Jonathan Moore
“This is what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says: “Take your burnt offerings and your other sacrifices and eat them yourselves! When I led your ancestors out of Egypt, it was not burnt offerings and sacrifices I wanted from them. This is what I told them: ‘Obey me, and I will be your God, and you will be my people. Do everything as I say, and all will be well!’”
Jeremiah 7:21-23
“For whoever finds me finds life and receives favor from the Lord.”
Proverbs 8:35
Sustaining a relationship with the Lord is not complicated. As the classic hymn states, "Trust and obey for there's no better way to be happy in Jesus, than to trust and obey." The command for the disciple has not changed, "Follow me!" Religion is performative but relationship is purposeful. Obedience is better than sacrifice - and a lot less stressful!
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 Carpenter’s Table”
A man visited a carpenter to ask for help fixing a table that had become wobbly and uneven. The carpenter looked at the table and smiled.
“This table isn’t broken,” he said. “It’s just unfinished.”
He placed the table on its side, tightened a few joints, added a brace, and sanded a rough edge. The man watched as the carpenter worked — not frustrated by the flaws, but patient with the process.
When the carpenter stood the table upright again, it was sturdy, balanced, and ready to be used.
The man said, “I didn’t think it could be fixed.”
The carpenter replied, “Everything can be restored when you bring it to the right hands.”
And that’s how God works with us. We bring Him our wobbling faith, our uneven days, our rough edges — and He doesn’t throw us away. He restores, strengthens, and steadies us. Not because we are perfect, but because He is.