Thus says the LORD of hosts:
“Look! I will break the bow of Elam, the main element of their strength.”
JEREMIAH 49:35 MLB
 

I destroyed Elam’s “atomic bomb”—the thing they trusted in most.
     They felt invulnerable, immune to being hurt—they were dead wrong.
It is the same with all nations—strutting across history’s stage leads to a fall.
     I hate pride more than anything else; My fury targets and attacks it.
     Self-sufficiency inevitably fails—I am the Only Reliable Homeland Security.

Trusting in military might?
     I took Elam’s weapon of choice and broke it over My knee.
     I will snap spears in two and burn chariots with fire,
          bringing an end to all combat ravaging the earth.
     Strategies of superpowers will not succeed without My blessing.
     Nations depending on armies to save them are misplacing their trust—
          only God of the Angel Armies can offer true protection.

Trusting in your own wisdom?
     That is not wise because human scholarship is flawed and limited.
     Smart-alecks have more to learn than they can possibly imagine.
     To mature in understanding, mine the timeless wisdom found in Christ.

Trusting in your physical strength?
     I alone never faint or tire; I alone can energize the worn out.
     Even young athletes become exhausted and quit the race;
          but those who seek Me discover fresh strength to continue.
     In My grace, you can accomplish what self-sufficiency never can—
          soar higher than mediocrity, run faster than temptation,
          and walk farther than faintheartedness.

Trusting in your riches?
     If you are not banking on eternal wealth, you will go bankrupt.
     If you are not investing in spiritual treasures, you will miss heaven’s best.
     At death, you will leave all behind except the wealth of your character.

America says it trusts God; here is the critical question—do you?
     You cannot speak for all the country, but you can get a word in for Me.
     You cannot choose for the entire nation, but you can decide for Me.
     You can depend on Me—so never declare your independence from Me.


                                         

                                                 (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 
                       Day 279, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Have you forgotten the sins of your ancestors, sins of kings and queens of Judah,
and the sins you and your wives committed in Judah and Jerusalem?
To this very hour you have shown no remorse or reverence.
No one has chosen to follow my law and the decrees
I gave to you and your ancestors before you.
JEREMIAH 44:9-10 NLT

Have you learned the lesson of My Book? Only truth endures.
     Other books need updating, but the Book from Heaven is ahead of date.
     Other writings need revising, but Scripture never requires editing.
     My Word stood with Elijah against the false prophets of Baal,
          against Korah and his rebel band opposed to My select leaders,
          against Ananias and Sapphira and their flagrant lies,
          and it will stand against the Devil at Armageddon.
     When Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn accepted the Nobel Prize for Literature,
          he quoted a Russian proverb that reflects the power of Truth:
          “One word of truth outweighs the world.”


Have you learned the lesson of blessing? Only obedience brings joy.
     Disobedience causes sadness and tragedy—it is good for nobody.
     Following My instructions is the path to celebration—it is good for all.
     “There’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”
          (John Sammis, “Trust and Obey”).


Have you learned the lesson of the boomerang? Causes have effects.
     Every thought, word, and deed invariably affects you.
     Ignoring Me is moral suicide—to go your own way is to self-destruct.
     The old saying is right—"what goes around comes around."


Have you learned the lesson of a broken heart? Repentance is My desire.
     Confession and contrition are required for admittance to My Presence.
     Before you see My face, you must cry your eyes out because of sin.
     The Bible is right—the proud are My foes, the humble are My favorites.


Learn your lessons well—be an honor student in Life University. 


                                    

                            (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                    Day 278,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

                 He who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully.
What has straw in common with wheat [for nourishment]? says the LORD.
    Is not My word like fire that consumes all that cannot endure the test
and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock [of most stubborn resistance]?
                        JEREMIAH 23:28-29  THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE


For starters, read it over.
     Read it glacially—let My thoughts soak in like gentle autumn showers.
     You can speed-read straw-books of human philosophy,
          but do not race through timeless truths in the Book from Heaven.

As you read Scripture, think it through.
     Care enough to listen attentively to My gentle whispers from eternity.
     Not knowing is ignorance; not knowing and not doing is paganism;
          knowing and not doing is sin; knowing and doing is wisdom.
     LIVE WHAT YOU LEARN.
     Do not stop with gaining knowledge, or you will be a half-wit.
     Do not leave the Bible on a shelf—take it to the street.

Read My Word prayerfully in the Spirit in which it was written.
     Take it personally—ask yourself what I would have you to do,
          attitudes that need refining in My fiery purifying crucible,
          actions that need hammering into a more Christlike lifestyle.
     BEHAVE WHAT YOU BELIEVE.
     Do not stop with treasuring My Word, or you will be a hermit.
     Do not leave the Bible in your wonder—take it to your world.

After you have read it over, thought it through, and prayed it in—
     remember to live it out.
     For heaven’s and earth’s sake, do not copy the Pharisees—
          memorizing Scripture, and missing the Savior;
          teaching well and living poorly—what a tragic disconnect!
     PRACTICE WHAT YOU PREACH.
     Do not stop with telling others how to live, or you will be a hypocrite.
     Do not leave the Bible in a pew—take it to the public.
     What will you do with the Bible—take it or leave it?

                                      

                           (c)  Pastor Johnny R. Almond 
                 Day 277,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

If you return and give up this mistaken tone of distrust and despair,
           then I will give you a settled place of quiet and safety,
                       and you will be My minister.                     
                     JEREMIAH 15:19 THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE


I know you better than you know yourself—
     you cannot fool Me with verbal veneer or pious platitudes.

My Holy Spirit x-rays your heart, and I see everything perfectly clear.
     Do not feel I am so busy managing the cosmos, I ignore your thoughts.
     I search your heart and convict you of offensive trends I find there.
     I inspire you to toss out ephemeral garbage and invest in eternal gold.

In My Presence, do some serious introspection and prayerful reflection.
     Clean up your act—adjust your attitudes.

Turn from your distrust—
     Commit the unknown future into My omniscient hands.
     What I am looking for above all else is faith—
          a little will transport you to heaven; more will bring heaven to you.
     When you are tempted to quit the struggle, look again to the cross—
          remember who died for you, and then get back to living for Him.

Turn from your despair—
     Believe My promise to make the future bright and glorious.
     Drop your despondency at My feet, and let Me carry burdens you cannot.
     I am not a mirage; I am an oasis of joy and peace in a desert of gloom.
     Listen hopefully to My future melody, and dance faithfully today.

Turn from your discouragement—
     Cooperate with Me, and I will empower you to persevere in ministry.
     Cheer up—down-in-the-mouth living misrepresents My Kingdom.
     Voice the prayer of Amy Carmichael, My missionary to India:
          Let me not sink to be a clod; Make me Thy fuel, Flame of God.

Turn from your doubt—
     Take Me at My Word and share My message with all willing to hear.
     Whether welcomed or rejected, unflinchingly repeat Scripture’s Truth.
     From the pulpit of your personality, tell My never-ending Love story


                                          

                                  (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                         Day 276,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

 

Giants Causeway - Ireland 

 

So, Jeremiah, if you’re worn out in this footrace with men,
what makes you think you can race against horses?
And if you can’t keep your wits during times of calm,
what’s going to happen when troubles break loose like the Jordan in flood?
JEREMIAH 12:5 THE MESSAGE

When you get frazzled by hang-ups, the Wonderful Counselor guides you.
When you cannot put one foot in front of the other, Almighty God helps you.
When you are looking for a high example to follow, the Holy One inspires you.
When evil shadows trouble you, the Sun of Righteousness lights your path.
When your world is falling apart, the Chief Cornerstone holds you together.
When you think death has the last word, the Resurrection changes everything.
When guilt gets the best of you, the Lamb of God liberates your spirit.
When no one seems to care a thing about you, the Son of Man understands.
When hard times overwhelm you, the Comforter stands under you.
When life does not make sense, the Lord of All makes significance possible.
When you are so weak you cannot go on, the Lord God Almighty enforces you.
When you are confused about which route to follow, the Way directs you.
When you are searching for reality, the Truth outweighs worldly propaganda.
When you are at the point of giving up, the Life energizes you for steep roads.
When you are scared of the dark, the Light of the World is your Night Light.
When you are needing fellowship, the Head of the Church makes it possible.
When you are crying your eyes out, the Man of Sorrows weeps with you.
When you are on stormy high seas, the Prince of Peace quiets your fears.
When you are struggling with life lessons, the Master Teacher helps you learn.
When you are over the edge, the Shepherd lifts you up and restores your soul.
When you are near despair, the Messiah reassures you of His imminent reign.
When you are addicted to sinful habits, the Redeemer breaks hell’s handcuffs.
When you do not know how to pray, the Advocate intercedes on your behalf.
When you question evil’s success, the Righteous Judge promises final justice.
When you are lonely, the Bright Morning Star illuminates your heart.
When current events seem hopeless, the King of kings promises a new world.
When life’s next chapter is hard to read, the Author of your faith edits it.
When you are searching for meaning, the Word of Life spells it out for you.
When life gets harder, I will be there for you.


                                             

                                     (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                            Day 275,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

    

I shaped your existence in the first place.
     To begin with, there were two cells, then 28 billion—that was the clay.
     I am the Omnipotent Creator, the Potter who made you like you are.
     I engineered the delicate, inner workings of your physical being.
     My hands formed your body and personality—humbly worship Me.


I shape your character in hard places.
     Difficult circumstances and “impossible situations” are the clay.
     I am your Father, the Potter at work behind the scenes for your good.
     My hand is sculpting your heart into Christ’s image—surrender.


I shape your life with opportunities to glorify Me in pleasant places.
     Everyday, ordinary life is the clay.
     I am the Omnipresent Sovereign, the Potter with your fulfillment in mind.
     My hand provides creative places for you to serve Me—be alert.


I am shaping your future in a perfect place.
     Time is the clay and the Omniscient Lord is the Potter.
     The return of My Son will inaugurate a sinless kingdom—
          a place without pain, heart attacks, cancer, wheelchairs, walkers, surgery,
               hospitals, hospices, funerals, cemeteries, or war;
          a place without darkness, fear, loneliness, or crime.
     My hand is building a magnificent mansion for your home—trust Me.


I will shape the earth into a beautiful place.
     Elements of the universe are the clay and the King of kings is the Potter.
     The earth is in bad shape now—it weeps in sadness because of sin.
     To restore paradise, radical steps will be necessary.
     My fury will set everything ablaze; it will all go up in smoke.
     In the meantime, I am giving you a chance to shape up!
     My hand will renovate the planet you call home.
          Hopefully anticipate the hereafter—joyfully dance here and now.

                                (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 
                       Day 274,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

               
                     Those who wait on the LORD will find new strength.
                               They will fly high on wings like eagles.
            They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
                                               ISAIAH 40:31 NLT


Finding life’s challenges more daunting than you can handle?
     Disheartened by crushing burdens heavier than you can shoulder?
     Overwhelmed by wide-ranging responsibilities you cannot manage?
     Frustrated by recurring problems you cannot solve?
     On the verge of giving up because of struggles at every turn?

Wait a minute!  Do not rush ahead—do not be in such a hurry.
     Slow down and realize who you are—weak; and who I am—strong.
     You have never been, you are not now, General Manager of the universe.
     You are not totally responsible for everything—that is My job!
     Nestle near My tender loving heart—I will strengthen your weak knees.

Expect great blessings from Me—heaven on earth is sure as sunrise.
     Look forward to looking back on earth’s troubles—they will disappear.
     When My glory is revealed, sadness and sighing will be only history.
     Troubles are here today, gone tomorrow—heavenly joys are eternal.
     I know earthly life can be rough—I experienced it firsthand.
     Never quit—though your body is dying, I renew your inner being daily.

Hope for a brighter future—You have My Word it will happen.
     Through My Son’s infused energy, you can do whatever I ask of you.
     This is no reason to brag—it is an opportunity to testify that I bless you.
     This is no boon to your ego—it is a chance to pay tribute to your Master.

I know you perfectly, care about you, and want to help you.
     Learn from Me and fly higher than mediocrity—outsoar timidity.
     Rely on Me and run faster than Satan—outrun temptation.
     Follow Me and walk farther than the fainthearted—outwalk lethargy.
     When others ask how you keep going, share your Secret of Strength.
                                            

                               (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                      Day 273,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

                                  Hear the word of the LORD of hosts.
                                                 ISAIAH 39:5 KJV        


In the labyrinth of confusion, My Word is your map and compass.
In your subterfuge and hypocrisy, My Word searches your inner being.
In self-absorption, My Word is a wake-up call to compassionate living.
In feeling you have it made, My Word calls you to worship your Maker.
In despair of justice, My Word reverberates the Lion’s apocalyptic roar.
In searching for meaning, My Word guides you to Christ.
In yearning for wisdom, My Word unveils the Alpha and the Omega.
In detouring from holiness, My Word shouts a warning of judgment.
In troubling anxiety and doubt, My Word gently whispers reassurance.
In discouraging current events, My Word promises a golden future.
In loneliness, My Word reminds you of My Faithful Presence.
In sadness, My Word gives you the lyrics to My symphony of hope.
In hell’s propaganda, My Word teaches you to discern the truth.
In apathy, My Word is a fire in your heart melting the lead in your feet.
In pride, My Word is a hammer that smashes your egocentricity to bits.
In the battle with temptation, My Word is your defensive shield.
In difficult terrain, My Word is your fl ashlight one step at a time.
In your strutting around, My Word is your call to humbly worship Me.
In misplaced trust in accomplishments, My Word invites faith in Me.
In hubris, My Word challenges you to remember you are not God.
In floor-pacing, My Word encourages you to give Me your worries.
In weariness, My Word invites you to give Jesus your crushing burdens.
In wondering about the future, My Word guarantees My Son’s return.
In asking who you are, My Word paints your destiny of Christlikeness.
In resisting Jesus’ downward mobility, My Word adjusts your attitude.
In meditating on Scripture, My Word changes the way you think.
In focusing on the finish line, My Word strengthens you to endure.
In relying on Christ, My Word enables you to do whatever I ask of you.
In conscientiously obeying My orders, My Word blesses you with joy.
In internalizing My thoughts, My Word sweetens your everyday life.
In overwhelming stress, My Word renews your hope and cheer.
In devoting yourself to My teachings, My Word frees your spirit to soar.
 

(c)  Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 272,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Your eyes will see the king in all his splendor,  and you will see a land that stretches into the distance.
You will see Zion as a place of worship and celebration.  You will see Jerusalem a city quiet and secure.
ISAIAH 33:17, 20

Earth’s rulers are only human, so moral darkness encircles the globe.
     One day you will see the King of kings in His majesty and beauty.
          There is Light at the end of the tunnel.

There is a far nobler use of life than pursuing personal ambition.
     Egocentricity is a dead-end street; selfishness shrivels the soul.
          There is purpose after the death of self-centeredness.

Sin tantalizes, then breaks your heart; pleasures lure, but do not last.
     Take the long view—look forward to joys that will last forever.
          There is bliss after the end of the world.

Peace and quiet are elusive dreams in your current experience.
     One day you will feast your eyes on new Jerusalem—City of Peace.
          There is calm after the storm.

Life, you know, is fragile—fearful insecurity defines the human situation.
     Death, grief, heartache, and pain will be obsolete in the new world.
          There is safety after the termination of crime.

Does it seem to you that some people get away with murder?
     Over the horizon, a holy holocaust is starting to blaze up.
          There is fairness at the end of the day.

Christ’s glorious kingdom will outshine any empire the world has known.
     In fact, the nations will bask in His favor and honor Him above all else.
          There is paradise beyond the stars.

Though you do not see your Savior now, you certainly will one day.
     No longer harassed by sin and death, you will celebrate eternal victory.
          There is a heavenly reward at faith’s finish line

 

                                 (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                        Day 271,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

           
                                                                                        Golden Sunrise 


                                                     Until at last the Spirit is poured down upon us from heaven.
                                              Justice will rule in the wilderness and righteousness in the fertile field.
                                       Righteousness will bring peace. Quietness and confidence will fill the land forever.
                                                                                 ISAIAH 32:15a, 16, 17 NLT


Christ’s reign will change godlessness to righteousness.
     Warmhearted—not steel-cold—toward Me, the redeemed will obey Me.
     Totally devoted to the King of hearts, heaven’s citizens will worship Me.

Christ’s reign will change war to peace.
     Shuttle diplomacy will never be able to settle international disputes.
     Battling with guilt? Rely on My Holy Spirit as your Defense Counsel.

Christ’s reign will change restlessness to rest.
     Impatient? Let the Prince of Peace teach you good things take time.
     Wondering if anybody cares? Let My Spirit comfort your heart.

Christ’s reign will change fear to security.
     Made right in My sight because of My Son’s work on the cross,
          relax in My Presence and look forward to sharing His glory.

Christ’s reign will change sadness to joy.
     Going through tough times? Look forward to looking back on them.
     Hallelujahs will cancel heartbreak—triumph will dry tears.

Christ’s reign will change noise to quietness.
     At last, the din of chaos will disappear in the tranquility of paradise.
     The Prince of Peace will teach saints to sing the sweet music of heaven.

Christ’s reign will change deception to truth.
     Do not listen to the Devil’s lies—he is speaking his native language.
     Be attentive to the Shepherd’s voice—follow the Way to the Truth of Life.

Christ’s reign will change anxiety to confidence.
     Losing sleep worrying about eternity? Let My Spirit encourage you.
     Listen to tomorrow’s symphony of hope—dance faith’s jig of joy today


                                           

                                     (c)  Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                          Day 270,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity