Have you forgotten the sins of your ancestors, sins of kings and queens of Judah,
and the sins you and your wives committed in Judah and Jerusalem?
To this very hour you have shown no remorse or reverence.
No one has chosen to follow my law and the decrees
I gave to you and your ancestors before you.
JEREMIAH 44:9-10 NLT

Have you learned the lesson of My Book? Only truth endures.
     Other books need updating, but the Book from Heaven is ahead of date.
     Other writings need revising, but Scripture never requires editing.
     My Word stood with Elijah against the false prophets of Baal,
          against Korah and his rebel band opposed to My select leaders,
          against Ananias and Sapphira and their flagrant lies,
          and it will stand against the Devil at Armageddon.
     When Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn accepted the Nobel Prize for Literature,
          he quoted a Russian proverb that reflects the power of Truth:
          “One word of truth outweighs the world.”


Have you learned the lesson of blessing? Only obedience brings joy.
     Disobedience causes sadness and tragedy—it is good for nobody.
     Following My instructions is the path to celebration—it is good for all.
     “There’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”
          (John Sammis, “Trust and Obey”).


Have you learned the lesson of the boomerang? Causes have effects.
     Every thought, word, and deed invariably affects you.
     Ignoring Me is moral suicide—to go your own way is to self-destruct.
     The old saying is right—"what goes around comes around."


Have you learned the lesson of a broken heart? Repentance is My desire.
     Confession and contrition are required for admittance to My Presence.
     Before you see My face, you must cry your eyes out because of sin.
     The Bible is right—the proud are My foes, the humble are My favorites.


Learn your lessons well—be an honor student in Life University. 


                                    

                            (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                    Day 278,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

If you return and give up this mistaken tone of distrust and despair,
           then I will give you a settled place of quiet and safety,
                       and you will be My minister.                     
                  JEREMIAH 15:19 THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE


I know you better than you know yourself—
     you cannot fool Me with verbal veneer or pious platitudes.

My Holy Spirit x-rays your heart, and I see everything perfectly clear.
     Do not feel I am so busy managing the cosmos, I ignore your thoughts.
     I search your heart and convict you of offensive trends I find there.
     I inspire you to toss out ephemeral garbage and invest in eternal gold.

In My Presence, do some serious introspection and prayerful reflection.
     Clean up your act—adjust your attitudes.

Turn from your distrust—
     Commit the unknown future into My omniscient hands.
     What I am looking for above all else is faith—
          a little will transport you to heaven; more will bring heaven to you.
     When you are tempted to quit the struggle, look again to the cross—
          remember who died for you, and then get back to living for Him.

Turn from your despair—
     Believe My promise to make the future bright and glorious.
     Drop your despondency at My feet, and let Me carry burdens you cannot.
     I am not a mirage; I am an oasis of joy and peace in a desert of gloom.
     Listen hopefully to My future melody, and dance faithfully today.

Turn from your discouragement—
     Cooperate with Me, and I will empower you to persevere in ministry.
     Cheer up—down-in-the-mouth living misrepresents My Kingdom.
     Voice the prayer of Amy Carmichael, My missionary to India:
          Let me not sink to be a clod; Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.

Turn from your doubt—
     Take Me at My Word and share My message with all willing to hear.
     Whether welcomed or rejected, unflinchingly repeat Scripture’s Truth.
     From the pulpit of your personality, tell My never-ending Love story


                                          

                                  (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                         Day 276,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Giants Causeway - Ireland 


 

So, Jeremiah, if you’re worn out in this footrace with men,
what makes you think you can race against horses?
And if you can’t keep your wits during times of calm,
what’s going to happen when troubles break loose like the Jordan in flood?
JEREMIAH 12:5 THE MESSAGE

When you get frazzled by hang-ups, the Wonderful Counselor guides you.

When you cannot put one foot in front of the other, Almighty God helps you.

When you are looking for a high example to follow, the Holy One inspires you.

When evil shadows trouble you, the Sun of Righteousness lights your path.

When your world is falling apart, the Chief Cornerstone holds you together.

When you think death has the last word, the Resurrection changes everything.

When guilt gets the best of you, the Lamb of God liberates your spirit.

When no one seems to care a thing about you, the Son of Man understands.

When hard times overwhelm you, the Comforter stands under you.

When life does not make sense, the Lord of All makes significance possible.

When you are so weak you cannot go on, the Lord God Almighty enforces you.

When you are confused about which route to follow, the Way directs you.

When you are searching for reality, the Truth outweighs worldly propaganda.

When you are at the point of giving up, the Life energizes you for steep roads.

When you are scared of the dark, the Light of the World is your Night Light.

When you are needing fellowship, the Head of the Church makes it possible.

When you are crying your eyes out, the Man of Sorrows weeps with you.

When you are on stormy high seas, the Prince of Peace quiets your fears.

When you are struggling with life lessons, the Master Teacher helps you learn.

When you are over the edge, the Shepherd lifts you up and restores your soul.

When you are near despair, the Messiah reassures you of His imminent reign.

When you are addicted to sinful habits, the Redeemer breaks hell’s handcuffs.

When you do not know how to pray, the Advocate intercedes on your behalf.

When you question evil’s success, the Righteous Judge promises final justice.

When you are lonely, the Bright Morning Star illuminates your heart.

When current events seem hopeless, the King of kings promises a new world.

When life’s next chapter is hard to read, the Author of your faith edits it.

When you are searching for meaning, the Word of Life spells it out for you.

When life gets harder, I will be there for you.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 275,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

                                                                      Hear the word of the LORD of hosts.
                                                                                     ISAIAH 39:5 KJV        


In the labyrinth of confusion, My Word is your map and compass.
In your subterfuge and hypocrisy, My Word searches your inner being.
In self-absorption, My Word is a wake-up call to compassionate living.
In feeling you have it made, My Word calls you to worship your Maker.
In despair of justice, My Word reverberates the Lion’s apocalyptic roar.
In searching for meaning, My Word guides you to Christ.
In yearning for wisdom, My Word unveils the Alpha and the Omega.
In detouring from holiness, My Word shouts a warning of judgment.
In troubling anxiety and doubt, My Word gently whispers reassurance.
In discouraging current events, My Word promises a golden future.
In loneliness, My Word reminds you of My Faithful Presence.
In sadness, My Word gives you the lyrics to My symphony of hope.
In hell’s propaganda, My Word teaches you to discern the truth.
In apathy, My Word is a fire in your heart melting the lead in your feet.
In pride, My Word is a hammer that smashes your egocentricity to bits.
In the battle with temptation, My Word is your defensive shield.
In difficult terrain, My Word is your flashlight one step at a time.
In your strutting around, My Word is your call to humbly worship Me.
In misplaced trust in accomplishments, My Word invites faith in Me.
In hubris, My Word challenges you to remember you are not God.
In floor-pacing, My Word encourages you to give Me your worries.
In weariness, My Word invites you to give Jesus your crushing burdens.
In wondering about the future, My Word guarantees My Son’s return.
In asking who you are, My Word paints your destiny of Christlikeness.
In resisting Jesus’ downward mobility, My Word adjusts your attitude.
In meditating on Scripture, My Word changes the way you think.
In focusing on the finish line, My Word strengthens you to endure.
In relying on Christ, My Word enables you to do whatever I ask of you.
In conscientiously obeying My orders, My Word blesses you with joy.
In internalizing My thoughts, My Word sweetens your everyday life.
In overwhelming stress, My Word renews your hope and cheer.
In devoting yourself to My teachings, My Word frees your spirit to soar.
 

                              (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                   Day 272,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Your eyes will see the king in all his splendor,  and you will see a land that stretches into the distance.
You will see Zion as a place of worship and celebration.  You will see Jerusalem a city quiet and secure.
ISAIAH 33:17, 20  NLT

Earth’s rulers are only human, so moral darkness encircles the globe.
     One day you will see the King of kings in His majesty and beauty.
          There is Light at the end of the tunnel.

There is a far nobler use of life than pursuing personal ambition.
     Egocentricity is a dead-end street; selfishness shrivels the soul.
          There is purpose after the death of self-centeredness.

Sin tantalizes, then breaks your heart; pleasures lure, but do not last.
     Take the long view—look forward to joys that will last forever.
          There is bliss after the end of the world.

Peace and quiet are elusive dreams in your current experience.
     One day you will feast your eyes on new Jerusalem—City of Peace.
          There is calm after the storm.

Life, you know, is fragile—fearful insecurity defines the human situation.
     Death, grief, heartache, and pain will be obsolete in the new world.
          There is safety after the termination of crime.

Does it seem to you that some people get away with murder?
     Over the horizon, a holy holocaust is starting to blaze up.
          There is fairness at the end of the day.

Christ’s glorious kingdom will outshine any empire the world has known.
     In fact, the nations will bask in His favor and honor Him above all else.
          There is paradise beyond the stars.

Though you do not see your Savior now, you certainly will one day.
     No longer harassed by sin and death, you will celebrate eternal victory.
          There is a heavenly reward at faith’s finish line

 

                                 (c)  Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                        Day 271,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Cross Roads Retreat Center;  Lowesville, Virginia 

                                                        The Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says,
                                                "Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved.
                                                           In quietness and confidence is your strength.”
                                                                                ISAIAH 30:15  NLT


 
Sincerely wait for Me; long for My Presence, and I promise you—
     victory over every evil enemy that would defeat you,
     unfailing love to bring security to your mind whatever happens,
     incomprehensible peace in the midst of life’s hurricanes,
     invulnerable joy no circumstances can destroy,
     the pleasure of My company to counteract your loneliness.

I am your Savior—the Source of pardon in a carnal world.
     Every breath you breathe, I am at work in your heart—
          inspiring your ambition to consistently obey My laws;
          energizing your mind to habitually do as I please.
     Conversion from evil habits to a Christlike lifestyle is My work of grace.
     Trusting Me, moment-by-moment, you become more like My Son—
          this is My dearest dream and your ultimate destiny.

I am your Shepherd—the Source of poise in a crazy world.
     Wearied carrying weighty burdens?  Give them to Me and breathe easy.
     Jittery and anxious?  Let Me teach you and enjoy peace of mind.
     Adversity University hard?  Learn by character-building experiences.
     When life is noisy, step out of the traffic—in stillness know who I am.

I am your Strength—the Source of power in a chaotic world.
     Contrary to popular belief, My power works best in human weakness.
     Empowered by My Spirit, you can be ready for whatever happens next.
     Vitally connected to My Son, you can accomplish all I ask of you.
     Holding My hand, you can survive life’s toughest situations.
     Trusting My promises, you can look forward to a bright future.
     Worn out? Exhaustion tempting you to quit the Faith Marathon?
     Wait on Me and be supernaturally reinforced—
          outsoar timidity, outrun temptation, outwalk lethargy.
     Revisit the waiting room of My quiet zone frequently—and be strong.

                                                                           (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                                                                  Day 269,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Albrecht Durer  Praying Hands 

Albrecht Durer   Praying Hands 

What a day of crushing trouble! What a day of confusion and terror
the Lord, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, has brought upon the Valley of Vision!
ISAIAH 22:5  NLT
 

In overwhelming discouragement, I am your Inspired Enthusiasm.
In bone-tired weariness, I am your Welcome Rest.
In paralyzing fear, I am your Liberating Faith.
In dark despair, I am your Bright Hope.
In horrifying terror, I am your Quiet Peace.
In heartbreaking sadness, I am your Heavenly Joy.
In baffling perplexity, I am your Uncommon Wisdom.
In irritating frustration, I am your Supernatural Patience.
In egocentric arrogance, I am your Authentic Humility.
In dull apathy, I am your Passionate Purpose.
In loud tumult, I am your Silent Tranquility.
In midnight crying, I am your Praise Song.
In heartless self-absorption, I am your Compassionate Kindness.
In recurring sin, I am your Sustaining Grace.
In mournful death, I am your Eternal Life.
In lonely darkness, I am your Night Light.
In sincere repentance, I am your Total Forgiveness.
In penitent brokenness, I am your Absolute Healing.
In authentic humility, I am your True Honor.
In spiritual poverty, I am your Lavish Riches.
In intense difficulty, I am your Persevering Endurance.
In desperate situations, I am your Divine Help.
In excruciating moaning, I am your Relieving Morning.
In heavy tasks, I am your Enabling Poise.
In crazy pandemonium, I am your Incomprehensible Calm.
In relational clashes, I am your Understanding Smile.
In hesitant dilemmas, I am your Energizing Courage.
In deepest gloom, I am your Highest Glory.
In emotional valleys, I am your Ultimate Vision.

(c)  Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 267,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

David’s throne will be established by love. 
From that throne a faithful king will reign, one who always does what is just and right.
ISAIAH 16:5 NLT

Scripture repeatedly records a resounding promise I intend to keep—
     the King of kings will ascend David’s throne in the new Jerusalem.
     He will do what other monarchs have not been able to do—reign fairly.
     When My Son takes control of the world, righteousness will prevail.
     When Christ is sovereign over all, Truth will rule the day.

He came to earth the first time to reign as King of hearts—
     wise men understood it and worshiped Him;
     a Roman governor recognized it but caved in to compromise;
     a criminal on a cross beside Him acknowledged it and repented.

He will come to earth the second time to reign as King of the universe—
     angels will rejoice when He inaugurates His righteous kingdom;
     unsettled nations will unite when He wages holy war against sin;
     the world’s intractable problems will finally be solved when He rules.

In the midst of a dirge, there is a note of gladness and optimism.
     In the darkest night, there is a ray of hope.
     In the most desperate situation, there is inspiration.
     How can this be? Through the Living Lord of glory, the Immortal King.
     Even a prophet of doom and gloom wrote of a brighter time to come.
     Love, faithfulness, and justice will be the Messiah’s standing order.

One day the One whose Name is above all other names will reign supreme.
     The entire universe will acknowledge His right to absolute lordship.
     If you honor and obey the King in time, you will be ecstatic in eternity.
     With Him in charge of your life, you have a bright future indeed!
 

                                        (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                               Day 266,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

                                        The LORD God is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.  
                                                                                      ISAIAH 12:2  NLT 


How can you go on when you feel like giving up?
     How can you face another day when you do not want to get out of bed?
          My power is the answer to your problem of weakness.

You can accomplish everything I ask of you if you rely on My grace.
You can survive harrowing situations if you trust Me.
You can be ready for anything the future holds if you lean hard on Me.
You can be victorious over evil habits if you depend on My Holy Spirit.
You can avoid self-pitying quicksand if you stand on the Rock of Ages.
You can hang in there when you are bone-tired and weary if you pray.
You can persevere until the finish line if you stay focused on the cross.
You can be stronger than you feel achievable—if you let Me carry you.


How can you celebrate when the world is falling apart?
     How can you rejoice even in the midst of discouraging circumstances?
          My peace is the answer to your problem of woe.

You can be optimistic about a bright future if you believe My promises.
You can learn to dance for joy even on cloudy days if you follow My lead.
You can have cascading joy in a sad world if you drink of My Spirit.
You can get over singing the blues if you listen to My toe-tapping jazz.
You can know peace in pandemonium if you keep your mind on Me.
You can be happier than you think possible—if you let Me comfort you.


How can you find real significance in a society playing trivial pursuit?
     How can you make God’s dream for your life come true?
          My purpose is the answer to your problem of wandering.

You can find an exciting reason for living if you honor the King of kings.
You can be resurrected above narcissistic culture if you bury your self.
You can aim for goals death cannot kill if you think vertically.
You can be nobler than you deem attainable—if you let Me control you.

         
                                         (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                                Day 265,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Rembrandt  Jesus Calming the Storm 

   The LORD said to me in the strongest terms: “Do not think like everyone else does.
Do not be afraid some plan conceived behind closed doors will be the end of you.
        Do not fear anything except the LORD Almighty. He alone is the Holy One.            
If you fear him, you need fear nothing else. He will keep you safe.”

ISAIAH 8:11-14a NLT

I am Jehovah—My faithful love for you is as certain as sunrise.
     I am totally consistent in My care for you today, tomorrow, and always.

I am Almighty God—My power is unrivaled in the entire universe.
     I am stronger than any evil force that might strike against you.

Hiding in the Rock of Ages, you can be confident of My protective care.
     Fearing Me, you need have no fear of anything else.

Have NO FEAR of meeting your Savior face to face—look forward to it.
     Stay close so when I return you will be courageous and unashamed.

Have NO FEAR of people—they are just mere mortals.
     Do not get caught up in being a people-pleaser; instead, aim for My smile.

Have NO FEAR of death—My Son died to break Satan’s stranglehold.
     When you close your eyes on earth, you will open them in paradise.

Have NO FEAR of hell—you are in the best of hands, the hands of Jesus.
     He went to hell awhile so you would not have to; He is leading you to heaven.

Have NO FEAR of Satan—he is not as strong as the One living within you.
     He is the god of the world you live in, but I am the God of all worlds.

Have NO FEAR of trouble—whatever happens, I am your Mighty Fortress.
     I am not, as atheists say, a very absent help in times of trouble!

Have NO FEAR of things that go bump in the night—I am your Night Light.
     I protect you around the clock; day and night are the same to Me.

Have NO FEAR of fear—I still hush high seas to sleep, so you can sleep.
     Do not be terrified. Immanuel is with you, so everything will be all right

                                         

                                    (c)  Pastor Johnny R. Almond

                           Day 263,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

The LORD himself will choose the sign.  Look!  The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel – “God is with us.”
ISAIAH 7:14 NLT

You are not alone, though you sometimes feel lonely—I am with you.
When you are unsure which way to turn, I am your Wonderful Counselor.
When you are feeling weak-kneed, I am your Mighty God.
When your life is falling apart, I am your Everlasting Father.
When you are frazzled by pandemonium, I am your Prince of Peace.
When you feel like you have made a fool of yourself, I am your Wisdom.
When you are burdened by your sinfulness, I am your Righteousness.
When you are struggling with impurity, I am your Holiness.
When you are chafing under sin’s shackles, I am your Redeemer.
When you are trying to break bad habits, I am your Liberator.
When you are needing companionship, I am your Greatest Friend.
When you are puzzled by life’s complexity, I am your Guide.
When you are wondering if you will survive difficulty, I am your Faith.
When you feel like singing the blues, I am your Jazz.
When you are tired in My work, I am your Energy.
When you are feeling guilty, I am your Defense Counsel.
When your heart is aching, I am your Comforter.
When you are disappointed, I am your Consoler.
When you are in peril, I am your Helper.
When fiery arrows of temptation are aimed at you, I am your Shield.
When you are on high seas, I am your Captain at the helm.
When you are riding an emotional roller coaster, I am your Seatmate.
When perplexing cares crowd your mind, I am your Center of Gravity.
When worry about needs steals your sleep, I am your Shepherd.
When the night seems interminable, I am your Light.
When your situation is uncertain, I am your Anchor.
When you are on sinking sand, I am your Solid Rock.
When despair threatens your soul, I am your Melody of Hope.
When tears soak your pillow, I am your Dawn.
When current events depress you, I am your Bright Morning Star.
When you feel a little down, remember your Greatest Blessing—God.                                      

                     

                                      
                                                                         (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 
                                                                Day 262, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

The LORD will settle international disputes. 
All nations will beat their swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks.
All wars will stop, and military training will come to an end. 
Come, people of Israel, let us walk in the light of the LORD!
ISAIAH 2:4-5 NLT 

Military solutions fail—
     “The war to end all wars” (H. G. Wells) has not yet been fought.
Political solutions fail—
     Platforms articulate high-sounding goals, yet rarely achieve them.
Economic solutions fail—
     Rich and poor live on opposite track sides, and inequity continues.
The best humans can do to fix the world’s problems is not good enough.

The return of My Son is the ultimate solution to war.
     Millions have died in the holocaust and carnage of combat;
          but when Christ puts His foot down on the Mount of Olives,
          the human situation will at last change for the better.
     Walk in My Light and do not sit out My dance in despair—live hopefully.

The love of My Son is the ultimate solution to guilt.
     His cross work makes you more than okay—you are the apple of My eye.
     Relying on the Prince of Peace, your heart is tranquilized and poised.
     Walk in My Light and do not trudge in self-condemnation—live freely.

The power of My Son is the ultimate solution to sin.
     Addiction to evil brings misery, but Christ is the Key to freedom.
     Stay focused on Him, and you will enjoy perfect peace.
     Walk in My Light and stay out of the darkness—live victoriously.

The reign of My Son is the ultimate solution to unrest.
     Dependence on technology disappoints; so does relying on money.
     Want peace of mind? Resign as General Manager of the universe.
     Walk in My Light and do not stumble in the dark—live peacefully.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 261,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

                                                     Set me as a seal upon thine heart . . . for love is strong as death.
                                                                                 SONG OF SOLOMON 8:6  KJV


Once upon a time—
     Before I whispered stars into being, locked planets in proper orbits,
          designed intergalactic traffic patterns,  set sun and moon in place,
          painted hopeful sunrises and victorious sunsets,
          or suspended the big blue marble you call home in space—
          I loved you with an everlasting love.
     I am the God with a heart—I am Love.
     I love you with a love that began eons before you did.
     My love for the world and for you is the greatest love story ever told.

It is a true story—no truer words were ever spoken than My promises.
     I am constructing far more than a honeymoon cottage.
     Heaven on earth will materialize—your home will not disappoint you.

It is a sacrificial story—no one ever loved you like My Son Jesus.
     He proved the depth of His love for you at a place called Skull Hill.
     Crucified by hateful hands, Jesus loved the world to His final breath.

It is a tender story—you are engaged to be married to your soul’s Lover.
     My Holy Spirit entering your heart was My first kiss.
     Cascading through your inner being is a Fountain of eternal love.

It is a hopeful story—I seal your heart in love, so you are Mine eternally.
     The King of hearts will host the Lamb’s celebrative wedding banquet.
     Nothing in the world can keep heaven’s dream for you from coming true.

It is a sweet story—your Heavenly Bridegroom’s love encircles you.
     My everlasting arms embrace you and nestle you near My heart.
     My love is infinitely patient, incredibly kind, and perfectly jealous.

It is a never-ending story—My love for you will last forever.
     I have always loved you, and I always will.
     Accept My love—and live happily ever after.

                                  (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 
                         Day 260,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity