The work on the Temple of God in Jerusalem had stopped, and it remained at a standstill
until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia.
EZRA 4:24
Sometimes it would be appropriate for you to ask yourself thought-provoking questions—You were running a good race, so what interfered with your progress and detoured you from My best? What kinds of influence sidetrack you from persevering in the life mission I have assigned you?
Discouraging people can get the best of you, if you neglect to rely on Christ’s dynamic power at work within you. Fear can frustrate your service for Me, if it shuts down your faith. Ridicule and ostracism can paralyze your noble pursuit, if you permit it.
You can be certain that resolve to live a pure life will not make you the hit of the world’s party. And it will not get any easier when you redouble your efforts to live a godly life.
Human authority can intimidate you, if you do not pay attention to orders from Higher Headquarters.
Remember this—at all times, in all situations, it is mandatory that you obey Me!
It is okay to rest—it is not okay to resign. It is delightful to pause—it is disgraceful to stop. A Sabbath is wise—a standstill is wicked. Retirement on active duty is a contradiction in terms.
Faithfulness is much more critical than talent or skill. A running T-Model goes farther than a parked Cadillac.
Keep on keeping on, standing strong in the service of the Victor. Run until the finish line, keeping your eyes on your Savior on the cross. Courageously struggle on, standing tall and true to your convictions.
My grace enables you to survive battles with the evil one, stand firm against his strategies, stand your ground against his tricks that would overthrow you, and keep you safe and sound until you join heaven’s victory celebration.
Arrayed in heavenly armor, evil will not knock you off your feet. When the smoke of battle clears, you will not be at a standstill—you will be still standing.
(c) Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Hull's Memorial Baptist Church
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Here is the list of the Jewish exiles of the provinces who returned from their captivity to Jerusalem and other towns of Judah. They had been deported to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar.
EZRA 2:1
The temptation to settle down in captivity was tremendous for those Jews in Babylon. Many of them had accumulated riches in the land between the rivers. Civilization was very comfortable. Enjoying an easy life far from Zion, why pull up stakes and abandon their routine? Why give up their predictable jobs for this arduous journey?
Can you see yourself and your personal experiences in the mirror of Jewish history? Their temptations are yours. Their dilemma reflects your own hesitancy to lose your life and give it up for Jesus’ sake. Addiction to a comfort zone makes it hard for you to get out of the rut—a grave with both ends kicked out—and take the exit to freedom.
For the Jews to travel those hundreds of dangerous miles was a crucial choice inspired by a search for significance. Wondering why the Hebrews set out on the trek to Jerusalem, some critics labeled the emigrants’ decision lunacy. But they were not insane—they were inspired to embark on a mission outshining the metropolis of Babylon.
Worldly attractions lose their glitter in light of My challenge—if you refuse to shoulder your cross and humbly walk in My shadow to the City of Light, you are not worthy to wear My Name.
Triumph followed courage. Sustained by their Sovereign, returnees to Jerusalem—city of peace, and Judah—country of praise, again walked the familiar streets of their hometowns. After months of danger and diffi culty, it was good to finally be home. At the day’s end, losing by earth’s standards is winning by Mine. Those who lose their lives for My sake truly discover life.
Changed by adventure, returning exiles were cataloged as stars. Honorable mention in the hall of faith is their eternal reward. When you give up your attachment to things to follow Me, I guarantee a payback that will far more than off set the expenditure. To be named by the Shepherd is no small joy. To be registered in the Lamb’s Book of Life is no shallow reward.
Whatever your society decides, choose to aim for Christlikeness. Be a diamond on black velvet—and receive heaven’s honorable mention.
(c) Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Hull's Memorial Baptist Church
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
As Hilkiah the high priest was recording the money collected at the LORD’s Temple
he found the Book of the Law of the LORD as it had been given through Moses.
When the king heard what was written in the law, he tore his clothes in despair.
“Go to the Temple; speak to the LORD for me and the remnant of Israel and Judah. Ask him about the words written in this scroll that has been found. The LORD’s anger has been poured out against us because our ancestors have not obeyed the word of the LORD. We have not been doing what this scroll says we must do.”
2 CHRONICLES 34:14, 19, 21
My Textbook for Living had been lost during reigns of evil kings. Found and read to Josiah, he realized drastic changes were required to bring the nation he governed back into line with My commands.
The Book from Heaven is My gift to earth, telling you of My care. My neverending love story is recorded in the pages of Scripture.
The Book of Holiness is My instruction manual on how to live. My inspired Word teaches you eternal truths, makes you sense what is wrong in your life, gets you back on track, and helps you avoid derailment.
The Book of Books tells of My greatness and exalts My lordship. It records My creation of the universe out of nothing, My holding it all together with invisible hands, and My supervising galaxies—and you.
The Book of Life reminds you of My encouraging grace—illuminating your lonely darkness with My Heartwarming Presence. Nothing can extinguish Holy Radiant Light.
Every time you reopen Scripture, you rediscover the Book that makes all the difference in your life. No other book transforms your attitudes and actions like the Holy Bible. No other book so convicts you of sin and makes you want to respond with true remorse and repentance.
The world’s greatest literature cannot compare to the treasures of My law. No poetry matches the Psalms. No novel is more charming than the saga of My love. No story is more captivating than Scripture. The world’s profoundest wisdom cannot hold a candle to the truth of My
Word. The most thoughtful philosophies cannot touch the human heart like Christ’s parables. All the best books ever written, placed side by side, could not rival the divine library of Scripture.
Do not leave My Word on a bookshelf to collect dust—that is no better than hiding a scroll in the Temple. An unread Bible is as useless as a lost one. The best Bible study? Read it over, think it through, pray it in, live it out. An obedient life is the best translation your world will ever read.
(c) Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Hull's Memorial Baptist Church
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
May your roots go down deep into the soil of God’s marvelous love.
May you have the power to understand as all God’s people should,
how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love really is.
EPHESIANS 3:17b-18
My love is wider than your mind—it is universal.
Reality transcending e = mc2 is greater than your ability to comprehend.
I am energy’s Source, faith’s Center of Gravity, and light’s Creator.
My love reaches out to people of all nations—not just people like you.
My love is no abstraction, it is actuality—more than an idea, it is truth.
My mercy and compassion for the undeserving extends even to you.
You cannot fathom why I care for you, but you can experience My love.
My love is longer than your lifetime—it is unending.
No force can separate you from My love—
death’s terror, life’s trouble, demons’ distraction, today’s fear,
tomorrow’s worry, hell’s power, height’s dizziness, sea’s chaos—
nothing can come between us.
Believer, we are inseparable.
When you are finally free from death, you will sing of My love forever.
My love is higher than your soul—it is unlimited.
My love cancels despair with hope, and cares more than you imagine.
Infinitely beyond earnest prayers, intense hopes, and grand dreams—
My work inside your being gives you joy too wonderful for words.
The place My heart is preparing for those who respond to My love
is more beautiful than paintings, symphonies, or poems express.
My love is deeper than your heart—it is unfailing.
Betsie ten Boom was right—no pit is so deep, that I am not deeper still.
When you experience depression, do not lose your hope in Me.
My heart empathizes with you in your pain and problems.
My promises guide you through the maze of perplexity.
My Spirit holds you together through your darkest night.
I am your Face-healer—smile through your tears until I wipe them away.
(c) 2013 Johnny R. Almond
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Then Hezekiah encouraged them with this address: “Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid of the king of Assyria or his mighty army. There is a power far greater on our side! He has a great army, but they are just men. We have the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!” These words greatly encouraged the people.
2 CHRONICLES 32:6b-8 NLT
Encircled by invisible armies, the Greatest Power in the universe is on your side. Stand proudly in the ranks of those changed from spineless wimps into steel-backboned warriors.
Feeling powerless, recall not by force nor by strength, but by My Spirit. Feeling weak-kneed, trustingly don My armor.
Sometimes you feel “where never is heard a discouraging word” is a Utopia existing only in dreams. Despair and pessimism are rampant. Bad news is all you ever hear. Futurists have little optimistic to predict.Tired of the world’s negativism? Bow before the plus sign of the cross.
When it seems that discouraging words are all you ever hear, turn to My Word.Take a walk through the New Testament and revel in transforming truths.
I am your Travel Companion.
Earth’s saddest day and gladdest day were just three days apart.
My story captivates you and cheers you on.
My Spirit brings peace in pandemonium.
Christ’s return gives reason for living until paradise is restored.
In the darkness, dawn approaches.
You are a victor, not a victim.
You enjoy freedom, not shackles.
Your Heavenly Father cares for you, His child.
Prayer opens the window to infinite resources.
Christ unlocks the secret to surviving every situation.
Unimaginable glory is waiting just around the corner.
I am the Eternal Optimist—you can be too.
My Son came to planet Earth to solve your biggest problem—guilt.
I grant power for living, love for your relationships, and self-discipline for spiritual development.
I am your Blessed Hope.
Active sharing of faith’s perspective helps you to grow up in Christ.
At the throne of prayer, find mercy for your sins and grace for your struggles.
A humble attitude ensures help from the Almighty.
Trust causes joy beyond words.
Internalizing My Word purifies you from moral filth.
In Jesus, there is certainty in all circumstances.
Count on Unchanging Truth.
Enjoy pleasure of My company 24/7.
I am your Source of eternal security.
The United Kingdom is on the way.
Take this walk often—My Encouraging Word will always lift your spirit.
If you keep still, deliverance and rescue for the Jews will originate from some other quarter, while you and your family shall be destroyed.
And who knows but you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Esther 4:14 NLT
I am the Master of moments—My pattern is shown in sovereignty. I sometimes work miracles anonymously. Although My Name is not mentioned in the book of Esther, I am behind the scenes of events, directing the drama.
I am the Savior of sinners—My purpose and plan is to save. I sent Joseph ahead of his nation to rescue their lives, and I worked through Esther to save the Jews. Those long ago and far away stories are being retold today when people share how I changed their direction, replaced their despair with hope, and changed their panic to peace.
I am the Lord of Life—your part in the great drama of redemption is to speak. I make a time for everything, a season for every activity, a time to be silent, and a time to speak up. Pray for wisdom to understand the proper timing to give voice to your convictions. Be sensitive to the urgency of joyfully and boldly praising Me for the miracles you have seen. Be humble enough to realize you are not indispensable. If you should choose to stay quiet, the stones would burst into cheers in My honor!
I placed Esther in a royal position to be My means of blessing. I place believers in royal positions—chosen people, royal priesthood, and holy nation—for the purpose of shining My light into earth’s darkness. In your home, workplace, neighborhood, and nation—you are a king, queen, prince, or princess I can use to work miracles in your world.
Your place in time is not accidental—it is because of the Almighty’s timing. Your responsibilities are not the result of good luck—they are orchestrated by your Good Lord. Your circumstances are not coincidental—they are providential. In My blueprint for you, you are not a lifeless puppet on a string. Like Me, you have a heart, a mind, and a will. You can feel deeply, think things through, and choose wisely. You could decide to observe My miracles and be mute—the better choice is to praise Me with your lips and your life.
I give you this day—make every hour count for eternity. Seize the moment!
O our God, won’t you stop them? We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what to do, but we are looking to you for help.
2 CHRONICLES 20:12 NLT
Feel under siege by formidable powers of the shadowy world? Sense that the dark prince and his demons are ganging up on you, hoping to see you fall morally so they can revel in your pain? Is hell’s battle formation leading you to conclude you are in a losing situation?
Do not give up! You are weak, it is true; but you are strong when reinforced by My might. When you are powerless, pray desperately for My help—I will rescue you from Satan’s traps.I direct intergalactic traffic patterns—I can make sense of your life. I hold the earth up with invisible hands—I can hold you together when everything nailed down is coming loose.
At a loss, look for My guidance. Pay attention to signals from heaven—listen for My voice and watch for hints in changing circumstances.
Impossible situations are no problem for My infinite strength. Even in your fiercest battles with evil, My blessing ensures victory. When this reality sinks in and you rely on this truth, you will experience marvelous results.
Realizing it is My battle, not yours, you are unusually brave. Knowing I fight for you, you do not have to lift a finger in self-defense. Fear gives way to optimism. Discouragement vanishes in light of trust. Quicksand panic is replaced by solid-rock faith. Captivated by Christ, you march in the King’s victory parade.
I am for you, so you are no coward—you are a valiant warrior. The cross becomes a plus sign, canceling negativism. You are able to face any challenge with the Captain of heaven’s mighty hosts on your side.
Worry diminishes as you worship. Panic dissolves in praise. The valley becomes place of blessing. Sighing gives way to singing. Mourning is transformed into music. Peaceful inner-stances transcend chaotic circumstances.
You learn heaven’s recipe for a worry-free life—pray about everything, tell Me what you need, thank Me for all I do on your behalf, and then you can relax.
Do not know what to do? Turn your eyes toward the Eternal One. With heaven’s help, you will do more than just survive—you will win!
Do you really think you can stand against the kingdom of the Lord led by the descendants of David? Your army is vast indeed, but with you are those gold calves Jeroboam made as your gods. 2 Chronicles 13:8 NLT
I am the True and Living God—Unmade Maker, Uncreated Creator. I am the Potter; you are the clay. I made you, not the other way around. Do not forget thisreality and begin to think of yourself as self-made; if you were, that would relieve Me of a tremendous responsibility!
How foolish it is to attempt to construct lifeless gods. How different they are from the Giver of life, breath, and every perfect gift. Idols may be convenient—it was“too much trouble” for Israelites to travel to the holy city. I challenge you to always travel the high road.
False gods of the heart are corrupting and degrading—I am holy and life-changing.
Idols are a waste of time—I am worthy of heartfelt worship.
Idols reflect the evil and selfish characteristics of people—I am absolutely holy.
Lesser gods are counterfeit—I am the Only Real God.
Idols are powerless—I am Unrivaled Sovereign of the cosmos.
Idols are relics of superstition—I am Ruler of time and eternity.
Idols can be manipulated—I am Director of life’s drama.
Idols are things made by people I made—I am Designer and Architect of the far-ranging universe.
Idols are ephemeral trinkets—I am Eternal Trinity.
Idols are mere lucky charms—I am the Lord of Glory and Master in charge of everything.
I am unlimited by time and space, unparalleled in your experience, unmatched in majesty, unsurpassed by earthly powers. Live humbly in My Presence—be truly wise!
