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.”