Devotionals by Chaplain (Col) Stephen W. Leonard, USA, Ret.
Standing in the Place of God
"On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers arrogantly back to God and dares to defy Him? Will the thing which is formed say to Him who formed it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’" Romans 9:20 (AMP) There are a number of professions in the world »
True Strength Versus Notoriety
"For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 One writer described Paul Anderson when he said, "He is the strongest man in the world, and he also lifts weights." »
Allegiance
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people whom he has chosen as His heritage." Psalm 33:12 "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for »
Living Dangerously in a Dangerous World
"Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the public squares, and uprightness cannot enter. Truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey." Isaiah 59:14-15 You would agree we live in a dangerous world; and, if you listen to »
The Disaster of Instability
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by »
Over the Hump
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17 Young men come to the PAYH from diverse backgrounds and home life. There seems to be with each one of them a necessary adjustment time to »
Wrestling with Whom You Have to Do
"And Jacob was left alone. And a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day." Genesis 32:24 "With whom you have to do" describes the One whom you absolutely cannot do without. He is the one who not only brought you into being, but determines your future. It »
Evil of Serving the Lord
"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15 This verse is inscribed in a stained glass window in our kitchen. It is an excellent choice for »
Properties of Worthy Fear
"And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things." Acts 5:11 Most of you are familiar with the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who suddenly and unexpectedly took their final breaths within hours of one another after disobeying the Lord. But very few »
Many Bad Mothers
"Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her." - Proverbs 31:28 Mothers can be very, very good, and mothers can be very, very bad. We do not want to put emphasis on the bad mothers, because by and large we believe, or like »
Testing and Trial Equals Pain
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." - James 1:2-4 The surgeon's scalpel cut into my »
Aching for Perfect Peace
"You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." - Isaiah 26:3 Your mind is the essence of a conscious, thinking you! You think, you perceive, you converse, you feel, you hurt, you enjoy, you love, you hate, you ignore, all through the »