The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.
My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Psalm 28:7 NIV
I am your Strength. When you seek Me, I never turn a deaf ear. I am not, as the skeptics claim, “a very absent help in time of trouble.” When you stand in need, I am only a prayer away. Whatever enemies you face, I take your side.
Your critical need for forgiveness is met by infinite love and mercy. Your desperate need for victory is answered by supernatural assistance. Your pivotal need for friendship is found in the Shepherd’s tender care. Your crucial need for reinforcement is nourished in waiting on Jehovah—enabling you to walk farther than the fainthearted and lethargic, run faster than the tempter, and soar higher than the mediocre.
You have found the secret of surviving all situations—Christ’s help. Infused with His strength, you are ready for anything life throws at you. Relying on His power, you can live to tell about difficult circumstances. Inspired by His example, you can hold your head high and march forward.
I am your Shield. Your deep need for tranquility is met by My gift of peace of mind. As you pray about every situation and thank Me for My responses to your needs, perfect peace forms a bulwark around you and fills your mind with thoughts of your Savior’s love. You cannot comprehend this; neither can you define or explain it, but you can experience it.
The Breath of heaven holds you together. Do not try to go it alone—take My hand and journey on.
I am your Song. Trust Unfailing Love and celebrate total salvation. Sing a new song every day—praise Me from wake-up call to lullaby.
Your crucial need for lightheartedness is met by My Presence. You cannot always be happy in your circumstances, but you can always rejoice in your inner-stances. I am the God of your life—I meet all your needs out of My unlimited resources. I am Everything You Ever Really Need in life. What more could you ask?
I have always loved and cared for you—rest assured I always will. Review the history of our relationship, and be hopeful for your tomorrows. “In all of life’s ebb and flow,” as Luther Bridgers celebrates in his hymn “He Keeps Me Singing,” I will keep you “singing as you go.”
The Lord is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? Psalm 27:1aNLT
The light of courage dispels the darkness of cowardice. Faith is the antidote to fear’s poison. Fear Me and you need fear nothing else! Trust the Solid Rock in a quicksand world—I will never disappoint you. Stay close to My heart— change will not throw you. Rely on Me—storms will not dismay you. Build on Christ as your Foundation—be well.
The light of conquest dispels the darkness of defeatism. The dark side cannot vanquish the trusting heart, because I am the Victor. I am your Strength, so do not let anything Satan hurls scare you. Jesus plus any problem equals victory. Hide in Me, your Fortress—win.
The light of communion dispels the darkness of self-centeredness. I am your Salvation,so you are satisfied in all circumstances. Happiness comes and goes; joy stays. I am your Felicity—worship.
The light of companionship dispels the darkness of loneliness. I am your Song, so youare not down-in-the-mouth. In the hymn “Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus,” Anna Russell reveals an unfailing source of music: “There is never a day so dreary, there is never a night so long, but the soul that is trusting Jesus will somewhere find a song.” I am your Friend—enjoy My welcome.
The light of counsel dispels the darkness of ignorance. My guidance may seem slowin coming to you, but it is a reliable light to guide your way. Live more by faith,less by sight. Use faith eyes to see invisible realities. I am your Father—live by My wisdom.
The light of confidence dispels the darkness of pessimism. There is Light beyond lightat the end of the tunnel of despair. No matter how depressing current events, look forward to My promised tomorrow. The future is bright as My promises. I am your Future—just wait!
A new day is dawning. You can choose to be anxious about it, or you can choose to be enthusiastic about it. How you choose will determine your day. Gaze reverently on the cross—it shines as a plus sign that dispels all darkness.
Do not reclaim unnecessary lost baggage of fear, negativism, egocentricity,melancholy, conceit, and despair—now is the perfect time to lose your luggage. Walk as a child of the Light—travel light!
Just as the lightning flashes from the east and shines and is seen as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be. Watch [be cautious and active] for you do not know in what kind of a day your Lord is coming.
MATTHEW 24:27, 42 THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE
My return will be evident to skeptics—the end of the world for atheists.
Those who thought it would never happen will be convinced—too late.
My Presence will be as obvious as lightning lighting up the entire sky.
The Second Coming is more than a doctrine—it will really happen.
You can count on it—you have My Word.
The King’s return will be unmistakable.
My return will be exciting to saints—the ecstasy of worship for believers.
The King of kings will unite unsettled nations and rule the universe.
The surprise and shock will be more than many people can bear.
The Second Coming will bring the future perfect tense I have promised.
Everything will be transformed for the better when I put My foot down.
The King’s return will be unimaginably beautiful.
My return will be enlightening to the sincere—
the encouragement of wonder for the redeemed.
The triumph of righteousness will obliterate the darkness of evil.
Constellations will fade in the light of the Bright Morning Star.
To the lost, My return will mean tragedy—outer darkness with no exit.
To the saved, My Second Coming will mean triumph—eternal light.
The King’s return will bring unending celebration.
My return will be embarrassing to the slothful—
the exposing of waste to the lazy.
The unprepared will blush with shame—and cry tears of futile regret.
The King’s return, to them, will be uncomfortable—to say the least.
Are you surrendered to Me as your King? Then be subject to change!
Are you convinced I am actually going to return? Then live like it!
Are you persuaded you have an interview with Me? Then get ready!
(c) PastorJohnny R. Almond, Day 311 Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Be still, and know that I am God ... Selah. Psalm 46:10a, 11b NIV
Uncomfortable with silence? Addicted to the comfort of noise? Why not turn off all your gadgets, call a halt to your hectivity for a day, and ponder awhile what you are aiming for and why you are living? Acknowledge that I am totally, eternally, and irrevocably responsible for everything. Get out of fast forward mode—push the pause button…
I am your Eternal Refuge in the storms of life. In difficulties, I am your Mighty Fortress. In faith quakes, I am your Rock. On high seas, I am your Captain. I am not a very absent help in time of trouble—I am your Invincible Hiding Place. Satan cannot disturb your rest when you are nestling near My heart. I am your Castle of courage—when you are humbly relying on My grace, NO FEAR is far more than a t-shirt motto. Exit bumper-to-bumper high-speed traffic—take a scenic route.
In the turmoil of life’s hectic pace and pandemonium, pause and calmly think about Me—I calm your raging storms by My Presence.
I am your Ecstatic Resource in the sorrows of life. I am your Delightful Festival of celebration, cascading your inner being with joy from the unseen river of My Holy Spirit. Perfect peace cures worry. Heaven-given patience slows hurry. Living Water quenches soul thirst. Jerusalem did not have a river, but it had the Lord Almighty. I was more than enough for them—and I am more than enough for you.
In the trauma of life’s pain, pause and calmly think about Me—I cure your sadness by My peace.
I am your Exalted Ruler in the struggles of life. I am the Prince of Peace who will transform unsettled nations into united nations, inspire warriors to become farmers, and halt senseless combat. Human solutions have not fixed the problems of planet Earth. The military solution has only aggravated international disputes. The economic solution has widened the gap between the rich and poor. The political solution has broken innumerable empty promises. The white-horse Rider who judges righteously is heaven’s Final Answer. I am your Dependable Future of confidence—brightening tomorrow.
In the terror of life’s perplexity, pause and calmly think about Me—I cheer your soul by My promise.
The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.
LUKE 19:10 MLB
I could have saved Myself a lot of trouble, if I had stayed by My Father’s side;
instead, I made Myself nothing, donned the garb of a slave,
and died a criminal’s death on a Roman cross.
Skull Hill was a long way from glory.
I went to hell so you would not have to.
I became a servant so you could avoid self-destructiveness.
I was crucified so you could be changed for the better.
I was deserted so you could enjoy the pleasure of My company.
I became the Son of Man so you could become a child of God.
I died in your place so you could live in Mine.
I came to the world not just to challenge you to seek higher goals—
I came to off er you My forgiveness and mercy and grace.
I condescended to save you from sin’s penalty, power, and presence.
Heartfelt faith in the Savior and public confession of allegiance to Me
sets you on the road to heaven.
If you have taken this first step of trust in Me, you are free of guilt—
no longer on death row, no more condemned to torment!
When your old life of sin is buried with Christ, you live a new, free life.
One day you will be like Me—this is My dream and your destiny.
Salvation is a process I began in your heart—I intend to complete it.
I could have saved Myself from physical death had I descended the cross;
instead, I saved believers from spiritual death by staying on the cross.
If I had saved Myself from humiliation, you could not be saved from hell.
My heart goes out to all people—I died for the sins of the entire world.
I did not leave heaven to seek smug legalists and self-righteous snobs—
but sinners who are painfully aware of their moral failure.
Religionists who think they are good enough have no interest in Me.
Humble souls understand My purpose—smart-alecks are clueless.
Glory will fill your soul when you know why heaven visited earth.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 318, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
I lovingly embrace you and faithfully carry you close to My heart. What difference does it really make? All the difference in the world! When you follow Me as your Shepherd, I take good care of you.
Hungry? I alone can satisfy your heart’s deepest hunger. Like a sheep after a satisfying meal, you lie down in a green meadow to take a nap—content.
Falling apart under stress? Take My hand—I will lead you by peaceful streams where you will not be frightened and you can enjoy My poise.
Tottering? Look to Me for strength for life’s challenges—soar higher than mediocrity, run faster than temptation, walk farther than lethargy. Find renewed energy in the pleasure of My company.
Yearning to be holy? My paths are right and honorable—walk on them and grow in My likeness.
Troubled at the thought of dying? Do not fear—I am with you. I will protect and comfort you as you cross the dark valley to the city of light.
Encircled by foes? Take a seat at My table—enjoy a meal with Me.
Hurting? Divine hospitality cures your headache and heartache.
Unhappy? Look around—then look up and thank Me for overflowing blessings in your life. I do not just hang one star in the sky—I spangle nights with countless constellations. I do not plant only a single flower for your viewing enjoyment—I arrange whole fields. I do more than toss occasional blessings—goodness cascades from My heart to yours day after day.
Feeling unloved in an uncaring world? Nestle near My heart, and My goodness and unfailing love will warm yours. It can indeed be a cold, cruel world—as I learned firsthand when I visited your tilted planet—but I am the heartwarming God.
Longing for permanence? Heaven on earth will bring you an unchanging address. Better than hope-so, maybe-so, guess-so talk—know-so confidence faces forever with unflinching faith in your Shepherd. I am your Center of Gravity—everything you need in time and eternity. Follow Me—I will get you home.
Why are You so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?
Psalm 22:1THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE
The place of the skull was a place of doubt. My Son thought I had forsaken Him. In sadness, you feel you are in a God-forsaken place. When you need Me the most, you may sometimes conclude I am hiding. Skeptics are no help— they mockingly tell you I am a very absent help in trouble. Then you remember I have promised never to leave you alone.
The place of the skull was a place of desperation. Golgotha meant groaning for Jesus. Cries for His Father’s help ascended from the cross. In times of sorrow, you feel a little like He did. Oppressed by the enemy, you mourn. Prayer seems pointless in pain. “Why bother?” you ask. When you reach the end of your rope, tie a prayer knot and hang on. When it is hardest to pray, pray your hardest. I bless desperation.
The place of the skull was a place of derision. Calvary meant contempt for Christ. Carrying your cross will bring a similar response. Human scorn may lower your self-esteem to that of a worm! Sarcasm may hurt your heart. Enemies of righteousness will taunt you, “So where is this God of yours you claim is so helpful?” Unbelievers have no time for Me or you—uninterested in holiness, they take aim at anyone who is. The world is not a friend to grace, to help you get nearer Me. So keep your eyes on Jesus your Friend.
The place of the skull was a place of death. Jesus died on His cross—die on yours. Discipleship means death to self. The cross crosses out “I.” Die to selfishness and find self-fulfillment. Shoulder your cross for My sake, and discover life’s truest meaning. Deny yourself, and come alive.
The place of the skull was a place of deliverance. Rejection was not the end of Jesus’ story; I had a surprise for the world—resurrection! My love for you began before you were born and will continue infinitely beyond the day of your death. Eternal life will be yours—abundant life is yours you rise above moral corruption and spiritual death.
Jesus was mocked so you could inherit a mansion. He was deserted so you could be delighted by the pleasure of My company. He was crucified so you could be changed. He went to hell for a while so you could go to heaven forever. He bore a gory cross so you could wear a glorious crown. Walk in His steps even though it hurts— total redemption is on the way!
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 199 Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Why are You so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?
Psalm 22:1THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE
The place of the skull was a place of doubt. My Son thought I had forsaken Him. In sadness, you feel you are in a God-forsaken place. When you need Me the most, you may sometimes conclude I am hiding. Skeptics are no help— they mockingly tell you I am a very absent help in trouble. Then you remember I have promised never to leave you alone.
The place of the skull was a place of desperation. Golgotha meant groaning for Jesus. Cries for His Father’s help ascended from the cross. In times of sorrow, you feel a little like He did. Oppressed by the enemy, you mourn. Prayer seems pointless in pain. “Why bother?” you ask. When you reach the end of your rope, tie a prayer knot and hang on. When it is hardest to pray, pray your hardest. I bless desperation.
The place of the skull was a place of derision. Calvary meant contempt for Christ. Carrying your cross will bring a similar response. Human scorn may lower your self-esteem to that of a worm! Sarcasm may hurt your heart. Enemies of righteousness will taunt you, “So where is this God of yours you claim is so helpful?” Unbelievers have no time for Me or you—uninterested in holiness, they take aim at anyone who is. The world is not a friend to grace, to help you get nearer Me. So keep your eyes on Jesus your Friend.
The place of the skull was a place of death. Jesus died on His cross—die on yours. Discipleship means death to self. The cross crosses out “I.” Die to selfishness and find self-fulfillment. Shoulder your cross for My sake, and discover life’s truest meaning. Deny yourself, and come alive.
The place of the skull was a place of deliverance. Rejection was not the end of Jesus’ story; I had a surprise for the world—resurrection! My love for you began before you were born and will continue infinitely beyond the day of your death. Eternal life will be yours—abundant life is yours you rise above moral corruption and spiritual death.
Jesus was mocked so you could inherit a mansion. He was deserted so you could be delighted by the pleasure of My company. He was crucified so you could be changed. He went to hell for a while so you could go to heaven forever. He bore a gory cross so you could wear a glorious crown. Walk in His steps even though it hurts— total redemption is on the way!
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 199 Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 02:17 pm
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Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Psalm 20:7NIV
When you are in distress, I am your Vitality. When life crashes and you send out an SOS, I quickly respond to your desperation. I do not give you an attitude of paralyzing fear or immobilizing timidity—I embolden action, intensify compassion, and calm anxieties. Do not go to pieces when trouble comes—I hold you together. Discover the secret of surviving every situation—lean on Almighty God!
When you are discouraged, I am your Valiancy. When the fight is fiercest, I amon the front line with you. With My support, you will not sink—you will soar high on eagle’s wings. You can be strong, not intimidated; brave-hearted, not cowardly; faith-full, not fearful; determined, not irresolute—all because of Me. There is a Higher Power on your side, fighting your battles for you—press on!
When you are bothered by doubt, I am your Vision. Your devotion to Me will eventually be openly vindicated. Place your life on the altar of surrender, and I promise to remember your sacrifice and smile on your efforts in My cause. Detractors judge worship worthless, but unfolding developments will prove its worth. When time gives way to eternity and human governments are replaced by My throne, the wisdom of worship will be crystal clear to the entire universe. On the other side of trouble and sin and sadness—you will sing My praises, serve Me wholeheartedly, enjoy face-to-face communion, and reign with Me forever. So make a conscious effort to live a pure life.
Lowell’s poem “The Present Crisis” eloquently expresses ultimate reality:
Then to side with Truth is noble when we share her wretched crust,
Ere her cause bring fame and profit, and ’tis prosperous to be just;
Then it is the brave man chooses, while the coward stands aside,
Doubting in his abject spirit, till his Lord is crucified,
And the multitude make virtue of the faith they had denied.
It may seem at times you are on the brink of defeat, but that will never happen, because I am your Victory. Life’s battles may occasionally make you weak-kneed, but you do not buckle under—stand tall! Military armed forces cannot stop evil fiends attacking your heart; cruise missiles and fighter jets will not help in this fight with the Devil. The sure formula for spiritual conquest is to earnestly seek My help. Include Me in your formula for living—and you are sure to win!
