sister”) or Madre Moretta (“black mother”). During the Second World War (1939–1945) she shared the fears and hopes of the town people, who considered her a saint and felt protected by her mere presence. The war passed without one single casualty in their town.

A young student once asked Bakhita: “What would you do, if you were to meet those who kidnapped you (captors)?” Without hesitation she responded: “If I were to meet those who kidnapped me, and even those who tortured me, I would kneel and kiss their hands. For, if these things had not happened, I would not have been a Christian…”.

When she became old, she used wheelchair and was in a lot of pain. But she retained her cheerfulness, and if asked how she was, she would always smile and answer “as the Master desires”.

God is above everything and everyone

  • Through the cruelty of man, God can show His love to you. Jesus showed His love to humanity through the cruelty of the Roman soldiers who tortured Him and crucified Him.
  • Through your life circumstances, God can show His power over your life. Many people are hurting right now. You can provide hope to those who are dying for someone to talk to.

As Christians, we can be an example of God’s character in our neighborhoods. God is above everything and everyone.

We cannot do these on our own strength. We need the Holy Spirit to empower us. The Scriptures said that Jesus left the earth but promised His disciples a Helper, Comforter and will bring heaven on earth through the Holy Spirit in us.

Today, you can receive the Holy Spirit again so you can do supernatural things that will expand the Kingdom in your neighborhood.

Merlin GonzalesJohn 14:23-27 Part 2
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John 14:23-27 Part 1

John 14:23-27, “Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Let me give you a background of these verses to help us understand its context or the circumstances that precede this situation.

The Sunday before Jesus was crucified, he entered Jerusalem. This day is what we now call Palm Sunday, the start of the Holy Week. It’s the Sunday before Easter that was called “The Triumphal Entry”.

The following day, Monday, Jesus entered the Temple in Jerusalem and He drive out the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the moneychangers and the chairs of those selling doves.

On Tuesday that week, He had confrontations with the religious leaders who were trying to trap Him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar to get evidence for His arrest.

The following day, Wednesday probably was a day of rest.

That Thursday, Jesus asked His disciples to find them a place to observe the Passover on an Upper Room. This was the night of the Last Supper. This was the time when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet and that was the same night that the Bible records as John Chapter 14, which is our Scripture reading today.

Jesus talked about love many times before these passages. In verse 23, He said, “All who loves me will do what I say.

Love and obedience are a single package; they come together. Love manifests obedience and obedience manifests love. Jesus is saying to us that if we love Him, we should obey Him. This verse is described well by these verses in John 8:3-11, The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

11 “No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” Jesus is saying to us today, that He loves us as He loved the woman who was caught in adultery. However, He told the woman to obey Him, to stop doing what she had been doing – adultery.

Friends, God loves us that He does not want us to hurt ourselves. Although God had forgiven our sins (that is, if you received Jesus Christ in your heart) like the adulterer, there is consequence when we continue to sin.

Let’s continue on verse 23. Jesus also said to His disciples that His manifestation to the disciples’ lives would be in response to their love and obedience – that’s why Jesus said that God the Father and Himself will make their home with those who love and obey Him. Not only Jesus would take residence in us but also God the Father. In addition to loving us, but He takes pleasure in loving obedient believer.

In our lives, we catch ourselves praying for God’s power to manifest in our lives and wondering why (after months of praying) His power is not manifesting to us. We can pray for God’s help but if we don’t help ourselves, meaning, we disobey Him, we therefore do not receive what we pray for. We are actually hindering ourselves for the manifestation of God in our lives and robbing ourselves of the blessings.

On the next verse, He said “Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching.

Here, Jesus is saying the same thing in different way. Not obeying Him, is not loving Him. Saying I love you to your spouse is not enough; it’s loving him or her with action. Taking action in loving your spouse is a demonstration of real love. Disobedience is a serious matter. There are consequences for our disobedience.

I would like to pause here before we move on to the next verse. Like many of us, I used to live in sin and continue to do the same thing even though I know I am disobeying God. The harder I tried to keep away from sinning, it seemed like I cannot get away from them and do the right thing.

I tried going to church every Sunday and still finding myself failing.

I tried going to Bible studies and still disobeying God intentionally

I started volunteering thinking that doing good things will get me to heaven.

It was until I decided to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior that I had the strength and grace to break away from the bondage of sin. Friends, the Bible said that God sent His one and only Son to the earth to be one of us. He was tempted in everyway possible, but never sinned. He came to this earth to release us from our bondage to sin by dying on the cross. The Bible said that those who confess their sins and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be saved from their sin and will inherit eternal life. When the sinner repent of his sin, trust Christ and confess Him as His Lord and Savior, he is born again. His sins are forgiven and He can be assured that he will go to heaven when he dies. Jesus paid the price for us by dying on the cross for the forgiveness of our sin. He rose again and is now in heaven. If you are ready to accept Jesus in your heart, please repeat this prayer. “Jesus, forgive me. I sinned and I am sorry. I repent from my sin. Jesus, please come into my heart and be the king of my life. I accept you as my Lord and Savior, in Jesus Name, Amen.” If you pray that prayer and you are serious about it, you can be sure that you now have eternal life.

If you have questions about finding out more about Jesus, His death and His resurrection, please contact Merlin by responding to this Blog.

Merlin GonzalesJohn 14:23-27 Part 1
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