Then Jesus was led out into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted there by the Devil. 
                                  MATTHEW 4:1 NLT



Satan’s favorite time to attack is immediately after high points.
     Jesus felt the Holy Spirit Dove resting on His shoulder.
     He heard his Father's voice expressing love and commendation—
          and then He was fiercely assaulted by the Devil.
     The evil one carefully decides times for his attacks—so be on guard!

The Holy Spirit may lead us into the wilderness of difficulty.
     Jesus was not tempted at the magnificent Temple or scenic Jordan,
          but when He was exhausted and hungry—thus susceptible.
     When we are under pressure, facing crucial decisions, or anxious—
          when we are hungry, aggravated, lonely, tired—HALT!

The tempter is a real being—not an imaginary concept.
     The Devil who tempted Adam and Eve in Eden also tempted Jesus.
     Satan is not merely a symbol of evil—Satan is prince of the dark side.
     More than an idea invented to explain conscience, he is the evil one.

Temptation itself is not sinful.
     Jesus, Holy Son of God, was the prime target for the Devil’s temptations.
     The more we try to be holy, the more the unholy one will try to trip us up.
     We may feel dirty after hearing the evil suggestions of the world’s god,
          but if we do not give in, we have not sinned against God.

The Spirit Sword can help us achieve victory over temptation.
     When Jesus was tempted to get quick gratification of physical urges,
          He quoted Scripture reminding us people need more than bread.
     When Jesus was tempted to show off and impress others,
          He quoted verses cautioning people not to try to force God's hand.
     When Jesus was tempted to strike a bargain with hell to get the world,
          He quoted Scripture's command requiring exclusive, wholehearted worship.   

The King of heaven won His battles with the tempter from hell.
     If we rely on His grace, and skillfully brandish His Word—we too can win!

                                                            (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 
                            Day 306,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

The Name Above All Names

You are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew1:21 NLT

Jesus means Joy—He saves from despair and hopelessness.
     Alexander conquered the world by force and was called great—
          Jesus captures hearts from all nations by love and is called God.
     In contrast to fleeting happiness, Immanuel gives invulnerable joy—
          His cross brings deep peace, His Presence inexpressible ecstasy.

Jesus means Everlasting Life—He saves from death and hell.
     Tutankhamen’s tomb was found treasure-filled, making him famous.
     Jesus’ tomb was discovered empty, making Him King of Eternity.
     Abundant life here and now, eternal life in the hereafter—
          a grand duet of wonder brought to light by the Dayspring from on high

          who has visited your tilted planet.

Jesus means Separation—He saves from deceit and hypocrisy.
     The clear difference between heaven and hell, Christians and worldlings,
          is made by the One who died on the middle cross.
     At the name of Caesar, millions offered incense and called him lord.
     At Jesus’ Name, the universe will fall to its knees and call Him Master.
     His Name will be forever paramount in minds of those who worship God.

Jesus means Understanding—He saves from devastation and helplessness.
     The names of famous kings and fearful kingdoms all fade into oblivion,
          but Jesus’ incomparable Name increases in glory while ages roll on.
     When we feel like we’re falling apart, Jesus holds us together—
          no one understands us, or stands under us, like He does.

Jesus means Salvation—He saves from self-destruction and homelessness.
     Charlemagne and Napoleon changed the face of the world by war—
          the King of hearts changes lives in time and eternity by His grace.
     Jesus saves believers from sin’s addictive horrors
          and makes His heart our eternal home.
     God’s dream for us—and our destiny—is that we become like His Son.
     Jesus is the most glorious and awesome Name—address Him reverently.
 

                                         

                                                          © Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                                    Day 305, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

       


For you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.
And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.
                                            Malachi 4:2  NLT

Dawn of eternity will inspire a beautiful morning song.
     The celebration will never end—there will be no sunset there.
     We are saddened by sin, but we will soon join a heavenly chorus—
          a new song of joy sung by the redeemed from every nation,
          accompanied by millions of angels around the throne adoring Christ.

Dawn of God’s planned future will bring miraculous strength.
     His promises will never fail—we have his Word.
     People who love God experience daily grace sunrise in their heart.
     Warm rays of peace reinforce trusting souls to persevere in difficulties.

Dawn of full redemption will reveal a Merciful Savior.
     Heaven will never disappoint—it is not too good to be true.
     Healing is on the way—the handicapped will leap like a deer,
          the blind will see,  the deaf will hear,  the mute will shout and sing.
     No one will cry, hurt, get sick or die—evil and its effects will be gone.
     Humiliating, mortal bodies will be replaced by heavenly, immortal ones.
     Freed from sins by Jesus’ blood, we will stroll golden streets in His light.

Dawn of glory will unveil Messianic splendor.
     Christ’s magnificence will never dim—it is not too good to last.
     First light will shine forever—Light beyond light will illuminate heaven.
     Infinite sunrise will blind the rebellious, and bless the obedient.
     Holy Radiant Light will flood the new earth with beauty and grace.
     The Old Testament ends with a threatened curse—
          the New Testament ends with a promised blessing.
     The world makes us sing the blues—soon we’ll be dancing for joy.
     Trouble dogs our steps—but sunrise will be here before we know it.

                                                                © Pastor Johnny R. Almond

                                  Day 304,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity