Jonathan Moore
Luke 9:57-62
As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.” But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.” He said to another person, “Come, follow me.” The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.” But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead! Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.” Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.” But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”
Checking the 'belief' box is relatively easy. Many have done it. Deciding to follow Him and commit to the discipline of that lifestyle shift takes a measure of grit and determination that many, sadly, are unwilling to sign on for. Becoming a Christian is not just an event, it's a process of continual challenges and changes, a moment by moment adjustment to our lifestyle prompted by the Word and the Spirit of God. It's not a Sunday routine but a 24/7, 365, all-in, purposeful, intentional walk with Jesus! #CountTheCost
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 Lantern in the Wind
There was once a small village on the edge of a wide plain where the winds never seemed to stop. Some days the wind was gentle, but other days it roared so fiercely that people stayed inside, afraid their lanterns would blow out.
One evening, a young girl stepped outside carrying a single lantern. The wind whipped around her, tugging at her clothes and hair. A neighbor called out, “Get back inside! The wind will blow your light out.”
But the girl kept walking toward the center of the village. When she reached the old stone well, she set her lantern down. The flame flickered wildly but did not go out.
“How is your light still burning?” the neighbor asked.
The girl smiled. “My lantern is steady because the flame isn’t fighting the wind. It’s sheltered by the One who made it.”
The neighbor stepped closer and noticed something he hadn’t seen before: the lantern’s glass was thick, its frame strong, and its base weighted. The wind could shake it, but it couldn’t take the flame.
That night, as the wind howled across the plain, the whole village gathered around the little lantern — not because the wind had stopped, but because the light had held.
The lesson: God does not always calm the wind around us, but He shelters the flame within us. What He protects, no storm can extinguish.