See, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me,

                       to repay all according to their deeds.

                           I am the Alpha and the Omega,

               the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 

                                  Revelation 22:12, 13 NLT

 

I am the Omega, the Last—the Immortal, Ever-present, Unchanging God.

My Kingdom is coming—sin’s night will not restrain salvation’s dawn.

My promises will materialize—heaven’s perfect peace will last forever.

I will write the end of earth’s story and the beginning of eternity’s—

     a never-ending story of unimaginable love.

Until then, Light beyond light illumines the winding road home.

Omniscient—My truth outweighs the trivial.

     I am the Counselor, wisely guiding you through life’s perplexing maze.    

     Exercise uncommon sense to trust Me, and I will teach you how to live.

     I reward humility with the incomparable perfection of My counsel.

Merciful—My tenderness out-loves the transgression.

     I am the Wonderful One, helping you persevere in moral struggles.

     My grace helps you succeed; My mercy helps you recover from defeat.

     I reward repentance with the infinite pardon of My compassion.

Eternal—My tomorrow outlasts the temporary.

     I am the Everlasting Father, stabilizing you in life’s changing situations.   

     Focus on the Bright Morning Star—you’ll see My face when night is over.

     I reward hope with the inevitable promise of My coming.

Gracious—My tranquility outshines the turmoil.

     I am the Prince of Peace, quieting you in the chaos of life’s trouble.

     Do not wring your hands—fold them in prayer and I will care for you.

     I reward prayer with the incomprehensible peace of my calm.

Almighty—My triumph outdoes the trembling.

     I am the Mighty God, energizing you for battles with the evil one.

     I reward trust with the inspiring pleasure of My company.

     I spoke the first word—and darkness was dispelled by light.

     I will have the last word—and guilt will be conquered by grace.

                                                     © Pastor Johnny R. Almond

                                 Day 366, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                                   I am the way, the truth, and the life.
                                    No one can come to the Father except through me.
                                                                          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.

 

                                                     c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond

                                 Day 323, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

In Antioch the disciples were first given the name of “Christians.”

                                Acts 10:26 NTME

Wear My Name humbly.

     You did not choose Me—I chose to charm you to My heart.

     Stay out of dark, dingy places—walk as a child of the Light.

     Remember who you belong to—conduct yourself as one of Christ’s.

Wear My Name freely.

     I save you from evil’s power, removing hellacious handcuffs—rejoice.

     Let My Holy Spirit cascade through your inner being—dance for joy.

     You are My subject in time and eternity—live royally, like your King.

Wear My Name confidently.

     By faith you will reach the tearless, painless, deathless, sinless place.

     Trust Me, and rest assured My promises will all come true.

     You are named for One who is Truth—never doubt My Word.

Wear My Name honorably.

     Do not try to get your name up in lights—I am the Light of the world.

     You are part of My kingdom of priests—heaven’s nobility on earth.

     You are My ambassador to the world—represent Me well.

Wear My Name joyfully.

     Satan destroys influence, kills joy, and steals enthusiasm—watch out.

     My Presence comforts, guides, instructs, and defends you—be glad.

     A frown is a poor advertisement for Christianity—whistle in the dark.

Wear My Name comfortably.

     I direct traffic patterns of constellations—I also orchestrate your life.

     I hold the universe together—and I understand and stand under you.

     I cheer your soul when you are down—remember you are Mine and relax.

Wear My Name optimistically.

     Mention of My Name will bring the universe to its knees—count on it.

     My promises brighten the future—march forward with head held high.

     Because You wear My Name, I remember yours—look forward to glory.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                               Day 328, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

They washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and made them white.

They stand in front of the throne of God, serving him day and night in his Temple.

He who sits on the throne will live among them and shelter them.

They will never again be hungry or thirsty.

The Lamb who stands in front of the throne will be their Shepherd.    

He will lead them to springs of life-giving water.

God will wipe away all their tears.

Revelation 7:14-17 NLT

Christ’s deliverance refreshes our soul.

Guilt can only be removed by the blood of the innocent Lamb.

When our heart is purified, we can have a spring in our step again.

God’s pardon makes us holy.

Jesus is our salvation—performing the miracle of complete forgiveness.

Christ’s dynamic refreshes our strength.

Falling to our knees, He helps us get on our feet again so we can        

     soar above mediocrity, outrun evil, and continue beyond faintheartedness. 

God’s power is our help.

Jesus is our strength—blessing our mission with capable fulfillment.

Christ’s defense refreshes our serenity.

Sealed by the Holy Spirit, we’re marked as belonging to God’s family forever.

Surrounded by his love, we enjoy safe refuge in life’s storms.

God’s peace is our hiding place.

Jesus is our shelter—granting us mercy in faith’s comforting fortress.

Christ’s delight refreshes our song.

Satan is a kill-joy, a spoiler of reputation, and a thief after our enthusiasm.

God’s love is a deeper well, God’s life better water, God’s laughter higher joy.

God’s pleasure is our happiness.

Jesus is our satisfaction—inspiring music in our soul like a cascading fountain.

Christ’s direction refreshes our search.

He walks before us into tomorrow—right beside us, every step of the journey. 

God’s Providence is our hope. 

Jesus is our Shepherd—leading us to the bright mystery of the celestial future.

Christ’s destiny refreshes our struggle.

Tears of regret will be over when we’re totally redeemed—sins all forgiven.

Tears of pain will be over when we’re finally relieved—suffering forever gone.

Tears of bereavement will be over when death dies—shadows of grief history.

God’s Presence is our heartbeat.

Jesus’ smile will reward us when we meet him in face-to-face celebration.

                                                      © Pastor Johnny R. Almond

 were you called—it is inseparable from your vocation.

   For Christ alsshould follow on in His footsteps.

Even to this were your called--it is inseparable from your vocation.

For Christ also suffered for you, leaving you His personal example,

            so that you should follow on in His footsteps. 

                        1 Peter 2:21 THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE 

 

In a chaotic world, cultivate a calm mind.

     Even in life’s storms, you can truly relax when you rest in Me.

     Step off your hectivity treadmill—be still and sense My Holy Presence.   

     Crave spiritual nourishment in a confused world.

     Keep faith in Me—wait in My shadow.

In a crazy world, develop a committed soul.

     You are a child of the Light—do not run with cockroaches in dark alleys.

     Make Me your purpose—serve Me enthusiastically and seek My smile.

     Conduct yourself carefully in a careless world.

     Focus on My will—work in My service.

In a crying world, maintain a cheerful attitude.

     Even at midnight, sing hymns—others are listening, so sing well.

     Celebrate the joy of humility, not just the happiness of happenings.

     Stay near the Cornerstone in a conceited world.

     Make Me your Festival—worship in My song.

In a complacent world, have a caring heart.

     It is a cold, cruel world—love like your heart-warming God.

     I am your Mission in the mayhem—work for your Divine Supervisor.

     Get in a word for Christ in a counterfeit world.

     Reach out with feeling—witness in My Spirit.

In a commonplace world, live a Christlike life.

     Even when splinters from the cross hurt you, do not quit the noble quest.

     The Via Dolorosa was not easy—Christian living is no cake walk.

     Make a conscious effort in a carnal world.

     Follow Me—walk in My steps.

                                                  © Pastor Johnny R. Almond

                            Day 357, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

Warner Sallman  Head of Christ 
 

         This is a revelation of Jesus Christ.

           When I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.

           He laid his right hand on me and said,

          “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last.

         I am the living one who died. Look, I am alive forever and ever!

           And I hold the keys of death and the grave.”

                                                                                                         Revelation 1:1, 17, 18 NLT                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Envision the Almighty—able to do anything He pleases, unrivaled in power.

Ponder the Holy One—unable to do anything wrong, untarnished in purity.

Revere the just God—sure to make everything right, unstoppable in plan.

Picture the loving God—dying for all on a cross, unmatched in passion.
 

God’s wisdom is beyond our ability to decipher—infinitely profound.

God’s awareness of us is beyond our comprehension—intimately personal. 

God’s message of ultimate truth is beyond our intellect—infallibly perfect.

God’s heart of mercy is beyond our vilest transgression—incredibly poignant. 
 

Jesus Christ is God’s Holy Alphabet—A to Z, First to Last, all God has to say to us.

Eons ago, He spoke the first word and radiant light dispelled sin’s darkness.

At the end of time, He will have the last word and eternal life will conquer death.
 

God is the only One in the cosmos who will always be who He has always been.

Generations have made God’s heart their Home, and God made their hearts his.   

Before Jesus sculpted mountains or whispered stars into being, He cared for us.

Before we were born, He knew our name and drew the blueprint of our life.

He loves us today no less than He did yesterday—His love for us will never fail. 
 

Standing in awe of Jesus, we never lose the wonder of who He is.

     When we come to Christ, we find purpose for our life.

          But first, we must get over our self.

                Falling on our knees, we discover meaning. 

Paying attention to God’s’ Word, we put our hand over your mouth and listen.

     When we come to Christ, we learn timeless truths.

          But first, we must understand we can’t figure everything out alone.

                Hushing, we get to know God.

Adoring Christ, we do more than meditate; we worship him with all our being.

     When we come to Christ, we experience joy too wonderful for words.

          But first, we must become dissatisfied with the world’s empty promises.

                Following his orders, we really come alive.   

Giving Jesus undivided allegiance, we surrender our will to the King of hearts.

     When we come to Christ, we find rest.

          But first, we must become restless in our spirit and desperate for him. 

                Falling at his feet, He makes himself real to us.   
 

                                                 © Pastor Johnny R. Almond

                                      Gentle Whispers from Eternity

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.

                                         (c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond

                                 Day 309, Gentle Whispers from Eternity 

Warner Sallman  Head of Christ 

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