Forest Lake Talks

Text: Matthew 28:16-20

Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him, but they doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Devotional:

Have you ever watched American Ninja Warrior? If you haven't, check out this story about a recent high school graduate from Georgia.

When Christopher Jones' dad, who never smoked, was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, Christopher was inspired by his dad's message and perspective: "live wide." Ultimately, his family started the Living Wide foundation to support those battling critical illnesses.

On the Living Wide website, we read the following:

We believe that, while you may lose control over the length of your life, you never lose control over its width. You can always fill your remaining days with people you love, activities that you care about, meaningful experiences, and goals that help you live with purpose.

If we, Jesus' disciples, start with the foundation that Jesus is "with us always," then we have a chance to broaden our width. Once that foundation (or "root" as we discussed in worship yesterday), is established, we can then lean into the great commandment Jesus gives us in Matthew's gospel. As Ellen reminded us yesterday, each day we live is a gift from God.

Prayer: Holy God, may your Spirit fall upon each of us so we can broaden our width and your love. Amen.

P.S. Don't forget to register for an H3 small group!