How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land? PSALM 137:4
When you are in a situation that makes you want to hang up your harp,
you may wonder how in the world you can ever celebrate again.
Where is that toe-tapping rhythm, that spring in your step?
You are on alien soil in the ungodly world.
No wonder antagonists poke fun at your hymns of praise.
The world is “not a friend to grace to help you on to God” (Isaac Watts).
I am the One “who makes the woeful heart to sing” (Anonymous hymn).
When Paul wrote Philippians, he was not in a Statler Hilton luxury suite.
Yet he published a message of joy advising believers to rejoice.
Hope can sing—heaven’s music echoes in listening hearts.
Faith can dance—heaven’s message encourages trusting souls.
Joy can celebrate—heaven’s mirth is in inner-stances, not circumstances.
Love can rejoice—heaven’s melody inspires invulnerable joy.
Horatio Spafford experienced this joy—even after his daughters died.
That ship collision in the Atlantic took their lives, but not his peace.
Sorrows like sea billows rolled over him, but it was well with his soul.
Richard Wurmbrand experienced this joy—even after 14 years in prison.
Brutally tortured until he could find relief only on his elbows and knees,
he still sang a song a fellow prisoner wrote about Jesus.
Joni Eareckson Tada experienced this joy—even as a quadriplegic.
Confined to a wheelchair, painting with her mouth,
she sang from her heart a song of trusting faith.
Betsie ten Boom experienced this joy—even in a concentration camp.
She knew they would be free, and she told her sister to tell everyone
there is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still.
You can also experience this joy.
Though you feel like sighing, your Greatest Friend can teach you a song.
By My grace, you can sing—even when you do not feel like it.
Jonah answered “I am a Hebrew and I worship the LORD, the God of heaven who made the sea and the land. Then he told them he was running away from the LORD.
JONAH 1:9-10 NLT
Do you think it is possible to be reverently rebellious toward Me?
Submissively disobedient to the Commander of Angel Armies?
Lovingly running away from Love seeking your company?
Openly hiding from the One who knows everything about you?
How can you demonstrate such sharp contrast in your life—
Falsely true? Genuinely counterfeit? Sincerely hypocritical?
Unfaithfully faithful? Treacherously loyal? Dishonestly honest?
Fearfully courageous? Halfheartedly committed?
You are a bundle of contradictions and a strange mixture of opposites—
pure and lustful, enamored with idols and ecstatic with Me,
hostile and kind, quarrelsome and tranquil, jealous and content,
angry and patient, selfishly ambitious and sacrificially caring,
fussy and gentle, bigoted and generous.
What am I to make of you? What will you let Me make of you?
Follow heaven’s victory strategy, and you can win this tug-of-war.
Heed My positive advice, and you can resolve this polarity within.
Like Much-Afraid in Hannah Hurnard’s Hinds’ Feet on High Places,
you may weep bitterly and say over and over again to yourself: What is the use of even thinking of going to the High Places?
I could never reach them, for the least little thing is enough
to turn me back.
You are an oxymoron—two-sided, attempting dual allegiance.
It will not work—an unsettled mind cannot know peace.
Will you run to Me or run away?
Will you hide in Me or try to hide from Me?
Will you be earnest by My power or just eloquent with fancy talk?
When will you wise up and quit being an oxymoron?!
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 297, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
I will cut you down to size among the nations, Edom; you will be small and despised. You are proud because you live in a rock fortress, making your home in the mountains.“ Who can ever reach us way up here?” you ask boastfully. Don’t fool yourselves! Though you soar high as eagles and build your nest among stars, I will bring you crashing down. I, the LORD, have spoken! OBADIAH 1:2-4 NLT
Sitting on a wall you have constructed by your own wisdom and ability?
Feeling secure in accomplishments, sure nothing can touch you now?
Condescendingly perched in your nest, looking down on the world below?
King of a mountain you so skillfully climbed, despising lower classes?
Thinking you have it made? Better think again!
Arrogance makes you strut—reality can bring you to your knees.
Ego makes you brag—embarrassment can cut you down to size.
There is no security without God. Everything else changes—I remain the same through the years.
I alone in the entire universe am absolutely trustworthy.
Mountains do not give you security—the Mountain-Maker does.
The proud are My enemies—they are against Me, so I am against them.
The higher you climb, the greater your crash.
There is a wrecking ball inside every egotistically constructed life.
Mother Goose got it right in her nursery rhyme for children: Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men,
Couldn’t put Humpty together again.
If a nation, business, church, family, or individual collapses from pride—
political, military, economic, religious, and psychological remedies fail.
The only prescription for health is to repent and return to God.
John Bunyan said it well in his poem
“The Shepherd Boy Sings in the Valley of Humiliation”: He that is down, needs fear no fall; he that is low, no pride.
He that is humble ever shall have God to be his guide.
The humble are My favorites—they are on My side, so I am on theirs.
Make Me your Mighty Fortress—I will keep you from having a great fall.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 296, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Woe to those who are at ease in Zion,
to those on the mountain of Samaria who are careless and feel secure.
AMOS 6:1 THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE
Self-confidence comes so naturally to you.
Reviewing your situation, you tell yourself “I have it made in the shade!”
Complacency selects an address on Easy Street.
Wealth shifts your attention from the church to the bank.
Comfort isolates you from the cries of the poor.
Pride distances you from those struggling just to eke out an existence.
The American dream turns your life into an egotistical nightmare.
Your soft bed rocks you to sleep without a twinge of conscience—
street people do not keep you awake.
Your lavishly-stocked pantry fills your stomach without worry—
gluttony fattens you up while the hungry of the world starve to death.
Your comfortable house has become your security blanket—
your welcome mat is not out for the homeless.
Your wine racks offer you much more than you need—
charmed by sweet drinks, you have little thirst for My Spirit.
At ease, you take it easy—while the heartbroken struggle to survive.
Lazy, you sleep away your existence—while the world goes to hell.
Extravagant, you waste resources—while the poor rummage in dumps.
Blind, you invest in things—while I urge you to invest in eternity.
Careless, you are deaf to a roaring lion—while My Spirit warns you.
Believe it or not, I am your Only True Security.
Realize you deeply need Me—and I will grant heavenly citizenship.
Hunger and thirst for righteousness—and I will satisfy your soul.
Be kind to people fighting a hard battle—and I will give you victory.
Purify your heart—and I will permit you to see Me face to face.
Work for peace—and I will proudly call you My child.
Persevere in My service—and I will welcome you home.
Treasure Me—and I will give your investment eternal dividends.
Avoid the trap of luxury—and I will let you celebrate Love’s freedom.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 295, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
As soon as trouble comes, they will search for me.
HOSEA 5:15 NLT
Sunshine, lollipops, and roses can create self-dependency.
Feeling you have it made, you feel no need of Me.
Riding high, you assume you can get by without the Most High.
Supremely self-confident, you essentially put prayer on the shelf.
When the sun stops shining and storms roll in, you get serious with Me.
When life turns bittersweet, you earnestly seek My face.
When flowers fade and die, you go back to the eternal Book.
Sensing you cannot survive on your own, you cry out for My assistance.
Experiencing a low point, you try to make sense of it all through faith.
Hurting deeply, you consult the Great Physician.
Sadness can actually be a doorway to ecstasy.
Stoics take it on the chin and go on; Epicureans party and try to forget.
Christians have a unique perspective—trouble is a chance for joy.
When your faith is tested, fortitude has an opportunity to develop.
In a crucible, you learn a valuable lesson—strength is born in weakness.
Insults do not change who you are—I know you, that is all that matters.
Hard times will not destroy you—I care, and that will see you through.
Opposition cannot separate us—I love you, and that will keep us friends.
Calamities cannot kill you—I stand under you, and I will hold you together.
Pressure from all sides will not crush the trusting soul.
Perplexity will not cause the believing heart to drop out of the race.
Getting knocked down will not keep persevering saints down for good.
Life is wonderful—overflowing with blessings all along the journey.
But when there is trouble on the road, I am your Grand Support.
Search for Me with all your heart—it will be worth all the trouble.
Life is sweet and beautiful in many ways—there are many roses.
Yet every rose has a thorn—that hurts, but that too, can be a blessing.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 293, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
The people who know their God shall be steadfast and will accomplish notable feats.
DANIEL 11:32 MLB
Wait on Me—be strong.
Still your soul in My Presence, breathe deeply of My Spirit, and relax.
Watch what I do with galaxies—let Me control the orbit of your life.
Rely on Me when life is falling apart—stay calm in heavy traffic.
Wait—soar over mediocrity, run from evil, walk beyond weariness.
Worship Me—be steady.
If faith brings persecution, persist—hard times refine pure gold.
Follow your Great Example, the One called Faithful and True.
In all circumstances be joyful, prayerful, thankful, clay in My hands.
Worship—give Me your heart, and I will give you Mine.
Want My Word—be studious.
Internalize eternal truths; uncompromisingly follow holy principles.
Do not carry around opinions; be carried around by convictions.
Be a true disciple—keep on obeying My teachings over your lifetime.
Treasure the Bible—make it your Textbook for Living.
Work for Me—be sincere.
The insincere lose heart and desert the ranks of My army.
The sincere take heart and remain steadfastly enthused in My service.
Realizing who your Boss is, work diligently—whistle while you work.
Do quality work to please Me, not people—My smile will be your reward.
Watch your step—be successful.
Temptation is a battleground—doggedly persist and we will win.
In your weakness, hold My hand—I will keep you from stumbling.
One day you will be like Christ—make a conscious effort today.
Watch your step—walk in Jesus’ footsteps and truly succeed.
The strategy for victory is profoundly simple—continue.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 292, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
As my vision continued that night,
I saw someone who looked like a man coming with the clouds of heaven.
He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence.
He was given authority, honor, and royal power over all the nations of the world,
so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him.
His rule is eternal--it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.
DANIEL 7:13-14 NLT
In the future the Son of Man will be revealed as the Son of God—
My Right-hand Man, returning on the clouds of heaven.
When His full character is unveiled, believers will breathe a sigh of relief.
When His unquestionable authority is revealed, saints will leap for joy.
The Lamb turned Lion will be an awful revelation to an incredulous world.
His piercing eyes will see right through all pretense and hypocrisy.
His almighty feet will walk all over enemies of righteousness.
His divine voice will thunder out proclamations of justice and truth.
His authoritative arm will wield a sharp sword to cut away falsehood.
His victorious hands will hold the keys of death and the grave.
Gentle Jesus will shock people who forgot accountability to Him as Judge.
Worldly warring kingdoms will become the Messiah’s peaceful kingdom.
Memories of chaos, anxiety, and turmoil will never haunt the redeemed.
Cemeteries and hospitals will no longer be needed by the glorified.
Loneliness will disappear in the fellowship of celebrative hearts.
Millions will worship Him and sing His praises with liberated hearts.
My servants will worship and serve Me with joyful hearts.
Current events disturb you, but the future perfect tense will delight you.
Believer, you are destined to be part of Christ’s indestructible kingdom!
Live gratefully, humbly, and reverently until earth’s nightmare is over.
Jesus will reign over the new earth—heaven’s dream will come true.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 291, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
From that day the name of the city will be “The LORD Is There.”
EZEKIEL 48:35 NLT
When you are unsure which way to turn, I am there to direct you.
When you are feeling gloomy and despondent, I am there to cheer you up.
When you are worn out and exhausted, I am there to give you rest.
When you are frazzled, I am there to give you peace of mind.
When you are wringing your hands, I am there to settle your nerves.
When you are battling the evil one, I am there to guarantee your victory.
When you are frustrated by changing situations, I am there to stabilize you.
When you are on stormy seas, I am there to keep you on an even keel.
When you are experiencing earth’s chaos, I am there to calm your heart.
When you are on the verge of falling apart, I am there to hold you together.
When you are weak and overwhelmed, I am there to renew your strength.
When you are afraid, I am there to hold your hand and encourage you.
When you are going through deep waters, I am there to keep you afloat.
When you are experiencing fiery trials, I am there to shield you from harm.
|When you are surrounded by trouble, I am there as your Hiding Place.
When you are feeling life is too hard, I am there to help you succeed.
When you are stumbling in the dark, I am there to light your way.
When you are feeling guilty, I am there to forgive and take your sins away.
When you are wondering what is next, I am there to give you a bright future.
When you are dragging your feet, I am there to teach you how to dance.
When you are feeling no one loves you, I am there to hold you near Me.
When you are in a sad valley, I am there to give you a vision of hope.
When you are on an ecstatic mountaintop, I am there to celebrate with you.
When you are in a deep pit of depression, I am there to lift you up.
When you are visiting the world’s other side, I am there to travel with you.
When you are on cloud nine, I am there to be the Life of your party.
When you are overshadowed by clouds, I am there to shine joy in your soul.
When you are singing the blues, I am there to give you a new praise song.
When you are sleepless after a hard day, I am there to sing you a lullaby.
When you are opening your eyes at dawn, I am there as your wake-up call.
When you are struggling to navigate life’s maze, I am there to lead you.
When you are moving from time into eternity, I am there to make it heaven.
I am your Greatest Blessing—whatever you need, I am there for you.
(C) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 290, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
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
