Job Leon

It is to be a glorious day But as I watch the horizon I notice a gray cloud from afar. Maybe it will pass by? Perhaps it will not fall on us? Not being anxious but watching  As it draws near, There is a heaviness around That remains unspoken. How is it, that a joyful time Can be so melancholy? There is sadness  And the sense of loss Is everywhere. Solomon said, there is a  Season for all things. So what is sweet and yet bitter?  What is music without  A dance? Much to expect But much more to hope for. Smiles with sadness  And tears with laughter. A glorious day  That sees a dark cloud  Coming … The cloud brought me Tremendous blessings in More family to love  And children to teach and raise  In the ways of the Lord! Bigger Christmas dinners And thankful Thanksgivings  To share with my new family. And grateful for the dark clouds In my days ahead. job leon

“What is God’s will for my life?” “What is my purpose and calling?” “What can I do to please God?” In the New Testament, Jesus provides the answer to those questions by telling His followers to love God and love people. In the Old Testament, the prophet Micah empowered by the Holy Spirit summarized God’s will for Israel by saying:  “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”    Micah‬ ‭6:8‬ ‭ These words were penned during a time when God’s people were trying to please Him with sacrifices, offerings, and going through religious motions while living lives of deception, violence, and pride. But as the prophet Hosea writes, “I [God] desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” Hosea‬ ‭6:6‬ ‭ God is after our heart motives, not our outward religious activity or begrudging obedience.  Let’s break down what God desires of us: ...

Dear God, Help me to have patience in seasons of waiting.  When answers feel delayed and I’m tempted to grow frustrated or discouraged, remind me that You are still working even when I cannot see it.  Teach me to trust Your timing and rest in Your faithfulness. “Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”   Psalm 27:14 Strengthen my heart while I wait and help me not rush ahead of You.  Let this season grow my faith, deepen my trust, and draw me closer to You.  Fill me with peace and confidence, knowing that Your plans are good and Your timing is perfect. In Jesus’ name, amen. 🙏

“The heavens proclaim the glory of God.  The skies display His craftsmanship.  Day after day they continue to speak;  Night after night they make Him known. Our God is everywhere and His people shout out their praise along with all of creation,  Amen

One look at the world around us and it’s clear: peace isn’t going to make itself. Nations are warring and people are fighting. You may even have some personal relationships filled with bitterness and contempt.  Thankfully, we can lean into Jesus’ wisdom in the seventh beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”   Matthew 5:9   Let's be clear, peacemaking is different than peacekeeping.  In fact, Jesus assured us that as long as we’re on this earth, we will face trouble.  There will be misunderstandings, chaos, division, and a need for making peace. And that is why…  Peacemaking requires action. Yes, peacemaking compels us out of our own comfortable lives.  But for those who are willing to step into the tender space of making peace, here are some thoughts to help you lead the way: Peacemakers lead the way with humility. No one is perfect and we all need grace.  None of us are God, but we a...

One creature of Southwest Africa is the “ stenocara” beetle. It’s a little black bug with the groove bumpy back and he lives in the desert, one of the hottest places on earth where the sand temperatures can reached 140°F. Each new day the small creature climbs a sand dune before dawn, and waits for the fog to announce the approaching sunrise. As it waits, tiny droplets of water forms onto its water-repellent body. Once the day begins the beetle bows it’s head to the ground so that the water can trickle down into the grooves of his back and into his mouth! Thus even in the mist of this hard, hot and unbearable desert, it receives enough water to sustain it through the day. Our lives in this world can seem as hot and unbearing as this desert, but God continues to sustain us through the living water of His Presence. In John 7, Jesus Himself, promised that whosoever was thirsty, could come to Him and drink, and will find living water that will never run dry. May we recognize our thirst for...