All who separated themselves from foreign neighbors to keep The Revelation of God together with their wives, sons, daughters –
everyone old enough to understand – joined their noble kinsmen in a binding oath to follow The Revelation of God,
to carry out the commandments of GOD our Master, all his standards.
NEHEMIAH 10:28-29 THE MESSAGE

I am the Most High and Holy God—the noblest decision you can arrive at is to make a conscious effort to follow My law.

Whatever else you may choose pales into insignificance when compared to the decision of a lifetime—to really get serious with the One who created you.

Quit playing games at the foot of the cross. Genuinely consecrate yourself to Me.

I am the God of your life—the noblest deed you can perform is to respond in faithfulness to My commands.

Whatever else you do in life is minor in light of the major activity of wholehearted obedience to My Revelation. Nothing on your “to-do” list is as crucial as the most important business in the world—My will. Everything else is a trivial pursuit.

Go beyond pondering a life of all-out obedience to My Word. Set out on the uncommon quest for purity—resolutely practice holiness. I have placed My hand on your shoulder and spoken to your heart. I want you to be transformed from the inside out by My Holy Spirit—to reflect My image, not to copy ungodly society.

The oath of obedience is the only way to defeat apathy and sin. Focusing on following My law is the only path to Life. Staying in line with My commands is the only formula for celebrating a clear perception of Me.

Do not just publicize that you love Me—prove it by your actions.

Finally, firmly, forever decide to follow Me—do not drop out when you find the race is longer than you expected. Even if you must run on alone, keep carrying your cross until you see Me at the finish line.

I am Lord of your mind, King of your heart, Captain of your will, and Sovereign of your future. You have played church long enough.

From this day forward take Me seriously—then I will take you seriously.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 184, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

I gave responsibility of governing Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah, the commander of the fortress,
for he was a faithful man who feared God more than most.
NEHEMIAH 7:2 NLT

Though rare among political, religious, and military leaders, integrity is required for acceptable leadership. It is absolutely necessary that people who command have impeccable character. Those in charge must firmly adhere to the highest possible code of conduct because they reverence Me above all else.

The word integrity is derived from integer—a whole number. Those who try to get it all together without Me wind up falling apart. Integrity’s wisdom is evidenced in undivided allegiance to the Almighty.

Self-aggrandizement destroys the very heart of integrity. Real worship loves Me with all emotion, personality, intellect, and energy—and in the process unifies the life of the worshiper.

Integrity is more important than intelligence. Human smartness cannot rival heaven’s omniscience. Humility is the highest wisdom. Learn these two lessons well—1) there is a God; 2) you are not Him. Be prayerful no matter how much you know. Stay in touch with My heart—stay tuned to hear every gentle whisper from eternity.

Integrity is more critical than intensity. Frenetic checking off of an ambitious to-do list cannot match peace of mind. Helpfulness is the best work. Have the same attitude as My Son—practice downward mobility. Faithfully walk in Jesus’ steps.

Integrity surpasses impressiveness. Haughtiness cannot equal authenticity—honor is the best way. Always remember who your Boss is—work hard to please Me. Be strong—the Via Dolorosa was not a cake walk; walking in My steps is not painless. Be brave—temptations to compromise will come; if you stay true to Truth, you will see My smile.

Integrity exceeds innovation. Hiding cannot beat openness. Honesty is My will. Follow My guidelines for living a blameless life—do what is right; tell the truth; do not slander, making a molehill into a mountain by throwing dirt; keep your promises even when it hurts.

Keep running the Faith Marathon—every hour, by My power, be true. Every mile, tremble in My Presence—be a person of integrity.

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

This was quite a contrast to the former governors who had laid heavy burdens on the people,
demanding a daily ration of food and wine, besides a pound of silver. Even their assistants took advantage of the people.
But because of my fear of God, I did not act that way.
NEHEMIAH 5:15 NLT

Nehemiah’s example of leadership challenges you to be a blessing, not a burden. His lifestyle inspires you to servanthood, not egocentricity.
Instead of taking advantage of others, you should love them as the Son of Man did. Since I am Lord over you, you ought never lord it over others.

I am not unfair—I will not forget how hard you work for Me and how you demonstrate your love for Me by caring for others. Walk in the fear of Me, and you will stand out from the crowd.

Some people may be surprised if you do not take advantage of position. The heart of such uncommon behavior is your belief in My sovereignty. The reason you behave as you do is your reverence for Almighty God.

Attitude toward Me and actions toward people are inextricably related. Internal faith and external life are intimately connected. Faith works. Knowing someday you will have to explain to Me all you have done powerfully impacts your actions today. Remembering I am your Boss influences the quality of your work.

Reverence Me, and you will make a conscious effort to do your best. Fear Me, and you will guard your tongue, turn from evil, and work hard at living at peace with your neighbors. Humility in My Presence will influence all you think, say, and do.

Worship Me with all you are and do. I am a Consuming Fire—let My Holy Spirit set your heart ablaze and melt the lead in your feet! Confess your personal faith. In your own words, tell the world you are trusting Me with your entire life and your eternal future. Let your beliefs grow deep into your soul. Develop convictions that carry you around, not just opinions you carry around. Submit to My Holy Spirit, and let Me sculpt your character into Christ’s likeness. This is My dream for you—let it be yours.

In your conduct, preach a sermon testifying of the change coming over you by My work in your heart. Connect your faith and life!

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

Eliashib the high priest and other priests started to rebuild at the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set up its doors.
NEHEMIAH 3:1a NLT

Retrace Nehemiah’s counterclockwise tour of Jerusalem’s wall. Pause at the gates and reflect on your relationship to Me.

The Sheep Gate pictures your pardon. Untold millions of lambs—led through that gate to be killed in the Temple—point to My Lamb led as a lamb to the slaughter on Skull Hill. He had done nothing wrong, yet He died so you could be right with your Creator.

The Fish Gate reminds you of your life’s highest purpose. Standing there, hear Jesus’ words—be My disciple, and I will teach you to fish for people. Focus energy on obedience and enjoy meaningful living.
 

The Old Gate leads you to remember the legacy of those who invite you to stand at the crossroads and reflect on ancient paths and seek the good way and walk in it, so you will find rest for your soul. Spiritual ancestors in the grandstands cheer you on to the finish line.

The Valley Gate teaches you the danger of pride and catapults arrogance as you adjust your attitude to Christlike downward mobility.
 

The Dung Gate challenges you to purity. If you want to be near Me, you must toss garbage. Everything else in the world is trash compared to the priceless gain of pure-hearted clear vision of the Holy One.
 

The Fountain Gate portrays the Holy Spirit called alongside you to calm, comfort, encourage, and defend you in life’s storms.

The Water Gate speaks of My principles guiding your behavior in the twists and turns of life’s maze.

The Horse Gate stirs you into militant action as you consider the polarization of good and evil in the spiritual warfare you are fighting.
 

The East Gate thrills you with the Messiah’s promised return to the holy city, new Jerusalem. The fi rst gate to be opened every morning reminds you that after you have cried your heart out in midnight desperation, the dawn of heaven will bring untarnished joy.

The Muster Gate motivates you to prepare for inspection by your Commander in Chief, so you will not blush at your interview with Me!
 

End up where you began with Me—the Sheep Gate—near the cross!

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity