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Hull's Memorial Baptist Church
 Pastor's Blog 
Tuesday, December 31 2019

My times are in your hands.

Psalm 31:15 NIV
 

I am the Timeless God—holiness to cancel yesterday’s sins.

     My grace transforms your down-on-yourself guilt into upbeat gladness.

     I have not rejected you—I have given you Christ’s righteousness.

     You are a sinner by nature—you do not deserve or merit My love.

     Jesus is perfect—He did not deserve what happened to Him at Calvary.

     Like Barabbas, it should have been you; instead, you are free.

     I am your forgiveness.
 

I am the Enough God—hiding place to calm today’s sorrows.

     I shelter you from accusing tongues, sustain you through distress,

          and save you from the addictive power of sin.

     I am your Time-out from the rat race and Anchor on high seas.

     When your daily schedule gets crazy and hectic, take a deep breath—

          breathe out worry about possibilities…breathe in worship;

          breathe out fear of contingencies…breathe in faith in My promises.

     I am your fortress.
 

I am the Unchanging God—hope to celebrate tomorrow’s surprises.

     In all the universe, I alone will always be who I have always been.

     I made promises I intend to keep—My faithfulness will not fail.

     Anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of My perfect plan—

          believe the overcast unknown will brighten in My time.

     Whatever change comes your way, rest assured I will keep My word.

     For the time being, rely on Me to lead you in honorable paths,

          rescue you from the evil one’s malicious strategies,

          and reinforce you to bravely move ahead.

     In your darkest times, keep believing in Light beyond light—

          follow your Guide across the fearful ravine to Tranquility Meadow.

     I am your future.
 

Count on My unchanging love to absolve your embarrassing past,

     accompany you on your journey, and guarantee your heavenly future.

Place yesterday, today and tomorrow in My hands—

     then you can enjoy the time of your life!

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 204 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 10:43 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, December 23 2019

Give honor to the LORD for the glory of his name.
Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.

PSALM 29:2 NLT


     Be awed in My Presence. Keep in mind that except for grace, you would be helpless. Realize I am the Source of your poise and peace. Completely rely on Me. Reverence Me as your Master.

     Let me remind you that you are subordinate to the King of kings! Permit Me to formally educate you in life’s highest lesson; learn it well—there is a God and you are not Him! Take a low position before Me. Give Me the glory and the honor I alone deserve. Tremble before Me. Come down where you ought to be. Worship Me humbly.

     Be active in My power. Let My Spirit kindle your adoration. Yield to My influence, so you will be fired up with sparkling enthusiasm.

     I am Sovereign of the universe—obey Me in every dimension of your life. Worship Me with all your heart.

     Advance in My purity. I alone am perfect; however I want you to grow in My likeness. My plan is for everyday saints—24/7—until eternity. Dress your Sunday best Monday through Saturday also! Honor Me in all your thoughts, words, and deeds.

     Make living for Jesus Christ your life’s noblest purpose—realize dying to selfishness for Christ’s sake is the bridge to significance. Seek My inspiration to motivate you to be faithful. Search for My power to help you behave your beliefs and practice what you preach. Do more than meditate—get on with your assigned mission. My Son went around doing good—do not be content with merely going around, a big wheel going in circles.

     I have outfitted you with spiritual armor for the purpose of fighting! A full suit of armor is awkward equipment for an easy chair. Do not spend all your time getting ready to live—take time to really live! After all is said and done, there is more said than done—do not let this be true of you.

     Advance in the splendor of radical holiness. Reverse evil—live! I made you pure in heart—you must make yourself pure in conduct.

     Make worship your lifestyle—not just on Sundays, but all the time; not just at church, but everywhere; not just in a pew, but on the road.

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond,  Day 203 Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 09:41 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, December 16 2019

The Name Above All Names

You are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21 NLT
 

Jesus means Joy—He saves from despair and hopelessness.

     Alexander conquered the world by force and was called great—

         Jesus captures hearts from all nations by love and is called God.

     In contrast to fleeting happiness, Immanuel gives invulnerable joy—

         His cross brings deep peace, His Presence inexpressible ecstasy.
 

Jesus means Everlasting Life—He saves from death and hell.

     Tutankhamen’s tomb was found treasure-filled, making him famous.

         Jesus’ tomb was discovered empty, making Him King of Eternity.

     Abundant life here and now, eternal life in the hereafter—

         grand duet of wonder brought to light by the Dayspring from on high

             who has visited your tilted planet.
 

Jesus means Separation—He saves from deceit and hypocrisy.

     The clear difference between heaven and hell, Christians and worldlings,

         is made by the One who died on the middle cross.

     At the name of Caesar, millions offered incense and called him lord.

     At Jesus’ Name, the universe will fall to its knees and call Him Master.

     His Name will be forever paramount in minds of those worshiping Me.
 

Jesus means Understanding—He saves from devastation and helplessness.

    The names of famous kings and fearful kingdoms all fade into oblivion,

        but Jesus’ incomparable Name increases in glory while ages roll on.

    When you feel like you are falling apart, Jesus holds you together—

        no one understands you, or stands under you, like He does.
 

Jesus means Salvation—He saves from self-destruction and homelessness.

    Charlemagne and Napoleon changed the face of the world by war—

        the King of hearts changes lives in time and eternity by His grace.

    Jesus saves you from sin’s addiction and makes My heart your home.

    My dream for you—and your destiny—is that you become like My Son.
 

Jesus is the most glorious and awesome Name—address Him reverently.
 


© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 305 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 12:00 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, December 09 2019

Crown Point at Columbia River Gorge, Oregon 

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped.

My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Psalm 28:7 NIV
 

     I am your Strength. When you seek Me, I never turn a deaf ear. I am not, as the skeptics claim, “a very absent help in time of trouble.” When you stand in need, I am only a prayer away. Whatever enemies you face, I take your side.

     Your critical need for forgiveness is met by infinite love and mercy. Your desperate need for victory is answered by supernatural assistance. Your pivotal need for friendship is found in the Shepherd’s tender care. Your crucial need for reinforcement is nourished in waiting on Jehovah—enabling you to walk farther than the fainthearted and lethargic, run faster than the tempter, and soar higher than the mediocre.

     You have found the secret of surviving all situations—Christ’s help. Infused with His strength, you are ready for anything life throws at you. Relying on His power, you can live to tell about difficult circumstances. Inspired by His example, you can hold your head high and march forward.

    

     I am your Shield. Your deep need for tranquility is met by My gift of peace of mind. As you pray about every situation and thank Me for My responses to your needs, perfect peace forms a bulwark around you and fills your mind with thoughts of your Savior’s love. You cannot comprehend this; neither can you define or explain it, but you can experience it.

     The Breath of heaven holds you together. Do not try to go it alone—take My hand and journey on.
 

     I am your Song. Trust Unfailing Love and celebrate total salvation. Sing a new song every day—praise Me from wake-up call to lullaby.

     Your crucial need for lightheartedness is met by My Presence. You cannot always be happy in your circumstances, but you can always rejoice in your inner-stances. I am the God of your life—I meet all your needs out of My unlimited resources. I am Everything You Ever Really Need in life. What more could you ask?

     I have always loved and cared for you—rest assured I always will. Review the history of our relationship, and be hopeful for your tomorrows. “In all of life’s ebb and flow,” as Luther Bridgers celebrates in his hymn “He Keeps Me Singing,” I will keep you “singing as you go.”
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 202 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 12:14 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, December 02 2019

The Lord is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1a NLT
 

     The light of courage dispels the darkness of cowardice. Faith is the antidote to fear’s poison. Fear Me and you need fear nothing else! Trust the Solid Rock in a quicksand world—I will never disappoint you. Stay close to My heart— change will not throw you. Rely on Me—storms will not dismay you. Build on Christ as your Foundation—be well.
 

     The light of conquest dispels the darkness of defeatism. The dark side cannot vanquish the trusting heart, because I am the Victor. I am your Strength, so do not let anything Satan hurls scare you. Jesus plus any problem equals victory. Hide in Me, your Fortress—win.
 

     The light of communion dispels the darkness of self-centeredness. I am your Salvation, so you are satisfied in all circumstances. Happiness comes and goes; joy stays.  I am your Felicity—worship.
 

     The light of companionship dispels the darkness of loneliness. I am your Song, so you are not down-in-the-mouth. In the hymn “Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus,” Anna Russell reveals an unfailing source of music: “There is never a day so dreary, there is never a night so long, but the soul that is trusting Jesus will somewhere find a song.” I am your Friend—enjoy My welcome.
 

     The light of counsel dispels the darkness of ignorance. My guidance may seem slow in coming to you, but it is a reliable light to guide your way. Live more by faith, less by sight. Use faith eyes to see invisible realities. I am your Father—live by My wisdom.
 

     The light of confidence dispels the darkness of pessimism. There is Light beyond light at the end of the tunnel of despair. No matter how depressing current events,   look forward to My promised tomorrow. The future is bright as My promises. I am your Future—just wait!
 

     A new day is dawning. You can choose to be anxious about it, or you can choose to be enthusiastic about it. How you choose will determine your day. Gaze reverently on the cross—it shines as a plus sign that dispels all darkness.
 

     Do not reclaim unnecessary lost baggage of fear, negativism, egocentricity, melancholy, conceit, and despair—now is the perfect time to lose your luggage. Walk as a child of the Light—travel light!
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 201 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 10:09 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
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    Hull's Memorial Baptist Church
    420 Enon Road | Fredericksburg, VA 22406 | PH: 540.371.4124