The Bridge to Heaven

There is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people.

He is the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.

1 Timothy 2:5-6a NLT
 

Rebellion troubles.
     Sin brings a temporary thrill—its only lasting result is frustration.
     Iniquity leads to condemnation and chaos—nothing good comes from bad.   

     All people miss the mark of perfection—you are no exception to the rule.

Rebellion pays in the coin of heartbreak—guilt and death are sad wages.  

     Transgression estranges human hearts from the Creator—the gap is wide.
 

Repentance turns.
     I permit U-turns—all who do an about-face find faith a nobler direction.
     All who travel Holiness Highway find it better than a dead end road to hell.
     Want to walk tall? Get on your knees and you can get to your feet again.
     Want to sing for joy? Exit hellacious detours and travel Heaven Boulevard.   

     Want to really live? Then reverse evil.
 

Redemption transforms.

     When humanity was at its worst, I was at My best—I sent My Beloved Son.

     If you got what you deserve, justice would land you in hell.

     If you just did not get what you deserve, mercy would keep you out of hell.  

     Grace can give you better than you deserve—exuberant, eternal life.

     Christ swapped with you at Skull Hill—believe and never be the same.

Reconciliation triumphs.

     All who accept My grace are at ease in My Presence—eternally friends.

     I reside in hearts surrendered to Christ—friends of His are friends of Mine.

     Whatever you may face in the future, I will enable you to survive—and sing.   

     Jesus plus any problem equals victory—don My armor and win your battle.

     By nail-scarred hands, Jesus holds My hand in holiness and yours in love.

          Clasp His hand and walk over turbulent waters of regret and guilt,

               to a tranquil place of grace built by My Son—
                    the Bridge over troubled water and the Bridge to heaven.


© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                       Day 350, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

hKingdom of Perfection

My Kingdom is not of this world.

John 18:36 NLT

    My Kingdom if not of this world. 

               John 18:36 NLT

Mine is a kingdom of sacrificial love—an empire of unselfish souls.

     I knew what would happen on Skull Hill—I could have avoided it.

     I chose to suffer isolation from My Father so you and I could be friends.

     Those who came to arrest Me did not need to handcuff Me—

          I voluntarily laid down My life for the transgressions of the world.

     In an uncaring world, I am the Highest Example of Tenderheartedness.  

     Follow My lead—live a life filled with love for others.

Mine is a kingdom of absolute truth—a domain of unchanging reality.

     Pilate asked, “What is truth?” unaware of Truth in his presence.

     My Word gives clear answers—My Spirit sensitizes your conscience.

     I am the Embodiment of All Truth—scientific, philosophical, spiritual.

     Believe My Book—live a life in line with holy principles.

Mine is a kingdom of total justice—a realm of undeniable fairness.

     My judgment is not clouded by appearance, false evidence, or hearsay.

     At the end of the day, the King of kings will abolish all inequity.

     Trust My promises—live a life of unflinching hope that right will win.

Mine is a kingdom of peace—a territory of undisturbed serenity.

     Ultimately all unsheathed swords will be hammered into plowshares.

     Spears will make good pruning hooks in a fruitful restored paradise.

     After all human solutions fail, I will bring tranquility to an uneasy world.

     Relax—live a life of unflappable equanimity anticipating peace at last.

Mine is a kingdom of universal authority—a rule of unrivaled power.

     When I identified Myself to soldiers and Temple guards with I Am,

          they lurched backward to the ground.

     When I ascend My throne to reign over nations, every knee will bow—

          angels, humans, and demons will all recognize My right to rule.

     At the dawn of eternity, I will triumph over all enemies of righteousness.

          Worship Me—live a life of faith that I Will Always Be Who I Am.
 

         © Johnny R. Almond                                  Day 324, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

 

If you want to be my follower you must love me more than  your father, mother, wife, children, brothers and sisters—
yes, more than your own life.  

You cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me. Count the cost.  

No one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me.                                                                                         

                                                Luke 14:26-28a, 33 NLT

Sanctify your heart—consecrate your inner being to Me.

     In grateful response to My mercy, love Me wholeheartedly.

     Live passionately—prioritize My cause above earth’s trivial pursuits.

     Live thoughtfully—ponder behavior, and reside in the moral highlands.

     Live energetically—serve Me with all your strength and health.

     Live creatively—allow Me to work through your unique personality.

     Live loyally—make Me your Center of Gravity.

     Live lovingly—adore Me with sincere affection nothing can kill.

Shoulder your cross—carry responsibilities willingly, without griping.

     No difficulty or frustration begins to match the cross I carried for you.

     Do not run from suffering—it is part of the landscape of obedience.

     I endured excruciating pain for you—it is your turn to hang in there for Me.      

     There is only one way you can bear the cross I give you—grace.

     Live unselfishly—put aside egocentric ambition and focus on others.

     Live courageously—splinters from the cross should not surprise you.

     Live nobly—follow my example; walk in My steps.

Surrender your life—count the cost of being My disciple.

     Live for my glory—never seek your own.

     Hold nothing back—renounce the idea of ownership.

     Recognize My sovereignty—acknowledge that I rule and overrule all.

     Be totally sincere in working for Me—take My business seriously.

     Live humbly—do not be self-assertive;  remember your place.

     Live hopefully—practice downward mobility and I will promote you.

     Live carefully—calculate the cost of obeying, and the higher cost of rebelling.

     Live radically—give up everything for Me and finish the Faith Marathon.



 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                           Day 317, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                Whooever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant; 

                            whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.

                                                 Mark 10:43b, 44 LNT

Think you are somebody really important, do you? Better think again.

     VIPs are forgotten in history’s dust storm—mists of time erase their names.     

     You are no better than anyone else—you are made of dust, like all humans.

     You are not totally, eternally, irrevocably responsible for everything—I am!

     Learn this well—I am God, in charge; you are a subject, under orders.

Been throwing your weight around lately? Step on scales of reality.

     Your house of cards will topple in winds of change—Mine is eternal.

     You are not strong enough to hold the earth on your shoulders—I am.

     You do not reign on the throne of the universe—I govern all nations.

     You are not wise enough to direct traffic patterns of galaxies—get real!

     Serve Me, not yourself; advance My Kingdom, and do not build your own.

Letting power go to your head? Do not turn into a Tyrannosaurus Rex!

     Held hostage by ego? Enslaved to ambition? There is a nobler way.

     Prioritize My cause—copy Christ’s attitude of downward mobility.

     I am absolute Lord of the universe, Master of surrendered hearts.

     Submit to My sovereignty, and I will help you make sense of your life.

Lording it over ones you deem beneath you? Dismount your high horse!

     Do not be a smart-aleck! Do not overprice yourself!

     I condescended to wash dirty feet—you are not too good for slave labor!      

     Heads swollen with conceit explode trying to maintain inflated self-images.

     Hearts living in the holy land of trust and obedience persevere by grace.

Want to be truly great by heaven’s definition? Learn to serve like Jesus.

     Do not expect the world to wait on you hand and foot—wait on them!

     If you want to rank high in My estimation, take a low position of humility.

     Conquer selfishness with service, rise above narrow views of success,

          and remember that self-worth does not result from resumes—

          then you will see heaven’s approval reflected in My eyes.

     © Pastor Johnny R. Almond                    Day 315, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Jesus went up on a mountain and called the ones he wanted to go with him.

He selected twelve of them to be his regular companions, calling them apostles.

He sent them out to preach, and he gave them authority to cast out demons.

                                    Mark 3:13-15 NLT
 

Are you like Peter—vocal in resolve, denying Me by Satan’s fireside?

Are you like James, Zebedee’s son—thunderously short-tempered?

Are you like John—deeply in love with the Lover of your soul?

Are you like Andrew—enthused about inviting others to meet Me?

Are you like Philip—wondering how I can take care of huge problems?

Are you like Bartholomew—honest and straightforward with Me?

Are you like Matthew—giving up corruption and taking up My cause?

Are you like Thomas—tentative, then worshiping Me as your God?

Are you like James, Alphaeus’ son—a behind-the-scenes follower?

Are you like Thaddaeus—obeying without knowing details of My plan?

Are you like Simon the Zealot—fiercely patriotic, and a heavenly citizen?

Are you like Judas Iscariot—a treacherous turncoat?

Like the apostles, you are an ordinary person—human, limited, mortal.

     But if you follow Me, I will change you into an extraordinary influencer.

Similar to My original inner circle, you are privileged to be very near Me.

     Trust My heart and obey My voice, and know Me as a near and dear Friend.

You did not choose Me—I chose you and tasked you to produce fruit.

     I called you to be My ambassador—will you represent Me honorably?

Energized by My Holy Spirit, you are My ally in the battle against evil.

     I challenge you to stand up to the Devil—will you fight the good fight?

You are My associate in life’s most serious business—evangelism.

     I commissioned you to preach—will you speak up faithfully?

If you were merely My servant, I would not share My heart with you.

     You are one of My friends—will you keep company with Me today?

 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond        Day 314, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                                                              Sallman  Head of Christ

                                   Someone is coming soon who is far greater than I am—

                                 so much greater that I am not even worthy to be his slave.

                                                  Mark 1:7 NLT                                                                                          

I am a Greater King—infinitely more authoritative than all earthly rulers.

   As Savior, I was Servant King;  as Judge, I will be Sovereign King of kings.

   You are unworthy to be My subject. By My mercy, you are—be thankful.

   Be subject to change.
 

I am a Greater God—infinitely more awesome than all false gods of the heart.

   Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—I alone deserve your wholehearted allegiance.    

   You are unworthy to be My creation. By My choice, you are—be reverent.

   Know your place.
 

I have a greater message—infinitely more significant than any of your own ideas.

   Truthful language in the Book from Heaven is greater than political correctness.    

   You are unworthy to be My messenger. By My will, you are—be enthusiastic.

   Preach My Word.
 

I extend a greater calling—infinitely more truthful than hell’s propaganda.

   Ready for action? Willing to move out of your comfort zone to serve Me?

   You are unworthy to be My evangelist. By My grace, you are—be loving.

   Tell My story.
 

I offer greater teaching—infinitely more transforming than human philosophy.

   Apply My teaching, and call Me Rabboni—your very own Teacher.

   You are unworthy to be My disciple. By My love, you are—be studious.

   Keep in mind what I have to say.
 

I have greater power—infinitely more effective than any other force.

   I exorcise demons—erasing guilt, tumbling pride, ending vendettas.

   You are unworthy to be My ambassador. By My Spirit, you are—be confident.

   Take My hand.
 

I demonstrate a greater attitude—infinitely more noble than your petty ambition.

   I practiced downward mobility to show the secret of greatness—servanthood.  

   You are unworthy to be My servant. By My example, you are—be faithful.

   Walk in My steps.

          © Pastor Johnny R. Almond                 Day 313, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

It was by faith that Moses, when he grew up,

refused to be treated as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.

He chose to share oppression of God’s people instead of enjoying fleeting pleasures of sin.

He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of the Messiah than own treasures of Egypt,

for he was looking ahead to the great reward that God would give him.

It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt. He was not afraid of the king.

Moses kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.

Hebrews 11:24-27 NLT

 

Motivated by an unseen face,  leave the sinful world behind you.

You have never seen Me, but trust Me anyway and you will be blessed.

Thrill of physical pleasure, comfort of things, and pride of ownership

     cannot match the joy of My company and the reward of My approval. 

Professing faith in Me, you are under obligation to live like Me—

     Christlikeness is a moral imperative, not just an ethical ideal.

When I return to reign over the earth, you will see Me as I really am.

     If you really believe this, make a conscious effort to be ready. 

Like Enoch, walk in habitual fellowship with Me.

You live in two worlds—one visible, one unseen except with heart eyes.  

Radically hoping for a better life on the other side of resurrection,

     rest assured you will see your living Redeemer with your own eyes.

Looking forward to a tearless, deathless, painless, sinless place,

     anticipate unimaginable surprises and eternal ecstasy.

Live honorably—uncompromisingly purify your heart. 

Worshiping an invisible King,  refuse to be intimidated by Earth’s ruler. 

The snake that sank hateful fangs into My body was pulverized at the cross. 

The spirit at work in unbelieving hearts will be defeated by My Holy Spirit.

Your Accuser will ultimately lose his battle against your Advocate. 

You have never seen your Defense Counsel, yet I take your side faithfully. 

When you stand before Me acquitted, you will celebrate like never before.

Until then, draw near Me and experience joy too wonderful for words. 

At My return, every eye will see Me—in the meantime, continue.

Like David, be a person who develops a heart like Mine.

Like Noah, hammer away until you finish the task I assigned you.

Like Sarah, learn that nothing is too hard for Me, then laugh for joy.

Like Abraham, move out in confidence and find I take good care of you.

Live courageously—unflinchingly persevere in following My orders.

Serving the behind-the-scenes God,  keep Me first until you see My face. 

Live by faith, not by sight—remember the truly essential is invisible. 

Allow nothing to take the first place in your heart I alone deserve. 

Make My cause your focus—make My grace your survival technique.       

Like Abraham, look forward to a promised land beyond what you can see. 

Live purposefully—untiringly proclaim My story until you see My smile.

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                             Gentle Whispers from Eternity     

I trust in God’s unfailing love forever and ever.

I will praise you forever, O God, for what you have done.

I will wait for your mercies in the presence of your people.

Psalm 52:8b-9 NLT
 

    You are liberated from yesterday’s guilt by my unfailing love. 

     Praise My Son forever what He has done!  Condescending from an eternal throne to earthly trouble, He became a human being.  Caring about how you live your life, He came to show you the best way.  Carrying your sins on his shoulders, He was crucified in your place. Conquering death and evil, He came back to life. 

     Jesus is your pardon for the past.  He forgives all your sins and heals all your soul’s dis-eases.  I am merciful and get angry very slowly.  I do not treat you as you deserve, or you would last no longer than a dandelion in a windstorm. I remove your rebellious deeds infinitely away from My mind.    

 

     Look forward to tomorrow’s glory in My unfailing love.

   I am the one and only God—I alone deserve your total allegiance.  Joining the bandwagon of naïve reliance on sophisticated technology will only make you feel hollow. Becoming part of the masquerade at the shrine of self-glorification will lead you to see something’s missing and unreal about that lifestyle.  I alone satisfy your heart.

     Jesus is your promise for the future. The current multiplicity of gods will someday give way to the one true God.  False gods of the heart will be forgotten when Christ reigns as King over the new creation. 

 

     Live gladly today by My unfailing love.

   Stand in the free air I give you to breathe, with your feet on My free turf, and thank your Creator for the gift of physical existence.  Gratefulness toward heaven is the most nearly perfect way to pray.  Praise Me in company with My faithful friends.  Sing your heart out to Me with songs I give you in the night and daytime melodies I inspire. 

     Jesus is your power for the present.  March forward in Christ’s triumphant procession, keeping in step with the Spirit cadence and holding your head high on your way home.  I will always be who I have always been—I have always loved you and I always will. Whatever I ask of you, I enable you to accomplish. In the strength I infuse into your innermost being, you are ready for anything life brings.    

(c) 2022  Pastor Johnny R. Almond                                                                             Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

© 2022 Johnny R. Almond                                   Gentle Whispers from Eternity

       Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this:

    ‘Hear, O Israel!  The Lord our God is the one and only Lord.

       And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart,

             all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’

                      The second is equally important:

                                                       ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’

                                               No other commandment is greater than these.”

                                                                     Mark 12:29-31 NLT

So many things seem important to you, you get confused and frustrated.

Keeping all those plates spinning can be exhausting—

     so many critical projects demanding your immediate attention,

     so many people expecting so many things of you,

     so many tasks appearing on your to-do list.

How in the world can you ever hope to find the time to get it all done?

How can you decide which priorities deserve immediate, closest attention?

Listen to My voice—hear well the orders from your Commander.

There is nothing more important in your life than loving your Creator.

There is nothing more critical to do than worshipping your Redeemer.

There is nothing more significant than staying in step with your Sanctifier.

Love Me wholeheartedly—divided allegiance produces mediocrity. 

Love Me with all your emotions—be sincere in your feelings. 

Gaze at Skull Hill and see proof of My love, then love Me more.

Walk with Me joyfully—enjoy the pleasure of My company.

Love Me with all your ego—be serious in your faith.

Creatively serve Me—love Me through your unique personality.

Honor Me supremely, above all else—avoid false gods of the heart.

Love Me with all your energy—be strong in your focus.

Go beyond announcing affection—demonstrate it by everyday actions.

Obey Me conscientiously and passionately—walk in My steps faithfully.

Love Me with all your education—be sharp in your fact-finding.

Ennoble your mind by daily intake of Scripture—intelligently serve Me.

Change the way you think and you will change the way you live.

Let Me be more than just words to you—let Me be your First Love.

You do not get near My heart by traveling, but by loving.

Fall in love and stay in love with the Lover of your soul.

Whatever you plan today, do not overlook orders from Higher Headquarters.

   © Johnny R. Almond                                       Gentle Whispers from Eternity

The Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details!

There is really only one thing worth being concerned about.

Mary has discovered it—and I won’t take it away from her.”

Luke 10:41-42 NLT

Distracted by trivial pursuits? My Kingdom is life’s noblest quest.

     Beside yourself? You are better off beside Me.

     Falling apart? Fall on your knees.

     Wringing your hands? Take My hand and I will take good care of you.

     Worried sick? Follow My prescription for excellent health.
 

Give careful attention to My words—wiser than Satan’s propaganda.

     Rest in green meadows of trust—calmer than the world’s rat race.

     Relax beside peaceful streams—better than the comfort of noise. 

     Walk obedient paths—more honorable than rebellious detours.

     Live fearlessly, even in death’s shadow—bolder than bravado.

     Enjoy the pleasure of My company—sweeter than sin’s temporary thrill.
 

Stay close to My heart and avoid the stranger from hell out to hurt you.

     The evil one wants to steal enthusiasm, kill joy, and destroy influence.

     I want to give you high purpose, invulnerable joy, and eternal impact.

Sit at My feet—let Me settle down and be at home in your heart.

     I am your Most Honored Guest—give Me your undivided attention.

     Do not fret over the work you must do, turning life into a long rush hour.

Worship begins with silence—hush so you can hear My voice.

     If you ever hope to really get to know Me, you will have to slow down.

     If you yearn to find deep rest, I can teach you how to relax.

More than self-confidence, you need faith in your Savior.

     More than Scripture memorization, you need devotion to the Living Word.

     More than assent to My claims, you need intimacy with your Master.

     More than regimented obedience, your need genuine love for your Lord.

     More than zealous hectivity, you need heartfelt loyalty to your heart’s King.

     More than dead-end legalism, you need to walk the high road with Christ.

To-do list impossible? Fragmented? Going in circles, getting nowhere?  

     I can calm your restlessness and give you proper direction.

     Let Me vector your mind and heart in the direction of the cross—

          only then will you make spiritual headway.

     Concern yourself with one absolute essential—relationship with Me—

          only then will your life make sense. 

 

 Gentle Whispers from Eternity           W                 © by Johnny R. Almond