Exalt the LORD our God!
Bow low before his feet, for he is holy!
PSALM 99:5 NLT

I am the King of heaven—trust in My assuring hope.
     I am your Leader to the Promised Land—Guide to get you home.
     Present circumstances may discourage—remember they will not last.
     Sad chapters will not ruin the happy ending of My love story.
     Trouble is temporary—you will live to tell about it.
     I am your Shepherd who knows what is best for you—follow Me.
     Rely on My salvation—give Me your heart each dawn.
     I am the Answer to wandering—cheering your heart.

I am the King of the universe—tremble at My awesome holiness.
     I am Perfection beyond law—Authority behind decrees, Truth beneath principles.
     My Holy Spirit liberates you from the vicious cycle of sin and death.
     You do not have to stay addicted to cravings of your human nature!
     Under My control, you experience out-of-the-world peace.
     Under My influence, you love sacrificially, celebrate continually,
          stay on an even keel on high seas, are kind to everyone you meet,
          generously share My blessings with others, hang in there,
          gently care for the hurting, and exercise self-control.
     I am your Sovereign with your best interests at heart—obey Me.
     Revere My Sovereignty—gain victory over evil habits.
     I am the Answer to wickedness—challenging you to a holy lifestyle.

I am the King of kings—triumph in My active help.
     I am your Power for living—Enabler in every tough situation.
     I make Myself at home in your heart—
          so resurrection power is yours to live a royal lifestyle.
     My Holy Spirit lives in you—rise above your materialistic culture!
     Soar above mediocrity, outrun temptation, and outwalk lethargy.
     I am your Savior bringing out the best in you—stay close to Me.
     Rejoice in My strength—desperately depend on Me and be strong.
     I am the Answer to weakness—crowning your humility.
     Submit as a willing subject of the King of hearts—be subject to change.


                                                                                                       

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 231, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

You are Yahweh, Most High over all the earth, far transcending all gods.
PSALM 97:9 TNJB

I am Most High over earth—exalt Me above all false gods of the heart.
     Idols are low-life—I am the Infinite High God.
     Idols are deaf—I pay attention to every prayerful word.
     Idols are heartless and insensitive—I care deeply about you.
     Idols are blind—I am aware of every agony, attitude, and action.
     Take the high road of eminent domain, not the low road of idolatry.
     Surrender to My Transcendent Highness!

I am Most High over everything—understand that idolatry is insanity.
     Decisions built on atheism construct a dead-end road.
     Take the high road of enthusiastic devotion, not the low road of irreverence.
     Submit in thoughtful homage!

I am Most High over ethics—live as a child of the Light.
     Avoid shadows—do not scurry like a cockroach in dark corners.
     Stay close to My heart and make Me the Tour Guide on your journey,
          then you will not be down-in-the-mouth for fear of being found out.
     Take the high road of excellent determination, not the low road of iniquity.
     Struggle on in My transforming holiness!

I am Most High over eternity—feel for people who are joyless.
     Let your heart go out to those who do not worship Me—
          people who will one day sadly experience My wrath firsthand.
     The other side of mercy’s coin has a cutting edge—there is hell to pay!
     Take the high road of expectant deliverance, not the low road of incredulity.
     See the terrifying hereafter!

I am Most High over ecstasy—celebrate My reign as King of the cosmos.
     I am Lord of the universe—so all will ultimately be right with the world.
     With very little to celebrate in your unbalanced world,
          here is a great reason to rejoice—I am redeeming you from sin.
     Someday it will become crystal clear that I am absolutely right—
          and that I am earth’s Rightful Ruler.
     Take the high road of exultant delight, not the low road of indifference.
     Sing in triumphant happiness!

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 230, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our maker.
PSALM 95:6 NLT
 

In a quicksand world, I am your Rock.
     Without My foundation, you would crumble.
     Rely on Me—steady as you go.

In a sad world, I am your Joy.
     In My Presence, shout a thousand hallelujahs.
     Think more and thank more—sing My praises.

In a rebellious world, I am your King.
     I am the Creator stronger than creation.
     Surrender to the Sovereign—be subject to change.

In an impersonal world, I am your Friend.
     In perfect storms, I quiet high seas and calm palpitating hearts.
     Relax in My Presence—trust the Lord of your rocking boat.

In an irreverent world, I am your God.
     You are not self-made, you know—I am your Maker.
     Humble your heart before Me—submit to My powerful love.

In a sinful world, I am your Redeemer.
     Without Me, you would be a lost sheep; with Me, you are a liberated saint.
     Near My heart, you experience true freedom—stay close.

In an apathetic world, I am your Inspiration.
     You are My work of art—heaven’s masterpiece.
     Work diligently for Me using inexhaustible infinite power.
     You are born from above—by grace, survive the turmoil.

In a hectic world, I am your Home.
     Trade your impossibly crazy schedule for My sweet rest.
     Exchange your egocentric madness for My gentle caring.
     Give up your obsessive compulsiveness for My serenity.
     Settle down and make yourself at home—worship Me.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 229, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Judgment will again become saving justice,
and in its wake all upright hearts will follow.
PSALM 94:15 TNJB

The ebb and flow of life’s forces may sometimes seem out of control—
     against the right and righteous, opposed to My purpose and people.
Have faith in Me—believe I can turn the tide.

I am the God of Vengeance.
     At times it appears to you the score is “Evil 29, Good 0.”
     Look beyond the size of the opponent and scoreboard numbers,
          and hopelessness will be overshadowed by the Light.
     The battle is not over.
          Jesus who died shall be satisfied, and earth and heaven be one.
          (Maltbie Babcock, “This is My Father’s World”)
     I will turn the tide of infidelity—in its wake judgment will prevail.
     Calm down.

I am the God of Vision.
     Through My revelation, you are revitalized.
     Through My moral teaching, you are transformed.
     Through My law, you learn how to live.
     I turn the tide of ignorance—in its wake spiritual progress prevails.
     Wise up.

I am the God of Vitality.
     When you think you are about to go under, I under stand you.
     When question marks fill your mind, I quiet your heart.
     When you stagger, I am your Strength.
     When perplexity crowds your innermost self, I cheer your soul.
     I turn the tide of infirmity—in its wake joy prevails.
     Cheer up.

I am the God of Victory.
     I am earth’s Just Judge—My turn of events will be the right turn.
     I am Sovereign of nations, Savior of what is next—I guarantee triumph.
     I will turn the tide of injustice—in its wake justice will prevail.
     Rest assured.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 228, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusts in Thee.

                                                                                                                          Isaiah 26:3 MLB

            Recently a popular comedian commented on the liftoff of astronauts bound for the International Space Station: “They left earth—good choice!” 

Sometimes life almost feels like more than we can take—the lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, uncertain future, economic distress, America in turmoil,

worries about COVID-19 spiking, peaceful protests turning violent.

            I’ll never forget an anonymous quote someone gave me years ago: “Refuse to be discouraged by the many signs that planet earth is the insane asylum of the solar system.” Indeed!  It seems at times that the whole world is going crazy. God gave humans brains—why don’t people use them? Is reason not better than rage? Why can’t folks protest without vandalism? Will our nation survive all this? Will we ever learn from history?

            As Christians, we want to do the right things. We can and should pray for our president, governors, mayors, law enforcement personnel, and fellow citizens.

We can and should check on our neighbors and ask if they need help during these unprecedented times. We can and should stay in close contact with our family and

do what we can to stay close to them. And we can and should ask the Lord to give us wisdom and grace to show compassion to all, remembering Plato’s advice—

“Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” 

            In the “eye” of a hurricane, the center area of the storm—winds are mostly calm. In the midst of pandemonium, there is peace for the trusting heart. Trusting the Prince of Peace, let’s KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON.

    (c) Johnny R. Almond

Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church

     Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity