Nevertheless the Lord raised up judges, who saved them from those who plundered them.
Judges 2:16 MLB
Gaze into the mirror of My Word—and see yourself there. Like My people Israel, you go round and round in the vicious circle of obedience, rebellion, heartbreak, repentance, forgiveness, fresh start, obedience, rebellion, heartbreak…
Every time you wander after so-called gods, you are disappointed. Everywhere you turn, everything goes wrong. Without God, life falls apart. In your despair, you cry out for heaven’s deliverance.
Because of My eternal covenant, I have compassion for you. I freed you from sin’s slavery to bring you to the promised land of rich spiritual life. My Word is as good as I am—I will never, in any situation, take back a single word I have said. I will not break My promise. I have always loved you and I always will. My faithful love endures forever. I hold you in omnipotent hands, so no force can wrench you from My care. I am Love—my heart will not let Me give up on you or let you go.
In spite of your recidivism—chronic, habitual relapse into sin—My steadfast love is rock steady. You are changeable and erratic in your devotion to Me; however, I am unvaryingly faithful to you.
Let My unchangeableness inspire you to greater loyalty. Hold your head high, march in step with My Holy Spirit, and live enthusiastically for Me. Continue to trust Me. Persist in serving Me. Rest assured that nothing you do in My Name wastes time.
You are sinful—nevertheless, I am your Savior. When you cry out for pardon, I rescue you from despair. When you acknowledge transgression, I am faithful to cleanse you of every wrong. When I see the trouble you are in, My heart goes out to you and My hand rescues you. My mercy has no boundary. Rebellion does not cancel redemption. In spite of everything you do, I forgive.
You are aware of your corrupt nature. You have experienced My kindness and patience with you. You have learned you can conquer temptation by relying on Me. Let these facts spur you on to aim for Christlikeness. When you wander from My side, listen for your Gentle Shepherd’s voice leading you to return to righteous paths.
Heaven’s nevertheless of grace infinitely exceeds your sin. No matter how you misbehave, My love is never the less.
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church - Friends on a Journey of Faith
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—book available on Amazon
If you are unwilling to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve.
But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15 NLT
It seems less than desirable to some people to serve Me. Like Ruth’s sister-in-law, they revert to their former gods. I challenge you to be like Ruth, insisting on staying with her mother-in-law in Israel. Live near Me in the holy land of the broken heart. Desire nothing in life more than honoring your Creator in your thoughts, words, and deeds. I am the Holy One—reflect My holiness in all you are.
No matter what idols others may choose, give Me full control—gladly follow Me as your Perfect Tour Guide. Listen carefully to the voice of your Shepherd—tune out voices of contemporary rivals. I am the Ardent God—I brook no rivals. No other Savior exists—false gods of the heart rob Me of the supreme allegiance I alone deserve. Resolutely turn away from idols and give your heart unreservedly to Me, the One and Only True God.
Counterfeit gods of sexual lust, selfish greed, and head-swelling self-importance are evil influences that clamor to take charge of your will. Why be preoccupied with physical gratification and human applause, when I offer you a river of infinite joy? Why wander about in a ghetto of poverty and loneliness, when I have prepared a luxurious mansion for you in My eternal city of hope? Why live beneath your means spiritually?
I repeatedly confirm My affection for you. I demonstrate My faithfulness and power in life’s changing seasons. I reveal My wisdom in My Word. I reach out to you in friendship and offer to guide you by My Spirit. Toss idols—trust the Infinite. Put away the dearest idols you have known and make the noble choice to serve Me wholeheartedly—today.
Do not waver in opinions about Me—worship Me with conviction. Do not just silently mull over religious ideas—publicly voice your beliefs. Quit dabbling in sin—get serious about holiness. Recommit yourself to love Me, the Living Lord, and leave lesser gods. Rededicate yourself to lead your family and friends to serve Me and set aside tawdry substitutes. Treasure the Eternal, not the ersatz!
Give Me undivided allegiance, and I will sculpt your attitudes and reactions to be Christlike. Stay focused on Jesus, and you will inspire others to energetically run with you in the Faith Marathon. Example is the only way to influence others—by My grace, set the pace.
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church - Friends on a Journey of Faith
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—book available on Amazon
All the good promises the Lord had given to the family of Israel came true.
Joshua 21:45 NLT
I promise you My Presence. You can always count on My constant companionship. I accompany you every heartbeat—every hour, every day, your lifetime on earth, every phase of your journey, eternally. In sunshine and in shadow, I am closer to you than your hands and feet, nearer than your breathing. Enjoy the pleasure of My company.
I promise you forgiveness. Acknowledge your sins to Me, and rest assured of My faithfulness and mercy to purify you of every wrong. Admit your personal wrongdoing, and state your sincere intention to turn away from evil. You have been pardoned in response to repentance, time and time again. When you trust in the good works of Jesus on the cross, I transform a depressed dirge into a freedom song. Let your heart sing.
I promise you deep and enduring peace of mind—unlike temporary peace the world offers. My Tranquil Spirit will calm your troubled heart in every circumstance, no matter how stressful. Earth life will bring wave after wave of heartache, but you will not drown. You have enjoyed My comfort day after day. Take heart—I still rule the waves on life’s high seas. Your small boat will not sink—I am at the helm. Do not panic—rest in the arms of the Captain. Relax.
I promise to take care of your everyday needs. My Son did not die and rise from the dead so you could just get by. You have enjoyed My lavish hospitality through the years; you have never gone hungry and you never will. Bow your head and say grace. Celebrate.
I promise to strengthen you to face every situation. I will counsel and encourage you. Skies may not always be blue, but I will walk with you through the rain. I will empower you to obey My orders, survive every difficulty, and be ready for whatever happens. You have enjoyed many victories in conflict with spiritual enemies. Every time you have depended on Me to conquer temptation, you have won. Every time you have tried it on your own, you have lost. Success is My way; failure is yours. Seek My strength in prayer, and win against sin.
I promise you heaven. I am preparing a glorious place for you, an environment of untarnished beauty and undying joy. Until then, do not let disappointments throw you—paradise is just around the corner. The future is as bright as My promises. Trust Me—everything will turn out right.
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—available on Amazon
Now tell the Israelites to designate the cities of refuge, as I instructed Moses.
Joshua 20:2
I am your Storm Shelter from guilt—walls of pardon around My city of salvation keep you safe and secure from the Accuser. Despite your best efforts to resist temptation, you sometimes give in and are filled with remorse. Find consolation in Jesus, your Defense Counsel. When the Devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future! Confess your sins to Me—depend on Me to forgive you. Even if your heart condemns you, I will not. In the storm of self-reproach, hide in your Savior.
I am your Storm Shelter from worry—walls of My promises around My city of hope keep you safe and secure from anxiety. Beneath quicksand circumstances, I am the Solid Rock. Life’s roller coaster will not throw you—I am riding right alongside you in all its unpredictable twists and turns, so do not let fear get the best of you. Real trust in Me builds confidence as you encounter time’s vicissitudes on the approach to your eternal destination. Today will not change who I was yesterday; tomorrow I will be the same. I have always loved you—and I always will. In the night of fear, take refuge in faith.
I am your Storm Shelter from temptation—walls of power around My city of grace keep you safe and secure from assault. Be careful that you do not allow false gods of the heart to steal allegiance from Me. Lust for physical gratification, the urge to buy all you desire, conceit based on tangible possessions—the range of temptation—will all ultimately fade into oblivion; but those who live My way will endure eternally. You can only imagine what it will be like when Jesus returns. Until the golden dawn, live purely to prove you are Mine. Battling the evil one, wield a faith shield.
I am your Storm Shelter from doubt—walls of paradise around My city of heaven will keep you safe and secure from Abaddon. Because I live forever, the real you will never die. Because I love you, you are perfectly safe in My arms. I freely care for you, so you can live carefree. I am praying for you, so you can take it easy. You and I are inseparable. In the shadows of uncertainty, take cover in Love. The Mighty Fortress is great enough to protect you whatever happens. Even if you find yourself in the middle of a perfect storm—overwhelmed by a combination of circumstances making your heart palpitate with anxiety—rest assured that heaven is ready for any emergency. However rough the storms may get, seek asylum in My heart and remain inside the walls—enjoy the pleasure of My company.
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church - Friends on a Journey of Faith
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—book available on Amazon
Joshua addressed the People of Israel: “How long are you going to sit around on your hands,
putting off taking possession of the land that GOD, the God of your ancestors, has given you?”
JOSHUA 18:3 THE MESSAGE
Frequently we delay doing the right thing. It is not that we are ignorant of what we should be doing; our sin is procrastination. We keep waiting for “the right time.” Now is the right time! Today is the day of salvation; today is also the day of service. Here and now is all we have. This is a workday—we should not report late!
Putting off tasks that seem overwhelming or disagreeable shows lack of discipline, careless use of time, and disobedience to God. When we are tempted to postpone getting into action by substituting good intentions—we should concentrate on high priority tasks, work as a team with others, and seek encouragement from fellow members of the church.
Our head may be filled with knowledge, but our heart is sometimes slow to act on what we know. Wasting time grieves the heart of God.
I do not think God is impressed by our biblical IQ, if it is not matched by a high spiritual “I do.” Whatever we intend to do for God, we should do it today! It’s time to wake up and follow through on our noble dreams! Here are some practical ways to translate our resolutions into practical deeds—demonstrate love to our family; phone our friends to cheer them up; write a note to someone going through hard times to express concern.
We should not allow our lesser goals to overshadow the kingdom of God—to do so would make us a scatterbrain. After we make sure our ambition and aim are sincere, we must then swiftly obey God’s will. It is high time to passionately, prayerfully, intelligently, and energetically serve our Creator, Redeemer, and Friend. We need to quit staring up the steps and start stepping up the stairs.
Often we allow distractions to hinder our commitment to God. Rather than focusing on claiming our spiritual inheritance, we allow peripheral issues to sidetrack us. Trivial pursuits occupying our time will not matter a century from today. But who we are and what we do for heaven’s sake will matter millenniums from now—and beyond.
Henry David Thoreau was right in Walden—we cannot kill time without injuring eternity.
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church - Friends on a Journey of Faith
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—book available on Amazon
he gave Caleb son of Jephunneh an allotment among the Judahites,
namely the City of Arba, the father of Anak, which is now Hebron.
JOSHUA 15:13MLB
I am your Sovereign—allow Me to choose your lot in life and accompany you as you traverse its emotional topography. I perfectly understand you and I powerfully stand under you. You can trust Me to constantly take care of you. Because I care for you, you can be carefree. Do not complain and bellyache about your circumstances; learn to be content in your inner-stances, whatever lot I assign you. Be satisfied and you will be truly rich. Whether you have little or much, rest assured in the confident awareness that I am leading you to paradise. Celebrate every mile of the journey.
I may give you difficult mountainous terrain, as I did My servant Caleb. Do not pray to live on easy street; pray for strength of character. There may be giants in your territory you will need to expel—drive them out by My authority. I do not give you an attitude of cowardice and shyness—I bless you with a bold spirit, a caring heart, and disciplined good sense. Visigoths of discouragement, loneliness, and weariness may attack—conquer them in My Name.
Whatever your address, I am your Home. I made your heart My residence, and I will in no case move away. My Presence permeating your personality will be evidenced by your affectionate heart, exuberant outlook, serene disposition, patient stick-to-itiveness, kind manner, generous compassion, loyal consistency, gentle interaction, and self-controlled appetites.
Empowered by My Almighty Spirit, you can do “the impossible.”
Charmed by My Selfless Spirit, you can minister in a Christlike fashion.
Guided by My Tranquil Spirit, you can stay sane in the eye of the storm.
Shaped by My Creative Spirit, you can bloom wherever you are planted.
Reinforced by My Invincible Spirit, you can vanquish giants in your territory.
Inspired by My Hopeful Spirit, you can dance heaven’s dance on earth.
Feel like grumbling about your lot in life? Build a service station on it.
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Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church - Friends on a Journey of Faith
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—book available on Amazon
The following is a list of the kings Joshua and the Israelite armies defeated on the west side of the Jordan, from Baal-gad in the valley of Lebanon to Mount Halak, which leads up to Seir.
JOSHUA 12:7 NLT
Israel had many kings to conquer, but with the King of kings fighting on their side, they celebrated one victory after another. You, too, have many enemies, but when I reign in your heart you can beat the Devil. He is the god of the world, but he has no claim on Me and mine. My chosen people had many territories to vanquish, and so do you—the hill country of pride, foothills of discouragement, lonely valleys, plateaus of dull routine, wilderness of confusion, and the Negev of desolation.
Fragmentation is conquered in the light of faith. Satan would love to ruin your life by tearing your wholehearted allegiance away from Me. But I have given My word never to desert you, guaranteeing it by My Holy Spirit signature. Your heart is My home—rest assured I will never move away. I reign as Sovereign of your will, holding you together.
Pessimism is conquered in the light of My promises. Though Satan is your greatest foe, he is already defeated by My grand victory over death, hell, and the grave. I will have the last word. I have great plans for tomorrow. Listen for My future melody and dance My faith dance each step of the way. Count on Me, and finish My confidence course.
Selfishness is conquered in the light of sacrifice. The master of evil would love to ruin your relationships, but My love is greater than his disruptive hate. Imitate My loving lifestyle, and find fulfillment.
The Devil is conquered in the Light of the Divine. Do not get overconfident, napping in your castle of pride. Be on the alert for attacks from the evil one. Satan is a roaring lion constantly on the prowl, searching for a victim to shred. Deal decisively with the adversary of your soul, and stay strong in your faith. Remember to hold My hand as you make your way through the jungle. Cage the lion by yielding control of your impulses and emotions to Me. Let the Lion of Judah’s tribe reign as undisputed King of your heart—be a victor, not a victim!
I am Lord of the whole earth, and I give My warriors courage and strength to endure hardship and combat evil. Because I am fighting with you on the front lines, there is no need to be afraid. Whatever foe you may face, I am stronger. Ultimate triumph is Mine—linked to Me by faith, it is yours. Counteract battle fatigue in the energy of My Spirit—march on in heaven’s victory parade!
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church - Friends on a Journey of Faith
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—book available on Amazon
They piled a great heap of stones over Achan, which remains to this day.
That is why the place has been called the Valley of Trouble ever since.
Joshua 7:26 NLT
Covetousness always results in calamity. A Babylonian robe is no match for the robe of My righteousness. Silver and gold rusts away, unlike heavenly treasures. Sin is never worth the price you have to pay—it brings disaster, defeat, destruction, disease, and death.
How beautiful is the other side of the coin! When people seek Me, I transform the valley of trouble into a gateway of hope. I strengthen all who humbly turn from their sinful nature’s urging to follow My perfect lead.
Joshua’s advice to Achan is My advice to you—honor Me by telling the truth; own up to sin against Me and quit hiding from My love. I solemnly charge you to be honest with Me. This is no flippant matter. It is painful business.
If you are truthful, you must admit you are guilty of many sins—particularly greed. Achan-like, you often want things you do not need. You have allowed materialism to get the upper hand in your life. Trivial pursuit is a game you play—a game with no real winners.
Sin always spells trouble. On the other hand, coming clean with Me spells triumph. Confession is good for your soul. Be open and honest with Me, and I will forgive and cleanse you of all impurity. Toss your transgression on the garbage pile; follow My perfect plan—only then will you experience sweet victory.
Sin invariably gets you in trouble. You are fooling yourself if you think you can ignore Me and get away with it. You cannot break My law—it breaks you. The rule of the harvest is universal, without exception—you always reap what you sow. Every thought, word, and deed is a boomerang with great accuracy. You can avoid distress if you resist dabbling in sin. You can live triumphantly relying on My sanctifying power.
You decide how you will live—with predictable results.
Rebel and experience ruin. Repent and rejoice. Follow a siren song of selfishness and sing the blues. Live in tune with My Spirit and dance the jig of joy. The choice is yours.
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 offer you My forgiveness and mercy and grace.
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. 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 did not leave heaven to seek smug legalists and self-righteous snobs—but sinners who are painfully aware of their moral failure. 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. 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.
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Hull’s Memorial Baptist Church - Friends on a Journey of Faith
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—book available on Amazon
In Life University, some examinations are harder than others. Some of My tests are so demanding that you may despair of even making a passing grade. I probe your deep emotions to see if you really love Me. I use adversity to get your attention—not because I want you hurt, but because I want you holy.I refine your character through the crucible of difficult circumstances, skimming off evil impurities until your Christlike heart reflects My holy face. You learn, in the process of relying on Me, I always take very good care of you.
My optimistic friend told his servants that he and Isaac would return after they had worshiped. He did not deny the possibility that his son of laughter might cry or that he could die. Nevertheless, he assumed that if his beloved son did die, I would resuscitate him. This patriarch was no Pollyanna. He just implicitly trusted Me.
How is your outlook? In trying times do you say, “The Lord might provide?” Do you tentatively edge out on the limb, taking a chance on My goodness? Do you think, “The Lord could provide” reasoning I will help you if I should choose to? Do you exercise faith’s radical optimism—”The Lord will provide” no matter what may happen!?
If death occurs, there is resurrection. If nothing works out like you would wish, I will strengthen your character and teach you to sing for joy. If hard times should come along, you will still be able to find reasons for gratitude. Struggling? I will be your Hiding Place.
You have reason to be optimistic because of who I am—My infinite power sustains, and My unfailing love comforts. You can be optimistic because of My reliable promises—goodness will prevail when eternity dawns. I already know how everything will turn out. After the long, dark night of the soul, there will be a golden sunrise. I look on the bright side, and believe Me, it is far brighter than you can imagine from your limited perspective! I am the quintessential Eternal Optimist.
The cross is a plus sign—changing negativism into positivism, checkmating death by life, canceling transgression by forgiveness, conquering hate by love, eclipsing crucifixion through resurrection, converting skeptics into believers. Whatever you need between now and not yet, I will provide. After you have passed My finals, what will you name your place?
