The Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says,
"Only in returning to me and waiting for me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.”
ISAIAH 30:15 NLT
Sincerely wait for Me; long for My Presence, and I promise you—
victory over every evil enemy that would defeat you,
unfailing love to bring security to your mind whatever happens,
incomprehensible peace in the midst of life’s hurricanes,
invulnerable joy no circumstances can destroy,
the pleasure of My company to counteract your loneliness.
I am your Savior—the Source of pardon in a carnal world.
Every breath you breathe, I am at work in your heart—
inspiring your ambition to consistently obey My laws;
energizing your mind to habitually do as I please.
Conversion from evil habits to a Christlike lifestyle is My work of grace.
Trusting Me, moment-by-moment, you become more like My Son—
this is My dearest dream and your ultimate destiny.
I am your Shepherd—the Source of poise in a crazy world.
Wearied carrying weighty burdens? Give them to Me and breathe easy.
Jittery and anxious? Let Me teach you and enjoy peace of mind.
Adversity University hard? Learn by character-building experiences.
When life is noisy, step out of the traffic—in stillness know who I am.
I am your Strength—the Source of power in a chaotic world.
Contrary to popular belief, My power works best in human weakness.
Empowered by My Spirit, you can be ready for whatever happens next.
Vitally connected to My Son, you can accomplish all I ask of you.
Holding My hand, you can survive life’s toughest situations.
Trusting My promises, you can look forward to a bright future.
Worn out? Exhaustion tempting you to quit the Faith Marathon?
Wait on Me and be supernaturally reinforced—
outsoar timidity, outrun temptation, outwalk lethargy.
Revisit the waiting room of My quiet zone frequently—and be strong.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 269, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
This is what the Sovereign LORD says:
“Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem.
It is firm, a tested and precious cornerstone safe to build on.
Whoever believes need never run away again.”
ISAIAH 28:16 NLT
I am the Graceful Rock of Ages—your Savior in a sinful world.
Do not wring your hands in futile regret over failures and wrongs—
fall on your knees and thank Me for making things right between us.
Worried about forgiveness? Self-doubt about goodness nagging you? To counteract the poison of doubt, trust My redeeming work at the cross.
I am the Granite Solid Rock—your Stabilizer in a quicksand world.
When change and decay discourage you, remember I never change—
I have always loved you, and I always will.
Kings and kingdoms come and go; political promises are unreliable.
I am the Only Absolutely Dependable Spot in the universe.
Worried about your faithfulness? Count on Mine. To counteract the poison of dismay, trust My rock-steady loyalty.
I am the Genuine Cornerstone—your Satisfier in a disappointing world.
When Satan’s carnival leaves you unhappy, return to My loving heart.
Travel My Holy Highway—stay off the evil one’s dead-end detour.
Enjoy the pleasure of My company—avoid heartbreak of rebellion.
Worried about felicity? Trust and obey Me, and find invulnerable joy. To counteract the poison of disillusionment, trust My infinite resources.
I am the Guiding Foundation of life—your Shepherd in a deceptive world.
When tempting voices would lead you astray, listen to My true words.
Ignore skeptical voices—anticipate the joys of paradise restored.
Follow Me through the valley of death’s shadow—I will get you home.
Fully expect My Word to come true; you will not be disappointed.
Learn to lean on Me—hypertension will melt away in light of My love.
Hailstorms of fear and hurricanes of chaos cannot trump trust.
Worried about forever? Trust Me in time; live with Me in eternity. To counteract the poison of despair, trust My reliable promises.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 268, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
What a day of crushing trouble! What a day of confusion and terror
the Lord, the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, has brought upon the Valley of Vision!
ISAIAH 22:5 NLT
In overwhelming discouragement, I am your Inspired Enthusiasm.
In bone-tired weariness, I am your Welcome Rest.
In paralyzing fear, I am your Liberating Faith.
In dark despair, I am your Bright Hope.
In horrifying terror, I am your Quiet Peace.
In heartbreaking sadness, I am your Heavenly Joy.
In baffling perplexity, I am your Uncommon Wisdom.
In irritating frustration, I am your Supernatural Patience.
In egocentric arrogance, I am your Authentic Humility.
In dull apathy, I am your Passionate Purpose.
In loud tumult, I am your Silent Tranquility.
In midnight crying, I am your Praise Song.
In heartless self-absorption, I am your Compassionate Kindness.
In recurring sin, I am your Sustaining Grace.
In mournful death, I am your Eternal Life.
In lonely darkness, I am your Night Light.
In sincere repentance, I am your Total Forgiveness.
In penitent brokenness, I am your Absolute Healing.
In authentic humility, I am your True Honor.
In spiritual poverty, I am your Lavish Riches.
In intense difficulty, I am your Persevering Endurance.
In desperate situations, I am your Divine Help.
In excruciating moaning, I am your Relieving Morning.
In heavy tasks, I am your Enabling Poise.
In crazy pandemonium, I am your Incomprehensible Calm.
In relational clashes, I am your Understanding Smile.
In hesitant dilemmas, I am your Energizing Courage.
In deepest gloom, I am your Highest Glory.
In emotional valleys, I am your Ultimate Vision.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 267, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
David’s throne will be established by love. From that throne a faithful king will reign, one who always does what is just and right.
ISAIAH 16:5 NLT
Scripture repeatedly records a resounding promise I intend to keep—
the King of kings will ascend David’s throne in the new Jerusalem.
He will do what other monarchs have not been able to do—reign fairly.
When My Son takes control of the world, righteousness will prevail.
When Christ is sovereign over all, Truth will rule the day.
He came to earth the first time to reign as King of hearts—
wise men understood it and worshiped Him;
a Roman governor recognized it but caved in to compromise;
a criminal on a cross beside Him acknowledged it and repented.
He will come to earth the second time to reign as King of the universe—
angels will rejoice when He inaugurates His righteous kingdom;
unsettled nations will unite when He wages holy war against sin;
the world’s intractable problems will finally be solved when He rules.
In the midst of a dirge, there is a note of gladness and optimism.
In the darkest night, there is a ray of hope.
In the most desperate situation, there is inspiration.
How can this be? Through the Living Lord of glory, the Immortal King.
Even a prophet of doom and gloom wrote of a brighter time to come.
Love, faithfulness, and justice will be the Messiah’s standing order.
One day the One whose Name is above all other names will reign supreme.
The entire universe will acknowledge His right to absolute lordship.
If you honor and obey the King in time, you will be ecstatic in eternity.
With Him in charge of your life, you have a bright future indeed!
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 266, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
The LORD God is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. ISAIAH 12:2 NLT
How can you go on when you feel like giving up?
How can you face another day when you do not want to get out of bed? My power is the answer to your problem of weakness.
You can accomplish everything I ask of you if you rely on My grace.
You can survive harrowing situations if you trust Me.
You can be ready for anything the future holds if you lean hard on Me.
You can be victorious over evil habits if you depend on My Holy Spirit.
You can avoid self-pitying quicksand if you stand on the Rock of Ages.
You can hang in there when you are bone-tired and weary if you pray.
You can persevere until the finish line if you stay focused on the cross.
You can be stronger than you feel achievable—if you let Me carry you.
How can you celebrate when the world is falling apart?
How can you rejoice even in the midst of discouraging circumstances? My peace is the answer to your problem of woe.
You can be optimistic about a bright future if you believe My promises.
You can learn to dance for joy even on cloudy days if you follow My lead.
You can have cascading joy in a sad world if you drink of My Spirit.
You can get over singing the blues if you listen to My toe-tapping jazz.
You can know peace in pandemonium if you keep your mind on Me.
You can be happier than you think possible—if you let Me comfort you.
How can you find real significance in a society playing trivial pursuit?
How can you make God’s dream for your life come true? My purpose is the answer to your problem of wandering.
You can find an exciting reason for living if you honor the King of kings.
You can be resurrected above narcissistic culture if you bury your self.
You can aim for goals death cannot kill if you think vertically.
You can be nobler than you deem attainable—if you let Me control you.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 265, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
A child is born to us, a son is given to us.
And the government will rest on his shoulders.
These will be his royal titles:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
ISAIAH 9:6 NLT
The Wonderful One brings sparkle into your life.
The awful one steals enthusiasm, kills joy, and destroys influence.
The Good Shepherd inspires adventure and joy, and builds influence.
Christ is honey to your taste.
The Counselor sensitizes your conscience by a Built-in Guidance System.
He is My Holy Alphabet—Alpha and Omega, First and Last Word.
Christ is light to your eyes.
The Mighty God strengthens you to combat evil and survive difficulties.
Awesome beyond reckoning, Elohim transcends your human weakness.
Christ is courage to your heart.
The Everlasting Father stabilizes life—holding you together in life’s chaos.
Everything changes except My Son—same today, tomorrow, eternally.
Christ is your even keel on life’s high seas.
The Prince of Peace tranquilizes hearts with indestructible, perfect peace.
Prayerful daily application of implicit faith is your equilibrium equation.
Christ is music to your ears.
The Christmas carol “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” by Charles Wesley
sings of Miracle and Mystery—“born a Child, and yet a King.”
The Lamb turned Lion will humble enemies of goodness under His feet.
The Messiah will unite earth’s unsettled nations into a kingdom of love.
Surrender to the King of hearts, and He will bless you beyond words.
Let Jesus govern your life, and He will change you from the inside out.
My Son alone can be trusted to control every dimension of your life.
Christ is your Center of Gravity.
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
