The Thursday Update

JANUARY 16, 2025

Lakeshore Friends—

The multiple and separate fires that are taking place in Los Angeles are having a devastating affect on many homes and many lives. Entire neighborhoods are being devastated by it all.

Can you imagine if that happened to you?

I’ve heard lots of reactions from many people. How should we respond to this all? Here are a few thoughts that I have.

1. When other people are hurting, it’s an opportunity for us to show compassion. Rather than make judgmental comments about the government in California or Hollywood, let’s offer up prayers for the people who have lost so much.

2. Loss ultimately reminds us to appreciate what we currently have. In a culture where only “more” satisfies us (and by self-definition, it never will satisfy us because only “more” will), it takes intentionality to appreciate all that we have right now. Take time to thank God for all you have right now.

3. This incident reminds us that material things are never guaranteed to be ours forever. They will come and go, and we have limited control on “if” or “when” they will. So let’s be sure to accumulate the true wealth that Jesus talked about in Matthew 6:19-24.

Warmly,
Vince