A Bottom-line Question

   
              Then he asked them, “Who do you say I am?”

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

                              Matthew 16:15-16 NLT

 

Opinion polls reveal that from the world’s viewpoint the jury is still out.

     But what about you? Who do you say I am?

 

Do you confess I am your Savior?

     Then leave your eternal destiny in the hands of the King of Love.

          Trust Me to forgive your sins—I will save you from hell, sin’s penalty.

     Then lean on Me to experience victory over sin’s addictive power.

          Do not depend on your own imagined virtue to conquer temptation.  

     Then look forward to total redemption—freedom from sin’s presence.     

          Do not be shaped by your guilty past—be shaped by My glorious future.

 

Do you claim I am your Sovereign?

     Then advance My kingdom, and do not just try to build your own.

          Give Me the wheel—if I am not in the driver’s seat, you will crash.

     Then promote My cause—do not be preoccupied with your interests.

          Copy Christ’s example of downward mobility—the way up is down.

     Then build your life on Solid Rock, not on the quicksand of selfishness.

          Stand on the Gibraltar of My government, not the fault line of your ego.

Do you testify I am your God?

     Then worship Me with your emotions, personality, intellect, and energy.

     Then revel in My mercy and unfailing love.

          Be glad I do not treat you as you deserve—or you would not survive.

     Then struggle to live a radically holy life.

          If you claim you know Me, I expect you to live in a Christlike way.

Do you say I am your Master?

     Then put aside selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and walk in My steps.

 

© by Pastor Johnny R. Almond                    Day 309, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                 Cross-examined

 

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves.

If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is in you, it means you have failed the test.

                            2 Corinthians 13:5 NLT

Pause awhile—take time to ponder your relationship to your Creator.

     Are you gloating in your wisdom, strutting in your athletic ability,  

          boasting of your bank account—or glorying in truly knowing Me?

     In the light of the cross, cross-examine your heart.

Can you pass the Christ test?

     Are you relying on your imaginary goodness or My infinite goodness?   

     Have you humbly knelt at the foot of the cross, giving Me your heart?      

     If the mercy of Christ is with you, you can be confident facing eternity.

Are you experiencing the celebrative thrill of My Presence in your heart?

     Do you delight above everything in the pleasure of My company?

     Do you trust My promise to be with you every heartbeat and step?

     If the fellowship of the Spirit is with you, you can sing whatever comes.

Is Christlike transformation changing you for the better day by day?

     Do you stay near Me by immediate repentance when you wander?

     Do you adjust your attitudes to conform to My Word’s holy directives?

     If the grace of Christ is with you, you can live with a clear conscience.

Do cordial ties make your life pleasant and rewarding?

     Are you interested in what others do, crossing boundaries of your ego?

     Are you habitually flocking together with Jesus’ sheep?

     If the love of God is with you, you can learn to value others above self.

Does calm tranquility characterize your everyday life?

     Do you panic when problems arise, or do you pray?

     Have you found the equilibrium equation—iron shoes for rough roads?

     If the peace of God is with you, you can relax.

 

© by Pastor Johnny R. Almond            Day 342, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                     “That isn’t necessary—you feed them. Bring them here.”     

                                “It’s all right. I am here! Don’t be afraid.”         

                                     “All right, come,” Jesus said.                             

                                            Matthew 14:16, 18, 27, 29 NLT
 

My commanding word transforms the little in your hand into abundance. 

Your deepest wants are lavishly supplied by My miracle-working ability. 

Situations that are impossible for you are no problem for the Almighty.

I am the Mighty God—absolutely nothing is too hard for Me to handle.

Shamgar gave Me the ox goad in his hand, and he defeated Israel’s enemies. 

David gave Me the smooth stones in his hand, and he conquered Goliath.

Moses gave Me the staff in his hand, and he led My people out of bondage.

Paul gave Me the pen in his hand, and he wrote most of the New Testament. 

A boy gave Me five barley loaves and two fish, and his lunch fed thousands. 

Give Me your little talent—I will change it into a great blessing for many.

Give Me your one life—I will open heaven’s windows in limitless blessing. 

Give Me your needs—I will take such good care of you, there’ll be leftovers. 

At My word, take a seat at My table and satisfy your hungry heart.

My comforting word enables you to sail on troubled seas on an even keel. 

Realizing who I am, you can move beyond fear and find courage to live.

As a father coaches his child, I speak tender words to see you through. 

As a friend sticks by a friend, I walk alongside you and reinforce you.

In quiet solitude, I restore your equilibrium and strengthen you to carry on. 

No one understands you like I do—no one stands under you like I do.

I am the Prince of Peace calming you on earth’s chaotic roller coaster. 

I am the Wonderful Counselor guiding you through life’s perplexing maze. 

I am the Captain of your vessel reassuring you in the world’s scary storms.  

Whatever your days may demand of you, My grace will supply.

When the sea is high and your spirit is low, I keep you from going crazy.

At My word, quit wringing your hands and fold them in serene prayer.

My challenging word invites you to attempt the humanly impossible.

If you want to walk on water, you’ll have to climb out of the boat.

If you want to experience adventure, you’ll have to leave your comfort zone. 

If you want to think new thoughts, you’ll have to think outside worn boxes.

I am the Everlasting Father incredibly stabilizing you in changing situations.

You may wonder how long you can tread water, but I will keep you afloat.

You may feel you cannot go on, but My grace will help you persevere.

You may be unable to figure out how things work, but I will direct your steps.

You may be afraid of gusty winds and high waves, but I will give you courage.

You may feel you are walking alone, but I am on the water right beside you.

At My word, get out of the boat. 

© by Pastor Johnny R. Almond                            Gentle Whispers from Eternity