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 

Warner Sallman  Head of Christ 

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 

                                               Grotfjord i Troms County,  Normay 


                                       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  

As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
PROVERBS 26:11 NLT

Stifle unfair judgment—or you could become an inveterate cynic.
     Unfair curses are boomerangs with incredible accuracy.

Accept My discipline—or you could reap a sad harvest of iniquity.
     You may not enjoy My correction, but it is the highway to holiness.

Use language carefully—or you could be ripped apart by word abuse.
     A habit of severe criticism cuts to the quick and comes back to haunt.

Refrain from proud self-evaluation—or you could implode your ego.
     Concern yourself with saving faith, not saving face.

Combat laziness—or you could excuse yourself right out of a job.
     Sleep your life away, and you might be asking for a handout.

Avoid pornography—or your thought patterns will be polluted.
     Do not revert to impure fantasies, or sexual sin may spoil love.

Stay out of others’ arguments—or get bit by a quarrelsome attack dog.
     Do not try to slay all dragons—stand by, and they will slay each other.

Do not be a jokester—or you could develop a reputation as a moron.
     Kidding around with truth is as dangerous as an insane sniper.

Keep your mouth shut—or you could be known as a verbal arsonist.
     Chewing on dainty gossip morsels can give your soul indigestion.

Make love your controlling principle—or deep-felt hate will ruin you.
     Pretending to be kind will not cover up malice for long.

Abstain from setting traps for others—or you will get snared yourself.
     Judging others sets you up for an onslaught of judgment.

You hold the Key to freedom in your heart—His name is Jesus.

(c) Johnny R. Almond 
Pastor, Hull's Memorial Baptist Church 
    Author, 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 

Teach the wise, and they will be wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn more.
PROVERBS 9:9        

 

Admit to Me recidivistic foolishness—then resolve to be rid of it!
     Reverse evil—and learn to live life in all its fullness.
     Repent—and you can rejoice.

Stand in awe of Me—and begin to grasp true understanding.
     Learn the ABCs of wisdom by getting to know the Holy One.
     Keep running the Faith Marathon—hang in there and never quit.
     At the finish line I will welcome you to the house Wisdom built.

Be mature enough to be open to suggestions and counsel of others.
     Learn an important lesson—you do not have a monopoly on wisdom.
     You do not know all the answers—or even all the questions!
     So do not strut around like a know-it-all—you still have a lot to learn.

Keep these two truths in mind—there is a God, and you are not Him!
     My sea is greater than you can navigate on your own.
     Your boat is too small to survive life’s storms.
     Lean on My omniscience—learn to trust the Captain at the helm.

Three basics taught in kindergarten still apply in graduate school—
     1) Uncompromisingly practice what is right;
     2) Compassionately be kind toward everyone you meet;
     3) Humbly conduct yourself in the light of My Presence.

I have hidden all timeless wisdom in the heart of My Son.
     Cherish Him as your very own Teacher—apply His principles daily.
     He is near to My heart—live with love and you will be too.
     Listen to your Master’s voice—learn from Him how to live wisely.


                                     

                              (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                     Day 252, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

                                 Albrecht Durer  Praying Hands 
 
 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart;  do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
PROVERBS 3:5-6 NLT 


Practice unquestioning trust in My strong love.
     Be optimistic—rely on My promises to brighten the future.
     Confide in Me and live confidently—rest assured in My omnipotence.

Worship your Unrivaled Lord.
     I am eternally the same—unchanging in a constantly changing world.
     I have always loved you, and I always will.

Serve Me with unreserved devotion.
     Unconditionally and wholeheartedly give Me your finest effort.
     Live and work with this one thought in mind—My smile.

Submit to My unlimited mastery.
     Physically, take care of your body—it is a temple of My Holy Spirit.
     Sexually, practice self-control—My Holy Spirit can discipline impulses.
     Financially, give Me My due—you just manage, but I own everything.
     Emotionally, sail through high seas on an even keel—I am your peace.

Travel joyfully on an untarnished journey.
     I am the Travel Companion of the uncompromisingly righteous.
     Travel grace’s beautiful boulevard, revelation’s scenic route,
          faith’s winding mountain path, liberty’s freeway, love’s avenue,
          and the breathtaking high road of ultimate significance.

Apply uncommon wisdom.
     Self-confidence without taking My Word to heart is the mark of a fool.
     Accepting Scripture as the Final Answer is the mark of the truly wise.
     Steer clear of detours into the limiting world of human logic.
     Stay off the toll road of self-indulgence.
     Avoid the dead-end of pessimism.
     Have the uncommon sense to follow My map through life’s maze.


                                        

                                (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 
                       Day 251,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity