Posts Tagged ‘James 1’

God Spoke to Me Through Our Dog, Daisy!

Posted: October 10, 2015 in Christianity, Ministry, Prayer
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Daisy at the beach

Daisy at the beach

Lessons from Daisy

I took our dog, Daisy on a walk at the beach in the morning. I find that the Lord ministers to me and lifts up my soul when I’m at the beach. Today God taught me a valuable lesson through Daisy.

Daisy and I got towards the end of the beach before we turned around. I took her leash off, and let her run free. She was so happy to be let loose. She started running all around with abandon. It brought a smile to my face, and made me happy as I watched. Her excitement and happiness brought me great joy.

Then as I reflected I thought how much pleasure it gives our Father when we are filled with joy. I think the Lord delights in our joy. He loves to give us good gifts as James 1:17 states.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Our Children Give Us Reason for Joy
Imperial Beach with the U.S./Mexican border in the distance

Imperial Beach with the U.S./Mexican border in the distance

He calls us sons and daughters. I thank the Lord for the gift of my grown children, David, Jon and Hannah. All three of them have accomplished much in their school and work that make Dawn and me feel proud. David and Jon have excelled at work and school. Hannah has overcome some huge obstacles and we are so thrilled and proud of her as she starts her discipleship training school – IMPACT 195.

Dawn and I teared up, with tears of joy as Hannah left for her wilderness camping trip earlier this week. She was so happy to be going, we couldn’t but be moved with emotion. Then to watch all the other students and staff cheer them on as they left also moved us.

God’s kids often have a distorted view of him. They see him as a kill-joy, but he takes pleasure in his children. Our joy pleases him.

IMG_0088If watching Daisy and my children gives me joy, I can’t imagine how much more the Lord is moved as he cares for us. Jesus told us that his Father cares for the birds and the lilies of the field, which are relatively insignificant. How much more does he care for us! We are made in his image.

As the first question of the Westminster Catechism asks: What is the chief end of man? To love God and to enjoy him forever. John Piper calls this Christian Hedonism. I suppose it’s the only good form of hedonism.

“Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)

Join Us in Prayer

Pray that we continue to grow in the Father’s favor and that we daily experience his joy.

Today we are doing a medical outreach in Ensenada with Redeemer Church and Iglesia Nueva Jerusalen (The New Jerusalem). Pray for God’s care and a fruitful day of ministry.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Don’t Give Up! Keep Storming Heaven

Posted: May 3, 2015 in Christianity, Ministry, Prayer
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God calls to come before him and to rest in him

God calls to come before him in prayer

Persistence Pays Off

Over the last week I was reading through the book of Luke. The Lord nudged me about the necessity of persistent prayer, especially as I read Luke 18:1-8. The parable of the widow who would not give up is a wonderful story. It is a reminder for us not lose heart in prayer.

“And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?””
‭‭Luke‬ ‭18:1-8‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God’s Goodness & Mercy

I love this story of God’s goodness and mercy. A few things stand out to me as I look this passage over.

  • We are prone to lose heart in prayer.
  • Jesus’ encouragement is to be humble and to not give up.
  • Keep coming before the Lord. He is working in us, and changing us as we come before him.
  • God is a loving and just God. He hears our prayers, and he will answer.
  • Jesus argues from the lesser to the greater. If an unjust judge will answer the widow’s plea, how much more will the loving and merciful God hear our cry as we come before him.
  • Of course the answer may not always look like we’d like, but he does respond in a way that brings glory to himself and is ultimately good for us.
  • Do you believe that God wants to give you good gifts? James 1:17 also confirms that he does.

This passage lifts me up. I realize that my prayers, our prayers are not in vain. God is at work even when it seems like it’s not so.

The Sunset at Imperial Beach

The Sunset at Imperial Beach

Thank You for Your Prayers

Thank you dear friend for joining us in prayer. These last two years have been among the toughest that our family has ever faced. We see God doing some amazing things, yet it’s not been easy.  I believe your prayers sustain us as we continue on this journey. Do not lose heart, keep knocking on the door. Keep coming before our loving and just Lord!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

A Call to Prayer!

Posted: February 6, 2015 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Ministry, Prayer
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Join Us in Prayer for Hannah
Our beautiful daughter, Hannah!

Our beautiful daughter, Hannah!

We need the Lord’s people to join us in lifting up our family, and especially our daughter in prayer. Hannah is in ICU at the hospital, and she isn’t responding as well as hoped to the medications. Her doctor is very concerned that she hasn’t made more progress.

Call out to the Lord of heaven and earth for his healing touch. He hears our prayers. They are a sweet incense to him.

I have been reminded of the wonderful promises of God during this time.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20, 21 ESV)

We need to take God at his word and believe that he will indeed do far more abundantly than all that we can ask or think! Isn’t that a wonderful promise? Not only more than we can ask, but even more than we can think to ask. Wow!

Ask Boldly, Pray in Faith
Dawn & Hannah

Dawn & Hannah

Here’s another promise that I love.

Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭13-14‬ ESV)

Since we know God’s Word is true it’s important to remember, and to claim his promises. He says that all his promises are yes in Christ Jesus!

We know that the Lord has a purpose in these trials, so we thank him for the work he is doing. He is such a great an awesome God, and he is mighty to save!

Grant us Wisdom

One other prayer and promise comes to mind, because we need wisdom as do the doctors.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5 ESV)

The Sunset at Imperial Beach

The Sunset at Imperial Beach

Of course there are plenty more promises and words of encouragement to be found in the Bible. Dawn and I are seeking to lean on the Lord, but at times we are afraid. In those times we need to especially cry out and trust in the Lord.

O Lord, hear our prayer and bring quick and complete healing to Hannah. Show her your tender-mercies. Your mercies are new every morning. Thank you Lord Jesus!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org