Use honest scales -- honest weights and measures.
Every pound must have sixteen ounces.
Every gallon must measure four quarts.
Your coins must be honest -- no wooden nickels!
EZEKIEL 45:10-12 THE MESSAGE
I am the Way of Love—walk My paths today and be happy.
Be honest with yourself, frankly assessing your nature and worth.
Learn well My lessons in love.
Work at loving—keep at it through all seasons.
Remember love’s Source—use heaven’s gift for earth’s good.
Do not focus on your wavering love—see real love at the cross.
Follow My Son’s example—love other people sacrificially.
Compassionately care for others—experience the helper’s high.
Honestly, now . . . there is no better way to serve.
I am the Truth of Law—obey My principles today and be helpful.
Be honest with others—truthful in everything you say and do.
In a me-first society, do what is just and right for a change.
Worship Me above all else; care for others like you do yourself—
and two things will be transformed—your heart and neighborhood.
Honestly, now . . . there is no better way to live.
I am the Life of Liberty—seek My Presence today and be holy.
Be honest to God—transparent before the One seeing through you.
Satan promises you freedom, but all he gives you is handcuffs.
Only Christ can unshackle you from addictive self-destructive habits.
Travel Holiness Highway and revel in the pleasure of My company.
Honestly, now . . . there is no better way to rejoice.
Honesty is the best policy because I said so—and that is not negotiable.
To translate abstract justice and righteousness into practical holiness,
it is imperative that you be genuinely honest.
You have often thought about the critical importance of honesty.
Honestly, now . . . don’t you think it is about time for you to LIVE IT?
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 289, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
They think the whole world revolves around them! EZEKIEL 38:12 NLT
Rabbi Hillel asked a good question in Ethics of the Fathers:
“If I am only for myself, who am I?”
Selfishness runs counter to My will, and isolates you from others.
The earth is not the center of the universe—the Eternal One is.
Earthly-mindedness is limiting and worrisome.
Go about your business, ignoring Mine, and you will go spiritually bankrupt.
The sun is not the center of the universe—the Son of God is.
The Light of the World illuminates the Way to the Truth of Life.
The Sun of Righteousness holds everything together, including you.
The north star is not the center of the universe—the Bright Morning Star is.
The Creator of the cosmos directs the traffic patterns of the galaxies.
The Star-Maker inspires hope in the darkest night of your soul.
You are not the center of the universe—I am.
Self-centeredness is laughable and sinful.
Egocentricity breeds lust, impurity, greed, idolatry, anger, and slander.
Egomaniacs eventually self-destruct—they love themselves to death.
Arrogant enough to take a do-it-yourself approach to life?
Self-righteous to the point of taking center stage and claiming holiness?
Convinced you are strong enough to handle any problem you may face?
Smart enough to figure out all the enigmas of the world?
Bragging you have it made, the world wrapped around your finger?
Christ-centeredness alone is eternally significant.
Find a nobler purpose—honoring your Savior in all you do.
Enjoy greater pleasure—celebrating the joy of His company.
Experience higher power—surviving difficulties by His grace.
Celebrate greater purity—thinking your Master’s thoughts.
Live His way—beyond yourself.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 288, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
You boasted proudly against me, and I have heard it all!
EZEKIEL 35:13 NLT
When you talk big, you think small.
Are you actually arrogant enough to claim that—
by your power you have accomplished great feats?
by your wisdom you have figured out the riddle of the universe?
by your intelligence and strategy you have conquered the evil one?
by your hard work you have built a financial nest egg?
by your rebellion you have found your own way?
Are you really insolent enough to pit yourself against the Almighty?
Are you conceited enough to feel stronger than the Omnipotent Creator?
Are you egocentric to the point of believing you can do-it-yourself?
The essence of sin is attempting to live independently of Me.
Unchecked pride will cause you to foolishly repeat Lucifer’s folly—
exalting yourself and claiming to be greater than the Creator;
trusting your ingenuity instead of the Sustainer of the universe;
feeling stronger than the One who whispered stars into existence.
If you strut, you will stumble—if you brag, you will blush—
if you carry on, you will get carried away.
I am in heaven and you are on earth—keep your words to a minimum.
Do not multiply words—be quiet and realize that I am God.
Avoid high-sounding speeches, designed to impress others—
they do not impress Me!
Thank Me for My unfailing love—My mercy that forgives sin,
My grace that helps you endure, My patience that encourages faith.
Worship Me all the time—sing My praises in sunshine and shadow.
Honor Me with all you are—boast only of the cross of My Son.
If you want to brag, brag about the great things I have done for you.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 287, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
All the people of Egypt will discover that I am the LORD, for you collapsed like a reed when Israel looked to you for help and leaned on you. Like a cracked staff you splintered and stabbed her in the armpit. She put her weight on you, you gave way, her back was thrown out of joint.
EZEKIEL 29:6-7 NLT
Who or what do you trust?
The world?
Egypt was once magnificent and powerful—
superpowers are succeeded by others more powerful.
Sinful pleasure?
It is never worth the hangover and the heartache.
Prestige?
Human praise is empty—it can never satisfy your deepest longing.
Possessions?
Making payments on what you call your own is a long treadmill.
People?
Place your confidence in mortals and they can disappoint you.
Military forces?
Aircraft carriers, tanks, infantry, stealth bombers, cruise missiles—
all are useless means of defense without heaven's shield of blessing.
Riches?
Obsess over money and someday you will meet someone who has not—
then you will realize how poor you have grown.
God?
Every other staff will break and pierce your hand and heart.
I am the Only Completely Trustable Spot in the entire universe.
Lean your whole weight on My everlasting arms—relax.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 286, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Look! Your oarsmen are rowing your ship of state into a hurricane! Your mighty vessel flounders in the heavy eastern gale. You are shipwrecked in the heart of the sea!
EZEKIEL 27:26 NLT
Babylon became great—but boasted of its greatness, and perished.
Greece grew strong—but trusted its strength, and disappeared.
Rome conquered the world—but worshiped itself, and toppled.
Tyre thought it had it made—international trade made it rich—
then arrogance swelled their head and shriveled their heart.
Their ship of state was a magnificent vessel—the envy of the world.
But that ship of state wrecked on the rocks of self-reliance.
Any nation that acknowledges My lordship will be blessed—
any nation that refuses to bow the knee will be cursed.
Your own nation may be known as a superpower,
but all the nations are a drop in the bucket compared to My power.
Your country may have a reputation for technological sophistication,
but all nations are less than nothing to Me—froth on the sea of life.
An autopsy of a failed nation always reveals the growth of pride.
Hubris in the heart of a nation is a wrecking ball that will destroy it.
Strutting on the stage of history is a sure way to trip and fall.
Carrying on business without God results in moral bankruptcy.
It all begins with you.
Do not imagine you can do wrong without weakening your country.
Do not downgrade the positive effect you can have by a noble example.
Do not think you have no influence over your nation—you certainly do!
If you obey My commands, you will set the pace for your family.
If your home reflects My love, you will encourage your neighborhood.
If your community honors My law, they will model fairness for your city.
If your city respects My ways, they will inspire your state.
If your state aims for justice, your nation will grow in righteousness.
If your nation is righteous, your world will take notice of a better way.
It all begins with you.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 285, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
God says, “Take your royal crown off your head. No more ‘business as usual.’
The underdog will be promoted and the top dog will be demoted.”
EZEKIEL 21:26 THE MESSAGE
Some people will tell you that nothing in the world will ever change.
They are badly mistaken—everything will change someday!
The old order will give way when My Son rules paradise restored.
Old earth will disappear when the new one flourishes.
Old heaven will be history when I erase memory of Lucifer’s rebellion.
Death will be reversed by the Life—old age will be a thing of the past.
Tears will be reversed by the Truth—heartache will be obsolete.
Pain will be reversed by the Way—hospitals will be unnecessary.
The old world and its evils will be reversed by Christ’s new world.
The first now will be last then—those who think they have it made do not.
Haughty egotists will eventually be put in their place.
Those at the end of the line will move to the front—rewarded at last.
I bless the poor in spirit—I will enrich them with the kingdom of heaven.
I bless the brokenhearted—I will comfort them with My grace.
I bless the gentle and lowly—I will give them new earth real estate.
I bless the hungry and thirsty—I will give them a full measure of justice.
I bless the kind and merciful—I will show them abundant mercy.
I bless the pure—I will let them see My face.
I bless the peacemakers—I will call them My sons and daughters.
I bless the persecuted—I will welcome them to My peaceful kingdom.
What will it take to change an old world into a new one? Christ’s return!
The Wonderful Counselor will reverse confusion by unerring guidance.
The Mighty God will reverse defeat by overwhelming victory.
The Everlasting Father will reverse chaos by undisturbed stability.
The Prince of Peace will reverse war by indestructible tranquility.
Joy will fill the earth when I bring about the great reversal.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 284, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Even if Noah, Daniel, and Job were there, their righteousness would save no one
but themselves, declares the Sovereign LORD.
EZEKIEL 14:14 NLT
Noah preached to a needy world, though the majority ignored him.
He kept at the task I gave him, despite sneers and sarcasm.
Crowds scorned his message and laughed at his boat-building project;
nevertheless, he hammered away and kept telling My story.
For over a century, Noah warned rebels—with little visible results.
I want you to keep preaching My Word, whether or not people believe.
Stand on My promises and fasten on the belt of timeless Truth.
Wield the Spirit Sword to counter propaganda of the evil one. Whatever the response—herald My Word.
Daniel prayed in a dangerous world, though government threatened him.
Leaders could not keep him off his knees facing the Temple.
With windows open toward Jerusalem, he prayed three times a day.
Lions could not kill his steadfast loyalty to Almighty God.
He worshiped Me continually, so I protected him constantly.
No matter how antagonistic life gets, hold My hand. Whatever the circumstances or the situation—keep hoping.
Job persevered in a short-sighted world, though friends misunderstood him.
On the edge of despair, he held on by his finger-nails and trusted Me.
Life can be difficult—the lark does not always sing in an April sky.
Life can be discouraging—futility sometimes clouds the horizon.
Life can be tiring—apparent pointlessness weakens motivation.
Life is not a 100-yard dash, but a marathon—run to the finish line.
Consider your life as time to honor Me, and purpose will energize you.
When you see your Savior, yourefforts will all seem worthwhile. Whatever happens—hang on.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 283, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
The end has come! It has finally arrived! Your final doom is waiting!
EZEKIEL 7:6-7a NLT
Ten . . .
Do you sometimes think life will always be as it is now? Think again!
Things will radically change someday, whether you believe it or not.
Nine . . .
Do you doubt that My Son will ever return to earth? Depend on it!
When the King puts His foot down, heaven will materialize.
Eight . . .
Convinced you can do wrong and get away with it? Do not kid yourself!
Every thought, word, and deed is an accurate boomerang.
Seven . . .
Feel you have unlimited time to straighten out your behavior? No way!
When the trumpet sounds, time is up.
Six . . .
Strutting in self-righteous splendor? Time to change your wardrobe!
Do not lull yourself to sleep comparing yourself with “inferior” people.
Five . . .
Looking down on other believers? Dismount your high horse!
Do not be angry you cannot change others—you cannot change yourself.
Four . . .
Judging others for their sinful ways? Take a long look in the mirror!
Everyone—you included—will stand before Christ to be judged.
Three . . .
Wondering if justice will ever prevail? I will balance the books.
My holy holocaust will incinerate evil—purify your heart before the end.
Two . . .
Wavering in enthusiasm in My service? Trust My Spirit and keep at it.
Nothing you do for My glory wastes time; inspired work is never useless.
One . . .
Still trying to please people? They are not your Boss—I am!
Aim to please Me—My smile will be reward enough.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 282, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
As I watched the four creatures, I saw something that looked like
a wheel on the ground beside each of the four-faced creatures.
The wheels were identical, sparkling like diamonds in the sun.
It looked like they were wheels within wheels, like a gyroscope.
EZEKIEL 1:15-16 THE MESSAGE
Creatures in Ezekiel’s vision parallel the gospel portraits of Jesus—
the lion previews Matthew’s King, the ox Mark’s Servant,
the man Luke’s humanity, the eagle John’s God.
As the wheel of time has turned through the generations,
I have been the Home of every believer—their Center of Gravity.
I am without beginning or end, a Circle of infinite power.
I am the Eternal God Who Will Always Be Who I Have Been.
From your heart outwards, let your relationship to Me influence all.
Let every concentric circle in your life be ruled by My love.
Do not think you are a big wheel just because you go around in circles.
Find a valuable life purpose and stick with it through thick and thin.
When you look at the sun, think of the Sun of Righteousness—
permit His healing rays to transform your life into holy health.
When you look at the moon, think of the Light of the world—
reflect His kind nature to everyone around you.
When you look at the constellations, think of the Bright Morning Star—
whistle in the dark as you worship Him and learn His song.
When you look at the earth, think of Almighty God—
trust Me to see you through the years, as I do the orbiting planet.
One day the universe will come full circle—restored to pristine beauty.
Until then count on My Spirit to guide you, My power to stabilize you,
My love to encompass you, and My Presence to encircle you.
You could never find a better gyroscope for your soul.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 281, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
She played fast and loose with life, she never considered tomorrow,
and now she’s crashed royally, with no one to hold her hand.
“Look at my pain, O God! And how the enemy cruelly struts.”
LAMENTATIONS 1:9 THE MESSAGE
After getting burned playing with fire, you say, “I just wasn’t thinking.”
You should have been!
Flirting with temptation starts you on a toboggan ride toward disaster.
Sin’s slippery slope is difficult to exit—it is easier to avoid altogether.
It is foolhardy to only consider the consequences after they hit.
Impulsive choices typically land you in trouble.
Human nature chooses the easy way, and that is usually wrong.
Think back—learn from history that you cannot sin without painful effects.
Reflect on how unpleasant your life became when you acted badly.
Reconsider how complicated relationships got when you misbehaved.
Think ahead—anticipate the awful effects of sin—turn away from it.
Keep in mind the consequences of guilt and grief—avoid doing wrong.
Reflect on how pleasant your life is when you trust and obey Me.
Jerusalem, city of peace, was exiled to heart-wrenching loneliness.
Jerusalem, city of the Great King, was shackled by cruel tyrants.
Jerusalem, the holy city, was orphaned from the Promised Land.
If they had only thought ahead, they could have avoided disaster.
Now it is your turn.
Repent and walk humbly with Me, and I will help you live correctly.
Hold My nail-scarred hand, and I will guide you on a glorious path—
a path of peace and joy, not chaos and heartache.
Want to celebrate victory—not defeat—at sunset?
Then, at sunrise, think ahead!
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 280, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
