Forest Lake Talks

Text: Deuteronomy 6:10-12

When the Lord your God has brought you into the land that he swore to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give you—a land with fine, large cities that you did not build, houses filled with all sorts of goods that you did not fill, hewn cisterns that you did not hew, vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant—and when you have eaten your fill, take care that you do not forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

Devotional:

A mentor frequently reminds his congregation that each of us “drinks from wells we did not dig,” and when I reflect on my own life the past few months, I’m reminded of these words above from Deuteronomy. Why does it seem like we are so quick to credit ourselves when something goes right and assign blame when things take a wrong turn? What is our role in both?

I don’t know. Maybe it’s due to being an imperfect human?

I do know, however, that we should do two things each day: a) Remember that the world does not revolve around us and b) don’t forget the role others play in our lives and any successes we may have during the day. John Calvin’s theology advocates that prayer should start with gratitude to God, something we try to model each week during worship services.

However, do we apply the same to our daily lives? If we’re recognized in the workplace, do we genuinely thank any colleagues who potentially assisted? Do we instruct our children to give thanks for their teachers when they become engaged and interested in a subject?

And here’s the big one: Do we thank God for gifts we’ve been given?

If we do thank God for gifts we’ve received, what’s the next step? Use them!

Long before David Coleman became the president of the College Board, he used his gifts for working with children to found Branch, a collaborative effort between public schools and Yale University in New Haven to connect Yale students with local students based on the elementary student’s interest, whether it was drama, music, math, athletics, etc.

Can you imagine the impact a young college student can have on a local elementary school student? Can you imagine the impact any mentor can have on a local child?

Did you know we have a mentoring program with Forest Lake Elementary School? Did you know we provide food for local children on weekends through our Backpack Buddies program? We’re getting the FLPC wood shop back off the ground? MORE Justice is kicking off its new cycle? Come join us!

Let us think about our gifts this week and then take the next step: USE THEM.

When we draw water from our wells this week, who will receive it?

Prayer: Holy God, we are grateful for all that you have given us. May your Spirit fall upon each of us so we use our gifts to spread your love in your earthly kingdom. Amen.