Blog: Forest Lake Talks

by Jill Duffield, Presbyterian Outlook editor MATTHEW 5:3-8 Blessed. What does that word mean to you? We may hear “God, bless you” after we sneeze or, in certain regions of the country, “Bless your heart.” Sayings like “too blessed to be stressed” are emblazoned on T-shirts and throw pillows, but in light of this text, what does it really mean to be blessed? You, God, bless us, with your power to not only be present but to transform our most painful circumstances. Being blessed does not render us immune from suffering. Being blessed offers us a sliver of light through…

Coloring is a healthy outlet for children and one way they learn. But did you know there are benefits for adults through coloring?  Read more from Beaumont Health – Health Benefits of Coloring. Many resources exist for free downloadable coloring pages. Illustrated Ministry has Prayers for When You Feel Anxious coloring pages. Try these as a start for coloring and devotion. Let us know what you think and if it helped you feel better. Happy Coloring! Prayers When You Feel Anxious

by Jill Duffield, Presbyterian Outlook editor MICAH 7:7 God hears us. Sit with that truth for a moment. As you pray today – for yourself, your loved ones, the world – remember that God hears you. God is right now listening to you. What difference does that reality make in the prayers you voice, the words you speak, the hopes you hold close? Gracious God, we know your word does not return to you empty. You promise, too, to hear our words, to listen to us, our hopes and desires, our doubts and lamentations. Today we speak boldly to you,…

Dear Friends, Even as I write this, I know that our situation will have changed by the time you read what I am writing.  This experience is new and difficult for us all, but if there is a situation where God’s Church and God’s people are needed, it is now. Your Session met on Sunday night and made quite a few important decisions, but the most pressing is their decision to cancel both worship services in the sanctuary and Kirk Night dinners through the end of March.  They decided, given the fluid situation, to allow the church leadership to make…

by Jill Duffield, Presbyterian Outlook editor LAMENTATIONS 3:25-26 Patience is a virtue, or so we are told. However, there is more than patient waiting admonished here. The first verse gives us some agency as we wait. We are told to seek God, not only wait for God. How might you seek God today? Remember, we are promised that those who seek will find. Patience, Lord, is difficult to come by in our world of instant gratification and ondemand everything. We do not like to wait. And yet, you tell us to wait — not passively, but eagerly and all the…

by Jill Duffield, Presbyterian Outlook editor PSALM 23 Read this beloved psalm aloud. Perhaps find several translations and note the differences. What feelings come to you as you read it? What places or people does this psalm bring to mind? As you go about your day, take one verse with you. Write it down, keep it close, pull it out when you need a reminder of God’s abiding care. Lord, you are our Shepherd, our protector, guide and leader. When we are in shadowy places, fearful and uncertain what will happen next, bring us back with your rod and staff.…

by Jill Duffield, Presbyterian Outlook editor MATTHEW 18:12-14 Lost. Confused. Disoriented. Afraid. Alone. Even with our smartphone giving us turn-by-turn directions, the parable of the lost sheep still resonates. All of us, at some point or another, know the anxiety of being vulnerable and directionless. My ability to get lost is legendary. I force myself to make a mental note of whether I need to go right or left when I exit my hotel room. I take a picture with my phone of where my car is located in parking garages. One of my great and real fears is getting…

by Jill Duffield, Presbyterian Outlook editor COLOSSIANS 3:17 Today do everything in the name and for the sake of Jesus. Try to give thanks for absolutely everything that comes your way this day. How does this gratitude change your perspective? How does doing everything in and for Jesus change the way you do things? Write down your answers to these questions so that you can go back and reflect on them later. Lord Jesus, we know that nothing can separate us from your love. You bless us richly and daily, how then, can we not be thankful and full of…

The Apostle Paul writes, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19, NRSV). The church staff continues to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak, and we encourage each of you to do the same in the days ahead. For this Sunday, we want you to know that we are planning to hold all of our regular scheduled Sunday worship services, classes, and events, with whomever comes. And we will continue to monitor the evolving situation.  Your church staff…

by Jill Duffield, Presbyterian Outlook editor MATTHEW 12:36-37 Are there words you have uttered that you do not want to give God an account for saying? If so, are there ways you can make amends and ask for forgiveness for them? Review recent conversations, emails and social media posts and consider if you want to be held accountable for them or not. Merciful God, do you really call us to account for every careless word we utter? Knowing you are merciful and abounding in steadfast love, we confess the frequency of such carelessness and ask for forgiveness. We trust that…

by Jill Duffield, Presbyterian Outlook editor ACTS 2:4 The Spirit gives the first disciples the ability to speak in a multitude of languages in order to tell of God’s deeds of power. What are the languages, literally and metaphorically, we are called to speak in order to best communicate God’s story in our context? How is God teaching those languages to us? Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on us. Mold us and shape us. Grant us the languages we need to best share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Silence us when necessary. Open us to learning new…

by Jill Duffield, Presbyterian Outlook editor JOEL 2:28-29 God speaks through diverse voices. No one is off limits to God’s power and Spirit. Often God chooses unexpected people to further divine plans. Are there people God may be speaking to and through whom you disregard? Pay attention today to who might be speaking God’s word. Are they who you expected? What did they say? Lord of all, you pour out your Spirit where and when and to whom you will. We assume we know the likely candidates for your work, but a quick review of Bible stories reminds us of…

By Jodi Beckham We began our long 2 day journey home with the 5 hour drive from Maseru, Lesotho to Johannesburg. The drive is beautiful through little towns with Dutch names. I was trying to soak up every last minute of this beautiful place.   We stopped at a Wimpy gas station in one town for a break. I was looking over the newspaper and showing Nancy Dimmock the headline in Afrikaans with the word, “Korona” in it. Even on that side of the world I had to assume that headline was spreading the fear of the disease the world…

by Jill Duffield, Presbyterian Outlook editor ISAIAH 59:21 What does covenant mean to you? What does it mean that God has made a covenant with us, a covenant that confers God’s words and Spirit upon us? Who are the people you know whose words and actions reflect God’s words and Spirit? What is it about them that communicates God’s words? God who communicates in a myriad of ways, we praise you for the people we know who speak your language fluently. We are grateful for their witness and words, the ways they point to you and inspire us to do…

by Jill Duffield, Presbyterian Outlook editor EPHESIANS 4:29 Today prayerfully attempt to use only words that give grace, that are useful for building up. At the end of the day, mentally review what you said or wrote. How did you do? How hard was it? Ask for forgiveness for when your words were less than grace-filled. Give thanks for when you were able to use upbuilding words. You are the Word, grace upon grace, and we want to reflect you in our own words. Forgive us when our words tear down or destroy that which you wish to build up…