Devotionals by Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret.
Surprised by Evil
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the »
Humor in Jesus
"Therefore, he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God..." Hebrews 2:17 And Jesus threw back his head and roared with laughter! Can you see this as true from what you have »
Peace in the Maelstrom
“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life. – Matthew 6:25 Anxiety is a killer. It is an ever-present irritant to the body’s nervous system, impacting your physical health. Excessive and constant worry gives disease a foothold. It wears you down. It saps your strength. It is perhaps »
Necessary Personal Execution
"Put to death, therefore, what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. On account of these, the wrath of God is coming. In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. But now you must put them all away: »
The 24/7 Teacher
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and you shall talk of them when you »
How Much Does God Expect Me to Give?
"Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, "Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of »
Money: Burning a Hole in Your Pocket or Heart?
"No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money." Matthew 6:24 Your money can be a blessing; on the other hand, it can be »
Is Your Treasure Worth All It Is Cracked Up to Be?
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth or rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there »
Doing It to Be Seen by Others
"Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." Matthew 6:1 There is a constant competition among a certain group of men from which most people are excluded because they »
The Kindness and Severity of God
"Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off." Romans 11:22 Achan and his family lived among the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai, »
I Am Not Consumed
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:23, 24 What is it in your life that is more consuming than anything else, that renders your life hopeless, making you question if you »
LIFT YOUR EYES TO THE HILLS
"I will lift my eyes to the hills. From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:1-2 Growing up in Colorado Springs, I had the glorious privilege of waking every morning to the majestic view of 14,000 foot Pikes Peak, »