Jonathan Moore
Proverbs 5:12-14
You will say, “How I hated discipline! If only I had not ignored all the warnings! Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to my instructors? I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace.”
The context of these verses is a chapter devoted to the destructive power of illicit sex. That being said, the end result is ruin and regret. With hindsight, the writer laments the fact that he didn’t remain humble, faithful, teachable, and accountable. The community of faith is designed to encourage and strengthen those attributes, but it requires commitment and intentionality on the part of the individual. Merely performative church attendance will not achieve the desired result.
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 Week — “The Storm and the Lamp”
A man lived in a small house on the edge of town. One night a sudden storm rolled in — loud thunder, strong wind, and darkness everywhere. The man lit a small oil lamp and set it on the table. The storm didn’t stop, but the lamp kept shining.
In the morning, when the storm finally passed, the man realized something: The lamp didn’t remove the storm, but it kept him from being lost in the dark.
Meaning for today: God’s presence doesn’t always erase the storms we face — but His light keeps us steady, clear‑minded, and able to move forward without fear.