A NOTE FROM PASTOR VINCE: OCTOBER 28
Lakeshore Friends—
Some days more than others (but every day, to be certain), I feel a sense of disappointment and even anger at what I see in the world today.
Politics are filled with dishonesty and self-serving agendas that show little concern for real people like us. Criminal activity is rampant as innocent people are attacked, robbed, raped, beaten, and even killed with increasing frequency and with more severity than ever. Justice seems to be selective and not blind as it should be as we hear about certain people who commit crimes without consequence while others are severely punished for far less because they are on the wrong side of the political equation. Financial markets and deals are structured to favor certain people over others. And spiritually, more and more things that are really “wrong” are called “right,” and vice versa.
Will it ever end? Absolutely! One day it will all end.
When Jesus returns to earth at His Second Coming, He will come with justice to judge the world with truth. He will make every single thing that is wrong right again. Politics will end as He alone rules and reigns. Crime will be squashed immediately and will be far less common. Justice will be perfectly distributed to all. Financial cheats won’t have success. And the spiritual atmosphere surrounding the Kingdom He sets up after His return will be “heaven on earth.”
I long for those days and bet you do too. They will come as the Bible predicts, perhaps sooner than any of us think. And when it comes, all that’s wrong will be made right.
I will be talking about this time for the next two Sundays and I hope you’ll be here, excited about what Jesus will do at His return!
He will take all that’s wrong in this world and make it right!
Warmly,
Vince
A NOTE FROM PASTOR VINCE: OCTOBER 21
Lakeshore Friends—
What if you took a class and the teacher said on the first day, “As we meet together, I am going to tell you all the questions that will be on your final exam in advance. All you have to do is learn what they are and how to answer them.”
How would you respond? I’m sure that you’d be excited, listen carefully, and thank the instructor for caring enough for you that he will do all he can to help you ace the test and get an “A”! Nothing could be better.
One day, we will all die. Amazingly, despite the fact that everyone knows this, few people make any serious investment into understanding what they need to do to prepare for it. They say things like:
“I still have years to go until I die.”
“There are so many ideas out there, who knows which one is right?”
Or “I’m good, it will all work out in my favor.”
Despite the fact that God gives us the answers to the final exam, people put so little effort into hearing His answers. The majority of people take this approach. My hope is that none of you reading this are in that number.
As always, we’re here to help you. On Sunday, as we continue our really popular and well received “How It All Ends” series, we’ll help you get ready for the exam. You just have to make sure you’re here for the “class.”
Warmly,
Vince
A NOTE FROM PASTOR VINCE: OCTOBER 14
Lakeshore Friends—
This October, I’m finding it easier to enjoy life despite all that’s happening in the world that can bring us down. I hope you are too. For me:
- The weather’s been nice and will be for at least another week! (I won’t tell you what I heard about the forecast this winter… I’ll keep it positive).
- We’ve seen more people make a first-time faith commitment to Christ than we have in a long time!
- The series “How It All Ends” has attracted more people to church, and I especially appreciate those of you who are inviting people!
- My wife is safe and doing well after giving blood and passing out. Thank God it didn’t happen while driving.
- I’ve received some nice cards and kind words lately, but really all year long! (You’re such gracious people.)
- The Bills and the Saints won on Sunday and are both doing well! (When the Saints beat the Bills on Thanksgiving night, please don’t come to church crying).
I could go on and on, but let me ask you this, “What are you finding all around you to enjoy life a little more?” Admittedly, sometimes it’s easier than other times, but I’m convinced God provides these moments if we seek them, see them, and then seize them. God is love, and when we make Him our first love, it’s so easy to see His expressions of love toward us. They’re all around us.
I hope you experience God’s love as fully as possible and that you have a great week.
Warmly,
Vince
Weekly notes from OUR Pastors, Staff, & Leaders
The Thursday Update is meant to bring you encouragement and thoughts to ponder as you go through your week. It's sent out each week in our email newsletter, which also includes a list of featured events, opportunities, and more.