You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus:

                        “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

                                                   Acts 20:35 NLT

Be grateful—thank your Father for My lavish provisions.

     Undeserved forgiveness, miraculous healing, infinite mercy,

          unconditional love, indefinable peace, unlimited grace,

          undying hope, invulnerable joy—all are gifts from My throne.

     I send My Spirit to comfort, inspire, and defend you in your journey.

     I sent My Son to show you how to live, and to die for your iniquities.

     I shower you with gifts to show how much I personally care for you.

     Loving Me is the heart of worship.

     Be blessed—share My joy.

Be gracious—focus on your life’s purpose.

     To believers, meaningful living is serving the Lord Jesus Christ.

     To disciples, rough roads paved with grace are avenues of service.

     To serious followers, concentration proves heartfelt consecration.

     I give much, so I require much—with privilege comes responsibility.

     Be resolved to continue in My steps even when life is difficult.

     Single-mindedness is imperative—dual allegiance is impossible.

     Honoring Me is the heart of service.

     Be a blessing—share Jesus.

Be generous—a friend who loves all people.

     I loved the world so much I gave My Best—now it is your turn.

     Live a life filled with love, and you will be like your Savior.

     Reflect My love in an unloving world of strangers to My grace.

     Be kind when others are unkind or sharply critical of you.

     Follow Jesus’ openhearted example even when it hurts to give.

     Stay close, and I promise I will make Myself very real to you.

     Following Me is the heart of discipleship.

     Be brave—share My journey.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                 Day 331, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

   As I was walking along I saw your many altars. 
One had this inscription on it—“To an Unknown God.”

You have been worshiping him without knowing who he is,

        and now I wish to tell you about him.

                         Acts 17:23 NLT
 

I am not a founder of a religion—I am the Redeemer.

     On the altar of Calvary, believe Me and know complete salvation.
 

I am not a teacher of a philosophy—I am the Prince of Peace.

     On the altar of reverence, seek Me and know indefinable serenity.
 

I am not a charlatan—I am the Wonderful Counselor.

     On the altar of faith, follow Me and know unflinching assurance.
 

I am not an abstraction—I am the Almighty.

     On the altar of expectation, depend on Me and know graceful strength.
 

I am not a security blanket—I am the Savior.

     On the altar of repentance, receive Me and know unfailing love.
 

I am not a concept—I am the Creator.

     On the altar of humility, recognize Me and know ultimate meaning.
 

I am not a hallucination—I am your Helper.

     On the altar of trust, rely on Me and know unflappable equanimity.
 

I am not a superstition—I am the Sovereign.

     On the altar of wisdom, learn of Me and know infinite worth.
 

I am not a fabrication—I am your Friend.

     On the altar of truth, walk with Me and know heavenly compassion.
 

I am not a lunatic—I am Lord of all.

     On the altar of surrender, give Me your heart and know total freedom.
 

I am not a creed—I am the Christ.

     On the altar of sincerity, obey Me and know perfect reality.

 

  © Pastor Johnny R. Almond                 Day 330, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Just as the lightning flashes from the east and shines and is seen   

   as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.     

        Watch [be cautious and active] for you do not know

              in what kind of a day your Lord is coming.

                  Matthew 24:27, 42  AMPLIFIED BIBLE
 

My return will be evident to skeptics—the end of the world for atheists.  

   Those who thought it would never happen will be convinced—too late.    

   My Presence will be as obvious as lightning lighting up the entire sky.      

   The Second Coming is more than a doctrine—it will really happen.  

   You can count on it—you have My Word.

   The King’s return will be unmistakable.

My return will be exciting to saints—the ecstasy of worship for believers.  

   The King of kings will unite unsettled nations and rule the universe.

   The surprise and shock will be more than many people can bear.

   The Second Coming will bring the future perfect tense I have promised.

   Everything will be transformed for the better when I put My foot down.

   The King’s return will be unimaginably beautiful.

My return will be enlightening to the sincere—

   the encouragement of wonder for the redeemed.

   The triumph of righteousness will obliterate the darkness of evil.

   Constellations will fade in the light of the Bright Morning Star.

   To the lost, My return will mean tragedy—outer darkness with no exit.  

   To the saved, My Second Coming will mean triumph—eternal light.

   The King’s return will bring unending celebration.

My return will be embarrassing to the slothful—

   the exposing of waste to the lazy.

   The unprepared will blush with shame—and cry tears of futile regret.

   The King’s return, to them, will be uncomfortable—to say the least.

Are you surrendered to Me as your King? Then be subject to change!

Are you convinced I am actually going to return? Then live like it!

Are you persuaded you have an interview with Me? Then get ready!

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond            Day 311, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past,

          but now it has been revealed to his own holy people. 

               For it has pleased God to tell his people that

       the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too.  

                  For this is the secret: Christ lives in you,

and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory.

                                       Colossians 1:26-27 NLT

Christ’s promise in your mind is your hope of an eternal destiny of joy.

Christ’s love in your heart is your absolute guarantee of a heavenly home.

Christ’s Spirit in your soul is your personal security you are bound for glory. 

Christ’s presence in your life is your foretaste of glory divine. 

The entire universe with its innumerable galaxies cannot contain God—

     yet God has taken up residence in the hearts of all who welcome His Son.

Because Christ lives in you—

     you can count on inheriting the blessing of sharing in His glorious reign; 

     you have been rescued from the dark side, and live as a child of the Light;

     you have been made a privileged citizen of His eternal Kingdom;

     you have been freed from sin’s addiction and destructiveness;

     you have been forgiven of sin’s guilt, and can face eternity fearlessly.

Certainty of eternal life is not based on doubtful faith, but trusting reliance. 

Promised glory is not mere wishful thinking—God’s promises will materialize. 

Your ultimate destination is a land beyond time, change and decay.

     Heaven on earth will be a deathless, tearless, painless, sinless place.

Looking forward to the ecstasy of infinite glory—

     you are motivated by a changed purpose—Christ, not yourself;

     you anticipate a changed destiny—heaven, not hell;

     you demonstrate a changed lifestyle—holiness, not wickedness.

Identified with Christ, you are victorious over sin and death now;

     and you are destined for unimaginable glory someday—

     more beautiful than any painting can picture,

     more joyous than any symphony can convey,

     more magnificent than any literature can describe.  

Roman generals returning from victory were greeted by a great procession

     lining streets and cheering, vanquished troops marching in chains,

     strange animals brought from subjugated lands, musicians and singers    

    celebrating conquests, his children robed in white riding trace horses,

     a slave riding with him in his chariot holding a crown for him

     and whispering in his ear, “All glory is fleeting.” And so it is. 

The one exception is Christ’s glory awaiting you—it is not too good to last.

An eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison will reward your faith. 

 

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond                               

                                           Gentle Whispers from Eternity

The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.  
   Isaiah 12:2 NLT

How can you go on when you feel like giving up?

     How can you face another day if you don’t want to get out of bed?    

          My power is the answer to your problem of weakness.

You can be stronger than you feel achievable—if you let Me carry you.

You can accomplish everything I ask of you if you rely on My grace.

You can survive harrowing situations if you trust Me.

You can be ready for anything the future holds if you lean hard on Me.
You can be victorious over evil habits if you depend on My Holy Spirit.
You can avoid self-pitying quicksand if you stand on the Rock of Ages.
You can hang in there when you are bone-tired and weary if you pray.

You can persevere until the finish line if you stay focused on the cross.
 

How can you celebrate when the world is falling apart?

     How can you rejoice even in the midst of discouraging circumstances?   

          My peace is the answer to your problem of woe.
 

You can be happier than you think possible—if you let Me comfort you.

You can be optimistic about a bright future if you believe My promises.
You can learn to dance for joy even on cloudy days if you follow My lead.
You can have cascading joy in a sad world if you drink of My Spirit.

You can get over singing the blues if you listen to My toe-tapping jazz.
You can know peace in pandemonium if you keep your mind on Me.
 

How can you find real significance in a society playing trivial pursuit?

     How can you make God’s dream for your life come true?

          My purpose is the answer to your problem of wandering.
 

You can be nobler than you deem attainable—if you let Me control you

You can find an exciting reason for living if you honor the King of kings.
You can be resurrected above narcissistic culture if you bury your self.

You can aim for goals death cannot kill if you think vertically.

 

© Johnny R. Almond             

                                    Day 265, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Thus saith the Lord of hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, 

and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land.

And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come,

and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.

                                 Haggai 2:6-7 KJV

You have an extraordinarily wonderful event to look forward to—

     the return of your Savior Jesus, the awesome reign of the Messiah. 

You can be absolutely certain it will happen—you have My Word on it.

     My Holy Spirit in your heart convicts you of realities as yet unseen.

There is joy too wonderful for words ahead—heaven is just around the corner.

Though you go through agonizing nights now, ecstasy will soon dawn. 

You live in a humiliating body—limited, weak, subject to disease, mortal. 

When Jesus returns, He will resurrect dust into an immortal and vibrant body. 

You have heard about Christ’s return and read My promises many times.

But you cannot imagine the transformation that will occur when He descends.   

I am planning a celebration greater than anything you have ever experienced.

The redeemed from all nations will join millions of angels singing My praises. 

Nations rise and fall . . . superpowers fade into oblivion . . .

     countries prosper and die . . . conquerors are in turn conquered.

     But My Kingdom will last forever—it is not too good to last.

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream will come true—

     I will inaugurate an indestructible, invincible Kingdom.

     The Rock will shatter all governments and wield unquestionable authority.

My dream will come true—you will ultimately become like My Son.

The noblest dreams of the saints of all ages will come true. 

The universe is infinitely larger and grander than you can fathom—so am I.

It is impossible for you to write a check too big for heaven’s bank to honor.

There will be peace at last—wars history, nations united, earth resting.

I will make My home with you—a down-to-earth God you can enjoy forever.

I will turn everything upside down and start over—

     I will overthrow tyrants and dismantle weapons of mass destruction.

Stars will fall, heads will roll, hearts will fail, tears will flow, knees will bend.

The King of kings—God-of-the-Angel-Armies—will marshal troops of heaven,

     strike godless nations, and vanquish the evil one.

Keep this dream alive!  Skeptics may call you a dreamer, but do not worry—

     your faith will be vindicated; your prayers will be answered;

     your hopes will materialize; your dream will come true.

 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                                Gentle Whispers from Eternity

He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, 
asking their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way.

He wanted to bring them--both men and women--back to Jerusalem in chains.

Acts 9:2 NLT

I am the Way to God.

     All roads do not lead to Rome; neither do they lead to glory.

     Be My follower—travel Holiness Highway by faith,

          and someday you will arrive at the glorious destination of heaven.

I am the Key to truth.

     I am the Embodiment of Unfailing Love and Unvarying Faithfulness.

     All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in My heart.

     Be My student—learn My way and relax in My grace.

I am the Secret of Life.

     I invite you to open your personality to My Presence.

     Be My guest—accept My hospitality, take a seat at My table,

          then feast on My abundant provisions for your soul.

I am the King of hearts.

     I ask from you what a bride asks of her spouse, a father of his children,

          or a philosopher of his friends—your heart.

     Be My disciple—follow My orders, and I will make Myself real to you.

I am the Unifier of believers.

     I am Love, and I command all who love Me to love others who do.

     Be My saint—be affectionate toward your spiritual siblings,

          and enjoy the pleasure of the company of My eternal family.

I am the Goal of faith.

     Believe in Me, though you cannot see Me, and walk in My light.

     Be certain one day you will see Me—purify yourself for that eventuality.

     Be My worshipper—and I will coach you to the finish line.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond               Day 327. Gentle Whispers from Eternity

brting G
od’s resence

Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins.

Then wonderful times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord,

                     and he will send Jesus your Messiah to you again.

                                      Acts 3:19-20 NLT

 

Searching for a clean heart? I justify you by My pardon.

     Here is the path to a clear conscience—turn from sin, then turn to Me.

     Fall to your knees in repentance, and stand tall by grace.

     Do an about-face from evil, and march in My direction.

     Change your mind about Me, and I will change you from inside out.

     The Pure and Holy One is your only solution for inner cleansing.

     The Just One who died for the unjust is your means of forgiveness.

     I know the skeletons in your closet, but I choose to bury them forever.

     I am aware of your dark past, but I remove your guilt—walk in My light.

Yearning for a celebrative heart? I make you joyful in My Presence.

     Here is the path to ecstasy—obey Me, and I will make Myself real to you.

     To know invulnerable joy, live in the holy land of the broken heart.

     I am the Source and Author of life—enjoy the pleasure of My company.

     I am your Travel Companion—stay close to My side and sing for joy.

     Satan is a killjoy—I am the Key to real life in all its richness.

     I am the Prince of Peace—I calm your heart in life’s pandemonium.

     I am the God of peace—I grant you My peace in life’s combat zone.

     I know life is difficult, but I graciously help you—hold My hand.

Wanting a confident heart? Journey with Me toward paradise.

     Here is the path to hope—Christ in you, you are certain of immortality.

     Heaven is your ultimate home—look ahead, not just around.

     When you worship Me in heaven on earth, you will dance for joy.

     A deathless, tearless, painless, sinless world will replace the old one.

     You can depend on it—I have given you My trustworthy and true Word.    

     God’s Son, the Man from heaven, condescended to be your Savior.

     God’s Servant, the Messiah from heaven, has become your Sovereign.

     I understand your anxieties, but I promise to get you home—trust Me.

© Johnny R. Almond                                Day 326, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true,

and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.

It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.

It is God’s way of preparing us in every way,

fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

 

Teaching of Scripture gives you vision in a despairing world.

Positive about ultimate reality, look above and beyond perishing things.

Do not pin your hopes on political promises and government plans.

Trust My plan—it is more significant and absolutely certain to happen. 

Your destiny hinges on My trustworthiness—so do not wring your hands.

Knowing everything seen has a destroyer, invest in eternal treasures. 

Believing the future will be as beautiful as My promises, wait patiently.

Anticipating the dawn of the bright morning star, whistle in the dark.

Reviewing My eternal blueprint, look forward to heaven’s open house.

You have My Word—believe My promises and rest assured of glory.

Reproof of the Holy Bible teaches you virtue in a depraved world.

Pure in thought, word and deed, enjoy a good conscience.

To avoid sinning, internalize and treasure My Word in your heart.

To be a person I can use, keep your mind clean and your heart childlike. 

When you realize you have gone wrong, exit that devilish detour.

Learn from your mistakes—stay out of the devil’s dark, dingy places.

Live as a child of the Light—shine like a diamond on black velvet. 

I want you to be My work of art—yield to My Spirit and honor Me. 

Correction of My Word brings you victory in a deceitful world.

Passionate about right behavior, avoid hellacious propaganda.

Satan’s native language is lying—stay in line with the Truth. 

Stay off crooked dead-end roads—travel the straight and narrow.

Run from all lustful stimuli—run toward everything that promotes love. 

Want to win battles against the evil one?  Then follow My Field Manual.

Instruction of the Book from Heaven gives vitality in a dying world.

Productive in good works by staying near Me, revel in a fruitful life.

Independently, you can do nothing worthwhile—you are weak.

Dependently, you can do everything I ask of you—I am your Strength. 

Searching the Scriptures to find eternal life?  I am your Savior. 

Want to prove your love?  Do as I say and I will make Myself real to you.

Yearn to know Me better?  Then live by the Book.

 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                         Gentle Whispers from Eternity

God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, 

but of power and love and self-control.

            2 Timothy 1:7 MLB

 

Trust Me and you will have courage to face any enemy that attacks.

Afraid you cannot engage the evil one and win?  You cannot, without Me.

Spinelessness is out of character for one who trusts the Mighty God.

Fear is out of place in hearts abandoned to the Captain of heaven’s hosts.   

Paralysis in the face of death betrays a lack of faith in the risen Lord. 

Do not face the future cowering in fear—face tomorrow fearlessly in faith. 

Do not be agitated by earth’s troubles—enjoy heaven’s gift of peace of mind.

My Spirit is stronger than any opposing force—victory is guaranteed.

March on—I am beside you fighting on your behalf. 
 

Count on Me and you will have capability to complete God-given tasks.  

Afraid you cannot do what I ask?  You cannot, without My grace.

Without Me you can do nothing—with Me impossibilities evaporate. 

Without Me you are powerless—with Me you are strong. 

Afraid of people?  Intimidation neutralizes your effectiveness for Me. 

The Almighty walks with you, so do not tremble before mere mortals.

My Spirit gives lasting patience, tenacious loyalty and undying constancy.   

Walk on water—I am in your soul energizing and enabling you.
 

Follow Me and you will have compassion to care for others.

Afraid you cannot care as I expect you to?  You cannot, without My mercy. 

My Son went around doing good—do more than just go around.

You are blessed to be a blessing, helped to be helpful, loved to be loving. 

Love in your heart is not put there to stay—it is not love, till you give it away. 

My Spirit prompts sacrificial love, lavish giving and Christlike gentleness. 

Care more than others think wise—I am in your heart inspiring you. 
 

Think about Me and you will have composure to stand strain and stress.

Afraid you cannot keep from going crazy?  You cannot, without My peace.

When I exorcised demons, people sat at My feet in their right mind.

When I calm your inner storms, you can think clearly under pressure. 

My Spirit grants incomprehensible peace and supernatural self-control.

Resign as Universe General Manager—I am in your mind calming you.
 

Lean on Me and you will confidence to boldly step into tomorrow.

Afraid you cannot keep your chin up?  You cannot, without My Spirit.

I promise to make the future bright—trust without doubt. 

I promise to be your Night Light—live without fear.    

I promise to help you win—fight without trembling.

Look forward to a glorious destiny—I am in your life cheering you on.

 

© Johnny R. Almond                                           Gentle Whispers from Eternity