Isaac Gonzales, 73, born on April 7, 1949, in El Paso, Texas, United States, passed away July 26, 2022. It was a very sad day. We know that the Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die [Psalm 116:15]. And we know that Jesus weeps with us [John 11:35] and sees our pain and tears of sadness [Luke 7:13]. He encourages us to not let our hearts be troubled because we believe in God and in him; and because of this, Isaac still lives [John 11:25-26; John 14:1-3]. Isaac resided in El Monte, CA with his beloved wife, Patricia at the time of his passing. No one has ever seen God, but because God lived in Isaac and Pat, their love for each other was brought to full expression [1 John 4:12] and it was beautiful to see. Isaac has three adult surviving children, Isaac Jr., Rachel, and Joseph Anthony and four grandchildren (Nathan, Carlo, Madelyn, and Jolene). Like Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17:24, we know that he wants us to be in heaven with him to see the Lord's glory...and we await our reunion! Although he lived a full life, he had to endure some hard sufferings. He was a man of strong faith with a pure heart [Matthew 5:8]; and God remained the strength of his heart [Psalm 73:26]. He was never discouraged by his failing health and still found joy in life. He loved the Lord and kept his word; and we know that Jesus made his home within him [John 14:23] for he sought the Lord daily for peace and comfort [Matthew 5:4]. His faith was inspiring. He attended church weekly, had a bible study daily, prayed without ceasing [1Thes5:17] and loved communion and taking in the living bread that came down from heaven. He loved John 6:51: "Anyone who eats this bread will live forever; and this bread, which I offer so the world may live, is my flesh." Another one of his favorite verses that he often shared was Romans 8:37-38: "Overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us. And I am confident that nothing can separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow, not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love." While here on earth, he was a faithful servant, ready and expectant of our Lord Jesus [Luke 12:37-38]. He persevered, carried his cross of suffering without complaint, and finished his race, holding unswervingly to the hope and reward that our Father in heaven, who is faithful, promises - eternal life. [1 John 5-4,11; Phil 3:13-14]. We praise God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ for their mercy and grace of giving Isaac an inheritance of a new resurrected life [1 Peter 1:3-5], in a new body made by God himself [2 Corinthians 5:1] that will have no more tears, sorrow or pain [Revelation 21:4-7]. We can be confident that when Isaac saw the Lord on July 26, he exclaimed: "My Lord and my God" like Thomas did [John 20:28], with a rejoicing heart and a joy that no one can take from him! [John 16:22]. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Covina Hills, California.
