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To view Lake Eunice Evangelical Free Church services live on Sundays at 10:30am, as well as other recorded content, visit our YouTube channel.
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Ponderings from the pastor - August 2026
Who can believe that the summer is two thirds over? We spend all winter waiting for summer to come and all summer waiting for the weather to cool down, especially this week with highs in the upper 90’s. It is all our air conditioners can do to keep up. August is the month that we think of the harvest of crops. This year we are concerned about having enough water for the crops to fill out and produce a yield. Jesus spoke about yields in His parable of the soils which portrays the condition of people’s hearts. The seed of the gospel which fell on rocky ground and the birds came and snatched it away as soon as it was sown represents the hard-hearted person who hears the word of God, but Satan comes and snatches it away before it can sprout. The seed that fell by the wayside where there wasn’t much dept of soil, but when the sun came up it withered, this is the person who receives the word with joy, but when persecution comes, he falls away. The third soil is where seed fall among the thorns and thistles and they choke out the plants before they can grow and bear fruit. This person also receives the word, but the cares and concerns of this world choke it out. Then finally there is the good soil which produces a crop of 30, 60, or a 100 fold. This person’s heart is properly prepared to receive the gospel and bears much fruit for the kingdom. It begs the obvious question of what is the soil condition of our hearts? A hard-hearted person is impervious to the gospel. It is easy to get caught up in the cares and concerns of this world and everyday life just takes over. Choking out the word of God so we forget to call on Him except in extreme emergencies. He wants to hear from us moment by moment, day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year. Let’s spend the summer immersed in the word of God and in deep meaningful prayer and conversation with Him. He loves you and wants you to know Him and He wants to hear from you every day of our lives. - Pastor Dale
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Devotions for Women -- Merilee Ottoson
Be Ready!! Merilee Ottoson
The Gospel of Matthew was directed to the Jewish people of that day. In Matthew 25:1-13, we have an inside view into preparation for a first century Jewish wedding. No doubt this parable stressed the faith and tradition of the Jewish people. As we know… a parable has two meanings—one earthly and the other spiritual. This may only sound like a “set up” for a wedding but we would do well to look into what Jesus reveals regarding its application to His Second Coming. I believe we can learn at least three lessons from this parable.
Preparedness---In preparation for a Jewish wedding the bridesmaids were to come to the bride’s home as she waited for the arrival of her groom. In this parable, five of the bridesmaids were prepared with their lamps and oil. The other five came only with their lamps, but no oil. Neither the bride nor her bridesmaids knew the hour the groom would come. The bridesmaids’ task was to listen for the coming of the groom. Tradition tells us that his coming was usually at night---thus emphasizing the unexpectancy. The job of the bridesmaids was to be READY!! That’s it, be ready. When the groom was about to arrive, he and his followers would give a loud shout and the bridesmaids were to bring their lamps and go out to meet him….leading him to the bride. How about us? Are we prepared? The bridesmaids with no oil were not. It was too late…..”The Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout….and we shall be caught up with Him in the air…”(1 Thess. 4:16-17)
Faithfulness—The ten women in this parable are referred to as virgins, representing “faithfulness”. Are we faithful as we wait for His return or are we so busy that we are no longer interested? According to Scripture we know he will return….but have we lost our faithfulness and zeal? “…when the Son of Man comes will He find faith?”( Luke 18:8)
Lamps—Why lamps? The groom most often arrived at night---in total darkness. The lamps were needed so that the path could be brightly lit for Hs arrival. The oil represents the Holy Spirit. Do we ask Him to fill us so we can be used for His purpose? We cannot shine unless we are filled. Our Light is needed…this Jesus, whom we carry within. “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in Heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)“Sooner than later like a thief in the nightHe’s coming back like a groom for His bride.The day is coming closeTell the world….Jesus is coming back!!”(as sung by Forrest Frank/Josiah Queen)
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Giving
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