All posts tagged: #Merlin

The Interpretation of my dream

September 30, 2015 Merlin Gonzales KIOM, Testimony

This exercise reminds us that God speaks to us in dreams. If you read my dream from my last posting, you would notice the details and the vividness of events. I would like to encourage you to keep a dream journal next to you so you can capture God’s messages more accurately. Don’t wait for several hours to write them, otherwise, you may forget some important details.

Most of the dreams are personal. The dream I had (posted previously) is personal but it also include some messages about the ministry that I founded. This is very important for me because God had shown me some of the events that will transpire (many of the events already transpired as I was writing this blog).

I am sharing some of the interpretation of my dream but since most of it is about my personal life and ministry, I deleted most of the interpretations. However, I left some of it so you can see that God’s instructions can be very detailed and we need to pay attention to what He’s saying.

It is my prayer that this dream and it’s interpretation would inspire you to ask the Lord for answers. He speaks to us in many ways and one of them is through our dream.

God bless you, Merlin

Merlin’s Dream – The 3 Images – August 31, 2015

Dream Date 8-31-15

Eight is the number of man’s ability to transcend limits of physical existence; resurrection power, to make fat; the teacher; new birth or beginning; abounding in strength; circumcision Ps. 119.

Thirty one is the number of divine perfection; offspring the name of God; deity.

Fifteen means energy of divine grace; resurrection in the glory; deity; rest; mercy delivered from death; the bride of Christ; reprieve and pardon.

People in Dream:

Merlin – self

3 enemy soldiers – represents attacks from satan (the enemy); things coming against you

Patel – a man of India decent – represents Merlin

refugees – children, parents, grandparents – no relation – represents those in your life looking for your guidance and protection

African American lady – teacher – represents Holy Spirit

Randy Clark – a Christian Apostolic Leader – represents the Lord who gives wisdom and is our shield

Before the Dream and Symbolism

This morning, I woke up at 2 am and couldn’t go back to sleep because I had an allergy attack.

Two is the number that means separation; division; contrast; split; war; testimony from a witness and support; blessing; judgment; ruin multiplication of death; revelation; harmony, incarnation; the Living Word.

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.

4:00 is the time that spiritual doors open to bring revelation knowledge to dreamers. Morning is considered to be from 3:00 to 6:00 am. These dreams are from a divine or godly origin and bring the incense of heaven. We are able to gain inspiration from divine revelation outside of the constraints of earthly time.

The Holy Spirit can reveal things from the realms of eternity past, present or future. This is the best time to present yourself before the Lord to hear revelatory instruction, words of wisdom and gain redemption.

Jesus made a practice of awakening while it was still dark. The revelation God brings to our spirit will enhance our total life. The Holy Spirit shows us how to achieve and exceed our greatest potential. The Spirit of Truth guides our daily decisions and develops strategies to defeat every enemy and destructive force.

The Dream and Symbolism

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

A war zone is where we receive wisdom, strategy, instructions for planning battles and warfare through prayer and heavenly communication.

The enemy always tries to make a lot of noise to bring confusion.

There are three specific things you are fighting:

One you are able to kill off at a great distance because you know how to shoot an assault rifle. A rifle often represents a goal you have set your sites on; hitting the mark; focusing on reaching a high distant aspiration; to sort through a lot of information or thought processes.

But you need to become more familiar with the weapons of your warfare as you were not able to reload to take out the other two enemies. This allowed them to move into your territory at a close proximity instead of keeping them at a safe distance.

Hand to hand combat places you at risk even though you took them out with the bayonet. A bayonet is a short sword on the end of a gun that represents a frontal attack with stabbing, jabbing words that cut and wound while one is trying to defend one’s beliefs.

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.

The enemy’s job description is to kill, steal and destroy. You notice the destruction of a chaotic city that has taken place due to the ravages of war and bombs. You go into hiding in an abandoned building behind a wall.

People are passing by which can indicate you feel hidden or that advancement or opportunities are passing you by because you are walled in.

There are other people with you who are in the same situation and looking for community or escape from the enemy.

Judges 9:51-52 But there was a strong tower in the center of the city, and all the men and women with all the leaders of the city fled there and shut themselves in; and they went up on the roof of the tower.

Buildings represent oneself or the body; a church; a corporation; attributes of personality and functions. Positive progress, awareness, and understanding is being made if one is on upper levels.

Proverbs 18:10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe.

Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who take refuge in Him.

Psalms 143:9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; I take refuge in You.

The name Patel is found primarily in people of India descent. It is derived from the word Patidar, “Pat” which refers to a piece of royal land. “Patel or Patil” refers to one who was tasked with taking care of or farming that piece of royal land.

The refugees were children, parents and grandparents.

Refugees in dreams represent a need to rest in God; place other’s needs before your own, being generous and benevolent is of utmost importance because you will reap what you sow. We are told to bless the foreigner. Refugees can also indicate one is trying to escape instead of confronting issues especially if basements are involved in the dream. The person may be feeling socially rejected, emotionally isolated or that they do not belong. (Amos 9)

Children: the future or next generation; a person between birth and puberty, juvenile, offspring, increase, prosperity, joy, spiritual inheritance or fruit, blessings, childlike or immature, a son or daughter, a descendant, someone or something for which you are responsible, spiritual inheritance.

Parents and Grandparents speak of multiple generations of families.

They were all sleeping in beds made of plywood, around 7 of them.

The number seven means completeness; wholeness; fullness; spiritual perfection and development; purification; consecration; weapons of self defense; the number of days of creation; forgive 70 x 7 seals and trumpets; the priest trumpeted at the walls of Jericho for seven days.

The beds represent of place of rest or intimacy in close quarters.

There being made of plywood can speak of a need to be flexible or pliable in a difficult situation. Build something new to honor the Lord from your spiritual inheritance of leadership and wisdom. God is your high tower and support for the new structure. Plywood is a standardized structural member used to build and construct facilities.

Each bed is full of people lying in opposite directions to allow them to fit in the bed.

People are trying their best to ‘fit in,’ even if it means they have to lie or do something that is uncomfortable or opposite to the norm.

Later, I met an African American lady, she’s the refugees’ teacher.

In dreams women often represent the Holy Spirit or the Church who is sent to comfort and teach.

She comes on a regular basis to teach them for about an hour, then she goes back to her place.

This movement can represent the move of the Spirit.

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.

Three is the number of the Holy Spirit; perfect witness & testimony; union; approval; completeness; fullness; kindness; entirety and Divine perfection. Spirit life, resurrection and the Godhead’s mighty acts. Jesus ministered for three years. The time dimensions of past, present and future.

Then, I saw Randy Clark was one of the leaders (a well-know apostolic Christian leader)

The name Randy means guarded shield.

Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.

The name Clark means enlightened spirit of a scholar.

James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

I followed him and he showed me a large generator.

A generator is a machine that coverts mechanical energy into electrical energy to generate vapor or gas. Vapors often speak of the Holy Spirit who is source that generates all power.

There was a 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?

Most people function in the natural or carnal realm rather than moving by the Holy Spirit and power. Randy is known for his healing ministry that fixes broken people and puts them back together again so they can be powerful once more.

We walked back towards the refugees’ building that seemed concealed.

God is our hiding place those who run into Him are safe and concealed from the enemies view.

It is inside a compound with a large gate in the front.

Gate: entrance; threshold; passage from one chapter of life to another; increased levels of maturity, power and authority; entering destiny; something new and different; holds within; hindrance; Hell. Gateway to Heaven; portal Ps 24:7, 122:2, 100:4, 107:16; opportunity; cities; kingdoms; promotion; life; salvation; death. Gen 19:1; Heb 13:12; Mt 16:18.

Small Vehicle: represents a personal ministry or church; light and easy yoke; cramped and in need of expanding ministry.

From the look of it, I think the hard soil to the side of the gate was wide enough only for a motorcycle.

Motorcycle: an ability to go off road, escape the regular paths of life to experience adventure, freedom and to explore the unknown. Youthful drive, motivation and ambition, an ability to quickly out maneuver those around, physical energy, restlessness, daring, adventurous, demonstrates an ability to stay in control, fast acceleration propelling you past others; loner; personal, quick moving ministry; rebellion; pride. 1 Kings 12:18; 2 Kings 2:11–12, 10:16; Ps 104:3; Acts 8:28–38; 17:28a; 1 Thes 2:18. (Harleys, Hogs, Choppers, etc. and sport bikes) a great ability to overcome obstacles and physical skill to go off road to out of the way places; or maneuver through traffic on highways and byways; to feel the Holy Spirit wind and follow His leading.)

Mr. Patel being seated upon a Chair represents a comfortable place of rest; enables a person to communicate from a relaxed position; joining in or fellowshipping with; an invitation to lead, as in chairing a meeting; a position of authority; seat of office, favor or position. Ps 107:32; 2 Sam 23:8.

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.

Church: community of Christian believers; the ecclesia; an assembly; Body of Christ; Bride; five–fold ministry; called to serve; moral belief system; fellowship; relationship with God. Mt 16:18; Gal 1:13; Ep 1:22; 5:27. Church building: can indicate you are acting in a religious structured or legalistic manner instead of moving through life full of love acting as the living temple of God. Jesus said he would build His church on revelation. Mt 16:18.

School: preparing for a test; school of the Holy Spirit; place of promotion from lessons learned; student or teacher of the Word. Spiritual teaching and ministry training; discipleship; instruction in a skill or business; college, institution or university; higher learning; planned curriculum for years; educational; “the school of hard knocks;” “of the old school;” “tell tales out of school;” “old school tie;” “well–schooled;” aquatic animals (especially fish) swimming together. You are in the need of knowledge and wisdom; place of learning and acquiring skills and talents to succeed in life; anxiety from feeling insignificant or inadequate. It is time to overcome childhood insecurities or performance challenges; walking out the lesson of life or acquiring anointings and learning how to operate spiritual gifts and abilities; skipping class: means you are not open or receptive to the philosophy that is being taught; learn from past mistakes and failures. Mt 11:29; Acts 19:9.

Money: favor being given if money increases or favor lost if money is taken; inheritance; prosperity; blessings; saving; investment; power; fear of loss or theft; greed. Power; prestige; wealth; medium of exchange; measures value; property and assets; precise, “on the money”; finding money: small troubles will result in happiness and change; to steal: danger of lack and deceit; roll of dollars

INTERPRETATION

Merlin your dream is a call to prayer and intercession. Ask God for wisdom and His end time ministry strategy. You are called as a leader in this difficult time to bring comfort to those who feel lost or abandoned due to the chaos and confusion that is shaking the world right now. God will supply all of your needs according to His riches in Glory.

The Lord is reminding you to know your spiritual weapons and put on the full armor of God so that you can be prepared for all circumstances whenever the enemy comes against you.

The 3 Images represent a focus on the body of Christ, discipleship and the Lord’s Provision through relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

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.

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

Liberty in Christ

April 8, 2015 Merlin Gonzales blog, Message

The ass who was never satisfied

The Ass and His Masters

An Ass, belonging to an herb-seller (gardener) who gave him too little food and too much work made a petition to Jupiter (a pagan god) to be released from his present service and provided with another master. Jupiter, after warning him that he would repent his request, caused him to be sold to a tile-maker. Shortly afterwards, finding that he had heavier loads to carry and harder work in the brick-field, he petitioned for another change of master. Jupiter, telling him that it would be the last time that he could grant his request, ordained that he be sold to a tanner. The Ass found that he had fallen into worse hands, and noting his master’s occupation, said, groaning: “It would have been better for me to have been either starved by the one, or to have been overworked by the other of my former masters, than to have been bought by my present owner, who will even after I am dead tan my hide, and make me useful to him.” He that finds discontentment in one place is not likely to find happiness in another.

The Bible tells us that the Israelites were never content and have been ungrateful to God. Time and time again, they easily forget what God has done for them and against their oppressors.

Let’s look at the Book of Judges Chapter 10:6 – 11:3

Someone wrote, “Most people mess up something good by looking for something better just to end up with something worse.” Have you find yourself looking for greener pastures?

The Israelites has a history of always looking for greener pasture even though God has told them to stay away from the idols and beliefs of the nations surrounding them. In verse 6, “Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths, and the gods of Aram, the gods of Sidon, the gods of Moab, the gods of the Ammonites and the gods of the Philistines.”

We see here the word “again” which means that the Israelites have been serving idols (or the pagan gods) over and over again! What’s an idol?

An idol is anything that we think is more important than God. What are they?
It could be a person, money or any kinds of activity.
Look back in your life now, what are the things that value over God. Have you glorify the creation over the Creator?

Regret and Repentance

In verse 10, “Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord, ‘We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals.’”

Because of the pain and suffering that the Israelites have experienced, they prayed to God once again. They regretted what they had done. They are now in agony!

They felt bad about abandoning God and they experienced the consequences of their sin.
Similar to the Ass or the donkey on the fable, regret happens when you suffer and you want to get out of it.

In your current situation, what are the things that you regret, the things that give you anguish or dissatisfaction?

The differences:

Regret
- Regret is a negative emotion that brings a person into downward spiral because of dwelling in it. You get drown into self-contemplation.
- Regret is when a person continuously thinks about his/her mistakes.
- Regret leaves a person in a state of anxiety, anger, hatred and depression.
- It is a negative emotion and the donkey, a person who regrets would normally do the same mistakes over and over again.
Repent
- It is a positive emotion that compels a person to change the direction of his/her life. It’s a complete turn around. Like this morning, I my wife and I went north and after this service, we will go south.
- Repentance is when a person who made a mistake and realizes what he has done and then seeks forgiveness for his actions.
- Repentance is when a person takes a stand and resolve that he would never do it again.
- Repentance affects our entire being and in the context of the Bible, affects our eternal life.

So, regret will never give us solution but would bring us dissolution, while repentance transforms our lives and gives us entrance to a new life.

God’s mercy and grace

Judges 10:10 Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord, “We have sinned against you, forsaking our God and serving the Baals.”

11 The Lord replied, “When the Egyptians, the Amorites, the Ammonites, the Philistines, 12 the Sidonians, the Amalekites and the Maonites[c] oppressed you and you cried to me for help, did I not save you from their hands? 13 But you have forsaken me and served other gods, so I will no longer save you. 14 Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you are in trouble!”

15 But the Israelites said to the Lord, “We have sinned. Do with us whatever you think best, but please rescue us now.” 16 Then they got rid of the foreign gods among them and served the Lord. And he could bear Israel’s misery no longer.

The Israelites regretted what they had done and prayed to God. The latter part of verse 16 described what God felt, And he could bear Israel’s misery no longer – God could Not bear the misery of the people – Then and Now.

Easter is a season to remember that God saw our misery against the evil one. He saw that we cannot attain our freedom on our own and that’s why He sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ to bear our sins on the cross so that whoever believe in Him and confess that He is our Lord and Savior will have an everlasting life with Him.

Instead of repenting, the Israelites regretted what they have done. However, because of God’s mercy and grace, He provided the Israelites a Judge and for us, a deliverer – Jesus, who released us from our captivity.

Judges 11:1-3, “Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty warrior. His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute. 2 Gilead’s wife also bore him sons, and when they were grown up, they drove Jephthah away. “You are not going to get any inheritance in our family,” they said, “because you are the son of another woman.” 3 So Jephthah fled from his brothers and settled in the land of Tob, where a gang of scoundrels gathered around him and followed him.”

Jephthah’s mother was a prostitute. The mother of Jesus was accused of being unfaithful to her fiancé when she got pregnant before marriage.
Jepthah was driven away from his family, Jesus left heaven and came to earth.
Jephthah surrounded himself with scoundrels, Jesus disciples were considered uneducated.
God sent a judge, Jephthah to save the Israelites; God sent His one and only Son to save the world.
The world says you are not worthy; the Word of God says you are worthy through Jesus Christ.
The world says regret but the Word of God says repent.
The world says you’re not a child of God; the Bible says, we become children of God.

The Bible says that the devil use and abuse people on this earth and afterwards, the people who do not repent and receive Jesus Christ in their hearts, would experience the eternal punishment. Similar to the fable where the ass said, “who even after I am dead tan my hide, and make me useful to him.”

The Israelites regretted for their ongoing prostitutions to other gods or idols but did not repent. They were sorrowful for their past actions but did not make a complete change in their faith and trust in God.

Christ suffered and died on the cross and later rose again and is now seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Those who put their faith in Him and make Him their Lord and Savior would live forever with Him.

Holy Friday is a reminder of the saving grace, the crucifixion, burial and on Easter Sunday – the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. He left heaven and came to earth to save all of us from the eternal punishment. He is now offering you the eternal life.

Romans 3:22-24, This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

You can choose to regret or to repent. Do not fall into negative and destructive effects of regret but choose the victorious life through repentance and accepting Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. If you regretted in the past, now is the time to repent to receive liberty and receive the free gift that God has for you. I invite to come and receive the liberty and a victorious life in Christ.

Contact me by Responding or Commenting to this Blog to find out more about the Saving Grace that God is extending to humanity.

God bless,

Merlin

Each day has enough trouble of its own

March 6, 2015 Merlin Gonzales blog

My left eyebrow is twitching!

Why does your eye lid or eye brow twitch?

Could it be that I drank too much coffee this morning or because I need new eyes prescription (I am scheduled to go to my eye doctor early this afternoon). It could not be due to my consumption of a glass of wine last night nor lack of sleep. It is not allergy season yet and my eyes were not dry. My eyes are not tired, it’s only 11am.

I came up with the last possible cause, stress. Somehow, stress can make many parts of our body twitch, one of them is eyebrow or eye lid.

It started yesterday when I received an email from a potential partner about some miscommunications. Then later yesterday, I received a message that one of our partners got a wrong impression of how we operate in one aspect of our ministry. In addition, there are many other things that I need to communicate with to find out about the issues. On top of that, I have some other things that has been on hold and I am getting frustrated. Immediately, my mind started to go in different directions. My emotions could not decide whether to feel offended or come up with ideas to defend myself. At the same time, my mind started to analyze the situations and to produce solutions.

Then early this morning, I remembered that I just wrote a Blog earlier yesterday about Faith in the midst of uncertainties. I asked my wife and my mother to pray for me. I also prayed that God would grant me wisdom to deal with the situations. As my wife and I were on our way to our office, God spoke to me, “You don’t have to solve all the problems!” That’s it!

Suddenly, I realized that I don’t have to defend myself nor to come up with the all the solutions all by myself. There are things that can wait and there are things that I don’t need to let consume a lot of my time. There are situations that are phantom and emotions that are way out of line. Then our logical minds can play tricks on us! Of course there things that we need to deal with but it’s not the end of the world if we’re not able to take care of it!

²⁵“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?²⁷Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?…³³But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. ³⁴Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Matthew 6:25-27, 33-34

Just before I wrote this, I spoke with 2 of our partners. One gave me some good counsel and I complimented another instead of trying to solve the problem immediately. (My eyebrow stopped twitching!)

Here’s what you can do immediately when your eyelids or eyebrows start to twitch, pray to God for the peace that surpasses all understanding and ask Him to speak to you. If that does not work for you, get 2 pieces of scotch tape, tape them on the opposite side of the part that is twitching while pulling them outward to stretch the skin. That should do the job for you!

God bless,

Merlin