Posts Tagged ‘spirituality’

Rome: My Spiritual Journey

Posted: September 18, 2017 in Christianity, Ministry, Reflections & Musings
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Even the Rocks Give Testimony
Dave & Dawn in St. Peter's Cathedral

Dave & Dawn in St. Peter’s Cathedral

I found my first trip to Rome to be a spiritual experience. I wasn’t expecting it, but as Dawn and I saw the beautiful sites and history, so much inspired by our Faith, and the Story of the Bible. To see Mary, Joseph and Jesus in paintings and sculptures in the Pantheon one of the oldest buildings in the world, speaks to the longevity, the endurance of the Church. God has preserved His Church.

This truth is even more evident in the Vatican. Regardless of the missteps of the Church over the centuries, it’s amazing to think of how the Lord God Almighty has preserved His Church. The Church today exists in many forms around the world, and although there have been sects and offshoots there are many that still faithfully preach the foundational message of the Gospel.

The Message Found in the Sistine Chapel
Michelangelo's masterpiece found in the Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo’s masterpiece found in the Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel is not only beautiful, but it tells the story of the Bible from the Creation of the World and Man to Moses and the Law to Christ and his life, death and resurrection. On the front wall of the Sistine Chapel the largest painting depicts the final judgement something that we tend to shy away from today in our churches. It seems that many churches today are timid and afraid to talk about sin. They either under emphasize sin and it’s effect on the world, or they over emphasize it and forget God’s grace. The other issues the church is reluctant to address today are hell and the final judgment. All these themes are amazingly and strikingly captured in Michelangelo’s masterpiece.

The Challenge of Preaching the Full Gospel in Our Age
Inside St. Peter's Cathedral

Inside St. Peter’s Cathedral

I believe part of the reason we shy from these themes in the church today is that they were not preached with love and balance in the past. We’ve also been influenced by our culture and we live in an age of tolerance. Anything that divides we tend to stay away from.

I understand being sensitive and careful in how we communicate the gospel with our culture. Yet, if people fail to see the darkness of sin and the despair of hell, they will not appreciate fully what Christ did for us. Christ death and resurrection are minimized if we don’t realize how lost we are without his saving grace found in his death and resurrection.

Pray to Grow and Know God in a Deeper Way
Worship in Spirit and Truth

Worship in Spirit and Truth

My desire is to grow in loving God, represented in the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I want to know Him more and love Him in a greater way. Jesus says in John 10 that His sheep know His voice. I definitely want to know His voice and be able discern the difference between His voice and all the other many voices calling for my attention. I pray that my love for Christ will exceed my desire for man’s approval. That is not easy. It’s hard to be called names, or for people to think you are foolish when you follow Christ. Yet, this often happens to those who love Jesus. It happened to Jesus himself.

Pray with me and my family as we seek to put God’s kingdom first. I must admit that often I fail miserably. I don’t love as Christ loved, but as He works in me I see transformation and His Spirit doing a Holy and wonderful work in my family and in me. Praise be to God! Thanks for praying with us and for us!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

To Be Thrilled With Your Presence

Posted: October 1, 2014 in Christianity, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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To Be Thrilled With Your Presence
Cambodia - A different world to be sure!

Cambodia – A different world to be sure!

I read this statement recently in Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest. This is becoming my cry to the Lord.

It reminds me of the Sons of Korah song in Psalm 42. The Psalmist declares,

As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? —Psalm 42:1-2 NIV

As I reflect on my desire to hunger for God and his presence it reminds me of Dr. Lloyd Kim’s words when we were together for Mission to the World’s (MTW) worldwide leadership meetings. He challenged us to be broken and humble before the Lord as we serve him. It’s easy when we are serving in ministry to just get to a point where we are going through the motions.

God’s Gentle Touch
Dr. Lloyd Kim addressing us at MTW's worldwide leadership conference in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Dr. Lloyd Kim addressing us at MTW’s worldwide leadership conference in Siem Reap, Cambodia

While I was at MTW’s conference the Lord ministered to me as I met with missionaries and nationals from all over the world. God touched my heart as I listened to their stories. Some of them are ministering in very difficult places, under difficult circumstances. Others minister freely, but the soil is hard and the fruit is slow.

Between these words from Dr. Kim and Oswald Chambers and my experience with the missionaries I feel God calling me into a deeper relationship with him. To be thrilled with his presence!

Join Us on the Journey

I invite you to join me. Pray for me that I will be faithful in this journey. It’s so easy to become cynical and jaded. We all have bad experiences in the church and just in life in general, and then we take it out on God. It’s as if we will only seek him if things are going well. But that’s not the way of the cross. It’s not what the Lord has called us to.

I thank you for joining me and my family on this journey. It’s sometimes painful, but it’s worth it.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

P.S. There are still needs for food, water, clothing and shelter for those affected by Hurricane Odile. You can help by giving to the hurting click here…

God’s Blessing: The Arrival of Our Son, Jon!

Posted: May 28, 2013 in Christianity, Family Happenings, God's Leading, Journey, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings, San Diego, Tijuana
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Jon and Dave embarking on the cross country trip from Colorado Springs to Chula Vista

Jon and Dave embarking on the cross-country trip from Colorado Springs to Chula Vista

I’ve been on the road the last week, which has made it harder to get on the internet to post anything. Last Thursday I flew out to Colorado to help our son, Jonathan move to Chula Vista.

I can still remember the tears and the pain of saying good-bye to Jonathan and Hannah last August! God is so good to provide a way for Jonathan to be with us again.

One of the difficulties of living out the life of a missionary is all the painful good-byes. You keep thinking that it might get easier, but it doesn’t, at least not for me.

The Lord has put us in the wonderfully unique situation of living and serving in missions on the border. Because of where we live we can minister on both sides of the border. In two different countries with two radically varied cultures. This makes it possible for us to be closer to our grown children. It’s an opportunity many missionaries do not have.

In Jeremiah the Lord encouraged the Israelites to seek the welfare of the city where they had been sent. As God blessed the city they too would be blessed. That is really our heart here. We pray that we will see San Diego – Tijuana blessed by God. We trust as the Lord showers down his blessings on the city that our family and friends will experience God’s rich and bountiful care as well.

God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:7 & 11, gives us comfort and hope:

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 welfare… For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jon & Hannah right before we began our trek

Jon & Hannah right before we began our trek

Dawn and I love what we do, and we love where we live. It affords us the opportunity to minister to Latinos in San Diego and in Tijuana. God has given us some great partners to work with. We continue to pray that the Lord’s kingdom will be expanded on the border as it is in heaven.

“Thank you Jesus for calling us to serve on the border! Thank you for making it possible for our son, Jon to move so he can be near us. We pray for your watchful care over our whole family. Thank you that we can trust you!”

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Related articles

Growing Up With Our Children: It’s NOT for Wimps!

Posted: January 16, 2013 in Christianity, Family Happenings, Journey, Prayer, Reflections & Musings
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Jonathan & Dawn, family fun

Jonathan & Dawn having some fun together

Over the last month we’ve experienced the joy of having our kids visiting us. David Jr. has been home from college. Jonathan was with us for Christmas. Hannah is visiting now.

Dawn and I have entered the stage of being empty nesters. There are some things we like about it, but we really miss our kids.

A friend told us that we give our children roots, so we can give them wings. We do pray that they will soar! We just don’t want them to soar too far away. 😉

Our prayer is that our kids will walk with the Lord all the days of their life. That they will truly be in love with Jesus. If that is true of them then they will make the right choices as they grow in God’s rich grace.

David, Hannah, Dawn and Dave Diaso, family

David, Hannah, Dawn and Dave

We love all three of our now grown children so much. We are hoping that they will live closer to us. In the meantime, we trust in God’s goodness. We give thanks that they can visit. We praise the Lord that they are doing well, and that we have a strong relationship with them.

Part of the difficulty we face is that on the one hand we are to love our children, but we shouldn’t make an idol out of them. Only the Lord can fill the deep recesses of our heart. It’s so easy to look to things or people to do what only God can do.

Dave & Hannah Diaso at Coronado Island San Diego Harbor

Dave & Hannah on Coronado Island with the San Diego Harbor in the background!

I do thank the Lord for my children, and I give them to the Lord daily. I pray that they will walk with the Lord and love him more each day. “Lord, you know our heart. Work in our hearts as well that we will love you, and put you before all others.”

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.” (Psalm 127:3,4 ESV)

I suppose there are others of you that can identify with what we are going through. If you have children you may have already gone through it, or you may be in the process of going through it, like us, or it may still be ahead of you. Let me know what encouraging bits of wisdom you’ve learned along the way. We need all the insight we can get!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Giving Thanks for 2012!

Posted: December 31, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Family Happenings, Journey, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, Reflections & Musings, San Diego, Tijuana
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Jon, David, Hannah, Dave & Dawn at Hannah's graduation

Jon, David, Hannah, Dave & Dawn at Hannah’s graduation

Even though I am ending 2012 in bed with a cold, it has been an outstanding year! We have experienced more change this year than we have since we left Mexico in late 1999.

I praise the Lord along with my wife, Dawn, for all He has done in and through us in 2012.

“Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!”

–Psalm 100:1,2

The biggest event in our lives this past year was selling our house in Colorado and moving to the San Diego-Tijuana border. Dawn and I had been working towards this goal for two years. It took us longer than we thought it would take to sell our house. We know God’s timing is perfect, but that doesn’t mean it is easy to wait.

The wait has made it all the sweeter, though. We love being here, and we are so thrilled with all that God is doing.

After living in Colorado for 12 years it was hard to say good-bye to all our friends. We will always cherish our time in Colorado Springs. God brought healing and provided some wonderful fellow sojourners.

The most difficult thing about leaving Colorado was leaving two of our children, Jonathan and Hannah. We miss them dearly. It’s not easy being instant empty nesters. After all, aren’t we too young for that? 😉

It does make it easier knowing that our loving Father is watching over our children, and caring for them. We are grateful that our oldest son, David Jr. lives close to us as he goes to school in El Cajon at San Diego Christian College.

All three of our kids are doing well and they love the Lord.

  • David is on the student council at his school, and he’s excelling in his courses. When I visited the school recently one of the professors from the school told me David was a high impact student! Thank you Lord!
  • Jonathan began working at Wells Fargo Bank as a teller in June. He just went through their banker’s training, and he is exploring the possibility of getting a job transfer that would put him close to us. O, Lord, we pray you would open the door for that to happen soon.
  • Hannah graduated from high school in May. She is working at Big Lots and going through many adjustments being on her own in Colorado. Hannah will fly out to visit us this next week, so we are super excited about seeing her!

We have much to be thankful for in 2012! Even in the short time Dawn and I have been here, we’ve seen the Lord do some wonderful things. In late October and early November we partnered with Harbor Church and Lo Mejor Del Trigo to start a new church.

God’s encouraged us as we launched the English as a Second Language (ESL) outreach last April. Oliva came to Christ through ESL, and is now growing in her faith. We are getting ready to launch a second ESL class next week.

Dave & Dawn at San Diego Harbor

Wishing You A Happy New Year!

This is only a small sampling of the many marvelous things that God did in 2012. Praise him with us!

“For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 100:5, ESV)

Thanks so much for joining us on this journey!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Miracle in Aurora: Petra Anderson Update

Posted: December 16, 2012 in Christianity, Reflections & Musings, Video
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Petra performing the violin

Petra performing the violin

Heart breaking and horrifying events took place in Oregon and Connecticut this last week. It’s a sad reminder that we live in a fallen world. Our country is suffering from decay from within.

Even with all the bad news there is hope. The tragedies of the past week also are a reminder of the recent shootings in Aurora, Colorado. Petra Anderson’s story is an amazing testimony of God’s grace. He miraculously spared Petra’s life. Now she is recovering.

Petra still is on a long journey to recovery, but it’s amazing she’s come so far so quickly. Brian Williams featured Petra’s story on Rock Center this week. I’ve included the video on this link: MSNBC, Miracle in Aurora.

This summer, Kim Anderson, Petra’s mom passed away due to cancer. Chloe and Robert (Petra’s sister and brother) along with Petra have endured more hardship than seems fair.

Our heart goes out to the families that were affected by the shootings in Oregon and Connecticut. Once again it doesn’t seem right and it isn’t fair. I’m sure many wonder where is God in all of this? Yet somehow, someway God is there in their midst. He does give us hope. Petra’s story is one of hope for a hurting people.

God is not dead. We may not understand his ways, but he is working.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither  are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”

Isaiah 55: 8-11 (ESV)

I know life is tough, and horrible things happen that leave us wondering. Remember friend, God is still on the throne. We walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). There is plenty to be thankful for.

I do praise the Lord for saving Petra’s life. I look forward to how he will use her and her family in the future. Her’s is a heartwarming story, and I’m encouraged that MSNBC would cover it.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

A Changed Life on the Border!

Posted: December 4, 2012 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, Ministry, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Tijuana
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Moses show God changed his life with Harbor and pastors Stephen Phelan and Edgardo Avila

Moses (standing between pastors Stephen Phelan and Edgardo Avila) sharing how God changed his life

Almost every week we are seeing people come to Christ at Harbor Mid-City! It’s wonderful to hear the testimony of how God’s Spirit is moving in the heart of men and women to bring about changed lives.

Just this past Sunday, our new friend, Moses shared how the Lord reached into his life and saved him. He spoke of how he tried to do everything on his own. He isolated himself from others. God broke through, and Moses started coming to church. When he heard the gospel message he recognized his need for salvation. His need to be connected with a body of believers. His need to be committed to Christ and his church.

Moses’ testimony and the work God is doing in his life is heart warming!

Thank you Jesus, we pray that you will break through in the lives of many more and draw them to yourself as we seek to make a difference on the San Diego-Tijuana border. We pray that Moses and other new believers in the church will grow in their faith, and their lives will be truly transformed by the gospel of grace. Build your church, for your honor and glory! Amen.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

Giving Thanks for You on This Thanksgiving!

Posted: November 21, 2012 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Reflections & Musings
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Dave & Dawn at San Diego Harbor

Dave & Dawn at San Diego Harbor

Happy Thanksgiving, Dear Friend!

Faithful friends like you standing with us in prayer make it possible for my wife and I to do this work. You encourage us in a tangible and a powerful way! We thank the Lord for you on this Thanksgiving.

Dawn and I are thrilled to have made it to the border over these last few months. It’s been a wonderful experience, although not an easy one. God has already done some amazing things in our short time here. I’ve been privileged to chronicle His work through this blog. We look forward with much anticipation to what lies ahead.

I echo Paul’s words of thanksgiving found in Philippians 1:3-5 (ESV)

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.”

In His Loving Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeOnTheBorder.org

God’s Continued Work in Rosarito Mexico!

Posted: September 18, 2012 in Bright Spots on the Border, Christianity, Church Planting, God's Leading, Ministry, Ministry Partners, Missions, Prayer, San Diego, Tijuana
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Pastor Leo - taken at the YWAM center in Rosarito, Mexico

Pastor Leo – taken at the YWAM center in Rosarito, Mexico

Wow! I just received a call from pastor Leo Nevarez from Rosarito, Mexico. You might remember that Harbor partnered with Lo Mejor del Trigo to help plant pastor Leo’s church. You can read more about it here…

Leo called to thank me for connecting him with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) in Rosarito. YWAM has a ministry center near Rosarito, and one of the things they do is build homes for the homeless. Since I introduced Leo to the people at YWAM in July they’ve been able to work together to build homes for homeless people who have a connection to pastor Leo’s church. God is so good!

The Lord even used this blog to make some kingdom connections. Pastor Leo told me that someone who lives in Oxnard, California felt the Lord prompting them to do some work with the homeless. She did a Google search, and found my post about pastor Leo and their ministry in Rosarito. After seeing my article about the work with the homeless, she was able to contact pastor Leo, and she’s started helping the church. That’s so encouraging! I never thought that the Lord would use my blog in that way. God is so much bigger than all my ideas and plans.

It lifts my soul to see the Lord work, and I feel privileged to be part of if.

Pastor Leo & Gloria meeting with Janet Lambert at the YWAM center

Leo & Gloria meeting with Janet Lambert at the YWAM center

The connection with pastor Leo and YWAM began through a prayer letter I sent out. One of my friends from Phoenix saw the post, and mentioned that YWAM was located near the Rosarito church. He gave me the name and contact info of Janet Lambert, who is one of the principle leaders for the YWAM center. I contacted her, and was able to introduce her to Leo and his wife, Gloria.

Since we’ve been in the middle of this move, I haven’t been able to stay in close contact with pastor Leo. It was so good to hear from him today, and learn how the Lord is blessing their ministry as they reach out to hurting people in Rosarito. God is on the move on the border. Glory be to God!

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

We Rest in God’s Good Plan

Posted: September 15, 2012 in Christianity, Church Planting, Journey, Ministry, Missions, Reflections & Musings, San Diego, Tijuana
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Some of our boxes waiting to be unpacked

Some of our boxes waiting to be unpacked

Since I am living out of boxes, and without internet its slowed down my communication to the outside world in a major way.

Each day we are making progress towards getting our house set up. I still feel we are trying to bring order out of the present chaos we are living in.

One of my friends reminded me this past week, “there will be plenty of ministry for you when you get all set up.” I appreciated his encouragement as it reminded me that, “yes, the world is not dependent on me and that God can manage without me.” I need to be continually reminded of God’s grace, and the fact that this is his work, not mine.

This reminds me of God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:11-12 (ESV),

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

“Thank you, Lord, for the journey you have us on. Thank you that things are done in your timing, and that you have a good plan for me, those I minister with and those I serve.”

I’m still chomping at the bit to get everything in its place so Dawn and I can shift our focus more and more to the ministry needs at hand. At the same time I rest in God’s good plan.

In His Grip, Dave

DiasoLifeontheBorder.org

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