September 26: Ezra 4; Psalm 113, 127; Luke 9

Scripture: Luke 9:16 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke them. Then he gave them to the disciples to set before the people.
17 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.

Observation: They were not multiplied until they were broken. What is true of the loaves Jesus used to feed the hungry can also be true of the servants Jesus uses to help the needy. When the loaves were broken they were still in His hands and remained there until He gave them out. It was the broken pieces that met the need of the hungry people.

Application: Being broken does not have to be a bad thing. It can be a good thing if I remain in the hands of Jesus! In fact, being broken can make me more useful as He places the pieces of my brokenness in places where people are hungry.

Prayer: Lord, I remember singing with all my heart: “Jesus, use me; Oh Lord, don’t refuse me. Surely there’s a work that I can do. And even though it’s humble, Lord help my will to crumble. Though the cost be great I work for you.” It is still true. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

September 22: Daniel 9-10; Psalm 123; Luke 5

Scripture: Luke 5:5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.”

Observation: It is right to consider circumstances in making decisions for our lives. Peter had much experience in fishing. He was the expert. He understood that sometime fishing was an exercise in futility. However Peter had come to understand something else. Jesus is Lord. What Jesus says trumps all circumstances. So Peter proceeded to do some more fishing!

Scripture: Luke 5:6 When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.

Application: I am sure when I grew up I was like so many other children whose favorite question seems to be, “Why?” I am sure that my parents, like so many other parents I have known, often responded, “Because I said so.” Now I wonder if that was God’s way of training me to respond to Him. I do not need to understand every aspect of the decision, but when He speaks I do need to obey Him. His word is my “final answer.”  🙂

Prayer: Lord, You are faithful. I know I can trust you. “Because you said so” is enough of a reason to obey. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

September 16: Ezekiel 40-41; Psalm 128; Revelation 21

Scripture: Revelation 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

Observation: After being given a description of this “city” we refer to as “heaven,” we are given the requirement for entrance. Those who DO what is shameful and deceitful are excluded. And one’s name must be recorded in the “Lamb’s book of life.”

The other books mentioned in heaven are the books of our deeds. (Revelation 20:12) But it is clear that no one will make it into heaven based on their works. One must have been “born again” with the new life God gives and their name recorded in the “Lambs book of life.” There is just no other way!

Application: It is not always easy dealing with the temptations we encounter in this life, but I can rest assured that…
“It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus.
Life’s trials will seem so small, when we see Christ.
One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase.
So bravely run the race, till we see Christ.” (Esther Kerr Rusthoi)

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your “work” in dying as the payment for my sins.
Thank you for the new life you put within me! And, thank you for writing my name in the Lamb’s book of life. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

September 11: Daniel 1-2; Revelation 16

Scripture: Daniel 1:16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead.
17 ¶ To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

Observation: At Daniel’s request, he and his friends were allowed to set aside the royal food prepared for the king. The guard then gave them a simple diet of vegetables.

In these verses, my attention was drawn to the difference between what man can provide and what God can provide.

Application: There are things that God may use other people to provide but there are some things that only God can provide. I am foolish to value what man can provide above what God can provide. I am foolish to look to man to give what only God can give. I am foolish to settle for what man can provide when my loving Creator has offered to accept me as His son!

Prayer: Lord, My life comes from you and only You can provide what I really need. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

September 6: Ezekiel 29-32; Revelation 11

Scripture: Revelation 11: 13 At that very hour there was a severe earthquake and a tenth of the city collapsed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14 ¶ The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon.
15 The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.”
16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshipped God,

Observation: In my reading this morning my attention was drawn to the difference between what was happening on earth and what was happening in heaven. The inhabitants of earth are reaping the rewards of evil. Those on earth, who give glory to God, do so motivated by terror. The inhabitants of heaven are enjoying the Presence of Almighty God. Those in heaven, who give glory to God, do so motivated by honor and appreciation for this Perfectly Holy Being who is all powerful and in control.

Application: It is good to consider the differences between the Kingdom of Heaven and the kingdoms of this earth. There are so many! I am so blest to be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven! I hope it is obvious to everyone!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for living in me and making me a part of your kingdom. May it be obvious to others that I consider myself greatly blest to be a part of your kingdom. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!