Pastor's Blog
Monday, January 23 2023
The Lord has already told you what is good, what he requires:
to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:8 NLT
There is nothing you can give Me to make up for evil done.
Writing a ten thousand dollar check would not change a thing.
Funding a cathedral would not pay off your transgressions.
Underwriting a missionary team to foreign lands would not erase sin.
What I am looking for in human beings is really very simple—
obedience to My commandments, honest endeavor to do right;
compassion toward others, kindness and mercy for the struggling;
humility before Me, taking Me seriously.
I desire a responsive LIFE , not just response in offerings.
In gratitude for My steadfast faithfulness, surrender your heart to Me.
Prove you love Me by doing your best to meet My demands.
In a world that offers you many options, I offer you basically two—
obedience, resulting in the blessing of life;
or rebellion, resulting in the curse of death.
It’s up to you which road you travel, but keep consequences in mind.
Every thought, word and deed is an accurate boomerang.
If you decide to ignore heaven’s requirements, you will suffer for it.
You heard right—I said requirements.
My laws are not suggestions—they are orders from Higher Headquarters.
My commands are not recommendations—they are clear requirements.
Christlikeness is more than an ethical ideal—it is a moral imperative.
Life Curriculum has required courses, including these three core ones—
Doing what is right— living by the Book, not your unruly urges;
Being kind to others— being aware they fight a hard battle, like you;
Walking humbly with Me— keeping in mind you are not God, I am.
Why do right? Because I said so.
Why be kind? Because I am not hard on you.
Why be humble? Because you are limited, weak, mortal, and finite.
Let Me remind you again of what you can do to make My heart sing—
choose to do the right thing, whatever the majority does;
be kind to everybody you meet, regardless of how they treat you;
walk humbly with Me, remembering I am God and you are not.
Do as I say, and all will be well.
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Monday, January 16 2023
Traveling L and my salvation—
so why should
The Lord is my light and my salvation--so why should I be afraid?
Psalm 27:1a NLT
The light of courage dispels the darkness of cowardice. Faith is the antidote to fear’s poison. Fear Me and you need fear nothing else! Trust the Solid Rock in a quicksand world—I will never disappoint you. Stay close to My heart—change will not throw you. Rely on Me—storms will not dismay you. Build on Christ as your Foundation—be well.
The light of conquest dispels the darkness of defeatism. The dark side cannot vanquish the trusting heart, because I am the Victor. I am your Strength, so do not let anything Satan hurls at you scare you. Jesus plus any problem equals victory. Hide in Me, your Fortress—win.
The light of communion dispels the darkness of self-centeredness. I am your Salvation, so you can be satisfied in all circumstances. Happiness comes and goes, but joy stays. I am your Felicity—worship.
The light of companionship dispels the darkness of loneliness. I am your Song, so you do not have to be sad and down-in-the-mouth. In the hymn “Wonderful, Wonderful Jesus,” Anna Russell reveals an unfailing source of music: “There is never a day so dreary, .never a night so long, but the soul trusting Jesus will somewhere find a song.” I am your Friend—enjoy My welcome.
The light of counsel dispels the darkness of ignorance. My guidance may seem slow in coming, but is a reliable light to guide your way. Live more by faith, less by sight. Use faith eyes to see invisible realities. I am your Father—live by My wisdom.
The light of confidence dispels the darkness of pessimism. There is Light beyond light at the end of the tunnel of despair—and it is not the headlight of an approaching train. No matter how depressing current events get, you can look forward to My promised tomorrow. The future is as bright as My promises. I am your Future—just wait!
A new day is dawning. You can choose to be anxious about it, or you can choose to be enthusiastic about it. How you choose will determine how your day goes. Gaze reverently on the cross—it shines as a plus sign dispelling all darkness.
Do not reclaim unnecessary lost baggage of fear, negativism, egocentricity, melancholy, conceit, and despair—now is the perfect time to lose your luggage. Walk as a child of the Light—travel light!
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond Day 201, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Monday, January 09 2023
That night the Lord appeared to Paul and said,
“Be encouraged, Paul. Just as you have told people about me here in Jerusalem,
you must preach the Good News in Rome.”
Acts 23:11 NLT
Hear My voice in creation—
laughter in streams, music in birds, joy in the breeze.
Listen—be encouraged to live life to the fullest.
Hear My voice in children—
spontaneity in chatter, freedom in play, love in talk.
Listen—be encouraged to enjoy life’s adventure.
Hear My voice in the center of your being—
nearer than hands and feet, closer than breathing.
Listen—be encouraged to march ahead chin up.
Hear My voice in circumstances—
whatever happens, giving you reasons for gratitude.
Listen—be encouraged to live gratefully.
Hear My voice in the church—
unique personalities at the cross to hear My Word.
Listen—be encouraged to live a life of love.
Hear My voice in My calling—
teaching you to nestle near My heart.
Listen—be encouraged to follow a sacred purpose.
Hear My voice in My commandments—
ringing true in a deceptive world,
shining bright in a dark world.
Listen—be encouraged to live obediently.
Picture - Cross Roads Camp; Lowesville, Virginia
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond Day 333, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Tuesday, January 03 2023
Look at the Kingdom of God, not just your own little corner.
On D-Day, Marines on Omaha Beach thought they were going to lose.
A reconnaissance pilot saw the big picture and knew they would win.
Take a higher perspective—count on ultimate victory through Christ.
After the world’s nightmare, heaven’s dream will come true.
Envision My future—brightened by My guarantee.
Live optimistically .
Look at Christ, not just your circumstances.
What happens to you can be miserable, but you do not have to be.
After the world’s troubles, heaven’s joys will dawn.
Envision My festival—brightened by My glory.
Live cheerfully.
Look at blessings, not just problems.
See with the eyes of your heart, and learn to be humbly grateful.
Every day I give good and perfect gifts—light in the world’s darkness,
stability in the world’s changes, and truth in the world’s confusion.
After the world’s pain, heaven’s health will prevail.
Envision My friendship—brightened by My generosity.
Live thankfully.
Look at My call, not just your comfort.
After the world’s pleasure fades, heaven’s reward will endure.
Envision My faithfulness—brightened by My goodness.
Live purposefully.
Look at My Presence, not just your preoccupations.
After the world’s turmoil, heaven’s peace will last.
Envision My face—brightened by My grace.
Live prayerfully.
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond Day 332, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Monday, December 12 2022
The Savior’s Joy
Sud denly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them,
and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.
They were terrified, but the angel reassured them, “Don’t be afraid!
I bring you good news of great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah,
the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!”
Luke 2:9-11 NLT
Glory surrounds you!
In the midst of ordinary, everyday living, I am with you—
nearer than your hands and feet, closer than your heartbeat.
Do not spend too much time pondering this Mystery—
Listen to life’s thrilling symphony, not just single notes.
Savor the feast, do not analyze the recipe’s ingredients.
Surrender your heart to Me, or you will bypass peace.
There is no need to be terrorized by My Presence.
In the darkness, My face reflects heaven’s radiant light.
I empower you—hush, and hear My voice; trust, and be strong.
I love you—draw near My cross and be reassured.
I keep you sane—fix your mind on Me and find equanimity.
Even in your gloomy routine, extraordinary glory envelops you.
Hear My surround sound—birds sing melodies I taught them.
No matter how dreary your day, I can teach you to sing too.
Good news saves you!
I am Immanuel—God with you, your Greatest Blessing.
I am the Wonderful Counselor—leading you through life’s maze.
I am the Mighty God—reinforcing you to battle the evil one.
I am the Everlasting Father—stabilizing you in change and decay.
I am the Prince of Peace—calming you in chaos and pandemonium.
Great joy sustains you!
I am the Savior with authority to forgive—restoring joy.
I am the God with a heart—acquitting repentant sinners.
I am the God making your heart My home—bringing glory.
I am the King with a plan for the ages—focusing your life.
Dejection wanes when you make My joy your strength.
Life means opportunities to serve Me, so there’s no need to drift.
I am your Center of Gravity, Supervisor, and Reward.
I am the Lord whose mastery liberates your heart.
Commit sin and you’ll become addicted to evil habits.
Use the key of faith and I will remove Satan’s handcuffs.
Free, leap for joy like a calf gamboling in a springtime meadow.
Whatever else you plan to do today, remember I created it for joy.
Celebrate My joy from sunrise to sunset. Revel in your Savior!
© Johnny R. Almond Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Monday, December 05 2022
You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Acts 20:35 NLT
Be grateful—thank your Father for My lavish provisions.
Undeserved forgiveness, miraculous healing, infinite mercy,
unconditional love, indefinable peace, unlimited grace,
undying hope, invulnerable joy—all are gifts from My throne.
I send My Spirit to comfort, inspire, and defend you in your journey.
I sent My Son to show you how to live, and to die for your iniquities.
I shower you with gifts to show how much I personally care for you.
Loving Me is the heart of worship.
Be blessed—share My joy.
Be gracious—focus on your life’s purpose.
To believers, meaningful living is serving the Lord Jesus Christ.
To disciples, rough roads paved with grace are avenues of service.
To serious followers, concentration proves heartfelt consecration.
I give much, so I require much—with privilege comes responsibility.
Be resolved to continue in My steps even when life is difficult.
Single-mindedness is imperative—dual allegiance is impossible.
Honoring Me is the heart of service.
Be a blessing—share Jesus.
Be generous—a friend who loves all people.
I loved the world so much I gave My Best—now it is your turn.
Live a life filled with love, and you will be like your Savior.
Reflect My love in an unloving world of strangers to My grace.
Be kind when others are unkind or sharply critical of you.
Follow Jesus’ openhearted example even when it hurts to give.
Stay close, and I promise I will make Myself very real to you.
Following Me is the heart of discipleship.
Be brave—share My journey.
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond Day 331, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Monday, November 28 2022
As I was walking along I saw your many altars.
You have been worshiping him without knowing who he is,
and now I wish to tell you about him.
Acts 17:23 NLT
I am not a founder of a religion—I am the Redeemer.
On the altar of Calvary, believe Me and know complete salvation.
I am not a teacher of a philosophy—I am the Prince of Peace.
On the altar of reverence, seek Me and know indefinable serenity.
I am not a charlatan—I am the Wonderful Counselor.
On the altar of faith, follow Me and know unflinching assurance.
I am not an abstraction—I am the Almighty.
On the altar of expectation, depend on Me and know graceful strength.
I am not a security blanket—I am the Savior.
On the altar of repentance, receive Me and know unfailing love.
I am not a concept—I am the Creator.
On the altar of humility, recognize Me and know ultimate meaning.
I am not a hallucination—I am your Helper.
On the altar of trust, rely on Me and know unflappable equanimity.
I am not a superstition—I am the Sovereign.
On the altar of wisdom, learn of Me and know infinite worth.
I am not a fabrication—I am your Friend.
On the altar of truth, walk with Me and know heavenly compassion.
I am not a lunatic—I am Lord of all.
On the altar of surrender, give Me your heart and know total freedom.
I am not a creed—I am the Christ.
On the altar of sincerity, obey Me and know perfect reality.
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond Day 330, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Monday, November 21 2022
Just as the lightning flashes from the east and shines and is seen
as far as the west, so will the coming of the Son of Man be.
Watch [be cautious and active] for you do not know
in what kind of a day your Lord is coming.
Matthew 24:27, 42 AMPLIFIED BIBLE
My return will be evident to skeptics—the end of the world for atheists.
Those who thought it would never happen will be convinced—too late.
My Presence will be as obvious as lightning lighting up the entire sky.
The Second Coming is more than a doctrine—it will really happen.
You can count on it—you have My Word.
The King’s return will be unmistakable.
My return will be exciting to saints—the ecstasy of worship for believers.
The King of kings will unite unsettled nations and rule the universe.
The surprise and shock will be more than many people can bear.
The Second Coming will bring the future perfect tense I have promised.
Everything will be transformed for the better when I put My foot down.
The King’s return will be unimaginably beautiful.
My return will be enlightening to the sincere—
the encouragement of wonder for the redeemed.
The triumph of righteousness will obliterate the darkness of evil.
Constellations will fade in the light of the Bright Morning Star.
To the lost, My return will mean tragedy—outer darkness with no exit.
To the saved, My Second Coming will mean triumph—eternal light.
The King’s return will bring unending celebration.
My return will be embarrassing to the slothful—
the exposing of waste to the lazy.
The unprepared will blush with shame—and cry tears of futile regret.
The King’s return, to them, will be uncomfortable—to say the least.
Are you surrendered to Me as your King? Then be subject to change!
Are you convinced I am actually going to return? Then live like it!
Are you persuaded you have an interview with Me? Then get ready!
© Pastor Johnny R. Almond Day 311, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Monday, November 14 2022
This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past,
but now it has been revealed to his own holy people.
For it has pleased God to tell his people that
the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too.
For this is the secret: Christ lives in you,
and this is your assurance that you will share in his glory.
Colossians 1:26-27 NLT
Christ’s promise in your mind is your hope of an eternal destiny of joy.
Christ’s love in your heart is your absolute guarantee of a heavenly home.
Christ’s Spirit in your soul is your personal security you are bound for glory.
Christ’s presence in your life is your foretaste of glory divine.
The entire universe with its innumerable galaxies cannot contain God—
yet God has taken up residence in the hearts of all who welcome His Son.
Because Christ lives in you—
you can count on inheriting the blessing of sharing in His glorious reign;
you have been rescued from the dark side, and live as a child of the Light;
you have been made a privileged citizen of His eternal Kingdom;
you have been freed from sin’s addiction and destructiveness;
you have been forgiven of sin’s guilt, and can face eternity fearlessly.
Certainty of eternal life is not based on doubtful faith, but trusting reliance.
Promised glory is not mere wishful thinking—God’s promises will materialize.
Your ultimate destination is a land beyond time, change and decay.
Heaven on earth will be a deathless, tearless, painless, sinless place.
Looking forward to the ecstasy of infinite glory—
you are motivated by a changed purpose—Christ, not yourself;
you anticipate a changed destiny—heaven, not hell;
you demonstrate a changed lifestyle—holiness, not wickedness.
Identified with Christ, you are victorious over sin and death now;
and you are destined for unimaginable glory someday—
more beautiful than any painting can picture,
more joyous than any symphony can convey,
more magnificent than any literature can describe.
Roman generals returning from victory were greeted by a great procession
lining streets and cheering, vanquished troops marching in chains,
strange animals brought from subjugated lands, musicians and singers
celebrating conquests, his children robed in white riding trace horses,
a slave riding with him in his chariot holding a crown for him
and whispering in his ear, “All glory is fleeting.” And so it is.
The one exception is Christ’s glory awaiting you—it is not too good to last.
An eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison will reward your faith.
(c) Pastor Johnny R. Almond
Gentle Whispers from Eternity
Monday, November 07 2022
The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory. Isaiah 12:2 NLT
How can you go on when you feel like giving up?
How can you face another day if you don’t want to get out of bed?
My power is the answer to your problem of weakness. You can be stronger than you feel achievable—if you let Me carry you.
You can accomplish everything I ask of you if you rely on My grace.
You can survive harrowing situations if you trust Me.
You can be ready for anything the future holds if you lean hard on Me.
You can persevere until the finish line if you stay focused on the cross.
How can you celebrate when the world is falling apart?
How can you rejoice even in the midst of discouraging circumstances?
My peace is the answer to your problem of woe.
You can be happier than you think possible—if you let Me comfort you.
You can be optimistic about a bright future if you believe My promises.
You can get over singing the blues if you listen to My toe-tapping jazz.
How can you find real significance in a society playing trivial pursuit?
How can you make God’s dream for your life come true?
My purpose is the answer to your problem of wandering.
You can be nobler than you deem attainable—if you let Me control you
You can find an exciting reason for living if you honor the King of kings.
You can aim for goals death cannot kill if you think vertically.
© Johnny R. Almond
Day 265, Gentle Whispers from Eternity
