Keep alert and pray.   Otherwise temptation will overpower you.
             For though the spirit is willing enough, the body is weak.

                                         Matthew 26:41 NLT

Stay awake!

     Do not let the Devil catch you napping—sleepwalking is dangerous.

     Hell's traps can easily ensnare you when you are only half awake.

     While Jesus sweat blood in Gethsemane, his disciples snored.

      Do better than them—keep watch with Me through the hours of this day. 

Pay attention!

     Do not emulate Judas, seeking a time to betray Me—look for ways to serve.  

     Carelessness causes moral tragedy and distracts from life's noblest use.

     Watch your p's and q's; otherwise, you could misspell purity and quality.   

     Do not waste the days I give you—life is not a dress rehearsal.

Be careful!

     Satan is not a teddy bear, but a roaring lion shredding unsuspecting victims.

     You do not play volleyball in a minefield; do not be fast and loose morally.  

     If you throw caution to the wind, you will live to regret it.

     Be vigilant as you journey through life, or you could trip and get hurt. 

Stay busy!

     Never go to sleep on the job, or you’ll be embarrassed at the end of the day.

    Avoid pretense—never turn My will into a charade to impress others.

     Jesus went around doing good—copy his example; do not just go around.

    Idleness is the devil’s workshop—Christlikeness demands an active life.

Watch out for the tempter!

     Self-sufficiency self-destructs; cocksureness sets you up for a great fall.    

      Basking in your fantastic ego, you’re never more vulnerable for temptation. 

     Racing helter-skelter in hectivity?  The evil one can catch you off-guard. 

     Hungry? Anxious? Lonely? Tired? HALT! 

Pray!

     Your noble intentions may be strong, but your resistance is weak.

     Disciple, will you desert your Master?  Soldier, will you cut and run?

     Subject, will you disown your King?  Friend, will you turn traitor?

     Nothing is bitterer than denying Me—you would weep your heart out. 
     Let My warning flash through your mind, and you will not have to cry.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                  Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                     Out of the depths I cry to Thee, O LORD.

                                   Psalm 130:1 MLB
 

     In heartache, reach for God in prayer.

          From valley depths, cry out to the Lord.

          Hurting, ask for His help—heaven pays attention to desperation.

          In your frail misery, look to Omnipotence for emotional support.

          Jesus is ready to listen when you need to talk.

           Tell Jesus all your trials, you cannot bear these burdens alone;    

           In your distress He kindly will help you; He ever loves and cares for His own.

            [Elisha A. Hoffman] * 

     In holiness, revere God because of His pardon.

          Vindicated by deliverance, consecrate yourself to the Savior.

          Forgiven by Christ’s mercy, live by His salvation.

          Do not mull over past mistakes—the Lord forgives and forgets.

          Do not wring your hands over tomorrow—God is already there.

           When the world allures you to evil, and your heart is tempted to sin,

           Tell Jesus, and He will help you over the world the victory to win. * 

     In hope, rely on God’s promise.

          Visioning daybreak, commune with your Father.

          Faithing morning, gaze on the Bright Morning Star.

          Count on heaven’s promises—they brighten the future.

           Beneath life’s crushing load, when you are bending low,

           Toiling along the way with painful steps and slow,

           Look now!  Glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing –

           Rest beside the weary road and hear the angels sing. [Edmund H. Sears]

          In a WWII concentration camp, a Jewish girl wrote in her diary—

               There will always be a small patch of sky above,

                 and there will always be enough space to fold two hands in prayer.   

     In help, rejoice in God’s Providence.

          Victorious by Holy Spirit dynamics, celebrate infinite power.

           In a festive mood, enjoy heaven’s symphony of love.                   

          Unshackled from addictive evil, revel in perfect freedom.

          Whatever your situation, know God is completely aware of it.

          In difficult circumstances, cultivate joyful inner-stances.

          When the hill is steep, climb in the energy God provides.

          On high seas, stay on an even keel in perfect peace God gives.  

          In emotional valleys, look heavenward and triumph. 

         © Pastor Johnny R. Almond                 Gentle Whispers from Eternity  

 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world,
     but let God transform you into a new person

             by changing the way you think.

                               Romans 12:2 NLT

Think purposefully—begin each day with the end in mind.

    Make it your habit—your daily aim—to live a lifestyle that honors Me.   

    Stay in step with My mission—testify to Love to all who will listen.  

    Aim at nothing and you will hit it—target noble goals and find success.

    In view of all I have done for you, surrender to Me as a living sacrifice.

    When you grow weary, gaze again at My cross—and struggle on.

    If your mind is dedicated, your blessing will be sure.

Think of paradise—keep in mind the future is as bright as My promises.

    Let heaven permeate your thoughts—live in celestial anticipation.

    Your final address is a mansion—look forward to eventual triumph.

    Do not be preoccupied with things—look ahead, not just around.

    Do not wring your hands in panic—look up, not just out.

    Do not be trapped by earthly cares—look forward, not just inward.

    If your mind is determined, your soul will be saved.

Think purely—consecrate yourself to live a holy life.

    Fill your mind with trash, and you will live in a garbage dump.

    Fill your mind with truth, and live in grand and glorious splendor.

    Think wrong, and you will live wickedly; think right and live rightly.

    Let My Holy Spirit bring about a metamorphosis from the inside out.

    If your mind is disciplined, your body will be sanctified.

Think after Christ’s pattern—live for others, not just for yourself.

    Be a humble servant—maintain a Christlike attitude.

    I did not seek to be waited on hand and foot—neither should you.

    I condescended to be a servant—think you are too good for that?

    Be thoughtful of others’ needs, and find life’s truest meaning.

    If your mind is devoted, your heart will be satisfied.

 

© Pastor Johnny R Almond                         Day 336, Gentle Whispers from Eternity  

      Give honor to the Lord for the glory of his name.  Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. 

                                                          Psalm 29:2  NLT
 

      Be awed in My Presence. Keep in mind that except for grace, you would be helpless. Realize I am the Source of your poise and peace. Totally rely on Me. Reverence Me as your Master.

     Let me remind you that you are subordinate to the King of kings. Permit Me to formally educate you in life’s highest lesson; learn it well—there is a God and you are not Him. Take a low position before Me. Give Me the glory and the honor I alone deserve .Tremble before Me. Come down where you ought to be. Worship Me humbly.

     Be active in My power. Let My Spirit kindle your adoration. Yield to My influence, so you will be fired up with sparkling enthusiasm.

     I am Sovereign of the universe—obey Me in every dimension of your life. Worship Me with all your heart.

     Advance in My purity. I alone am perfect; however I want you to grow in My likeness. My plan is for everyday saints—24/7—until eternity. Dress your Sunday best Monday through Saturday also. Honor Me in all your thoughts, words, and deeds.

     Make living for Jesus Christ your life’s noblest purpose—realize dying to selfishness for Christ’s sake is the bridge to significance. Seek My inspiration to motivate you to be faithful. Search for My power to help you behave your beliefs and practice what you preach. Do more than meditate—get on with your assigned mission. My Son went around doing good—do not be content with merely going around, a big wheel going in circles.

     I have outfitted you with spiritual armor for the purpose of fighting. A full suit of armor is awkward equipment for an easy chair. Do not spend all your time getting ready to live—take time to really live. After all is said and done, there is more said than done—do not let this be true of you.

     Advance in the splendor of radical holiness. Reverse evil—really live! I made you pure in heart—you must make yourself pure in conduct.

     Make worship your lifestyle—not just on Sundays, but all the time; not just at church, but everywhere; not just in a pew, but on the road.
 

   © Johnny R. Almond                               Day 203, Gentle Whispers from Eternity