Jonathan Moore
“Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God’s grace be with you all.”
1 Timothy 6:17-21
Paul's charge to Timothy, could just as well be his charge to us. Nothing much has changed. Worldly ideas of success still dominate our culture and social media is awash with controversies and arguments. Meanwhile, who is doing the real work of ministry?
Loving our neighbors still works. 'Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you', still reaps a reward. Winning an argument is not the same as winning a soul, and unconditional love is still the most powerful force for transformation in this world. Let's keep our eye on the ball and not fumble the opportunity God has given to us to make a difference - not just make a noise!
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 Broken Fence on Maple Street
There was a quiet neighborhood where the houses sat close together, yet the residents felt miles apart. For years, a sprawling, overgrown row of thick briars and a broken wooden fence ran right down the middle of Maple Street, physically and visually separating the north side from the south side. Over time, people on both sides grew comfortable with the barrier. They stopped waving across the street. They stopped checking in on one another. The fence became just "the way things are."
One autumn, a heavy windstorm swept through town, knocking down a massive section of the old fence and tearing away the thick briars, leaving a wide-open gap between the neighborhoods.
At first, people felt exposed. Some hurried to put up temporary plastic tape or complained about the mess. But an elderly man who lived on the north side did something different. Instead of rushing to rebuild the wall, he walked out with a wheelbarrow, cleared away the broken splintered wood, and set up a small wooden bench right in the middle of the opening. Above it, he hung a simple sign that read: “Coffee on Saturdays.”
The first Saturday, nobody came for the first hour. Then, a teenager from the south side walked by, paused, and sat down. By the third week, neighbors from both sides were bringing lawn chairs, thermoses of coffee, and plates of pastries. They discovered they shared the same struggles, laughed at the same jokes, and worried about the same things.
By the time spring arrived, nobody wanted to put the fence back up. Instead, they planted a community garden together right where the barrier used to be.
At the dedication ceremony, someone remarked, "It's a shame it took a storm to open our eyes." Another neighbor smiled and replied, "The storm didn't bring us together. It just made room for us to finally see each other."