Posts Tagged ‘Matthew 7’

The Shock of Death: Kobe Bryant

Last Sunday when I saw the pop up notification on my phone that Kobe Bryant had been killed in a helicopter crash I was in disbelief. I was just getting out of church when I saw it, and I felt shock and disbelief. The feeling took me back to the day my beautiful daughter, Hannah moved to heaven.

A friend of mine posted this on Instagram last week. I pray that Kobe, his daughter Gigi and all those who lost their lives in the tragic crash truly knew Jesus

It was so hard to fathom that it could be true. I hoped it was just a bad dream that I would wake up from. I was numb. Unfortunately, it really did happen.

Like many I admired Kobe Bryant as a fan, although I never met him. I believe that sometimes these tragic events take you back to experiences that you may have had. I feel for Kobe’s family and all of those that lost loved ones during the crash.

On Monday the day after Kobe’s crash I watched Demi Lovato’s performance “Anyone” that she gave at the Grammys. She wrote the ballad two years ago just four days before she overdosed trying to end her life.

Demi Lovato’s tearful performance of “Anyone” at the GRAMMYs

As I listened to her sing through her tears it also took me back to experiences we had with Hannah. Our daughter, also struggled with depression and at times she lost the will to live.

Reflections on Life and the Difficulties We Face
Our beautiful daughter, Hannah

The interesting thing to me is as we watch these young stars, who have tremendous talent, fame and fortune they live under intense pressure. The internet and social media have caused them to live life in a fish bowl. These are pressures that people in the past didn’t have to face. I feel for them, and pray that they will figure things out in God’s grace.

Solomon’s Words Still Fitting

Solomon talks about the vanity of life without God. Some of these young people do have faith in Christ, but like many of us they are still trying to work it out. It’s especially difficult for them under so much public scrutiny.

We see even among Christians and in the church so many unkind tweets and posts where believers are attacking one another. It’s embarrassing, especially when the Bible says the world will know us by our love for one another.

After Solomon lived his life and acquired all his wisdom he said…

“I said in my heart, “I have acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me, and my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge.” And I applied my heart to know wisdom and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also is but a striving after wind. For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭1:16-18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ (Emphasis mine)

Solomon admits that all he had accomplished and acquired seemed like striving after the wind. Have you ever tried to harness the wind? No small task! The Bible says there had never been anyone so blessed as Solomon in material wealth and in wisdom. Yet, with all of his wisdom it increased his sorrow.

I don’t think life is as hopeless as it may seem at times. Many of us including myself have experienced times of exasperation, times of where we hit lows. Jesus said in John 10:10 he came that we might have life and have it abundantly. So why is it that so many, even believers don’t seem to be experiencing this?

One of the reasons is we are listening to wrong voices about what it means to be successful and to live a fulfilled life.

King Solomon also spoke of all these voices crying out, seeking our attention.

“Wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the markets she raises her voice; at the head of the noisy streets she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?”

Proverbs‬ ‭1:20-22‬ ‭ESV‬‬

I want to encourage you to be careful to which voices you are listening to, and to who you are looking to, in order to verify your significance. Lately the Lord keeps reminding me not to despise small beginnings.

“Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.

For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth.””

Zechariah‬ ‭4:6, 10‬ ‭ESV‬‬ (Emphasis mine)

Recently I learned that 1 in 3 young people today have been diagnosed as clinically depressed. Which is a sobering stat that is hard to fathom. Too many of us are looking to the wrong things to bring us satisfaction in life and in this ever connected world we seem to be more alone than ever. That’s what Demi Lovato’s song is all about. “Nobody is listening to me… Is there anyone, Lord is there anyone, I need someone.”

There is Hope in our Good Father

My encouragement is that each of us look daily to the Lord for His strength to make it through the day. He loves his children. He is a good God, and desires the best for us. One of my favorite passages in the Bible reminds us of God’s goodness and His desire to care for His children.

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:11‬ ‭ESV‬‬ (Emphasis mine)

What a wonderful promise. There is hope for each of us as we seek the Lord. Look to your Father who is in heaven my friends. He loves you and He has a good plan for your life. You can trust Him! His promises are sure and true.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Inconsistency in Living an Incongruent Life

Dave, Hannah and Dawn

Dave, Hannah and Dawn

Sometimes I find myself feeling a little more contemplative. This is one of those times. I suppose the trials that we’ve been going through which I wrote about in my last post is to blame.

I’ve been thinking about how we may understand a theological concept or a truth of the Bible, yet struggle to live out this truth. It seems inconsistent to believe one thing, but then to act in another way. I confess this is one of my struggles.

Lately I’ve been struggling with trusting God in his sovereignty. I believe that GOD Sovereignly rules over the universe. God reigns and rules over his creation. Since God is good and loving this should bring me peace and comfort. For the most part it does.

My Doubts – My Struggles

The Sunset on the Pacific - near Cabo San Lucas

The man who doubts is like the waves of the sea

At times though I have my doubts. I think of a decision I made which seemed the best at the time, but later I realize it wasn’t a good decision. Then I feel guilt, maybe even condemnation. My wife reminds me, “Dave, God is sovereign, good and loving and we can look to him and trust him in this!”

I’m the one with the theological degree, but my wife’s faith exceeds my own.

I strive to be consistent with my beliefs and actions, but I fail. I’m grateful for the gospel and I’m grateful for God’s grace. I need it daily.

Romans 8:28 is a popular passage that is abused at times, but it is true and it should bring comfort to the believer.  “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28 ESV)

The Heavenly Father Wants to Give us Good Gifts

If we doubt God’s goodness Matthew 7 is a good passage to remind us of how we compare to God.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! (Matthew 7:7-11 ESV, emphasis mine)

Jesus is arguing from the lesser to the greater. If we being evil desire to give good gifts to our children, how much more will the all loving God care for us?

Not only does God care, but he is a loving and a forgiving God. Romans 8:1 reminds us that Christ was condemned on our behalf, so I no longer am condemned. Those that are in Christ are not condemned. O Lord, that I would grow in my faith and love you more!

Thanks For Your Prayers!

Thanks so much for holding our family up in prayer. Things are getting better – that’s where I struggle to trust, but it’s also where I see The Lord show up and rescue us in our hour of need.

In His Grip, Dave

Diasolifeontheborder.org

Grace Renewal

Dick Kaufmann leading the church planter's meeting

Dick Kaufmann my friend and mentor

One of the many things that I’ve loved about working with Harbor Church is their emphasis on grace. Pastor Dick Kaufmann when he started Harbor about 14 years ago sought to emphasize a gospel-centered and a grace centered movement of churches.

The outflow of that is that at most Harbor staff meetings and church planter meetings we tell grace renewal stories. Stories that show how God is working. Testimonies of his grace.

I felt like I should share a couple of wonderful grace renewal stories with you today.

God’s Work in Dawn’s Life

My lovely wife, Dawn with our beautiful daughter, Hannah

My lovely wife, Dawn with our beautiful daughter, Hannah. I give thanks to the Lord for both of them!

Dawn and I have asked you to pray for her sinus infection. The doctor told her last year that she was going to need a surgery to correct the problem she had with her sinuses. Since that time we’ve been praying for the Lord’s healing touch. Dawn has also used some alternative health remedies.

The prayer and the natural vitamins went on for close to a year. Yet, Dawn was still experiencing some of the same symptoms with her sinuses.

Finally, she just felt a peace that she had tried everything and that she should go back to the doctor to get a CAT scan. Initially we were discouraged, the CAT scan showed no change! The nurse talked to Dawn about when they could schedule the surgery.

This Tuesday we went to the doctor, because he needed to examine Dawn personally to see what the exact issues were, and to make sure she needed the surgery. I accompanied Dawn for that doctor visit. She was very nervous.

The doctor arrived in the room. He is very business like. His bedside manner could use some work, but he has a reputation as one of the best doctors in his field in the area. Anyway, he shows us the CAT scan. The doctor explains this is how a normal sinus should look, and then he shows us the pictures of Dawn’s sinus. They don’t look like a healthy sinus.

The doctor says he needs to look into Dawn’s sinus to see what’s going on and to check it first hand. He gets this long scope that sends my wife into some fear and panic. She weeps, and asks the nurse if she will hold her hand.

You Do NOT Need Surgery!

Then as the doctor is checking Dawn’s sinus, he asks “have you ever had surgery on your sinus before.” “No,” is the response. Then he says, “your sinus looks healthy, you will not need surgery.”

Wow! Even though we didn’t think the Lord had healed Dawn, he did!

I know that the Lord doesn’t always choose to heal, but it sure is exciting when he does.

The Father’s Good Gifts – Rejoice!

Sunset on the Pacific

Sunset on the Pacific reminds me of God’s grace and power

I love Jesus’ exhortation regarding prayer found in Matthew 7. This passage is also a great promise, and a wonderful reminder of how our loving Father wants to give us good things!

““Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” —Matthew 7:7-11 ESV

Rejoice with us! Even though we doubted God answered.

Keep Praying

Since the Lord hears our prayers, and you play such an important part in that I wanted to ask you to pray for our church. I can’t go into the details, but the Hispanic ministry is experiencing a huge trial right now. We need wisdom and the Lord’s unifying peace.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

 

 

The Father’s Good Gifts: Ask, Seek, Knock

The beautiful sunset Hannah & Dave saw at Imperial Beach last night

The beautiful sunset Hannah & Dave saw at Imperial Beach last night

The last several weeks maybe longer the Lord keeps bringing me back to passages about persistent prayer, and the loving Father’s answer to our petitions. Yet I find myself doubting, and worrying.

One of my favorite teachings of Jesus on prayer is found in Matthew 7:7-11 ESV

““Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!”

Jesus exhorts us to ask, seek and knock. Then he goes on to use as an example the relationship of a parent to his child. A good parent will do whatever they can to provide for their child. Then Jesus contrasts our evil nature to the Father’s goodness and holiness.

The Father’s Heart

Thankful for Hannah & the beauty of God's creation

Thankful for Hannah & the beauty of God’s creation

Even though man has an evil nature in general a parent desires to love and protect their children. How much more with God, the Father?

Our loving Father wants us to come to him. He desires to give us good things. Jesus actually says “how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

So why don’t we ask? Why do we worry? Why don’t we take Jesus at his word?

O Lord, I ask that you would work in my heart, and cause me to believe.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Thanksgiving Amidst the Trials

Hannah & David at the airport when Hannah arrived for her surprise visit!

Hannah & David at the airport when Hannah arrived for her surprise visit!

The Lord says he stores up our tears in a bottle. This gives me comfort knowing that he cares deeply about our pain.

Last week I wrote about some of the pain that our family and some friends of ours endured. if you missed it you can read about it here Trials & Tears!, and Trials & Tears: Part Two, Answers.

This week especially we focus on the many blessings that God has given us, and it truly has been a better week.

My daughter, Hannah, who was in a bad car accident last week is here with us to celebrate Thanksgiving. My son, Jon, who had an emergency eye surgery last Friday is recovering. It will be a while before he gains full use of his right eye, but the surgery was successful. We give much thanks for that, and we continue praying for a full and complete recovery.

God Uses Ana’s Pain to Bring Adam to Christ!

The same creative and powerful God who made the beauty of the Sunset cares for you and me!

The same creative and powerful God who made the beauty of the Sunset cares for you and me!

Our friend, Ana who was detained last week was set free last Friday. She is now back with her family!

Ana made a wrong turn last week when she was taking a friend’s son to school. That wrong turn led to her being detained.

The father of the boy Ana was taking to school is named, Adam. After all that happened last week Adam came to church last Sunday with Ana and her family. He heard the gospel, and he gave his life to Christ. God works in mysterious ways, doesn’t he? Yet, he is always working, and doing so in such a way that he gets the glory.

We don’t always understand the reasons why, or the how’s, but we can trust that he is working.

God’s Loving Care

English: "The First Thanksgiving at Plymo...

“The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth” (1914) By Jennie A. Brownscombe (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Lord cares for you. He tells us he will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He says that the plans he has for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11). He encourages us to ask him for our needs, for even a father will give his child a piece of bread when he asks for it (Matthew 7:9).

Aren’t those wonderful and encouraging promises? We just need to lean on him and trust him.

Lift Our Voices in Thanks to Our God

Lord, I praise you that, because of you we have much to be thankful for. Thank you for hearing our prayers. Thank you for giving us friends and family to love!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to you my friend!

In HIs Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org