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
I shaped your existence in the first place.
To begin with, there were two cells, then 28 billion—that was the clay.
I am the Omnipotent Creator, the Potter who made you like you are.
I engineered the delicate, inner workings of your physical being.
My hands formed your body and personality—humbly worship Me.
I shape your character in hard places.
Difficult circumstances and “impossible situations” are the clay.
I am your Father, the Potter at work behind the scenes for your good.
My hand is sculpting your heart into Christ’s image—surrender.
I shape your life with opportunities to glorify Me in pleasant places.
Everyday, ordinary life is the clay.
I am the Omnipresent Sovereign, the Potter with your fulfillment in mind.
My hand provides creative places for you to serve Me—be alert.
I am shaping your future in a perfect place.
Time is the clay and the Omniscient Lord is the Potter.
The return of My Son will inaugurate a sinless kingdom—
a place without pain, heart attacks, cancer, wheelchairs, walkers, surgery,
hospitals, hospices, funerals, cemeteries, or war;
a place without darkness, fear, loneliness, or crime.
My hand is building a magnificent mansion for your home—trust Me.
I will shape the earth into a beautiful place.
Elements of the universe are the clay and the King of kings is the Potter.
The earth is in bad shape now—it weeps in sadness because of sin.
To restore paradise, radical steps will be necessary.
My fury will set everything ablaze; it will all go up in smoke.
In the meantime, I am giving you a chance to shape up!
My hand will renovate the planet you call home. Hopefully anticipate the hereafter—joyfully dance here and now.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 274, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Those who wait on the LORD will find new strength.
They will fly high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
ISAIAH 40:31 NLT
Finding life’s challenges more daunting than you can handle?
Disheartened by crushing burdens heavier than you can shoulder?
Overwhelmed by wide-ranging responsibilities you cannot manage?
Frustrated by recurring problems you cannot solve?
On the verge of giving up because of struggles at every turn?
Wait a minute! Do not rush ahead—do not be in such a hurry.
Slow down and realize who you are—weak; and who I am—strong.
You have never been, you are not now, General Manager of the universe.
You are not totally responsible for everything—that is My job!
Nestle near My tender loving heart—I will strengthen your weak knees.
Expect great blessings from Me—heaven on earth is sure as sunrise.
Look forward to looking back on earth’s troubles—they will disappear.
When My glory is revealed, sadness and sighing will be only history.
Troubles are here today, gone tomorrow—heavenly joys are eternal.
I know earthly life can be rough—I experienced it firsthand.
Never quit—though your body is dying, I renew your inner being daily.
Hope for a brighter future—You have My Word it will happen.
Through My Son’s infused energy, you can do whatever I ask of you.
This is no reason to brag—it is an opportunity to testify that I bless you.
This is no boon to your ego—it is a chance to pay tribute to your Master.
I know you perfectly, care about you, and want to help you.
Learn from Me and fly higher than mediocrity—outsoar timidity.
Rely on Me and run faster than Satan—outrun temptation.
Follow Me and walk farther than the fainthearted—outwalk lethargy.
When others ask how you keep going, share your Secret of Strength.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 273, 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 fl ashlight 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
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
Until at last the Spirit is poured down upon us from heaven.
Justice will rule in the wilderness and righteousness in the fertile field.
Righteousness will bring peace. Quietness and confidence will fill the land forever.
ISAIAH 32:15a, 16, 17 NLT
Christ’s reign will change godlessness to righteousness.
Warmhearted—not steel-cold—toward Me, the redeemed will obey Me.
Totally devoted to the King of hearts, heaven’s citizens will worship Me.
Christ’s reign will change war to peace.
Shuttle diplomacy will never be able to settle international disputes.
Battling with guilt? Rely on My Holy Spirit as your Defense Counsel.
Christ’s reign will change restlessness to rest.
Impatient? Let the Prince of Peace teach you good things take time.
Wondering if anybody cares? Let My Spirit comfort your heart.
Christ’s reign will change fear to security.
Made right in My sight because of My Son’s work on the cross,
relax in My Presence and look forward to sharing His glory.
Christ’s reign will change sadness to joy.
Going through tough times? Look forward to looking back on them.
Hallelujahs will cancel heartbreak—triumph will dry tears.
Christ’s reign will change noise to quietness.
At last, the din of chaos will disappear in the tranquility of paradise.
The Prince of Peace will teach saints to sing the sweet music of heaven.
Christ’s reign will change deception to truth.
Do not listen to the Devil’s lies—he is speaking his native language.
Be attentive to the Shepherd’s voice—follow the Way to the Truth of Life.
Christ’s reign will change anxiety to confidence.
Losing sleep worrying about eternity? Let My Spirit encourage you.
Listen to tomorrow’s symphony of hope—dance faith’s jig of joy today
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 270, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
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
This is what the Sovereign LORD says:
“Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem.
It is firm, a tested and precious cornerstone safe to build on.
Whoever believes need never run away again.”
ISAIAH 28:16 NLT
I am the Graceful Rock of Ages—your Savior in a sinful world.
Do not wring your hands in futile regret over failures and wrongs—
fall on your knees and thank Me for making things right between us.
Worried about forgiveness? Self-doubt about goodness nagging you? To counteract the poison of doubt, trust My redeeming work at the cross.
I am the Granite Solid Rock—your Stabilizer in a quicksand world.
When change and decay discourage you, remember I never change—
I have always loved you, and I always will.
Kings and kingdoms come and go; political promises are unreliable.
I am the Only Absolutely Dependable Spot in the universe.
Worried about your faithfulness? Count on Mine. To counteract the poison of dismay, trust My rock-steady loyalty.
I am the Genuine Cornerstone—your Satisfier in a disappointing world.
When Satan’s carnival leaves you unhappy, return to My loving heart.
Travel My Holy Highway—stay off the evil one’s dead-end detour.
Enjoy the pleasure of My company—avoid heartbreak of rebellion.
Worried about felicity? Trust and obey Me, and find invulnerable joy. To counteract the poison of disillusionment, trust My infinite resources.
I am the Guiding Foundation of life—your Shepherd in a deceptive world.
When tempting voices would lead you astray, listen to My true words.
Ignore skeptical voices—anticipate the joys of paradise restored.
Follow Me through the valley of death’s shadow—I will get you home.
Fully expect My Word to come true; you will not be disappointed.
Learn to lean on Me—hypertension will melt away in light of My love.
Hailstorms of fear and hurricanes of chaos cannot trump trust.
Worried about forever? Trust Me in time; live with Me in eternity. To counteract the poison of despair, trust My reliable promises.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 268, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
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
