The LORD said to me in the strongest terms: “Do not think like everyone else does. Do not be afraid some plan conceived behind closed doors will be the end of you.
Do not fear anything except the LORD Almighty. He alone is the Holy One. If you fear him, you need fear nothing else. He will keep you safe.”
ISAIAH 8:11-14a NLT
I am Jehovah—My faithful love for you is as certain as sunrise.
I am totally consistent in My care for you today, tomorrow, and always.
I am Almighty God—My power is unrivaled in the entire universe.
I am stronger than any evil force that might strike against you.
Hiding in the Rock of Ages, you can be confident of My protective care.
Fearing Me, you need have no fear of anything else.
Have NO FEAR of meeting your Savior face to face—look forward to it.
Stay close so when I return you will be courageous and unashamed.
Have NO FEAR of people—they are just mere mortals.
Do not get caught up in being a people-pleaser; instead, aim for My smile.
Have NO FEAR of death—My Son died to break Satan’s stranglehold.
When you close your eyes on earth, you will open them in paradise.
Have NO FEAR of hell—you are in the best of hands, the hands of Jesus.
He went to hell awhile so you would not have to; He is leading you to heaven.
Have NO FEAR of Satan—he is not as strong as the One living within you.
He is the god of the world you live in, but I am the God of all worlds.
Have NO FEAR of trouble—whatever happens, I am your Mighty Fortress.
I am not, as atheists say, a very absent help in times of trouble!
Have NO FEAR of things that go bump in the night—I am your Night Light.
I protect you around the clock; day and night are the same to Me.
Have NO FEAR of fear—I still hush high seas to sleep, so you can sleep.
Do not be terrified. Immanuel is with you, so everything will be all right
The LORD himself will choose the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel – “God is with us.”
ISAIAH 7:14 NLT
You are not alone, though you sometimes feel lonely—I am with you.
When you are unsure which way to turn, I am your Wonderful Counselor.
When you are feeling weak-kneed, I am your Mighty God.
When your life is falling apart, I am your Everlasting Father.
When you are frazzled by pandemonium, I am your Prince of Peace.
When you feel like you have made a fool of yourself, I am your Wisdom.
When you are burdened by your sinfulness, I am your Righteousness.
When you are struggling with impurity, I am your Holiness.
When you are chafing under sin’s shackles, I am your Redeemer.
When you are trying to break bad habits, I am your Liberator.
When you are needing companionship, I am your Greatest Friend.
When you are puzzled by life’s complexity, I am your Guide.
When you are wondering if you will survive difficulty, I am your Faith.
When you feel like singing the blues, I am your Jazz.
When you are tired in My work, I am your Energy.
When you are feeling guilty, I am your Defense Counsel.
When your heart is aching, I am your Comforter.
When you are disappointed, I am your Consoler.
When you are in peril, I am your Helper.
When fiery arrows of temptation are aimed at you, I am your Shield.
When you are on high seas, I am your Captain at the helm.
When you are riding an emotional roller coaster, I am your Seatmate.
When perplexing cares crowd your mind, I am your Center of Gravity.
When worry about needs steals your sleep, I am your Shepherd.
When the night seems interminable, I am your Light.
When your situation is uncertain, I am your Anchor.
When you are on sinking sand, I am your Solid Rock.
When despair threatens your soul, I am your Melody of Hope.
When tears soak your pillow, I am your Dawn.
When current events depress you, I am your Bright Morning Star.
When you feel a little down, remember your Greatest Blessing—God.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 262, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
The LORD will settle international disputes.
All nations will beat their swords into plowshares and spears into pruning hooks.
All wars will stop, and military training will come to an end.
Come, people of Israel, let us walk in the light of the LORD!
ISAIAH 2:4-5 NLT
Military solutions fail—
“The war to end all wars” (H. G. Wells) has not yet been fought.
Political solutions fail—
Platforms articulate high-sounding goals, yet rarely achieve them.
Economic solutions fail—
Rich and poor live on opposite track sides, and inequity continues.
The best humans can do to fix the world’s problems is not good enough.
The return of My Son is the ultimate solution to war.
Millions have died in the holocaust and carnage of combat;
but when Christ puts His foot down on the Mount of Olives,
the human situation will at last change for the better. Walk in My Light and do not sit out My dance in despair—live hopefully.
The love of My Son is the ultimate solution to guilt.
His cross work makes you more than okay—you are the apple of My eye.
Relying on the Prince of Peace, your heart is tranquilized and poised. Walk in My Light and do not trudge in self-condemnation—live freely.
The power of My Son is the ultimate solution to sin.
Addiction to evil brings misery, but Christ is the Key to freedom.
Stay focused on Him, and you will enjoy perfect peace. Walk in My Light and stay out of the darkness—live victoriously.
The reign of My Son is the ultimate solution to unrest.
Dependence on technology disappoints; so does relying on money.
Want peace of mind? Resign as General Manager of the universe. Walk in My Light and do not stumble in the dark—live peacefully.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 261, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Set me as a seal upon thine heart . . . for love is strong as death.
SONG OF SOLOMON 8:6 KJV
Once upon a time—
Before I whispered stars into being, locked planets in proper orbits,
designed intergalactic traffic patterns, set sun and moon in place,
painted hopeful sunrises and victorious sunsets,
or suspended the big blue marble you call home in space—
I loved you with an everlasting love.
I am the God with a heart—I am Love.
I love you with a love that began eons before you did.
My love for the world and for you is the greatest love story ever told.
It is a true story—no truer words were ever spoken than My promises.
I am constructing far more than a honeymoon cottage.
Heaven on earth will materialize—your home will not disappoint you.
It is a sacrificial story—no one ever loved you like My Son Jesus.
He proved the depth of His love for you at a place called Skull Hill.
Crucified by hateful hands, Jesus loved the world to His final breath.
It is a tender story—you are engaged to be married to your soul’s Lover.
My Holy Spirit entering your heart was My first kiss.
Cascading through your inner being is a Fountain of eternal love.
It is a hopeful story—I seal your heart in love, so you are Mine eternally.
The King of hearts will host the Lamb’s celebrative wedding banquet.
Nothing in the world can keep heaven’s dream for you from coming true.
It is a sweet story—your Heavenly Bridegroom’s love encircles you.
My everlasting arms embrace you and nestle you near My heart.
My love is infinitely patient, incredibly kind, and perfectly jealous.
It is a never-ending story—My love for you will last forever.
I have always loved you, and I always will.
Accept My love—and live happily ever after.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 260, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
You’re beautiful from head to toe, my dear love,
beautiful beyond compare, absolutely flawless.
SONG OF SONGS 4:7 THE MESSAGE
My heartfelt desire for you is that you reflect My beauty in every way.
My heart yearns for you to be holy and pure in thoughts and deeds.
My dearest dream for you is that you become like My Son.
Christ gave Himself for you to cleanse and beautify you by His lifeblood.
He paid an awful price to free you of sin’s addictive, destructive power.
His challenging teaching is the highway to holy joy.
His life is the example you must follow to make My dream come true.
Ultimately you will stand in My Presence—at last like your Lord.
Until then, I expect you to struggle daily to become more like Me.
Otherwise, My dream of love will turn into a grotesque nightmare.
One day I will make earth heaven and restore it to its intended joy.
One day I will establish a Kingdom where sin is an impossibility.
Today I am hoping you will do a little dreaming of your own—
attempting what some call an impossible dream—living like Jesus.
I will never stop working in you until you become what I want you to be—
unblemished by sin, unwrinkled by sloth, absolutely perfect.
Let Me tell you more about My dream for you—
that your smile would be strong with joy—unruffled by skepticism,
that your face would be radiant with hope—unfurrowed by worry,
that your eyes would be sparkling with peace—undisturbed by fear,
that your chin would be high with dignity—unintimidated by anxiety,
that your heart would delight in My company—undistracted by rivals,
that your mind would revel in My words—unspoiled by verbiage,
that your behavior would reflect Christ’s lifestyle—unaltered by ego,
that My dream would become your own—undestroyed by ambition.
I will never give up on My dream for you—you must not give up either.
Struggle on toward Christ’s perfection—sweet dreams.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 259, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes.
ECCLESIASTES 10:4
If you can maintain composure in the storm,
sailing through troubled seas on an even keel—
you can vindicate your faith in the Lord of your rocking boat.
Keeping a clear mind in chaos guides your soul into a calm harbor.
Losing your head in anger gives the Devil a foothold.
Hungry? Angry? Lonely? Tired? Halt!
Patience and soft speech give Me room to work reconciling wonders.
A spiritual diet from the orchard of Spirit fruits enriches your life—
love, not hate; joy, not despair; peace, not pandemonium;
patience, not irritability; kindness, not cruelty; generosity, not selfishness;
fidelity, not fickleness; gentleness, not rudeness; self-control, not panic.
I am the God of Order, not disorder.
I am always composed—there are never any emergencies in heaven.
The more orderly you are, the more you are like Me.
The more you quietly trust Me, the more unruffled you will be.
Let the Wonderful Counselor guide you through life’s maze,
the Mighty God arm you for spiritual battles with evil,
the Everlasting Father stabilize you in change,
and the Prince of Peace calm you in chaos.
John Greenleaf Whittier expressed a real serenity prayer in his poem
“The Brewing of Soma” from which is excerpted the hymn
“Dear Lord and Father of Mankind”: Drop Thy still dews of quietness, till all our strivings cease;
Take from our souls the strain and stress, let our ordered lives confess
the beauty of Thy peace.
Everything nailed down coming loose? In My Presence—relax.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 258, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
If you fail under pressure, your strength is not very great. PROVERBS 24:10 NLT
High-pressure situations give you a chance to experience My grace.
Trouble is good for you—if you get to know Me better in the process.
It is not a question of if, but when trouble will come your way.
When it does, you will unravel if you depend on your own ingenuity.
The Empowering One living within you is your Secret of survival.
You are ready for anything the world throws at you in His strength.
Attempt to steer your own course when you encounter high seas,
and your small boat will be demolished on the rocks.
Let Me have the helm, and you will celebrate tranquil harbors.
Grace-less, you cannot do anything; grace-full, you can do everything.
Rely on My omnipotence—I will see you through any emergency.
When you are exhausted, focus on Jesus and you can finish the race.
I have been managing the universe for eons, without fainting.
I have untiringly directed intergalactic traffic patterns, through all time.
When you are tired and worn out, My strength is still available.
When your energy is depleted, Mine is undiminished.
Though you are weary, you do not have to give up if you trust Me.
Adversity University graduates honor students.
Frightening thunderstorms paint beautiful rainbows.
Tough situations develop uncompromising character.
Crises prove your mettle.
Running the Faith Marathon trains you to persevere.
Stress keeps kites flying high in the air.
Headwinds lift wings to get aircraft off the runway.
A crucible transforms crude ore into pure gold.
Coal under pressure changes into diamonds.
Grace under pressure leads to glory.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 256, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Choose a good reputation over great riches,
for being held in high esteem is better than having silver or gold.
PROVERBS 22:1 NLT
Choose reverence, not egotism—gain a reputation for godliness.
If you were self-made, that would relieve Me of a great responsibility!
No matter what others do, make the personal choice to serve Jehovah.
Choose carefulness, not carelessness—gain a reputation for prudence.
See the “bridge-out” sign; take precautions, or you will be sorry.
Watch your step—a roaring lion is on the prowl for victims to shred.
Choose worship, not arrogance—gain a reputation for humility.
Fear Me, then you will not have to fear disgrace or death.
Draw close and I will be real to you; honor Me and I will honor you.
Choose generosity, not stinginess—gain a reputation for compassion.
Feed the poor, for someday your stomach may be growling in hunger.
Scatter seeds of kindness everywhere and the harvest will be joyful.
Choose purity, not lust—gain a reputation for fidelity.
Run from temptation—never saunter through hell’s red light district.
Shun pornography and all sexual sin—do not desecrate My sanctuary!
Choose trust, not doubt—gain a reputation for faith.
Lean your complete personality on Me in absolute confidence.
Then My power, wisdom, and goodness will see you through anything.
Choose calm, not anger—gain a reputation for peacemaking.
Avoid short-tempered fools—run with dogs, and you will get their fleas.
Troublemakers are the Devil’s children; peacemakers are Mine.
A sterling reputation is better than winning the lottery.
A good name is more valuable than money invested in the bank.
Choose wisely—and you will earn a choice reputation.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 255, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
If the righteous are rewarded here on earth,
how much more true that the wicked and the sinner will get what they deserve.
PROVERBS 11:31
What you think, you become. What you speak echoes in your own soul.
What you do ricochets to help or to haunt, to bless or to curse you.
I wrote the principle of cause and effect into the code of the universe.
I wove the law of the harvest into the moral fabric of life.
You invariably reap what you sow.
Want a different crop? Plant different seed.
Proverbs state the case succinctly.
Humility precedes wisdom—conceit sets people up for disgrace.
Honesty builds a good reputation—treachery is self-destructive.
Godliness lifts the spirit—evil burdens souls with crushing guilt.
The quest for Christlikeness frees—selfish ambition traps.
Uncompromising righteousness safeguards—wickedness troubles.
Careful speech enhances friendship—careless words break hearts.
Kindness nourishes life—cruelty is deadly.
Integrity will not go unrewarded—perversity will not go unpunished.
Believers look forward to heaven—skeptics have hell to pay.
Openhearted generosity increases wealth—stinginess impoverishes.
Searching for goodness leads to joy—seeking evil leads to despair.
Trusting Me brings security—trusting money fosters insecurity.
Saints will be recompensed—sinners will get what is coming to them.
Every action rebounds with an equal and opposite reaction.
This is true in the moral realm, not just in physics.
Things do not happen by chance—what goes around, comes around.
Your circumstances result from your character and conduct.
Virtue leads to victory—vice leads to defeat.
These connections are evident now—or will be crystal clear someday.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 253, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
