September 5: Ezekiel 25-28; Revelation 10

Scripture: Ezekiel 28:25 “‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: When I gather the people of Israel from the nations where they have been scattered, I will show myself holy among them in the sight of the nations. Then they will live in their own land, which I gave to my servant Jacob.
26 They will live there in safety and will build houses and plant vineyards; they will live in safety when I inflict punishment on all their neighbors who maligned them. Then they will know that I am the LORD their God.’”

Observation: I have had people ask me if I thought the church had taken the place of Israel in God’s plan and if the prophecies concerning Israel were really for the church. I cannot see any interpretation of the verses above other than the nation of Israel living in the land God promised Abraham. I believe a time is coming when they will dwell there in safety.

Application: The rainbow in the sky serves for me as visible proof that God keeps His promise made to Noah. The existence of Israel back in the land God promised Abraham serves for me as visible proof that God still keeps His promise made to Abraham. My time in the US Navy, my wife, our ministry in Hawaii, our son, our ministry in Kansas all serve to remind me that God is still keeping His promises to me!

Prayer: Lord, among so many other titles, Promise Keeper fits You well. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

September 3: Ezekiel 20-21; Psalm 111; Revelation 8

Scripture: Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

Observation: Anyone who has some concept of the greatness of God’s power and hatred of sin is wise to fear Him. The fear of the Lord is the beginning, but there is so much more. As we follow His directives, our understanding increases. Our understanding of life, of who we are, of why we are here, of suffering, of tribulation, and so many other things begins to logically find its place around our faith in a loving Creator.

Application: I want to grow in my knowledge of God and understanding of the world into which He placed me. I believe God knows what is happening and has a plan for this world and for me. The more I understand about His wisdom and love, the more I can trust Him with matters that I do not understand. It just makes so much sense!

Prayer: Lord, the more I know you, the more logical it is to trust you with things I do not understand. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

August 27: Jeremiah 52; Revelation 1; Psalm 143-144

Scripture: Revelation 1:17 When I saw him (Jesus), I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.
18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Observation: The hand that broke the bread and multiplied the fish, the hand that touched the blinded eye now touched John. The touch was not just a casual touch of a friend, but a significant touch, a touch full of meaning. It was such an important touch that John mentions it here in his writings. It was a touch of presence. The touch was Jesus way of saying, “I am here.”
Along with the touch came the assuring words, “Do not be afraid.” John’s courage was not to be based on who John was, but on who Jesus is.

Application: The courage I have to face the issues of this day is not based on my strength or wisdom. It is not based on my ability to figure things out and to come up with a workable plan. As I pray, read His Word, and meditate on Him, I feel His touch and sense His presence. I look ahead into this day actively acknowledging the fact that Jesus is with me and will be with me all day long; my faith is in him.

Prayer: Lord, I am depending on you. From my point of view, I cannot see ahead around the bend. From your point of view, nothing is hidden. In faith I am moving ahead counting on you to show what to do. Amen.
(P.S. Lord, reach through me to touch someone in need today.)

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

August 11: Jeremiah 7-9; John 13

Scripture: Jeremiah 7: 11 “Has this house, which bears my Name, become a den of robbers to you? But I have been watching!” declares the LORD….

Jeremiah 8: 6 I have listened attentively, but they do not say what is right. No-one repents of his wickedness, saying, “What have I done?” Each pursues his own course like a horse charging into battle.

Observation: People often act as though God is deaf and blind. But the truth is: God both hears what we say and watches what we do. He is not fooled.

God hears all our excuses, is waiting for us to acknowledge our sin and repent.

This reminds me of the present USA government administration, making excuses for our financial troubles by blaming previous administrations. Then they blame environmental disasters around the world to which we have sent aid. They blame the trouble in the Middle East. They blame the other political party. They blame the financial institutions that have lowered our status. Will there ever be an admission that we have spent too much money with any specifics as to where to make cuts? I keep waiting to hear, but so far …

Application: how foolish to think I can make excuses and hide things from God! May the One who sees everything I do not have to wait long to hear my repentance and see the change in my actions.

On the other hand, knowing that my loving Heavenly Father both sees and hears is a source of peace and comfort. He knows what I am going through and He hears my prayers.

Prayer: Lord, I am so glad that you see and hear. I need you to hold me accountable for sin and to help me in times of temptation. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!

August 8: Jeremiah 1-2; John 10

Scripture: John 10: 7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep.
8 All who ever came before me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them.
9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Observation: Gates work two ways, one can “come in” and one can “go out.” Upon release from active duty (ten years in the Navy, six in Hawaii), one thing I missed was being able to drive through the gates to places Sharon, Doron and I had enjoyed. I felt limited. Now there were places on the island I could not go.

Other gates seemed a welcome to a place of safety. And after being refreshed, and restocked, it was through that same gate of Camp Vandergrift that Golf Company, 2/4 would go out to patrol below the DMZ.

Application: Jesus is my gate into the Presence of God. Through Jesus and because of His sacrifice, I have access into the throne room of heaven. Jesus is also my gate back into the world to love the world the way God loves the world.

Prayer: Lord, I am blest that you have made a way for me into your presence! May I not be a stranger there! I am also blest that you send me out into the world you love. May I be useful there. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!