Then Hezekiah encouraged them with this address:
             “Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid of the king of Assyria or his mighty army.
               There is a power far greater on our side! He has a great army, but they are just men. 
                 We have the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!”    
        These words greatly encouraged the people.
2 CHRONICLES 32:6b-8 NLT

Encircled by invisible armies, the Greatest Power in the universe is on your side. Stand proudly in the ranks of those changed from spineless wimps into steel-backboned warriors.

Feeling powerless, recall not by force nor by strength, but by My Spirit. Feeling weak-kneed, trustingly don My armor.

Sometimes you feel “where never is heard a discouraging word” is a Utopia existing only in dreams. Despair and pessimism are rampant. Bad news is all you ever hear. Futurists have little optimistic to predict.Tired of the world’s negativism? Bow before the plus sign of the cross.

When it seems that discouraging words are all you ever hear, turn to My Word.Take a walk through the New Testament and revel in transforming truths.

I am your Travel Companion.

Earth’s saddest day and gladdest day were just three days apart.

My story captivates you and cheers you on.

My Spirit brings peace in pandemonium.

Christ’s return gives reason for living until paradise is restored.

In the darkness, dawn approaches.

You are a victor, not a victim.

You enjoy freedom, not shackles.

Your Heavenly Father cares for you, His child.

Prayer opens the window to infinite resources.

Christ unlocks the secret to surviving every situation.

Unimaginable glory is waiting just around the corner.

I am the Eternal Optimist—you can be too.

My Son came to planet Earth to solve your biggest problem—guilt.

I grant power for living, love for your relationships, and self-discipline for spiritual development.

I am your Blessed Hope.

Active sharing of faith’s perspective helps you to grow up in Christ.

At the throne of prayer, find mercy for your sins and grace for your struggles.

A humble attitude ensures help from the Almighty.

Trust causes joy beyond words.

Internalizing My Word purifies you from moral filth.

In Jesus, there is certainty in all circumstances.

Count on Unchanging Truth.

Enjoy pleasure of My company 24/7.

I am your Source of eternal security.

The United Kingdom is on the way.

Take this walk often—My Encouraging Word will always lift your spirit.

(c) Johnny R. Almond

Put on all of God’s armor so you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.
Ephesians 6:11 NLT

You are engaged in a battle with evil forces far more powerful than you.

This war is not a fantasy – Satan and his demons are very real.

The dark side opposes the Light and combats everyone on My side. 

Led by the Devil, battalions of demons are on the attack –

     this blitzkrieg from hell throws everything Satan has against you.

Unprotected by body armor of faith and love, you are a prime target –

     more vulnerable than you think!

You are up against far more than you can handle on your own.

The evil one can overpower you easier than you might imagine.

Strength is in My might alone. 

You are weak and I am strong – never forget your critical need of Me!

The key to survival and the secret of strength is heaven’s help.

To stand firm against Satan, take a stance of firm reliance on Me.

To stand tall through the battle, avoid the Devil’s ten thousand lures. 

To stand your ground, live as a child of the Light – honestly, purely.

For combat boots, slip into running shoes of enthusiastic evangelism.

Use Faith Shield to extinguish the flaming arrows of temptation.

Don the helmet of My salvation and be transformed from the inside out.

     Change how you think, and your life will be changed for the better. 

Brandish Spirit Sword to slay the dragon intent on ruining your life.

     Scripture is an indispensable weapon to answer hell’s propaganda.

     Heaven’s Field Manual gives principles to win your battles on earth.

This ongoing warfare of good versus evil is a 24/7 experience.

     So never forget to stay in touch with Higher Headquarters.

Prayerlessness lets down your guard and leaves you open to defeat.

Failure to communicate with your Commander is presumptuous –

     declaring in effect that you can achieve victory on your own!

     Without Me, you cannot win;  with Me, you cannot lose. 

The evil one is your opponent, but the Holy One is your confidence.

The prince of darkness is your foe, but Light beyond light is your Friend.

My armor is awkward equipment for an easy chair – this is no war game.

     I never said the battle would be easy, but I did promise you would win.

There is no armor for your back, so fight to the finish and die facing the enemy.

     One day, we will celebrate life’s victory together -- until then, soldier on.

 

(c) 2013 Johnny R. Almond 

Pastor, Hull's Memorial Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

If you keep still, deliverance and rescue for the Jews will originate from some other quarter, while you and your family shall be destroyed.

And who knows but you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14 NLT
 

I am the Master of moments—My pattern is shown in sovereignty. I sometimes work miracles anonymously. Although My Name is not mentioned in the book of Esther, I am behind the scenes of events, directing the drama.
 

I am the Savior of sinners—My purpose and plan is to save. I sent Joseph ahead of his nation to rescue their lives, and I worked through Esther to save the Jews. Those long ago and far away stories are being retold today when people share how I changed their direction, replaced their despair with hope, and changed their panic to peace.
 

I am the Lord of Life—your part in the great drama of redemption is to speak. I make a time for everything, a season for every activity, a time to be silent, and a time to speak up. Pray for wisdom to understand the proper timing to give voice to your convictions. Be sensitive to the urgency of joyfully and boldly praising Me for the miracles you have seen. Be humble enough to realize you are not indispensable. If you should choose to stay quiet, the stones would burst into cheers in My honor!
 

I placed Esther in a royal position to be My means of blessing. I place believers in royal positions—chosen people, royal priesthood, and holy nation—for the purpose of shining My light into earth’s darkness. In your home, workplace, neighborhood, and nation—you are a king, queen, prince, or princess I can use to work miracles in your world.
 

Your place in time is not accidental—it is because of the Almighty’s timing. Your responsibilities are not the result of good luck—they are orchestrated by your Good Lord. Your circumstances are not coincidental—they are providential. In My blueprint for you, you are not a lifeless puppet on a string. Like Me, you have a heart, a mind, and a will. You can feel deeply, think things through, and choose wisely. You could decide to observe My miracles and be mute—the better choice is to praise Me with your lips and your life.
 

I give you this day—make every hour count for eternity. Seize the moment!
 

© 2013 Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity