Pastor's Blog
Monday, August 15 2022
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
Tuesday, August 09 2022
S allman 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
Monday, August 01 2022
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
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
Monday, July 11 2022
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
Tuesday, July 05 2022
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
Monday, June 27 2022
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
Monday, June 20 2022
If anyone wants to come after Me
he must deny himself,
take up his cross day after day
and follow Me.
Luke 9:23 MLB
If you want an extraordinary life, you must make extraordinary choices.
If you wish to stand out from the crowd, you will have to stand up for Me.
If you yearn to reside in the highlands, you must move out of the swamp.
Self-denial is not the way of the world, but it is the way of true wisdom.
“What’s in it for me?” worldlings ask—“How can I help you?” is better.
Epicureans party and make merry, but they live empty and pointless lives.
My followers cry their heart out over sin, then live rich and meaningful lives.
The cross is I, crossed out—your ego put in its place in the light of Calvary.
Egocentricity paves the road to hell, but self-sacrifice reflects heaven’s heart.
Cross-bearing is the last thing most want, but it is the first thing I ask of you.
Egotists hold life tightly, then miss the deeper meaning of existence.
My followers lose themselves in My service, and discover true significance.
Shouldering a cross means splinters, reminding you of My sacrificial love.
Initial enthusiasm often dies when trouble hits, but real disciples persevere.
Discipleship means following Me, your Master, wherever I lead.
Do not run from suffering—it is part of the territory of obedience.
I endured excruciating pain for you—now it is your turn to hang in there.
Who you say I am determines your staying power—conviction keeps going.
Follow Me not just on some ideal future day—today is the day of service.
Avoid procrastination of life’s most serious business—seize the day!
A selfish, warped world is out to get all it can for itself.
But I call you by My Holy Spirit to live a better life—for Me, for others.
Do not begin all your prayers with I — do not conclude them with me .
I did not expect to be waited on hand and foot—neither should you.
I am your Example—do you really think you are too good to live My way?
Move beyond your own wants—consider the needs of your neighbors.
Avoid exclusive focus on personal ambition—think of others’ agonies.
Determine in your heart to go with Me all the way to the cross.
Do not pay attention to the crowd’s ridicule or waving palm branches—
just ride your little donkey as best you can.
Even in pain and loneliness—even when it gets rough—keep following.
The Via Dolorosa was not a cake walk—following Me has not gotten easier.
But if you walk in the steps of My wounded feet, you will never regret it.
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Monday, June 13 2022
I will put my hope in God! my Savior and my God!
Psalm 42:11 NLT
Crying sad tears as society scoffs at faith’s radical perspective? Heartbroken as skeptics make fun of your optimistic creed? Sighing and singing blues as cynics deride your hopeful stance? Wondering where I am as atheists question My existence? Return to Me.
Thirsty for significance in a world experiencing spiritual drought? Reach out for Me. Yearn for My Presence as a deer pants for the brook. Do not settle for anything less than infinite joy. I do not ration My Holy Spirit—it cascades from My heart to yours—drink deeply at the Fountain.
In your gladness, sing through your travels. Nostalgic about how it used to be? Reflecting on good old days when crowds celebrated My love? Remember high points of worship. Conduct therapeutic self-talk—respond to disturbing inner voices. When you are down-in-the-mouth, place your hope in your Creator. Fix your eyes on your Face Healer—I will put a smile on your face. Reflect on your relationship to the One who will always be here for you.
In My goodness, struggle through your tension. Whatever disturbs or dismays you will pass, but I never change at all. Look forward to looking back on whatever has worried you on earth. Remembered from eternity’s perspective, difficulties will be blessings. Heartaches are steppingstones along an upward-winding trail. Be patient and poised—heaven will never be surprised by any emergency.
In My grace, smile through your tears.
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond Day 207, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Monday, June 06 2022
We know how dearly God loves us, to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:5 NLT
Faith is the key to heaven’s infinite resources —
unlocking a treasure chest enriching the depths of your innermost being.
Jesus’ redeeming cross work brings forgiveness of sins to contrite hearts.
His death in your place makes friendship possible with your Creator.
Kneeling in repentance and trust, you enter a place of highest privilege—
ruled by the King of kings, loved and cared for as the apple of God’s eye,
inseparably united to the Sovereign of the universe.
Explore these deep treasures placed in your heart—live humbly.
Hope in God’s promises is a powerful antidote to the poison of despair.
Looking around can be discouraging, but looking forward lifts your spirit.
Faith is more than believing I can—it is knowing I will.
Rest assured I will keep My Word—the future is as bright as My promises.
Listen to hope’s future melody—laugh cheerfully in anticipation of heaven.
In the meantime—until glory materializes—dance to heaven’s jig of joy.
The Bright Morning Star shines in your heart—live confidently.
Joy in problems is a precious alleviation for the pain of despondency.
Adversity University teaches valuable lessons you’d never learn otherwise.
Hang in there—character-building experiences draw you nearer Me.
My Spirit cascades through your personality bringing out-of-this-world joy.
I intend to finish what I started in your life—enjoy the divine process.
The Mighty God energizes your heart—live delightfully
Peace in perplexity is a practical answer to the puzzle of distress.
Pressure will not crush you; perplexity will not make you give up and quit;
and getting knocked down will not stop your forward progress
if you follow My recipe for peace—
pray about everything, and thank Me for answers;
in response I will guard your mind and heart by thoughts of My Son.
Peace is My gift—something the world cannot give or take from you.
When perplexing cares crowd your inmost self, I am near to cheer your soul.
When anxieties fill your mind, I am near to comfort and renew your faith.
The Prince of Peace reigns in your heart—live calmly.
Love in My Presence is priceless assurance in the pressures of doubt.
I have marked you as belonging to Me by placing My Spirit in your heart.
Adam’s family line brings death, but Christ’s family line brings life.
Celebrate your identity, call Me Father, and count on your Greatest Friend.
The name of the eternal city is The Lord Is There— that is why it is heaven
The Everlasting Father lives in your heart—live optimistically.
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Tuesday, May 31 2022
Holy Hurricane
Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind—
no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building.
Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks
and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.
Acts 2:2-4 THE MESSAGE
Let My Divine Wind blow through your life and cleanse you of iniquity.
I sweep away moral trash if you turn your heart in My direction.
I move you toward My will if you turn your heart away from all evil.
I flood you with light if you firmly refuse to walk in perverse darkness.
I purify you if you let My holy hurricane roar through your inner being.
I burn away all undesirable elements if you let Me baptize you with fire.
I reassure you of My love if you nestle near My heart and detest sin.
I give you joy too wonderful for words if you trust My omniscient mind.
Let My Vitalizing Breath ignite your passion and set your soul aflame.
I resurrect you to new life if you desert your egocentric deadness.
I soak you with My Spirit Rain if you grow tired of emotional drought.
I help the young envision a brighter future if you believe My promises.
I help the old dream of a painless, tearless, deathless day if you trust Me.
I let you find life’s noblest purpose if you serve Me wholeheartedly.
I embolden you to live courageously if you hold My omnipotent hand.
Let My Holy Spirit change you from inside out and revolutionize your life.
I cheer your heart if you become intoxicated with heaven’s sweet wine.
I lead you to know the truth if you turn a deaf ear to Satan’s propaganda.
I help you speak My native tongue if you are weary of the Devil’s dialect.
I teach you to speak beautiful languages if you want to learn them—
sacrificial love, not selfish talk; invulnerable joy, not ungrateful whining;
calm peace, not restless chatter; lasting patience, not ignorant criticism;
kindness, not insensitive small talk; lavish generosity, not stingy self-talk;
dutiful loyalty, not dropout talk; angelic gentleness, not rude sarcasm;
supernatural self-control, not indulgent devilspeak.
I inspire spontaneous creativity if you do not extinguish My eternal flame.
I energize you to do what pleases Me if you rely on My unlimited grace.
I empower you to accomplish all I ask if you trust My almighty power.
I grant you pleasure of my company if you seek My omnipresent Spirit.
I am able to do infinitely more than you could ever ask, wish, or imagine.
Pray your highest prayer—I will answer by sculpting you into My image.
Tell Me your deepest desire—I will bless you by giving you My desires.
Share your fondest dream with Me—I will make it come true in My time.
I am your Center of Gravity—be sure you never stifle My Spirit!
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Gentle Whispers from Eternity
