The Fruit Still Remains

June 19, 2016

While I was in San Diego last week, I had the privilege of seeing people I hadn’t seen in a long time, some over thirty years.  The first church body I had ever belonged to was merging with another.  They had a celebration and it happened to be the same weekend I was there.  I got to tell someone that had been very influential in the beginning of my walk as a believer that I was doing well; the fruit still remains. Not only does it still remains it has become a tree and has borne fruit.  Its branches are bearing fruit and the testimony of our God is still the same.  My foundation was solid and although I’ve been through many storms and am currently in the biggest one of my life, I am still standing.  The investment made in the life of a hurting, lost 16 year old boy by several people over thirty years ago did not go in vain.  I am today who I am because people loved on me and showed me the way and taught me how to drink from the well that never runs dry. God’s timing is everything.

Today is Father’s Day and as I reflect on what our Father God has done for us, I’m amazed at His hand in every aspect of my life. There is nothing out of his hands or that He’s not concerned with. Even the minutest details matter to Him; He loves us that much.  It’s easy to trust God when life is easy and going our way.  It’s those unclear, uncertain times when He’s asking us to step out of the boat and trust Him that makes us stronger. That’s when the roots of a tree are stretched and forced to look for water and as a result are made stronger and become established.

Are you abiding in Him and bearing fruit are you afraid to step out of the boat?  Faith is only faith when tested.  I’m not saying it’ll be easy, it may take everything you have the first time, but I know from experience, it’s how you grow and become stronger.  Once again, are you abiding in God or when life throws you a curve will it knock you off your feet? 

People constantly ask me, how do you do it, how do you endure so much pain and still seem so strong.  I always reply, my strength comes from God who loves me and has me in the palm of His hands.  I am not my own, I have been bought with a price; my life is hidden in Christ.

I’m so grateful to God for giving my two brothers and mother the opportunity to come to Him and they are now permanently abiding in the Vine.  He’s such a merciful and loving God. 

Happy Father’s Day to all you daddies out there,

Dave

I feel so good!

June 9, 2016

Thinking about what really matters in life. I’m writing this today before I board a flight to San Diego in the morning to go see my brother Indio, more than likely for the last time before he passes from this life to the next.  I’m always amazed at God’s perfect timing and His tender mercy towards us. Indio finally surrendered his life to Jesus just a couple of days ago.  My good friend and pastor for several years, Gary Cass had the privilege of leading Indio to the Savior.  After they prayed together and Indio asked Jesus to be his Lord he responded by saying, “I feel so good!” God confirmed his work in Indio’s heart by letting him feel His presence. That simple, but profound act changed where he will spend eternity.  Indio could have dropped dead may times throughout the years, but our merciful God had a divine appointment for Indio. Thank God for faithful servants like Gary who are willing to step out of life’s craziness and help others enter into the greatest adventure known to man; bought and paid for by the precious blood of Jesus. God is so good!

The problem with most of us is that we have heard the message of the gospel all of our lives and maybe even believed it. It’s so familiar to us that we neglect to realize how vital it is in determining where we spend eternity. We’re like the privileged person that has everything but nothing means anything anymore. Even the most precious belongings are tossed aside like useless junk. Scripture tells us that it is nearly impossible for a rich man to enter into heaven. He doesn’t believe he needs a savior and can’t see past his belongings to bow his knee and surrender.  He who dies with the most toys does not win if he does not have the blessed assurance of salvation found only in Jesus.

I’m grateful that at the ripe old age of 16 I confessed with my mouth I was a sinner and in need of a savior and asked Jesus to be my Lord. I meant it then and I mean it even more today.  It’s not been an easy walk; I’ve had my share of pain and heartache. The difference is I’m never alone, and many times like now, He’s carried me through times that seem impossible and unbearable.  He has been my joy and comforter, my glory and the lifter of my head. If you seek Him you will find Him.

I have no Idea what tomorrow will bring.  I know God’s loving presence is always there and will never let me go.  I pray you too will know Him like that. If not, it’s time to say yes to God from your heart and really mean it.  Live what you believe!  He will give you the grace and mercy needed. He has for me, so I know it’s true for you too. He’s no respecter of persons.

Keep my brother Indio and our family in your prayers over the next little while, please. 

Dave

Just Got Some Bad News

    

                                                                                                                                                                June 5, 2016

Greetings,

My heart is heavy today. Just got some bad news I’ve been expecting for a while, but it still hurts none the less.  No, it’s not about my health; things are going fine still and I’m in full throttle working my treatment as prescribed.

My heart hurts because my brother Magdaleno (Indio) is on the last leg of his journey and may not be around too much longer. The doctors are saying just a few short weeks.  I’ve known his time was short for some time now. In fact, we all expected him to go before anyone else and yet he’s outlived our mom and our other brother Michael (Guero). Indio has not been well for quite a few years and has been at deaths door several times.  Mom and Dad were up late worrying about Indio many times over the years.  All of our hearts have broken at the grievous decisions Indio made, often shattering his and the lives of those he cared most about.  I often wonder why God let him live after he basically destroyed his own life and has been brought to the brink of death several times.  He and Guero had a very difficult relationship throughout the years. But over the last few they were inseparable. There was hardly a day Indio wasn’t at Guero’s house.

I think Indio understood what it took Guero to forgive him and give him chances over and over again. He understood the gift of forgiveness in spite of his many transgressions against his brother and the many who loved him. He understood that that it was pure unmerited favor.  The story of the prodigal son in the book of Luke 15, 11-32 comes to mind when I think of Indio’s life. My brother was a protector to me and those he loved. I remember the day many years ago now when his first wife drove off with their son and told Indio she was moving away. He cried uncontrollably, his heart was broken and crushed. I remember thinking as she drove away please don’t go, give him another chance!  He was never the same after that. I’m not saying any one else is responsible for his decisions and choices.  As adults we are each responsible for what we choose.

Indio was very affectionate with his kids and I liked that about him. He had no problem changing dirty diapers and keeping after them.  He wasn’t too proud to say “I want to be with my kids”, taking them with him wherever he went. Now, for most of us that would be normal behavior; but for people who are bound and determined to destroy themselves through drugs and reckless living, it’s unusual. 

As a kid Indio was very good at sports and I always wanted to be like him. I wasn’t very good at sports.  Whatever sports he played he was one of the best on the team. Indio always made the all-stars team.  I often wonder what went wrong; what would have made the difference for him?  All I know is that Indio has been given several chances to make things right and I know he’s come a long way. He’s been off drugs and clean for several years. When we lost Guero and Mom within twelve months of each other, he hit the bottle pretty hard again.  He told me the last time we spoke he’s ready now and wants to see mom and Guero. I know at one time in his life he made a confession of faith. I pray daily that he makes his peace with God and bows his knee and repent of his sins and ask for forgiveness.  I once heard someone say, God has no grandchildren only sons and daughters. Everyone has to come to Him on their own not because mom was a believer or grandma loved Jesus. Every knee shall bow, every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord. Romans 14:11.

I know you expected to read my post and hear how I’m doing. Well, today my thoughts are focused on my brother and my family that will soon be losing another piece of our hearts. Keep us in your prayers please.  Remember, life here on earth is too short to hold onto unforgiveness.  Cherish the ones He’s given you to love.

Much love,

Dave