A Gentle Whisper — Listening for the Voice of God

Forever and a Day

I will praise the LORD as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
PSALM 146:2 NRSV

My music is your happiness.
I am your Song when you are down and out—
  inner-stances of joy transcending sad circumstances.
Dance heaven’s jig of joy; do not drag in earth’s mournful dirge.
Always be joyful.
I elevate your attitude—sing alleluia!

My might is your hope.
I am your Strength when you do not feel like going on—
  Creator teaching you capability to persevere through severity.
Feel like giving up? See Jesus hanging on the cross, and get back to work.
Keep on praying.
I energize your actions—live alleluia!

My mercy is your help.
I am your Solution when you are puzzled by the next step—
  Shepherd transforming your concern into peaceful contentment.
Whatever happens, maintain a grateful heart.
I encourage you by My answer—pray alleluia!

My Messiahship is your heaven.
I am your Sovereign when “good luck” eludes you.
I am orchestrating details in your best interest—
  faith can dance, patience can wait, hope can sing.
Never stifle My Holy Spirit.
I exercise ultimate authority—anticipate alleluia!

Sing My praises forever and a day, including this day–say alleluia!

Close for Comfort

Albrecht Durer Praying Hands

The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
PSALM 145:18 NLT

My unsearchable greatness is your practical strength.
Worthy of highest honor and praise, powerful beyond calculation—
  I am the Greatest Force.
Above politics, I do more than make promises—I keep them.
  Holy Radiant Light changes your night to brightest day.

My unparalleled generosity is your plentiful supply.
Embraced by My heart’s tenderness, satisfied by My lavish care—
  I am your Gracious Father.
Infinite resources satisfy your heart’s hunger and thirst.

My unfailing government is your positive solution.
Submitting to My reign, giving allegiance to the King of kings—
  I am your Glorious Future.
I heal your heartaches when life seems hopeless.

My understanding gentleness is your peaceful serenity.
Understanding you when no one else seems to care,
  Standing under you when no one else can help—
I am your Greatest Friend.
  In your heart, you are already home—rest easy.

My unimaginable gladness is your praise song.
Closer than hands and feet, nearer than your very breath—
  I am your Grand Festival.
Rejoice in inner-stances and practice gratitude perpetually.
  I am not distant—I am near to the trusting heart.
You do not have to travel to find Me—just pray.

Road Trouble

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me.
Psalm 138:7 KJV

You are a sojourner in ephemeral time.
The universal law of human life is summed up in one word—walking.
  Life is a walk, a journey, and constant action forward.
Walking means constant change of position.
  Yesterday’s circumstances are gone forever.
  Today’s circumstances will be in the past tomorrow.
Life’s walk is constant—the wheels of life never pause.
Life’s walk is fast–morning mist evaporating in blazing sun, short story.
Life’s walk is irretraceable—you cannot live one day again.
  Emily Dickinson is right, “That it will never come again
is what makes life so sweet.”
Each step you take brings you one step nearer your final destination.

You are surrounded by earthly trouble.
Life’s walk is not always on green grass under cloudless sky.
  There is much to enjoy on earth, but life is frequently problematic.
  Time educates you for eternity—adversity is My university.
In hard circumstances, I teach you lessons you would not learn otherwise.

You are supported by eternal trustworthiness.
The Grand Support of Human Life is equal to all your emergencies.
I pledge that I will give you strength enough for every troublesome day.
Corrie ten Boom said it well—“If God sends you on rough roads,
  He gives you iron shoes.”
I am El Shaddai, the One Who is Enough, Almighty God—
  sufficient for every circumstance, eventuality, or probability.
I am an ever present—not absent!—help in trouble.
I am omniscient—I know your cares.
I am omnipotent—I can help you.
I am omnipresent—I am always with you.
I keep you in trouble—far better than keeping you from trouble.
I will finish what I started in you—we will embrace at the end of the road.

Stardust Melody

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.

Day 246, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Quiet Zone

Yahweh, my heart is not haughty. I do not set my sights too high.
I have taken no part in great affairs, in wonders beyond my scope.
I hold myself in quiet and silence, like a little child in its mother’s arms.
PSALM 131:1-2 TNJB

Let Me work in your heart to give you assurance for today’s mission
and confidence for tomorrow’s mystery.
     Give up sins and become an innocent child in My heavenly kingdom.
     Avoid sophisticated pride—cultivate childlike trust.
     Instead of your maybe, use My shall—learn the vocabulary of trust.
     An angelic trumpet will inaugurate Christ’s kingdom—listen for it.
     Evil, death, crying, and pain will become obsolete—be sure of it.
     If life falls apart, do not scream to high heaven—whisper and I will hear.
     I am the Answer to your heart’s questions.

Let Me work in your heart to make Christlikeness your high ambition.
     Permit Me to replace your haughty prancing with humble walking.
     Allow Me to teach you life’s main lessons—I am God and you are not.
     Kneel and discover the holy land beneath your knees.
     Struggle on toward moral resurrection from the hell-bent world.
     My Son reached out in love—do not seclude yourself from others.
     Society would make you selfishly ambitious—I have a better idea.
     I am your Highest Quest.

Let Me work in your heart to replace your anxiety with childlike trust.
     I am your Harbor—anchor your soul, and enjoy holy silence.
     I am your Mighty Fortress—nestle, do not wrestle, and rest easy.
     I am your Vital Breath—breathe deeply in faith, and relax.
     I am your Life—pray with every heartbeat, and live life fully.
     I am your Provider—wean your soul from fretting, and be content.
     I am your Father—depend on My blessings, and ditch worry.
     I am your Savior—receive My pardon, and live guilt-free.
     I am your Helper—quiet your heart before Me, and stay calm.
     I am your Peace—mute life’s noise, and enjoy My company.
     I am your Quiet Zone–pause awhile, and refuel for the journey.

Peace at Last

Beautiful Temple

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. PSALM 122:6 NLT

The Song of Ascent on your life’s journey is Jesus.
Omnipotence protects you from evil—live fearlessly.
Omniscience rules and overrules all of life—live confidently.
Omnipresence accompanies you everywhere—live joyfully.
Walking toward the Holy City, reach for Christlikeness.
Pray Francis’ prayer—be My instrument of peace.
Learn peace and relax—you have already won!
Making the pilgrimage of faith, experience the meaning of life.
Homeward bound, travel the Way to the Truth of Life.

The serenity of the Almighty is your joy.
Sing My praises—let My love inspire a song in your heart.
March to My cadence—let My leading put a spring in your step.
Tranquil in the honor of citizenship in the new Jerusalem,
  where cruel war will fi nally give way to worship—
Live peace and look forward by faith to a quiet place in heaven
  where songs in My Presence will gladden your heart.
Anticipating peace forever, believe in the morning that lasts.
Happily blessed, triumph over chaos by My gently whispered calm.

The symbol of your assurance is Jerusalem.
You are a child of the King, so faithfully dance the jig of joy.
No fear, chaos, anxiety, or turmoil will ever mar glory’s realm.
Death, heartache, and disease will be obsolete in My kingdom.
Celebrating My gift of hope that paradise will be restored,
  the Peaceful Prince reigning from new earth’s capital city—
Love peace and rest in My care, secure in heaven guaranteed.
Waiting for My promised future, count on the Messiah of Love.
Humbly believing, trust eternity’s golden daybreak to bring peace at last.

The One and Only

Beautiful Temple

You have been chosen to know me, believe me, and understand I alone am God.
There is no other God; there never has been and never will be.
I am the Lord, and there is no other Savior.
Isaiah 43:10-11 NLT

I am the only Resource sufficient enough to supply all your needs.

I am the only Counselor caring enough to calm your worries.

I am the only Fortress secure enough to overcome your fears.

I am the only Friend loyal enough to stay beside you in every storm.

I am the only Savior compassionate enough to forgive your rebellions.

I am the only Force strong enough to do the impossible.

I am the only Commander smart enough to win your life’s battles.

I am the only Name meaningful enough to give all the world hope.

I am the only Example holy enough to inspire your noblest effort.

I am the only Power awesome enough to give you absolute confidence.

I am the only Guide wise enough to see you through life’s maze.

I am the only Warrior skilled enough to help you conquer temptation.

I am the only One consistent enough to stabilize you in change.

I am the only Prince peaceful enough to calm you in chaos and turmoil.

I am the only Creator imaginative enough to engineer beautiful worlds.

I am the only Comforter caring enough to help you survive hard times.

I am the only Being worthy enough to merit your heartfelt worship.

I am the only Way clear enough to direct you through uncertainties.

I am the only Truth honest enough to believe at all times.

I am the only Life vital enough to guarantee your eternal destiny.

I am the only Authority comprehensive enough to rule every kingdom.

I am the only Master mighty enough to hold you together in trouble.

I am the only Mind perceptive enough to understand you at all times.

I am the only Foundation reliable enough to stand under you always.

I am the only Helper capable enough to unify your fragmented life.

I am the only Influence transforming enough to make all things new.

I am the only Antidote effective enough to turn pandemonium to peace.

I am the only Arm strong enough to guard you in devastation.

I am the only Heart loving enough to pardon sins and remove guilt.

I am the only Mind wise enough to manage the universe.

I am the only Solution ultimate enough to solve the world’s problems.

I am the only Light intense enough to make the future bright.

I am the only Physician skilled enough to heal your soul’s diseases.

I am the only God infinite enough to totally satisfy your hungry heart.

Help of the Helpless

Crown Point at Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

*My help comes from the LORD, who made the heavens and the earth.*
PSALM 121:2 NLT

*Your desperate search reflects your anxiety.*
Hurting, you go on an intense quest for relief.
At the end of your resources, you look high and low for assistance.
Where on earth can you find a reason for optimism?
Where will you turn when your strength is depleted?
Will majestic mountain ranges be of any help?

*My divine solution reveals the answer.*
Transcendent, I made the heavens—I surely can help you.
  I keep track of stars I whispered into being—I do the same for saints.
Immanent, I made earth—I certainly can encourage you.
  I am nearer than hands and feet—I am closer than your breathing.
Omnipotent, I made the mountains—I can help you climb them.
  Live fearlessly, persevering in the strength of Christ.

*My dependable sleeplessness keeps Me awake.*
I never doze off or fall asleep on the job of guarding you from evil.
  You are never unsafe on My watch!
Like a sentry guarding the ramparts of a fortification,
  I shield your emotions and thoughts day and night.
Hold My hand—I will keep you from stumbling into Satan’s traps.
  Focus on your Invisible Means of Support until glory dawns.

*My defensive shelter is your assurance.*
My promise is an unlimited liability clause, ensuring a bright future.
I direct traffic patterns of the galaxies—I guide your life.
I designed all the planets—I made you the unique person you are.
I engineered the universe—I work behind the scenes shaping you.
Technology can invent gadgets, but it cannot comfort your heart.
  Philosophy can grapple with life’s meaning, but it cannot give it.
  Science can describe physical laws, but it cannot create them.
Rely on My faithful love, and you can rejoice in all circumstances.
  Seek My changeless heart, and you will find rest for your soul.
  Give Me the credit due, and you will enjoy a contented heart.
Looking for help? Look no further—I am All You Ever Really Need in life.



(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 241, *Gentle Whispers from Eternity*

Almost Heaven

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.
PSALM 118:24 NLT

Rejoice in My foundation of trust.
Whatever courses others take today, nestle near your Shepherd’s heart.
Sing the melody of grace notes I composed on your heart’s keyboard.
Do not wait another day to celebrate grace—never postpone joy!
My undisturbed peace is the joy of your heart.
Heaven helping you, I am your Cornerstone.

Rejoice in My faithfulness over time.
Whatever changes happen in your life today, be certain I will not vary.
I Will Always Be Who I Have Always Been—you can be sure of that.
I love you no less today than yesterday—tomorrow will not change that.
My unvarying Providence is the joy of your heart.
Heaven instructing you, I am your Compass.

Rejoice in My fearlessness in trouble.
Whatever catastrophes happen in your life today, rely on My protection.
I promise never to abandon you as an orphan in life’s storms—relax.
Humans cannot defeat Almighty; mortals cannot conquer the Immortal.
My unfailing protection is the joy of your heart.
Heaven reassuring you, I am your Courage.

Rejoice in My fortress in trials.
Whatever consternation attacks your mind today, trust your Shepherd.
Small faith takes you to heaven; great faith brings heaven down to you.
My unruffled poise is the joy of your heart.
Heaven invigorating you, I am your Confidence.

Rejoice in My festival of triumph.
Whatever confusion swirls around you today, focus on rejoicing.
Sing every heartbeat; pray every hour; dance every step.
When should you get over blessing Me? Never!
My unending praise is the joy of your heart.
Heaven inspiring you, I am your Cheerfulness.

Forever Faithful

Warner Sallman Head of Christ

Alleluia! Praise Yahweh, all nations; extol him, all peoples,
for his faithful love is strong and his constancy never-ending.
PSALM 117 TNJB

I am Controller of nations—Ultimate Solution to the world’s problems.
Searching for stability? You will have to go beyond politics to find it.
  Nations around the globe are anything but united—they are unsettled.
  Swords outnumber plowshares—war costs more than agriculture.
  Spears outnumber pruning hooks—killing fields exceed orchards.
One day the Prince of Peace will settle international disputes.
  My Son will fight the war to end all wars and unite the nations.
All cultures need My calm; all governments need My control;
  all economies need My contentment.

I am Creator of all humans—Unique Savior of the world’s people.
Seeking peace of mind? Approach My throne—it is mercy, not marble.
  My kindness is as sure as sunrise—you can count on it.
Need cleansing for your soul? The blood of Christ purifies your heart.
All colors need My clemency; all geographies need My comfort;
  all educational levels need My cleansing.

I am the Christ of Constancy—Universal Sovereign of the world’s praise.
Hungry for something dependable? It is really Someone you need.
  My changeless love fills your life with consistency.
  My glorious reign fills your heart with courage.
  My eternal life fills your personality with celebration.

I am the Center of Faithful Love—Unending Song of the world’s peace.
Yearning for joy? Hints of glory encircle you—greet morning with praise!
Whatever happens, stay focused on Me and enjoy perfect peace.
  Trust the Captain—sail through troubled seas on an even keel.
My consoling music is your cheer; My gracious mercy your communion;
  My encouraging meaning is your confidence.
Looking for eternal significance? Ponder life’s Greatest Reality—
  I am the One Who Will Always Be Who I Have Always Been;
I have always loved you, and I always will.