Jonathan Moore
Judges 15:14-17
As Samson arrived at Lehi, the Philistines came shouting in triumph. But the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon Samson, and he snapped the ropes on his arms as if they were burnt strands of flax, and they fell from his wrists. Then he found the jawbone of a recently killed donkey. He picked it up and killed 1,000 Philistines with it. Then Samson said, “With the jawbone of a donkey, I’ve piled them in heaps! With the jawbone of a donkey, I’ve killed a thousand men!” When he finished his boasting, he threw away the jawbone; and the place was named Jawbone Hill.
Can God use egotistical narcissists? Apparently so. Samson was a larger than life figure. Imperfect, flawed and susceptible (especially to the opposite sex!), he ultimately became a victim of his own legendary status but not before he had wreaked havoc on the enemies of Israel. Lesson: God uses people and their eccentricities for His divine purpose. He can use YOU!
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
🌱 Parable — The Carpenter’s Window
There was a carpenter who lived in a small village. Every morning he opened the shutters of his workshop and looked out through a single old window — a window streaked with dust, scratches, and years of weather.
One day a young apprentice asked, “Why don’t you replace that window? You can barely see the hills through it.”
The carpenter smiled. “Ah, but the window is not here so I can see the hills clearly. It’s here to remind me of something.”
He continued: “When the glass is dirty, the hills don’t change. When storms beat against it, the hills don’t move. When the morning light is dim, the hills are still there. The problem is never the hills — it’s the window.”
Then he said, “Your heart is a window. Life will smudge it, storms will strike it, and time will scratch it. But God — God remains steady beyond the glass. If you cannot see His goodness, clean the window, not the hills.”
The lesson: God’s faithfulness doesn’t shift with our circumstances. Sometimes all we need is to clear the window of our heart so His light can shine through again.