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. I f 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.

“Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.” John 16:24

Sounds like an ironclad guarantee to me.

Our speech is often filled with wishy-washy words like maybe and sometimes and might. But the Lord speaks with authority and power: “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) and “my words will never pass away (Luke 21:33) and “if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). My italics, helping us all get the picture.

Gives me goosebumps. The Lord is that sure. Consider what He says here.

“Until now…” John 16:24 “So far” (GW), says the Lord, or “Hitherto” (ASV), for the English majors among us. Fact is, “You haven’t done this before” (NLT). What haven’t we done? “…you have not asked for anything in my name.” John 16:24

This means more than adding “in Jesus’ name” at the end of our prayers. The Greek word onomati not only means “name,” it also means, “character, fame, reputation, authority.” He means in His name and all that it represents.Jesus wants us to ask for things that glorify His name, proclaim His name, shine a spotlight on His name.

I’m fairly certain the things I’ve prayed for lately don’t qualify. They’re all about me or the people I love. Honestly? Focusing on Jesus doesn’t even factor in.
Please, Lord, ease my brother’s pain.
Please, Lord, provide a new job for my son.
Please, Lord, help me finish this book.

These aren’t bad prayers. Not at all. God is simply calling us to go deeper. To seek after the heart of His Son and listen to what He wants for us (not from us). When our requests are all about honoring Him, we can be very sure of His response. “Ask and you will receive,…” John 16:24 -  Not perhaps. Not might. You will receive.

“…and your joy will be complete.” John 16:24
Ahhh. Joy at last. Jesus guarantees us “the fullest joy possible” (ERV), like “a river overflowing its banks!” (MSG). The kind of “abundant joy” (NLT) that makes us “completely happy” (GW). This is the kind of deep joy, delight, and gladness that comes from knowing Christ and putting Him first. It’s a complete joy, a perfect joy, a joy that never goes away. A joy based not on what we get, but on Who we bless.

Lord Jesus, You have shown us the path to joy. Now help us walk in it, keeping our eyes on You. Give us the courage to ask according to Your will, in Your name, and for Your fame. This sacred season and always, we’re giving thanks for You.
LizCurtisHiggs

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
Beverly Baughn - strength improving  
Mona Bills - strength improving
Hugh & Lily Boyd

Karl Brinkman

LaReign Hodges

Betty Hyta

Patty Marillo - prayers for strength
Gordon Richardson
Mike Sassi

Carol Smoke - pray for energy

Serena Williams