June 2008

God has so graciously and lovingly protected and guided Lakeside Baptist Church through more than a century and a quarter of service. One of the easiest things to do when we look back and see the work that has been done through our church over the decades is to relax, enjoy what we have and stop looking forward. I’m reminded of the apostle Paul’s own testimony toward the end of his life. He could have said, “I’ve done my part, not it’s up to someone else to carry the torch.” Instead, he said that it was still his goal to be more like Christ. “But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal it to you” (Philippians 3:13 – 15).

A number of our church ministry leaders will be gathering together on June 7th for a planning retreat. Our goal is to thank God for what He has done in Lakeside Baptist Church and to seek His face for what He wants us to do as we “press on” to continue serving Him. We will be spending time in God’s Word to reflect on what a spiritually healthy church should look like. We will dream together of what God can do in our community if we faithfully bring to Gospel to our neighbors. Dr. Jim Lacey, the Interim District Executive Minister of the Michigan Baptist General Conference will be with joining us to share his insights and experiences in local church ministry.

My request is that every member and friend at LBC would pray for God’s leading and direction at this retreat. I believe that our church has a tremendous future and unlimited opportunity to bring glory, honor, and praise to our Savior in the years ahead. As you pray, ask God to make your own heart tender to His leading. Ask Him to put His will and His vision for Lakeside in your heart and the hearts of the leadership of the church. Pray, pray, pray. “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Philippians 3:20 – 21).