Then Job replied to the Lord:
“I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.”
JOB 42:1-2 NIV
The experience classroom is where you learn profound wisdom. The school of hard knocks presents a tough curriculum, but what you learn experientially alters you more than what you learn academically.
The first lesson you need to learn is that My power is unlimited. If you treat Me as Lord of your life, nothing I ask will be too hard for you to do. Humanly speaking, some challenges are outside the realm of possibility—but within My realm of grace everything is possible.
Another reality you need to grasp is I have a plan for your life. I orchestrate a master plan for your good. Death’s terror, life’s problems, demon’s distractions, and the future's worries cannot kill My love. Pain sculpts you into Christ’s image, if you submit to the Sculptor. Through difficult circumstances, I teach you the principle of trust. In the valley, you learn lessons you would never learn on the mountain.
The truth you most need to know is the reality of My Presence. Hearing about Me secondhand is interesting; seeing Me for yourself is transforming. I am your Travel Companion on the journey of life. My Spirit shines brightly in your darkest night. Follow My lead, and you cannot go wrong. Trust Me, and you will forever be glad you did.
You also need to learn the value of intercessory prayer. Even after Job’s friends misjudged and harshly criticized him, he prayed for them. It was not easy for him to do that. And when people hurl accusations at you or question your motives, you may not feel like praying for them; but your faith demands that you do. Jesus intercedes for you. Follow His example—be thoughtful of others’ needs.
Learn day-by-day the riches of My provision. I blessed Job in the autumn of his life more than in the spring. I will do the same for you. Everything you need—in every season of life—I will lavishly provide. Whatever happens, count on Me—everything will be fine.
Finally, you will learn the reward of My peace. Like the wine at Cana’s feast, I saved the best for last for Job. Double blessings after his ordeal confirmed My love. He persevered, so I caused a joyful outcome. Endure hard times, and I will bless you with joy not too good to last.
Learn My lessons well—then you will graduate from Adversity University with highest honors.
Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.
JOB 34:32 NIV
Self-righteousness blinds you to ego and dulls your learning. Scripture brightens your path and opens you to higher education.
The God-breathed Word teaches you supernatural wisdom, rebukes you for selfish wrong, corrects your sinful way, and trains you for sacrificial work in the highest Name. To live by the Book from Heaven is the best lifestyle for earth.
Often, if you are honest with Me, you must confess that you have eyes to see, yet you fail to see. When you realize your spiritual blindness, cry out to Me to show you My ways and teach you My paths.
When I make it plain where you have rebelled, will you repent? When I make it obvious how you have sinned, will you stop at once?
My teaching opens your eyes to timeless truth that transforms so completely, that your attitudes and actions will never be the same again. Once you have seen the Light and learned lessons no one else can teach you, your life will be radically changed for good.
Changed from the inside out, demonstrate behavior modification the unbelieving world knows nothing about. Refuse to copy ungodly ways—honor My Word above all else, and be transformed into a new person by My Holy Spirit at work in your life. Pray for grace to keep the change.
You will be Christlike, not carnal; serving, not selfish; faith-full, not frantic; caring, not critical; celebrative, not complaining; soaring, not sinking; humble, not haughty; devoted, not deceitful; positive, not pessimistic.
Permit Me to x-ray you and understand you. Let Me encourage you and stand under you. Submit to My examination and supervision.
Make this your earnest prayer: Holy God, X-ray my heart and cross-examine my mind. Make me aware of anything in my life that saddens You, and help me travel the Highway of holiness leading to heaven.
In times of doubt and pain, you may question the value of prayer. You may wonder about the use of spending time in this enterprise and ask what is gained by it all. Petitioning My throne may seem pointless.
Such questions soon evaporate in the light of My Holy Presence. The highest value of prayer is a deeper awareness of your Creator. To feel Me near—holding your hand as you travel life’s rugged road—is the highest reward of prayer and your supreme joy.
I will show you the best way to live, grant you equanimity the world is unable to give, and bless you with the eternal pleasure of My company.
No matter how the world shoves you, remember I care about you and love you with all My heart. Let Me have everything that worries you—I can handle it better than you can. Burdens of life can crush you—My shoulders are strong and wide enough to carry the heavy load.
Begin each morning with an appointment with your Father. I will listen to you and pay attention to your requests. You can depend on Me
to answer. Almighty help is only a prayer away—trade weakness for My strength. Heavenly wisdom is yours for the asking—be sure to ask!
Learn these lessons well: 1) prayer does not change things—I do; 2) prayers do not change Me—they change you.
Find a quiet place and get still before Me—take an exit ramp from the interstate of life’s rapid pace, find a country road sheltered by trees and listen to birds singing songs I taught them; spend unhurried time communing with Me—then return to the daily grind with renewed love for other people.
When you are weary and buckling under with responsibilities, fall to the holy ground beneath your knees. In My Presence you will find something you will never find anywhere else—rest. I am your Calm and Contentment—thank Me for My blessings, talk over with Me whatever is troubling you, and you can relax.
Alfred, Lord Tennyson was correct in “The Passing of Arthur,” Idylls of the King: “More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.” And when Arthur Christopher Benson said, “Life is fragile, handle it with prayer,” he had learned the value of prayer.
Where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?
JOB 17:15 NIV
Earth causes discouragement. When you look around, you are hopeless. Most news is bad. Circumstances of crime, war, famine, disease, abuse, sin, and death sadden you. The world feels like the insane asylum of the solar system.
Egocentricity causes defeat. When you look within, you are hopeless. An honest inward look reveals iniquity. I know you inside out—everything about you is clear. Focus on yourself and you are on a path to frustration and failure.
Evil causes despair. When you look back, you are hopeless. Regret over rebellion brings anguish. Mental replay of transgression intensifies your guilt. The only way you can celebrate a right relationship with Me is to confess and renounce your sins, and then depend on Me to forget them. When the Devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future! And whenever self-condemnation threatens to crush your spirit, claim this truth—My heart never condemns those who belong to My Son. Good-hearted hope is found only by faith in Me.
Eternity will bring the dawn. When you look ahead, you are hopeful. Looking forward to heaven on earth transforms your sighing into singing. At the tunnel’s end is Light that will never dim. Glory is worth the wait. In hope, listen for the beautiful symphony of paradise—by faith, dance here and now.
You sometimes feel run down, but My love makes you radiant.
You sometimes are scared, but I give you faith—replacing supposing with reposing. Instead of your “perhaps” or “maybe” or even “hope so,” I teach you trust vocabulary that says will.
Let invulnerable joy, steady confidence, and eternal optimism permeate your spirit and thrill your heart. Anticipate a bright future—deathless existence, a victory parade down the High Street of heaven, the kingdom of the King of kings bringing universal peace.
When problems overwhelm you, rely on My power.
When pain and heartache intensify, pray.
When current events discourage you, reread My promises for the future.
When the outlook is bad, try the up look.
Look prayerfully toward the horizon—see a ray of hope.
I am disgusted with my life. Let me complain freely. I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.
JOB 10:1 NLT
Sometimes you are like Elijah—experiencing burnout syndrome. At such times, you are almost to the point of praying desperately like him, “I
have had enough, take my life.” You have never been totally burned out, but you have gotten mighty warm.
You have not had to weather a perfect storm like Job. You have always liked your life, never loathed it. Sometimes the emotional terrain you traveled has been steep and rough, but you have generally enjoyed the walk.
This is not to say you have not done your share of complaining. Instead of celebrating My goodness, you tend to complain and gripe. Rather than being humbly grateful, you often turn grumbly hateful. Even on a bright, blue-sky day, you can find something to frown about. Focusing on your bitterness instead of My blessing, it is hard to smile—all you can seem to manage is a sigh.
Get over your self-pity. Let Me teach you to sing My praises. You complain that your feet hurt—some have only one leg, or none. You complain about the day being dark and cloudy—some people have never seen the sunlight. You complain about life’s noise, how hard it is to find any peace and quiet—some people have never heard music. You complain about having to pay so many bills—some people do not
have the money to pay them. You complain about so much to do—some people are unemployed.
If complain, complain, complain has become your prevalent attitude, here is a little shock therapy—if you had never been born, then you would not have anything at all to complain about!
Trust Me—behind life’s misery and mystery, there is Meaning. Pain has a high and noble purpose. Trials can lead to triumph. Hurt can shape you into holiness. Bitterness can become a blessing. It all depends on your attitude.
When your life becomes a bitter pill, you can pay a visit to heaven’s complaint department and demand to see the Manager—or you can submit to the Master, swallow bitterness, and be blessed.
I do not ask you to give thanks for all circumstances, but to give thanks in all circumstances. No matter how tough your situation, there is always a reason to be grateful—if you look prayerfully enough.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 188, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
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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
