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
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) PastorJohnny 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
