AMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

Our sweet sister-in-the-Lord and friend, Fran Kingston went to heaven on Sunday, March 18th.  Pete, her dear husband of over 52 years, was by her side. A date for Fran's Celebration of Service will be decided soon.

Laura’s Reflection: PURITY, Living a PURE Life

A few weeks ago I had the honor to lead a session (with some of the young moms & mentors involved with the Apple of Gold study), on living a PURE life.

We discussed why this is important to God and can we live a PURE life? Is it even possible in today’s world?

Psalm 19:14 - May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.

 

PURITY = the moral excellence I demonstrate (I choose) in my life as I consistently (choosing again) do what is right (in God’s eyes, not the world).

PURITY involves thoughts, words and actions because it is a heart issue and the heart is the center of our personality, emotions, as well as the mind.

Ask these questions when making a choice… 

Is it P.U.R.E. ?

P= Pleasing to God, Praiseworthy

U= Uplifting, Unifying

R= Restoring, Respectful

E= Edifying, Encouraging

I feel strongly about how the things we watch, where we go, what we listen to and read affects us. What you think you become. Thoughts bear fruit. Where the mind goes, the man follows. 

Philippians 4:8 - And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

It’s impossible to not see evil or impure things because we don’t live in a bubble. The ads, commercials, offensive email pop-ups and even misspelling a word in google can bring up disgusting pictures, porn, etc. Seeing these things will not corrupt you, but if you are drawn back to it, it can be destructive. So, we should flee and control our thoughts.

1 Thessalonians 5:22- Keep away from every kind of evil.

Romans 8:6 – The mind of a sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace.  

Titus 1:15 - To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted.

When tempted, speak scripture just as Jesus did when tempted by Satan (read Matthew 4:1-11):

1 Corinthians 10:13 -  No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Proverbs 3:5-6 -  Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Mathew 26:41 – Watch and pray so you will not fall into temptation. The Spirit is willing but the body is weak.

Remember this … don’t chase after happiness, chase after holiness.

Mathew 5:8- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

1 Peter 1:15-16 - but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

Live PURE! 

  Laura

Laura Keener

Frontline Director, Desert Springs Church

lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org

760-568-3646  

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Comfort, Health, Wisdom, Strength - "And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

Rick Diederich * Sherry Gagliardi * Eddie Hernandez * JoAnn Hassett * Fred Keener * Bob O'Conner * Walter & Joan Rohm * Sharon Warner's Granddaughter Kelly

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

Our sweet sister-in-the-Lord and friend, Carol Smoke went to heaven on Sunday, January 7th. She was surrounded by her children and grand-children.  Carol really was looking forward to seeing her Jesus face to face and then greeting her beloved husband and our dear departed Pastor, Jim  Smoke.
Carol's Celebration of Life is now scheduled for Sunday, March 11 at 3 pm in the Worship Center at Desert Springs. All her DSC family and friends are invited.

Laura’s Reflection:  Do Not Withhold Good …

Has someone ever asked you to help them out with something and you really could do it, but just didn’t want to? It wasn’t convenient. I have. There is a difference in your saying “no” to another golf game, movie or even volunteering at a church event. But to say “no” to helping someone in need, when you can help – that is wrong, according to God. 

Proverbs 3:27 “Do not withhold GOOD from those to whom it is DUE, when it is in YOUR power to ACT.”

This means if you can help – do it! Don’t ponder, say you will pray about it or consider it … ACT.  This means saying YES to sharing your money, your time, your heart.

I love what author Liz Higgins said “We study God’s word, not just to understand it, not just to meditate on it.  God wants us to DO it. He calls us to act and He gives us the power to do so.”

Paul wrote “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we WILL reap a harvest if we DO NOT give up.” Galatians 6:9

I must remind myself that everything I have is a gift from God, the blessings given to me are so I can care for others. How about you? Let’s all remember that we are GOD’S HANDS to the world. Doing good means letting go, letting go of our agenda and sharing in God’s.

Doing GOOD for God!

   Laura (2/7/18)

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Comfort, Health, Wisdom, Strength - "And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

Rick Diederich * Eddie Hernandez * Steve & Sally Herthel * Fred Keener * Fran Kingston * Dave Metzler * Theo Nichols *  Bob O'Conner * Neil Riordan * Walter & Joan Rohm * Sharon Warner's Granddaughter Kelly

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

Our sweet sister-in-the-Lord and friend, Carol Smoke went to heaven on Sunday, January 7th. She was surrounded by her children and grand-children.  Carol really was looking forward to seeing her Jesus face to face and then greeting her beloved husband and our dear departed Pastor, Jim  Smoke.
Carol's Celebration of Life is now scheduled for Sunday, March 11 at 3 pm in the Worship Center at Desert Springs. All her DSC family and friends are invited.

Also, many of you know Bob & Mary Ireland. Bob came in to tell Pastor Mark that Mary went to heaven last Saturday, Jan. 20th. He is planning a Celebration of Life Service for Mary this Saturday, Jan. 27 at 4 pm and it is open to all our DSC family. I believe Bob said they were married 62 years, she will be missed by all!

Laura’s Reflection:  Discouraged not Destroyed!

Discouragement happens, even to the strongest and most confident people.  I know this because throughout the Bible you read of discouragement. Job was discouraged with friends and family as they heaped shame on him. Peter was discouraged when he denied Christ. Disciples were discouraged before Christ rose from the dead! I bet you are wondering if maybe I am discouraged and YES, I am. It seems we take one tiny step forward with my sweet husband’s recovery and then take 10 steps backward. It’s just so hard to see him suffer and now he’s discouraged too. Trust me, I do keep a positive outlook when I am with him. The last thing he needs is for me to be down. I really do believe with all my heart that JESUS is with us every moment of this journey. He brought Fred through the surgery and He will bring him through the recovery. I know this, so why do I get discouraged?  After some praying and reading, here is some good advice I need to heed:

Be honest. It does you no good to pretend you don’t feel what you feel. You can’t take action against a negative feeling until you first admit you have it. “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

Take care of your body. If your body isn’t working, your mind, emotions and will are also weakened. Sometimes the circumstances of life drain us dry, and we need to press pause, stop doing, and simply rest and refresh. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11:28.

Pay attention to your thought life. Learn and train to think on these things “… whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, praiseworthy…”  Philippians 4:8 and to “… take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5.

Train yourself to “see” life as it really is. See both the temporal (life is hard) and the eternal (God has a purpose here) at the same time.  “Therefore we do not lose heart… So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16,18 The Apostle Paul never minimized the pain of the temporal, yet discouragement didn’t win because he knew that God’s purposes were at work.  “Now, I want you to know brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” Philippians 1:12

Press close into God. The truth is life can be hard and we don’t always understand God or his ways. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, he knows those who trust in him” Nahum 1:7

GIVE THANKS. “In everything give thanks for this is the will of God” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:13-14

Confident in Him!

   Laura

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Comfort, Health, Wisdom, Strength - "And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

Rick Diederich * Terri Griffin * Barbara Gronek * Eddie Hernandez * Steve Herthel * Fred Keener * Theo Nichols * Bob O'Conner *Gail Rubly *  Neil Riordan * Walter & Joan Rohm * Gary St. Angelo * Sharon Warner's Granddaughter Kelly

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service here at Desert Springs for Don Howard on Saturday, January 6 at 11 am. Don was owner of Cherokee Homes and years ago he built our Family Ministries building. Our thoughts and prayers for comfort and peace are with his family and friends.

Laura’s Reflections: Remember What the Lord Has Done

For me, 2017 was definetly a year filled with many trials and heartaches and to be brutally honest I just wanted it over.  While I reflected on the year the Lord began to speak to my heart. It was not easy to hear.

“Was I not with you? Did I ever forsake you? Did you already forget it was also a year filled with miracles, blessings and sweet times of communinion? Did you forget all the brothers and sisters that reached out to pray with you, for you, to help you? Did you forget that I commanded my angels to surround you and guard you?  Did you forget my faithfulness, mercy and grace? Did you forget the battles are not yours, but MINE? Did you forget the compassion I have for my loved ones? Did you forget that I am the strength of your life, your protector, your shield? That I uphold you with My righteous right hand?”

Ouch, that hurt. Really hurt, tears were shed and forgiveness asked (once again). I humbly thanked Him for every day of 2017 and for His never ending love.  A day later I read this prayer and felt it was exactly what I needed to pray:

A Prayer for the New Year

Lord, whether we’re leaving behind a year of joy and blessing or trials and difficulties, we pause to give thanks.
We thank You that You are always with us every single day of every single year.
Please remind us of Your presence in the year ahead, even when life is busy.
We are so thankful that we serve a God who makes things new and gives us the grace of fresh starts and new beginnings.
Be glorified in our lives this year.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In Jesus Name,

Laura

Laura Keener

Frontline Director, Desert Springs Church

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Comfort, Health, Wisdom, Strength - "And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

Rick Diederich * Terri Griffin * Barbara Gronek * Eddie Hernandez * Mary Ireland * Fred Keener * Darrell Miller * Theo Nichols * Bob O'Conner * Neil Riordan * Walter & Joan Rohm * Carol Smoke * Sharon Warner's Granddaughter Kelly

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

Merry Christmas to You All!       

Laura’s Reflection: Think on These Things

It’s been one of those “God is speaking to me” times, specifically on Philippians 4:8. It is popping up everywhere this week; every devotional, verse of the day and in the Christian blogs I read. So, I better stop and think on this!  

PHILIPPIANS 4:8

“Finally brothers, whatever is TRUE, whatever is NOBLE, whatever is RIGHT, whatever is PURE, whatever is LOVELY, whatever is ADMIRABLE—if anything is EXCELLENT or PRAISEWORTHY—think on these things.”

SPECIAL NOTE: Monday and Tuesday, I write all of the below, pray about it and am ready to send off to you this afternoon but I must share what just happened. It’s Wednesday and I sneak in to hear a guest speaker for the Women’s Christmas Brunch, Jodi Phelps. She’s a dear friend of Julie St. Angelo and Julie really encouraged me to take the time away from my “desk” and listen to Jodi’s story.  I am telling you the truth, Jodi shared a beautiful message and she ended with this “And now sisters, think on these things, whatever is true, whatever is noble…Philippians 4:8” These were her ending words.  Do you think GOD is making it clear to me?  How precious of GOD to confirm one last time that this is what I am to share.  

My first thought is about something I have said over and over to my kids and now grandkids “Garbage In, Garbage Out.”  I use that when they want to watch a TV show that I think is immoral, see a movie that’s too dark or listen to music that is not uplifting, etc.  Did you know that the average person has 10,000 separate thoughts a day? Every one of these thoughts represents a choice we make, a decision. 

God gives us specific instruction on what to think about, I think I (we) better listen:

1. Is it TRUE? Are you speaking and hearing truth? Speaking truth rules out all dishonesty and lying. God is truth and Satan is a liar, the father of lies! So, to walk in truth is to steep ourselves in God’s word; test everything by God’s Word, not by feelings or our culture. Read and think on the truth - HIS WORD.

2. Is it NOBLE (honorable)? This word means “that which inspires reverence; worthy of respect”. Do you waste time pondering on things that are trivial or time thinking on the eternal? Consider how short our life is on earth against the reality of heaven or hell. Time should be spent giving honor to our Lord of Lords. "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being." Revelation 4:11

3. Is it RIGHT? Whatever is right must conform to God’s standards, not the worlds.  Is it right in GOD’S eyes? Often when making a decision, I think to myself “Would I do this if Jesus were standing right here?” Well, HE IS STANDING BY ME and the HOLY SPIRIT actually LIVES in me! So, do the right thing.

4. Is it PURE? Definition is “clean, holy, undefiled.” Most often we think of moral purity (which is very serious to God and to us) but we must also ask if our thought life is pure.  Proverbs 23:7 “Whatever a man thinketh, so is he …” “The wisdom that comes from heaven, is first of all pure …” James 3:17

5. Is it LOVELY? In the New Testament, lovely means “what is pleasing, agreeable and attractive.” Here’s a simple rule: If it doesn’t make you lovely, don’t say it, don’t think it, don’t do it, don’t dwell on it, and don’t repeat it!  What is lovely, is God’s dwelling place, think on that (Psalm 84:1).

6. Is it ADMIRABLE? Is it worthy of time of study and contemplation? Are we focusing on things that are positive, constructive, things that build up not tear down?  You can admire a person for their talent, strength, brains, or success but that does not mean they are admirable. To be admirable, they need to be worthy.  Look what Jesus said in John 10:29 “My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.”  Jesus is building His father UP and encouraging us

7. Is it EXCELLENT?  Is it worthy, would God approve? Is it in line with God’s moral virtues? “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,” Philippians 1:9-10

8. Is it PRAISEWORTHY? If we are speaking of GOD himself, EVERY attribute and deed of GOD is praiseworthy. Just thinking on what HE has done in creation, in history and in our present lives should bring us to PRAISING HIM all throughout the day. It’s also important for us to give praise to those who have extended kindness, love and care. This is being appreciative and affirming toward people, not negative and critical.  

Now, how do we make “thinking on these things” a real part of our daily life?

• We need the mind of Christ, and as believers the Holy Spirit gives us the power to have this. 
• We need to block out sinful thoughts and get rid of anything that is not pleasing to God. “Be like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior.” 1 Peter 1:15.  Get rid of it now, don’t delay.
• We need to read God’s Word daily, if you can’t read, listen to it on the Bible website or Bible on tape. Saturate your mind with Scripture. Unless the Word of God is in your heart, you can’t use it when you are tempted. Dump the newspaper and read the WORD.
• We need to listen to godly men and women for teaching.  Read sermons and commentaries from the giants in our faith like Spurgeon & Chambers. Learn from men and women of faith. Listen to your Pastors!
• We need to fill our minds and lips with great hymns and praise choruses. Sing praises to the Lord, for He is worthy of our praise.

Before you know it, we’ll be thinking on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy … all the day long!

With Heavenly Thoughts!

Laura (12/6/17)

Laura Keener

Frontline Director, Desert Springs Church

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Comfort, Health, Wisdom, Strength - "And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

Rick Diederich * Terri Griffin * Barbara Gronek * Eddie Hernandez * Mary Ireland * Fred Keener * Dorene Kunkle * Annie Leonovich* Darrell Miller * Theo Nichols * Bob O'Conner * Neil Riordan * Walter & Joan Rohm * Carol Smoke * Sharon Warner's Granddaughter Kelly

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

The following Celebration of Life Services have now been confirmed to be held here at Desert Springs:

Glen Smith: November 11 @ 1 PM
Ron Mayle: November 18 @ 11 AM
                                                                                


Laura’s Reflection: Fear or Faith

I am quite sure by now that most of you know that last Friday at 9 am my husband had a neck epidural to help with the excruciating pain he has been experiencing on and off for months.  Fred has had previous epidurals and they help for a time.  Anyway, this time, it led to a Spinal Hematoma. He was rushed to emergency and in surgery for 4 hours. We thank the LORD his Orthopedic Doctor Tehernia was called and he would do the surgery and he put the best team possible together for Fred. Dr. Cassim, his pain management doctor and Dr. Patel his Cardiologist were all on board.  It was absolutely the most frightening experience we have had.  We were told that there was a chance he would not make it through, if he did, that he could be paralyzed.  Our kids were called in and had time with their precious daddy before he went to surgery.  

Definition:  A spinal hematoma is a collection of blood that compresses the spinal cord and nerve roots. Significant compression of the spinal cord can result in irreversible neurologic damage. Symptoms may include pain, weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, loss of bowel and/or bladder control, or paralysis.

Fred was moved out of ICU yesterday and up to the Vascular Wing rooms.  The praise report for now is he has movement and feeling in arms and hands. His left leg and foot have sensation and he can wiggle his toes.  The right leg, not so much. The Doctors want to admit him to the physical therapy unit right there at Eisenhower but he must qualify to be admitted. To qualify he needs to be able to put in 3 to 4 hours of therapy a day.  Fred said he will do this, but they need to run tests, etc.  Please pray that this works out, it’s what the Doctors want and what we desperately want. Dr. Tahernia said he might be in that unit for one to two months but he doesn’t know the power of prayer!

So, my dear friends … PRAY. I’m running in and out of work, trying to be with husband as much as possible.  We are not allowing visitors at this time, he is not up to it, I know you can understand this.

Prayers are powerful, and God’s peace in the storm is real. I choose to have FAITH and not allow FEAR to creep in. Fear tries to grab hold of my mind in the middle of the night. I start quoting scripture:

“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.”

“You are my refuge and strength, an ever present help in times of trouble”

“Do not be afraid for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God.  I the Lord will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will run and not be weary, they will WALK and not faint”

I read scripture and devotionals to Fred each morning to encourage him too. I love each of you and appreciate your kindness, concern and prayers.  Fred will WALK and GOD is FAITHFUL. 

Standing in Faith!

Laura

Laura Keener

Frontline Director, Desert Springs Church

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Comfort, Health, Wisdom, Strength - "And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

Rick Diederich * Eddie Hernandez * Mary Ireland * Fred Keener * Annie Leonovich* Theo Nichols * Neil Riordan * Walter & Joan Rohm 

FAMILY LIFE at Desert Springs - a place where we can share the heart of our church family; prayers, praises and important announcements.  Be sure to check-in often to see what is happening. If you have a prayer request or praise, please submit by contacting me, Laura Keener, Frontline Director at Desert Springs....760-568-3646 or lkeener@desertspringsfamily.org.

In Memory Of:
Our dear Sister, Placent Delia, who went to heaven Monday, October 16th. It was very unexpected and we will miss her sweet spirit and having her as a powerful prayer warrior. Pray that her dear husband of 40 years, Gino, will feel the peace of God during this great loss. A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Tuesday, October 24 at 1 PM in the Worship Center. 

Also, the following Celebration of Life Services have now been confirmed to be held here at Desert Springs:
Lucy Brooks: October 21 @ 1 PM
Glen Smith: November 11 @ 1 PM
Ron Mayle: November 18 @ 11 AM
                                                                                
Laura’s Reflection: Proud to be an American in Jesus

I’m sure, like me, you have “had it up to here” with the unpatriotic display from athletes, actors, authors, singers, politicians and perhaps relatives and neighbors. I am deeply ashamed at how “Americans” living in a land blessed by GOD are insulting HIM, our FLAG and our LEADERS.  God commands us to be respectful, love our enemies and to pray for our country and leaders. 

Romans 13:1

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

1 Timothy 2:1-4

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

What has happened to make these “Americans” so terribly unkind? The answer is … they don’t know who JESUS is. 

Scott Sauls, Senior Pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville and author said this:

• In America, credentials qualify a person to lead. In Jesus, the chief qualification is character.
• In America, what matters most are the results we produce. In Jesus, what matters most is the kind of people we are becoming.
• In America, success is measured by material accumulation, power, and the positions that we hold. In Jesus, success is measured by material generosity, humility, and the people whom we serve.
• In America, it is shameful to come in last and laudable to come in first. In Jesus, the first will be last and the last will be first.
• In America, leaders make a name for themselves to become famous and sometimes treat Jesus as a means to that end. In Jesus, leaders make His name famous and treat their own positions, abilities, and influence as a means to that end.
• In America, leaders crave recognition and credit. In Jesus, leaders think less of themselves and give credit to others.
• In America, leaders compare and compete so they will flourish. In Jesus, leaders sacrifice and serve so others will flourish.
• In America, leadership often means “My glory and happiness at your expense.” In Jesus, leadership always means “Your growth and wholeness at my expense.”
• In America, the strong and powerful rise to the top. In Jesus, the meek inherit the earth.

I say to all those who are ungrateful, unthankful, unkind, unjust … hear and understand:

Jeremiah 27:5
“I the LORD have made the earth, the men and the beasts which are on the face of the earth by My great power and by My outstretched arm, and I will give it to the one who is pleasing in My sight.”.

Lamentations 3:38-42

Is it from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come? Why should any living man complain when punished for his sins? Let us examine our ways ad test them, and let us return to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts and our hands to God in heaven and say: “We have sinned and rebelled and you have not forgiven.”

Let us do our part; be thankful, pray continually and be BOLD in sharing about our God, the maker of heaven and earth.

A Proud American in Jesus!

  Laura

Laura Keener

Frontline Director, Desert Springs Church

PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS IN CHRIST

Comfort, Health, Wisdom, Strength - "And pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." Ephesians 6:18

Ron Coffee * Rick Diederich * Eddie Hernandez * Mary Ireland * Fred Keener * Annie Leonovich* Theo Nichols * Neil Riordan * Walter & Joan Rohm