Clay Hallelujahs

 This precious treasure—light and power that now shine within us—is held in fragile clay jars,

that is, in our weak bodies.  Everyone can see our glorious power is from God and not our own.

                Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.

                                      2 Corinthians 4:7, 16 NLT
 

Forever light on Christ’s face is My best portrait of Incarnate Truth.

     Light beyond light is your Center of Gravity.

     Here is the Greatest Reality you can ever ponder:

          I Will Always Be Who I Have Always Been—

               I have always loved you, and I always will.

     Get to know My Son better—enjoy the pleasure of His company.

Frail life of clay is a container of boundless power, an interior treasure.

     Your human body is mortal, finite, limited by space and time.

     Yet I choose to make your heart My home.

     I am Light in your darkness—the dark side cannot conquer My love.

     I am Power in your weakness—the evil one cannot vanquish My grace.

     Avoid staggering in dirty places—walk as a child of the Light.

Finish line is the challenge to believing perseverance in intense trial.

     Endurance is underrated—those who finish the race win My smile.

     When perplexed, pray—gaze again at My cross and hang on.

     When tempted by easier roads, refuse to compromise—soldier on.

     Do not let fatigue or criticism force you to resign—re-sign and work on!

     I remember you are weak—remember I am strong, and you will make it.

Forward look is the celebration of beautiful paradise, the infinite triumph.  

     Discouraged? You are headed for a sinless, deathless, painless place.   

     Disappointed by false advertising? Heaven is not too good to be true.

     Disillusioned by fleeting pleasures? Heaven is not too good to last.

     One day, in eternity, you will join saints and angels in celestial hallelujahs.

     Until then—today, in time, praise Me with clay hallelujahs.
 

             © Pastor Johnny R. Almond                  Day 340, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

He dreamed of a stairway that reached from earth to heaven.

                                Genesis 28:12 NLT
 

What are you dreaming of? What is your highest hope? Noblest vision? Imagination mirrors My creativity. Your idea of the ideal future echoes My promises. Your dreams are vague reflections of Mine. I communicate with you in dreams. Pay attention to images and ideas. Be sensitive to emotions. I send clear and colorful signals to your heart that can transform your life if you take My dream seriously.

To you it seems a long way from earth to heaven. “Now” and “not yet” feel a great distance apart—between where I am and where you are, countless steps. But it is not as far between time and eternity as you think—Love traverses the span with the speed of thought. Small faith takes you up to heaven; mature faith brings heaven down to earth.

Infinite light years are bridged in an instant of childlike trust. I am nearer than hands and feet, closer than breathing. I am not a local, territorial god—I am the Omnipresent God of the universe. I am Land Lord of the earth, so every location can become My sanctuary. No spot need be lonely—find Me in your heart and find Me everywhere.

Whatever your dream, I am the Apex of the staircase. I am the Author of every perfect dream, the Means to achieve the desired end, the Final Step to reach the ultimate goal. I am the Stairway to the stars, Reality behind dreams, and Energy to climb steps and attain visions.

The sky is not the limit—aim for the company of the immortals! Dare to dream grand dreams—visualize heaven open and angels ascending and descending the stairway of hope. When it seems there is no way to reach your dream, I will make a way. I am the Way to the Truth of Life. I am the Gateway to perfect ecstasy. I dream with you as you pursue your dream.

I give you strength and patience to continue to climb. I comfort you when you wonder if the dream will ever materialize. My Spirit inspired your dream; I keep your dream alive until fulfillment. I protect you in twists and turns of the dreamy spiral. From the heights, I watch over your progress and supervise the ascent to your destiny. Take My hand and I will get you home.

Let reveille awaken you from reverie. Daydreaming is sweet, but it is time to wake up and start climbing. Do more than stare up the steps—step up the stairs.

I promise your dream will come true in thrilling actuality. We will celebrate together at the top of the stairs.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                             Day 19, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

There remain then, faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

                                       1 Corinthians 13:13 MLB

Love endures.

     Love’s patience never dies; love’s commitment never gives up.

     No matter how uncertain the future, love trusts steadily.

     Love never fails, fades, or becomes obsolete—it endures time’s test.
 

Love empathizes.

     My heart is eternally kind—all true love reflects My merciful heart.

     Love celebrates with happy hearts—love cries with the heartbroken.

Love esteems others.

     Love wishes the best for others, so it is not jealous of their success.

     Love is not focused inwardly, so it does not brag or strut.

     Love is genuinely concerned for others’ welfare, so it is never rude.

     Love serves for heaven’s sake, so it does not resent Christlike slave labor.

Love excuses wrongs suffered.

     Love does not keep score, or maintain a record of trespasses against it.

     A loving heart forgives others, as it has been forgiven by Infinite Love.

Love is ecstatic about truth.

     Love weeps its heart out over injustice, and parties when truth wins.

Love expects the best.

     Seeing your Savior face to face will launch a never-ending celebration.

     I am saving the best for the last—rest assured.

Love exceeds everything.

     Eloquence without love is pointless speech.

     Knowledge without love is meaningless nonsense.

     Faith without love is useless exercise.

     Self-sacrifice without love is wasted effort.

     Faith and hope are temporal, but love lasts forever—the greatest reality.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                  Day 339. Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                                                  








                                                        Sallman  Head of Christ

God is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

                                                1 Corinthians 1:9 NLT

Christ behind you is your forgiveness.

     I knew your name and paid for your redemption before you were born.

     I died in your place to give you a clean slate and a fresh start.

     I drowned your transgressions in the depths of Forgetfulness Sea.

     I am your Cleansing—the most blessed assurance of your mind.

Christ within you is your freedom.

     I am your Key to liberation from sin’s cruel addiction—live free!

     Do not brag about being rich, strong, or wise—never blow your own horn.

     Revel in the fact that you know Me—blow a trumpet of praise for God.

     I am your Center of Gravity—the most precious treasure of your heart.

Christ beneath you is your foundation.

     I am the Solid Rock in a quicksand world—Even Keel on high seas.

     Let Me have what troubles you, and I promise to take good care of you.

     Lean on My everlasting arms, and I will see that you survive every trial.

     I am your Cornerstone—the most powerful fortress for your soul.

Christ before you is your future.

     I am your Shepherd; in My Presence you have everything you need—

          comfort in hurt, satisfaction in disillusionment, welcome in coldness,   

          goodness in evil, love in hate, blessings in sadness, hope in doubt.

     I am your Confidence—the most beautiful promise of your tomorrows.

Christ beside you is your Friend.

     I am with you every heartbeat, breath, step, day, season, and year.

     I am your Advocate—I defend against hell’s prosecuting attorney.

     I am your Anchor in life’s storms—I comfort you in pain and heartache.

     I am your Companion—the most encouraging Friend of your life.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                   Day 338, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Another reason for right living is

  that  you know how late it is;

        time is running out.

        Romans 13:11 NLT

Time ticks away—like money, it can be spent as you like, but only once.

     Life is not a dress rehearsal.

     An anonymous poet expressed the poignant truth:

          Only one life, ’twill soon be past; Only what’s done for Christ will last.

     Thoreau was right—killing time injures eternity (Walden).

     Procrastination is not a good idea—regrets are futile.

     Today is the day of salvation and of service—Get busy!

It is time to advance My cause.

     Work for My kingdom—make it your primary concern.

     Do more than build your own kingdom—advance Mine!

     Work in My power, not your own—be energized by My Spirit.

     Outsoar mediocrity, outrun temptation, outwalk lethargy.

     Work for My glory, not human applause and recognition.

     Be earnest and disciplined—make a conscious effort to honor Me.

It is time to announce My coming.

     Dark-alley secrets will be revealed in the broad daylight of judgment.

     You are a child of the Light—be sure you live that way!

     Be optimistic as you await sunrise—rest easy.

     Be courageous as you await My Advent—relax.

     My kingdom will come—tell everyone who will listen the Good News.

     My will shall be done on earth, as in heaven—give others a preview.

It is time to allow My control.

     Do what comes naturally, act like the Devil—and you will self-destruct.

     Do what comes supernaturally, act like Jesus—and find great joy.

     Search for My help, and I will deliver you from the evil one.

     Stay near My heart, and I will develop your character for eternity.

     You do not have much time—prepare for your appointment with Me.

     Yield to My mastery, and do not be embarrassed when time is over.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                                Gentle Whispers from Eternity

The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
                                                     Romans 6:23  NLT

When you’re dead to sin, you can be devoted to the Savior.

     Identified with Christ’s death through baptism, you have died to sin—

          a corpse does not sin, so consider yourself unresponsive to evil.

     As Christ was resurrected from the dead by My glorious power,

          so you are enabled by My Spirit to rise above the world’s selfishness.

     Decisively treat carnal desires and devilish lures of your human nature

          as if they were dead—only then can you learn how to really live.

     Bury your dark lifestyle—let Me resurrect you to a light-filled world. 

     Crucify your rotten nature—let Me adjust attitudes in fresh directions.

     You have a new focus—heaven dominates your thoughts.

When you’re delivered from addiction, sing doxologies to the Almighty. 

     By My power, you can be unshackled from harsh slavery to the evil one.

     Captured by grace and captivated by Christ, you are indeed free.

     By My omnipotence, you can be liberated from old degrading habits.

     Yielded joyfully to Christ, you discover far nobler ways to live.

     A non-conformist to the world, you are transformed by My Holy Spirit.

     Serve Me not in boring letter of the law, but creative ways of My Spirit. 

     Tossing slave’s rags and donning saint’s clothes, you sport a new wardrobe—

          tenderheartedness, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love.

     When you trust Me, I do not turn you into a robot—I let you choose.

     You have new freedom—deciding for My purpose is a grand lifestyle.

When you leave Satan’s dead-end trail, you can travel the King’s Highway.

     Live only for self-gratification and you will ruin your life and wind up dead.

     Live for My honor and you will ultimately reach My home and see My smile. 

     It is impossible to remain neutral; here is the choice you must make—

          surrender to My mastery and be blessed, or yield to sin and be cursed.

     Those rejecting Me have hell to pay; those trusting Me have heaven to enjoy.

     Hell and heaven are eternal opposites—

          painful darkness or perpetual light, cold hate or heart-warming love,

          despondent hopelessness or delightful joy, awful punishment or paradise.

     Do not be duped by Satan’s temptations—his party has an eternal hangover.       

     Satan offers happiness but it is only transient—I am saving the best for last. 

     Walking in My steps is not easy, but the destination will thrill you forever. 

     You have a new future—a perspective helping you march forward in hope. 
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                                    Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                            We know how dearly God loves us, 

because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

                                      Romans 5:5 NLT

Faith is the key to heaven’s infinite resources—

     unlocking a treasure chest enriching the depths of your innermost being. 

Kneeling in repentance and trust, you enter a place of highest privilege—

     ruled by the King of kings, loved and cared for as the apple of God’s eye,

     inseparably united to the Sovereign of the universe.

Explore these deep treasures I have placed in your heart—and celebrate.

Hope in My promises is a powerful antidote to the poison of despair.

Looking around can be discouraging, but looking forward lifts your spirit.     

Rest assured I will keep My Word—the future is as bright as My promises. 

Listen to My future melody—cheerfully laugh in anticipation of heaven.

In the meantime, until glory materializes—dance to My jig of joy.

The Bright Morning Star shines in your heart—live confidently.

Joy in problems is a precious alleviation for the pain of despondency. 

Adversity University teaches valuable lessons you’d never learn otherwise.

Hang in there—character-building experiences draw you nearer Me.

My Spirit cascades through your personality bringing out-of-this-world joy. 

I intend to finish what I started in your life—enjoy the divine process.

The Mighty God energizes your heart—live delightfully

Peace in perplexity is a practical answer to the puzzle of distress.

Pressure will not crush you; perplexity will not make you give up and quit;

     getting knocked down will not stop your forward progress,  

     if you use My recipe for peace—pray about all; thank Me for answers;

          in response I will guard your mind and heart by thoughts of My Son. 

When perplexing cares crowd your inmost self, I am near to cheer your soul. 

The Prince of Peace reigns in your heart—live calmly.

Love in My Presence is priceless assurance in the pressures of doubt. 

I have marked you as belonging to Me by placing My Spirit in your heart.

Adam’s family line brings death, but Christ’s family line brings life.

Celebrate your identity, call Me Father, and count on your Greatest Friend.         

The name of the eternal city is The Lord Is There—that is why it is heaven. 

The Everlasting Father lives in your heart—live optimistically. 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                         

                                         Gentle Whispers from Eternity

           Remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.

                                               Matthew 28:20 NTME

I was with you yesterday—

     In your naiveté, I guided you perfectly.

     In your sincerity, I blessed you abundantly.

     In your trouble, I sustained you gracefully.

     In your rebellion, I convicted you mercifully.

     In your doubts, I reassured you tenderly.

     In your sickness, I healed you miraculously.

     In your worry, I watched over you closely.

I am with you today—

     In your sin, I forgive you compassionately.

     In your discouragement, I buoy you helpfully.

     In your sadness, I cheer you nearly.

     In your responsibilities, I empower you supernaturally.

     In your frustrations, I calm you peacefully.

     In your loneliness, I accompany you lovingly.

I will always be there for you—

     When the night depresses, I will be your Bright Morning Star.

     When the morning dawns, I will still be with you—faithful as sunrise.

     I will never leave you on your own, to your own devices.

     I rose from the dead—I can help you with your big and little problems.

     I triumphed over the tomb—I can give you victory over bad habits.

     Every heartbeat, breath, step, hour, day, season—I will stand by you.

     Until the end of the present earth—and beyond—I am by your side.

     I am your Travel Guide—follow My directions carefully.

     I am your Greatest Friend—enjoy the pleasure of My company.

No force can ever cancel My love for you—I guarantee it.

     In sunshine and shadow, pain and pleasure, doubt and confidence,

          you can be absolutely sure I am there for you—I promise.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond             Day 312, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind—no one could tell where it came from.
It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks 
and they started speaking in a number of different languages s the Spirit prompted them. 
                                           Acts 2:2-4 THE MESSAGE

Let My Divine Wind blow through your life and cleanse you of iniquity.

     I sweep away moral trash if you turn your heart in My direction.

     I move you toward My will if you turn your heart away from all evil.

     I flood you with light if you firmly refuse to walk in perverse darkness. 

     I purify you if you let My holy hurricane roar through your inner being.

     I burn away all undesirable elements if you let Me baptize you with fire.

     I reassure you of My love if you nestle near My heart and detest sin.

     I give you joy too wonderful for words if you trust My omniscient mind.

Let My Vitalizing Breath ignite your passion and set your soul aflame.

     I resurrect you to new life if you desert your egocentric deadness.

     I soak you with My Spirit rain if you grow tired of emotional drought.

     I help the young envision a brighter future if you believe My promises.

     I help the old dream of a painless, tearless, deathless day if you trust Me.

     I let you find life’s noblest purpose if you serve Me wholeheartedly.

     I embolden you to live courageously if you hold My omnipotent hand.

Let My Holy Spirit change you from inside out and revolutionize your life.

     I cheer your heart if you become intoxicated with heaven’s sweet wine.

     I lead you to know the truth if you turn a deaf ear to Satan’s propaganda.

     I help you speak My native tongue if you are weary of the evil one’s dialect.

     I teach you to speak beautiful languages if you want to learn them—

       sacrificial love, not selfish talk; invulnerable joy, not ungrateful whining;

       calm peace, not restless chatter; lasting patience, not ignorant criticism;

       kindness, not insensitive small talk; lavish generosity, not stingy self-talk;

       dutiful loyalty, not dropout talk; angelic gentleness, not rude sarcasm;

       supernatural self-control, not indulgent devilspeak.

     I inspire spontaneous creativity if you do not extinguish My eternal flame.

     I energize you to do what pleases Me if you rely on My unlimited grace.

     I empower you to accomplish all I ask if you trust My almighty power.

     I grant you pleasure of my company if you seek My omnipresent Spirit.

I am able to do infinitely more than you could ever ask, wish, or imagine.   

     Pray your highest prayer—I will answer by sculpting you into My image. 

     Share your fondest dream with Me—I will make it come true in My time.

     I am your Center of Gravity—be sure you never stifle My Holy Spirit.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                                Gentle Whispers from Eternity

               Advancing God’s Kingdom

     When the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power

                    and will tell people about me everywhere—

in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

                                      Acts 1:8 NLT
 

My Kingdom is not a nation or territory protected by military forces.

It is not a government established and governed by political processes.

My reign is neither visible nor earthly—it is spiritual and heavenly.

I rule an eternal Empire of Love in believing human hearts.

I give you the honor of serving Me—work with enthusiasm. 

The Book of Acts is not a story of passive spectators, but active servants.

Carry on the unfinished task of zealously sharing My glorious gospel.

Worship Me, do not just admire Me; follow Me, do not merely be a fan.

Standing around staring at the sky waiting for My return? Get busy!

My business is the most serious you could ever possibly engage in.

I made you a Kingdom Advance Ambassador—make a conscious effort!

I am your Boss—work hard for Me, and do not try to impress people.

Avoid apathy—prove you sincerely love Me by passionate intensity.

I bless you with the help of My Spirit—wait for empowerment.

Want to soar above the world’s mediocrity? Rely on Almighty power. 

I can do infinitely more than your highest thoughts, wishes, or dreams.

Nothing is too hard for Me—grace turns impossibilities into miracles. 

I am your Counselor guiding you through life’s perplexing labyrinth.

I am your Helper enabling you to celebrate victory over the Adversary.

I am your Intercessor praying for you in life’s tiring and trying times. 

I am your Defense Counsel taking your side against the Accuser.

I am your Strengthener readying you for all the world may throw at you.

I am your Standby accompanying you every heartbeat, day and season.

You are powerless without Me, unproductive on your own.

Honor Me—succeed in My eyes and turn your world upside down.

Overcome weakness—never forget the critical importance of prayer.

I call you to tell the world of the hope of the Savior—witness to everyone.

I am the King of trusting hearts; I am the Sovereign of obedient minds.

Do your part to contribute to the ever-widening circle of My message of love. 

Time is in My hands and so is eternity—I will return in judgment.

Life is no dress rehearsal—repent while you can; advise others to do the same.

Conquer despair—spread news far and wide of My promised bright future.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                     Gentle Whispers from Eternity