Were not our hearts greatly moved

and burning within us while He was talking with us

on the road as He opened and explained to us the sense of the Scriptures?

Luke 24:32 THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE

Saddened by emptiness?
Obey Me, and I will make Myself real to you.

Trade a long face for a smile—be a good advertisement for the gospel.

I am your Source of Music—sing out for the entire world to hear.

Entombed by loneliness?

You are never alone—I walk alongside you on every road you travel.

When perplexing cares crowd your heart, I console and cheer you.

I am your Greatest Friend—you have not lost Me, so dance for joy.

Afraid of death?

Hear My reassuring voice and overcome Satan-coaxed anxiety.

Death Valley terror disappears as you realize shadows mean Light.

I am your Life—I will defeat all enemies, so count on ultimate victory.

Losing hope?

Open the eyes of your heart and envision My promised bright future.

Wait patiently for My new world to materialize—be brave-hearted.

I am your Center of Gravity—hide in Me and unflinchingly trust.

Perplexed by despair?

Guilt, death, hopelessness, angst, and gloom burden your heart.

Grace, vitality, hope, faith, mercy, and freedom bless your heart.

I am your Redeemer—hang on for dear life—all is well.

Walk life’s road with Me—and I will change dejection to delight,

     skepticism to optimism, despair to hope, restlessness to tranquility,

     depression to ecstasy, self-pity to praise, and doubt to worship.

I am your God—rest assured.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 319 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Look, your King is coming to you. He is humble, riding on a donkey.

Most of the crowd spread their coats on the road ahead of Jesus,

and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.

He was in the center of the procession, and the crowd all around him were shouting,

“Praise God for the Son of David! Bless the one who comes in the name of the Lord!

Praise God in highest heaven!” The entire city of Jerusalem was stirred as he entered.

Matthew 21:5, 8-10 NLT
 

Walk prayerfully on the parade route I have mapped out for you.

I am the Way to the Truth of Life—free, real, rich, full, eternal life.

The evil one would steal enthusiasm, kill joy, and destroy influence—

     I yearn to guide you to a genuinely significant and fulfilling life.

I am the Humble King who practiced downward mobility to save you.

Walk in My steps—have My frame of mind and serve others.

You are a beautiful work of art I envisioned long before your birth—

     yield to My Spirit brushstrokes on the canvas of your circumstances;

     be displayed for angels and saints to admire in heaven’s gallery.
 

Dance joyfully with praise that lasts—celebrating blessings I give.

Avoid a fickle heart—calling Me king one day, deserting Me the next.

Keep Me in the center of your life’s procession—bow to nothing else.

Give your Most Honored Guest a royal welcome every sunrise.

Keep My joy alive in your heart every mile of the journey—

     let no cheap thrill compete with the ecstasy of My Presence.

No matter how rough the road, be grateful—find reasons for thanks.
 

March in My triumphal procession leading to a future I promise.

I am your Personal Friend—I never let you down or run away.

I am the Pardoning Savior—I forgive your sins and set you free.

I am the Powerful God—I help you accomplish all I ask of you.

I am the Perfect Lamb—I redeem you from sin’s penalty and power.

I am the Drumbeat of hope—I fight for you until the battle’s over.

I am Alpha and Omega—I spoke the first word and I will have the last.

I am the Prophesied Messiah—I will win the last war and defeat evil.

One day you will wave palm branches along golden streets— 

     until then, celebrate victories I give on the roads you travel today.
 

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 

Day 21 Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

When the Lord restored his exiles to Jerusalem it was like a dream!
We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.
Psalm 126:1-2 NLT

I am the Lord of freedom.

When you are captivated by sin, only I can liberate you.

No other force can unshackle you from chains of unbreakable habits.

I am the Only One who can cure sin’s cruel, deceptive addiction.

Out of your bondage, sorrow, and night, come to Me …

Into My freedom, gladness and light, come to Me  (William Sleeper, “Jesus, I Come”).*

Only My Holy Spirit can cause a turnaround of purity.
 

I am the Lord of faith.

I am an oasis of refreshment in an arid desert of depression.

When pessimism seems to be the norm, I give you a different heart—

     daring to be optimistic about the future because of My promises.

While you may be tearful, you are also trusting.

Out of unrest and arrogant pride, come to Me …

Out of yourself to dwell in My love, out of despair to raptures above, come to Me.*

Only My Holy Spirit can cause a turnaround of perspective.
 

I am the Lord of fruitfulness.

Want to celebrate the harvest? Cry your heart out—then worship.

Out of the depths of ruin untold, into the peace of My sheltering fold …

Ever My glorious face to behold, come to Me.*

Only My Holy Spirit can cause a turnaround of productivity.
 

I am the Lord of festivity.

I transform the nightmare of sin into a dream come true.

I turn your sad exile in a land foreign to goodness

     into ecstasy in the promised land of joy and peace.

Captivity to sin fills your mouth with lamentation and lips with sighing.

The Savior’s charm fills your mouth with laughs and lips with singing.

Out of earth’s sorrows into My balm, out of life’s storms into My calm,

Out of distress to jubilant psalm, come to Me.*

Only My Holy Spirit can cause a turnaround of peace.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond—Day 243 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them.
I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.”
And you forgave me!  All my guilt is gone.
Psalm 32:5 NLT

     When you attempt to cover up your sins, I uncover them and you experience heaviness of guilt. Remorse makes you miserable—to say the least, you’re having a really bad day!
 

     When you uncover your sins in My Presence, I cover them and you experience happiness of grace. Forgiveness frees you when your sin is out of My sight and out of My mind. I bury your transgressions in the deepest ocean and forget them. Honest with Me, you know firsthand the joy of a close relationship. Deeply sorry for what you have done and openly confessing your sins to Me, you delight in My pardon and enjoy the pleasure of My company. 
 

     Admitting your failures to Me relieves the pressure of guilt and removes the mask of self-righteousness. Sin forgiven, guilt dissolved, your heart sings again.
 

     People often try to hide their iniquities in a secret closet. But wisdom gained in the crucible of experience teaches you that concealing your sins leads to unrest and fear, while confessing and renouncing them brings mercy and peace. 
 

     You can run, but you can’t hide—you cannot conceal sins from Me. If you try, you only increase your guilt feelings. The way I deal with sins is a different story. When I forgive you, you are free.  When I cleanse your heart, you joyfully celebrate. When I grant you the righteousness of My Son, you can stand tall. When I liberate you from evil habits, you can dance freedom’s jig.
 

     You have no goodness of your own—My holiness is your only hope.  My unfailing love and merciful kindness opens the door to heaven. All else you depend on paves a dead-end road. I do far more than cover your transgressions; I take them away—and not just a long way, infinitely.
 

     When guilt feelings return or temptation resurfaces, I am your Hiding Place.  When you’re searching for the right way, I am your Guide. Be transparent in My Presence and be transformed. Confession really is good for your soul.
 

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

Teach us to count up the days that are ours, and we shall come to the heart of wisdom.

Psalm 90:12 TNJB
 

Trustworthiness is the heart of My authenticity.

If you want to learn who I am, I would love to enlighten you.

Genuine philosophers find Ultimate Reality and Meaning in Me.

I reveal My true nature to all who search for Me wholeheartedly.

I am the God with a heart—I am kind to the heartbroken.

I am the Perfect Hiding Place—I shelter you in life’s storms.

I am your Home.

Transience is the heart of your awareness.

If you want to learn who you are, I would love to instruct you.

Mortality and realism go hand in hand—tempus fugit.

A millennium and a minute are no different in My mind.

Are seven or eight decades enough for you to learn your limits?

You are human.

Timelessness is the heart of My agelessness.

If you want to learn the proper response to Me, I would love to tell you.

From once upon a time to living happily ever after, I am God.

You cannot fathom My plan, but I have planted eternity in your heart.

I am the Only One Who Will Always Be Who I Have Always Been.

Let My transcendence move you to humility.

Transformation is the heart of attitude adjustment.

If you want to learn to live purposefully, I would love to guide you.

Pray as you go—live wisely in the light of eternity.

Complete submission to Me is the only path to happiness.

Teaching is the heart of My arithmetic.

If you want to learn the best use of life, I would love to teach you.

Like a coin, you can spend life any way you like—but only once.

Take the responsibilities I have given you seriously—carpe diem.

Take heaven’s wisdom to heart.

Time management is eternally important—be clock wise.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond;  Day 224 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

People will come from east and west, and from north and south,
and sit down [feast at table] in the kingdom of God.
Luke 13:29 THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE
 

From here to eternity . . .

I give you time to prepare for My return, and to bear fruit for My cause.

The Gardener is giving you a chance to produce—do not disappoint Me.

If you want to be fruitful, stay close to My heart.

Today is the day of service—if you intend to be serious, now’s the time.

This is a limited-time offer—opportunities will not last forever.

In light of your accountability, make a conscious effort to please Me. 

Purify your heart and give Me your best, to avoid being embarrassed.

If you’re not ready when the banquet begins, you’ll be filled with regret.
 

Behind the scenes . . .

Tiny seeds planted in human hearts are growing into trees of righteousness.

Yeast of positive influence is expanding and transforming lives of believers.

Those RSVPing yes to My invitation are enjoying the pleasure of My company.

The Great Reversal . . .

Now and then will make all the difference in the world—

     beggars scrounging for scraps will be seated at the head table;

     VIPs will be turned away from the heavenly banquet.

The new world I create will turn everything right side up for a change.

The meek – trampled on now by business tycoons – will inherit the earth.

Those despised by big shots will weep tears of joy as they feast with Me.
 

There’s a great day coming . . .

There is a lot wrong with the world now, but I will make everything right.

Disease and disability are common in a fallen world—evil hurts people.

The original source of illness is the evil one, but his days are numbered.

I am more powerful than the Devil or disease—My return will prove it.

When I reign as Sovereign over the new earth—

     the blind will see the beauties of paradise restored; 

     the deaf will hear human voices and sounds of nature;

     the lame will leap like a deer gamboling through a springtime meadow;

     the mute will shout for joy and sing My praises;

     heartache will be canceled forever by the gladness of heaven.

Abraham will be there – moving over, finally home.

Isaac will be there – enveloped by light, enjoying the perfect day.

Jacob will be there – wrestling done, celebrating the dawn.

Daniel will be there – prayers finished, reveling in My answer.

Believers from all countries will be there – speaking the language of love.

The festivities will never end
 

W

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

The Savior’s Ministry

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me; he has appointed me to preach Good News to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released,

that the blind will see, that the downtrodden will be freed from their oppressors,

and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come.

Luke 4:18-19 NLT
 

My plan will bring a new earth for the meek.

You’re ignored by big shots now, but one day you’ll be on the front row. 

The Great Reversal will turn everything around and right side up.

Big wheels rule the world now, but My favorites will reign in paradise. 

When I live with the humble-hearted, crying and pain will disappear. 

When I make My home on earth, death and evil will be forever history.

The world mistreats My children now, but I will save you from oppression.
 

My peace will bring elation for the believing.

The Day of all days will make My blessings evident to the universe.

Glory will cascade ecstasy through the heart of every trusting soul.

The beauty of My heaven will replace ashes of earth’s disappointments.

The joy of My company will transcend heartache of earth’s discouragement. 

The praise of My love will cancel loneliness of earth’s despair.

The world breaks hearts of My disciples now, but I will save you from sadness. 
 

My Presence encourages the desperate.

Can’t get it all together?  Ready to give up the noble quest?  About to quit?

Seek My face and listen to My voice--then  you’ll find strength to go on.

Listen to My future melody and you can dance by faith here and now.

When perplexities crowd your heart, My consolations cheer your soul.

Just when you need Me most, I will be there for you.

With Me at your side, you’re richer than you thin--I save you from poverty.
 

My power extricates the shackled.

My Holy Spirit is the key to freedom--I alone can emancipate you from sin.

A lifestyle of rebellion causes addiction, but a lifestyle of obedience frees.

Fettered in a dark cell?  Let My sunshine set you free and you’ll leap with joy.

Resolve and dogged determination only go so far, but I save you from slavery. 
 

My promise opens the eyes of the blind.

Without seeing Me, you follow Me by faith--one day we’ll meet face to face.

Eyes of the heart see things as they will be, not as they are now. 

Faith is an eye-opening experience, giving confidence of ultimate victory.

Believing you’ll at last see Me motivates you to purify your heart to get ready.

The world will go up in smoke, then the new Jerusalem will materialize.

Painting a mural of heaven on a condemned building? I save you from despair. 
 

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

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