The Thursday Update

AUGUST 25, 2022

Lakeshore friends—

AUGUST 18, 2022

Lakeshore Friends—

In case you missed it, last Sunday we celebrated Pastor Frank’s 20 years of ministry at Lakeshore.  It’s hard to put into words how grateful all of us who know Frank are that he has served God here for this long.  He is a man of integrity who loves God, loves people, and loves to help people grow in their faith.  I think he is the best Executive Pastor a church could ask for.

So I am glad we were able to recognize him last Sunday.  We give all staff who reach 10-year anniversaries a gift of appreciation to tangibly thank them, and many of you have.  If you would like to give a gift above and beyond your regular giving to Pastor Frank, you can do so here.

The bigger principle for all of us to remember from this occasion is the power of faithfulness.  When we are faithful to God, there is tremendous spiritual power and vibrancy that comes from that.  When we are faithful to our spouse, children, fiancé, family, friends or anyone else, there is incredible relational power and trust that comes from that.  When are faithful at work, in our neighborhood, and everywhere we go, there’s power in that as well.

No is perfectly faithful all the time because, as James 4:3 says, “we all stumble in many ways.”  But our aim should always be towards faithfulness in all we do, say, and think.  My hope is that all of us strive to be faithful so that God can help us experience His power in our lives

Warmly,
Vince

AUGUST 11, 2022

Lakeshore Friends—

There is nothing that is as freeing as forgiveness, is there?

Think of those times when you did something wrong, bad, unkind, or maybe even dark-hearted.  Have one or two in mind?  Great. Now picture being caught doing it or even convicted in your spirit about its wrongness.  How do you feel at that very moment?  Not too good.  We’ve all been there, me very much included.

Now think of those times when you have experienced the forgiveness of someone for those very same actions.  And then you turn to God for His forgiveness and it washes over your entire being.  How does that feel?  It is freeing beyond words and helps you live without the weight of the sin that put such anguish and pain in your heart.  It is as beautiful a feeling as you can experience!

I’m thankful that we serve a forgiving God who is always like that.  On Sunday, Pastor Brian will be teaching on God’s attribute of forgiveness and I can’t wait to hear it!

Our world is such an unforgiving place.  The news cycle perpetually gives us example after example of people who are filled with hate and unforgiveness and it is trending the wrong way by leaps and bounds.  How refreshing it is to see people who follow Jesus Christ's model and extend forgiveness to others.  It’s an opportunity to be the light this dark world needs today.

I hope to see you on Sunday.  Being together to tell God we love Him is the highlight of my week, and I hope it’s yours too.

Warmly,
Vince