Posts Tagged ‘god’

God’s Blessings Keep Rolling Down in Rosarito!

Posted: January 11, 2013 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Tijuana
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Pastor Leo Nevarez and his wife, Gloria

Pastor Leo Nevarez and his wife, Gloria

God has done some amazing things in the Rosarito church plant. Every time I talk to pastor Leo Nevarez I come away encouraged.

Harbor partnered with Lo Mejor del Trigo to build the new church in May of 2012. A friend in Phoenix suggested that I introduce Leo to the Youth With a Mission (YWAM) ministry which is right near Leo’s church in Rosarito.

Leo and his wife, Gloria have developed a close relationship with YWAM. They’ve begun to minister in the community together. It’s a wonderful example of kingdom work.

On January 19th YWAM is going to help Leo add-on to their present church, so that they can have more space to minister to children from the community. The Lord is doing a good work as these ministries come together in seeking to be a blessing in the community.

Pastor Leo & Gloria with Vicente & Billy with Dave in the middle

Pastor Leo & Gloria, Vicente & Billy with Dave in the middle

Earlier this last summer someone read a blog post I had written about the homeless in Rosarito. God moved them to contact Leo, and they’ve begun to help to reach out. They donated 200 backpacks to children, so that they could carry their books to school. Then they gave some land that the church is hoping to use as a drug rehab center. The Lord uses things like this to bring about change.

I praise the Lord with Leo and Gloria as God’s blessings keep rolling down.

“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

–Psalm 103:1-5 (ESV)

Lord, continue to encourage Leo and Gloria and their church as they reach out in their community, as they seek to make a difference for Christ.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Joys of Crossing the Border

Posted: January 9, 2013 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings, San Diego, Tijuana
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Crossing back in the U.S.

Crossing back in the U.S.

I love living on the border, and the interaction we have with such wonderful friends in Tijuana and San Diego. One of the many things I appreciate is being able to see Tijuana every day. It helps me pray for the needs there. Since we live so close it makes it easy to go into Mexico frequently.

Dawn and I just received our Sentri (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) pass, which allows us to cross the border in much less time. We can now go in the fast lane. In December for example, I waited for more than five hours to cross back into the U.S., while friends of mine who have the Sentri pass crossed in 15 minutes. Wow! What a difference.

There are many things you can think about and do in five hours. One of the things I’ve reflected on is how many people wish they could be in that line, and cross legally into the US. There are many others who have to cross back and forth each day for work. Amazing! I wonder how they are able to persevere?

Tijuana at the San Ysidro Border crossing

Tijuana at the San Ysidro Border crossing

The San Diego – Tijuana border crossing is the most land crossed border crossing in the world. We are thrilled that we can now cross back and forth more easily. It makes it much more reasonable to live and work on both sides of the border.

My wife and I are excited as we start this new year. We see God opening more doors the longer we are here.

I’m praying about and working on putting together goals for 2013. Please join me in prayer, that the Lord will guide, lead and direct. One of the things I’m asking the Lord for is that I will become more sensitive to his voice and his leading.

Thanks for joining us on this journey of faith!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Starting the Year Off Right – Prayer Walk

Posted: January 4, 2013 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Prayer essential for ministry

Prayer essential for ministry

I believe it’s important to start the year off well. Prayer is one of most productive initiatives we can engage in. Yet it’s also one of the hardest.

This year has started a little slow, since I’ve been a little under the weather. Last night things began to turn around as I went on a prayer walk with some friends in west Chula Vista. As we  walked and prayed it struck me how when we pray it can seem insignificant. It even might feel like a waste of time, and yet it’s one of the most important things we do.

One constant I’ve seen is that God works through prayer. Prayer is somewhat of a mystery, but the Lord hears the cries of his people. Jesus modeled a life of prayer. Paul continually prayed for the churches he started. James encourages us in prayer with a great promise.

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.”

–James 5 16b-18 (ESV)

God uses our prayers!

God uses our prayers!

I confess that I have a long ways to go in prayer. I look to the Lord to lead and guide this year. I pray that my wife and I will grow together in prayer, and that our relationship with our Lord will deepen. Bring others along that we can encourage, and that we will spur them on as we inspire each other to pray. To keep doing the right things.

Do not grow weary in doing good. “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Gal. 6:9) I cling to this exhortation and promise as we begin 2013!

If I can inspire you this year in any way – grow in prayer. Grow in your love and knowledge of our Lord. Pray for and with us, that we will grow in the same way!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Thanks for Encouraging Us in 2012!

Posted: January 1, 2013 in Christianity, Ministry, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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As we head into the New Year I would like to thank all of those who read my blog post, and cheer me on along the way. I began blogging two years ago, and I wasn’t sure if I’d like it, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised.

I started this blog to let friends know what God is doing through our ministry on the border. My hope was to promote what we were doing, and to encourage friends to pray for us. I thought this would mostly be through people I already knew. I’ve been amazed as I’ve met new people through this blog that pray for and encourage us.

I would like to thank all that visit my blog, and especially those that pray for us and seek to encourage us along the way. You are a huge blessing to me and my family!

Here are some of the other blog sites from writers that have inspired me in 2012. I’ve listed a link to their blog, and their name if I know it. I greatly appreciate all of you!

There are many others that have spurred me on, and I wish I could list you all. Thanks so much!

Dave & Dawn at San Diego Harbor

Wishing You A Happy New Year!

Here’s a wonderful promise for you in 2013. It’s found in Isaiah 61:2,3 from the Message Bible. This passage describes our vision for ministry on the border.

“God sent me to announce the year of his grace—a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies—and to comfort all who mourn, To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes, Messages of joy instead of news of doom, a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.”

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Noah & the Ark Point to Christ

Posted: December 29, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Noah's Ark (1846), a painting by the American folk painter Edward Hicks

Noah’s Ark (1846), a painting by the American folk painter Edward Hicks

On Sunday I have the privilege and the challenge of preaching in Spanish at Harbor Mid-City.

As I’ve prepared for the message all the meaning in Noah and the Ark foreshadowing the coming of Christ really hit me. Some simple, yet profound truths. Those who were in the ark were saved from God’s judgement, just as those in Christ are rescued.

God’s fury burns as demonstrated by 40 days and 40 nights of rain. That rain brought death and judgement to most. Wow, just think of what Christ suffered for us on the cross.

I don’t stop to think about that often enough. If we don’t realize how much God hates sin, then we minimize the penalty that Christ paid for us. It wasn’t just that he died on the cross, but he bore our sins.

Christ cried out on the cross. He cried out for his Father.

“Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

–Matthew 27:46b (ESV)

How painful that moment must have been for the Father and the Son!

Dave preaching at Lo Mejor del Trigo

Dave preaching on another occasion at Lo Mejor del Trigo

It’s hard enough for me to watch my children suffer, and yet this was far greater. They had a perfect relationship. There is much mystery to the relationship between the Father and the Son, especially at that moment.

I praise the Lord also that he was pleased with the sacrifice of his Son. The Son satisfied the Father and his wrath. He was our substitute.

“Thank you, Lord for giving me the opportunity to study this passage in Genesis and teaching me more about your love for us. Your great sacrifice for us. How much you hate sin. O, that I would loath sin as you do. Please speak through me as I share your Word in the morning.”

Friends, I appreciate your faithful prayers for me and my family. I’d like to ask you to lift me up before the throne that I might bring the Word of God in a way that honors our Lord and edifies his people.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

The Spirit Breaks Through in Bakersfield

Posted: May 22, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Tijuana
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Dave preaching at Covenant Presbyterian Church

Dave preaching at Covenant Presbyterian Church

On Sunday I had the privilege of speaking in Sunday School and preaching at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Bakersfield. The Lord really showed up. I left filled up. Thank you, Jesus!

I preached on Matthew 9:35-38 while weaving in Luke 15. Luke 15 speaks of the lost coin, the lost sheep and the lost son. Matthew 9 explains how Christ was going through the towns and villages proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing people. This affected Jesus’ heart. He had compassion on the people as he saw their sorry state. Then he asked the disciples to pray:

” The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.”

This is a great missionary passage. It’s a truth that still rings true today. The harvest is still plentiful and there is still a huge need for workers.

Dave with Pastor Randy Martin

Dave with Pastor Randy Martin

I’ve preached this sermon before, but for some reason this last Sunday God moved in my heart in a special way. His Spirit touched me, and I sensed that He was at work in the hearts of those that came. I saw some with tears in their eyes. Now I don’t usually have that effect on people, so I know it was God’s Spirit at work. I praise the Lord that He would use me to touch others for His glory.

I love Charles Spurgeon. He is a master in the way he crafts his words. He describes things in picturesque fashion. I shared one of his quotes and the Lord used it to minister to me and the people. I’ve read this quote before, but as I read it I got emotional, which doesn’t happen very often. Also I could see that some of the people were teary eyed.

This is the quote, and I hope the Lord will minister to you through it as well. As you read it think of how great God’s love is for you personally as well as those prodigals you may know. Spurgeon is referring to the scene when the prodigal returns to his father. The title of the Sermon is, “Many kisses for returning sinners.”

Think of yourself as well as I you read this – look at how much God loves you!

“In this repeated kissing we see, then, these three things: much love, much forgiveness, and full restoration.

Let me try to describe the scene. The father has kissed the son, and he bids him sit down; then he comes in front of him, and looks at him, and feels so happy that he says, “I must give you another kiss,” then he walks away a minute; but he is back again before long, saying to himself, “Oh, I must give him another kiss!” He gives him another, for he is so happy. His heart beats fast; he feels very joyful; the old man would like the music to strike up; he wants to be at the dancing; but meanwhile he satisfies himself by a repeated look at his long-lost child. Oh, I believe that God looks at the sinner, and looks at him again, and keeps on looking at him, all the while delighting in the very sight of him, when he is truly repentant, and comes back to his Father’s house.”

Isn’t it wonderful to be loved by our amazing Father? Isn’t it an amazing love?

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Please be in prayer for me this week as I meet with many of our ministry partners on the border.

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Is There Hope for Juarez, Mexico?

Posted: May 15, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Family Happenings, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Team Members
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Mexico Border Crossing

Mexico Border Crossing

After a busy and fun-filled weekend celebrating my daughter, Hannah’s graduation I find myself in El Paso, Texas ready to go into Juarez, Mexico. My dad flew back to Fresno, California about the same time I got on my plane for my journey to El Paso.

Tuesday morning we will kick off two days of meetings for most of our BEAMM workers. Border Evangelism and Mercy Ministries (BEAMM) spans along the 2,000 mile US/Mexico border. We have people working in such cities as: McAllen, TX; Reynosa, Mexico; Laredo, TX; Nuevo Laredo, Mexico; El Paso, TX; Juarez, Mexico; Nogales, AZ; Nogales, Mexico; San Diego, CA; Tijuana, Mexico. The BEAMM ministry began over 20 years ago in Juarez, and it’s grown over the years.

Our prayer is that God would so ignite the border that we would see a church planting movement started that will transform the border, socially, culturally and spiritually. Please join us in this prayer. We realize that only God can change a person’s heart. Only God can bring true and lasting transformation.

We are meeting in Juarez, Mexico. A city with a bad rap. A city in need of the gospel. This bad rap has been earned over the last few years with all the violence and crime. Yet things have gotten better, and we do have teammates that are regularly ministering in Juarez. I don’t mean to minimize the great needs of the city, but it is not a city without hope.

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”  — Jeremiah 29:7

Ray and Dave at Border Crossing

Ray and Dave at Border Crossing

God calls us to seek the welfare of the city. I pray that not only will the Lord bless our meetings as we discuss vision, and how the Lord is leading us to minister on the border, but that we will bless the city. Stand with us in this prayer.

Do pray for our safety, as well as unity. “O, Lord, give us your eyes to see. Give us your ears to hear. What are you calling us to do? What are the specific needs that you are calling us to meet? Fill us with boldness and the power of your Spirit.

What do you think, is there hope for Juarez?

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

A Graduation Celebration: Hannah Elizabeth Diaso!

Posted: May 13, 2012 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Ministry, Reflections & Musings
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Hannah and friends singing during her graduation ceremony

Hannah and friends singing during her graduation ceremony

Yesterday our daughter, Hannah Elizabeth Diaso graduated from high school. It was a wonderful time and a joyous celebration!

Hannah’s grandparents, Chivis from Mexico City, as well as some dear friends enjoyed the ceremony with us. I thanked my dad for coming out from Fresno, California. He said, “I couldn’t miss my granddaughter’s graduation.” Thank the Lord for loving and faithful family and friends.

The kids, young adults that Hannah graduated with are all very creative. They worked with some of the parents to plan out a touching, meaningful and fun program. One of my friends who has younger girls said it was like a whole year of Sunday School. His girls look up to the graduates and they saw their faith and love for Christ shine through in living color.

Dawn and I gave a short charge to Hannah. Dawn received many positive comments about how articulate she was. She shared some very heart warming blessings with our daughter and all who came.

Here’s an excerpt from Dawn’s speech,

Proverbs 31 states, “You are a young woman of noble character. Your worth is far more than rubies!” The character of the Proverbs 31 woman very much describes you: You are faithful, generous, creative, caring, gracious, virtuous, a woman of moral strength of character. You are diligent and disciplined. You are elegant and beautiful. You are respectful and respected. You are clothed with strength and dignity. You speak with wisdom and faithful instruction.

I applaud you Hannah for having as your main goal to glorify God in your thoughts, attitudes and actions. Bringing glory to God through loving and serving others is more important to you than the achievements that bring you praise from man.

In closing, as you continue to seek God’s leading in your life, remember the wise words of Frederick Buechner, “The place where God calls you is the place where your deep happiness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

The Graduates leading us in Worship - Hosanna!

The Graduates leading us in Worship – Hosanna!

I broke down a little as I shared. I was afraid that was going to happen. Jeff Siebert, a friend who has three girls warned me a couple of years ago, “wait till your daughter graduates.” I remember thinking he did a great job getting through his speech when he shared about his love for his daughter, Mackenzi. He got emotional during the speech, but he made it through. As a side note, I think MacKenzi just graduated from college at Patrick Henry College yesterday.

Well, I must admit it was hard to get through my speech, and maintain my composure.

My little daughter graduated. She’s grown up before my eyes. It’s hard to believe. She’s the last of our three children to graduate from high school. It’s the end of an era. The end of the homeschooling chapter in our lives. Wow! I can’t believe it. At times I didn’t think we’d make it through, but in God’s grace we did.

Congratulations Hannah!

Thank you, Jesus for the wonderful godly young woman Hannah has become. Thank you for the community of friends and family that stood with us, supported us, prayed for us and helped us along the way!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

A Big Surprise in a Box

Posted: May 11, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Family Happenings, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, Team Members
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Chivis popping out of the box to greet Hannah

Chivis popping out of the box to greet Hannah

Wednesday night my daughter, Hannah received a surprise in a box on our front porch. It was a large box, and when Hannah came out to see what was in the box out popped “Chivis,” her friend from Mexico City.

Chivis lived with us last school year for six months. You can catch up some on that adventure here…

We are excited to host her again for three weeks! While she’s here apart from continuing her school work, she will enjoy some good time with our family.

One special event we have coming up is Hannah’s graduation tomorrow on Saturday, May 12th. Thank you, Jesus that Chivis can join us and celebrate with us!

The Silva family are dear friends of ours from Mexico City. We are praying that they will be able to join us on the border in ministry. Mario and Silvia are wonderfully gifted servants. We loved ministering with them in Mexico, and it would be a dream come true to have them work alongside us on the border.

One of the things that has held up their move is our move. They are waiting for us to sell our house, and get settled in before they make the transition. In the meantime we are praying with them, and seeking the Lord’s perfect timing. It’s not always easy to wait, but as I mentioned in an earlier post if God truly rules over all we don’t have anything to worry about.

Mario is such a great friend, and blessing to me. Recently he sent me some promises from the Bible to lift me up. Here they are. I hope they are a shot in the arm for you as well!

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” —Isaiah 26:3,4 ESV

“Praise the Lord! Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commandments! His offspring will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness forever. Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful, and righteous. It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.” —Psalm 112:1-8 ESV

Aren’t those rich promises. Thank you Lord for such wonderful promises. Thank you for such wonderful love. Praise the Lord with us!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

Do You Truly Believe God Rules Over All?

Posted: April 20, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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The Lord rules over all creation

The Lord rules over all creation

I’ve been pondering this question lately. Do I really believe God is sovereign? A simple definition of sovereignty is that God rules over all.

If God is sovereign. If He does rule over all things and I (we) truly believe that then why do we worry so much?

If our Heavenly Father is a good God, and He controls all things for His glory, what do we have to be anxious about?

Yet we all worry to some degree or another. Many suffer ill-health due to stress and how that stress is handled. I’m not saying that I don’t think we should be concerned or that we should be apathetic about what’s going on in our life, rather that we should lean hard on our loving Father.

As I read many other blog posts on the web it is apparent that a number of people struggle with believing God is good, because of the difficulties they experience in life. These are valid concerns. I cannot hope to fully address all that is involved with these questions here. There are volumes of books that have been written on these topics. I hope rather to bring some light and to uplift those who may feel squashed.

I believe life is full of mysteries that are not fully understood this side of heaven. Still there are some promises that can and should keep us grounded. They should give us courage to live in this broken and fallen world.

Here’s some of the promises that I keep going back to when I start to worry, and get my eyes off of Jesus.

The Apostle Paul lists some very powerful and comforting promises:

“for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:17)

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6,7)

“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38,39)

These three passages I include in my prayers almost daily. And these are only a small sampling of all the marvelous promises that are found in the Bible.

Dave praying with Juan Arjona

Dave praying with Juan Arjona

When I start feeling overwhelmed with the demands of life. When I begin to lose sight of the fact that God is in control I remember these passages and pray them out loud.

My prayer: “O, Lord, you have not given me a spirit of fear, but one of power and love and self-control. I receive the peace of Christ that passes all understanding and guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. I thank you, Lord that you are victorious, you have defeated sin, death and Satan on the cross. We are more than conquerors in Christ, and nothing shall separate me from the love of Christ. Neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation shall separate me from the love of Christ. Amen.”

If you are you in Christ you have much to be thankful for. Christ does say that in this world we will encounter trials, but we are to be of good cheer for He has overcome the world. I hope that this might lift you up!

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Please pray for our ESL outreach which starts today at 4:30 PM (PT).

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

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