Jesus' appearance changed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothing became dazzling white. 

When they looked, they saw only Jesus with them.

Matthew 17:2, 8 NLT

In a world of limitation, I am your infinite power. 

Much is beyond your ability, but nothing is impossible for God. 

My power shines within your clay body—the Almighty works in you!

Rely on My grace and weakness will be transfigured into strength.
 

In a world of despair, I am your immortal hope.

Shape up while there's time—toss out the garbage and clean house.

Do not sink in mud—raise your eyes toward the Bright Morning Star.

Look up and melancholy will be transfigured into music and dancing. 
 

In a world of self-centeredness, I am your infallible God.

Sin destroys and pride builds a house of cards—I alone endure.

I created everything—I own everything—I control everything. 

Worship Me and apathy will be transfigured into heartfelt praise.
 

In a world of mediocrity, I am your incomparable excellence.

Care more than the world thinks wise, risk more than thought safe,

     dream more than thought practical—and succeed in My eyes.

Aim for the best and half-heartedness will be transfigured into quality.
 

In a world of rebellion, I am your invincible King.

All enemies of righteousness will eventually be humbled at My feet.

So the best thing you can do is humble yourself in My Presence now.

Surrender your heart and chaos will be transfigured into radiant calm.
 

In a world of darkness, I am your inspiring Light.

Gaze on the face of Jesus—see the brightness of divine glory.

Trust My Word—envision the beautiful future I have promised.  

Focus on Me and materialism will be transfigured into eternal wealth. 
 

In a world of disappointment, I am your indescribable reward.

My smile will amply repay your efforts for the Kingdom’s cause.

Well done will be the best paycheck you have ever received.

Honor Me and heartache will be transfigured into heaven.
 

W

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond; Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

The Pleasure of God’s Company

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Psalm 37:4 NLT

Delight in the wonder of our relationship, and be sure of focus. Enchantment with anything else is disillusioning, but I never fail.  Avoid false gods of the heart--never let anything usurp First Place. Worship the Invisible and Eternal One, be content with your lot in life,   and walk humbly with the King of your heart--live a purpose-driven life. Enjoy the pleasure of My company and vindicate your faith to the world. 
 

Dedicate yourself to living My way, and be sure of fulfillment. Devoting yourself to lesser causes leads to despair, but relying on Me  and committing your energy to My service increases hope and peace. Place your entire being on the altar of sacrifice--trust and obey Me...there is no other way to be happy in Jesus. Want a noble purpose? Searching for a reason to be here after? Walk in My steps.

Depend on Me in life’s waiting room, and be sure of a bright future. Be calm in My Presence, wait patiently for Me, and be steady as you go.  Relying on anything else is disheartening. Other staffs you lean on will break and pierce your hand and heart--I am the only absolutely trustable spot in the universe.

Decline wrath, and be sure of friendship. Giving in to rage and anger always disrupts relationships. I alone bring perfect peace--

let Me.  

Discipline your walk, and be sure of forward spiritual progress. You stumble on your own, but you will never fall if you hold My hand. I will see that you make progress in Christlikeness. Some will tell you the devil is in the details--the fact is I delight in every detail of your life. An undisciplined day paints a sunset of defeat, so watch your step!

Displace all wickedness, and be sure of fidelity to your Master. If you want to really live, you must reverse evil! Transgression distracts from life’s highest purpose and is deadly to peace. I place you in a crucible to purify you and draw you nearer to My side--stay close.

Decide for wisdom, and be sure of fairness in your relationships. Know the difference between right and wrong, then choose wisely. Do not join fools practicing deception and deceit.

Keep company with Me, and and you will enjoy life’s best!       

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond

Day 206, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Then Job replied to the Lord:
“I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.”
JOB 42:1-2 NIV

The experience classroom is where you learn profound wisdom. The school of hard knocks presents a tough curriculum, but what you learn experientially alters you more than what you learn academically.
 

The first lesson you need to learn is that My power is unlimited. If you treat Me as Lord of your life, nothing I ask will be too hard for you to do. Humanly speaking, some challenges are outside the realm of possibility—but within My realm of grace everything is possible.
 

Another reality you need to grasp is I have a plan for your life. I orchestrate a master plan for your good. Death’s terror, life’s problems, demon’s distractions, and the future's worries cannot kill My love. Pain sculpts you into Christ’s image, if you submit to the Sculptor. Through difficult circumstances, I teach you the principle of trust. In the valley, you learn lessons you would never learn on the mountain.
 

The truth you most need to know is the reality of My Presence. Hearing about Me secondhand is interesting; seeing Me for yourself is transforming. I am your Travel Companion on the journey of life. My Spirit shines brightly in your darkest night. Follow My lead, and you cannot go wrong. Trust Me, and you will forever be glad you did.
 

You also need to learn the value of intercessory prayer. Even after Job’s friends misjudged and harshly criticized him, he prayed for them. It was not easy for him to do that. And when people hurl accusations at you or question your motives, you may not feel like praying for them; but your faith demands that you do. Jesus intercedes for you. Follow His example—be thoughtful of others’ needs.
 

Learn day-by-day the riches of My provision. I blessed Job in the autumn of his life more than in the spring. I will do the same for you. Everything you need—in every season of life—I will lavishly provide. Whatever happens, count on Me—everything will be fine.
 

Finally, you will learn the reward of My peace. Like the wine at Cana’s feast, I saved the best for last for Job. Double blessings after his ordeal confirmed My love. He persevered, so I caused a joyful outcome. Endure hard times, and I will bless you with joy not too good to last.
 

Learn My lessons well—then you will graduate from Adversity University with highest honors.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 

Day 192, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Teach me what I cannot see; if I have done wrong, I will not do so again.
JOB 34:32 NIV

Self-righteousness blinds you to ego and dulls your learning. Scripture brightens your path and opens you to higher education.
 

The God-breathed Word teaches you supernatural wisdom, rebukes you for selfish wrong, corrects your sinful way, and trains you for sacrificial work in the highest Name. To live by the Book from Heaven is the best lifestyle for earth.

Often, if you are honest with Me, you must confess that you have eyes to see, yet you fail to see. When you realize your spiritual blindness, cry out to Me to show you My ways and teach you My paths.

When I make it plain where you have rebelled, will you repent? When I make it obvious how you have sinned, will you stop at once?

My teaching opens your eyes to timeless truth that transforms so completely, that your attitudes and actions will never be the same again. Once you have seen the Light and learned lessons no one else can teach you, your life will be radically changed for good.

Changed from the inside out, demonstrate behavior modification the unbelieving world knows nothing about. Refuse to copy ungodly ways—honor My Word above all else, and be transformed into a new person by My Holy Spirit at work in your life. Pray for grace to keep the change.

You will be Christlike, not carnal; serving, not selfish; faith-full, not frantic; caring, not critical; celebrative, not complaining; soaring, not sinking; humble, not haughty; devoted, not deceitful; positive, not pessimistic.

Permit Me to x-ray you and understand you. Let Me encourage you and stand under you. Submit to My examination and supervision.

Make this your earnest prayer: Holy God, X-ray my heart and cross-examine my mind. Make me aware of anything in my life that saddens You, and help me travel the Highway of holiness leading to heaven.

Be teachable—and be transformed.
 

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 

Day 191, Gentle Whispers from Eternity