Jonathan Moore
Psalms 47:1-2, 5-9
Come, everyone! Clap your hands! Shout to God with joyful praise! For the Lord Most High is awesome. He is the great King of all the earth....
.....God has ascended with a mighty shout. The Lord has ascended with trumpets blaring. Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King over all the earth. Praise him with a psalm. God reigns above the nations, sitting on his holy throne. The rulers of the world have gathered together with the people of the God of Abraham. For all the kings of the earth belong to God. He is highly honored everywhere.
At sporting events and at concerts you can quickly ascertain if the fans are into it! Any possible sightings of the players or artist elicit immediate applause, shouts, even chants! I didn't grow up around expressive or exuberant worship, but way back in college we were reading this Psalm and asked the question "Do we do this?" (Clapping, shouting.....even dancing!) We said "No!" Then, one of us asked, "Why not?" We couldn't come up with a reason so that settled the argument. God deserved our best praise that day and every day since. In church and outside of it as well! Can I get an Amen!?
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 for the Start of the Week
The Parable of the Two Seeds
A farmer held two seeds in his hand. One seed said, “I’ll wait until the weather is perfect.” The other said, “I’ll trust the soil and grow where I’m planted.”
The first seed stayed safe, dry, and unchanged. The second seed pushed through the dirt, reached for the sun, and became a strong plant that fed many.
When the farmer returned months later, he found the first seed still in his hand — untouched, but also unfruitful.
Moral: Sometimes God doesn’t ask us to wait for perfect conditions. He asks us to trust Him enough to take the next small step — and let Him handle the growing.