In God we have made our boast all day long,

and we will give thanks to Your name forever.

Selah [Pause and calmly think about that.]

Psalm 44:8 THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE
 

     I am the God of your yesterdays—recall the times you celebrated Me. Triumphs came not because of your sword, but because of Mine.        Success came not by your limited ability, but My infinite strength.   

     The light of My smile has illuminated the darkness of your fears time and time again. Memory of your history is encouraging when you reflect on Unfailing Love. You have never gone wanting for good things,        so you should not complain about your current frustrations.
 

     Recall My peace—let heartfelt praise transform your depression into delight and give you a new view.
 

     I am the God of your today—rejoice in conquests you experience in Me. By heaven’s power you overcome ferocious spiritual enemies. In My invigorating energy, you win life’s battles before they are fought. Pledging undivided allegiance to the King of your heart, you are guaranteed victory at every turn.
 

     Through the Name above all names you defeat evil threatening to overwhelm you. Suited up in heavenly armor, you still stand tall after the smoke of battle clears. My mastery is your confidence in struggling with temptation—Satan will not throw you when you cry out for My help.
 

     Rejoice in My power—let heartfelt praise transform your defeat into dynamics and give you a new vitality.
 

     I am the God of your tomorrows—rely on My constancy. Even if it seems I have given you up, rest assured I will keep My promises. Resolve to obey Me no matter what—I honor that kind of commitment.
 

     If you feel like retreating before foes, depend on My Holy Spirit to cause a turnaround and inspire you to seize the initiative again. Saints are sinners who keep trying—never give up! Though the world makes fun of your faith, make Me your Refuge and survive the storms. Do not let mysteries of the unknown cancel your hope—count on Me.
 

     Rely on My promises—let heartfelt praise transform your doubt into devotion and give you a new vision.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 208 Gentle Whispers from Eternity  

Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God!

I will praise him again—my Savior and my God!

Psalm 42:11 NLT
 

     In your grief, surrender through your trials. Crying sad tears as society scoffs at faith’s radical perspective? Heartbroken as skeptics make fun of your optimistic

creed? Sighing and singing the blues as cynics deride your hopeful stance? Tempted to wonder where I am as atheists question My existence? Return to Me.
 

     In your grappling, search through your trouble. Thirsty for significance in a world experiencing spiritual drought? Reach out for Me. Yearn for My Presence as a deer pants for the brook. Do not settle for anything less than infinite joy. I do not ration My Spirit—it cascades from My heart to yours—drink deeply at the Fountain.
 

     In your gladness, sing through your travels. Nostalgic about how it used to be? Reflecting on good old days when crowds celebrated My love? Remember high points of worship. Conduct therapeutic self-talk—respond to disturbing inner voices. When you are down-in-the-mouth, place your hope in your Creator. Fix your eyes on your Face Healer—I will put a smile on your face. Reflect on your relationship to the One who will always be here for you.
 

     In My goodness, struggle through your tension. Whatever disturbs or dismays you will pass, but I never change at all. Look forward to looking back on whatever has worried you on earth. Remembered from eternity’s perspective, difficulties will become blessings. Heartaches are steppingstones along an upward-winding trail. Be patient and poised—heaven will never be surprised by any emergency.
 

    Trust My guidance and unfailing love—gladly sing My praises. Faith quakes will stop. Storms will subside. The sun will shine again. Rely on Me—nestle near My loving heart. In your midnight hour, believe in Me and you will hear nocturnal echoes of heaven’s melody of hope. Trust Me, however sad life gets—then you can dance the jig of joy. Remember what a Jewish girl named Etty Hillisum wrote in her diary as she endured a World War II concentration camp: “There will always be a small patch of sky above, and there will always be enough space to fold two hands in prayer.”
 

     In My grace, smile through your tears.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 207 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Psalm 37:4 NLT  

     Delight in the wonder of our relationship—be sure of focus. Enchantment with anything else can be disillusioning, but I never fail. Avoid false gods of the heart—never let anything usurp First Place. Worship the Invisible and Eternal One, be content with your lot in life, and walk humbly with the King of your heart—live a purpose-driven life. Enjoy the pleasure of My company and vindicate your faith to the world.
 

     Dedicate yourself to living My way—be sure of fulfillment. Devoting yourself to lesser causes leads to despair, but relying on Me and committing your energy to My service increases hope and peace. Place your entire being on the altar of sacrifice and you will find true joy. In his hymn “Trust and Obey,” John Sammis goes to the heart of the matter: “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus.” Want a worthwhile purpose? Searching for a reason to get out of bed in the morning? Walk in My steps.
 

     Depend on Me in life’s waiting room—be sure of a bright future. Be calm in My Presence; wait patiently for Me; steady as you go. Relying on anything else will dishearten you. Other staffs you lean on will break and pierce your hand and heart—I am the Only Absolutely Trustable Spot in the universe.
 

     Decline wrath—be sure of friendship. Giving in to rage and anger always disrupts relationships. I alone bring perfect peace—let Me.
 

     Discipline your walk—be sure of forward spiritual progress. You stumble on your own, but you will never fall if you hold My hand—I will see that you make progress in Christlikeness. Some will tell you the Devil is in the details—the fact is I delight in every detail of your life. An undisciplined day paints a sunset of defeat—watch your step!
 

     Displace all wickedness—be sure of fidelity to your Master. If you want to really live, you must reverse evil! Transgression distracts from life’s highest purpose and is deadly to peace. I place you in a crucible to purify you and draw you nearer to My side—stay close.
 

     Decide for wisdom—be sure of fairness in your relationships. Know the difference between right and wrong, and then choose wisely. Do not join fools practicing deception and deceit. Keep company with Me—and you will surely enjoy life’s best!
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 206 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

You’re a fountain of cascading light, and you open our eyes to light.
PSALM 36:9 THE MESSAGE
 

In light of My peace, see the Light of holy ecstasy. No matter how shadowy life gets, the dawn of lightheartedness brings radiance to your face. The wonder of unparalleled joy inspires a song.

In your dark world, there is a Bright Light shining. Satan is king of the dark side, but he will lose to Jesus—Source and Sovereign of Light. My Son has turned on the light in your life, and nothing can extinguish it.

In light of My promises, see the Light of perfect eternity. Dawning of the kingdom of heaven will bring rejoicing beyond belief. Jesus is the Solution to the world’s problems—the Universal Hope. Seek shelter under Christ’s overshadowing wings—survive the meltdown of the elements, and celebrate the new heaven on earth.
 

Make Jesus the Light of your life and discover wisdom’s key. Learn to think vertically as well as horizontally—do not worry constantly about earthly concerns; lighten your mind with thoughts of heaven.

In light of My purity, see the Light of a worthy example. Dawning of Life makes you righteous—I forgive your badness and give you My Son’s goodness. The whiteness of His untarnished holiness—the antithesis of sin—makes you able to stand in My Presence. The Light of the world died for your dark deeds—He shines joy into your heart to replace the shadows of guilt and inspire you to live nobly.

In light of My principles, see the Light of true education. When My lessons dawn on you, you grow more refl ective. The wisdom of heaven strengthens you for the decisions and responsibilities of your life. Th inking My thoughts, you change from the inside out—and in the process grow up.

In light of My protection, see the Light of encouragement. Dawn of My love makes you relax. My welcome is your Eternal Home and omfortable Sanctuary.

I live in light so brilliant no person can approach Me without going blind—no one is able to look at Me directly. I shine Light through the darkness so people can get a glimpse of My glory—seen most clearly in the face of My Son.

Live as My child—keep your heart’s eyes on Light beyond light.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond;  Day 205 Gentle Whispers from Eternity