The Thursday Update

Lakeshore Friends—

This weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and for that we can be grateful!  It’s also Memorial Day weekend, our chance to remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.  Apart from Jesus himself, no one else has sacrificed their life for our freedoms.  This Memorial Day, let’s always remember the great sacrifice made by many people in our great nation and thank God for them.

Last year, a friend sent me this quote:

Armed Forces Day is for those still in uniform.

Veterans Day is for those who hung up their uniform.

Memorial Day is for those who never made it out of their uniform.  

We thank God for all those who are part of all three, but especially for the last group this weekend.

Warmly,

Vince

Lakeshore Friends—

Is there anything better than warm days in May?  It is so exciting to get a taste of the new life in the air.  People are nicer (okay, a tiny bit nicer in some cases), are in a better mood (okay, most people), and all we have to look forward to is more warm weather for at least a few months.

When it comes to our identity, we can experience that same excitement when we learn how to base our identity in the God who loves us more than we have or could love ourselves— Jesus Christ!  He is a warm, sunny, May day every day in our lives; and he makes us nicer, better, and excited about the future.

So as you enjoy the weather, remember that God can do the same for your identity issues, so that you win over every crisis you face.

Warmly,

Vince

Lakeshore friends—

Being in ministry has its highs and its lows.  Sunday comes every seven days (whether you’re ready or not), and at times it can be a grind to do all that we do to prepare for each week.  Don’t misunderstand, the staff love what we do, but like any job it can require a lot out of us.  That can be tiring.

But there is one thing that I never get tired of: life change!

Other than trying to bring more glory to God, seeing people changed by Him is what fuels me more than anything else.  Seeing a person grasp the grace of God extended through the sacrifice made by His Son Jesus Christ is what gets me out of bed each day.  Seeing them then grow and use their time as they attend church each week, their talents as they serve on a ministry team, and their treasure as they discover the true joy in giving to God is equally as energizing.

This Sunday, 11 people will be getting baptized to demonstrate their new changed lives in Christ.  It will be an energizing service for anyone who loves seeing lives changed like we do.

So if you’re like me and never get tired of lives changing, you’ll be filled up this Sunday!

Warmly,
Vince