Monday, September 28, 2015

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.

CONVICTION vs. CONDEMNATION

I remembered something a pastor once taught about the difference between conviction and condemnation.

He explained that condemnation sweeps across our thoughts with generalized statements: You’re such a failure. You’re so hypocritical. You can never be counted on!

That is the accuser. His tone is condemning, questioning, and confusing. His accusations lead to guilt and shame.

In contrast, the Holy Spirit’s conviction will be specific. He will reveal a sinful action or attitude along with instruction on what needs to be done to right our wrong, whether it’s restoring a relationship or returning something that isn’t ours. The Holy Spirit will give us the steps we need to take to change our attitude or behavior.

Instead of an accusing lie: “You’re such a failure!” the Holy Spirit might say, “You were really critical the way you talked to So-and-so. You need to say you’re sorry and ask for forgiveness. Then say something to build them up instead of tearing them down.”

Instead of a condemning label: “You’re so hypocritical!” The Holy Spirit might say, “You judge others for gossiping, but you’re doing the same thing when you talk about your neighbor at work. Apologize for what you said today, and share a few things that are positive about her.”

Instead of shaming words: “You can never be counted on!” The Holy Spirit might say, “You didn’t keep your promise to go visit your mom. Call her to say you’re sorry, and ask her out to lunch this weekend.”

Satan condemns us to make us feel guilty, but God convicts us to lead our hearts to repentance.

God uses conviction to draw us out of destructive behavior that hinders our relationship with Him and others, and to lead us away from a condemning place of sin so that we can live in the freedom of His forgiveness and grace.

So the next time we blow it, or lose our peace and patience right there in the middle of our kitchen, or office, or 5 o’clock traffic, let’s ask God to help us refute the accusing lies of condemnation and follow His lead toward restoration.

Blog by Renee Swope


PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS

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


Darlene Atkinson
Bill & Muriel Beers
Hugh & Lily Boyd
Nancy DeVries - Praises, doing so well!
Dick Folkers
LaReign Hodges
Betty Hyta
Patty Marillo
Doreen Riordan's daughter
Walter Rohm
Mike Sassi
Carol Smoke 
Charlie & Sylvia Walter's nephew - Praises, back to normal!
Sharon Warner's daughter


MISSIONS UPDATE Guinea Bissau, West Africa Missionary, Brenda (Gilli) Gilfillen

We were honored to have Gilli sharing her heart for Guinea Bissau this last Sunday.  In case you were not able to attend, here is a summary of her prayer requests:
  • Cooperation between the President & Prime Minister of Guinea Bissau; for continual peace in government.
  • More foreign and Guinean workers for the Bethsaida Medical Clinic. 
  • Remodel for the Dental Lab; for better efficiency and function.
  • Support for their faithful missions worker, Bedam, to attend Dental College. It will cost him $500 per month.
  • Prayer and Praises for Mustafa (another faithful servant) who is attending the YWAM Malaria Diagnosis School program in Senegal.



John 14:13-14  “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”




Wednesday, September 23, 2015

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 Lord is good . . . He showers compassion 
on all His creation.”  {Psalm 145:9, NLT}

Showers of Compassion . . .

Whenever I read the gospel accounts of Jesus’ life, one word always stands out: compassion.

If we examine Jesus’ words and actions, we find compassion at the center of His motivation. The Son of God of exhibited compassion in everything He said and did. So the more we become like Christ, the more we grow in compassion too.

Today, compassion is sometimes mistaken for a feeling of sympathy. But Christ-like compassion is so much more than a feeling.

Compassion doesn’t just say, “I see you and I care.” Compassion is always followed by action.

Compassion has a way of bringing people together. It bridges a distance with love in action. And it’s the reason we’re better together.


PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS

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


Darlene Atkinson
Bill & Muriel Beers
Hugh & Lily Boyd
Nancy DeVries
LaReign Hodges
Betty Hyta
Patty Marillo
Walter Rohm
Mike Sassi
Carol Smoke 
Charlie & Sylvia Walter's nephew 
Sharon Warner's daughter


MISSIONS UPDATE Guinea Bissau, West Africa Missionary, Brenda (Gilli) Gilfillen

We are honored to have Gilli sharing her heart for Guinea Bissau.
She is so thankful for our monthly mission support and has requested our specific prayers for:
  • Cooperation between the President & Prime Minister of Guinea Bissau; for continual peace in government.
  • More foreign and Guinean workers for the Bethsaida Medical Clinic. 
  • Remodel for the Dental Lab; for better efficiency and function.
  • Support for their faithful missions worker, Bedam, to attend Dental College. It will cost him $500 per month.
  • Prayer and Praises for Mustafa (another faithful servant) who is attending the YWAM Malaria Diagnosis School program in Senegal.



John 14:13-14  “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”

Tuesday, September 8, 2015

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.

I'm leaving on vacation for two weeks, which made me think about the time I will have to rest and refresh and time to call or email friends who I have not kept in touch with.  Oh, I have reasons...
 So busy caring for my husband, kids, grandchildren, working, cleaning, bible studies, grocery shopping, cooking, doing the laundry....you understand don't you? 

But then I read the blog below (I'm sure GOD placed in front of me for a reason) and I realized I need to make time for my friends; for God gave them to to me. They are precious to me, how about you and your friends? Do you need to write a note, pick up a phone?

Love Your Friend,
  Laura  

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

Dear Friends . . .

For John, writing a letter to friends was a beautiful labor of love. The scroll and quill were not your everyday household items. Yet, John made sure to send his love and blessing to friends afar.

With the advent of today’s technology, we can send messages around the world in an instant. We can post words for all the world to see. The connectivity we experience on a near-daily basis is truly remarkable.

At no other time in history has a person enjoyed the immediate communication that we have become so accustomed to. With these technological privileges, though, come human responsibilities, too. We must steward these electronic resources with a heart that loves, supports, and encourages others.

In this way, we can follow John’s example.
Perhaps God has put a friend on your heart, and you’ve been meaning to reach out for a while now.
Perhaps God has brought a friend to mind, and you’ve been meaning to ask how best to pray for her.
Perhaps God has prompted you to write to a friend, and you’ve struggled to find the time to do so.

Never mind the time that has passed. Just respond today. Write the words you’ve been meaning to say. And include a prayer for her too. Bless her with the words you’ve been praying in your heart for her. 


PRAYING FOR OUR BROTHERS & SISTERS

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


Darlene Atkinson
Bill & Muriel Beers
Hugh & Lily Boyd
LaReign Hodges
Betty Hyta
Patty Marillo
Walter Rohm
Mike Sassi
Carol Smoke 
Charlie Walters 


MISSIONS UPDATE Nepal Missionaries, Junior & Chirley Souza

 "Dear Brother and Sisters - Peace be with you.  I am heading to Nepal on Sept. 14th.  We are planning to build 10 houses for those who lost their homes in the earthquake.  We are in contact with many dear Pastors and community leaders in Kathmandu who would like to be there in this time of need  Each house costs $500 and they are made of zinc.  We have promises of the amount to build 3 houses and are praying to raise more for the remaining 7 houses.  If God moves you to cooperate with this project or even go with us you are most welcome.  God has been so good to us.  Thank you for your monthly support."

A Loving Hug,
Junior and Family