Jonathan Moore
1 Corinthians 8:1-3
Now regarding your question about food that has been offered to idols. Yes, we know that “we all have knowledge” about this issue. But while knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church. Anyone who claims to know all the answers doesn’t really know very much. But the person who loves God is the one whom God recognizes.
'Eating food sacrificed to idols' isn't much of a contentious issue these days. We have other issues about which talking heads and experts love to offer their critiques. They may offer facts to back up claims, sprinkle in a few condescending comments along the way, from their position of moral superiority. However, as Paul reminds us, if we ignore the love component, we have no 'standing' before God. You can be 'right' about an issue but operate in the wrong temperament, and only succeed in being condemning. The rule is "Check yourself before you wreck yourself" and always lovingly and prayerfully, rather than rudely and judgmentally, confront
Prayer from First Presbyterian Church Grenada Heavenly Father, we know that wind, water, rain , sleet and snow àre yours. This Sabbath we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your protection and grace.
We pray you will place Your mighty hand over this storm and calm its force. Shield us from the fury of the wind, rain, snow and ice. Care for those in the grip of the storm and keep them from harm. We pray for the safety of every person, home, and community at risk. We lift up all rescue workers, police, firefighters, and utility crews, asking for clear minds, steady hands, and safe passage as they heroically assist others in dangerous situations. Calm the anxious thoughts and steady the restless hearts of those filled with fear. Remind them of Your constant presence, that even when life seems dark and stormy, You are with us, guiding us to safety. In the wake of the storm, we pray for swift recovery and restoration. Provide essentials like water, food, and adequate shelter, and inspire communities to come together in support and care for one another.
We trust in Your unfailing love and mercy, knowing You are our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. We pray in Jesus Name. Amen
Modern parable: The two notifications
There was a man who woke up every morning and checked his phone before anything else. Every day, two notifications waited for him:
-
One was from a news app, full of fear, anger, and division.
-
The other was from a Bible app, a verse of hope and peace.
Most mornings, he tapped the news first. His heart grew heavy, his patience grew short, and his day felt darker before it even began. One day, after a particularly stressful week, he finally tapped the Bible notification first. The verse said:
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You.” — Isaiah 26:3
He sat quietly for a moment and realized something: The world hadn’t changed—but the voice he chose to listen to did.
From that day on, he made a simple decision: Before he listened to the world, he would listen to God.
His problems didn’t disappear, but his perspective did. Peace began where his attention went.
Lesson for today
Every day, we are flooded with voices—fear, anger, distraction, temptation. But God’s voice is still present, often just one “tap” away.
When we choose to start our day with God’s Word, prayer, and trust, we aren’t ignoring reality—we’re inviting God into it.
The voice you give your first attention to will often shape your whole day.
Encourage your visitors: “Before you scroll, seek. Before you react, pray. Before you worry, trust.”