Having nothing, Having it all

Having been working in Bolivia for over four months now, I am amazed by the great amount of work that God has (and wants) to get done.  However, this isn’t always an easy task. Paul (and various missionaries from the mission organization) sum up the work of God perfectly:

“4Our work as God’s servants gets validated – or not – in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; 5 when we’re beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; 6 with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; 7 when we’re telling the truth, and when God’s showing his power; when we’re doing our best setting things right; 8 when we’re praised, and when we’re blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; 9 ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; 10 immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.” 2 Cor 6:4-10

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Take care,

The Author

Tags: 2 Corinthians, 6:4-10, GMI, Missions, Pastor Gates. Pastor David Gates, Paul, Prayer

Not letting go!

I sit quietly in the darkness of the night. No one is close by. No sounds can be heard. It is a place of total solitude. Me and my God need to chat about some matters and this was the idea that He gave me. I feel like Elisha when he realized that God was truly found in the quietness. There I am, a small pile of organized atoms, sitting inside the gigantic universe. The small voice is clear and direct, open the Bible to Ecclesiastes, then Matthew, the Job. I flipped through the pages. I am following the thoughts of the King of the universe.

I wind up in Genesis and there ends my study. Funny, but the topic of the study isn’t what I want you to go away with, rather the process. I want God so bad that I can not let go of trying to understand what He is to me and my life. He is showing me to trust in Him completely—both in the study and through events.

While singing Amazing Grace, I realized something, God has been good to my lineage. Just be alive is proof that God doesn’t let go of me. My country fought wars for freedom and survived. My family went through illness, racism, Great Depression, relocation, etc, and survived. And here I am. A product of challenges. And my story isn’t unique, every person on the planet shares something similar to me and they made it on this planet. And you know what? We made it. So I am going to continue to hold on to a God that has held on to the human race since the beginning. I recommend the same to you.

The author

Tags: firm, God, Hold on, holding, Learning, Making it, Night, starts, talking

I Was A Fan of Lil’ Wayne Too

The following article was written by a friend of mine and I thought that the message to be timely and appropriate to every ear that is mature enough. Even if this isn’t your type of music, please take the initiative to test what you enjoy to know if it is inside the will of God. Pleas enjoy and learn.

Warning: there are some explicit lyrics that might offend some, but were used by the author solely to be as real to the urgency of the message.

Thanks!

Matt

Original article was taken from:

http://divinevizion.tumblr.com/post/512059998/i-was-a-fan-of-lil-wayne-too

Now the story:

First of all, I want to warn you that I will be quoting some very harsh language/lyrics from some well known artist that are popular today. Some of the language might be offensive, but I am just going to bring the truth as plain as possible.

“Is there a heaven for G’s and soldiers?
I can’t go to Hell, cause I’d take over.
~ Lil’ Wayne – Pray To The Lord”

A friend of mines asked me recently why I do not listen to certain music anymore. See, about a year ago I was, and still am, a music lover, and I guess many of you are too. I listened often to Reggae, Rap, R&B and I was a fan of many popular artist today including Lil’ Wayne, Kanye West, Bob Marley, Jah Cure, Tego Calderon, to name a few.

Every new song that was out I had it. I knew all the lyrics by heart, I watched all the video clips. It was like an addiction. I just needed to keep downloading more and more music. I couldn’t get enough of it. Until one day I listened to these lyrics:

“When I die f*** it I wanna to go to hell,
cause I’m a piece of s*** it aint hard to f****** tell
it don’t make sense going to heaven with the goodie goodies
dressed in white, I like black Tim’s and black hoodies
God would probably have me on some real strict s***
no sleeping all day no getting my d*** licked
hanging with the goodie goodies lounging in paradise
f*** that s*** I wanna tote guns and shoot dice”
~ Notorious B.I.G. – Hold Your Head

I kept listening to it over and over but I knew deep down that it was totally wrong. I shrugged it off though, and kept listening. But as the new songs kept coming out, I couldn’t help but notice the content and lyrics in all the songs. The constant talk about sex, degrading women, money, drugs and violence, and people living in the vanities of this world. Being a Christian, how could I keep listening to something that is against all things I believe in?

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. ~Ephesians 5:3

“I had a dream I could buy my way to heaven,
When I awoke I spent it on a necklace,
I told God I’d be back in a second,
man it’s so hard not to act reckless.”
~ Kanye West – Can’t Tell Me Nothing

Kanye West was one of my favorite rappers at the time, and so was Lil’ Wayne. I listened to Wayne religiously, and also followed his lifestyle. I would read stuff about him and I admired his work ethic. In an interview in 2009 with GQ Magazine, Wayne was qouted saying these words:

“I don’t believe the Bible, nothing that’s written, because nothing that’s written is to be believed… Well. There is one [book] I read and get information from. The damn dictionary. Yeah, when we be in the studio fussing over a word—no, it don’t mean that it mean this! Go to the Internet, Google that s***. That’s like a normal thing to do around here. Dictionary comes up as one of those little things on my computer.”

I was perplexed. This was one of the most ignorant statements I had ever heard. Was I really listening to this guy’s music? I knew God was speaking to me and I knew I had to let this go.

I then decided to try a different approach to music. I dropped Rap and R&B, and I found myself starting to listen to Gospel Reggae. Besides, it was the lyrics that stopped me from listening to the other music, not the music itself, right? One day my friends and I were driving and one of the songs came on. My friends starting dancing to the song which prompted me to say “No, it’s Gospel!”

These words then came to my mind: “Abstain from all appearance of Evil” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:22

Yes, I listened to Gospel Reggae and I was trying to justify that what I was doing was right. But I kept thinking, “If two strangers pulled up in a car next to me, and I am blasting that Gospel Rap or Reggae, do they see Christ in me?”

The church is facing the same problem today. We want to justify that we come from different cultures and we listen to different music, and we all have different ways of praising God. We claim not to be like the world, but all we do is take the same music from big artist in the world, change their lyrics, and call it a Gospel.

Some of you might say there is nothing wrong with that, and some of you might have your doubts. I only want to say one thing: I want to go to Heaven, and if there is any doubt about anything that could cost me my salvation, I would rather just not do it. If my salvation means I have to live without music, then so be it.

As a Christian my goal is to become more like Christ everyday. It’s funny how some of us Christians listen to worldly music during the week and only throw on the Gospel when we are heading to church. Is this really how Christ wants us to live?

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ~ Philippians 4:8

I will not try to change anyone’s opinion, that’s not my job. I am just sharing with you what God has shown me. If you are a true believer in God, and open up your heart to do His will, then He will convict you of what is right and wrong. If this speaks to you then do not deny the Holy Spirit’s voice.

God is calling us now more than ever to draw closer to Him, will you answer the call?

By: Daniel Matthew Duffis

Tags: Bob Marley, Christian Rap, cursing, Ephesians 5:3, God, Jah Cure, Kayne West, Lil' Wayne, Lyrics, Music, R&B, raping, Tego Calder

Peter Schiff Was Right 2006 – 2007

He spoke but no one listened. He debated but no one took him seriously. Why would this guy want to continue to go the path that is least walked. Why would be put his business ventures at stake? The answers seems to rest in that fact that he knew the truth about the upcoming crisis even if that meant being humiliated and unpopular. Who is this man? Funny how the previous lines could represent a number of people all throughout history. But my illustrating is referring to Peter Schiff. Who is Mr. Schiff? He is an “American stock broker, economist, author, financial news commentator, video blogger, the president of Euro Pacific Capital and a 2010 candidate for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democratic Senator Chris Dodd” (wikipedia: Peter David Schiff). What makes him so interesting is that he was one of the few economists in the world to openly tell the world about a devastating economic crisis that was soon to come.

So why didn’t anyone want to listen to him? He wasn’t stating what people want to hear. Not only that but there are many groups (government, media, banking, etc) that have an invested interest in the general citizens continued trust the US financial system. Any great hysteria could topple over the financial system that we currently hold in this county. Scary? Without God–yes. But what is scarier is that there is a God quickly coming and we are arguing over if He even exists. The wicked nature of humanity is “dress[ing] the wound of my people as though it were not serious. “Peace, peace,” they say, when there is no peace” Jeremiah 8:11.

Here is a video to watch so that you can get a picture of just what it means to stand up for the truth. Now please do likewise.

God Bless!

Matt

Tags: 2006, 2007, Bible, Challenges, Crisis, Direction, Failing, Finanace, Financial Crisis, focus, God, Learning, Money, Peace, Peter Schiff, Politics, Principles, Truth, TV

Young Lady’s Soul

Wow, it is really early in the morning and God just woke me up from a dream. I very rarely dream, and just the same, it is rare to wake up remembering the dream in great detail and feeling impressed to blog about it. I hope that someone is blessed by the truth that I realize that that the Lord is trying to reiterate in my life.

Lo Min Wei's portrait "Meditation"

It went something like this:

I seemed to be part of a church inside of a mall, because it looked different than the standard churches that I usually go to. There are many people that I don’t know surrounding me. One day a young lady (who resembles someone I know) shows up interested in knowing more about the scriptures. We take her to different activities put on by the church. After participating in everything that the church has to offer she realizes that she would join the congregation.

A day seems to have passed by and we are all in the church again, but this time socializing. My mother is talking to a group about a woman at her job who is chronically depressed and doesn’t talk much, when all of a sudden the woman walks into the church and looks at the crowd rather timidly. After a second, the woman lifts her head with calm determination. She introduces herself and then claims that she has been looking for the young lady that had recently joined our church. Everyone is confused and starts asking if she has the right person. She emphasizes that she does and pulls out a notepad that shows a whole bunch of names, some crossed out and some not. Skipping over the people that have the same name as the young lady, she finds the girls name along with her last name on the notebook.

The next scene I find myself in an auditorium connected to a large fellowship hall where the majority of the church has congregated to hear what this lady has to say. The room is designed like a mini amphitheater where the seating rises from the bottom going up. Everyone is able to see the woman while she talks. As she is talking, she shows us an elaborate slide show presentation on a projector screen to the far right wall. Using the screen, she walks back and forth talking about God in an eloquent and convincing way, while focusing on the young lady who is listens intently. However, I quickly realize that what she is saying isn’t of the Word of God. But she is somehow such a good speaker that the church members and the young lady alike are all nodding their heads in agreement. All of a sudden, a guy gets up and walks to the fellowship meal line in the other room to prepare a plate.

The coworker is still talking. As she walks back and forth, a friend and I look at each other and bow our heads to pray. We realize that we can’t let our new friend be swept away. So as we pray, I notice that people all around me are starting to realize that the message isn’t true and start to become obviously uncomfortable. But no one stands up to the woman. My friend and I continue to pray until a church member up in the front stands up and confronts the woman using only Bible quotes from memory. The woman tries to refute everything said but can’t. As the church member speaks truth after truth, the woman has less and less to say until finally she gets agitated and storms out. With the obvious sign of victory, the young lady gives a sigh of relief and the church members give a loud victorious cheer! The guy that went to get food, comes back in without his glasses and looks around in confusion about what happens. He asks a dumb question that everyone laughs to then I woke up.

I am under the impression that everything that was witnessed was critical for the saving of the young lady.  And that the only way to counteract error is through prayer and dependence on what the great reformer Martin Luther said, “Sola scriptura (by scripture alone).”

I believe that is it important to note that our churches don’t always standup—as a body—for the truth, sometimes it is one person. Also, there are people–like the hungry man–who aren’t interested in the saving of souls or the search of Truth. They would rather indulge in trivial things. Also, like I mentioned in the beginning, maybe someone reading this is going through a similar scenario, or maybe some of you are be challenged in the faith that you have claimed to be true. Back it up with the Bible and prayer and God has promised in His word to lead you home.

Good day.

Tags: Bible, Church, Direction, Dream, Faith, Foundation, Freedom, God, God's Call, lady, Lost, names, notebook, Peace, powerpoint, Prayer, presentation, Program, relief, Sabotage, Soul, Worry, young

Whatever your hand finds to do…

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.” Ecclesiastes 9:10

I am sitting in a small study cubicle on the top floor of one of my school’s libraries. My brain is tired and my stomach is growling, yet my studying is not complete. Studying is such a crazy concept if you stop and think about it. Instead of being created to gather information absorption through our skin or by digestion, we’re subjected to the weary task of studying. Oh, so many times (like now) I have wished that an easier method quickly be found. A method that wasn’t so taxing and tiring. A method that instantaneously happened. But God disagreed with the idea.

He prefers for us to work. Knowing that popular opinion would disagree, He went on to create Adam and Eve to learn and work while in perfection. My feebleness would rather retreat from the task via facebook or hotmail. But the Lord doesn’t want professional procrastinators or anything else gained from the easy street. He wants men and women that do their best at whatever task given to them. People that strive to grasp a better understanding of Him and the world that He created for us. What happens if we stopped learning about God? Or, what if we could figure him out by swallowing a sim card.

Well, with that said, let me get back to my Spanish. Staring at it doesn’t count.

Amen.

Tags: Adam, Ecclesiastes 9:10, Eve, God, hard, Learn, Might, Spanish, Study, Whatever your hands finds to do, Work

Fasting for the Second Week

This is the second week that I have followed God’s leading and have started a fast. Maybe you can relate; your life doesn’t seem to be moving forward, your motivation is weaning, your family needs prayer and you have lost the vision.

The my first week, a friend and I fasted for 7 days, eating only raw nuts, fruits, vegetable and water. In that same week, the power of God was obviously present. We both noticed a greater desire to grow closer to Him; many areas of our lives that are lacking; and we felt that something positive had come out. Not knowing it however, we both were praying to know God even closer and to get an even greater blessing in our lives so to share with those we meet. So we started the fast again for some really important challenges in our lives.

My battle seems to be that my mind, which is full of concerns and worries. I can’t move forward, and backwards isn’t an option. My feeble strength comes from the wrestle that Jacob had with God. Praying and holding on like Jacob (Gen 32:28), I strive to receive my blessing. And the Lord has kept his promise. Reading Daniel 10, I am comforted by the following passage:

15 While he was saying this to me, I bowed with my face toward the ground and was speechless. 16 Then one who looked like a man [b] touched my lips, and I opened my mouth and began to speak. I said to the one standing before me, “I am overcome with anguish because of the vision, my lord, and I am helpless. 17 How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.”
18 Again the one who looked like a man touched me and gave me strength. 19 “Do not be afraid, O man highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.”When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.”

Daniel was going through his own fast and he too was faced with spiritual challenges that tired him. Claiming this situation, I press forward.

Tags: battle, Challenges, Daniel, family, Fasting, fears, forward, fruits, God, Jacob, motivation, praying, second, vegetables, water, week, Worry

Reaction to CNN’s Christiane Amanpour “My Mother’s Daughter”

You can watch the video on CNN — Please Click Here

The truth seekers across the globe are coming to a point where they can’t stand any religion or ideology that is nominal or lukewarm. If you are a Buddhist act like Buddha, Islamic, the way Mohammad would, and if Christian, the way of Christ—just be real! Then and only then will the world see the differences and find the right way (which is Christ). Secular society has taught everyone to place their lives into their own hands and enjoy the pleasures of this world. The loss? Everything eternal.

The reason for having you watch the short film is to show you that in the process of searching for truth one must see that this creed has indeed changed your life. This woman found that in Islam. Her mother is appalled but can’t give any foundational reasoning in the Bible or of the credibility of Christ except traditions and colleagues disapproval. The daughter on the other hand can. She has a better health message (she stopped smoking, eating pork, and drinking), answers to social questions (rights of women), and spiritual connection. Why should she turn back then?

The world has placed all the religions, ideologies, and superstitions in a storefront for any passersby to see. There are the mannequins posing the latest fashions and ideas of each religious brand. Each promises something enticing to attract a searcher into the store. Many are already in the store, trying on different clothes; reading different books; or socializing with different people. However many leave overwhelmed by the mass selection on display. “Where is the owner of the store?” they ask while leaving. Where is the organization? Why are there so many types? Where is the one that I need? With no answer, they leave in frustration the same way they came—empty-handed.

Tell me; are you the same as everyone else—religiously speaking? We say that the Lord (the owner!) is coming back soon but we are not willing to lead the searcher to the right place, to prepare them for the soon coming of their savior. If you aren’t working as a store clerk, don’t be mad when someone picks something different than what you know to be best. Actually, please don’t fuss at all until you are ready to be like Moses when “he chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.” (Hebrews 11:25)

Amen.

Tags: Assurance, Bible, Christian, Christiane Amanpour, CNN, Faith, Foundation, God, Islam, Muslim, My Mother's Daughter, Prayer, Program, Shop, Store, Stubborn, Truth, TV

God Provides Before The Prayer

1 Peter 4:11 NIV
If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

God Provides -- Before the Prayer

“God, I am going to need you to change my grades.” The funny part of this phrase is that I never thought the idea, nor said the prayer—but it happened. It all started when a new teacher had graded people in a rather controversial manner (in many opinions), which had caused for a new final grade.  What is crazier yet, is that since this  consequently increased my GPA, I was now able to apply for the department’s study abroad scholarship. Originally not looking for scholarships, I was informed by my teacher (and program dean) of the available money. I decided to ask her if it was possible to use the money for an internship. Her response was yes, on the terms that the internship was unpaid. Coincidentally, I was looking and praying about a volunteer position with the organization called Gospel Ministries International, which is an umbrella organization covering ministries all over the world. The uniqueness of these ministries is that all expenses are prayed for, and God provides.

So, God obviously wants me to step forward while He provides. Oh, I almost forgot, the director commented that there is a 1:2 chance of getting the scholarship. Really can’t beat those odds. So my prayer to you is that you keep stepping out on faith, God has you!

Amen!

Tags: 1 Peter, Faith, Gospel Ministries International, GPA, Money, Praise, Prayer, Provides, Scholarship

Faith Like Potatoes

“When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.” (2 Chr 7:13-15 NIV)

On Friday (Jan 22nd), I was talking to a friend about a movie that would be greatly inspirational when praying for how to witness to the massive secular campus that we are on. The movie, ‘Faith Like Potatoes,’ was a movie that my mother had recommended to me about a year ago. Her excitement towards the movie was peculiar and intriguing at the time. I couldn’t understand what all the fuss over a Christian movie was all about. So I watched it with her and caught her vibe.

Now I am the excited one sharing how the Lord had spoke to me through the movie. My friend shocked me when she interrupted and said, “Why don’t we watch it Saturday night.” Twenty-four hours? Hmmm, that is a really short time to figure out a place, let alone find the movie. Some how, I said, “OK!”

We followed up after bible study that night and I felt impressed to invite everyone who was at the study to the movie night. Not one to watch much movies, I really was more interested in having God work versus starting a trend. The excitement grew and we had a whole bunch of questions of where and when. I looked at my friend and we quickly fumbled to give them the time 8:30 and my place as the location. I looked at roommate, who had also came to the study, and he gave the OK.

I knew that this whole night would be complete faith in the Mighty God of the universe. I called my friend who was gladly lent me her DVD player but I would have to get the DVD after Sabbath. As Sabbath (Saturday) was quickly ending, I gave a call to fellow mastermind, Sarah*, to see if we were still on for the movie night. The phone was answered some just before the answer machine.

“Hello?”
“Hey! Are we up for tonight? I am ready for tonight?”
“Well… I am not sure if I am coming or not.”

That had my mind spinning! Really?! I didn’t want all this pressure on me. But as we spoke, I realized that she had a lot on her mind that was bogging her down. Roughly two hours later, God had intervened and she was willing to come.

People had started calling. They wanted to know my address and if everything was on. I went on faith and told them yes, though I still didn’t have the movie! The time that was spent with my friend had been critical, earthly speaking, towards getting everything ready. But she was more important and God knew that. So I prayed with another friend that tonight God would work everything out and told her to come on faith.

After getting off the phone, I called Blockbuster. They had the movie online but not in the store. Eh!! I decided to go and see for myself, so my roommate drove me over there. We walked around, and still didn’t find the movie. It was now 8:30 and we weren’t even home. The dishes were dirty and people would be coming any moment. I knew that I needed to pray, so I said a small prayer. I called my friends and asked them to bring their computer, hopefully we would be able to link it to my TV and stream the movie from the Internet. I went and bought the link cable.

My phone rang and my friends were asking me which apartment building should they go to. They were here already?! We quickly drove back and met them as they pulled into a parking spot. My other friend (who I had prayed with earlier) was nowhere to be found. I was curious as to where she was.

But we went in. I still didn’t have the movie. After checking my friend’s laptop, I realized that the cable was incompatible, so we would have to use the laptop monitor instead of the TV. As everyone got the food ready as I fiddled with the computer and my roommate’s speakers so that they would work. I went and found out that Amazon allows you to buy movies on demand and thus you can stream it at will. I was excited! Finally!

Everything was set, and I get a phone call. It is my friend who had gone missing. She stated that a friend had called and it had been an urgent matter so she had been in our parking lot for the past hour talking. She had prayed that we wouldn’t start without her. When she walked in we were about to start. Amen! God is greater than are wildest imagination. Period.

The movie was amazing, though there some moments when the Internet buffered and we prayed and God intervened. Is there a moment in your life that you have been told to go on faith, even when everything hasn’t come together? Do you have enough faith to move forward? My prayer is that your faith will be unfaltering because God is waiting, to hear your prayers and have you humbled so that you can come closer to Him. Amen!

*Person’s name has been changed for privacy

P.S. – “Faith Like Potatoes” is the same theme, watch it and be blessed!!!!!

Tags: Apartment, Bible, Chronicles, Computer, Faith, Faith Like Potatoes, Friends, God, People, Sabbath, TV