JANUARY 18, 2024

LAKESHORE FRIENDS—

Whenever the subject of generosity comes up, some people get nervous.  When it comes up from a religious leader, they get doubly nervous.  Maybe even seeing the title of this piece got you a bit nervous too.  I wish that wasn’t the case for people who follow Jesus because He modeled generosity to the maximum.  He gave His life away for us.

Why is generosity such an issue for some people but not for others?  I think the main difference is this: non-generous people focus on what they give up, while generous people focus on what they gain.  That’s because the Bible tells us that giving is the best way to receive!  Verses like Luke 6:38 remind us that when we give, it will be given back to us.  Not necessarily in monetary ways, though it may be, but in even better ways.  Jesus was quoted in the book of Acts as saying that it is more blessed to give than it is to receive.  To that, many people sarcastically think, “Oh yeah, sure it does!”

But generosity is a truly rewarding practice, especially when God is the ultimate object of our giving.

"Non-generous people focus on what they give up, while generous people focus on what they gain."

I wish more Christians believed this, because the numbers and research on giving reflect that most really don’t.  I wish more churches taught this in a way that was not ultimately about getting more money from people but instead about instructing people on God’s will for giving.  I wish every ministry was fully funded by the people of God to do the work of God.  But more than anything, I wish we believed that generous giving is so good for our souls—both in this life and in the life to come.

I’ll talk about this subject on Sunday with hopes that you’ll be more encouraged to start (or keep) being generous to God.  I hope it will help you see God’s plan for being generous.

Warmly,
Vince

JANUARY 11, 2024

LAKESHORE FRIENDS—

Most Americans believe in prayer, and a majority of us pray at least daily.  I’m sure that isn’t a surprise to very many of you.

What’s likely more interesting is that with so many people who practice some type of prayer, why is it that these same people don’t seem like they experience the full power of prayer in their lives?  Why don’t they see the answers to prayer that they hope for?  Why is prayer sometimes offered as only a last resort when things get difficult?  Perhaps most notably, why doesn’t this majority who believe in prayer see it lead to a better situation for their lives and for the nation as a whole?  Afterall, the Bible promises that prayer is powerful and effective.

That’s a nagging question for many, but it doesn’t need to be.  God gives us clear directions on prayer, like what it is and is not, who it’s properly directed to, how to do it in a way that pleases Him, and so much more.  The more we pray in ways that are aligned with God’s directions, the more likely it is that we will see the answers that we expect (and most definitely see the answers that are best for us from Him).

How about you?  How’s your prayer life?  How often do you pray?  Do you follow (or know) what God is looking for when you pray?

We’ll look at the answer to these questions and more on Sunday.  If you want to pray in ways that will help you see more of God at work in your life, learn how to pray the way that God commands us to.

You’ll see powerful answers when you offer Him effective prayers.

Warmly,
Vince

JANUARY 4, 2024

LAKESHORE FRIENDS—

The greatness of every successful team is its players.  Rarely does a collection of not very good players form a championship team.  The players need to be able to contribute individually before they can make the team better collectively.

At the same time, the greatness of every player is seen in their teamwork. The team brings out the very best in the player and as a result the team is stronger.  Get enough of these players and you have a championship caliber team.

Team work is the ultimate double-win for players and teams alike.

I think these two concepts parallel the role of the church in the life of every Christian. On the one hand, we all have to establish our walk with God and our spiritual development with God alone.  We have to make sure we are the “players” we need to be individually. That’s where it always has to begin.  That’s why we read the Bible and strive to put what we learn into practice  as individuals and why we will all stand before God individually as well (if you were here last Sunday, we covered how to practice “Bible intake,” because the Bible is our playbook). 

And on the other hand, we are always better in growing as a Christian in the context of a team.  Being around other “players” helps us stay focused, encouraged, sharp, and knowing our role on the team we call the body of Christ, or the church. When we grow together, we grow stronger. As king Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 4, two are better than one and a cord of three strands is not easily broken.

This is why God created this beautiful team of players called the church.  He wants us to be players on His eternally grand team and to run plays in our lives that bring pleasure to our Coach, and a championship lifestyle into our lives.

Why should Christians be a faithful part of God’s team, the church?  Is the church really necessary?  Judging by all the data and evidence, it seems many Christians seem to think that it really isn’t necessary at all.  If it is, what is the church called to do as a team?  What defines a championship church?  Are there things each person should do to make the church a winner in God’s eyes?

I’ll try to answer these questions and more about the church on Sunday.  Because in God’s eyes, church teamwork makes His dream for us work.

Warmly,
Vince