December 6: Philippians 1-4

Privilege & Joy

Scripture: Philippians (The Message) 1:3 Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God.
4 Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart.

Observation: Paul often prayed for the believers in the city of Philippi. Perhaps there were times when he prayed for them as a church. Perhaps there were others where he mentioned them by name, one by one. However or whenever, he always prayed with joy, or with a glad heart!

Application: A young child once defined a friend as a person whose name is safe in your mouth. There are people for whom it is a privilege to mention their names before the throne of God. They are people for whom I find myself praying with a glad heart. I want to live in such a way that others can pray for me with a glad heart too.

Prayer: Lord, what a privilege and joy to pray for others, to mention their names before your throne. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 3: Romans 13-16

Hope

Scripture: (NIV) Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Observation: Much of our hope is based on the on the reputation, on the abilities, and on the willingness of those who can help us. We are more hopeful that the emergency surgery will turn out good when the nurse tells us that the doctor on call has done hundreds of similar surgeries and is the best in the state. I am more hopeful that the bank will help me when my friend tells me how they were helped in a similar crisis.

Application: If Leon bases his hope on the reputation, the abilities and willingness of God of hope, then Leon should never run out of hope! I need to just keep trusting Him and singing, “It is no secret, what God can do! What He’s done for others, He’ll do for you. With arms wide open, He’ll pardon you. It is no secret, what God can do.” (Stuart Hamblen)

Prayer: Lord, use me to build hope in others by telling them what you have done for me. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 2: Romans 9-12

Enthusiasm

Scripture: Romans 12:11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord

Observation: I watch a young middle school or high school student join a sports team. They used to walk in a daze when getting up, just barely on time; but now they are readily getting up early to go to practice. They used to complain about walking a couple of blocks to the corner store, but now they readily run 6-10 laps during practice. They are excited to be on the team.

Application: My enthusiasm should be visible to all. I should be excited about serving the Lord. It should be obvious that it pleases me to serve the Lord. I am privileged to be on His team!

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for choosing me for your team. I am pleased to be identified with you. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

December 1: Romans 5-8

He did it for me!

Scripture: Romans 5: 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.
8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Observation: What an amazing thought. Around the world, most worshippers make their sacrifices to please their god/s. Our God makes the supreme sacrifice on behalf of the worshipper! He does not require a sacrifice for Himself greater than the one he has already made for us!

Application: God does not require of me more than He willingly gave for me! After all He has done for me I should never complain that He is asking too much of me.

Prayer: Lord, I am yours. My life belongs to you! What can I do for you today? Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

November 28: Matthew 28; 1Thes 1-3

With Me

Scripture: Matthew (NIV) 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Observation: These are the last verses in the book of Matthew. Jesus was preparing to leave. He told them He had all authority and commanded them to “go and make disciples of all nations…” Then He DID NOT say, “I shall return,” or, “I’ll be back,” or, “Let’s meet back here again later.” He DID say, “I am with you always…”

Application: The One who walked on earth as a man until the day He ascended into heaven is with me through the presence of The Holy Spirit. 24 hours a day, wherever I am, He is with me. He is my wisdom and my strength. Like the Psalmist I can say, “I will fear no evil for You are with me.” (23:4)

Prayer: Lord, I know I have the responsibility to “stick” with you but in these verses I hear you promise to “stick” with me. (Proverbs 18:24) Thank you, thank you, thank you! Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

November 27: Psalm 125; Matt 26-27

How does HE see it?

Scripture: Matthew (NIV) 26:8 When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked.
9 “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
10 Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.

Observation: Out of love and appreciation for Jesus this woman had come to the banquet and poured perfume over the head of Jesus. Those who were the closest to Jesus judged the actions of this woman as a waste. Jesus saw it differently. He gave value to her actions. It is interesting to note that a short while later some women went early in the morning to a tomb to anoint the dead body of Jesus, however they were too late. Only this woman had the privilege of doing so.

Application: Sometimes my actions are judged a “waste,” and other times I judge the actions of others as a “waste.” But it is his approval I seek and should give others the freedom to do the same.

Prayer: Lord, it is not what others think; it is what You think that counts! Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

November 23: Matt 14-16

Never takes His eyes off me!

Scripture: Matthew 14:28-31 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Observation: Scot Cantrell from FaceBook on November 13: With his eyes on Jesus, Peter was able to get out of the boat and walk on water. When He took his eyes off of Him, he began to sink. But Jesus stuck His hand out and grabbed Peter because He never took His eyes off of Peter. That same reality is still true for each of us!! // This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”-Joshua 1:9

Application: With my eyes on Jesus, I can do whatever He says. But with my eyes on the storm, I am just a step away from sinking. How good it is to know that Jesus never takes His eyes off me!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for always knowing where I am and being present and ready to help. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!