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Hull's Memorial Baptist Church
 Pastor's Blog 
Monday, January 04 2021

Teach the wise, and they will be wiser. Teach the righteous, and they will learn more.
PROVERBS 9:9        

 

Admit to Me recidivistic foolishness—then resolve to be rid of it!
     Reverse evil—and learn to live life in all its fullness.
     Repent—and you can rejoice.

Stand in awe of Me—and begin to grasp true understanding.
     Learn the ABCs of wisdom by getting to know the Holy One.
     Keep running the Faith Marathon—hang in there and never quit.
     At the finish line I will welcome you to the house Wisdom built.

Be mature enough to be open to suggestions and counsel of others.
     Learn an important lesson—you do not have a monopoly on wisdom.
     You do not know all the answers—or even all the questions!
     So do not strut around like a know-it-all—you still have a lot to learn.

Keep these two truths in mind—there is a God, and you are not Him!
     My sea is greater than you can navigate on your own.
     Your boat is too small to survive life’s storms.
     Lean on My omniscience—learn to trust the Captain at the helm.

Three basics taught in kindergarten still apply in graduate school—
     1) Uncompromisingly practice what is right;
     2) Compassionately be kind toward everyone you meet;
     3) Humbly conduct yourself in the light of My Presence.

I have hidden all timeless wisdom in the heart of My Son.
     Cherish Him as your very own Teacher—apply His principles daily.
     He is near to My heart—live with love and you will be too.
     Listen to your Master’s voice—learn from Him how to live wisely.


                                     

                              (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                     Day 252, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 10:49 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, December 28 2020

                                 Albrecht Durer  Praying Hands 
 
 

Trust in the LORD with all your heart;  do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
PROVERBS 3:5-6 NLT 


Practice unquestioning trust in My strong love.
     Be optimistic—rely on My promises to brighten the future.
     Confide in Me and live confidently—rest assured in My omnipotence.

Worship your Unrivaled Lord.
     I am eternally the same—unchanging in a constantly changing world.
     I have always loved you, and I always will.

Serve Me with unreserved devotion.
     Unconditionally and wholeheartedly give Me your finest effort.
     Live and work with this one thought in mind—My smile.

Submit to My unlimited mastery.
     Physically, take care of your body—it is a temple of My Holy Spirit.
     Sexually, practice self-control—My Holy Spirit can discipline impulses.
     Financially, give Me My due—you just manage, but I own everything.
     Emotionally, sail through high seas on an even keel—I am your peace.

Travel joyfully on an untarnished journey.
     I am the Travel Companion of the uncompromisingly righteous.
     Travel grace’s beautiful boulevard, revelation’s scenic route,
          faith’s winding mountain path, liberty’s freeway, love’s avenue,
          and the breathtaking high road of ultimate significance.

Apply uncommon wisdom.
     Self-confidence without taking My Word to heart is the mark of a fool.
     Accepting Scripture as the Final Answer is the mark of the truly wise.
     Steer clear of detours into the limiting world of human logic.
     Stay off the toll road of self-indulgence.
     Avoid the dead-end of pessimism.
     Have the uncommon sense to follow My map through life’s maze.


                                        

                                (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 
                       Day 251,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 11:15 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, December 21 2020

You will name him Jesus. 
He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High.

     The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.   
     He will reign over Israel forever;  his Kingdom will never end! 
Luke 1:32-33 NLT

     His name is greater than all names—Savior freeing us from sin. 

      His identity is greater than any person—Son of God helping us u to live.  

     His throne is greater than any government—equity ensuring justice.

      His Kingdom is greater than all nations—realm brightening the future. 

      His forgiveness is greater than all sin—unfailing mercy inspiring joy.

      His grace is greater than any problem--Wonderful Counselor giving hope.

      His love is greater than any force—Everlasting Father stabilizing in change.

      His light is greater than all darkness--holy radiance guiding us Home. 

     His peace is greater than all chaos--Prince of Peace calming our fears.  

     His power is greater than all doubt--Mighty God battling our insecurity.

     His blessing is greater than evil’s curse—Omega having the last word. 

 

     The best that politicians, philosophers, and scientists have offered has not been good enough.  The ultimate solution to problems plaguing the 

world for centuries is Jesus.  Jesus is our last, best hope. 
 

     In the chancel of Westminster Abbey, right above the spot where generations of kings of England have been crowned,

are inscribed these words from Revelation 11:15—
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ.

     
     Only when He reigns will there be peace on earth. 
 

(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 09:57 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, December 14 2020

Sallman  Head of Christ 


The LORD himself will choose the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! 
She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel – “God is with us.” 

ISAIAH 7:14 NLT


You are not alone, though you sometimes feel lonely—I am with you.

When you are unsure which way to turn, I am your Wonderful Counselor.
When you are feeling weak-kneed, I am your Mighty God.
When your life is falling apart, I am your Everlasting Father.
When you are frazzled by pandemonium, I am your Prince of Peace.
When you feel like you have made a fool of yourself, I am your Wisdom.
When you are burdened by your sinfulness, I am your Righteousness.
When you are struggling with impurity, I am your Holiness.
When you are chafing under sin’s shackles, I am your Redeemer.
When you are trying to break bad habits, I am your Liberator.
When you are needing companionship, I am your Greatest Friend.
When you are puzzled by life’s complexity, I am your Guide.
When you are wondering if you will survive difficulty, I am your Faith.
When you feel like singing the blues, I am your Jazz.
When you are tired in My work, I am your Energy.
When you are feeling guilty, I am your Defense Counsel.
When your heart is aching, I am your Comforter.
When you are disappointed, I am your Consoler.
When you are in peril, I am your Helper.
When fiery arrows of temptation are aimed at you, I am your Shield.
When you are on high seas, I am your Captain at the helm.
When you are riding an emotional roller coaster, I am your Seatmate.
When perplexing cares crowd your mind, I am your Center of Gravity.
When worry about needs steals your sleep, I am your Shepherd.
When the night seems interminable, I am your Light.
When your situation is uncertain, I am your Anchor.
When you are on sinking sand, I am your Solid Rock.
When despair threatens your soul, I am your Melody of Hope.
When tears soak your pillow, I am your Dawn.
When current events depress you, I am your Bright Morning Star.

When you feel a little down, remember your Greatest Blessing—God.

                                        

                                  (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                        Day 262,  Gentle Whispers from Eternity 



 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 09:27 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, December 07 2020

                                                          Let every living, breathing creature praise God! Hallelujah!
                                                                                 PSALM 150:6 THE MESSAGE


Book One concludes with a doxology of unending praise—God alone is worthy of everlasting praise.

Book Two concludes with a doxology of unparalleled praise—God alone does glorious and miraculous things.

Book Three concludes with a doxology of unquestioning praise—God alone merits absolute worship.

Book Four concludes with a doxology of unrestrained praise—God alone deserves wholehearted devotion.

Book Five concludes with a doxology of universal praise—God alone inspires creation to heartfelt adoration.

With the trumpet of triumph, the harp of holiness, the lyre of love, the tambourine of thought,
     the dance of delight, strings of serenity, and cymbals of celebration—give tribute to the LORD.
Someday all living beings in the cosmos will sing praises to the Lamb.
     Until then, honor God by the way you think, speak, and behave.

The only perfect musical note produced is made by running water—heaven’s universal praise will sound like that!
The mighty crescendo of praise to the Savior will rise and swell—uniting the international chorus of people
     singing the praises of Jesus.
You will see Christ face to face.
You will hear His voice welcoming you home.
You will celebrate forever living in heaven on earth.

Heaven's never-ending love story is an unfinished symphony you hear as “a foretaste of glory divine”
     (Fanny Crosby).
Holy Spirit gifts cheer you on in every phase of your journey,
     composing a melody of grace notes as a prelude to heaven.
As the overture of God's kindness in time fades away, and you step across the threshold of eternity—
     you will at last hear notes of the first movement clearly.
And when from death you’re free, you’ll sing and joyful be, And thro’ eternity you’ll sing on (American folk hymn).
                
                                                                      

                                                                  (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                                                         Day 250, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 10:51 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, November 30 2020

 

                    I will praise the LORD as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
                                                                 PSALM 146:2 NRSV


My music is your happiness.
     I am your Song when you are down and out—
          inner-stances of joy transcending sad circumstances.
     Dance heaven’s jig of joy; do not drag in earth’s mournful dirge.
     Always be joyful.
     I elevate your attitude—sing alleluia!

My might is your hope.
     I am your Strength when you do not feel like going on—
          Creator teaching you capability to persevere through severity.
     Feel like giving up? See Jesus hanging on the cross, and get back to work.
     Keep on praying.
     
I energize your actions—live alleluia!

My mercy is your help.
     I am your Solution when you are puzzled by the next step—
          Shepherd transforming your concern into peaceful contentment.
     Whatever happens, maintain a grateful heart.
     I encourage you by My answer—pray alleluia!

My Messiahship is your heaven.
     I am your Sovereign when “good luck” eludes you.
     I am orchestrating details in your best interest—
          faith can dance, patience can wait, hope can sing.
     Never stifle My Holy Spirit.
     I exercise ultimate authority—anticipate alleluia!

Sing My praises forever and a day, including this day--say alleluia!

                                    

                             (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                      Day 249, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 10:01 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, November 23 2020

Albrecht Durer  Praying Hands 
 

The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him sincerely.
PSALM 145:18 NLT 
 

My unsearchable greatness is your practical strength.
     Worthy of highest honor and praise, powerful beyond calculation—
          I am the Greatest Force.
               Above politics, I do more than make promises—I keep them.
                    Holy Radiant Light changes your night to brightest day.

My unparalleled generosity is your plentiful supply.
     Embraced by My heart’s tenderness, satisfied by My lavish care—
          I am your Gracious Father.
               Infinite resources satisfy your heart’s hunger and thirst.

My unfailing government is your positive solution.
     Submitting to My reign, giving allegiance to the King of kings—
          I am your Glorious Future.
               I heal your heartaches when life seems hopeless.

My understanding gentleness is your peaceful serenity.
     Understanding you when no one else seems to care,
          Standing under you when no one else can help—
               I am your Greatest Friend.
                    In your heart, you are already home—rest easy.

My unimaginable gladness is your praise song.
     Closer than hands and feet, nearer than your very breath—
          I am your Grand Festival.
               Rejoice in inner-stances and practice gratitude perpetually.
                    I am not distant—I am near to the trusting heart.
                         You do not have to travel to find Me—just pray.
 

                                      

                               (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                      Day 248, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 11:48 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Tuesday, November 17 2020


Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou wilt revive me.
Psalm 138:7 KJV 
 

You are a sojourner in ephemeral time.
     The universal law of human life is summed up in one word—walking.
          Life is a walk, a journey, and constant action forward.
     Walking means constant change of position.
          Yesterday’s circumstances are gone forever.
          Today’s circumstances will be in the past tomorrow.
     Life’s walk is constant—the wheels of life never pause.
     Life’s walk is rapid—a morning mist evaporating in blazing sun, a short story.
     Life’s walk is irretraceable—you cannot live one day again.
          Emily Dickinson is right, “That it will never come again
               is what makes life so sweet.”
     Each step you take brings you one step nearer your final destination.

You are surrounded by earthly trouble.
     Life’s walk is not always on green grass under cloudless sky.
          There is much to enjoy on earth, but life is frequently problematic.
          Time educates you for eternity—adversity is My university.
     In hard circumstances, I teach you lessons you would not learn otherwise.

You are supported by eternal trustworthiness.
     The Grand Support of Human Life is equal to all your emergencies.
     I pledge that I will give you strength enough for every troublesome day.
     Corrie ten Boom said it well—“If God sends you on rough roads,
          He gives you iron shoes.”
     I am El Shaddai, the One Who is Enough, Almighty God—
          sufficient for every circumstance, eventuality, or probability.
     I am an ever present—not absent!—help in trouble.
     I am omniscient—I know your cares.  
     I am omnipotent—I can help you.  
     I am omnipresent—I am always with you.
     I keep you in trouble—far better than keeping you from trouble.
     I will finish what I started in you—we will embrace at the end of the road.

                                           

                                      (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                              Day 247, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 11:12 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, November 02 2020

Yahweh, my heart is not haughty. I do not set my sights too high.
I have taken no part in great affairs, in wonders beyond my scope.
I hold myself in quiet and silence, like a little child in its mother’s arms.

PSALM 131:1-2 TNJB
 

Let Me work in your heart to give you assurance for today’s mission and confidence for tomorrow’s mystery.
     Give up sins and become an innocent child in My heavenly kingdom.
     Avoid sophisticated pride—cultivate childlike trust.
     Instead of your maybe, use My shall—learn the vocabulary of trust.
     An angelic trumpet will inaugurate Christ’s kingdom—listen for it.
     Evil, death, crying, and pain will become obsolete—be sure of it.
     If life falls apart, do not scream to high heaven—whisper and I will hear.
     I am the Answer to your heart’s questions.

Let Me work in your heart to make Christlikeness your high ambition.
     Permit Me to replace your haughty prancing with humble walking.
     Allow Me to teach you life’s main lessons—I am God and you are not.
     Kneel and discover the holy land beneath your knees.
     Struggle on toward moral resurrection from the hell-bent world.
     My Son reached out in love—do not seclude yourself from others.
     Society would make you selfishly ambitious—I have a better idea.
     I am your Highest Quest.

Let Me work in your heart to replace your anxiety with childlike trust.
     I am your Harbor—anchor your soul, and enjoy holy silence.
     I am your Mighty Fortress—nestle, do not wrestle, and rest easy.
     I am your Vital Breath—breathe deeply in faith, and relax.
     I am your Life—pray with every heartbeat, and live life fully.
     I am your Provider—wean your soul from fretting, and be content.
     I am your Father—depend on My blessings, and ditch worry.
     I am your Savior—receive My pardon, and live guilt-free.
     I am your Helper—quiet your heart before Me, and stay calm.
     I am your Peace—mute life’s noise, and enjoy My company.
     I am your Quiet Zone--pause awhile, and refuel for the journey.


                                           

                                    (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                             Day 245, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 09:13 am   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email
Monday, October 26 2020

Beautiful Temple 

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. PSALM 122:6 NLT
 

The Song of Ascent on your life’s journey is Jesus.
     Omnipotence protects you from evil—live fearlessly.
     Omniscience rules and overrules all of life—live confidently.
     Omnipresence accompanies you everywhere—live joyfully.
     Walking toward the Holy City, reach for Christlikeness.
     Pray Francis’ prayer—be My instrument of peace.
     Learn peace and relax—you have already won!
     Making the pilgrimage of faith, experience the meaning of life.
     Homeward bound, travel the Way to the Truth of Life.

The serenity of the Almighty is your joy.
     Sing My praises—let My love inspire a song in your heart.
     March to My cadence—let My leading put a spring in your step.
     Tranquil in the honor of citizenship in the new Jerusalem,
          where cruel war will fi nally give way to worship—
     Live peace and look forward by faith to a quiet place in heaven
          where songs in My Presence will gladden your heart.
     Anticipating peace forever, believe in the morning that lasts.
     Happily blessed, triumph over chaos by My gently whispered calm.

The symbol of your assurance is Jerusalem.
     You are a child of the King, so faithfully dance the jig of joy.
     No fear, chaos, anxiety, or turmoil will ever mar glory’s realm.
     Death, heartache, and disease will be obsolete in My kingdom.
     Celebrating My gift of hope that paradise will be restored,
          the Peaceful Prince reigning from new earth’s capital city—
     Love peace and rest in My care, secure in heaven guaranteed.
     Waiting for My promised future, count on the Messiah of Love.
     Humbly believing, trust eternity’s golden daybreak to bring peace at last.


                                               

                                        (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
                                Day 242, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

 

Posted by: Pastor Almond AT 01:41 pm   |  Permalink   |  0 Comments  |  Email

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    Hull's Memorial Baptist Church
    420 Enon Road | Fredericksburg, VA 22406 | PH: 540.371.4124