O our God, won’t you stop them?
We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us.
We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.
2 CHRONICLES 20:12 NLT

Feel under siege by formidable powers of the shadowy world? Sense that the dark prince and his demons are ganging up on you, hoping to see you fall morally so they can revel in your pain? Is hell’s battle formation leading you to conclude you are in a losing situation?

Do not give up! You are weak, it is true; but you are strong when reinforced by My might. When you are powerless, pray desperately for My help—I will rescue you from Satan’s traps.I direct intergalactic traffic patterns—I can make sense of your life. I hold the earth up with invisible hands—I can hold you together when everything nailed down is coming loose.

At a loss, look for My guidance. Pay attention to signals from heaven—listen for My voice and watch for hints in changing circumstances.
Impossible situations are no problem for My infinite strength. Even in your fiercest battles with evil, My blessing ensures victory. When this reality sinks in and you rely on this truth, you will experience marvelous results.

Realizing it is My battle, not yours, you are unusually brave. Knowing I fight for you, you do not have to lift a finger in self-defense. Fear gives way to optimism. Discouragement vanishes in light of trust. Quicksand panic is replaced by solid-rock faith. Captivated by Christ, you march in the King’s victory parade.

I am for you, so you are no coward—you are a valiant warrior. The cross becomes a plus sign, canceling negativism. You are able to face any challenge with the Captain of heaven’s mighty hosts on your side.

Worry diminishes as you worship. Panic dissolves in praise. The valley becomes place of blessing. Sighing gives way to singing. Mourning is transformed into music. Peaceful inner-stances transcend chaotic circumstances.
 

You learn heaven’s recipe for a worry-free life—pray about everything, tell Me what you need, thank Me for all I do on your behalf, and then you can relax.
 

Do not know what to do? Turn your eyes toward the Eternal One. With heaven’s help, you will do more than just survive—you will win!

(c) Pastor Johnny Almond 

Day 173, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Do you really think you can stand against the kingdom of the Lord led by the descendants of David?
Your army is vast indeed, but with you are those gold calves Jeroboam made as your gods.
2 Chronicles 13:8 NLT

I am the True and Living God—Unmade Maker, Uncreated Creator. I am the Potter; you are the clay. I made you, not the other way around. Do not forget this reality and begin to think of yourself as self-made; if you were, that would relieve Me of a tremendous responsibility!
 

How foolish it is to attempt to construct lifeless gods. How different they are from the Giver of life, breath, and every perfect gift. Idols may be convenient—it was “too much trouble” for Israelites to travel to the holy city. I challenge you to always travel the high road.
 

False gods of the heart are corrupting and degrading—I am holy and life-changing.

Idols are a waste of time—I am worthy of heartfelt worship.

Idols reflect the evil and selfish characteristics of people—I am absolutely holy.

Lesser gods are counterfeit—I am the Only Real God.

Idols are powerless—I am Unrivaled Sovereign of the cosmos.

Idols are relics of superstition—I am Ruler of time and eternity.

Idols can be manipulated—I am Director of life’s drama.

Idols are things made by people I made—I am Designer and Architect of the far-ranging universe.

Idols are ephemeral trinkets—I am Eternal Trinity.

Idols are mere lucky charms—I am the Lord of Glory and Master in charge of everything.
 

I am unlimited by time and space, unparalleled in your experience, unmatched in majesty, unsurpassed by earthly powers. Live humbly in My Presence—be truly wise!

© 2013 Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

When You Think You Have It Made

When Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the law of the Lord.
2 Chronicles 12:1 NLT

Rehoboam’s reign mirrors your own life. In him, you see your attitudes and predispositions. How easy it is for you to become intoxicated with your intelligence, take pride in your position, trust in your title, feel secure in your strength, and think humility is a virtue others need.

You are not as skilled at brinkmanship as you think. Feel you do not have limits? Strike out on your own, and you will find out the hard way. Arrogance makes you feel invulnerable, at the same time making you more vulnerable. Conceit makes you strut, weakening your armor and leaving you open for attack.

The greatest possible tragedy is that you would abandon My law. Think you are a law to yourself? Ready to attempt self-government? That would be moral suicide. Surrender to Christ as King of your heart—and you will inherit all the treasures I have in store for Him. Subject yourself to the world’s god, and you will discover it is much harder not to follow Christ.

Slavery to Satan kills joy, steals enthusiasm, and destroys influence. I am the Liberator who binds with chains of love—My yoke is easier than the evil one’s addiction, My burden is lighter than legalism’s obsession, and My freedom is better than the tyranny imposed by the dark prince. Take My Word for it!

Realizing your inherent tendency to transgress and rebel, considering the awful possibility of apostasy—humble yourself in My Sovereign Presence. Keep on the alert for vicious attacks from the Devil. He would like nothing better than to tear you limb from limb, then take pleasure in your pain. In My strength, stand your ground against him. Resist his wicked suggestions, and he will leave. Then you can throw a victory party.

Set your heart on walking with Me. You are maturing in faith, but you are not above sin. You are growing stronger, but you are not as strong as you think. John Bunyan got it right in The Pilgrim’s Progress: “He that is down, need fear no fall; he that is low, no pride; he that is humble ever shall have God to be his guide.”

The meek, not VIPs—inherit paradise. The wise, not sophisticates—share My reign. The humble, not entertainment superstars—shine in glory.

Advance My eternal kingdom, not your ephemeral one; rely on My almighty power, not your puny strength; honor Me, do not call attention to yourself—then you will forever have it made!

© 2013 Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity [this devotion Day 171]