I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.
JOB 3:26 NIV
DO NOT DISTURB signs do not keep unwelcome intruders away. Frustrating problems, excruciating pain, and mystifying perplexity make personal peace elusive. Unexpected trouble can shatter your repose.
When being good does not pay, cause and effect seems inoperable. Children wonder about everything—you wonder about unjust suffering. Why, you ask, does it seem that in your midnight despair, I desert you? Why, you puzzle, do I appear uncaring when you are hurting the most? Why, you agonize, do I feel like a very absent help in time of trouble?
Life’s raging sea makes rest for your soul seem impossible. On high seas, you doubt if you will ever sail into safe harbor. Staying on an even keel takes all your energy—you panic that you may shipwreck. It is hard to be calm and composed when your world is falling apart—turmoil challenges tranquility.
Be careful, or you may wind up cursing life instead of celebrating it—turning your birthdays into sad occasions. Prayerlessness might even produce a death wish.
In a restless world, there is only one place to find peace and quiet—My heart. If you focus on suffering, you will sigh, not sing. Have a pity party, and you cannot hear the future melody I compose. Give up hope, and you will sit out the faith dance.
Where on earth can you possibly find serenity? Only in Me. Steadfastly trust Me, and I promise to surround you with perfect peace. In an action-oriented world, take time to be quiet in My Presence—and I will strengthen your heart. In a pessimistic world, be confident I will keep My Word—and I will put a spring in your step. In a hectic world, do not join the crowd in running around in a dither—stay near My
heart and stand at ease.
Where in a noisy world can you find a quiet zone? Only in Me. Weary of climbing society’s mountain of self-promotion and success? Carrying a crushing burden of worry about being accepted by others? Trade all that for the pleasure of My company—relax in My Presence.
Let Me teach you lessons you can learn nowhere else in the world. You have a lot to learn—the way up is down, taking a low position gets you to the top, contrition brings joy, repentance leads to victory, giving is receiving, valleys sharpen vision, and midnight is the best time for star-gazing.
Worry will vanish if you tell me what is on your heart, thank Me for blessings, and accept My gift of out-of-this-world peace. Stay near Me, and you will be richly blessed. Your heart will find what you are looking for—I am your Quiet Place.
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
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity (Day 262)
You are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
MATTHEW 1:21 NLT
Jesus means Joy—He saves from despair and hopelessness.
Alexander conquered the world by force and was called great—
Jesus captures hearts from all nations by love and is called God.
In contrast to fleeting happiness, Immanuel gives invulnerable joy—
His cross brings deep peace, His Presence inexpressible ecstasy.
Jesus means Everlasting Life—He saves from death and hell.
Tutankhamen’s tomb was found treasure-filled, making him famous.
Jesus’ tomb was discovered empty, making Him King of Eternity.
Abundant life here and now, eternal life in the hereafter—
a grand duet of wonder brought to light by the Dayspring from on high
who has visited your tilted planet.
Jesus means Separation—He saves from deceit and hypocrisy.
The clear diff erence between heaven and hell, Christians and worldlings,
is made by the One who died on the middle cross.
At the name of Caesar, millions offered incense and called him lord.
At Jesus’ Name, the universe will fall to its knees and call Him Master.
His Name will be forever paramount in minds of those who worship Me.
Jesus means Understanding—He saves from devastation and helplessness.
The names of famous kings and fearful kingdoms all fade into oblivion,
but Jesus’ incomparable Name increases in glory while ages roll on.
When you feel like you are falling apart, Jesus holds you together—
no one understands you, or stands under you, like He does.
Jesus means Salvation—He saves from self-destruction and homelessness.
Charlemagne and Napoleon changed the face of the world by war—
the King of hearts changes lives in time and eternity by His grace.
Jesus saves you from sin’s addictive horrors and makes My heart your eternal home.
My dream for you—and your destiny—is that you become like My Son.
Jesus is the most glorious and awesome Name—address Him reverently.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
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
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!
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 185, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
All who separated themselves from foreign neighbors to keep The Revelation of God together with their wives, sons, daughters –
everyone old enough to understand – joined their noble kinsmen in a binding oath to follow The Revelation of God,
to carry out the commandments of GOD our Master, all his standards.
NEHEMIAH 10:28-29 THE MESSAGE
I am the Most High and Holy God—the noblest decision you can arrive at is to make a conscious effort to follow My law.
Whatever else you may choose pales into insignificance when compared to the decision of a lifetime—to really get serious with the One who created you.
Quit playing games at the foot of the cross. Genuinely consecrate yourself to Me.
I am the God of your life—the noblest deed you can perform is to respond in faithfulness to My commands.
Whatever else you do in life is minor in light of the major activity of wholehearted obedience to My Revelation. Nothing on your “to-do” list is as crucial as the most important business in the world—My will. Everything else is a trivial pursuit.
Go beyond pondering a life of all-out obedience to My Word. Set out on the uncommon quest for purity—resolutely practice holiness. I have placed My hand on your shoulder and spoken to your heart. I want you to be transformed from the inside out by My Holy Spirit—to reflect My image, not to copy ungodly society.
The oath of obedience is the only way to defeat apathy and sin. Focusing on following My law is the only path to Life. Staying in line with My commands is the only formula for celebrating a clear perception of Me.
Do not just publicize that you love Me—prove it by your actions.
Finally, firmly, forever decide to follow Me—do not drop out when you find the race is longer than you expected. Even if you must run on alone, keep carrying your cross until you see Me at the finish line.
I am Lord of your mind, King of your heart, Captain of your will, and Sovereign of your future. You have played church long enough.
From this day forward take Me seriously—then I will take you seriously.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 184, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
I gave responsibility of governing Jerusalem to my brother Hanani, along with Hananiah, the commander of the fortress, for he was a faithful man who feared God more than most.
NEHEMIAH 7:2 NLT
Though rare among political, religious, and military leaders, integrity is required for acceptable leadership. It is absolutely necessary that people who command have impeccable character. Those in charge must firmly adhere to the highest possible code of conduct because they reverence Me above all else.
The word integrity is derived from integer—a whole number. Those who try to get it all together without Me wind up falling apart. Integrity’s wisdom is evidenced in undivided allegiance to the Almighty.
Self-aggrandizement destroys the very heart of integrity. Real worship loves Me with all emotion, personality, intellect, and energy—and in the process unifies the life of the worshiper.
Integrity is more important than intelligence. Human smartness cannot rival heaven’s omniscience. Humility is the highest wisdom. Learn these two lessons well—1) there is a God; 2) you are not Him. Be prayerful no matter how much you know. Stay in touch with My heart—stay tuned to hear every gentle whisper from eternity.
Integrity is more critical than intensity. Frenetic checking off of an ambitious to-do list cannot match peace of mind. Helpfulness is the best work. Have the same attitude as My Son—practice downward mobility. Faithfully walk in Jesus’ steps.
Integrity surpasses impressiveness. Haughtiness cannot equal authenticity—honor is the best way. Always remember who your Boss is—work hard to please Me. Be strong—the Via Dolorosa was not a cake walk; walking in My steps is not painless. Be brave—temptations to compromise will come; if you stay true to Truth, you will see My smile.
Integrity exceeds innovation. Hiding cannot beat openness. Honesty is My will. Follow My guidelines for living a blameless life—do what is right; tell the truth; do not slander, making a molehill into a mountain by throwing dirt; keep your promises even when it hurts.
Keep running the Faith Marathon—every hour, by My power, be true. Every mile, tremble in My Presence—be a person of integrity.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
This was quite a contrast to the former governors who had laid heavy burdens on the people,
demanding a daily ration of food and wine, besides a pound of silver. Even their assistants took advantage of the people.
But because of my fear of God, I did not act that way.
NEHEMIAH 5:15 NLT
Nehemiah’s example of leadership challenges you to be a blessing, not a burden. His lifestyle inspires you to servanthood, not egocentricity.
Instead of taking advantage of others, you should love them as the Son of Man did. Since I am Lord over you, you ought never lord it over others.
I am not unfair—I will not forget how hard you work for Me and how you demonstrate your love for Me by caring for others. Walk in the fear of Me, and you will stand out from the crowd.
Some people may be surprised if you do not take advantage of position. The heart of such uncommon behavior is your belief in My sovereignty. The reason you behave as you do is your reverence for Almighty God.
Attitude toward Me and actions toward people are inextricably related. Internal faith and external life are intimately connected. Faith works. Knowing someday you will have to explain to Me all you have done powerfully impacts your actions today. Remembering I am your Boss influences the quality of your work.
Reverence Me, and you will make a conscious effort to do your best. Fear Me, and you will guard your tongue, turn from evil, and work hard at living at peace with your neighbors. Humility in My Presence will influence all you think, say, and do.
Worship Me with all you are and do. I am a Consuming Fire—let My Holy Spirit set your heart ablaze and melt the lead in your feet! Confess your personal faith. In your own words, tell the world you are trusting Me with your entire life and your eternal future. Let your beliefs grow deep into your soul. Develop convictions that carry you around, not just opinions you carry around. Submit to My Holy Spirit, and let Me sculpt your character into Christ’s likeness. This is My dream for you—let it be yours.
In your conduct, preach a sermon testifying of the change coming over you by My work in your heart. Connect your faith and life!
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Eliashib the high priest and other priests started to rebuild at the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set up its doors.
NEHEMIAH 3:1a NLT
Retrace Nehemiah’s counterclockwise tour of Jerusalem’s wall. Pause at the gates and reflect on your relationship to Me.
The Sheep Gate pictures your pardon. Untold millions of lambs—led through that gate to be killed in the Temple—point to My Lamb led as a lamb to the slaughter on Skull Hill. He had done nothing wrong, yet He died so you could be right with your Creator.
The Fish Gate reminds you of your life’s highest purpose. Standing there, hear Jesus’ words—be My disciple, and I will teach you to fish for people. Focus energy on obedience and enjoy meaningful living.
The Old Gate leads you to remember the legacy of those who invite you to stand at the crossroads and reflect on ancient paths and seek the good way and walk in it, so you will find rest for your soul. Spiritual ancestors in the grandstands cheer you on to the finish line.
The Valley Gate teaches you the danger of pride and catapults arrogance as you adjust your attitude to Christlike downward mobility.
The Dung Gate challenges you to purity. If you want to be near Me, you must toss garbage. Everything else in the world is trash compared to the priceless gain of pure-hearted clear vision of the Holy One.
The Fountain Gate portrays the Holy Spirit called alongside you to calm, comfort, encourage, and defend you in life’s storms.
The Water Gate speaks of My principles guiding your behavior in the twists and turns of life’s maze.
The Horse Gate stirs you into militant action as you consider the polarization of good and evil in the spiritual warfare you are fighting.
The East Gate thrills you with the Messiah’s promised return to the holy city, new Jerusalem. The fi rst gate to be opened every morning reminds you that after you have cried your heart out in midnight desperation, the dawn of heaven will bring untarnished joy.
The Muster Gate motivates you to prepare for inspection by your Commander in Chief, so you will not blush at your interview with Me!
End up where you began with Me—the Sheep Gate—near the cross!
While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and throwing himself to the ground in front of the Temple of God, a large crowd of people from Israel – men, women, and children – gathered and wept bitterly with him.
EZRA 10:1 NLT
I am the Awesome God who inspires reverence. The no-gods are limited; I am the Infinite One presiding over the cosmos. Idols inspire aversion; Divinity inspires awe.
In My Presence, humble your heart. I am the enemy of the proud; the humble are My favorites. So the wisest thing you can do is humble yourself before Me. Ponder the universe I have engineered—gaze into the expansive night sky and recall I whispered stars into being and direct planetary traffic patterns. Listen to reverberating thunder—then sing My praises. Resolve to live in the holy land of the broken heart—then you will not climb high and fall hard.
Cry your heart out for the wrong you have thought and done. I am the Awakening God who inspires repentance. My Holy Spirit stirs your heart to correct evil practices and commit energy to heavenly purposes. Sin is a crying shame! It is no joking matter! Want the Devil to leave you alone? Resist him! Want to be clean? Wash your hands and purify your heart!
If you yearn to know My joy, you must quit flirting with sin—in other words, quit it! Then you must redouble your efforts to serve Me—in other words, stop your self-service. Let heaven’s fire burn the sin from your mind and polish your life into purest gold. In My pardon, you can be holy.
I am the Almighty God who inspires revival. Confession can be contagious. Righteousness can spark a movement toward godliness. Prayer can transform nations. Earnest intercessions of the pure-hearted produce uncommon results. Just one sincere person can attract a crowd intent on seeking Me. Conviction has wonderful consequences—hope in My promises, commitment and courage to do right, confession of sin, and consecration to live above the world. Bow down before Me and admit you really need Me, and I will take you by the hand and lift you up. In My power, you are helped.
A rock thrown into a lake causes ripples all the way to the shore. On your knees you can change the world.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
The gracious hand of his God was on him. This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the law of the LORD and to teach those laws and regulations to the people of Israel.
EZRA 7:9b-10
I am the Writer, Producer, and Director of your life story. I have given instructions for your life on earth in My Book from Heaven—follow My directions closely and live by the script until I walk on stage.
I chose you as a priest, challenged you to live a holy lifestyle, claimed you as one of My own, commanded you to praise Me, and called you out of ignorant darkness into insightful light.
Learn from Ezra’s example how I want you to weave together study and obedience. He shouldered priestly responsibility to teach, but he did more than spend time in the library—he walked the streets and connected with people. He burned midnight oil—then he behaved the message. Well-versed in Scripture, learned and wise, he did not stop there—he took seriously his task of teaching My law.
He devoted himself to My Holy Word—and more than that, to Me.
Study is never enough! Ezra was an exemplary priest and scribe—a disciplined scholar and practitioner of My law, a devoted teacher who spoke from experience. He knew My Word—he also worked at living by it!
Before you can teach, you must think and be transformed. Any message you preach will be ineffective unless you understand the meaning and experience the metamorphosis. Any remarks you make are hollow without clear reflection and careful response.
Learning and living are critically interconnected. Study informs, schooling instructs, spirituality inspires. Private enlightenment and public example undergird powerful education. Without thoughtful pondering and sincere practicing, sermons are just so much noise. All the wisdom you offer the world will not please Me, if you are not obeying Me personally.
I know you are very fond of Bible study. That is the easy part. Next comes the more difficult part. Demonstrate you love the Author by reading it over, thinking it through, praying it in, and living it out.
People would rather see a sermon than hear one any day. So would I! That is how I know you really love Me. The most readable translation? Translating beliefs into behavior! Do that and I promise to make Myself real to you.
The finest sermon? Living by the Book! Do that, and I will shout a hearty Amen!
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
