Spiritual Coordinates

                                                 
                      The Lord God called to Adam, “Where are you?”

                                              Genesis 3:9 NLT

    
     Sometimes your mind is so preoccupied with chasing the wind—arranging your busy schedule, balancing your budget, and mapping your future—you do not even notice Me calling you.

     I am not in the windstorm of your anxieties, the earthquake of your ego, or the fire of your frustrations. I speak to you in the hushed tones of providence and the still small voice of conscience.

    You are typically running so fast in your human race that you cannot hear Me walking nearby. You may think of Me as being at a great distance, but in reality    I am nearer to you than your hands and feet and closer than your breathing.         I would really enjoy your friendship. If you will stop hurrying long enough, slow down a few minutes, and take a walk with Me, I have a few questions for you.

     Where have you been? I have noticed that you have been extremely busy, actively pursuing earthly success. Do you understand that I have a higher standard by which to measure eternal significance? No matter how many rungs you climb, it would be humiliating for you to reach the top of the wrong ladder!

     Where are you now? After all your merry-go-round days, your hectic pace, your frequent moves, and your accomplishments in life, what is the current state of your heart? Do you feel fulfilled, satisfied, and content? Are you at ease and relaxed with who you are and what you have become? Are you hiding from Me? Or am I your Hiding Place?

     Where are you going? Have you pondered your direction? If you continue on the road you are traveling, where will you be ten or twenty years from now? Are you willing to trust Me with your destination? Will you allow Me to arrange your itinerary? Does your heart hunger to enjoy paradise? Care to go for a stroll?

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                               Day 2, 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. 

Take "if" out of you vocabulary—believe and say thanks. 

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

Rely on My grace and weakness is transfigured into strength.

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

Shape up while there is 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 is transfigured into music and dancing. 

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

Pride builds a house of cards—I alone endure.

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

Worship Me and apathy is 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—this is success in My eyes.

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

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

No authority trumps Mine—no government overrides Mine.

The best thing you can ever do is humble yourself in My Presence.

Surrender your heart and chaos is 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 is 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 is transfigured into heaven.
 

© Johnny R. Almond                           Gentle Whispers from Eternity

God blesses those who realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is given to them.

                                                Matthew 5:3 NLT
 

In a strutting world that values independence, I bless the desperate.

     VIPs struck on themselves receive nothing but disapproval from My hand.

     Beggars prostrate before My throne are blessed beyond imagination.

     The holy land of the broken heart is where I am most at home.

     The reward of humility is ultimate perfection—the Kingdom of Heaven.
 

In a pleasure-mad world pursuing happiness at any cost, I bless the tearful. 

     Those who cry their heart out over evil learn to laugh out loud. 

     Those who confess and repent discover the ecstasy of My salvation. 

     Yearn to see My face—I will reward you with the pleasure of My company. 

In a dog-eat-dog world obsessed with power, I bless the gentle. 

     The unbelieving world scorns the meek, but they are heaven’s favorites.

     Now the God-controlled and Spirit-sensitive get pushed around.

     But mark My Word—someday their reward will be owning the earth.

In an unfair world focused on personal needs, I bless hungry souls.

     Starved for justice?  Wondering if I will ever balance the books?

     Just wait and see—crooks and thieves will have their day in court.

     Being embraced in My arms will be reward enough for a lifetime of abuse. 

In a ruthless world oppressing lower classes, I bless the merciful. 

     I am unfailingly kind to you—be sure you are kind to others.

     Receiving undeserved mercy will be ample reward for your compassion.

In a dark world of perversion, I bless the pure-hearted.

     Get your mind and heart right, and you will see Me with eyes of your heart.

     When eternity dawns, you will see Me face-to-face—incomparable reward.

In a warmongering world, I bless the peacemakers.

     You are a subject of the Prince of Peace, so do your best to live peacefully.

     Genuinely love others, patiently endure trouble, and pray day and night.

     Do not be uppity, be a smart-aleck, or try to get even.

     Live like this and I will reward you by calling you My child.

In a hateful world ridiculing commitment, I bless the persecuted.

     You may be ostracized now, but someday you will be honored.

     You may be told to sit on the back row, but I will seat you at My head table.

     You may be mistreated now, but I will reward you beyond your dreams.

The rewards offered by the King of kings are not always obvious in time.

     What I have in store for surrendered hearts will be seen only in eternity. 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                                            Gentle Whispers from Eternity

You have been chosen to know me, believe in me, and understand that I alone am God.

There is no other God; there never has been and never will be.

I am the Lord, and there is no other Savior.

Isaiah 43:10-11 NLT
 

I am the only Resource sufficient enough to supply all your needs.

I am the only Counselor caring enough to calm your worries.

I am the only Fortress secure enough to overcome your fears.

I am the only Friend loyal enough to stay beside you in every storm.

I am the only Savior compassionate enough to forgive your rebellions.

I am the only Strength strong enough to do the impossible.

I am the only Commander smart enough to win your life’s battles. 

I am the only Name meaningful enough to give all the world hope.

I am the only Example holy enough to inspire your noblest effort.

I am the only Power awesome enough to give you absolute confidence.

I am the only Guide wise enough to see you through life’s maze.

I am the only Warrior skilled enough to help you conquer temptation.

I am the only One consistent enough to stabilize you in change. 

I am the only Prince peaceful enough to calm you in chaos and turmoil.

I am the only Mind imaginative enough to engineer a beautiful world.

I am the only Comforter caring enough to help you survive hard times.

I am the only Being worthy enough to merit your heartfelt worship.

I am the only Way clear enough to direct you through uncertainties.

I am the only Truth honest enough to believe at all times.

I am the only Life vital enough to guarantee your eternal destiny.

I am the only Authority comprehensive enough to rule every kingdom.

I am the only Master mighty enough to hold you together in trouble.

I am the only King immortal enough to conquer the enemy of death.

I am the only Lord perceptive enough to understand you at all times. 

I am the only Foundation reliable enough to stand under you always.

I am the only Helper capable enough to unify your fragmented life.

I am the only Influence transforming enough to make all things new.

I am the only Antidote effective enough to turn pandemonium to peace.

I am the only Force strong enough to guard you in devastation.

I am the only Heart loving enough to pardon sins and remove guilt.

I am the only Mind wise enough to manage the universe. 

I am the only Solution ultimate enough to solve the world’s problems.

I am the only Light intense enough to make the future bright. 

I am the only Physician skilled enough to heal your soul’s diseases.

I am the only God infinite enough to totally satisfy your hungry heart.
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond       Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                 The Lord has already told you what is good, what he requires:

             to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

                                                          Micah 6:8 NLT
 

There is nothing you can give Me to make up for evil done.

     Writing a ten thousand dollar check would not change a thing. 

     Funding a cathedral would not pay off your transgressions.     

     Underwriting a missionary team to foreign lands would not erase sin.

What I am looking for in human beings is really very simple—

     obedience to My commandments, honest endeavor to do right;

     compassion toward others, kindness and mercy for the struggling;

     humility before Me, taking Me seriously.

I desire a responsive LIFE, not just response in offerings.

     In gratitude for My steadfast faithfulness, surrender your heart to Me. 

     Prove you love Me by doing your best to meet My demands.

In a world that offers you many options, I offer you basically two—

     obedience, resulting in the blessing of life;

     or rebellion, resulting in the curse of death.  

It’s up to you which road you travel, but keep consequences in mind.   

Every thought, word and deed is an accurate boomerang.

If you decide to ignore heaven’s requirements, you will suffer for it.

You heard right—I said requirements. 

My laws are not suggestions—they are orders from Higher Headquarters.

My commands are not recommendations—they are clear requirements.

Christlikeness is more than an ethical ideal—it is a moral imperative.

Life Curriculum has required courses, including these three core ones—

    Doing what is right—living by the Book, not your unruly urges;

    Being kind to others—being aware they fight a hard battle, like you;

    Walking humbly with Me—keeping in mind you are not God, I am.

Why do right?  Because I said so.

Why be kind?  Because I am not hard on you.

Why be humble?  Because you are limited, weak, mortal, and finite.

Let Me remind you again of what you can do to make My heart sing—

     choose to do the right thing, whatever the majority does;

     be kind to everybody you meet, regardless of how they treat you;

     walk humbly with Me, remembering I am God and you are not.
 

Do as I say, and all will be well.

         © Pastor Johnny R. Almond                   Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Traveling Land my salvation—

so why should 

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 at you 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 can be satisfied in all circumstances. Happiness comes and goes, but joy stays. I am your Felicity—worship.
 

     The light of companionship dispels the darkness of loneliness. I am your Song, so you do not have to be sad and 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, .never a night so long, but the soul 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, but 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—and it is not the headlight of an approaching train. No matter how depressing current events get, you can look forward to My promised tomorrow. The future is as 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 how your day goes. Gaze reverently on the cross—it shines as a plus sign dispelling 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

That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said,

“Be encouraged, Paul.  Just as you have told people about me here in Jerusalem,

you must preach the Good News in Rome.”

Acts 23:11 NLT

Hear My voice in creation—

  laughter in streams, music in birds, joy in the breeze.

    Listen—be encouraged to live life to the fullest.

Hear My voice in children—

  spontaneity in chatter, freedom in play, love in talk.

    Listen—be encouraged to enjoy life’s adventure.

Hear My voice in the center of your being—

  nearer than hands and feet, closer than breathing.

    Listen—be encouraged to march ahead chin up.  

Hear My voice in circumstances—

  whatever happens, giving you reasons for gratitude.  

    Listen—be encouraged to live gratefully.

Hear My voice in the church—

  unique personalities at the cross to hear My Word.

    Listen—be encouraged to live a life of love.

Hear My voice in My calling—

  teaching you to nestle near My heart.

    Listen—be encouraged to follow a sacred purpose.

Hear My voice in My commandments—

  ringing true in a deceptive world,

  shining bright in a dark world.

    Listen—be encouraged to live obediently.

Picture - Cross Roads Camp; Lowesville, Virginia 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                 Day 333, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Look at the Kingdom of God, not just your own little corner.

     On D-Day, Marines on Omaha Beach thought they were going to lose.   

     A reconnaissance pilot saw the big picture and knew they would win.  

     Take a higher perspective—count on ultimate victory through Christ.

     After the world’s nightmare, heaven’s dream will come true.

     Envision My future—brightened by My guarantee.

     Live optimistically.

Look at Christ, not just your circumstances.

     What happens to you can be miserable, but you do not have to be.   

     After the world’s troubles, heaven’s joys will dawn.

     Envision My festival—brightened by My glory.

     Live cheerfully.

Look at blessings, not just problems.

     See with the eyes of your heart, and learn to be humbly grateful.

     Every day I give good and perfect gifts—light in the world’s darkness,  

          stability in the world’s changes, and truth in the world’s confusion.      

     After the world’s pain, heaven’s health will prevail.

     Envision My friendship—brightened by My generosity.

     Live thankfully.

Look at My call, not just your comfort.

     After the world’s pleasure fades, heaven’s reward will endure.

     Envision My faithfulness—brightened by My goodness.

     Live purposefully.

Look at My Presence, not just your preoccupations.

     After the world’s turmoil, heaven’s peace will last.

     Envision My face—brightened by My grace.

     Live prayerfully.

©  Pastor Johnny R. Almond          Day 332, Gentle Whispers from Eternity  

                                    The Savior’s Joy

                                 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them,  

                                 and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.

                               They were terrified, but the angel reassured them, “Don’t be afraid!

                            I bring you good news of great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah,                    

                        the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”   

                   Luke 2:9-11 NLT
 

Glory surrounds you!

     In the midst of ordinary, everyday living, I am with you—

         nearer than your hands and feet, closer than your heartbeat.

     Do not spend too much time pondering this Mystery—

         Listen to life’s thrilling symphony, not just single notes. 

         Savor the feast, do not analyze the recipe’s ingredients. 

         Surrender your heart to Me, or you will bypass peace.  

     There is no need to be terrorized by My Presence.

         In the darkness, My face reflects heaven’s radiant light.

     I empower you—hush, and hear My voice;  trust, and be strong.

     I love you—draw near My cross and be reassured.

     I keep you sane—fix your mind on Me and find equanimity.

     Even in your gloomy routine, extraordinary glory envelops you.

     Hear My surround sound—birds sing melodies I taught them.

     No matter how dreary your day, I can teach you to sing too.

Good news saves you!

     I am Immanuel—God with you, your Greatest Blessing.

     I am the Wonderful Counselor—leading you through life’s maze.

     I am the Mighty God—reinforcing you to battle the evil one.      

     I am the Everlasting Father—stabilizing you in change and decay.

     I am the Prince of Peace—calming you in chaos and pandemonium.

Great joy sustains you!

     I am the Savior with authority to forgive—restoring joy.

     I am the God with a heart—acquitting repentant sinners.

     I am the God making your heart My home—bringing glory.

     I am the King with a plan for the ages—focusing your life.

     Dejection wanes when you make My joy your strength.

     Life means opportunities to serve Me, so there’s no need to drift.

     I am your Center of Gravity, Supervisor, and Reward.

     I am the Lord whose mastery liberates your heart.

     Commit sin and you’ll become addicted to evil habits.

     Use the key of faith and I will remove Satan’s handcuffs.

     Free, leap for joy like a calf gamboling in a springtime meadow. 

     Whatever else you plan to do today, remember I created it for joy.

     Celebrate My joy from sunrise to sunset.  Revel in your Savior!
 

 © Johnny R. Almond                                 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                   You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus:

                        “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

                                                   Acts 20:35 NLT

Be grateful—thank your Father for My lavish provisions.

     Undeserved forgiveness, miraculous healing, infinite mercy,

          unconditional love, indefinable peace, unlimited grace,

          undying hope, invulnerable joy—all are gifts from My throne.

     I send My Spirit to comfort, inspire, and defend you in your journey.

     I sent My Son to show you how to live, and to die for your iniquities.

     I shower you with gifts to show how much I personally care for you.

     Loving Me is the heart of worship.

     Be blessed—share My joy.

Be gracious—focus on your life’s purpose.

     To believers, meaningful living is serving the Lord Jesus Christ.

     To disciples, rough roads paved with grace are avenues of service.

     To serious followers, concentration proves heartfelt consecration.

     I give much, so I require much—with privilege comes responsibility.

     Be resolved to continue in My steps even when life is difficult.

     Single-mindedness is imperative—dual allegiance is impossible.

     Honoring Me is the heart of service.

     Be a blessing—share Jesus.

Be generous—a friend who loves all people.

     I loved the world so much I gave My Best—now it is your turn.

     Live a life filled with love, and you will be like your Savior.

     Reflect My love in an unloving world of strangers to My grace.

     Be kind when others are unkind or sharply critical of you.

     Follow Jesus’ openhearted example even when it hurts to give.

     Stay close, and I promise I will make Myself very real to you.

     Following Me is the heart of discipleship.

     Be brave—share My journey.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                 Day 331, Gentle Whispers from Eternity