OCTOBER 3, 2019

From the Pastor’s Desk
 
Are we ready? “Ready for what Pastor Bill,” you ask? I thought of a few unexpected things, both inside and outside the church for which we would do well to be prepared. Each of these items are worthy of their own article. But rather than spell out the details, my goal with this missive is to get you thinking.
 
Of course, every follower of Jesus since His ascension into heaven has been anticipating His soon return to earth. And by His own words, Jesus could return before you finish reading this article. No one knows the day or the hour of His return, so be ready. Are you?
 
Considering a positive event, we may see a great harvest of new Believers here at the church this year. Certainly, God’s desire is that all people be saved (1Tim 2:3-4; 2Pet 3:9). So, what if we got on board with Him in this and saw a great influx of brand-new Believers in Jesus Christ start coming to our church? Would, what we’re doing in ministry right now, be enough to facilitate the discipleship process? What could we do to be better prepared for such a situation? Are we ready?
 
God may choose to bless this church with an influx of money. It’s happened before. Are we clear in our priorities such that the money would go to maximize our mission? Or, as so often happens in churches, would the additional monies become a source of bickering and division?
 
We may have a Basin-wide natural disaster in 2020. Do you have a personal disaster plan for your family? Would you be prepared well enough to help your neighbors? How might we use our church buildings to help the community? Are we ready for the big one?
 
Our tendency when we think about epic events that may be coming, is to drop everything and focus all our energy and attention into preparing for the moment. But Jesus counseled against ‘knee-jerk’ reactions, at least when it came to being ready for His imminent return. He compared His followers to a servant whose master went away on a long trip and gave him instructions on what to do while his master was away. The faithful and sensible servant (the one who is ready) is the one doing the work his Master gave him to do until his Master returns (Mt 24:45-47). In other words, do what God has told you to do. His will for our lives certainly includes His full knowledge of what and when, so keep on doing His will for your life. Don’t stop doing His will to attempt to make extraordinary preparations.
 
At the same time, the Scriptures teach us to be of sober spirit, be on the alert (1Pet 5:8). We should make reasonable preparations for life’s storms. Just don’t walk around with an umbrella on a sunny day! What is God’s will for your life? Then do that, and you will be commended when your Master returns.
 
Yours for making disciples of every nation,

Fall is a busy season!  We invite you to participate in activities at the Evangelical Free Church of Yucca Valley where we encourage a multi-generational community of followers of Jesus Christ. There is something for everyone.

SUNDAY
9 am             
Adult Sunday School: New class,
           The Basics of Christianity begins  October 20th     
10 am           
Join us for fellowship, coffee and snacks !
10:30 am    
Worship Service 10:30 am
TUESDAY
​6-7:15 (starting September 17th) Ladies' Bible Study
WEDNESDAY
6:30 pm
Adult Sermon Discussion and Bible Study 
6:30 - 8 pm
Kids Quest and 
Youth Group  
SECOND SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH
Men's Breakfast and Bible Study 7:30 am

No Ladies Fellowship Brunch in October - next  brunch November 9th!
​
October 31st (Thursday) 5-8 pm Bring the family to the
​         Fall Family Fun Fest!  A safe alternative for your children.

See weekly bulletin
 
For additional information call the church office:
​Mon-Thurs, 10 am - 2 pm -  760 228-1747