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.
(c) 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
We walk prayerfully on the parade route God has mapped out for us.
Jesus is the Way to the Truth of Life—free, real, rich, full, eternal life.
The evil one would steal enthusiasm, kill joy, and destroy influence—
Christ yearns to guide us to a genuinely significant and fulfilling life.
The Humble King practiced downward mobility to save us.
Walking in His steps, we have His frame of mind and serve others.
We are a beautiful work of art God envisioned long before our birth—
yielding to Spirit brushstrokes on the canvas of our circumstances,
we are displayed for angels and saints to admire in heaven’s gallery.
We dance joyfully with praise that lasts—celebrating blessings God gives. To avoid a fickle heart, we do not call Jesus king one day and desert Him the next.
To keep our Savior in the center of our life’s procession, we bow to nothing else.
We are privileged to give our Most Honored Guest a royal welcome every sunrise.
If we would keep joy alive in our heart every mile of the journey,
we must not let cheap thrills compete with the ecstasy of His Presence.
No matter how rough the road, we can always find reasons for thanks.
We march in Christ's triumphal procession leading to a promised bright future.
Jesus is our Personal Friend, never letting us down or running away.
He is our Pardoning Savior, forgiving our sins and setting us free.
He is the Powerful God, helping us accomplish all He asks of us.
He is the Perfect Lamb, redeeming us from sin’s penalty and power.
He is the Drumbeat of hope, fighting for us until the battle’s over.
He is Alpha and Omega, speaking the first word and having the last.
He is the Prophesied Messiah, winning the last war and defeating evil.
One day we will wave palm branches along golden streets—
until then, we can celebrate victories He gives on the roads we travel today.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 310, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Then he asked them, “Who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
MATTHEW 16:15-16
Opinion polls reveal that from the world’s viewpoint the jury is still out.
But what about you? Who do you say I am?
Do you confess I am your Savior?
Then leave your eternal destiny in the hands of the King of Love.
Trust Me to forgive your sins—I will save you from hell, sin’s penalty.
Then lean on Me to experience victory over sin’s addictive power.
Do not depend on your own imagined virtue to conquer temptation.
Then look forward to total redemption—freedom from sin’s presence.
Do not be shaped by your guilty past—be shaped by My glorious future.
Do you claim I am your Sovereign?
Then advance My kingdom, and do not just try to build your own.
Give Me the wheel—if I am not in the driver’s seat, you will crash.
Then promote My cause—do not be preoccupied with your interests.
Copy Christ’s example of downward mobility—the way up is down.
Then build your life on Solid Rock, not on the quicksand of selfishness.
Stand on the Gibraltar of My government, not the fault line of your ego.
Do you testify I am your God? Then worship Me with your emotions, personality, intellect, and energy.
Then revel in My mercy and unfailing love.
Be glad I do not treat you as you deserve—or you would not survive.
Then struggle to live a radically holy life.
If you claim you know Me, I expect you to live in a Christlike way.
Do you say I am your Master? Then put aside selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and walk in My steps.
Come to me … and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 NLT
Consider this your personal invitation from the King of hearts—
written in blood, dispatched from grace, stained by tears, signed with love.
Come to Me—not human resources, sinful pleasures, or popular opinions.
Surrender to Me and experience the best conquest of all—a conquered heart.
Come to Me—not obsessive-compulsive rituals, not pious-theatrical religion.
Yield to Me and experience an uncommon miracle—a calm heart.
Come to Me--not false gods of the heart—ego, money, status, possessions.
Augustine was right—your heart will be restless until you rest in Me.
I hide wisdom from sophisticated smart-alecks—I reveal it to trusting children.
Worship Me and I will be real to you and give you true riches—a contented heart.
Come to Me—not imagined self-sufficiency; you are made of dust, not steel.
My peace is an extraordinary out-of-your-world gift—receive it—relax.
Depend on Me and I will help you succeed and give you more—a confident heart.
Come to Me—and learn how to live—
Purposefully—not trudging and toiling; yoked to Jesus, patiently productive.
Peacefully—trading hectivity for My home, giving up madness for My mastery.
Calmly—bravely riding out storms on life’s sea, relaxing in faith’s quiet zone.
Meekly—traveling the only road that leads you to Me—humility.
Easily—keeping My commands, which does not chafe like Satan’s bondage.
Gently—not stepping on those who are down, not quenching hopes of the sad.
Lightheartedly—letting Me carry your burdens for you, so you can travel light.
Learn My lessons well—advance toward My dream for you—a Christlike heart.
Come to Me—you are invited to nestle near My heart; here is how—
Exchange your yoke of self-imposed stress for My yoke of sustained repose.
Drop your overburdening cares, and delight in My overshadowing concern.
Step off your unrealistic schedule treadmill, and rest in My gentle way.
RSVP yes to heaven’s invitation and find the secret of peace—a consecrated heart.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 308, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right.
Do what’s best – as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you, forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.
Matthew 6:8-13THE MESSAGE
Be reverent—remember who you are talking with.
Speak life’s most glorious and awesome Name with respect and awe.
Everything Jesus did was to honor his Father—we should do the same.
Be hopeful—look forward to the new heaven our Father will establish.
Listen for the trumpet sound—the first notes of the prelude to peace.
Do not despair over current events—believe in God’s bright tomorrow.
Be submissive—do not focus exclusively on getting your way.
We do not resign to fate when we place our self in our Father’s hands.
Demonstrate your faith that God is in control and knows what is best.
Be dependent—trust your Heavenly Father to care for your earthly needs.
Hunger for God above all else, and He will never let you starve.
Thirst for God over all, and His joy will cascade through your inner being.
Be repentant—turn from sin and turn to your Savior for a new direction.
Self-sacrifice cannot atone for wrongdoing—cross pain paid the high price.
Forgiven, forgive others—God does not hold grudges; neither should we.
Be holy—struggle against evil and make a conscious effort to be like Jesus.
Pray around the clock that you will not be tricked into sin by the evil one.
Never compromise God-given convictions—aim for Christlikeness.
Be worshipful—keep God at the center and circumference of your life.
Advance His Kingdom, not your own.
Rely on His power, not your own.
Seek His glory, not your own.
Be confident—say Amen, so be it, make it so, God; rest assured He will.
The future is as bright as God’s promises—He will keep every one.
Until His Kingdom dawns, pray as you go—you will always be glad you did.
Then Jesus was led out into the wilderness by the Holy Spirit to be tempted there by the Devil.
MATTHEW 4:1 NLT
Satan’s favorite time to attack is immediately after high points.
Jesus felt the Holy Spirit Dove resting on His shoulder.
He heard his Father's voice expressing love and commendation—
and then He was fiercely assaulted by the Devil.
The evil one carefully decides times for his attacks—so be on guard!
The Holy Spirit may lead us into the wilderness of difficulty.
Jesus was not tempted at the magnificent Temple or scenic Jordan,
but when He was exhausted and hungry—thus susceptible.
When we are under pressure, facing crucial decisions, or anxious—
when we are hungry, aggravated, lonely, tired—HALT!
The tempter is a real being—not an imaginary concept.
The Devil who tempted Adam and Eve in Eden also tempted Jesus.
Satan is not merely a symbol of evil—Satan is prince of the dark side.
More than an idea invented to explain conscience, he is the evil one.
Temptation itself is not sinful. Jesus, Holy Son of God, was the prime target for the Devil’s temptations.
The more we try to be holy, the more the unholy one will try to trip us up.
We may feel dirty after hearing the evil suggestions of the world’s god,
but if we do not give in, we have not sinned against God.
The Spirit Sword can help us achieve victory over temptation.
When Jesus was tempted to get quick gratification of physical urges,
He quoted Scripture reminding us people need more than bread.
When Jesus was tempted to show off and impress others,
He quoted verses cautioning people not to try to force God's hand.
When Jesus was tempted to strike a bargain with hell to get the world,
He quoted Scripture's command requiring exclusive, wholehearted worship.
The King of heaven won His battles with the tempter from hell.
If we rely on His grace, and skillfully brandish His Word—we too can win!
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Day 306, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
You are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew1:21NLT
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—
a 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 who worship God.
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 we feel like we’re falling apart, Jesus holds us together—
no one understands us, or stands under us, 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 believers from sin’s addictive horrors
and makes His heart our eternal home.
God’s dream for us—and our destiny—is that we become like His Son.
Jesus is the most glorious and awesome Name—address Him reverently.
For you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.
And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Malachi4:2NLT
Dawn of eternity will inspire a beautiful morning song.
The celebration will never end—there will be no sunset there.
We are saddened by sin, but we will soon join a heavenly chorus—
a new song of joy sung by the redeemed from every nation,
accompanied by millions of angels around the throne adoring Christ.
Dawn of God’s planned future will bring miraculous strength.
His promises will never fail—we have his Word.
People who love God experience daily grace sunrise in their heart.
Warm rays of peace reinforce trusting souls to persevere in difficulties.
Dawn of full redemption will reveal a Merciful Savior.
Heaven will never disappoint—it is not too good to be true.
Healing is on the way—the handicapped will leap like a deer,
the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the mute will shout and sing.
No one will cry, hurt, get sick or die—evil and its effects will be gone.
Humiliating, mortal bodies will be replaced by heavenly, immortal ones.
Freed from sins by Jesus’ blood, we will stroll golden streets in His light.
Dawn of glory will unveil Messianic splendor.
Christ’s magnificence will never dim—it is not too good to last.
First light will shine forever—Light beyond light will illuminate heaven.
Infinite sunrise will blind the rebellious, and bless the obedient.
Holy Radiant Light will flood the new earth with beauty and grace.
The Old Testament ends with a threatened curse—
the New Testament ends with a promised blessing.
The world makes us sing the blues—soon we’ll be dancing for joy.
Trouble dogs our steps—but sunrise will be here before we know it.
Rejoice greatly, O people of Zion! Shout in triumph, people of Jerusalem! Look, your king is coming to you.
He is righteous and victorious, yet he is humble, riding on a donkey--even on a donkey’s colt.
ZECHARIAH 9:9 NLT
Humility will surprise the proud.
The Messiah’s triumphant entry surprised spectators lining the parade route.
They dreamed of a conquering-hero lion, not a Humble-Servant Lamb.
Heaven’s front-row seats are not reserved for earth’s big shots.
Life will surprise the materialistic. Atheists expect a finale, not an encore—death will not have the last word.
Faith and hope will be vindicated in the saints’ resurrection dance.
Epicureans will be dazed by an afterlife they never dreamed of.
Ecstasy will surprise the doubtful. The despondent will be delighted when they see the dawn—
triumph over despair will dumbfound ones who had given up on joy.
Calamity will surprise the cynical. Christ’s return will shock those who never thought it would happen.
Skeptics will be jolted into reality by an unanticipated Wrathful Judge.
Heaven will surprise the incredulous. The death of death, the burial of heartache, the destruction of pain—
these miracles will be more than unbelievers ever thought possible.
Judgment will surprise the rebellious. Doomsday will be a shock with no remedy—panic will be pointless.
Apostates expect a lamb, not a Lion—revelation will be an eye-opener!
Victory will surprise the pessimistic. The Servant King rode a donkey into old Jerusalem to die—
the King of kings will ride a white charger into new Jerusalem to rule.
His war to end all wars will astonish those who had given up on peace.
Whatever happens on earth, never give up hope—your King is coming.
Begin the celebration today—and heaven will not be a surprise party!
(c) Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Hull's Memorial Baptist Church
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways. Haggai 1:5MLB
Life University curriculum consists of God-designed courses.
It is time for serious self-examination—a check-up on our progress.
Perseverance—Are we hanging in there with Jesus?
When the fight gets fierce, do we cringe and run for cover?
Memo from the Master—Endure cross splinters, and wear a crown.
Priorities—What is highest on our personal agenda?
Working hard to build our kingdom? At a standstill advancing Christ’s?
Memo from the Master—Realign priorities, placing God over all else.
Purpose—Where are we headed?
Do we sing “To God be the Glory” then live “great things I have done”?
Memo from the Master—Life has no nobler purpose than Christ.
Passion—What gets us hustling?
Are we lackadaisical, or enthused and zealous for our Savior’s cause?
Memo from the Master—You are My ambassador, so represent Me well.
Perspective—What are we hoping for?
More concerned with earthly things than heavenly realities?
Memo from the Master—Let heaven be uppermost in your mind.
Purity—How is our heart?
Is Jesus our Center of Gravity or just another line in our creed?
Memo from the Master—Internalize and practice My Word 24/7.
Peace—Are we working for harmony?
Are we kind and merciful to others, the way God has been to us?
Memo from the Master—Calm life’s troubled sea by a tranquil lifestyle.
If we learn lessons well and apply them carefully, we will graduate with honor.
