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Hull's Memorial Baptist Church
 Pastor's Blog 
Tuesday, May 21 2019

Come into the Light by Glenn Gemmel
 

The Way to the Truth of Life
 

I am the way, the truth, and the life.  John 14:6 NLT
 

I am the only Road that leads to the destination of glory.

Convicted of sin, do a repentant U-turn and travel the King’s Highway.

Challenged by righteousness, set out to be like your Sinless Savior.

Convinced of judgment, make a conscious effort to prepare yourself.

My death on the cross paved the highway to the Father’s future.

My blood on your soul marks you as a child of God He will not disown.

Follow the Way—and be confident of reaching heaven.
 

I am the only Reality that defines goodness.

Lied to by the dark prince, turn a deaf ear to his brainwashing.

Led by the Spirit of truth, listen well and learn life’s greatest lessons.

Loved by the One knowing you best, stay near and enjoy My company.

My light liberates you to sing for joy in the Father’s freedom.

My Spirit in your mind teaches you truth you would not learn otherwise.

Learn the Truth—and be changed for good from the inside out.
 

I am the only Redeemer who distributes grace.

Attacked by the evil one, do not forget that he is a hateful killjoy.

Attracted by the Holy Spirit, surrender and know life in all its fullness.

Approved by the Father, revel in His love and rest assured of heaven.

My promise guarantees the bright tomorrow of the Father’s festival.

My melody in your heart instructs you in faith’s dance of joy.

Celebrate the Life—and be cheerful in all circumstances.
 

I am the Way to the Truth of Life.

Your search for heaven, significance, and vitality ends in My heart.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 323 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 11:26 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, May 13 2019

You know these things—now do them! That is the path of blessing.
John 13:17 NLT
 

Reverence My path of authority—know and understand that I am Lord.

     My Father gave Me dominion over everything—I am Sovereign over all.

          I Am Who I Am—I Will Always Be Who I Have Always Been.

          I am Alpha and Omega, God’s Holy Alphabet—First Light, Last Word.

          To receive My blessing of peace, surrender to My absolute control.

     I came down from heaven to save the world—I am the Son of God.      

          I have always loved you and I always will—there is no greater comfort. 

          I am the Way to Truth of Life—the key to reality, wisdom, and eternity.

          To receive My blessing of optimism, believe I am who I say I am. 
 

Walk My path of action—practice daily the way of Life I teach you.

     I condescended to become a human being—and to live as a servant.

          Earthlings are intent on upward mobility—I model downward mobility. 

          The way up is down—Servant Path winds through neighborhood pain. 

          I went around doing good, so be careful that you do not just go around.

          Christianity is made for the road, not just for the church building.

          To receive My blessing of friendship, obey Me unquestioningly.

     I change you from inside out into My holy image—sanctifying your life

          Focus more on holiness than hygiene; value character above reputation.   

          Let Me wash your hands—let everything you do in your body honor Me.

          Let Me wash your head—let all you think with your mind please Me.

          Let Me wash your feet—let everywhere you go bless your soul.

          Stay on the path of everlasting life—avoid self-destructive detours.

          I give you a clear conscience, a joyful melody, and a buoyant step. 

          To receive My blessing of purity, plead for mercy and count on My love. 
 

Follow My path of affection—demonstrate to the world that I am Love. 

     By example I have shown you to be sympathetic

          The law to love equally is old—the order to love sacrificially is new.

          Loving neighbors is Old Testament—loving saints is New Testament. 

          Cry tears with the brokenhearted—let your heart care like I do.

          I proved My love on Skull Hill; now prove yours wherever you live.       

          To receive My blessing of fulfillment, learn to really care for others.

     Love people in My church—give the world a sign you are My disciple. 

          Don’t say you love the invisible God, if you don’t love visible humans. 

          The mark of genuine discipleship is love for those who walk in My steps.  

          To receive My blessing of purpose, help those walking the way with you. 
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond;  Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 11:09 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, May 06 2019

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give life in all its fullness.
John 10:10 NLT

I am the good Shepherd who faithfully leads you into tomorrow.

I x-ray your heart—I understand your habits, hang-ups, and hurts.

I know your geographical, emotional and spiritual coordinates. 

I walk ahead of you into the future—I already know what’s ahead.   

When you step into tomorrow, you will find Me there, as I am today. 
I live in the eternal now, and My love for you never changes.

Nestle near My heart and learn to recognize My voice.

Trust Me and your cup will be brimming with blessing after blessing.

Use My map and discover beautiful, peace-and-quiet locations.                       

Wait for Me and receive strength to persevere through difficulty.

Hold My hand and experience poise even in Death Valley.

Depend on My security system and be safe and sound whatever happens. 

Enjoy the pleasure of My company and sing every heartbeat. 

Celebrate My unfailing love and rest assured, however you feel. 

Follow Me and find My way home.
 

I am the gracious Savior who loves you unconditionally.

How much do I love you?  I died to pay the penalty for your sins. 

No one forced Me to carry the cross to Skull Hill—I did it willingly.

No one killed Me—I voluntarily surrendered My spirit to My Father.    

My feet were pierced to forgive you of walking where you shouldn’t.

My hands were nailed to a cross to cleanse you of your evil deeds. 

I did not ride in a royal chariot—I trudged up a rough road.

I had no purple robe to wear—executioners gambled for My clothes. 

I had no golden scepter—I was beaten on the head with a stick. 

I received no homage—soldiers dropped to their knees in mock worship. 

Through it all, I loved you—I always have and I always will.
 

I am the great Sovereign who lives to give you abundant and eternal life.

You are in My hands—no force can take you away from Me.

You’ve given Me your heart and I’ve given you Mine—we’re inseparable.

The Devil is a vicious wolf out to kill your joy—avoid his detours.

Satan is a roaring lion trying to destroy your influence—be careful.

The Adversary is a liar bent on stealing your enthusiasm—stay zealous. 

Life in its fullness—better than you can dream—is something only I give.

I am the Way to the Truth of Life.

Without Me you can’t go to heaven, know reality, or really live!

With Me you can celebrate undying life, experience invulnerable joy,

     grow in courage and hope, and experience ecstatic freedom!
 


 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 10:09 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, April 29 2019

Then Hezekiah encouraged them with this address:

“Be strong and courageous! Don’t be afraid of the king of Assyria or his mighty army.

There is a power far greater on our side! He has a great army, but they are just men.

We have the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles for us!”

These words greatly encouraged the people.

2 Chronicles 32:6b-8 NLT
 

            Encircled by invisible armies, the Greatest Power is on your side. Stand proudly with spineless wimps turned into steel-backboned warriors. Feeling powerless, recall the truth not by force nor by strength, but by My Spirit. Feeling weak-kneed, trustingly don My armor.
 

            Sometimes you feel “where never is heard a discouraging word” is only a dreamy Utopia. Despair and pessimism are rampant. Bad news is all you ever hear. Futurists have little optimistic to predict.
 

            Tired of negativism? Bow before the plus sign of the cross. When it seems discouraging words are all you ever hear, turn to My Word. Take a walk through the New Testament and revel in transforming truths.
 

           I am your Travel Companion. Earth’s saddest day and gladdest day were just three days apart. My story captivates you and cheers you on. My Spirit brings peace in pandemonium. Christ’s return gives reason for living until paradise is restored. In the darkness, dawn approaches. You are a victor, not a victim. You enjoy freedom, not shackles. Your Heavenly Father cares for you, His child. Prayer opens the window to   infinite resources. Christ unlocks the secret to surviving every situation. Unimaginable glory is waiting just around the corner. I am the Eternal Optimist—you can be too.    My Son came to planet Earth to solve your biggest problem—guilt. I grant power for living, love for your relationships, and self-discipline for spiritual development. I am your Blessed Hope. Active sharing of faith’s perspective helps you to grow up in Christ. At the throne of prayer, find mercy for your sins and grace for your struggles. A humble attitude ensures help from the Almighty. Trust causes joy beyond words. Internalizing My Word purifies you from moral filth. In Jesus, there is certainty in all circumstances. Count on Unchanging Truth. Enjoy the pleasure of My company 24/7. I am your Source of eternal security. The United Kingdom is on the way.
 

            Take this walk often—My Encouraging Word will lift your spirit.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 175 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 03:18 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Wednesday, April 24 2019

Peace be with you.

John 20:19


 

I give you poise in earth’s scary situations.
There is no need to be intimidated by people—they are mere mortals.

I am your Omnipotent Helper, so do not let fear get the best of you.

I whispered stars into existence—I know their names and yours too.

I will never leave you—My Presence is your failsafe security system.

Every heartbeat, step, and season of your life—I am with you.

I give tough shoes for rough roads—I am your Equilibrium Equation.

Rely on the Almighty to see you through trouble—find true serenity.


I give you pardon in your guilty struggles.

Religious rituals are futile—My blood is the way to forgiveness.

Grace is your only hope of removing guilt’s oppressive burden.

Self-talk does not ease doubt—My Spirit is your assurance of heaven.

Listen to your Shepherd’s voice and rest assured.

Let Me calm your heart—experience the tranquility of inner-stances.

When I make Myself at home in your heart, you can rest easy.


I give you My promise all will be well in your uncertain tomorrows.

I live in the eternal now—I Am Who I Have Been and Who I Will Be.

Call Me Rabboni, your very own Teacher—follow Me into the future.

My heart is your unassailable fortress—a restful home.

Trust My Word and know supernatural composure facing eternity.

Keep faith in your Invisible Means of Support—be an eternal optimist.

You cannot know how faith in an Unseen One brings ecstasy,

     but do not let your lack of understanding stifle your enthusiasm.

There is no need to go around wringing your hands—

     take My wounded hand, confident you can trust Me.

I will bless you with peace of mind nothing can disturb.

My supernatural gift is the secret of peace.


 


© Pastor Johnny R. Almond, Day 325 Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 02:39 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, April 15 2019

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

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 10:53 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, April 08 2019


 

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 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 10:23 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, April 01 2019

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

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 10:09 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Wednesday, March 27 2019

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

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 09:25 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, March 18 2019


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

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 09:57 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email

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    420 Enon Road | Fredericksburg, VA 22406 | PH: 540.371.4124