Thus saith the Lord of hosts: Yet once, it is a little while, 

and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land.

And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come,

and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord of hosts.

                                 Haggai 2:6-7 KJV

You have an extraordinarily wonderful event to look forward to—

     the return of your Savior Jesus, the awesome reign of the Messiah. 

You can be absolutely certain it will happen—you have My Word on it.

     My Holy Spirit in your heart convicts you of realities as yet unseen.

There is joy too wonderful for words ahead—heaven is just around the corner.

Though you go through agonizing nights now, ecstasy will soon dawn. 

You live in a humiliating body—limited, weak, subject to disease, mortal. 

When Jesus returns, He will resurrect dust into an immortal and vibrant body. 

You have heard about Christ’s return and read My promises many times.

But you cannot imagine the transformation that will occur when He descends.   

I am planning a celebration greater than anything you have ever experienced.

The redeemed from all nations will join millions of angels singing My praises. 

Nations rise and fall . . . superpowers fade into oblivion . . .

     countries prosper and die . . . conquerors are in turn conquered.

     But My Kingdom will last forever—it is not too good to last.

Nebuchadnezzar’s dream will come true—

     I will inaugurate an indestructible, invincible Kingdom.

     The Rock will shatter all governments and wield unquestionable authority.

My dream will come true—you will ultimately become like My Son.

The noblest dreams of the saints of all ages will come true. 

The universe is infinitely larger and grander than you can fathom—so am I.

It is impossible for you to write a check too big for heaven’s bank to honor.

There will be peace at last—wars history, nations united, earth resting.

I will make My home with you—a down-to-earth God you can enjoy forever.

I will turn everything upside down and start over—

     I will overthrow tyrants and dismantle weapons of mass destruction.

Stars will fall, heads will roll, hearts will fail, tears will flow, knees will bend.

The King of kings—God-of-the-Angel-Armies—will marshal troops of heaven,

     strike godless nations, and vanquish the evil one.

Keep this dream alive!  Skeptics may call you a dreamer, but do not worry—

     your faith will be vindicated; your prayers will be answered;

     your hopes will materialize; your dream will come true.

 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                                Gentle Whispers from Eternity

He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, 
asking their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way.

He wanted to bring them--both men and women--back to Jerusalem in chains.

Acts 9:2 NLT

I am the Way to God.

     All roads do not lead to Rome; neither do they lead to glory.

     Be My follower—travel Holiness Highway by faith,

          and someday you will arrive at the glorious destination of heaven.

I am the Key to truth.

     I am the Embodiment of Unfailing Love and Unvarying Faithfulness.

     All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in My heart.

     Be My student—learn My way and relax in My grace.

I am the Secret of Life.

     I invite you to open your personality to My Presence.

     Be My guest—accept My hospitality, take a seat at My table,

          then feast on My abundant provisions for your soul.

I am the King of hearts.

     I ask from you what a bride asks of her spouse, a father of his children,

          or a philosopher of his friends—your heart.

     Be My disciple—follow My orders, and I will make Myself real to you.

I am the Unifier of believers.

     I am Love, and I command all who love Me to love others who do.

     Be My saint—be affectionate toward your spiritual siblings,

          and enjoy the pleasure of the company of My eternal family.

I am the Goal of faith.

     Believe in Me, though you cannot see Me, and walk in My light.

     Be certain one day you will see Me—purify yourself for that eventuality.

     Be My worshipper—and I will coach you to the finish line.
 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond               Day 327. Gentle Whispers from Eternity

brting G
od’s resence

Now turn from your sins and turn to God, so you can be cleansed of your sins.

Then wonderful times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord,

                     and he will send Jesus your Messiah to you again.

                                      Acts 3:19-20 NLT

 

Searching for a clean heart? I justify you by My pardon.

     Here is the path to a clear conscience—turn from sin, then turn to Me.

     Fall to your knees in repentance, and stand tall by grace.

     Do an about-face from evil, and march in My direction.

     Change your mind about Me, and I will change you from inside out.

     The Pure and Holy One is your only solution for inner cleansing.

     The Just One who died for the unjust is your means of forgiveness.

     I know the skeletons in your closet, but I choose to bury them forever.

     I am aware of your dark past, but I remove your guilt—walk in My light.

Yearning for a celebrative heart? I make you joyful in My Presence.

     Here is the path to ecstasy—obey Me, and I will make Myself real to you.

     To know invulnerable joy, live in the holy land of the broken heart.

     I am the Source and Author of life—enjoy the pleasure of My company.

     I am your Travel Companion—stay close to My side and sing for joy.

     Satan is a killjoy—I am the Key to real life in all its richness.

     I am the Prince of Peace—I calm your heart in life’s pandemonium.

     I am the God of peace—I grant you My peace in life’s combat zone.

     I know life is difficult, but I graciously help you—hold My hand.

Wanting a confident heart? Journey with Me toward paradise.

     Here is the path to hope—Christ in you, you are certain of immortality.

     Heaven is your ultimate home—look ahead, not just around.

     When you worship Me in heaven on earth, you will dance for joy.

     A deathless, tearless, painless, sinless world will replace the old one.

     You can depend on it—I have given you My trustworthy and true Word.    

     God’s Son, the Man from heaven, condescended to be your Savior.

     God’s Servant, the Messiah from heaven, has become your Sovereign.

     I understand your anxieties, but I promise to get you home—trust Me.

© Johnny R. Almond                                Day 326, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true,

and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives.

It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right.

It is God’s way of preparing us in every way,

fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

 

Teaching of Scripture gives you vision in a despairing world.

Positive about ultimate reality, look above and beyond perishing things.

Do not pin your hopes on political promises and government plans.

Trust My plan—it is more significant and absolutely certain to happen. 

Your destiny hinges on My trustworthiness—so do not wring your hands.

Knowing everything seen has a destroyer, invest in eternal treasures. 

Believing the future will be as beautiful as My promises, wait patiently.

Anticipating the dawn of the bright morning star, whistle in the dark.

Reviewing My eternal blueprint, look forward to heaven’s open house.

You have My Word—believe My promises and rest assured of glory.

Reproof of the Holy Bible teaches you virtue in a depraved world.

Pure in thought, word and deed, enjoy a good conscience.

To avoid sinning, internalize and treasure My Word in your heart.

To be a person I can use, keep your mind clean and your heart childlike. 

When you realize you have gone wrong, exit that devilish detour.

Learn from your mistakes—stay out of the devil’s dark, dingy places.

Live as a child of the Light—shine like a diamond on black velvet. 

I want you to be My work of art—yield to My Spirit and honor Me. 

Correction of My Word brings you victory in a deceitful world.

Passionate about right behavior, avoid hellacious propaganda.

Satan’s native language is lying—stay in line with the Truth. 

Stay off crooked dead-end roads—travel the straight and narrow.

Run from all lustful stimuli—run toward everything that promotes love. 

Want to win battles against the evil one?  Then follow My Field Manual.

Instruction of the Book from Heaven gives vitality in a dying world.

Productive in good works by staying near Me, revel in a fruitful life.

Independently, you can do nothing worthwhile—you are weak.

Dependently, you can do everything I ask of you—I am your Strength. 

Searching the Scriptures to find eternal life?  I am your Savior. 

Want to prove your love?  Do as I say and I will make Myself real to you.

Yearn to know Me better?  Then live by the Book.

 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                         Gentle Whispers from Eternity

God has not given us a spirit of cowardice, 

but of power and love and self-control.

            2 Timothy 1:7 MLB

 

Trust Me and you will have courage to face any enemy that attacks.

Afraid you cannot engage the evil one and win?  You cannot, without Me.

Spinelessness is out of character for one who trusts the Mighty God.

Fear is out of place in hearts abandoned to the Captain of heaven’s hosts.   

Paralysis in the face of death betrays a lack of faith in the risen Lord. 

Do not face the future cowering in fear—face tomorrow fearlessly in faith. 

Do not be agitated by earth’s troubles—enjoy heaven’s gift of peace of mind.

My Spirit is stronger than any opposing force—victory is guaranteed.

March on—I am beside you fighting on your behalf. 
 

Count on Me and you will have capability to complete God-given tasks.  

Afraid you cannot do what I ask?  You cannot, without My grace.

Without Me you can do nothing—with Me impossibilities evaporate. 

Without Me you are powerless—with Me you are strong. 

Afraid of people?  Intimidation neutralizes your effectiveness for Me. 

The Almighty walks with you, so do not tremble before mere mortals.

My Spirit gives lasting patience, tenacious loyalty and undying constancy.   

Walk on water—I am in your soul energizing and enabling you.
 

Follow Me and you will have compassion to care for others.

Afraid you cannot care as I expect you to?  You cannot, without My mercy. 

My Son went around doing good—do more than just go around.

You are blessed to be a blessing, helped to be helpful, loved to be loving. 

Love in your heart is not put there to stay—it is not love, till you give it away. 

My Spirit prompts sacrificial love, lavish giving and Christlike gentleness. 

Care more than others think wise—I am in your heart inspiring you. 
 

Think about Me and you will have composure to stand strain and stress.

Afraid you cannot keep from going crazy?  You cannot, without My peace.

When I exorcised demons, people sat at My feet in their right mind.

When I calm your inner storms, you can think clearly under pressure. 

My Spirit grants incomprehensible peace and supernatural self-control.

Resign as Universe General Manager—I am in your mind calming you.
 

Lean on Me and you will confidence to boldly step into tomorrow.

Afraid you cannot keep your chin up?  You cannot, without My Spirit.

I promise to make the future bright—trust without doubt. 

I promise to be your Night Light—live without fear.    

I promise to help you win—fight without trembling.

Look forward to a glorious destiny—I am in your life cheering you on.

 

© Johnny R. Almond                                           Gentle Whispers from Eternity

True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world,

and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.

                                      1 Timothy 6:6-8 NLT

 

Avoid the curse of greed.

Avarice triggers all kinds of evil—marital discord, theft, marred friendship.

If your bank account grows, do not make it the center of your life.

Joy is not measured by investment portfolios or square footage of a house. 

It is impossible to divide allegiance between God and money—do not try.

If you have lots of money, do not trust it – you’ll leave it all behind one day.

Moths consume the finest threads;  rust destroys the most expensive cars; 

     thieves find a way to break in to mansions—watch your priorities.

Depending on dollars will bankrupt your heart—value Me above all else.

Rudyard Kipling correctly observed:

     “Do not care overly much for wealth or power or fame,

         or one day you will meet someone who cares for none of these things,

         and you will realize how poor you have become.”

Treasure the contentment of God.

A satisfied mind is a great blessing—one very few people truly enjoy.

Bank accounts diminish and stock markets crash, but I never fail you.   

Find comfort in Me and you can learn to be content with much or little.

Let Me satisfy your soul’s hunger and gourmet restaurants will not matter.   

Let Me clothe you with righteousness and designer wardrobes will not lure.

I give your mind faith, your heart love, and your will perseverance. 

I bless your life with purpose, and your future with heaven. 

I am more precious than silver, costlier than gold, and brighter than jewels.   

Nothing you yearn for can compare with the pleasure of My company.

Practice the celebration of good works.

I have told you to love people and use money—never turn this around.

I have freely given you great resources—I expect you to give freely.

I proved My love by My cross—shoulder your cross and walk in My steps.

I went around doing good—be sure you do not merely go around.

I lived a life filled with love for others—see that you do the same.

I have blessed you with My Spirit to help you survive—lean on Me.

I have promised to do more than you can imagine—pray as you go.

I have offered heaven’s armor to help you survive earth’s battles—don it.

I have guaranteed ultimate victory over sin and death—count on it.

I have designed good things I want you to do for Me in life—stay busy.

© Johnny R. Almond                                        Gentle Whispers from Eternity

The Bridge to Heaven

There is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people.

He is the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.

1 Timothy 2:5-6a NLT
 

Rebellion troubles.
     Sin brings a temporary thrill—its only lasting result is frustration.
     Iniquity leads to condemnation and chaos—nothing good comes from bad.   

     All people miss the mark of perfection—you are no exception to the rule.

Rebellion pays in the coin of heartbreak—guilt and death are sad wages.  

     Transgression estranges human hearts from the Creator—the gap is wide.
 

Repentance turns.
     I permit U-turns—all who do an about-face find faith a nobler direction.
     All who travel Holiness Highway find it better than a dead end road to hell.
     Want to walk tall? Get on your knees and you can get to your feet again.
     Want to sing for joy? Exit hellacious detours and travel Heaven Boulevard.   

     Want to really live? Then reverse evil.
 

Redemption transforms.

     When humanity was at its worst, I was at My best—I sent My Beloved Son.

     If you got what you deserve, justice would land you in hell.

     If you just did not get what you deserve, mercy would keep you out of hell.  

     Grace can give you better than you deserve—exuberant, eternal life.

     Christ swapped with you at Skull Hill—believe and never be the same.

Reconciliation triumphs.

     All who accept My grace are at ease in My Presence—eternally friends.

     I reside in hearts surrendered to Christ—friends of His are friends of Mine.

     Whatever you may face in the future, I will enable you to survive—and sing.   

     Jesus plus any problem equals victory—don My armor and win your battle.

     By nail-scarred hands, Jesus holds My hand in holiness and yours in love.

          Clasp His hand and walk over turbulent waters of regret and guilt,

               to a tranquil place of grace built by My Son—
                    the Bridge over troubled water and the Bridge to heaven.


© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                       Day 350, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

hKingdom of Perfection

My Kingdom is not of this world.

John 18:36 NLT

    My Kingdom if not of this world. 

               John 18:36 NLT

Mine is a kingdom of sacrificial love—an empire of unselfish souls.

     I knew what would happen on Skull Hill—I could have avoided it.

     I chose to suffer isolation from My Father so you and I could be friends.

     Those who came to arrest Me did not need to handcuff Me—

          I voluntarily laid down My life for the transgressions of the world.

     In an uncaring world, I am the Highest Example of Tenderheartedness.  

     Follow My lead—live a life filled with love for others.

Mine is a kingdom of absolute truth—a domain of unchanging reality.

     Pilate asked, “What is truth?” unaware of Truth in his presence.

     My Word gives clear answers—My Spirit sensitizes your conscience.

     I am the Embodiment of All Truth—scientific, philosophical, spiritual.

     Believe My Book—live a life in line with holy principles.

Mine is a kingdom of total justice—a realm of undeniable fairness.

     My judgment is not clouded by appearance, false evidence, or hearsay.

     At the end of the day, the King of kings will abolish all inequity.

     Trust My promises—live a life of unflinching hope that right will win.

Mine is a kingdom of peace—a territory of undisturbed serenity.

     Ultimately all unsheathed swords will be hammered into plowshares.

     Spears will make good pruning hooks in a fruitful restored paradise.

     After all human solutions fail, I will bring tranquility to an uneasy world.

     Relax—live a life of unflappable equanimity anticipating peace at last.

Mine is a kingdom of universal authority—a rule of unrivaled power.

     When I identified Myself to soldiers and Temple guards with I Am,

          they lurched backward to the ground.

     When I ascend My throne to reign over nations, every knee will bow—

          angels, humans, and demons will all recognize My right to rule.

     At the dawn of eternity, I will triumph over all enemies of righteousness.

          Worship Me—live a life of faith that I Will Always Be Who I Am.
 

         © Johnny R. Almond                                  Day 324, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

 

If you want to be my follower you must love me more than  your father, mother, wife, children, brothers and sisters—
yes, more than your own life.  

You cannot be my disciple if you do not carry your own cross and follow me. Count the cost.  

No one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me.                                                                                         

                                                Luke 14:26-28a, 33 NLT

Sanctify your heart—consecrate your inner being to Me.

     In grateful response to My mercy, love Me wholeheartedly.

     Live passionately—prioritize My cause above earth’s trivial pursuits.

     Live thoughtfully—ponder behavior, and reside in the moral highlands.

     Live energetically—serve Me with all your strength and health.

     Live creatively—allow Me to work through your unique personality.

     Live loyally—make Me your Center of Gravity.

     Live lovingly—adore Me with sincere affection nothing can kill.

Shoulder your cross—carry responsibilities willingly, without griping.

     No difficulty or frustration begins to match the cross I carried for you.

     Do not run from suffering—it is part of the landscape of obedience.

     I endured excruciating pain for you—it is your turn to hang in there for Me.      

     There is only one way you can bear the cross I give you—grace.

     Live unselfishly—put aside egocentric ambition and focus on others.

     Live courageously—splinters from the cross should not surprise you.

     Live nobly—follow my example; walk in My steps.

Surrender your life—count the cost of being My disciple.

     Live for my glory—never seek your own.

     Hold nothing back—renounce the idea of ownership.

     Recognize My sovereignty—acknowledge that I rule and overrule all.

     Be totally sincere in working for Me—take My business seriously.

     Live humbly—do not be self-assertive;  remember your place.

     Live hopefully—practice downward mobility and I will promote you.

     Live carefully—calculate the cost of obeying, and the higher cost of rebelling.

     Live radically—give up everything for Me and finish the Faith Marathon.



 

© Pastor Johnny R. Almond                           Day 317, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

                Whooever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant; 

                            whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.

                                                 Mark 10:43b, 44 LNT

Think you are somebody really important, do you? Better think again.

     VIPs are forgotten in history’s dust storm—mists of time erase their names.     

     You are no better than anyone else—you are made of dust, like all humans.

     You are not totally, eternally, irrevocably responsible for everything—I am!

     Learn this well—I am God, in charge; you are a subject, under orders.

Been throwing your weight around lately? Step on scales of reality.

     Your house of cards will topple in winds of change—Mine is eternal.

     You are not strong enough to hold the earth on your shoulders—I am.

     You do not reign on the throne of the universe—I govern all nations.

     You are not wise enough to direct traffic patterns of galaxies—get real!

     Serve Me, not yourself; advance My Kingdom, and do not build your own.

Letting power go to your head? Do not turn into a Tyrannosaurus Rex!

     Held hostage by ego? Enslaved to ambition? There is a nobler way.

     Prioritize My cause—copy Christ’s attitude of downward mobility.

     I am absolute Lord of the universe, Master of surrendered hearts.

     Submit to My sovereignty, and I will help you make sense of your life.

Lording it over ones you deem beneath you? Dismount your high horse!

     Do not be a smart-aleck! Do not overprice yourself!

     I condescended to wash dirty feet—you are not too good for slave labor!      

     Heads swollen with conceit explode trying to maintain inflated self-images.

     Hearts living in the holy land of trust and obedience persevere by grace.

Want to be truly great by heaven’s definition? Learn to serve like Jesus.

     Do not expect the world to wait on you hand and foot—wait on them!

     If you want to rank high in My estimation, take a low position of humility.

     Conquer selfishness with service, rise above narrow views of success,

          and remember that self-worth does not result from resumes—

          then you will see heaven’s approval reflected in My eyes.

     © Pastor Johnny R. Almond                    Day 315, Gentle Whispers from Eternity